Nick O'Leary Possibly on the Bubble with Jason Croom Emerging - Jack's Grandson Released

[Pete]

Thomas, Khari, Clay, and Crooms is my prediction

[Johnny Hammersticks]

14 minutes ago, MAJBobby said:

Losing reps again. He is with the Threes today. So anyone want to keep trying to tell me how he is not in danger of being axed. 

 

Certainly is possible.  I still think he makes the 53 though.

[Nanker]

On 8/13/2018 at 8:52 AM, Captain Hindsight said:

O leary is solid but unspectacular. If he was on the team I wouldnt be upset, if he is cut I wouldnt be upset.

 

He could find himself on another team. Talented enough to play at this level

I'm sure he would look perfect in a PATS*** uni.

[26CornerBlitz]

 

Clay's out today and still no 1st team reps for NO?  Yeah, he's safe. 

[26CornerBlitz]

 

Nick O'Leary spot may be in danger

Croom has been making waves all camp with his play, but he's now been a regular on the first team for parts of practice for about a week.

 

Nick O'Leary has been dropped to the third team for most of practice and dropped a short pass from Allen in an 11-on-11 drill that seemed to be a snapshot of his entire camp. With Lee also expected to be a serious contender to make the team, O'Leary might have to have some huge games in the preseason to make the final roster.

[Johnny Hammersticks]

1 hour ago, 26CornerBlitz said:

 

Nick O'Leary spot may be in danger

Croom has been making waves all camp with his play, but he's now been a regular on the first team for parts of practice for about a week.

 

Nick O'Leary has been dropped to the third team for most of practice and dropped a short pass from Allen in an 11-on-11 drill that seemed to be a snapshot of his entire camp. With Lee also expected to be a serious contender to make the team, O'Leary might have to have some huge games in the preseason to make the final roster.

 

So that roster spot is likely between O’Leary and Lee.  O’Leary all day brotha!  You’ll see.

[Rc2catch]

I would be really upset to see O’leary go, say what you will but the guy really sticks out to me making some clutch catches. Clay isn’t exactly mr Ironman id rather have someone out there who I’ve seen make key plays in games before. But I know almost nothing of the other guys in the competition, so in the end I’d be sad but have to trust the coaches decision. Or dare say trust the pro**** ??

[Your Brown Eye]

He's about as fast as his grandpa. Cut 'em

[transplantbillsfan]

Yikes!

 

3) A glimpse into life without Charles Clay
- As the Bills practiced on the turf field for the first time this camp due to all the rain earlier in the day, they rested starting tight end Charles Clay likely due to the unforgiving nature those turf fields tend to have. It's also probably why the Bills chose to have a practice in shorts rather than in full pads. However, it was good that the Bills rested Clay primarily because it helped indicate what their tight end depth chart really is -- especially with all the changes over the last three days. It was clear throughout practice, too. The top three tight ends, without fail, were Jason Croom, Khari Lee, and Logan Thomas. Nick O'Leary, once the second tight end for the majority of camp, was yet again pushed down to work with the second and third-team offenses. I've written it the last few days, but O'Leary is in major roster trouble as it stands. The Bills love Lee, they've seen Croom develop, and Thomas has become a well-rounded tight end over time. Not having Clay at practice is just more proof that O'Leary needs to step it up.

[MAJBobby]

8 hours ago, transplantbillsfan said:

Yikes!

 

3) A glimpse into life without Charles Clay
- As the Bills practiced on the turf field for the first time this camp due to all the rain earlier in the day, they rested starting tight end Charles Clay likely due to the unforgiving nature those turf fields tend to have. It's also probably why the Bills chose to have a practice in shorts rather than in full pads. However, it was good that the Bills rested Clay primarily because it helped indicate what their tight end depth chart really is -- especially with all the changes over the last three days. It was clear throughout practice, too. The top three tight ends, without fail, were Jason Croom, Khari Lee, and Logan Thomas. Nick O'Leary, once the second tight end for the majority of camp, was yet again pushed down to work with the second and third-team offenses. I've written it the last few days, but O'Leary is in major roster trouble as it stands. The Bills love Lee, they've seen Croom develop, and Thomas has become a well-rounded tight end over time. Not having Clay at practice is just more proof that O'Leary needs to step it up.

 

Yeah O’Leary is alot of trouble. My guess will try and shop him before cutting him though. 

[buffaloaggie]

13 minutes ago, MAJBobby said:

 

Yeah O’Leary is alot of trouble. My guess will try and shop him before cutting him though. 

I hope they do shop him. He's a South Florida boy, so Miami, Tampa and even Jacksonville should be interested. His heart is likely not in Buffalo, so he'd welcome a move. Kyle Williams is his best friend on the team, so it'd hurt Williams to see him go.

