Bills sign six undrafted free agents following draft

As the Mr. Irrelevant show winds down and the stage lights begin to dim, the phones of undrafted free agents (UDFAs) start to light up. In recent years, more and more UDFAs have made an impact on NFL teams.

UDFA players have become valuable contributors to Buffalo´s roster in particular. Notable examples from recent years include Reggie Gilliam (2020), Cam Lewis and Tyrel Dodson (2019), Ike Boettger (2018), and Reid Ferguson (2016). Also, without being on the team today, Levi Wallace (2018). Going back further, Fred Jackson was another UDFA who made a significant impact on the team after going undrafted in 2003 out of Coe College.

After drafting Dalton Kincaid, O´Cyrus Torrence, Dorian Williams , Justin Shorter, Nick Brocker, and Alex Austin in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Bills signed the following UDFAs.  

DJ Dale, DT, Alabama

Projected as a sixth round value, DJ Dale projects as a rotational 1-Tech or NT and can contribute as a two-down run defender. During his three-year tenure as a starter at Alabama, Dale played in various positions within Nick Saban’s base scheme, ranging from nose tackle to 3/4i-Tech. Although he lacks overwhelming size, arm length, and power, Dale compensates with a good punch and a violent approach to establish contact. While he may not possess the natural instincts of a pass rusher, he is skilled at filling gaps, attracting double teams, and stopping the run at the line of scrimmage.

Jordan Mims, RB, Fresno State

Despite a career plagued by injuries and surgeries, Mims emerged as the featured back in Fresno State’s offense. In 2022, he amassed an impressive 1,370 rushing yards and scored 18 rushing touchdowns (tied for fifth-most with Bijan Robinson and Blake Corum), securing his place as the fourth all-time leading rusher and second in total touchdowns in Fresno State history. While Mims’ skillset may be limited, he compensates with excellent vision and agility to exploit cutback lanes and gain significant yardage. He also has potential as a third-down back.

Richard Gouraige, OL, Florida

After starting for four years at Florida, he spent his first two seasons at left guard before transitioning to left tackle for his junior and senior years. During that time, he allowed only three sacks and 21 pressures, demonstrating his versatility and adaptability. Despite having an average size, his coordinated movements make him an effective blocker. However, he lacks the flexibility to fully leverage his blocks and can be knocked off balance too easily. Overall, he has the potential to serve as a reliable backup on the left side of the offensive line, providing depth to an NFL team.

Tyrell Shavers, WR, SDSU

Shavers, a former Alabama receiver, spent time at Mississippi State before joining San Diego State. He boasts an impressive 6’4″ frame and weighs in at 211 lbs, making him a valuable depth receiver. In the last season, he caught 38 passes for 643 yards and 3 touchdowns, leading the team in all categories. He also averaged almost 17 yards per catch in 2022.

Jalen Wayne, WR, South Alabama

As a three-year starter at South Alabama and the nephew of NFL great Reggie Wayne, Jalen Wayne was the main receiver in the team’s offensive scheme. His production increased significantly after Jalen Tolbert was drafted in 2022, culminating in 815 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in his final season. Wayne ranks in the top three in career catches and receiving yards in South Alabama’s program history. With average size and athleticism, Wayne may struggle to create separation against tough defensive backs. He also had an average success rate in contested catches and a poor year in terms of drops in 2022. However, if he can prove himself on special teams, he may have a chance to make an NFL roster as a depth receiver.

Noah Henderson, OL, East Carolina

Noah Henderson overcame a back injury to start at right tackle for the Pirates’ o-line over the past two years. Despite playing primarily at tackle in college, his below-average size for the position suggests that he may need to shift to guard at the NFL level. Henderson played a total of 1,890 snaps during his time at East Carolina, with 758 of those coming in the 2022 season. He allowed seven sacks and 40 pressures over the last two seasons.