Will T.J. Graham, the Bills’ third round draft pick, jump start our offense? Considering that his name conjures up images of Golden Grahams, my favorite cereal, all signs point to a delicious “yes.” The Bills recently signed Graham, a promising wide receiver from North Carolina State. Although not official, estimated contract buzzes speculate a four-year $3 million deal. So how does Graham feel about being a Bill?
“I’m just excited to officially be part of the team so I’m ready to get things started,” said Graham, as posted on www.buffalobills.com.
Preparing to use the wide receiver as an outside threat on the long ball, coach Chan Gailey was impressed by Graham’s performance and catching ability in the Bills spring camp.
“He’s a raw route runner,” said Gailey on www.buffalobills.com. “He can fun fast. He can catch a football. I’m anxious to see how he can develop as times goes on, but he made a lot of progress.”
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GRAHAM’S CAROLINA DAYS
Progress is something Graham has made good on. Examining his punt return record as a North Carolina State Wolfpack player, Graham improved, going from 8.1 yards per punt return in his junior year to 11.7 yards as a senior. Because of Graham’s great speed, I feel that the Bills can also use him as a special teams weapon. His kick returns were top notch with Graham averaging about 22 yards on 44 kick returns during his senior year. A shorter field is something that would help the Bills immensely, taking some pressure off of Bills QB Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Graham’s senior year ended in other impressive statistics. The guy had 7 receiving TD’s. When examinging his 46 catches, Graham averaged 16.5 yards per reception. His season total? The wide receiver racked up 757 receiving yards.
HIS STRENGTHS
Graham has the potential to be a play maker, a clutch athlete during tight games. The guy is skilled in grabbing the high ball and stretching to pull the football into his body. Taking off fast from the line of scrimmage, he can burn the opposing team’s corner backs to not only make the catch, but pick up some extra yards. Increasing our third down percentage rate would help. A 10% increase, from last year’s 40.5 to 50.5 in 2012 will probably give the Bills a winning season. With Graham, Donald Jones, and Stevie Johnson on the ball, I feel the Buffalo Bills are headed for football greatness.
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WINGING IT
In a recent SB Nation interview, Graham expressed being nervous about many different things, including not knowing all the plays and the players. However, there is one important thing he has become acquainted with.
“I’ve been, I guess, inducted into the wing fame up there,” said Graham, referring to Buffalo’s chicken wings. Usually opting for “medium,” he may switch to a sweeter version in the future. Tasting some of those sauces is wilder than riding The Comet backwards, an old wooden roller coaster at Crystal Beach that is now extinct. So where are Graham’s taste buds leading him? Honey glaze? Barbecue? Spicy hot? Hey, whatever puts a fire under his, umm . . cleats.