[26CornerBlitz]

Jason Croom shaking up Buffalo Bills tight end depth chart

In the early part of the offseason, many speculated that the Buffalo Bills would undergo little change at the tight end position. With Charles Clay firmly entrenched as the starter, many fans and pundits assumed that Nick O’Leary would slot in as the backup, just as he did last season, with Logan Thomas or Khari Lee (or both) rounding out the unit.

 

However, as training camp has progressed, one thing has become abundantly clear: reports of the competition’s end were greatly exaggerated. Jason Croom, who joined the Bills as an undrafted free agent prior to the 2017 season, has emerged as a darkhorse candidate not only to make the 53-man roster, but to play a significant role with the club.

 

Croom began camp working almost exclusively with the backups, and he is currently listed as the Bills’ fourth-team tight end on the depth chart found on their official website. However, over the last few days of practice, Croom has worked in with the starting unit, even with Charles Claypracticing. When Buffalo’s veteran tight end had a rest day on Tuesday night, it was Croom who replaced him with the starters.

 

Who appears to have fallen as a result? Nick O’Leary, everyone’s favorite bare-handed pass-catching grandson of a famous golfer, seems to have been demoted to the third team as of late. Even Khari Lee has seen some run with the first team, yet O’Leary, who replaced Clay in the lineup last season when he tore his meniscus, has not taken many first-team reps in practice, if at all.

[Pete]

Could Clay be on trade block?  I do like O'Leary but he is 4th on depth chart IMO.  I do agree that they might try and trade Nick, but knowing that Beane likes to make trades, shed cap, and makeover team with his handpicked players-could Clay be the surprise trade of camp(for WR or CB)?  Otherwise I stand by my prediction- we keep 4 TE- Clay, Thomas, Croom, and Khari.  We might as well try and recoup something of value for Nick or one of the other 4

[FeelingOnYouboty]

Like the look of Jason Croom. 

[Elite Poster]

O'Leary fan club showing strong today. He's been awful in practice, barely contributes in games over the last three seasons, but for some reason gets all this love - probably the dumbass not wearing gloves thing. 

[Pete]

19 hours ago, Pete said:

Could Clay be on trade block?  I do like O'Leary but he is 4th on depth chart IMO.  I do agree that they might try and trade Nick, but knowing that Beane likes to make trades, shed cap, and makeover team with his handpicked players-could Clay be the surprise trade of camp(for WR or CB)?  Otherwise I stand by my prediction- we keep 4 TE- Clay, Thomas, Croom, and Khari.  We might as well try and recoup something of value for Nick or one of the other 4

Hunter Henry was going to have huge year for Chargers- and is out for year after blowing out knee.  Gates retired.  Tight end is very big in Phillip Rivers offense.  Right now they have Virgil Green and a bunch of trash.  They are a prime trading partner.  We have 5 decent tight ends.  Lets make a deal before they steal one after cutdown day!

[OldTimeAFLGuy]

On 8/13/2018 at 8:50 AM, 26CornerBlitz said:

 

Why?  NFL stands for Not For Long and O'leary is by no means an established multi-dimensional TE. 

 

...hard to believe 'ol "Not For Long" is still coaching...in the CFL......as a DC no less.......that he was older than a Walmart door greeter by now.................

[BADOLBILZ]

2 hours ago, Pete said:

Hunter Henry was going to have huge year for Chargers- and is out for year after blowing out knee.  Gates retired.  Tight end is very big in Phillip Rivers offense.  Right now they have Virgil Green and a bunch of trash.  They are a prime trading partner.  We have 5 decent tight ends.  Lets make a deal before they steal one after cutdown day!

 

 

The Chargers are an interesting potential trade partner but even though it doesn't sound like a lot I don't think any team will step up and trade for Clay's $4.5M base salary. 

 

The Bills have been traditionally inept at finding TE's so we are just happy to have him but an always-beat-up TE like Clay isn't going to be seen as a great pickup most places.

[SWATeam]

59 minutes ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

 

The Chargers are an interesting potential trade partner but even though it doesn't sound like a lot I don't think any team will step up and trade for Clay's $4.5M base salary. 

 

The Bills have been traditionally inept at finding TE's so we are just happy to have him but an always-beat-up TE like Clay isn't going to be seen as a great pickup most places.

I don't think the Bills will consider trading one of the few offensive play-makers that needs to be accounted for by the defense, when healthy of course.  Especially with the current question marks at WR.

 

I'm intrigued, but not ready to count on Croom for anything.  Just as likely that he goes the way of previous training camp "stars", rather than turning into a contributor.

