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Cieslak Grabbing Atention at Tight End
by Chris Brown, Buffalobills.com

Clips:

Quote:"I worked with J.T. on some speed stuff and footwork and shoring up the little things in my game that needed work," said Cieslak. "Just working with him has benefited me a lot with running."

And that hard work is paying off as Cieslak has vaulted to number two on the depth chart at the tight end position behind veteran free agent acquisition Robert Royal.

"I was as surprised as anybody," said Cieslak of his spot on the depth chart through the first two camps. "Any reps I was getting I knew I had to make the best of them regardless of when or where I was getting them. I didn't even look at it as far as where I was in the pecking order. I just focused on doing the best I could."

"He's earned those reps," said head coach Dick Jauron. "Coming off of last year we had good recommendations on him. He's been very dedicated in the offseason program. He's had a chance to show his skills to us and worked hard in terms of strength and conditioning."

Working his way up a depth chart is nothing new for Cieslak. He did the same thing at Northern Illinois.

"I was a walk-on in college so I know what it's like to be a no-name and what it takes to work your way through the ranks," said Cieslak. "I don't mind it. It's something that helps push me to be better every day. If you work hard enough good things will come to you. That's the way I've done things my whole career."

Quote:"He's worked himself into a position where we're counting on him so he needs to keep improving and going forward," said Jauron. "He's worked himself into a nice spot here."

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Edit:
Chris Brown also wrote the following on Ceislak and the Bills' TE situation:

Quote:Cieslak is a guy Bills fans should root for. He's blue collar, he's self-made and he's more athletic than he's given credit for. For those that are wondering it's pronounced SEE-slak.

Running as the second tight end in these first two camps shows he has a real chance to be the backup behind Robert Royal. Some might think the only reason he's running second team is because Kevin Everett is still working his way back from his ACL knee injury.

Truthfully I don't think they're one in the same. Everett is a very athletic tight end and it wouldn't shock me if they used Everett more in the slot than on the line where Royal and Cieslak will likely be lining up in most situations.

Tim Euhus looked great in the first camp catching a ton of balls. He wasn't as eye-opening in the second camp. He's also an underrated blocker and could benefit when the pads go on.

Ryan Neufeld will always have a chance to make the roster because he can do so many things. Tight end, h-back, fullback, special teams, long snap. That kind of versatility usually finds a place on a roster.

It's going to be one of many interesting position competitions in training camp.