Buffalo Bills: Can Greg Salas Win Number 3 Receiving Role?

One of many questions entering training camp involves the Buffalo Bills’ receiving corps, but does Greg Salas have a genuine shot at winning the coveted number three role?

When the Buffalo Bills report for training camp on Friday, there will be numerous storylines surrounding a team looking to end a 16-year playoff drought. One of them involves the depth of the wide receiver corps, or more to the point, the apparent lack of depth.

Certainly, the retirement of Percy Harvin and the loss of Chris Hogan to the New England Patriots had a detrimental impact. This leads to the question of who has the best chance to take over as the Bills’ number three receiver?

Marquise Goodwin will theoretically always have a chance based on his speed along, an asset which Rex Ryan values greatly. Unfortunately for Goodwin, he will enter camp at a disadvantage, after concentrating on his ill-fated attempts to qualify for the Rio Olympics.

More from Buffalo Bills

Another possibility is Dez Lewis, who is currently perceived as the favorite for the role. This is due in large part to his work ethic, which – as Ryan says – has seen Lewis take huge strides from where he was at during his rookie campaign.

However, the wildcard in this competition for the coveted number three receiving role, is Greg Salas. Understandably, a lot of people will be surprised to hear this, given Salas was limited to just three catches during 2015, all in the season finale.

Regardless, Salas figures to have a chance. Part of this comes down to his history in the NFL with Ryan and receivers coach, Sanjay Lal.

In that respect, the Bills head coach is paying attention to the 27-year old. As Ryan told The Buffalo News‘ Jay Skurski and the rest of the media: “I think he played pretty well for us at the end of the year.

“We’re actually looking at him returning punts, as well. So he’s doing a nice job.”

Speaking to Bills Insider Chris Brown, Lal added: “He’s very smart, understands football, works hard – what he lacks is elite, top end speed, explosion, but he more than makes up for it in how he can separate by leaning in, using his physicality.

Nov 24, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Greg Salas (17) against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /

“He’s gotten better at releasing over the years. Great catch radius, strong hands – I think he can be a force in the slot and as a third down receiver.”

From Salas’ point of view, he is determined to make the most of this opportunity in Buffalo. The Bills are his sixth team since being drafted in the fourth round in 2011, so he knows he’s living on borrowed time to show he can have an impact in the NFL.

Regardless, the former New York Jet is hoping to build on his performance against his former team, at the end of last season. Speaking to KHON2 Sports Director Rob DeMello, he said: “Getting the opportunity with the Bills last season to finish on a strong note, that was big for me.

“I took that, carried that into the off-season and I’m looking to carry it into this season as well. (I’m) just excited for this new season and excited to get back into football.”

More from Tip of the Tower

While there are understandable doubts about Salas’ ability to make his mark, keep in mind he did have an impressive rookie year with the St. Louis Rams. He finished with 27 catches and 263 yards in six appearances, which projects to 72 receptions and 701 yards over the course of a full season.

Of course, this doesn’t change the fact the Chino, California native’s productivity has decreased since then. Regardless, he’s focused on what lies ahead: “My mindset is always just to train hard and work for these opportunities and when they come make the most of it.”

“So I’ll be working to get my name in the roster conversation and ultimately get the security of being in the same place year after year. That’s what I’m trying to do.”

Overall, while you can make a case for Salas to take the number three spot, he will likely fall short. However, he should still earn a place on the roster, especially when you take into account his punt-return ability.

Next: Richie Incognito opens up about bullying scandal

What’s your take on Greg Salas’ challenge for the number three spot in the Bills receiving corps? Further, who do you think will end up claiming the role, for Week 1 of the regular season? Let us know in the comments section below.

Home/Buffalo Bills