[buffaloaggie]

Bills would make a huge mistake cutting O'Leary. He has the best hands on the team. His first catch was nice, out-battling a defender for a nice gain. Obviously, the TD was blown coverage, but he showed good balance despite getting caught up to by the defender, and still made it in the end zone. 

 

My question is what are the cap ramifications of trading or releasing Clay? Dude is a worthless blocker, and certainly doesn't offer millions of dollars in difference from the pass catching ability (or route running) of our other TEs

[26CornerBlitz]

Just now, buffaloaggie said:

Bills would make a huge mistake cutting O'Leary. He has the best hands on the team. His first catch was nice, out-battling a defender for a nice gain. Obviously, the TD was blown coverage, but he showed good balance despite getting caught up to by the defender, and still made it in the end zone. 

 

My question is what are the cap ramifications of trading or releasing Clay? Dude is a worthless blocker, and certainly doesn't offer millions of dollars in difference from the pass catching ability (or route running) of our other TEs

 

To the contrary, Clay is a very good blocker and a good all around TE who's easily the best the Bills have. 

[thenorthremembers]

Been having a hard time understanding why they would cut O'Leary. Feel like his lack of reps has more to do with him being locked into a spot, and coaches wanting to see more of Croom, Thomas and Lee to determine who they want to keep as #3 and #4 if the roster calls for it.

 

Sidenote: O'Leary is doing an autograph signing on September 11th, may be a little uncomfortable if he is cut.

Edited August 18, 2018 by thenorthremembers

[buffaloaggie]

Just now, 26CornerBlitz said:

 

To the contrary, Clay is a very good blocker and a good all around TE who's easily the best the Bills have. 

He sure didn't show it as he whiffed on a block during one of our first possessions, with Shady getting nailed for a loss. Like I said, the millions we pay this guy do not pay dividends. Obviously, from comments about teams not willing to take on his contract, he doesn't produce as he should, and I just don't see his standing out from any other TE that we have. 

[26CornerBlitz]

Just now, buffaloaggie said:

He sure didn't show it as he whiffed on a block during one of our first possessions, with Shady getting nailed for a loss. Like I said, the millions we pay this guy do not pay dividends. Obviously, from comments about teams not willing to take on his contract, he doesn't produce as he should, and I just don't see his standing out from any other TE that we have. 

 

The opposing defense is going to make plays and while you may not see it, he's firmly established as the humber 1 TE.

[JM57]

15 minutes ago, buffaloaggie said:

Bills would make a huge mistake cutting O'Leary. He has the best hands on the team. His first catch was nice, out-battling a defender for a nice gain. Obviously, the TD was blown coverage, but he showed good balance despite getting caught up to by the defender, and still made it in the end zone. 

 

My question is what are the cap ramifications of trading or releasing Clay? Dude is a worthless blocker, and certainly doesn't offer millions of dollars in difference from the pass catching ability (or route running) of our other TEs

They save nothing by releasing Clay. Clay is a superior player to O'Leary in every facet of the position, but, typical of Bills fans, we have fallen in love with yet another JAG player. 

[buffaloaggie]

1 minute ago, 26CornerBlitz said:

 

The opposing defense is going to make plays and while you may not see it, he's firmly established as the humber 1 TE.

I do see it because he gets paid 4 times as much as any other TE on the roster. Football is a business, and you have to ask always whether you're getting your money's worth. Frankly, I'd rather see the Bills keep an extra TE, and lose some WRs, as our two top receivers last night were TEs 

[26CornerBlitz]

8 minutes ago, buffaloaggie said:

I do see it because he gets paid 4 times as much as any other TE on the roster. Football is a business, and you have to ask always whether you're getting your money's worth. Frankly, I'd rather see the Bills keep an extra TE, and lose some WRs, as our two top receivers last night were TEs 

 

He'll be here this season as the #1. 2019 is an entirely different question. 

Edited August 18, 2018 by 26CornerBlitz

[Wayne Arnold]

23 minutes ago, buffaloaggie said:

He sure didn't show it as he whiffed on a block during one of our first possessions, with Shady getting nailed for a loss. Like I said, the millions we pay this guy do not pay dividends. Obviously, from comments about teams not willing to take on his contract, he doesn't produce as he should, and I just don't see his standing out from any other TE that we have. 

 

Clay's contract is fully guaranteed this season. He's not going anywhere.

[Big Turk]

Doubt he is on the bubble after last night

[26CornerBlitz]

Just now, matter2003 said:

Doubt he is on the bubble after last night

 

Last night doesn't move him much IMO.  He should stand out against guys who will not be playing football come September. 

[Wayne Arnold]

Just now, matter2003 said:

Doubt he is on the bubble after last night

 

Not only is he still on the bubble - he's still on the wrong side of it. Benefiting from a blown coverage for a 35 yard touchdown doesn't change that.

