What role could Marquez Stevenson have as a rookie with the Buffalo Bills?
Towards the end of the 2021 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills added more speed to this offense by selecting wide receiver Marquez Stevenson out of the University of Houston. At 5’10” and 180 pounds, Stevenson is a smaller wide receiver but has above-average speed that allows him to get separation and make plays over the top.
When considering the depth the team has at the position he is unlikely to showcase what he can do as a wide receiver. This doesn’t mean that he doesn’t have a chance to make an impact as a rookie and there is one role that he should have a chance to win this year.
Profile
Position: Wide Receiver
Age: 23
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 180 pounds
Years of Experience: R
College Stats
Marquez Stevenson played four seasons at the University of Houston and had 147 receptions, 2,269 receiving yards, 15.4 yards per reception average, and 22 receiving touchdowns. He also had 26 rushing attempts, 231 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.
Stevenson also has experience as a kick returner and during his time at the University of Houston had 34 kickoff returns with an average of 26.1 yards per return and three kickoffs returned for a touchdown.
Expectations for the 2021 season with the Buffalo Bills
The wide receiver position is one of the deepest on the Buffalo Bills roster and they have at least six players who will likely get more snaps than Stevenson. However, the Bills do have one position that they must address before the season and Marquez Stevenson should have an opportunity to be in the discussion as the team’s starting kick and punt returner.
The team lost Andre Roberts in free agency and brought in a number of players who will now compete to replace him this year. This summer the training camp battle will likely come down to three players with Isaiah McKenzie and Brandon Powell joining Stevenson for the job.
The biggest unknown for Stevenson is how he would do on punt returns as he had only three punt returns compared to 34 kickoff returns. If he shows he can be a reliable punt returner, he has a good chance to win the job this year.