I admit, I was a little worried last night when I left the Bills draft room that they ended the day without a tight end from the draft.  Then I went home and looked at the players still available after the first two rounds.  Once you got a look at the tight ends still on the board. it was easy to see that the Bills would be able to get a good one.

They did, with their fourth round pick (121st overall).  The Bills drafted tight end Shawn Nelson from Southern Mississippi, a player they were lined to weeks ago.  Some draft experts figured Nelson to be gone in the second round, so picking him up in the fourth is a good move.

But beyond that, Nelson brings a pass receiving dimension to the Bills tight end group that was lacking.  It’s easy to see him fitting into the mix with Derek Fine and Derek Schouman.  While those two handle the blocking chores, and often act as fullbacks or H-backs, Nelson can be the pass receiving threat the Bills need from their tight end.

He’s described as having spectacular hands and he’s a good route runner.  Once he’s comfortable in the system and utilized in the passing game, he could be a matchup problem for opposting linebackers and safeties.

He is not strong in blocking, so don’t expect to see him much in short yardage type situations.  Bills college scout Shawn Heinlen says Nelson is “a little light in the pants” meaning his lower body strength is lacking.  There’s some concern about scouts that his lean body frame  may not allow him to bulk up much, so he may never be a “complete” tight end.

But think about it–there was only one such all-around tight end in this draft–Brandon Pettigrew, and the Lions spent the 20th overall pick in the draft on him.

For where he was selected, and for what he is, I think Shawn Nelson is an excellent pickup for the Bills.  What do you think>