Summer Sleeper: Buffalo Bills

Ryan McDowell Posted On July 12, 2013

sleeperseries With less than a month before all training camps have opened around the NFL, we begin our annual series focusing on a few sleepers from all 32 teams in the NFL.

These sleepers all have varying levels of “sleeperness,” but all merit a little more talking about here in the Premium Content section. Some of these players are deep dynasty sleepers who could merit a spot on your bench in a deep league, while others are players who may contribute a little faster than the deep prospects, but deserve more attention than they may be getting. By definition, a sleeper could mean something a little different to everyone, but we’re simply doing the best job we can to unearth one player from each team who fits the category in some way, shape or form.

We’ll never insult you with a comprehensive list of “sleepers” that includes such names as Lamar Miller, Chris Ivory or Danny Amendola. You’re all too good for that.

While many of these players will undoubtedly fizzle, there’s more value in looking more closely at these deeper prospects and players. We invite you to keep an open mind and either or re-assess your value on those who may be rostered in your league or consider adding a few of these deeper prospects we focus on this Summer who are free agents in your league – after all, some are destined to pan out, too.

Feel free to add your own comments about our choice for the designated sleeper, or nominate one of your own!

The Buffalo Bills have undergone a multitude of changes this off-season most of which were greatly needed, considering their last winning season came back in 2004, when rookie quarterback EJ Manuel was barely a teenager. The Bills hired former Syracuse head coach Doug Marrone as their head coach and he brought along offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. Hackett held the same position for the Orange and led the team to multiple offensive school records as he became known for his explosive offensive scheme.

It was clear while following the NFL Draft in the spring that the Bills were intent on improving their offense. The aforementioned Manuel was the team’s surprising first round pick and they followed that up in rounds two and three by selecting wide receivers Robert Woods from Southern California and Marquise Goodwin out of the University of Texas. As if that wasn’t enough, the Bills were quick to sign undrafted free agent Da’Rick Rogers following the draft. Don’t be surprised to see each of these players involved in the Bills new and improved offense this year, but we already know about these guys.

Chris Gragg, TE

chris_gragg The Bills used their final draft pick to select tight end Chris Gragg from Arkansas. Gragg entered Arkansas as a wide receiver, but was soon moved to tight end. He played sparingly as a freshman and dealt with some injuries throughout his college career, but still managed to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards as a Razorback. Hopes were high as Gragg entered his senior season. In fact, media members tabbed Gragg as the top tight end in the Southeastern Conference. A nagging knee injury cost him much of his senior season, but he was still able to set a career high number of touchdowns with three, playing in only five games.

What Gragg missed out on during the season, he made up for at the NFL Scouting Combine, as he posted the fastest 40-yard dash time among all of the tight ends, clocking a 4.50. Gragg also bested all other tight ends in the vertical jump (37.5 inches) and broad jump (125 inches), showing he has the athletic ability to go up for the hard to catch passes.

Gragg has obviously been praised for his speed, but considering he played his high school career as a wide receiver, he also has great hands. Like many incoming rookies, he is a below average blocker, so the Bills will use him as more of a downfield threat. With his speed, he should be able to beat many linebackers in one-on-one coverage, creating mismatches.

If this is not enough to get you interested in Gragg, let’s take a look at the Bills depth chart at the tight end position. The starter the past two seasons has been Scott Chandler, who had done virtually nothing in his career before landing in Buffalo prior to the 2011 season. Although Chandler’s receiving yards have not been impressive, he has scored six touchdowns in each of the past two seasons. He suffered torn ACL late in the 2012 season, but all reports say he should be able to participate in training camp and ready to go for week one. Even more than the injury concern, the question surrounding Chandler is how he will be used in Hackett’s offense. Chandler lacks the speed and athleticism that Gragg brings to the table. Beyond blocking tight end Lee Smith, the other threat to Gragg’s playing time is a fellow converted wide receiver, Dorin Dickerson. Dickerson did not log much playing time last season and the Bills selection of Gragg is a clear sign they view the position as an area of need in their offense. Expect Chandler to retain his starting position, but Gragg could be earning routine playing time as early as his rookie season.

In a deep rookie tight end class, Gragg is likely sitting on the waiver wire of your league. He makes an intriguing stash in deep leagues, especially those offering 1.5 PPR for tight ends.

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Ryan McDowell

Contributor at Dynasty League Football

In addition to his senior leadership role here at DLF, Ryan is also a husband, father of three and PE teacher. Ryan is the commissioner of multiple dynasty leagues, most notably the Kitchen Sink Dynasty Leagues. Here at DLF, Ryan’s focus is on identifying, monitoring and analyzing player value.