As we inch closer to the 2019 NFL season, just two more obstacles stand in the way. Those obstacles are training camp and the preseason. For the Buffalo Bills, they begin training camp in six short days, on Thursday, July 25th. Buffalo added lots of talent on both offense and defense this past spring, so now it’s time to see who will come out on top with a roster spot.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp Battles: T.J. Yeldon vs Devin Singletary
This is a battle between two players who may not see the field much at all in 2019. With LeSean McCoy and Frank Gore already the top backs in Buffalo’s offense, T.J. Yeldon and rookie Devin Singletary are fighting for the third-string spot. Now it’s time to get into the meat and potatoes of each player.
T.J. Yeldon
Yeldon is looking for another opportunity to prove that he can be productive in the NFL. The Buffalo Bills are giving that to him after he struggled to do that with the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2015 to 2018. Yeldon was a highly coveted prospect coming out of Alabama ahead of the 2015 season. Yeldon landed with the Jaguars, who took him 36th overall in the 2015 NFL Draft.
Yeldon’s best season with the Jaguars came as a rookie in 2015 when he racked up 740 yards and two touchdowns on 182 attempts in 12 games. In the receiving game, Yeldon caught 36 passes for 279 yards and one touchdown that year. For his career, Yeldon has 1,872 yards and six touchdowns on 465 career rushing attempts in 51 total games. In the passing game, Yeldon has 171 receptions for 1,302 yards and six touchdowns.
Yeldon’s strengths as a player come in the awareness and vision departments. Yeldon excels at running between the tackles and making decisions on where to go on the fly. Yeldon is light on his feet but is still able to deliver powerful blows to defenders at the end of a run.
Devin Singletary
Singletary is Buffalo’s most recent third-round draft pick. Taken 74th overall out of the University of Florida Atlantic (FAU), the Bills expect big things from Singletary. One of the more explosive players at his position coming out of college, Singletary certainly has the skill set to meet his high expectations.
Singletary’s college career at FAU was absolutely stellar. His best collegiate season came in 2017 when he rushed for 1,918 yards and 32 touchdowns on 301 attempts. Receiving wise, Singletary hauled in 19 passes for 198 yards and one touchdown in 2017. Over his entire college career combined, Singletary racked up 4,287 yards and 66 touchdowns on 714 rushing attempts. In the passing game, he has 51 receptions for 397 yards and one touchdown to his credit. Judging by the numbers, it’s very clear what Singletary is good at, and that’s pounding the rock.
Singletary’s game as a runner is all a team asks for in their backs. He’s a strong, durable, well-balanced runner who embarrasses defenders with his elusiveness. Singletary is a high motor player who, if utilized properly in Buffalo, could most certainly be the heir apparent to LeSean McCoy.
