Tommy Blake anyone?

[Keating5]

TCU defensive end... 23 sacks in 4 seasons.... 6'5, 272 lbs with 4.75 speed in the 40.

...went undrafted because he has clinical depression and social anxiety disorder. He went AWOL on his team last year and missed several games, then added a lot of weight, then lost a bunch of weight. Now he's back in good shape around 270 lbs.


He got a workout with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent, and I believe the KC Chiefs are looking at him too.

Why not give him a shot? I like Chris Ellis, but we need more pass-rushing ends for training camp competition. A lot of people thought Blake was a potential first-round pick after last season, and there isn't much risk if you bring him in as a UFA.

His "off-field issues" are mental health problems.... it's not like his a murderer or rapist. He seems like an ordinary young man who just finished a very trying period in his life. I don't claim to know him at all, but I wouldn't have a problem with the Bills giving him a shot.

He might want to stay in Texas with the Cowboys, but remember he was an undersized 4-3 rush end at TCU... kinda like our boy Aaron Schobel. If Blake signs with the 'Boys, he'd have to convert to OLB for their 3-4 scheme. He's a natural fit in a scheme like ours.

Thoughts?

[SDbillsfan]

I saw him play alot in the Mountain west and he is a fantastic athlete. Was a certain first round talent until he has had his problems.

He has gained alot of weight in the past year, which is most likely attributed to his ailment.

Boy I'd love to give this kid a shot to get his life together, but I just do not know how deep his troubles run.

[Dylanme8]

he has a tryout with Tampa Bay

[bufbills79]

hes still overweight by about 15-20lbs

[TigerJ]

I saw him play alot in the Mountain west and he is a fantastic athlete. Was a certain first round talent until he has had his problems.

He has gained alot of weight in the past year, which is most likely attributed to his ailment.

Boy I'd love to give this kid a shot to get his life together, but I just do not know how deep his troubles run.

Some medications prescribed for depression and bipolar disorders have a side effect of increasing appetite. Some persons on these medications eat and are still hungry. It takes a great deal of discipline to not eat when you're still feeling hungry.

[Dtrain22]

Why not give him a shot??

How does everyone know we haven't tried?? Everyone keeps asking about this guy like OBD has forgotten.....NO ONE has signed him, and I am starting to think that is his choice not the NFL

[J3R3MY]

ive been hpoing that wed bring him in for awhile i would of used one of our 7th's on him, how bad could that of been?

[Keating5]

The Browns nabbed Chase Ortiz pretty quickly... he might have been a good fit with us.

[speedracer216]

i actually had this guy in my mock draft. definitely think he's worth it if he can get good counseling and find good support on the team to help with the depression.

but Tampa Bay has first dibs on him now anyway. Kolo Kapanui (TE) is another guy i wanted but he signed with the eagles.

[txbillsfan]

He was good when he was in shape but his mental illness makes him lose all value. Who wants deal with the next Barrett Robbins or Dimitrius Underwood. It's a shame really because if he stays on his meds he could be great. There is never a guarantee he will which means he may become suicidal, homicidal, or just go missing.

[stormin]

Given the fact that we are truly limited from the standpoint of Pass Rushers from the Ends, bringing him in wouldn't hurt. Anybody remember the Super Bowl? With rest of the League giving chances to thugs, why not give a guy a chance who just needs an opportunity.

[BuFFbEASTmODE23]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYzDwAcO72k
look at that speed

[androk]

Remember that guy who played Center (I think) for the Raiders when they went to the Superbowl a few years ago?

I wouldnt want a player on my team who could flake out at the drop of a dime.

[52383OurBigThree??]

i had him getting selected by us in the seventh round i think with the right scanario and serious mental help he could be great but i dont know how bad his problems are, he may not want to be in the league due to the fact that if he got that kind of money who knows what he would do...could be great and i def wouldnt mind trying him out but a speciam like that, should of already signed with someone by now or drafted so there prolly is more to him then what we all know

[ThankEvans83]

I'm shocked no one has picked him up yet.

[TEtoLeeTD]

he has bi polar disorder....it doesnt make him a bad person but it may not be wisest investment for a football team. he gained tons of weight.... he is at 270 right now but im pretty sure he played much lighter than that before he gained the weight. like around 245 to 260.

[Benny44]

A lot of talent but he has some mental issues that scare me. Remember Alonzo Spellman. Lot's of talent but he went crazy.

[FlaFitz]

Blake got a try out from the Bucs over May 2nd, 3rd and 4th.

They signed WR Amarri Jackson (from USF that I thought the Bills should have brought in), Troy DT Chris Bladwell, Miami center John Rochford and Fresno State RB Clifton Smith.

[wallsofjeriko13]

He was good when he was in shape but his mental illness makes him lose all value. Who wants deal with the next Barrett Robbins or Dimitrius Underwood. It's a shame really because if he stays on his meds he could be great. There is never a guarantee he will which means he may become suicidal, homicidal, or just go missing.

That's the dude I was thinking of. Unfortuanetly, I don't think NFL teams have the time to dedicate for an individual player with these particular needs.

[Whitner]

TCU defensive end... 23 sacks in 4 seasons.... 6'5, 272 lbs with 4.75 speed in the 40.

...went undrafted because he has clinical depression and social anxiety disorder. He went AWOL on his team last year and missed several games, then added a lot of weight, then lost a bunch of weight. Now he's back in good shape around 270 lbs.


He got a workout with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent, and I believe the KC Chiefs are looking at him too.

Why not give him a shot? I like Chris Ellis, but we need more pass-rushing ends for training camp competition. A lot of people thought Blake was a potential first-round pick after last season, and there isn't much risk if you bring him in as a UFA.

His "off-field issues" are mental health problems.... it's not like his a murderer or rapist. He seems like an ordinary young man who just finished a very trying period in his life. I don't claim to know him at all, but I wouldn't have a problem with the Bills giving him a shot.

He might want to stay in Texas with the Cowboys, but remember he was an undersized 4-3 rush end at TCU... kinda like our boy Aaron Schobel. If Blake signs with the 'Boys, he'd have to convert to OLB for their 3-4 scheme. He's a natural fit in a scheme like ours.

Thoughts?


he's a stud cant believe he didnt get picked, im all for it

[nortonbillsfan]

sad story. mental break down cost him alot on and off the field

[BuffBillieve]

i say why not. why not give him a shot. he was a top 10 pick before all this stuff happened