The 2013 NFL Draft transformed 32 NFL rosters. Around The League will examine the aftershocks in our Draft Fallout series. Next up: The Buffalo Bills.
The Big Question: Has the Bills offense suddenly taken on the look of a track team?
C.J. Spiller was the most electric in-space tailback in the NFL last season, showcasing instant acceleration and breathtaking lateral agility, reminiscent of a 2010-11 Chris Johnson. Unfortunately, the rest of the offense was coma-inducing. There were no receivers to speak of aside from Stevie Johnson, who doesn't separate down field like a true No. 1 threat. Ryan Fitzpatrick didn't have the arm to convert those throws regardless, so defenses simply squatted on Chan Gailey's quick-passing game, cutting the field in half.
The Bills website calls the team's 2013 NFL Draft haul the fastest class in recent memory, which stems from new coach Doug Marrone placing an emphasis on speed and versatility.
"Speed is hard to coach," Marrone explained. "My coach at Syracuse, coach Dick] MacPherson always said '[luck follows speed.'"
Marrone will oversee an up-tempo attack designed around the multiple talents of quarterback EJ Manuel, owner of a 4.64 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. To the wide receiver mix, the Bills added second-rounder Robert Woods (4.51 40-yard dash, lightning-quick feet as a route runner), third-rounder Marquise Goodwin (4.27 40-yard dash, 2012 U.S. Olympian) and highly touted undrafted free agent Da'Rick Rogers (4.48 40-yard dash at 6-foot-3, 217 pounds). That trio is joined by 2012 third-rounder T.J. Graham, who blazed a 4.41 40-yard dash at the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine.
Along with Chip Kelly's Philadelphia Eagles, the transformed Bills could be one of the league's most exciting offenses in 2013.
Three Takeaways
- Don't be surprised if Rogers ends up not only making the team, but having the biggest impact among the rookie wide receivers. Drawing comparisons to Brandon Marshall and Eric Moulds due to his size, physicality, post-catch running ability and lower-leg explosion, Rogers dominated the SEC as a 20-year-old before getting the boot from Tennessee's program. The Bills had a first- to second-round grade on Rogers, Nix said, via the team's official site.
- The Bills fell for fourth-rounder Duke Williams' versatility after the safety clocked a 4.48 40-yard dash. General manager Buddy Nix has designs on using Williams in nickel packages and even at outside corner, in addition to safety and special teams.
- Remember when Buffalo's defense was gashed for 558 rushing yards over back-to-back games against the New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers last season? That won't happen again with second-round downhill linebacker Kiko Alonso joining promising 2012 fourth-rounder Nigel Bradham in Mike Pettine's hybrid scheme.
Follow Chris Wesseling on Twitter @ChrisWesseling.
