Summary

Josh Palmer was drafted in Round 3 (#77 Overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft out of University of Tennessee. Palmer played in a low-volume collegiate passing offense, finishing his Tennessee career with 99 receptions, 1,514 yards, and 7 touchdowns. While his college production did not pop statistically, evaluators valued his route discipline, toughness, and pro-ready skill set. In the NFL, Palmer has developed into a reliable rotational starter and high-end complementary receiver, stepping into expanded roles during injuries and producing efficiently. Through the 2024 season, he has totaled 2,000+ receiving yards and 10+ touchdowns, with multiple stretches as a primary target when called upon. Palmer is widely regarded as a high-character, intelligent, and team-first professional, praised for preparation habits, consistency, and willingness to handle dirty-work roles within the offense.

Strengths

• Route Running: Crisp, efficient routes with good tempo and leverage understanding. Effective adjusting to throws outside his frame.

• Reliability: Dependable hands and trusted target on third downs. Willing to work over the middle and absorb contact.

• Football IQ: Strong coverage recognition and spacing awareness. Experience lining up outside and in the slot and quickly adapts to game plans and role changes.

• Blocking Effort: Competitive and assignment-sound as a perimeter blocker.

Weaknesses

• Top-End Speed: Lacks true vertical burner speed. Production leans toward chain-moving rather than chunk gains.

• Separation vs. Elites: Wins with technique rather than explosiveness. Not a consistent jump-ball winner and disappears inside the 20s.

• YAC Creation: More secure than dynamic after the catch.

• Ceiling: More high-floor complementary receiver than primary WR1.

Outlook

Palmer is an excellent fit for Buffalo’s timing-based, spread passing offense, where precision, reliability, and route discipline are critical for quarterback trust. He profiles well as a WR3/WR4 hybrid, capable of working the intermediate areas of the field and providing a steady presence opposite more explosive playmakers. His skill set complements a vertical quarterback by ensuring efficiency and reducing negative plays. Looking ahead, Palmer projects as a reliable long-term complementary starter with strong situational value. While he may not be a volume-dominant receiver, his intelligence, toughness, and consistency give him a high floor and playoff-caliber utility. In a Bills offense that values execution and spacing, Palmer can be a quietly productive contributor who elevates overall offensive efficiency without demanding scheme adjustments.