A weakness entering the 2013 offseason, the Buffalo Bills' front office has done a great job of infusing some young talent to a receiving corps that was almost completely devoid of depth at the end of 2012. The position is so deep that there will likely be at least one or two players that will be signed to another team's active roster following the league's final cut-down day on August 31st. Here is a player-by-player breakdown of the players competing for a spot at receiver:
Stevie Johnson - Despite a pesky hamstring injury that has forced him to miss the first two preseason games, Johnson is clearly the best receiver on this roster. Johnson is not the biggest or fastest wide receiver in the league, but is one of the NFL's premiere route runners, using an array of subtle moves to create space at the line of scrimmage. Johnson is very adept at finding soft spots in zones, and uses his frame well to shield the ball from defenders. At 27 years old, Johnson is still clearly in his prime. As long as he can stay healthy, Johnson should approach 1,000 yards receiving this season.
Odds of making team: 100%
Robert Woods - The most NFL-ready receiver (along with St. Louis' Tavon Austin) in this past year's draft, Woods is a polished route runner with great hands. Coming from a pro-style system at USC really prepared him well for the NFL, and should be a consistent contributor in new offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett's West Coast-principled offense.
Odds of making team: 99%
Marquise Goodwin - A lot of people (including myself) were surprised that Buffalo chose Goodwin in the third round with more polished prospects still on the board. Goodwin has acquit himself well through training camp, showing a surprisingly good ability to run block for a player of his stature (5'9", 177) and great body control when making a catch. He's still a bit of a work-in-progress as a receiver, but has shown the ability to blow the top off of defenses in scrimmages, as well as his 107-yard kickoff return against the Colts.
Odds of making team: 99%
T.J. Graham - As a rookie last year, Graham was very raw when it came to route running, and had major issues with catching the football. Thus far through camp, the speedy Graham has shown improvement in both areas, and is in competition with 2013 second round pick Robert Woods for the team's #2 receiver spot.
Odds of making team: 98%
Marcus Easley - Almost a forgotten man entering training camp, Easley has made a strong case with the new coaching staff. Through two preseason games, Easley has shown a knack for getting open (10 catches, 140 yards) despite hardly seeing the field in his first three seasons. If he can continue to contribute on special teams, there may be a spot on the roster for him.
Odds of making team: 55%
Brad Smith - Brought onto the roster prior to the 2011 season by former general manager Buddy Nix, Smith was used largely on special teams or in then-head coach Chan Gailey's version of the Wildcat. With Buffalo having promising return men (Leodis McKelvin, Marquise Goodwin), as well as some promising prospects, Smith's hold on a roster spot is tenuous, in spite of restructuring his contract prior to the start of preseason.
Odds of making team: 50%
Da'Rick Rogers - Definitely the most interesting of the undrafted players signed, Rogers has the size/speed profile of a potential first round pick. The biggest reasons why he slid were multiple failed drug tests while at the University of Tennessee, as well as a perceived bad attitude/laziness. Rogers has thus far failed to make a big impact in training camp, but has the potential to develop into a #1 receiver if he can get his character questions in order. The decision on whether Rogers makes the final 53-man roster will be one of the tougher decisions that head coach Doug Marrone will have, as the likelihood of him not being signed off of the Bills' practice squad by another team are slim.
Odds of making team: 45%
Chris Hogan - Outside of the four players that are guaranteed a roster spot (Johnson, Graham, Woods and Goodwin), perhaps no player has had as solid of a training camp as Hogan. Also a solid contributor on special teams thus far, Hogan's biggest competition is likely with Brad Smith and Da'Rick Rogers.
Odds of making team: 45%
Brandon Kaufman - At 6'5", Kaufman's biggest asset is his size, which he uses well to shield the ball from defenders. Kaufman lacks great top-end speed and needs to improve his route-running in order to make himself a can't-cut kind of guy. Right now he's facing an uphill battle for a roster spot, unless an injury or surprise cut happens. A potential practice squad player.
Odds of making team: 15%
DeMarco Sampson - Despite good size (6'2", 204), Sampson doesn't have the lateral movement or explosiveness to take the top off of defenses, and is likely going to be let go in the first round of cuts.
Odds of making team: 5%
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