The Buffalo Bills’ first preseason game is right around the corner. It’s also usually now where the depth chart starts to come together. In fact, the Bills just released their unofficial chart, which you can view right here. One spot many of us have been curious about it tight end. Nearly wholesale turnover in one offseason and unfortunate injuries have created very murky waters. Could Tommy Sweeney emerge from the depths of the seventh round of the 2019 NFL Draft and make the roster?
If you clicked through to the depth chart the top three tight ends are Tyler Kroft, Lee Smith, and Dawson Knox. Tommy Sweeney is clustered at “fourth” with the rest of the pack. It would take a bit of luck and a lot of effort to go from “also ran” to “on the roster.”
When it comes to luck, some of the bad kind may be fortunate for Sweeney. Two of the three names ahead of him on the list are rehabbing injuries. Tyler Kroft is out of his walking boot but doesn’t have a timetable to return. Dawson Knox has been spotted doing change of direction drills, but has not been practicing with the team due to a hamstring injury.
With two of the top three sidelined it’s opened up plenty of extra reps for the depth tight ends. Sweeney’s top competition would appear to be Jason Croom and Keith Towbridge. Croom had been dealing with his own hamstring injury and Towbridge has been a rarely heard name in training camp.
Sweeney appears to have been making the most of his extra time as well.
“Tommy Sweeney has really taken advantage of his extra reps,” said Sal Capaccio this weekend. “He’s looked good and seems to always be getting better. Has very good hands.”
“Get to know Tommy Sweeney’s name. He’s been great since Dawson Knox’s injury,” tweeted Matt Parrino.
Soon enough we’ll know if this is merely a function of injuries to the starters or if the late-round pick is making a legitimate push. If the latter case is true, it could result in an unexpected name failing to make the final roster. If Sweeney’s name is on the rise, Jason Croom’s may be the most likely to fall.