Although Texas Longhorns wide receiver Isaiah Bond didn’t break the NFL Combine’s forty-yard dash record as he had promised, the Buffalo Bills remain highly interested in him. After attending the Longhorns’ Pro Day in Austin on Tuesday, the Bills’ staff is staying in town and reportedly taking the 21-year-old out to dinner on Thursday night, according to Aaron Wilson.
Additionally, Bond is set to have a private workout with the team on Friday, followed by a pre-draft visit to Buffalo in the near future.
Both fans and Isaiah Bond were disappointed when the speedy receiver posted a 4.39-second forty-yard dash at the NFL Combine in February. However, the 5’11”, 180-pound junior reportedly improved his time to 4.34 seconds at his pro day. Bond also impressed in drills, catching every pass thrown his way and showcasing sharp route-running skills. He is currently projected to be selected between the second and third rounds in April’s draft.
While draft season comes with loads of smoke and mirrors, the Bills are doing their due diligence on Bond.
Bond mentioned to reporters that he had met with the Bills at the combine. In retrospect, the connection makes sense, as Buffalo has long been in need of a speedy receiver.
One could argue that speed is the only missing element in the Bills’ receiving corps. Bond brings that explosiveness, with the ability to break away for big plays whenever he has the ball. At the NFL Combine, he hit a top speed of 24.17 mph, the second-fastest among all participants.
A Georgia native, Bond spent two seasons at Alabama, playing in 27 games and recording 65 receptions for 888 yards, five touchdowns, and a 13.7 yards-per-catch average. After transferring to Texas last season, he appeared in 14 games despite battling injuries, finishing with 34 catches for 540 yards, five touchdowns, and an improved 15.9 yards-per-catch average.
Bond also contributed on the ground for Texas, adding 98 rushing yards on just four attempts. He played a key role in stretching the field for fellow receiver and top prospect Matthew Golden, often serving as a decoy in the Longhorns’ offense.
A versatile weapon, Bond runs crisp routes, has a twitchy play style, and is capable of lining up both in the slot and outside. A former state champion track star in high school, he possesses excellent acceleration. NFL Draft analyst Lance Zierlein compares him to Miami Dolphins receiver Jaylen Waddle, while Next Gen Stats gives him a 6.3 prospect grade, projecting him as a future plus starter in the NFL. Though he still has room to develop, his elite speed is an unteachable asset that can immediately impact a team’s receiving corps.
The Bills’ front office has been vocal for years about wanting to add speed to their receiving corps. However, aside from last year’s interest in Xavier Worthy—who ultimately wasn’t a priority for them—the right opportunity hasn’t arisen. With Bond projected as a second-to-third-round pick, Buffalo could be in a great position to land his skill set.
The Bills currently hold two second-round selections, at 56th and 62nd overall. While they don’t currently have a third-round pick, they have plenty of options to trade back into that round if needed. With 10 total draft picks, Buffalo is expected to be active in moving up and down the board, either to secure key players this year or build draft capital for the future.
