Player Spotlight: Willis McGahee (1 Viewer)

[Jason Wood]

2006 Player Spotlight Series

Over the course of the offseason, we will be evaluating a multitude of players at every fantasy position. One such way we go about that is through the Player Spotlight series. Think of the Spotlights as a permanent record on some of the more intriguing players for the upcoming season. Each Spotlight will be featured in an article on the main website.

Thread Topic: Willis McGahee, RB, Buffalo Bills

Player Page Link: Willis McGahee Player Page

Each article will include:

Detailed viewpoint from a Footballguys staff member
Highlighted member commentary from the message board threads
FBG Projections
Consensus Member ProjectionsThe Rules

In order for this thread to provide sustainable value, we ask that you follow a few simple guidelines:

Focus commentary on the player in question, and your expectations for said player
Back up your expectations in whatever manner you deem appropriate; avoid posts that simply say "I hate him" or "He's the best"
To be included in the final synopsis and consensus outlook, you MUST provide projections for the playerProjections should include (at a minimum):

For QBs: Passing Yards, Passing TDs, Ints, Rush Yards, Rush TDs
For RBs: Rushes, Rushing Yards, Rush TDs, Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDs
For WRs & TEs: Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDsBest of Luck and ENJOY!

 

[Andy Dufresne]

They have no QB, one decent WR, and a horrendous o-line.

Rush - 900/5

Rec - 25/150/1

I can't think of a player that most people like that I like less than this guy.

 

[TME]

I like the fact that Willis is a work horse back and will get his carries. He needs to do more with them, but that speaks to the overall Bill's offensive struggles. Last year, only 10 backs got more than 300 carries, and Willis was one of them. I look for him to be a top 10 carry back again this year, but with slightly improved productivity.

Rushing - 1,300 yards, 8 TDs

Receiving - 180 yards, 0 TDs

I think there's upside to these scoring numbers as well depending on the Bill's overall offensive performance.

 

[perry147]

The Bills are horrible on offense and with either Holcomb or J.P. Losman QBing the team, defenses will load up to stop the run. McGahee was once touted as if he was in the same class as Edge, but I think that has more to do with their Alma moraders then actual abilities.

Rush 1,100, 6 TDs

Rec 200, 0 TDs

 

[-OZ-]

Without many noticeable differences on offense, although I think Losman would improve some, and Holcomb or Nall would be alright, not great. I see a slight improvement from last year, but not much of one. I do expect to see him take more of a role in the receiving game, unless Everitt or another TE steps up big.

Rushing: 1300 / 7

Receiving: 33 / 220 / 1

Overall a pretty decent bargain in the 2nd round.

 

[diesel7982]

Same QBs, worse WRs, worse TEs, worse OL, and a team that doesnt seem to want to be there.

300/1100/6

25/150/0

And a bunch of silly trade demands in the offseason.

 

[Kiddnets]

Man has Willis fallen - not sure of exact numbers but 2 yrs ago I signed him to a 2 yr contract - was counting on him being my #1 RB in a 12 team league - I now have him as my #3 RB. I think Buff will be terrible.

 

[-OZ-]

Man has Willis fallen - not sure of exact numbers but 2 yrs ago I signed him to a 2 yr contract - was counting on him being my #1 RB in a 12 team league - I now have him as my #3 RB. I think Buff will be terrible.

This is true, the question is whether you see his talent in a bad situation as an opportunity to buy low, or if he'll never live up to the potential. (FWIW, he's my #2 in a 16 team league)

 

[joffer]

I don't see him getting less carries than last year, so I'll give him 335. Keep the YPC about the same, so 1300 rushing yards. The 5 TDs last year seems like a bit of an anomaly for that many carries, I'll give him one more this year. Slight increased involvement in the passing game, and I end up with

335/1300/6

32/200/0

 

[mlball77]

He's a tough one to project, imo... McGahee has tons of talent, but a poor o-line and shaky QB situation hurt his value.

Rush Yds: 1225

Rush Tds: 6

Recs: 25

Rec Yds: 170

Rec Tds: 0

 

[JMJ]

Agree with most here. Excellent talent; undesirable situation.

I expect slightly better numbers then last year though since the defense should be improved and I expect Holcombe to start all season (barring injury) and play better then Losman and better then he himself did last season.

Rushing = 1,200-1,300 yds - 8-10 TDs

Receiving = 150-250 yds - 0 TDs

Willis should be a mid-to-late second round pick.

 

[Thorpe]

McGahee was overweight and out of shape last year. He needs to come into camp in better shape and lighter. He also needs to keep his mouth shut this year, and work harder. I think he has a good year for a bad team. There will be a lot of garbage time carries. Compared to last year, everything has to be better. Losman has a year in the league. Moulds is gone, which is one fewer cancer on the team. Benny Anderson and Mike Williams are gone, so that is 725 pounds of jello not on the line. Teague is also gone. With a new coach and GM, the team should have more charcter. The play calling ,especially in the red zone was horrible last year.

