The Buffalo Bills are at risk of losing promising young lineman Tylan Grable if they fail to secure him a spot on their final 53-man roster. Nick Wojton from USA Today’s Bills Wire warns that another team could poach Grable before he makes it to the practice squad, a loss that has proven all too common in Buffalo during recent years.
Wojton mentioned that the Bills haven’t had much success getting late-round draft picks to the practice squad. Last summer, the Bills lost a pair of seventh-round draft picks, defensive back Alex Austin and guard Nick Broeker, when the Houston Texans claimed them off waivers.
The previous year, the Indianapolis Colts claimed rookie offensive tackle Luke Tenuta off waivers when the Bills released the sixth-round draft pick during final roster cuts. According to Wojton, yet another team could have eyes on Grable should the Bills try to waive him at the end of the summer and bring him back on the practice squad.
Tylan Grable’s Versatile Journey to the NFL
Garble played quarterback in high school and began his collegiate career as a walk-on tight end at Jacksonville State. He spent four years there, redshirting in 2018, before transferring to UCF. Selected in the sixth round by the Bills, Garble says he learned a lot from his days as a quarterback. His experience as a signal caller taught him responsibility not just for himself, but for everyone on the field.
“It allowed me to see more things that a normal offensive lineman may not see,” said Grable. “Depending on your offense and coaches, you may not be taught to look at certain keys in a game. I had to do it for four years straight so it’s basically second nature to me.”
Started 27 games at left tackle.
Garble started 27 games at left tackle for UCF. He was named third-team All-AAC by Pro Football Focus in 2022 and received an honorable mention on the All-Big 12 team in 2023. Known for his strong performance, Garble ran a 4.95 in the 40-yard sprint, placing fourth among offensive linemen. His broad jump of 9’9” tied for the best among offensive linemen, and his 36.5” vertical jump tied for second in his group. He also impressed at this year’s NFL Combine.
After the Bills drafted him, Garble said he’s ready to play whatever role the team has in mind, highlighting his experience across various positions on the offensive line.
“I’m prepared to really move to wherever they would like me to play at,” he said. “I’ve had my most game experience at left tackle, but that hasn’t kept me from practicing and training at other positions. Just because I know you want to bring any value you can add to yourself, that’s one thing you want to have in this league with there being so many talented players. So I’ve definitely had more snaps at left tackle, but I’ve been preparing to make the switch, if needed.” Via The Buffalo News
Let’s hope the Bills utilize this new talent effectively. If they mishandle it, they might see another young player poached from their roster.
This report used information from Heavy.com