Buffalo Bills UDFA Profile: RB Raheem Blackshear
Can former Virginia Tech running back Raheem Blackshear make the Buffalo Bills roster in 2022?
Last week, the Buffalo Bills announced the signing of nine undrafted free agents ahead of their rookie minicamp that was held this past weekend. One of those nine players was running back Raheem Blackshear, who played at both Rutgers and Viriginia Tech.
Let’s take a closer look at the player and how he might earn a spot on the 53-man roster.
Stats/Measurables
Height: 5’9″
Weight: 198 pounds
Blackshear spent his first three years in college at Rutgers and had 211 rushing attempts, 912 rushing yards, six rushing touchdowns, 80 receptions, 367 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns. He also spent some time on special teams and had 30 kickoff returns for an average of 17.8 yards per return.
Blackshear would then transfer to Virginia Tech and play two more seasons with the Hokies. He had 199 rushing attempts, 1,000 rushing yards, eight rushing touchdowns with 43 receptions, 403 receiving yards, and one receiving touchdown.
This past season was by far his best as a rusher with 757 rushing yards, averaging 5.7 yards per rushing attempt, and six rushing touchdowns.
How does Raheem Blackshear make the Buffalo Bills’ 53-man roster?
Raheem Blackshear certainly fits the athletic profile of what the Buffalo Bills have been looking for this year as he is versatile. He has experience as a running back and his final season with Virginia Tech was his best but also has a lot of work in the passing game as a receiver. He had 25 or more receptions in three of his five years in college, including 44 in his second season at Rutgers.
However, the running back position is crowded with Devin Singletary, Zack Moss, Duke Johnson, Taiwan Jones, and second round draft pick James Cook.
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It is going to be tough for undrafted free agents to make the 53-man roster but if there is a path for Blackshear it likely is on special teams as a returner. The Buffalo Bills currently don’t have a clear answer to who will be returning kicks and punts and if Blackshear can impress in this part of the game, this will greatly improve his chances.