Spiller Drawing Comparisons To Vikings WR Harvin
by Brian Galliford on Jul 14, 2010 2:01 PM EDT
in Buffalo Bills Opinion
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PrintIn the months and weeks leading up to the 2010 NFL Draft, Clemson running back C.J. Spiller repeatedly was compared to Saints running back Reggie Bush by draft experts far and wide. With very similar athletic abilities, size and body type, the comparison was apt, as both were elite playmakers at the college level.
However, now that Spiller is with the Buffalo Bills, Rob Rang - senior analyst at NFLDraftScout.com - believes that Spiller's rookie role will more closely resemble the role that Vikings receiver Percy Harvin played during his AP Rookie of the Year performance in 2009.
It isn't a surprise that Buffalo would use Spiller at receiver, necessarily. A similarly gifted athlete as Reggie Bush, many forecasted that he'd be used in a similar capacity as the New Orleans' Saints all-purpose dynamo.
Depending on how many times the creative Gailey moves Spiller wide, the former ACC Player of the Year could actually play a role more similar to the one Percy Harvin played with the Minnesota Vikings last year.
Harvin caught 60 passes, ran the ball 15 times, and returned 42 kicks during his rookie season. His biggest impact arguably came as a returner, where he consistently flipped field position for the Vikings, and was the only player in the league not named Josh Cribbs to return more than one kick for a score. Clearly, he plays a different "traditional" position than Spiller will, but Spiller will be getting a lot more than 15 carries, barring a health issue.
Athletically, Spiller, Bush and Harvin are all in the same mold - roughly the same size with "video game speed" - but Spiller could be used more than either of the two elder speed demons. Bush didn't return a kick as a rookie (though he did return 28 punts, one for a score), but did log 155 carries and 88 receptions. I'd be shocked if Spiller approached Bush's receiving numbers, but Harvin's aren't completely out of the question. Unlike Bush and Harvin, Spiller is likely to see significant work as a running back, receiver, and kick returner, and could get a few punt return opportunities as well.
Anyone want to take a stab at projecting Spiller's number of touches in all three (or four, if you want to count punt returning) areas?
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So ironic!
My fantasy commissioner just sent out the league invitation this morning, and so I was looking through players, and saw how high Spiller is ranked, and thought to myself, “I want this guy on my team, he’s going to be the Percy Harvin of 2010!”
"Pressure is when you don't prepare, and I know I've prepared myself..."
-C.J. Spiller
Receptions – 50 for 800 yards
Rushing – 100 carries for 500 yards
Return game – Id like to see him split KR reps with McKelvin and maybe he’ll return 1 for a score. But Id like to see Parrish as our initial PR, we’ll see how that goes.
Total TD’s = 10 (5 receiving, 4 rushing & 1 KR)
Old school Bills tattoo [ √ ] Old school Sabres tattoo [ √ ] ... see the avatar.
Lets Go Buffalo!!
Does anyone else hate the idea of using our #1 pick as a kick returner?
Those guys get clocked and blown up a lot…
Not if they’re good at what they do…
by Brian Galliford on Jul 14, 2010 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions
If that is all he does, then yes. He better be Chris Johnson and Percy Harvin rolled into one.
"I’m not sure if I disagree with this being the logic behind Nix’s decisions or if I disagree with this logic if it is what lead Nix to address the positions he did, but I definitely disagree with something." - kaisertown
Jeez. And I thought I was setting high expectations…
by Brian Galliford on Jul 14, 2010 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Well if he is not, then we had no business taking him....bigger needs at QB, LT, etc...........
"I’m not sure if I disagree with this being the logic behind Nix’s decisions or if I disagree with this logic if it is what lead Nix to address the positions he did, but I definitely disagree with something." - kaisertown
Can’t he just be good? Or excellent? Does he have to be some sort of multiplication of two of the best players in the game?
by Brian Galliford on Jul 14, 2010 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions
I didn't say he had to be like Peyton Manning or Drew Brees :-)
and No, you don’t draft a guy that high at a position like RB to be just good. You draft him to be like AP or CJ.
"I’m not sure if I disagree with this being the logic behind Nix’s decisions or if I disagree with this logic if it is what lead Nix to address the positions he did, but I definitely disagree with something." - kaisertown
Well, you draft him to have their type of impact, certainly. But he’s a different player is my point. :)
by Brian Galliford on Jul 14, 2010 6:34 PM EDT up reply actions
agreed........he is not going to have the same running style as AP.
