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WR James Hardy, Buffalo Bills

HT: 6-5, WT: 217, Born: 12-24-1985, College: Indiana, Drafted: Round 2

2008 Projections

Average draft position

Current as of June 28th. [Full ADP list]

Overall: A Bradshaw (143), A Peterson (144), James Hardy (145), S Alexander (147)
Position: M Clayton (134-WR50), T Ginn (136-WR51), James Hardy (145 - WR52), J Gaffney (150-WR53), D Jackson (151-WR54)
Click here for a comparison of these players.

Best Case

The Bills went into the 2007 offseason desperately hoping to upgrade the WR2 position. After failing to sign any free agents of note and passing on all the receivers in round 1, they found what they were looking for in the second round of the draft. James Hardy is one of the biggest receivers to enter the league in the past few years and his 6-foot-6 frame should make him a very effective weapon in the red zone. He was very productive in college, catching 16 TDs as a junior and 36 TDs during his three-year career at Indiana. In addition to his great size which will be a perfect complement to Lee Evans, Hardy also demonstrated impressive speed when he ran a 4.45 40 at the combine. If he can make a quick adjustment to the league, Hardy should win a starting job early on and potentially wind up as the most productive WR from this year's rookie class.

Worst Case

There were no receivers taken in the first round of the draft, perhaps indicating a lack of overall talent at the position. Although Hardy has the type of size that should give him an immediate advantage over most corners in the league, it usually takes receivers at least a full year or two before they get comfortable enough to make a big contribution. If Hardy is slow to adjust, the team has another viable option in Josh Reed who started nine games last year and is the best blocking receiver on the team.

Outlook

The Bills offense really struggled last year due to a lack of reliable options in the passing game and all their receivers were on the small side, so Hardy certainly fills a huge need on this team. While not the most polished receiver in the draft, his size will allow him to make an immediate contribution, particularly down near the goal line. Hardy shouldn't have too much difficulty earning a starting spot as Reed is much more effective working out of the slot and Roscoe Parrish is likely too small to be an every-down player. Hardy should also benefit from defenses focusing most of their attention on Marshawn Lynch and Lee Evans. We expect him to have a productive rookie season, but his value could take a huge jump in a year or two depending on whether Lee Evans is signed to an extension or not.

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2008 Schedule