The Buffalo Bills have a wide receivers group that is highlighted by four rookies looking for their fair share of action. With Steve Johnson already plugged in at the guaranteed No. 1 spot, the slew of rookies could be battling for the second and third spots to start Week 1. With both Robert Wood and Marquise Goodwin impressing early, it is anyone's race to win come training camp time.
Wood appears to be in the lead to run alongside Johnson when the season begins. The rookie has already made his presence felt among the coaching staff and starting quarterback Kevin Kolb. The Buffalo News reports that Woods has already won the starting job, but head coach Doug Marrone is not ready to put out depth chart just yet. After Marrone compared Woods to Indianapolis receiver Reggie Wayne, Kolb is ready to call Woods a new favorite target.
"He beat the guy off the line and he continued to run his route and continued to push and was patient with it," Kolb said. "He understood the timing of the offense and my footwork and we were able to hit a big play and keep the integrity of the pocket. That was good to see and I complimented him on it. A lot of younger guys don't do that."
Behind Woods is likely Goodwin, the Bills' third-round pick out of Texas. Goodwin offers a large amount of diversity that could help his ability to be slotted into a starting role right away. The wide receiver has seen a lot of playing time with the first-team offense in the spring, being complimented on his route running abilities, but could be a Week 1 starter at kick returner. Goodwin wants on the field any way possible.
"Any way I can get on the field I want to make it my own. Whether it be kick returner, punt returner, receiver any position I can be out on the field to help the team," Goodwin said.
The former Texas wide out recorded a 4.27 40-yard dash so it seems likely the Bills will utilize that speed any way they possibly can. With T.J. Graham back for a second year with the team, the rookie most likely not seeing the field is Da'Rick Rogers. Graham put up 322 yards and one touchdown in 2012 in a limited role. Rogers has already had issues with the coaching staff. The rookie went undrafted after being dismissed from Tennessee for off-the-field issues. Marrone has already taken note of his immaturity.
One thing the Bills are looking for is a more fast-paced offense. With a group of young and talent receivers to compliment Kolb, the Bills should have no problem achieving big things this season.
