Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
The Buffalo Bills have been seeking a deep-burning complement to Stevie Johnson for a long time and Marquise Goodwin could be just that. On paper, the skills possessed by the Bills’ projected top three receivers seem to weave together rather well, with Robert Woods providing a possession presence alongside Goodwin’s speed and Johnson’s route-running virtuosity.
Goodwin, the 2013 third-round pick (78th overall) out of Texas, may just be the biggest enigma of the group, with his raw skill providing more upside than his college production — hitting a ceiling of 421 receiving yards in one collegiate season. However, this NFL upside derives from crazy, crazy athleticism.
“Goodwin’s lack of bulk might be an issue when taking hits from NFL-sized defenders,” read NFL.com’ combine profile, “but scouts can’t ignore the athleticism that allowed him to win multiple long jump titles in the World Junior Championships during his high school days and NCAA outdoors once he reached UT.”
Former Bills receiver and Hall of Famer Andre Reed — who Buffalo selected back in 1985 — is extremely intrigued with the way this receiving group is coming together after boasting Johnson and not much else for years.
“It’s interesting that they took a pair of receivers. It might be the first time since I was drafted. I’m real excited about what Doug (Marrone) wants to do there, and the offensive coordinator and what he wants to do,” said Reed, via the team website. ”A big, strong quarterback in EJ (Manuel), really mobile guy and in Buffalo you’ve got to have a strong arm and he has a strong arm. It’ll be interesting to see.
“It looks like on paper they want to open it up with that West Coast style offense and get the guys the ball early so they can do something with the ball. It should be an exciting year. I think C.J. Spiller is really exciting. He’s got to be.”
Thomas Emerick is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ThomasEmerick, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