"I’m not sure if I disagree with this being the logic behind Nix’s decisions or if I disagree with this logic if it is what lead Nix to address the positions he did, but I definitely disagree with something." - kaisertown
Eyeroll
He better be….CJ. Let CJ and Gailey find his niche. He is on this team, now its time to utilize him to the best of his ability. Not tear him apart because he isnt who you wanted.
Life is a garden, dig it - Joe Dirt
Agreed. But i guess im tired of people still being upset over the draft. The season is coming quick, Lets see what this team can do, instead of pondering on what could’ve/should’ve been done. There is plenty of time for that between january and the draft
Life is a garden, dig it - Joe Dirt
I think upset is a bit strong
We passed on a lot of guys who would have filled glaring needs for a RB, which was a position of relative strength. The only way I would have done that is if I believed that RB was truly special. I just want Spiller to live up to where he was drafted and be an impact player. I don’t want him to be the RB version of Whitner.
"I’m not sure if I disagree with this being the logic behind Nix’s decisions or if I disagree with this logic if it is what lead Nix to address the positions he did, but I definitely disagree with something." - kaisertown
I can appreciate that sentiment. But what was the thing that nearly everyone said this offseason? It was “We have a bunch of good players, but no great players”. Spiller looks to have great ability. Of course, it’s no lock. However, putting a player with a lot of ability into a position where he can grow and not have a ton of pressure on him right off the bat is probably the best scenario for growing a superstar. After all, isn’t that what we’ve been wanting them to do with a theoretical rookie QB for a few years now?
Official ledge-talker-offer of the Buffalo Bills.
by WhyBillsWhy on Jul 15, 2010 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions
True, but playing QB is very different from playing RB and returning kicks
IMO, RB is one of the easiest positions for a rookie to start and make an impact. Generally, they don’t struggle with running the ball……it is usually blitz pickups while pass protecting that gets them. And, I want Spiller to be that great player. If he isn’t, then CHIX made a mistake. I don’t think performing under pressure is the issue. Players have to be able to handle pressure. I think the real key is not putting the kid in a situation he is not ready for, and that is on the coaches.
In a surprise move, the Bills will not be having any official water at all. Instead, in another Brilliant marketing coup, Russ Brandon has entered into a agreement with Kraft Foods Company to make KoolAid the official drink of the Bills. When asked about the reasoning for the switch, Brandon said,"Fans are not drinking enough of it on their own….how the hell am I supposed to sell tickets with Butch and Sundance calling the shots?" KoolAid will also to replace pop and beer at the concessions stands at the Ralph. This was apparently Nix’s idea, who was quoted, "I don’t give two shakes of piss what they want to drink….It is the only way fans are going to leave happy cuz we ain’t going to be winning a whole lota games…..don’t tell season ticket holders I said that".
Not if they were so good in college that you can actually expect a few touchdowns by them as a returner.
Dear God,
If we give you Justin Bieber, can you please give us back Kurt Cobain?
Amen
by CanadianBillsFan on Jul 14, 2010 10:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Spiller
I’m thinking 700 total touches. Maybe 200 receptions, another 300 carries, say 150 returns and he’ll play QB and throw 50 passes too. All that will approach 7000 yards. He’s destined to break 50 TD’s this year, as well. Next year will be when he really breaks out though.
~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."
by Kurupt on Jul 14, 2010 2:49 PM EDT via mobile reply actions 5 recs
Me too!!!!!
Whatagatapitusberry. Did u like my strawberry come and get some spagetti. And. I will crush you like a mascaracachimibi. I am craking up guys. Just left the hospitals you the BR are the freaking best. Godzilla nation demolition Kruger Crushers. Smack down fans in the N.F.L. And. You can take that to the bank . This is our year one hand when u close it it becomes the. Fist of Fury We stand as one. And nobody can move us. BuYAaaaaaaaaaa
-abayarde
Ah....
there you go again K being overly optimistic as usual- LOL.
