Tip of the Tower
Fansided

Buffalo Bills: Pros and Cons of LeSean McCoy’s Backups

By Paul Taylor

Dec 13, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy (25) looks on prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy (25) looks on prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 7
Next
Buffalo Bills
Jul 30, 2016; Pittsford, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back James Jr. Wilder (38) talks with the media after the first session of training camp at St. John Fisher College. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /

James Jr. Wilder

Vital stats: Undrafted in 2014 / 24-years old / 6 ft 3 / 232 lbs

Career highlights: 2× USA Today HS All-American, Rivals.com High School Junior of the Year, 2012 ACC Championship Game MVP, 2013 All-ACC Honorable Mention, 2014 BCS National Champion

Pros: Has great potential, as evidenced by being called the best football athlete in High School. Built to withstand the physicality of the inside running game and is effective in short-yardage situations. Excellent at breaking tackles, resulting in his being able to churn out additional yards after first contact.

Cons: Running style exposes his frame to hits, which doesn’t help his durability issues. Never a featured back in college. Lacks breakaway speed. Another Bills running back with character issues, after multiple arrests.

Overall: Can theoretically be better in the NFL than at the college level, if he is willing/able to embrace a more aggressive running style. Unfortunately though for Wilder, he appears to be in a similar position to Herron, on the outside looking in for claiming a roster spot for the 2016 season.

Next: Already in the doghouse even though he just got here

Home/Buffalo Bills