Fantasy Potential: C.J. Spiller

Much has been made about the Buffalo Bills drafting C.J. Spiller with their first pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.

While rumors have been floating around for months that running back Marshawn Lynch was (or even still is) on the trading block, the front office still denies they are actively shopping Lynch. And even more, few people in the Bills organization are pointing to Spiller as the franchise’s new every-down back.

In fact, it’s looking more and more like Spiller could actually be used more as a receiver than as a runner in 2010, while also giving a helping hand in the return game.

The truth is, Spiller doesn’t have the size or bulk to handle a full load at the NFL level, and it remains to be determined if he has the power and durability to hack it in between the tackles.

That’s not to say he doesn’t have the potential for it, but it’s unlikely 2010 will be show-casing Spiller as the top back in this year’s rookie class. No, that title likely belongs to new San Diego Chargers running back, Ryan Mathews.

Regardless, Spill still has elite speed, agility, and explosiveness, and will by no means go wasted in his first season.

The trick is, as a fantasy owner, one needs to asses exactly what Spiller does bring to the table, and how he will be used in his first season.

As long as Marshawn Lynch is in town, he and Fred Jackson will be the main one-two punch in the rushing attack. That gives Spiller a few carries here and there as a situational back, both on third downs, as well as any passing situations.

However, there has also been some talk that Spiller’s small frame and shifty body could be best utilized (at least initially) in the slot.

Buffalo lost Terrell Owens and Josh Reed in the off-season, and unless they add more help at receiver, they’ll need some more talent to get some looks in the passing game.

Believe it or not, that’s where Spiller is most likely to make his biggest impact. Call him the next Reggie Bush all you want, but the thinking here is actually more along the lines of Minnesota’s PercyHarvin.

Harvin was a raw but extremely physically gifted and explosive weapon coming out of Florida in 2009, and the Vikings simply catered to what he had to offer immediately, rather than pigeon-hole him into any one area.

The same approach should be taken in Buffalo with Spiller, as he has the hands, vision, and athleticism to make magic happen in the open field. This obviously means he can be an effective pass-catcher in the backfield, by why limit his touches?

Spiller fills a need at receiver, can still return kicks, and will also be available for plays out of the backfield, just like Harvin was for the Vikings in 2009.

The simple reality is that when you have a guy as talented as Spiller, Harvin, or even Reggie Bush, you find a way to get the ball in his hands as much as possible.

Spiller shouldn’t be a first, second, or even third-round pick in standard fantasy drafts, but his skill-set and overall talent level suggests he could be a mighty steal anywhere from the fourth-round and beyond.

Factor in his return potential in leagues that award return yards and scores, and you’ve suddenly got yourself a dynamite fantasy performer.

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