Whatagatapitusberry. Did u like my strawberry come and get some spagetti. And. I will crush you like a mascaracachimibi. I am craking up guys. Just left the hospitals you the BR are the freaking best. Godzilla nation demolition Kruger Crushers. Smack down fans in the N.F.L. And. You can take that to the bank . This is our year one hand when u close it it becomes the. Fist of Fury We stand as one. And nobody can move us. BuYAaaaaaaaaaa
-abayarde
Rec'd by the way
Whatagatapitusberry. Did u like my strawberry come and get some spagetti. And. I will crush you like a mascaracachimibi. I am craking up guys. Just left the hospitals you the BR are the freaking best. Godzilla nation demolition Kruger Crushers. Smack down fans in the N.F.L. And. You can take that to the bank . This is our year one hand when u close it it becomes the. Fist of Fury We stand as one. And nobody can move us. BuYAaaaaaaaaaa
-abayarde
Oooops
That total should be closer to 10,000 yards. When he’s averaging 40 yards per return, those yards add up quickly!
~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."
by Kurupt on Jul 14, 2010 3:30 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Yeah.....now you have crossed the line :-)
"I’m not sure if I disagree with this being the logic behind Nix’s decisions or if I disagree with this logic if it is what lead Nix to address the positions he did, but I definitely disagree with something." - kaisertown
NOW he did? before was just like, dead on.. right? Riiiiggggghhhht... : )
nothing before was outta question… nope… but 10000 yards…. that one is just silly. haha that’s funny.
FS Jairus Byrd aka the Buffalo Bills' Silver Lining
that was an attempt at sarcasm :)
"I’m not sure if I disagree with this being the logic behind Nix’s decisions or if I disagree with this logic if it is what lead Nix to address the positions he did, but I definitely disagree with something." - kaisertown
as was mine. am in total agreement w ya. haha
: )
FS Jairus Byrd aka the Buffalo Bills' Silver Lining
by Ren Diggity on Jul 14, 2010 10:17 PM EDT up reply actions
if only the MVP was more like the nobel peace prize
We could just award it to him now based on these projections…
25 receptions for 200yards
150 carries for 675 yards
1 Return for TD
"Hold ya chin up...nuh nuh nuh...gone" -Marshawn Lynch-
RBs generally don’t get that many yards on a catch because they often catch it behind the line of scrimmage. his YAC will likely exceed his reception yards.
I have to do a second part on my BUFFALO BILLS against the Miami phinis tuna whales stinky salmon fishy stonko
-abayarde, still a genius
check out my music! http://prophetikmusic.net
yac still count in reception yardage…I think
by Buffalo Mo on Jul 15, 2010 8:09 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
As A Gator Fan I can only hope that Spiller comes close to what Harvin accomplished last season.
As far as I know Spiller doesn’t have a problem with migraines but that could change running behind the Bills O-line!
The only difference between me and a madman is that I'm not mad
-- Salvador Dali
listen to these jokes
HA HA … very funny. : )
seriously though, a guy like him automatically makes a line better, as they barely even have to do anything. just existing gives him some room, and then a little bit of movement on their part, which really isn’t too much to ask, can provide the space he needs, which is minimal. AND he can catch? ridiculous… I made a Harvin comparison a few months before the draft, but it is almost a limitation to not let him be a pure RB and also use him in special packages to be another passing weapon as well… Basically, you can never have too much talent.
FS Jairus Byrd aka the Buffalo Bills' Silver Lining
Pessimist: Spiller will blow out his knee on his first carry at Bills camp, which is 8 days into training because he held out.
Realist: 80 Carries for 350 yards 1 TD, 45 catches for 375 yards 1TD & 1 return TD.
Optimist: 150 carries for 750 yards, 3TDs, 65 catches 650 yards 2 TDs & 2 return TDs
realistically speaking
your TDs are low, unless your expectations are lower. If our RBs generate avg of 2 tds against this coming season, say goodbye to our team.
The only other logic one could argue then is that Ralph is trying to ensure total suck of our team so much so, that the only reason it exists is our love of it, and NO ONE that isn’t a Bills’ fan would EVERbuy it, thus ensuring its longevity in the area by default..
FS Jairus Byrd aka the Buffalo Bills' Silver Lining
meant
avg of 2 tds again this season, as Fred and Marshawn avg TDs was 2 each last year, and i would hope that the jump isn’t only adding another RB who can add 2 more TDs. Unless we are gonna carry like 30 RBs so that we have enough guys that only can manage 2 TDs each so that we could still make a run at the playoffs
FS Jairus Byrd aka the Buffalo Bills' Silver Lining
I think Marshawn is the goaline back. I think (assuming Marshawn isn’t traded) that he will have at least 5 rushing tds which means spiller needs to score from 5 yards out or more.
