Nov 24, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Robert Woods (10) makes a catch in the end zone for a touchdown during the first quarter against the New York Jets at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
The second round of the 2013 NFL draft was successful for the Buffalo Bills. Linebacker Kiko Alonso won defensive rookie of the year and wide receiver Robert Woods has proved to be a consistent receiver in his first-two seasons as a professional.
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Unfortunately for Buffalo, Alonso was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for running back LeSean McCoy after sitting out his Sophomore season with a torn ACL. Woods, however, improved all-around as a receiver in his second season and proved that he can be at least a solid number two in the NFL.
As a rookie, Woods started 14 games in the Buffalo offense, catching 40 balls for 587 yards (14.7 YPC) and three touchdowns. In year two, Woods started 15 games and caught 65 passes for 699 yards (10.8 YPC) and five touchdowns.
Even though he showed improvement, it wasn’t a cake walk for Woods in 2014. He was by-then head coach Doug Marrone to step up his game after the team had acquired Mike Williams in a trade.
Sep 7, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Robert Woods (10) makes a catch against the Chicago Bears during the second half at Soldier Field. Buffalo Bills defeat the Chicago Bears 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
In year three, Woods is in a similar situation. Even coming off the successful Sophomore campaign, the second-starter spot isn’t going to be given to him. And even if it is, he’s going to be competing with a number of other offensive weapons for the ball.
General manager Doug Whaley added a number of offensive weapons this offseason. Percy Harvin is expected to take the number-three spot in the slot, and Charles Clay is a solid threat in the passing game as well. Add those two to the arsenal, along with McCoy, Fred Jackson, Sammy Watkins and others, Woods will be forced to beat his individual match-ups on a play-by-play basis each and every game.
This Summer isn’t only about getting the upper hand on the other playmakers on offense. It’s important, yes, but what Woods needs to worry about is getting in sync with each quarterback on the roster. EJ Manuel, Matt Cassel and Tyrod Taylor all have an opportunity to start in 2015.
It looks like it may be a good start for he and Cassel in OTAs, as reported by Sal Capaccio on Twitter:
Robert Woods makes a nice read to get open in middle. Cassel hits him. Sammy Watkins behind play yells "good job, Woods!"
— Sal Capaccio 🏈 (@SalSports) June 3, 2015
The receivers position battle in training camp won’t be the most important, but it will be intriguing. Barring injury, expect to see Woods compete and win the starting job opposite Watkins going into week one against the Indianapolis Colts.
Prediction: Starter #2