Running Backs

By Coast

A completely new look is in store for the 2007 Buffalo Bills when it comes to their backfield. Willis McGahee got shipped out, Damien Shelton will not be returning and the entire roll of the running back will change this season.

For the past 3 seasons, the Bills were limited in what they could do with their running backs. McGahee was either not good as a receiver or misused or both. He didn't block well to help the Bills young offensive line. Willis simply did not fit the mold for Steve Fairchild's offensive scheme.

The negative however was that a gaping hole was left at the position. The Bills were left with Anthony Thomas, Shaud Williams, and the NFL Europe standout Fred Jackson. None of these three players should be on the opening day roster if I was the GM but unfortunately i'm not yet.

The Bills addressed the need in the draft with the 13th pick in the draft and selected Marshawn Lynch from Cal. Lynch is a perfect fit for the offense. He is quick and has good speed and is a great receiver out of the backfield, the best in the draft class. He is more in the mold of a Thurman Thomas which is exactly what Bills GM Marv Levy was looking for. Lynch ran for 1356 yards and 11 touchdowns as a Junior at Cal. He averaged over 6 yards per carry. Lynch demonstrated his pass catching ability by adding 34 receptions for 358 yards and another four touchdowns as well.

In the fourth round, the Bills made what seemed like an odd pick at the time in selecting a 2nd running back in Dwayne Wright from Fresno State. The Bills needed depth because Shaud Williams is a bum, A Train is mediocre and Fred Jackson has never played on this side of the Atlantic. Wright is coming off a monster year at Fresno St. He rushed for 1462 yards, 11 touchdowns and averaged over 5.5 yards per carry. The knock on Wright is injury issues. He missed nearly 2 years in college with a torn patella tendon. At 5'11 226 pounds, Wright can be a nice change of pace guy to come in for the smaller and quicker Lynch.

As we enter camp at St. John Fisher, Anthony Thomas will be penciled in as starter. That will soon change as Lynch gets better accostomed to the offense. The coaches are itching to ink Lynch in as the first string tail back I am sure. Thomas will feel pressure from Wright for the back up spot and Jackson and Williams will compete to make the team.

As far as full back goes, look for the Bills to use their tight ends at the H back position. The Bills will not have a roster spot for a true full back like Shelton was last season. Cieslak and Neufield will compete for the starting job at that spot but will feel pressure from the Bills rookie 7th round pick from Boise State Derek Shouman.

Look for the Bills two rookie running backs to emerge as first and second string in the not too distant future.