1400 yards 13 TDs

28 rec 150 yards

 

[jurb26]

McGahee was overweight and out of shape last year. He needs to come into camp in better shape and lighter.

1400 yards 13 TDs

28 rec 150 yards

Reports are that even though he missed the mini camps, Willis came back in better shape then he left in and looked very good.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

The numbers of 300+ carries with 1200 yards and 6 tds seems terribly reminiscent of Jamal Lewis' numbers from 2-3 years ago.

 

[Banger]

The numbers of 300+ carries with 1200 yards and 6 tds seems terribly reminiscent of Jamal Lewis' numbers from 2-3 years ago.

Was thinking the same thing. Not really surprising though. Good back but the teams only option and the opposition will be keying on them every play. Will get yards due to the # of carries but td chances are minimal since they can't consistently move the ball.....

 

[mozzy84]

McGahee was overweight and out of shape last year. He needs to come into camp in better shape and lighter. He also needs to keep his mouth shut this year, and work harder. I think he has a good year for a bad team. There will be a lot of garbage time carries. Compared to last year, everything has to be better. Losman has a year in the league. Moulds is gone, which is one fewer cancer on the team. Benny Anderson and Mike Williams are gone, so that is 725 pounds of jello not on the line. Teague is also gone. With a new coach and GM, the team should have more charcter. The play calling ,especially in the red zone was horrible last year.

1400 yards 13 TDs

28 rec 150 yards

 

[renesauz]

Same QBs, worse WRs, worse TEs, worse OL, and a team that doesnt seem to want to be there.

300/1100/6

25/150/0

And a bunch of silly trade demands in the offseason.

My thought also, although I see potential upside if the line and QB play improves even a little. Worth a chance as a RB2, with the potential to be a solid RB1.There aren't many RB's harder to project this year, so I'd go with Diesel's projections..for now

 

[Rev]

McGahee has quietly amassed 2375 yards and 18 TDs over the past two seasons, to go with 50 receptions for 347 yards... all of which on a team that has had problems sustaining drives and which has struggled to assemble any kind of dependable offensive scheme. Though it isn't realistic to expect that all of the Bills' problems will dissappear this season, some improvement is plausable. McGahee will benefit from an improved passing game, longer drives, and more touches.

340 rushes, 1325 yards and 10 TDs

32 receptions, 210 yards and 1 TD

 

[David Yudkin]

Anyone else concerned by the fact that Willis had 40+ more carries but 8 fewer TD? What's changed for the better that people are projecting him for 10-13 TD?

 

[by_the_sea_wannabe]

I don't see anyting in Buffalo to suspect Willis will be much better than last year (same crappy OL and qb situation, and lost the best wr they had).

330 att. 1353 yards 7 TD 33 rec. 228 yds. 0 TD

 

[TME]

McGahee was overweight and out of shape last year. He needs to come into camp in better shape and lighter. He also needs to keep his mouth shut this year, and work harder. I think he has a good year for a bad team. There will be a lot of garbage time carries. Compared to last year, everything has to be better. Losman has a year in the league. Moulds is gone, which is one fewer cancer on the team. Benny Anderson and Mike Williams are gone, so that is 725 pounds of jello not on the line. Teague is also gone. With a new coach and GM, the team should have more charcter. The play calling ,especially in the red zone was horrible last year.

1400 yards 13 TDs

28 rec 150 yards

So very true. Willis could easily have been an 8 TD guy for sure last year, maybe even 8-10, but the red zone calls were head scratchers. And, I do not mean simply inside the 20, I mean inside the 5 where (considering the team) the plan should have simply been give Willis the ball 3 times often involved wasted opportunites and odd calls seeming to do nothing other than try to force feed some TD production into the passing game vs. having it come more naturally.

 

[wannabee]

Anyone else concerned by the fact that Willis had 40+ more carries but 8 fewer TD? What's changed for the better that people are projecting him for 10-13 TD?

David, to me, the main difference between 2004 and 2005 was the defense did not seem to be as good. In addition, being lazy and not looking it up, I would guess that the 2004 Bills defense had several more takeaways than the 2005 version. Many of these 2004 turnovers led to short TD run by Willis. Also, the QB change was a big difference between the two years.So, for me, the 2006 Bills (and Willis) look much more like the 2005 version than the 2004 version.

 

[Spartans Rule]

I don't know much about O-lines, but Chris Smith ranked Buffalo's dead last in the league. That's hard to ignore.

I do know something about QBs, and Buffalo's QB situation has to be pretty close to last in the league. They also lost their best WR.

Willis is a great talent, but there isn't a much worse looking fantasy situation. He'll be a RB2 just on volume, but that's about it.

320-1184-6

35-245-1

 

[ChampBailey24]

IMO the poor team will mostly affect his TDs. I predict something like 1320 rushing yards along with 7 TDs with about 250 receivng yards.

 

[David Yudkin]

Anyone else concerned by the fact that Willis had 40+ more carries but 8 fewer TD?  What's changed for the better that people are projecting him for 10-13 TD?