My realist TD prediction is:
Lynch 6 rushing 0 receiving
Jackson 2 rushing 2 receiving.
I dont think spiller will touch the ball much more than 10 times per game on offense. His numbers might be very close to McCoy’s last year. Of course all that could change if Lynch or Jackson get injured.
LT
Someone posted some great videos of Spiller a couple weeks ago and all I could think was that Buddy thought he’d found his next LaDanian Tomlinson. Something about the way he was finding holes around the goal line and obviously the big play ability.
Spiller’s rookie role will more closely resemble the role that Vikings receiver Percy Harvin
I’m liking the sound of that. Hopefully minus the migraines. We already have one guy with “Terell Davis Syndrome.”
Blunder & Lightning......easy decision
Let’s just give the ball to C.J on kickoffs and let him embarrass the opposing special teams instead of Leodis McFumblin’. Did anyone else catch that C.J. is an abbreviation for Chris Johnson? We may have the next 2,000 yard scat back of the future!
Can’t wait until Training camp at St. John Fisher. Go Bills!
by Buffalo Blakeslee on Jul 14, 2010 3:50 PM EDT reply actions
Why say that about McKelvin, he was a beast on returns in 08 and he earns a horrible nickname from one mistake in 09? Had he scored a TD the next game, would you still be calling him that? Had the defense made one of the two stops they had to, would you?
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THIS IS BUFFALO NATION GODZILLA HAS AWAKEN - abayarde
SBNation Denver: Because the Rapids are people too!
by UZ on Jul 15, 2010 5:38 AM EDT up reply actions
Not only was his fumble a mistake but it was a very selfish mistake that could have ended a long streak of losing against our bitter rivals and possibly propelled us to a better start of the season. I was sitting front row the very next game vs. Tampa Bay and no he did not return anything that game either. So until he proves me wrong I will go with the young rook
by Buffalo Blakeslee on Jul 15, 2010 8:03 AM EDT up reply actions
So until he proves me wrong I will go with the young rook
Wouldnt the “young rook” (Spiller) have to show you something too though? Im not disagreeing with you that Spiller should get some time at KR, because I think he should split time with McKelvin back there… but Spiller has yet to show anything on an NFL field. I expect him too… but its tough to side with your arguement when you say that McKelvin has to show you something, but youre going with Spiller. Ya know?
Old school Bills tattoo [ √ ] Old school Sabres tattoo [ √ ] ... see the avatar.
Lets Go Buffalo!!
Completely off-topic: are you related to a Jimmy Blakeslee?
by Brian Galliford on Jul 15, 2010 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m usually the first guy to go nuts about young, promising players and God knows I have come to LOVE the C.J. Spiller-pick, but gents we seriously need to take it a bit easy on the expectations for the guy, at least in his rookie season. To expect the guy to resemble Chris Johnson and Percy Harvin and their production in his first season is a bit far fetched imo. Look, our WR-corps will probably stink in 2010 (Lee is a very good WR, but the rest of the guys have yet to prove anything; Stevie will serve as a solid 3. WR, I’m confident, but who’s going to take over next to Lee as 2. WR? Easley or Hardy, in all likelihood, but expect both to struggle), our QB-situation is horrible and our O-line will likely be a stinker as well. This will limit the damage our running attack can do, I guarentee it. Everybody is going to stack the box against us and see what we do; my point is as much as I like our three RB’s, particularly C.J. and Fred, they need running lanes and I don’t believe our O-line is skilled enough to provide that, especially when teams with strong run defenses like the Packers, Jets, Ravens, Steelers, Bengals, Vikings (all top ten run defenses in 2009) stack the box.
I expect C.J. to have a good rookie season, but I don’t believe +1000 yards rushing
"The one commonality in both places (Oakland and Buffalo) is an aging owner who keeps interfering too much. Ralph Wilson continually butts his nose in the football operation and tells the team who to draft"
by BillsfanfromDenmark on Jul 14, 2010 5:33 PM EDT reply actions
I don't think....
the running game is gonna be too bad. Brian pointed out in another article that that was the strength of our offensive line last year- run blocking. And with CJ split wide or in the slot and Lee on the other side, ain’t no way the defense can stack the box in that situation. I can’t wait to see a bubble screen set up for CJ either. If Chan lives up to his rep as a guy that sets up his offense according to his personnel, he’s got a lot of options to use in the backfield and coming out of it. We’ll just have to wait and see. Right now it’s all conjecture, but I think some semblance of a dangerous offense can be created from the players we have. Here’ hoping Chan comes through!!!!
