The Buffalo Bills saw great promise in Tylan Grable, selecting the UCF offensive lineman in the sixth round of this year’s draft.
However, an insider has cautioned that the Bills could risk losing this promising young player if they don’t secure him a spot on the final 53-man roster. Nick Wojton of USA Today’s Bills Wire highlighted the possibility that another team could claim Grable before he makes it to the practice squad, a scenario Buffalo has faced in recent years.
Potential Loss of Draft Pick
Wojton pointed out that the Bills have struggled to retain some late-round picks, often losing them before they can be added to the practice squad. Last summer, the Houston Texans claimed seventh-round picks Alex Austin and Nick Broeker off waivers. The year before, the Indianapolis Colts took rookie offensive lineman Luke Tenuta after the Bills cut him at the final roster cuts.
Wojton suggests Grable could be the next draft pick another team might target if the Bills waive him.
“Grable could be the next Bills draft pick to be plucked by another team if he’s cut,” Wojton wrote, noting that Grable is viewed as a raw prospect who will compete with second-year lineman Alec Anderson for a roster spot.
Tylan Grable has been killing it at the combine so far🔥 Best broad jump for Olineman, best 10-yard split time, second best vertical, second best 40 time at 4.96⚡️ pic.twitter.com/oefDG83GHb
— UCF Recruiting + NIL🌴 (@ucfisland) March 3, 2024
Strong Combine Showing
Although Grable may not be ready for a significant NFL role, his impressive performance at the NFL Combine earlier this year caught attention.
Adding Versatility to the Offensive Line
The 24-year-old Grable, a versatile athlete who has played quarterback in high school and tight end in college, looks forward to learning from the veterans on the Bills’ offensive line.
“Just being able to learn and take any little notes I can that can make me a better player because I do feel like I still have ways to go, but that can be a good thing,” Grable said after being drafted, via The Buffalo News.
Grable is prepared to play wherever the Bills need him, having experience in several offensive line positions.
“I’ve had my most game experience at left tackle, but that hasn’t kept me from practicing and training at other positions. You want to bring any value you can add to yourself in this league with so many talented players,” he explained.
As the Bills approach final roster cuts, they’ll need to decide whether Grable’s potential and versatility are worth securing a spot on the roster to prevent losing him to another team.