* * Tight End is a need. Who could the Bills be eyeing at the Senior Bowl?

[intimidatortj]

Over the last 3 years Buddy Nix has drafted ZERO tight ends.

And looking at the tight ends on the roster, this should be the year Buddy considers drafting a TE
Dorin Dickerson - 9 catches in 2012
Scott Chandler - rehabbing (signed off the street)
Lee Smith - mostly a blocker (signed from Patriots practice squad)
Mike Caussin - is he ever healthy? (signed from the Jags practice squad in 2010)
Derek Buttles - who? (on active roster, signed off the street recently)
Joe Sawyer - who? (just signed to a futures contract)

Tight Ends on the Bills radar?

Vance McDonald, TE - Rice - 6023 262lbs
".....He showed the ability to catch the ball away from his frame and all practice was able to create separation with his impressive route running. He was able to beat the jam by leaning into defenders and exploding out of his break..."
"....Very nice day for McDonald. Caught the ball extremely well and made some difficult catches. Also displayed skill as a blocker...."

Nick Kasa, TE - Colorado - 6054 271lbs
"....he can stretch the seam as a receiver..."

Mychal Rivera TE Tennessee 6032 237lbs
"....Mon: Athletic, quick and fast. Made several nice receptions. ..."
".....continues to show why I think he is a very underrated tight end prospect right now."

Chris Pantale, TE - Boston College 6'6" 255lbs
Played in the East West Shrine game and was "seen talking to Bills scouts".
Pantale has been a favorite target this week, especially in the red zone, where he uses his 255-pound frame to outmuscle smaller defenders.

[Da Bills]

Bills scouts were talking to Vance per draft countdown

[Te_Puru]

Bills scouts were talking to Vance per draft countdown

...he's little as a TE... (6'2")

I wish Travis kelce was playing...

EDIT just saw MacDonald listed as 6'4" - retracted.

[Homer Burp]

As of now the Bills have zero starting TE on the roster. And don't be surprised if Chandler is on PUP to start the season. So the team is in a desperation situation. I think the Bills will have to both sign a moderate free agent TE AND draft one in the first four rounds.

That's especially true if the team gets a rookie QB. You have to surround your young QB with talent to help him succeed (like the Colts did with Luck & 2 TE in last year's draft).

A good TE will help in the running game and by taking some receiving pressure off of Steve Johnson.

[Te_Puru]

Zak Ertz
Tyler Eifert
Levine Toilolo
Travis Kelce
Dion Sims
...
Are all names I've been keeping an eye on. It does seem quite clear that Marrone likes TEs in his system, and with Chandler rehabbing an ACL coming into a contract year, I think we'll be looking for a new starting TE.

FA has some very good names too.

[FreddieJizzle22]

I feel like we need an Aaron Hernandez- type of player in this offense. Fast, versatile, and has good hands.

[clumping platelets]

Tyler Eifert

[cksteele79]

good thing they passed on gronk for troup its working out well id say

[intimidatortj]

Tyler Eifert

Great Tight End, but we don't have a shot at him unless Buddy trades down twice in the 1st round and is drafting about 25th. Of course we need a QB before a TE so that wouldn't work either.

[BlokesAndHoes]

The late round guy I like is there but isn't working out. Phillip Lutzenkirchen from Auburn.

Very good blocker and has a knack of making important catches. Given that Chandler is our #1, he'd be a good guy to have blocking.

[I Am Legend]

Great Tight End, but we don't have a shot at him unless Buddy trades down twice in the 1st round and is drafting about 25th. Of course we need a QB before a TE so that wouldn't work either.

In your mock I see you have us having two first round picks, what are we giving up to get the second one?

[intimidatortj]

Matthew Elder ‏@Matthewcelder
#Bills seen with TE Vance McDonald RT at the Senior Bowl.


This is about the 4th tight end the Bills have been seen talking to at the East West Shrine and Senior Bowl. Tight End is obviously on their menu.