The Buffalo Bills invested in Tylan Grable by drafting him in the sixth round from UCF this spring, seeing potential in the offensive lineman. However, there’s concern among insiders that the Bills might lose him if they don’t secure a spot for him on the final 53-man roster.
According to Nick Wojton from USA Today’s Bills Wire, there’s a risk that another team could claim Grable off waivers before he reaches the practice squad, a scenario that has been a recurring issue for Buffalo in recent seasons.
Wojton pointed out that the Bills have struggled to retain some of their late-round draft picks in the past. Last year, they lost two seventh-round picks — defensive back Alex Austin and guard Nick Broeker — to the Houston Texans via waivers. Similarly, the year before, the Indianapolis Colts claimed rookie offensive lineman Luke Tenuta after the Bills released him during final roster cuts.
Wojton suggested that other teams might be interested in Grable if the Bills try to waive him at the end of the preseason and sign him to the practice squad.
Tylan Grabel Could Be Next Draft Pick to Be Lost
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
He mentioned, “Grable could be the next Bills draft pick to be picked up by another team if he’s cut, but Grable has always been seen as a raw prospect. He’ll compete with second-year lineman Alec Anderson for a roster spot.”
While Grable may not be immediately ready for a significant role in the NFL, he drew attention for his impressive performance at the NFL Combine earlier this year. The 24-year-old Grable, who has a versatile athletic background having played quarterback in high school and tight end in college, expressed eagerness to learn from veteran players on the Bills’ offensive line.
“I’m definitely looking forward to that. That’s one of the main things I’m so excited about this opportunity right here just to go in and learn from other players like Spencer (Brown) and Dion (Dawkins),” Grable said after being drafted, according to The Buffalo News. “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 also emphasized his readiness to fulfill any role the Bills have in mind for him, highlighting his experience across multiple positions on the offensive line.
“I’m prepared to play wherever they want me to play,” he stated. “I’ve had the most game experience at left tackle, but I’ve been practicing and training at other positions as well.”
