The Starter: Charles Clay
The Backup(s): Jim Dray, Chris Gragg, Nick O’Leary.
The Skinny: In his first year as a Bill, Charles Clay did well – 51 receptions for 528 yards and 3 touchdowns – prior to shutting things down with his back injury. While that doesn’t scream elite numbers, that was good for second best receiver on the team at the time of his injury. Going into 2016, Clay is healthy and teamed with Jim Dray, who can participate in multi-tight end sets that Greg Roman enjoys deploying.
Gragg and O’Leary are the jacks of all trades and masters of none, which will give them roster flexibility and a shot to stick, assuming Gronkowski the younger doesn’t overtake them. Overall, the position will be responsible for helping Tyrod Taylor navigate the middle of the field – with Clay being responsible for most of that load.
Who’s Safe: Clay and Dray are locks because they accentuate each other well – the high priced free agent you’d rather have out in routes vs. the quiet vet signing of a TE that is a good run blocker. Gragg and O’Leary to me are fighting for the last spot, especially if the Bills decide to keep Gronkowski as a FB/H-Back/TE hybrid.
Up Next – Offensive Line
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
