A Rare Gem: UDFA RB Raheem Blackshear

After the 2022 draft, the Buffalo Bills signed Undrafted Free Agent Raheem Blackshear to a three year, $2.5 million deal. Blackshear is on the outside looking in at the moment, given a crowded backfield consisting of Devin Singletary, Zack Moss, fellow rookie James Cook, Duke Johnson, and Taiwan Jones. So, where does he stand after a busy preseason debut?

College

Blackshear, 23, spent six years in college, three with Rutgers and three with Virginia Tech. In those six years, he totaled 1,912 yards, 14 rushing TDs, 1,213 receiving yards, and seven TDs. He earned Third Team All-ACC honors in 2021 and was invited to the Hula Bowl in 2022.

Blackshear’s Preseason Debut

Blackshear may have put himself above Duke Johnson in the next depth chart with his preseason debut. He totaled six rushes for 11 yards and two TDs, along with four receptions for 60 yards against the Colts. Dating back to training camp, Blackshear caught the eyes of the coaching staff, getting some reps with the second team in front of Duke Johnson.

If Blackshear keeps producing this preseason, it will be hard to keep him off the practice squad. If he can turn into a quality back/returner, the Bills will have found another UDFA gem. After the game, HC Sean McDermott had some high praise for Blackshear:

Where he fits on the team

While Raheem Blackshear is a long shot to make the roster, he could be a dark horse candidate if he keeps up his strong production. However, if the Buffalo Bills do release him, he should make the 16-man practice squad.

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