Ar’maj Reed-Adams, a rookie guard drafted in the seventh round by the Buffalo Bills, just absolutely defied the odds and earned a spot on their 53-man roster after preseason. Think about that for a second. This dude was one of the last 20 picks in the entire 2026 NFL Draft. Historically, making a 53-man squad from that spot is a massive uphill battle.
Beating the Odds, Big Time
The numbers don’t lie. Out of the 41 seventh-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, a staggering 18 of them got waived by cutdown day. The seventh round has the highest rate of guys getting cut after their first training camp and preseason. So, when I tell you Reed-Adams making the team is a huge deal, it’s not just hype. It’s flat-out impressive. I was personally crushing on him before the draft, actually gave him a third-round grade, ranking him as my IOL5. I knew he was a ready-to-go blocker, even if the league didn’t see it until the very end.
His Rare Length and What It Means
This isn’t just some random guard. Reed-Adams is a tall, long, well-built dude with a wingspan that’s almost unmatched. Seriously, it’s a true weapon. He uses that length to keep defenders off him and stay glued through reps. He can sink his pads, grow roots as the play develops, and his balance recovery is strong. In the run game, he’s got above-average movement for his size, able to hit down blocks, combo climbs, and reach assignments. He’s not the most explosive mover, but he’s far from limited, getting his hands on defenders consistently and even flashing a developing mean streak.
Yeah, he might lean into blocks sometimes, which can open him up to counters, and he can be a half-step late at the second level, but he always recalibrates and finishes the rep. In pass protection, his length, awareness, and ability to absorb counters are absolutely top-tier. He stays attached to interior defenders, using his reach to mirror and control rushers even when challenged. His hands are active, reasonably heavy, and his grip strength plays up because of that crazy length. Plus, he’s a plus stunt and blitz recognizer. He barely looks out of position. Bottom line: this is a highly experienced, pro-ready guard with rare length and solid technique. If he adds just 5-10% more functional strength, his ceiling is sky-high. He’s already made one of the toughest rosters to crack, so keep an eye on him.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Buffalo Rumblings.
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