The Bills addressed several positions of need with their 10 NFL Draft picks in April. Now, the team grows their rookie class to 22 players with the addition of these 13 undrafted free agents:
- Joe Andreessen, LB (Buffalo)
- Keaton Bills, G (Utah)
- Rondell Bothroyd, DT (Oklahoma)
- Gunner Britton, G (Auburn)
- Jack Browning, P (San Diego State)
- Te’Cory Couch, CB (Miami)
- Branson Deen, DT (Miami)
- Mike Edwards, OL (Campbell)
- Frank Gore Jr., RB (Southern Mississippi)
- Xavier Johnson, WR (Ohio State)
- Lawrence Keys, WR (Tulane)
- Keni-H Lovely, CB (Western Michigan)
- David Ugwoegbu, DE (Houston)
The obvious notable addition here is that of Gore. The son of the former All-Pro running back who spent one of his 16 seasons in the NFL in Buffalo, Gore isn’t expected to quite reach the heights of his father. In four years at Southern Miss, Gore had a career average of 5.3 yards per carry while accumulating 4,022 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns. His toughness and special teams experience could help him land on the Bills’ active roster.
Also on offense, the Bills brought in a few quality linemen. The aptly named Bills, wasn’t expected to go undrafted, projecting in the sixth or seventh round. Bills signed with the Utes as part of a Utah signing class that included players who are now veterans in the NFL like Tyler Huntley and Zack Moss but deferred for three years to go on a religious mission. Edwards was a starting left tackle at Campbell for four years but projects better as a guard at the next level. Health proved an issue for Edwards in college, so staying injury-free will be paramount. Britton received $100K guaranteed, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
On defense, Buffalo adds Ugwoegbu at defensive end. After four years at Oklahoma as a linebacker, Ugwoegbu transferred to Houston and made the move to end. He doesn’t really have true pass rush instincts, but he’s a strong run defender. That and his ability to play up or with his hand in the dirt could help him earn a roster spot as a rookie.
Andreessen was among the Bills’ invites to rookie minicamp on a try-out basis, and he has earned a deal. The former All-American (during his time at Bryant) transferred to Buffalo last season. He racked up 90 tackles, one sack and one forced fumble in 2023. The Depew, New York native will now get an opportunity during the summer with his hometown team.
Lastly, Lovely comes in as an undersized addition to the secondary. During two years as a starter for the Broncos, Lovely showed tremendous ball skills, breaking up 13 passes while nabbing six interceptions.
Ben Levine contributed to this post.
The Bills were right in dumping older expensive vets, trading back, & getting young, cheap players. It was a fun core of players to watch for the last few years, but just couldn’t make the leap. Time for new faces.
But I still haven’t seen them look for a true RB and not relying on Josh to be the number 1 rusher. That’s asinine thinking.
Probably because James Cook posted 1122 yards averaging 4.7 yards a carry last year. Cook carried the ball 237 times last year. Allen only 111.
I’d love to see the bills bring in dalvin Cook see if he has anything left. Be fun for the brothers to play together.
Nah. Im on the TY Johnson train. No need for expensive vet RBs.
Im very okay with 4th round RBs.
That RB from KY is interesting.
Define expensive
Cause after last year he can be had from anywhere between 2,3,4 mill with incentives. Which if he hits those incentives that’s good for the bills.
I’d hardly call that expensive.
I really liked the Damien Harris signing. Too bad he hot hurt.
Ive no interest in Dalvin at any price. Im not even interested in giving him preseason carries.
Also is Keaton BILLS a lock for the ps at least?
I should change my last name.
If you buy a Keaton Bills jersey, it will never go out of style.
I guess Te’Cory Couch would be a good second choice.
Being able to sign Keni-H as a UDFA was just LOVELY !!
Sal said he looked impressive the other day.
Its a rookie minicamp without pads, but still.