The Buffalo Bills’ wide receiver depth chart is noticeable lacking in top-end talent. While that doesn’t bode well for the passing game, it does provide an opportunity for someone flying under the radar to make a strong impression, possibly strong enough to crack the main roster. Here’s a look at one of the guys who might be able to do just that.
Name: Brandon Reilly
# 87
Position: WR
Experience: R
College: Nebraska
Draft: UDFA (2017)
Financial Situation (per Spotrac): Reilly is on a standard three-year UDFA deal. He’s set to make $465k this season with $90k raises in each of the next two seasons. There is no dead cap hit if the Bills release him.
2016 Recap: After missing the first game of the season after a DUI-related suspension, Reilly appeared in nine games for the 9-4 Cornhuskers, finishing third on the team with 21 catches for 412 yards. He saved his best performance for the last game of his career, catching four passes for 98 yards and his only two touchdowns of the year in Nebraska’s 38-24 loss to Tennessee in the Music City Bowl.
Positional Outlook: As I mentioned earlier, the wide receiver depth chart isn’t stocked with high-end talent. Past Sammy Watkins and Zay Jones, there’s not a single guy who’s a stone-cold lock to make the final roster. That said, There are a few names higher up on the list than others, and it’s a pretty long list at this point (there are currently 12 receivers on the 90-man roster).
2017 Offseason: Reilly signed with the Bills as an undrafted free agent right just after the conclusion of the 2017 NFL Draft. He showed a bit of chemistry with quarterback Cardale Jones during the team’s previous mini-camp session, catching a couple passes during a two-minute drill.
Practice Squad Eligible?: Yes
2017 Season Outlook: Again, every receiver has a chance to make this roster. A series of strong impressions throughout the summer and training camp could end with Reilly making the 53 as a fifth or sixth receiver. That said, it’s more likely that he’s competing for a practice-squad position.