Whatagatapitusberry. Did u like my strawberry come and get some spagetti. And. I will crush you like a mascaracachimibi. I am craking up guys. Just left the hospitals you the BR are the freaking best. Godzilla nation demolition Kruger Crushers. Smack down fans in the N.F.L. And. You can take that to the bank . This is our year one hand when u close it it becomes the. Fist of Fury We stand as one. And nobody can move us. BuYAaaaaaaaaaa
-abayarde
I'm gnna go with...
165 carries for 800 yards and 6 TDs.
60 receptions for 725 yards and 4 TDs.
85 Punt/Kick returns (combined) for 1100 yards and 3 TDs.
High expectations, I know, but I consider them totally atteinable. Especially since I think that he should be our main punt and kick returner this year.
Dear God,
If we give you Justin Bieber, can you please give us back Kurt Cobain?
Amen
by CanadianBillsFan on Jul 14, 2010 6:55 PM EDT reply actions
do the math
3 receptions per game comes to 48. takes a few to the house, catches a few screens for losses. all told, a solid 10.5 per catch, about 504 yards with 4 tds.
12 runs per game, averages 4.5 per carry, 54 yards per game, 864 yards rushing, takes 6 to the end zone.
kickoff returns, averages 3 per game, takes 3 to the house, averages 27 per touch. about 1096 yds in kickoff return yardage.
combined total yardade, 2464 yards….
rookie of the year
by simonpure on Jul 14, 2010 10:03 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Reced. Very simular to mine, but much better at explaining it.
Dear God,
If we give you Justin Bieber, can you please give us back Kurt Cobain?
Amen
by CanadianBillsFan on Jul 14, 2010 10:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Rec’d. wow I’m off today.
Dear God,
If we give you Justin Bieber, can you please give us back Kurt Cobain?
Amen
by CanadianBillsFan on Jul 14, 2010 10:21 PM EDT up reply actions
12 runs per game
Yeesh…. i’m hoping for a little more out of our first round pick RB. I am almost operating on the assumption he will be out there as often as humanly possible, ie starting. i am not going to be surprised to see us in dual backs, 3wr 1te 2rb shotgun, and a number of wishbown, or at very least power running formations. Throw in some wildcat, and accept our strength is in the run game now, and that should only serve to assist our signal callers.
we do agree on one point….
rookie of the year
awwww yeee ah.
FS Jairus Byrd aka the Buffalo Bills' Silver Lining
sorry that was to simonpure
to add though, in regards to projected use of Spiller: i don’t know that he would get more than 15 touches… so i can’t say i disagree necessarily. i think the difficulty in projecting is we could end up being “high-powered”, or “balanced” or “run heavy” and we really don’t know. we should assume with the running that we could be going for a more Vikings mold with fast guys outside, big guys inside; but at the same time it could be like Tennessee or San Diego, with some of what i like to call “Power Passing” in which they use a lot of bigger WRs and TEs to assist with blocking, or chip and then find a pocket to be a safety valve receiver. Regardless, those offenses can offer a good amount of protection, as well as larger targets for the QB to locate. They also both effectively utilize RBs in the passing game, as well as taking Percy Harvin’s unique abilities into consideration (though they may expand on that further as more plays from the backfield or reverses and such similar to Florida) as I feel is the closest comparison that can be drawn to what Chan would like to do with his offense. He wants to use those unique abilities guys bring, and focus on that for a system. You know, the only way to do it. Trying to force guys to grow into spots they don’t fit just ends up disappointing everyone. Take guys that do the job, have done the job, and want to keep doing the job, and let ’em. Easier said, than done, but that is the name of the game. Find guys that can play, rather than compounding your problems.
FS Jairus Byrd aka the Buffalo Bills' Silver Lining
by Ren Diggity on Jul 14, 2010 10:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Spiller '10
Rec: 65 for 598 (9.2 per) 4 TDs
Rush: 180 for 830 (4.6 per) 5 TDs
Ret: 30 for 780 (26 per) 1 TD
He will take over return duties once Leodis becomes starting CB. He will start slow at RB but get more carries as the injury bug bites Fjax or Lynch, a few reverses and trick plays mixed in as well. As the weather gets nasty Spiller will be a nice extra option for Chan to have up his sleeve too. Captain Checkdown will become best friends with Spiller on the screens and dump offs.
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