B/R hands Bills’ 2020 rookie class high mark
The Bills didn’t leave the 2020 NFL Draft with the sexiest haul. That’s what not having a first-round pick does to you.
Still, Bleacher Report recently graded every draft class from the recent rookie selection extravaganza and graded them after their first full seasons. Despite the lack of high-profile prospect, the Bills (13-3) still landed with a promising mark.
Overall, B/R handed Buffalo an ‘A’ which is the top mark the outlet handed out. Here’s how B/R broke down the Bills’ rookie class:
The Buffalo Bills walked an interesting tight rope with their draft haul.
Second-rounder A.J. Epenesa tallied only one sack while playing 27 percent of the defense’s snaps, and fourth-rounder Gabriel Davis surprised by finishing third on the team in receiving with 35 catches for 599 yards and seven scores.
Third-round running back Zack Moss had 112 carries, scoring four times and averaging 4.3 yards per carry. He has the look of a long-term breakout alongside Devin Singletary.
The Bills didn’t have a major need for backup quarterback Jake Fromm, but sixth-round kicker Tyler Bass hit 28 of his 34 attempts, including four of six from 50-plus yards. Epenesa needs some time, but this group’s across-the-board rookie production suggests it has a bright future.
Much of Buffalo’s rookie group looks promising because of future potential, none of them rookie “broke out” in their first seasons, but it’s nice to see B/R recognizing that. Moss and Epenesa, the top-two picks for the Bills, weren’t asked to do much, but they had their moments. As the year went on, both started to see larger roles.
Undoubtedly the most promising of the entire haul is the kicker. While struggling due to weather in the Bills’ AFC Divisional round win vs. the Ravens, overall, for a first-year pro, Bass certainly improved as the season rolled on. His future looks bright.
