by When rookie running back Raheem Blackshear and wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins were cut from the 53-man roster Tuesday morning, Bills Mafia went into a frenzy.
In the biggest surprise of the preseason, both of these diamonds in the rough end up back with the Bills organization. Four of Buffalo’s cuts were claimed off of waivers, but shockingly the two that impressed the most ended up back in the Bills’ lap.
Blackshear, a rookie undrafted free agent, seemingly did everything this preseason. Although his sample size was small, the impression he left on the fan base was tremendous. Blackshear returned kicks, punts, caught passes, and ran the ball out of the backfield. This variety lead to multiple touchdowns and exciting plays throughout the 3 games we saw him compete in. As a little bit of a smaller back, the promise he showed was incredible. He showed great receiving upside out of the backfield and displayed a gritty hard-nose play style.
On the flip side, Hodgins entering year 3 with the Bills, was utterly incredible in the 3 game slate. This was very promising to see for Bills fans. When Hodgins was drafted in 2020, he was seen as someone with serious potential. Unfortunately, injuries plagued the first two years of his career, keeping him on the practice squad. Why would a sixth round pick have so much potential? Well, the 6’3″ 210 lb build speaks for itself.
Week one of preseason Hodgins was the number two graded WR, garnering a 91.6 grade after catching 9 passes for 77 yards. Highlighted in the game, Hodgins made an incredible diving catch at the 2-yard line. This catch, of course, set up a Raheem Blackshear touchdown.
Later in the 4th quarter, Blackshear ended up having another touchdown with less than 3 minutes left. The rookie then proceeded to bang in the 2-point conversion to tie the game. Blackshear ended the week with 2 rushing touchdowns, 60 receiving yards, and 50 return yards.
The Bills ended up winning on a game winning field goal as time expired on the clock. Even though it was week one of preseason, the excitement provided from Hodgins and Blackshear got the fans not only excited about the season, but the future as well.
Although a long shot with a team so deep, will we see either of these young studs make plays throughout the season? Barring an injury probably not. Regardless, it is clear that these two have a bright future whether it be with Buffalo or another NFL organization.
Great write up! Thanks for t
Great write up. Thanks for your insight, Jake!!
Go Bills!!!