RB Dwayne Wright is Bills' Fourth-Round Pick

by Brian Galliford on Apr 29, 2007 11:51 AM EDT in 2007 NFL Draft

No. 111

Dwayne Wright
Running Back
Fresno State

While RB was certainly not my point of emphasis heading into Day 2 - and the needs in our defensive backfield still need to be addressed, believe me - I love this pick. Dwayne Wright is a guy that a lot of Bills fans I know have been high on, and his addition to the backfield gives the Bills an extremely versatile trio of backs in A-Train, Lynch and Wright.

As far as Wright's skills go, he has a ton of ability - he is a big guy (6'0", 228) who is a natural running back. He's got great vision, good balance and he has even been successful as a receiver out of the backfield. His size and versatility make him a great complement to Lynch in our RB stable of the future, and he actually has the ability to replace the A-Train in a two-back system very adequately once the A-Train leaves town. The only knock on Wright is his straight-line speed (4.66 40), but the way in which the Bills figure to use Wright does not necessitate huge speed. Wright will be used much in the way that the A-Train will be used - a pound between the tackles, blitz pickup, safety valve role. It meshes with Marshawn Lynch's skill set very well.

What I particularly like about Wright is that he is a family man. He is a bit older than most prospects (he'll be a 24-year-old rookie) but is married with two children. He is a very smart guy, a very hard worker and fits the character mold that Marv Levy looks for in his guys. Wright has a bright future in Buffalo as part of a multi-back system, and he could make an impact right away as a rookie if he sees enough playing time.

Cornerback, safety and linebacker have got to be the focus of our last three picks today, which will be in the sixth and seventh rounds. Leave your comments on the Wright selection below and stay tuned to Buffalo Rumblings for further Bills draft coverage.

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solid pick

Well, they obviously feel that Offense is the priority. I think we need some LB depth, but evidently they didn't feel Brian Smith, Missouri, or Zach DeOssie were the value that Wright was. Hey another weapon, and adds depth. God forbid, Lynch or Thomas gets hurt, it just adds a nice extra layer, cuz Shaud Williams/Fred Jackson are special team players at best. And I saw this guy in college a bit and he's a beast. Runs through people. The only pick I kind of regret is the Edwards one, but the best way for a QB to succeed is when he just can learn and have NO pressure to come in and play right away. I think they will give Edwards every opportunity to succeed. Now I hope they add a WR, CB, LB.

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Apr 29, 2007 12:13 PM EDT reply actions

Just an unnecessary pick

There was no need to add another RB, even if Wright could become a good player.

We don't even have a 4th LB who deserves to be on the field defensively. Our CB's are average at best with below average depth. Our 3rd safety was signed off the street midseason last year and is a liability due to his size. We have one stud WR and just a bunch of average players.

How often does a 3rd RB see the field? Maybe 50 carries a season, tops?

Depth at LB and DB was a MUCH HIGHER need than a 3rd string RB.

These last two picks may have been solid value, but totally unnecessary. They wreak of Donohoe.

by Kurupt on Apr 29, 2007 12:18 PM EDT reply actions

Not overly excited...

but not too down either. Wright has had injury problems...but if he gives us the oportunity to get rid of Thomas down the road I am happy. Living in Chicago I've seen the "A-Train" suck enough for a lifetime (during his time with the Bears)...I know he wasn't awful for us last year, but I am about as low on Thomas as I've ever been on a RB.

Writer for www.badlefthook.com and www.bloodyelbow.com both a part of the SB Nation family.

by Brent Brookhouse on Apr 29, 2007 12:19 PM EDT reply actions

Kurupt

I see your point. We need depth badly at CB, LB but hey this guy will see the field. He isn't going to ride the bench. Having Lynch is a guy who can catch 50-75 balls a year, and Wright can be our goal line guy. It adds a dynamic aspect to our offense. This gives Fairchild some weapons finally! Now only if Kevin Everett was worth a crap as a catching TE.
Might have to see Haggan or Stamer actually play LB this year....SCARY. Pos, Crowell, Ellison, Wire? That's pretty weak in my opinon

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Apr 29, 2007 12:31 PM EDT reply actions