Addressing the offensive line as they should every year, the Buffalo Bills drafted University of Central Florida OT Tylan Grable with the 204th overall pick Saturday.
After a circuitous journey from initially committing to West Alabama to enrolling at Jacksonville State before finishing his career at University of Central Florida, Grable has seen his fair share of football. He began his football career as a quarterback in high school before transitioning to tight end in college. After redshirting, he transitioned to offensive tackle adding 76 pounds from his initial 230 pound frame in high school.
His play at offensive tackle eventually led to second team All-American at Jacksonville State before he transferred to UCF and was named Honorable Mention All-Big 12.
Read below for Tylan Grable’s publicly reported injury history and analysis.
Injury History
2017 High School
Broken foot twice, missed senior season of football.
Grable suffered a broken foot during basketball season before healing in time for football season. He regrettably suffered another broken foot during the first game of his senior season according to Dane Brugler’s draft guide. It’s not clear whether this was the same foot and type of fracture he sustained.
College
2021 Jacksonville State
Undisclosed injury, vs UAB, missed 1 game.
Undisclosed injury in 2021, vs Central Arkansas, missed 2 games.
Grable suffered an undisclosed injury that forced him to miss the following two games before returning to play against Eastern Kentucky according to Dane Brugler’s draft guide.
2022 Jacksonville State
No publicly reported injuries.
2023 University of Central Florida
Undisclosed injury, spring ball.
According to head coach Gus Malzahn, Grable suffered an injury but would be full go for the regular season. He was observed in a gold non-contact jersey during practices but did not have any bracing or sleeves on to suggest what he injured.
Injury Analysis
Besides the broken foot from back in 2017, not much is known regarding Grable’s injury history. The foot fractures appear to be behind him as he did not have any known issues since then and he only missed the three games in 2021.
It’s fortunate that he was able to grow into his body as he put the weight on to transition from an offensive skill position to offensive tackle while not suffering significant injury. As long as he can maintain adequate field awareness and avoid the roll ups on the line, he could be a nice depth option. Considering Spencer Brown is in a contract year as well, this could be a nice year to develop Grable into a possible eventual replacement.
Final Thoughts
Grable appears to be more of a developmental player at the next level but does address an eventual need on a cost-controlled contract. I’m curious to see how well he can develop and make an impact once he understands the playbook. Add in time in a NFL strength and conditioning program, this could be a great pick.
I wish Tylan Grable the best of luck and to remain healthy.
Top Photo Credit: Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
