The Buffolo Bills will have something this year that has been lacking in seasons past, a talented wide receivers corps. For the past five years, Steve Johnson has carried the bulk of the receiving games, recording over 1,000 yards in each of the past three seasons. While there is no doubting his talent, he cannot do it himself. In this year's NFL Draft, the Bills took a couple of talented rookies that will surely help score some points in Buffalo.
Johnson is naturally the team's No. 1 guy. However, he is getting a lot more work on the inside and in the slot position because this year, Buffalo has talented depth at the wide receiver position. Now, the Bills have more options, giving Johnson a chance to move from outside to inside.
"I got talent around me, you know?" Johnson said. "I'm not stupid to the fact we've got burners. We've got guys who can run and stretch the defense."
Johnson is right. Rookies Robert Wood and Marquise Goodwin are early standouts so far in training camp. They will compete alongside second-year receiver T.J. Graham to play opposite Johnson. The Bills will likely keep three receivers on the field at all time and these three offer up plenty of playbook options.
Graham is more of a vertical threat, playing mostly on the outside. Woods is a dynamic type of player with the ability to cover both the outside and inside. He was a standout at Southern California for his athleticism. Goodwin is another vertical threat that can handle both the outside and inside as well.
"I can get past a DB," Johnson said, "but why not put me inside and let me work with the linebackers and nickel guys and let our speed guys do work on the outside? We've got versatility in our room where we have the ability to do that."
The quality at the receiving group will be a huge asset to Buffalo's uncertainty at quarterback. With Kevin Kolb and E.J. Manuel battling it out to be named the team's starter, a group of receivers to bail them out is key. Johnson understands that it will be important to mesh well with the quarterback and build chemistry quickly in order for Buffalo to begin making progress.