[Big Turk]

2 hours ago, Wayne Arnold said:

 

Not only is he still on the bubble - he's still on the wrong side of it. Benefiting from a blown coverage for a 35 yard touchdown doesn't change that.

 

I don't care about what guys are doing in camp. I care what they do in the games. OLeary consistently makes big plays at clutch times for this team going back to his rookie season in REAL NFL GAMES THAT COUNT.

 

You don't cut a guy like that for a guy who plays well in camp but does nothing in games against opponents.

Edited August 18, 2018 by matter2003

[Solomon Grundy]

2 hours ago, buffaloaggie said:

He sure didn't show it as he whiffed on a block during one of our first possessions, with Shady getting nailed for a loss. Like I said, the millions we pay this guy do not pay dividends. Obviously, from comments about teams not willing to take on his contract, he doesn't produce as he should, and I just don't see his standing out from any other TE that we have. 

And the sack they're blaming Vlad for.

[NewEraBills]

2 hours ago, matter2003 said:

Doubt he is on the bubble after last night

 

To me he's still on it.  What did he do that was impressive?  Getting open on a blown coverage that you and I could have gotten open on and catching an easy pass that you and I could have is not impressive.  It's standard.

[Solomon Grundy]

Personally, I'd rather cut Dimarco and use his roster spot to keep an extra TE.

[Johnny Hammersticks]

2 hours ago, thenorthremembers said:

Been having a hard time understanding why they would cut O'Leary. Feel like his lack of reps has more to do with him being locked into a spot, and coaches wanting to see more of Croom, Thomas and Lee to determine who they want to keep as #3 and #4 if the roster calls for it.

 

Sidenote: O'Leary is doing an autograph signing on September 11th, may be a little uncomfortable if he is cut.

 

I’ve been saying this all along.  

 

2 hours ago, 26CornerBlitz said:

 

He'll be here this season as the #1. 2019 is an entirely different question. 

 

Correct, the way his contract is structured, 2019 is the year to dump Charles Clay.  And I suspect they will.  His contract was ridiculous to begin with.

[Big Turk]

Just now, NewEraBills said:

 

To me he's still on it.  What did he do that was impressive?  Getting open on a blown coverage that you and I could have gotten open on and catching an easy pass that you and I could have is not impressive.  It's standard.

Look at his body of work since he has been here. He has made numerous big plays at clutch times going back to his rookie year. I'm not cutting a guy who plays well in REAL GAMES THAT COUNT for a training camp hero.

[NewEraBills]

6 minutes ago, matter2003 said:

Look at his body of work since he has been here. He has made numerous big plays at clutch times going back to his rookie year. I'm not cutting a guy who plays well in REAL GAMES THAT COUNT for a training camp hero.

 

I'm not contesting that.  I'm operating on the assumption that Daboll is looking for something else in his TE's.  I look at NE, Cleveland, and Alabama, all teams where Daboll has had significant offensive input and none of them had a guy at TE like O'Leary.  They all had guys that were flexible and could line up and make plays anywhere even out wide on the perimeter and they all had blocking ability.  O'Leary is a limited H-Back who makes plays to the best of his ability.  He's just probably not what Daboll is looking for is my assumption and if cut he'll find a home, he's just not what our guy wants in a TE, IF cut.  We'll see.

Edited August 18, 2018 by NewEraBills

[Johnny Hammersticks]

18 minutes ago, NewEraBills said:

 

I'm not contesting that.  I'm operating on the assumption that Daboll is looking for something else in his TE's.  I look at NE, Cleveland, and Alabama, all teams where Daboll has had significant offensive input and none of them had a guy at TE like O'Leary.  They all had guys that were flexible and could line up and make plays anywhere even out wide on the perimeter and they all had blocking ability.  O'Leary is a limited H-Back who makes plays to the best of his ability.  He's just probably not what Daboll is looking for is my assumption and if cut he'll find a home, he's just not what our guy wants in a TE, IF cut.  We'll see.

 

Okay, but if this is the rational for cutting O’Leary, then why would they keep Lee?  Lee is a blocking TE...not much more.

[Wayne Arnold]

29 minutes ago, matter2003 said:

 

I don't care about what guys are doing in camp. I care what they do in the games. OLeary consistently makes big plays at clutch times for this team going back to his rookie season in REAL NFL GAMES THAT COUNT.

 

You don't cut a guy like that for a guy who plays well in camp but does nothing in games against opponents.

 

I could see keeping O'Leary over Logan Thomas. But not Khari Lee or Croom. We'll see what happens.

3 minutes ago, Johnny Hammersticks said:

 

Okay, but if this is the rational for cutting O’Leary, then why would they keep Lee?  Lee is a blocking TE...not much more.

 

He had three receptions in limited time last night.