Bills Draft Profile: Michigan TE Luke Schoonmaker - Help for Dawson Knox?
Despite possessing just six selections in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills are intent on maximizing their return on investment.
While their division rivals seem intent on stockpiling big money free agents, Buffalo's roster is stocked with talent at several positions. However, one area in which the team may benefit from an infusion of youth and an alternative skill set is at tight end.
The Bills are set at the top of the depth chart with fifth-year veteran Dawson Knox. Still, the team may look to add some help for incumbent reserves Quintin Morris and Zach Davidson.
With this season's draft class considered to be rich in talent at the position, the Bills may look to some of their mid-to-late round selections as potential roster fits.
One name they may be smart to consider is Michigan Wolverines tight end Luke Schoonmaker.
At his best, Schoonmaker is an effective pass-catcher, as well as a stout blocker in the run game. He combines both strength and body control to keep defenders at bay while sealing the edges. In fact, he has become such an adept blocker that it has allowed him the chance to utilize the 'Y' delay concept in the passing game -- in which the linebacker drops to defend the pass, but the presumed blocking tight end takes an open passing lane. As a result, the Michigan man has the tools to be an effective offensive weapon off of play-action, attacking up the seams, in the flats, or on crossing routes.
He finished his 2022 season with Michigan with 35 catches for 418 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 11.9 yards per reception.
As such, he may provide a solid complement to Knox, who continues to prove his value in Buffalo's offense.
The 6-4, 254-pound Knox is at his best when utilizing the intermediate area of the field, particularly against teams with difficulty defending it. Knox is successful when finding space sitting down in soft zones, as well as utilizing flat combinations. When teams attempt to neutralize the middle of the field by taking away slot targets underneath, he often finds room to operate in some catch-and-run situations over the middle.
When the ball is not headed his way, Knox has also stepped up his blocking game on the edge, especially improving upon sealing his blocks. In most circumstances, he is well-positioned to be a problematic player to defend for any team.
With Knox playing the traditional 'Y' role, any deficiency in opposing team’s secondaries will allow him the opportunity to maneuver in the middle of the field, If Schoonmaker is able to exploit the cracks in the opponent's defense, Bills quarterback Josh Allen may benefit from some true 12-man personnel.
Though Schoonmaker may not project as a scoring weapon at the outset, his abilities may be able to add a new dimension to the Bills offense for the foreseeable future if Buffalo decides to draft him.
Follow Mike D’Abate on Twitter @mdabateNFL.
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