Breaking down the tight ends: Buffalo

Scouts Inc.'s Matt Williamson breaks down the tight ends of each AFC East team. Today: Buffalo Bills.

The Bills clearly rank last in the AFC East at tight end. It is a real area of weakness for Buffalo, and adding a good option there could really help this offense.

Amazingly, Jonathan Stupar’s 12 catches led all Buffalo tight ends last season. He doesn’t excel in any area of playing the position, though. His blocking is suspect, and his receiving skills are far from special. He has only 18 catches over his three-year career. Stupar should be a backup.

Shawn Nelson is the most talented player in this poor stable of tight ends, but he missed the last five games of the season with migraine issues. It is unclear whether this will be a recurring problem, but obviously Buffalo needs Nelson to be on the field. Nelson has much work to do, though, as a blocker.

David Martin, Scott Chandler and Mike Caussin also are in the mix. Martin has had flashes of productivity as a receiver over his 10-year career, but he consistently gets pushed around in the run game. Martin caught only seven passes in 2010. Chandler has done nothing to speak of since entering the league and played only four games last season, but he is a big target with some natural athleticism. Caussin will have to excel on special teams to make the final roster -- especially if Buffalo spends money in free agency to add a legitimate tight end. That would be a great move if Buffalo can pull it off. Zach Miller immediately comes to mind -- he would be perfect for the Bills. And wow, do they need him.

Scouts Inc. watches games, breaks down film and studies football from all angles for ESPN.com.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/29288/breaking-down-the-tight-ends-buffalo

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