Updated Buffalo Bills Depth Chart: Where does Marquez Stevenson fit?

After focusing on the defensive and offensive line with their first four picks, the Buffalo Bills turned their attention to the wide receiver position with the selection of Marquez Stevenson out of the University of Houston. He was the first of three sixth round picks that the Buffalo Bills had on Day 3 and was selected 203rd overall.

He is a player that has plenty of speed and eventually could become the team’s starting slot receiver in a few years after Cole Beasley. However, as a rookie, Stevenson likely won’t see much time at that spot but could carve out playing time in two other ways.

The first, and the most likely path, is as a kick returner. The Buffalo Bills lost Andre Roberts this offseason as he signed with the Houston Texans in free agency. Roberts had been the team’s primary returner the past two seasons and his departure creates a big hole.

Stevenson is someone who was a pretty good returner on kickoffs at the University of Houston and had 34 kickoff returns for an average of 26.1 yards per return. This is an average that increased every season from 22.4 yards to 27.8 yards and then this past season to 36.3 yards, although it was only five games. He also finished with three touchdowns on kickoffs returned the past two years.

Another route Stevenson could find towards some playing time is as a gadget player in the offense, similar to what Isaiah McKenzie brings. The challenge as a rookie is that the Bills still have McKenzie and this is not a role that sees a high volume of snaps in the offense.

However, if McKenzie were to miss an extended period of time, then Marquez Stevenson would be the logical replacement in this role. The addition of Marquez Stevenson is a good depth piece for the offense but could have a significant impact on special teams.