The Buffalo Bills are set to host former Louisiana Tech defensive end Jaylon Ferguson on a pre-draft visit this week, according to Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network.
Considered to be among the best pass rushers in the 2019 class, Ferguson is fresh off his pro day where he reportedly measured 6’4”, 271 lbs, and timed in the mid-4.7s in the 40-yard dash. He also had 24 reps on the bench press, which is impressive considering his 34” arms. Those results would have placed him among the very best at his position, if he was allowed to participate in the combine. Vague rumors suggest that an incident during his freshman season and LA Tech kept him from being invited.
Ferguson’s tree-branches-for-arms proved useful this past season, as the former Bulldog broke Terrell Suggs’s FBS sack record with 45 for his college career. That type of insane production doesn’t necessarily mean he will be an elite NFL player, however. Ferguson isn’t your usually twitchy speed rusher, but his use of hands and strength at the point of attack means he can bully offensive linemen, instead of turning the corner on them.
Ferguson likely wouldn’t be a target for the team at the ninth overall pick, but the team will likely be hoping that Ferguson remains on the board until the 40th overall pick. First Maxx Crosby and Montez Sweat and now Ferguson; perhaps general manager Brandon Beane is serious about improving the team’s pass rush.