Among the nine undrafted free agents signed by the Buffalo Bills, they added two wide receivers in Neil Pau’u out of BYU and Malik Williams from Appalachian State. While both likely have a tough challenge ahead if they hope to make the 53-man roster, Williams has a slightly better chance.
Stats/Measurables
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 185 pounds
Malik Williams played five seasons with Appalachian State and in his first two seasons combined for only 42 receptions, 429 receiving yards, and three receiving touchdowns. However, starting in 2019 he had a bigger role in the offense and had 55 receptions, 598 receiving yards, and four touchdowns.
Then in 2020, Williams had 41 receptions, 536 receiving yards, and three touchdowns. This past season was his best with 52 receptions, 819 receiving yards, and seven touchdowns.
One notable trend over his five years in college is that Williams’ yards per reception steadily improved each year to a career-high of 15.1 yards per reception this past season.
What does Malik Williams bring to the Buffalo Bills?
Malik Williams will have a similarly tough time to fellow UDFA wide receiver Neil Pau’u making the Buffalo Bills’ 53-man roster as a rookie because of the stability at the position. There is unlikely to be much change on the depth chart and really the sixth spot, if the Bills keep six wide receivers, is up for grabs.
However, if Williams has an edge anywhere it is the fact that he has experience as a punt returner. During his five seasons at Appalachian State, he had 22 punt returns with 20 of them coming in the past two seasons with an average of 10 yards per punt. He also had eight kickoff returns during that stretch with an average of 21.3 yards per kickoff return.
The Buffalo Bills currently don’t have a clear option at this point in the offseason and this may be one of the more wide-open position battles. If Malik Williams is able to impress here, he has a chance to earn a spot on the Bills’ 53-man roster as a rookie.