The Buffalo Bills have been trying for years to solve their problem at wide receiver opposite Lee Evans.
Over the past few seasons, the Bills have tried veterans Terrell Owens and Josh Reed and others on the other side of Evans, but none of them could provide the coaching staff with a long-term solution. If post-draft OTA practices were any indication, they finally might be on to something.
According to player sources, former New England Patriots second-round pick WR Chad Jackson might have been the most impressive player from an offensive skill standpoint during post-draft workouts.
But it hasn’t been all rosy for Jackson.
Jackson is known in scouting circles as a height, weight and speed player, but lacks good enough route-running skills and discipline. This means he looks the part, but doesn’t play up to his talent. He opened eyes during the 2006 NFL Scouting Combine with a 40-yard dash time of 4.32 to go along with a 38.5-inch vertical jump. At 6-1, 215, a 4.32 40-yard dash time is unheard of, which could explain his rise on draft boards entering the 2006 draft.
Jackson struggled to make any kind of impact, finishing with just 13 receptions during his tenure with New England, who gave up on him shortly after his second season began.
He then played for the Denver Broncos in 2008. While he only posted one reception, Jackson learned each of the three receiver positions on offense, two of which he saw time at during Buffalo’s OTA practices.
Because Buffalo is really hurting at the receiver position, it would almost be an upset if the 25-year old former University of Florida Gator didn’t seriously challenge for a job in training camp. In fact, winning a starting job could be in the equation.
Even if Jackson puts it all together, the second receiver in Buffalo won't have much fantasy value unless the Bills offense is dramatically better than expected. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on who wins the starting job opposite Lee Evans, but shouldn't have them in their draft plans.
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