Buffalo Bills: 6 Facts about Tre Boston
By Paul Taylor
As the Buffalo Bills prepare to host Tre Boston, we consider what signing the free agent safety potentially brings to Western New York.
The Buffalo Bills are currently on the look out for a new general manager, after firing Doug Whaley. However, that isn’t stopping them from continuing to search for ways to improve the roster.
In that respect, the Bills are preparing to host Tre Boston at some point over the next few days. Boston’s impending visit was reported by Ryan Talbot of Newyorkupstate.com.
In some respects, the Bills’ interest shouldn’t come as any surprise. The free agent safety spent the first three seasons of his NFL career playing for new head coach Sean McDermott, in his previous role as defensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers.
That relationship aside, would signing Boston actually be a smart move by the Bills? Lets consider some facts and figures about the 24-year old:
1) Boston was considered a three-star recruit by Rivals and 247Sports. More specifically, he was ranked at the 80th-best cornerback prospect of his class, by Rivals.com.
2) After only starting four games in his first year at North Carolina, Boston made his mark during his sophomore season. He led the team with three interceptions (tied for sixth in the ACC) and finished third, with 70 total tackles.
3) Boston continued his development during the next season, starting all 12 games at safety, tying for the team lead with four picks and earning honorable mention All-ACC honors. He finished off his college career with Second-team All-ACC honors in 2013, after recording five interceptions and leading the team in total tackles.
4) As a result of his progression during his time in North Carolina, Boston was selected in the fourth round by the Panthers, in the 2014 NFL draft. He started five games towards the end of his rookie year, missing just one tackle and allowing only five receptions on 222 coverage snaps, as noted by Bleacher Report.
5) In just three seasons, Boston has already shown a penchant for making big plays in playoff games. This includes two postseason interceptions against the Arizona Cardinals, in a 2015 Wild Card win and the 2016 NFC Championship game, which helped the Panthers progress to Super Bowl 50.
6) Boston had his best season yet during the 2016 campaign. This included career-highs pretty much across the board in starts (10), interceptions (two), pass defenses (seven), sacks (two) and total tackles (52).
Overall, signing Boston makes a lot of sense. Apart from his familiarity with McDermott’s defensive schemes, the Bills desperately need to upgrade their safety depth.
In addition, the Fort Myers, Florida native would likely challenge right away for a starting role. More specifically, he would compete with Jordan Poyer for the free safety position.
However, the Bills will probably have to be quick in making any move. As noted by Boston himself, he is receiving a lot of interest from around the NFL, which has already seen him visit the Steelers and Chargers.
Next: Grading the Bills' 2017 Draft Class
Boston certainly seems to be an intriguing possibility. However, what’s your take on him? Would you sign him or not, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments section.