Iowa football: Which UDFAs will make the active roster
By Andrew Wade
Nick Easley – Buffalo Bills
Nick Easley’s story, to this point, has been truly remarkable, and it’s a big reason why folks should never count this guy out.
Despite walking on as a junior to the Iowa football team, he ascended the depth chart quickly and ended up starting every single game of his Hawkeye’s career while amassing over 100 catches and earning Outback Bowl MVP honors in his final game.
This guy has been counted out every step of the way, and being in Buffalo is no different.
It was obvious, the Bills coveted Easley, swooping in quick to sign him right after the draft, but that wide receiver room is crowded.
Fortunately for the Newton, Iowa native, there are really only three guys currently on the roster that are guaranteed spots at wide receiver leaving at least two spots open for the taking. Some may consider Andre Roberts a lock, but at just over $2M over a year, his contract is cuttable.
This means Easley will be going against a plethora of former low-round draft picks and college free agents including Denver Broncos outcast Isaiah McKenzie and quarterback-turned-wide receiver David Sills V.
Currently, Nick Easley is listed on the 5th string team, but I expect that to change quickly. The two guys I am concerned about are McKenzie and Sills. Sills was projected to go as high as the third round in the 2019 NFL Draft and McKenzie has the chops (if he can hold on to the ball) to be an electric return man.
Prediction: Easley makes it to the final cuts, but signs on with the Practice Squad. He spends a year learning under Cole Beasley and makes active roster in year two.