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RB Dwayne Wright, Buffalo Bills

HT: 6-0, WT: 220, Born: 6-2-1983, College: Fresno State, Drafted: Round 4

2008 Projections

Best Case

Dwayne Wright was very productive in college at Fresno State. He is a big back who is at his best running between the tackles and in short-yardage situations, but he also is a reliable blocker with soft hands. He didn't make much of an impact during his rookie season and was passed on the depth chart by Fred Jackson, but he might have just needed some time to adjust to pro game. Given his size, he figures to be a natural fit as a goal-line specialist if the Bills decide to protect Lynch from the pounding. The team also plans to reintroduce the fullback position to their offense this year. With no established fullbacks on the roster, it's possible that Wright could be wind up there, and that might give him the best opportunity to get more involved in the offense.

Worst Case

There wasn't a whole lot expected of Wright last year since he was just a fourth round pick and buried behind Marshawn Lynch and Anthony Thomas on the depth chart. Even though Thomas is gone, things don't appear to have gotten any better this year as he'll still be third on the depth chart. Unless there is an injury or the player can carve out a niche as a specialist, third-string RBs don't generally get a chance to do much besides play on special teams. Possibly making matters worse, the Bills spent a sixth round pick to bring in a small school RB in Xavier Omon who is very similar to Wright.

Outlook

Wright looks like a player who is probably best suited to a backup role in the league as he doesn't have the explosiveness to be a full-time starter. He can do a lot of things well but doesn't seem to stand out in any particular area. Wright should remain the third-string RB or could possibly become the first-string FB in Buffalo, but either alternative means he'll likely get limited touches and have very little fantasy value.

2008 Schedule

2007 Game Summaries

Week 3 - Wright came into the game late in the fourth quarter in place of Marshawn Lynch. He averaged an impressive six yards per carry, but the game was already out of reach and the Patriots were just happy to let the time run out.

Week 4 - Wright had Buffalo's first rushing attempt, but was stopped for no gain.

Week 5 - Wright, a rookie from Fresno State, came up with a short fourth quarter catch and also had one carry in the final stanza.

Week 7 - Wright gained three, four, and three yards on his three attempts.

Week 8 - Wright filled in for Lynch carrying 12 times for 25 yards while adding a reception, good for 8 yards.

Week 9 - Wright served as the backup and played limited downs throughout the game.

Week 10 - The other Buffalo rookie RB carried once in the second quarter for one yard. If Lynch misses any game time Wright will see his role expanded.

Week 11 - Wright only ran the ball once for Buffalo in the defeat. On the very next play he caught a pass from Losman but the ball was knocked loose by the tackler's helmet. DB Randall Gay caught the fumble in midair and ran it into the end zone for the Patriots' final touchdown of the game.

Week 12 - The rookie from Fresno State was active but not a factor.

Week 13 - Wright had a couple of runs, including a long of 15.

Week 16 - The other Buffalo rookie running back came into the game with the Bills down 38 to 21 and took a handoff for the last play of the game.