Nick O'Leary to Buffalo: Full Draft-Pick Breakdown

When the Buffalo Bills came on the clock at pick No. 194, I made a joke in passing about them taking a Florida State player for the third time in 2015. The joke was on me, as the Bills filled a void at tight end with the Seminoles' Nick O’Leary.

The Bills ignored the position in the early rounds, deciding to pass on prospects like Maxx Williams and Clive Walford on Day 2. The team had its reasons for passing on both prospects, but either player would have significantly helped an offense that is apparently trying to become the fastest in the NFL.

Who Is Nick O’Leary?

Anyone who is at least a casual college football fan will know who O’Leary was coming out of Tallahassee. He is likely most known for being the grandson of golfing legend Jack Nicklaus and surviving a scary motorcycle crash during his sophomore season at Florida State.

O’Leary is more than his off-field fame, however, and was named as the nation’s best tight end in 2014, earning the John Mackey Award. He was the top tight end in terms of production in four major statistical categories, including yardage and touchdowns, over the last two seasons during Florida State’s incredible run.

He became more of a contributor to the offense during his junior season when the Seminoles rolled through the ACC and won the national title. With Kelvin Benjamin and Rashad Greene commanding the sidelines, O’Leary had plenty to work in the middle of the field as Jameis Winston’s support system. When Benjamin left for the NFL draft last May, O’Leary became even more important with nearly 50 catches for 618 yards.

He is not an athletic specimen and will struggle to find any space vertically at the next level. However, he has a knack for finding holes in the defense and using his intelligence to get open.

He also fits as a Rex Ryan player because of his intensity on the field. O’Leary is a trash-talker and has a fiery demeanor as an in-line blocker. His blocking skills were among the most refined of anyone remaining in the tight end poll after the second day.

Sure hands and good blocking was a non-negotiable combination for a Bills prospect at tight end, which makes O’Leary a good developmental piece.

Bills fans will take a liking to him quickly because he is willing to do the dirty work. Considering Buffalo's identity as a blue-collar town, O'Leary's attitude on and off the field will quickly endear him to the passionate fanbase. 

What Comes Next?

Unlike the two players drafted directly before him, O’Leary likely has a roster spot within grasp. He is different enough from the other tight ends on the roster that his versatility will likely earn him a spot.

No one on the depth chart will overtake Charles Clay for the starting gig, but Greg Roman loves to employ two tight ends on the field in multiple formations. MarQueis Gray is O’Leary’s direct competition because he also figures to be an H-back type and has similar stature.

O’Leary will have to overcome less-than-ideal physical attributes, but savvy style on both sides of the passing game will make him hard to ignore when camp opens.