David, to me, the main difference between 2004 and 2005 was the defense did not seem to be as good. In addition, being lazy and not looking it up, I would guess that the 2004 Bills defense had several more takeaways than the 2005 version. Many of these 2004 turnovers led to short TD run by Willis. Also, the QB change was a big difference between the two years.So, for me, the 2006 Bills (and Willis) look much more like the 2005 version than the 2004 version.

LINKI went over eveything you said last year in both the article and on the boards.

 

[Z-Dog]

Any RB who gets over 300 carries is worth at least a late 2nd round pick, no?

 

[TME]

Not to highjack, so I will not discuss here, and I know it has a thread or two already, but Molds is getting some love in hear as the Bills' "best WR." I disagree. The best WR and outside playmaker is still on the team...Evans

 

[jurb26]

Not to highjack, so I will not discuss here, and I know it has a thread or two already, but Molds is getting some love in hear as the Bills' "best WR." I disagree. The best WR and outside playmaker is still on the team...Evans

Moulds = Overrated.

 

[wannabee]

Anyone else concerned by the fact that Willis had 40+ more carries but 8 fewer TD?  What's changed for the better that people are projecting him for 10-13 TD?

David, to me, the main difference between 2004 and 2005 was the defense did not seem to be as good. In addition, being lazy and not looking it up, I would guess that the 2004 Bills defense had several more takeaways than the 2005 version. Many of these 2004 turnovers led to short TD run by Willis. Also, the QB change was a big difference between the two years.So, for me, the 2006 Bills (and Willis) look much more like the 2005 version than the 2004 version.

LINKI went over eveything you said last year in both the article and on the boards.

I remember. Just thought that this discussion was missing those points.

 

[OldMilwaukee]

David,

Two words; Play calling.

 

[el centro]

Same QBs, worse WRs, worse TEs, worse OL, and a team that doesnt seem to want to be there.

300/1100/6

25/150/0

And a bunch of silly trade demands in the offseason.

And a re-tread, 831-year old coach.

 

[Sinrman]

Same as everyone else -- horrible OL that just does not improve in the offseason, horrible QBs, and worse WRs with the loss of Moulds. Defenses will be stuffing McGahee all year long...

1116 tough yards

7 TDs

258 receiving yards

1 TD

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I'm surprised at all the people that think he's a lock for over 1000 yards. I know that that's not the big deal it once was, but still.

 

[GroveDiesel]

Last year I thought that everyone was overating McGahee. This season I think that everyone is underating him. Yes the O-line will still probably be in the bottom third of the league, Peyton Manning will not be at QB for the Bills and there is no Chad Johnson at WR for the Bills.

However, the O-line play simply can not get worse than last season. Last season it was absolutely atrocious. I think that Peters is the answer at LT and that with the mix of other guys that they have in there, the O-line play will actually be more solid this season. They are more athletic all around and I think the number of times that McGahee gets hit in the backfield due to guys getting blown off the ball will decrease.

I also think that the QB situation will be better this season. For some reason people seem to just completely write off the Bills QBs. My guess is that this is a combination of a bad taste in the mouth from last season and the muddle fantasy situation clouding the perspective of the actual football situation. Losman has looked much better this offseason and I think that whatever QB gets the Day 1 starting nod will be given the reigns for better or worse unless he gets injured. That should at least provide some stability and make the QB situation a little better. I'm not expecting great things from the passing game, but I certainly don't see a step back and probably see a small step forward.

And like others have said, I think that saying that Buffalo's best WR left is incorrect. Evans was by far the better WR last season. I do think that the other players are probably a slight step down from Moulds, but I honestly don't think that the overall dropoff in WR talent is that large.

And now to the two biggest issues in McGahee's favor. The first is the playcalling. I'm sort of repeating what others have said, but the goaline playcalling was a nightmare last season. Way too many gadget plays inside the 5 yard line. Way too many pass plays on 2nd and 3rd downs.

And the other big issue was McGahee's weight last season. The coaching staff asked him to bulk up some last year because they wanted him to be a grinder. He had no burst last season and it was pretty evident that it affected his game considerably. It limited his long runs and I think it really limited him at the goaline as well. With a little extra burst I think he could have knifed his way into the endzone a few more times instead of getting stacked up behind his worthless O-line. He has lost about 10 pounds and looks a decent bit faster right now. I really do think that his goaline success rate will be higher this season because of his extra explosiveness.

I see 320/1390/8

25/170/1

 

[Spartans Rule]

I'm surprised at all the people that think he's a lock for over 1000 yards. I know that that's not the big deal it once was, but still.

Well, when you get 300 carries, as McGahee almost certainly will barring injury, you have to be pretty awful not to get 1000 yards.

 

[PhilyFn]

Agree with most here, this team is bad period. The OL and QB situation will only hurt his stats. Buffalo will be playing form behind almost every game limiting his carries considerably.

285 - 1055 - 7 TD's

30 - 180 - 0 TD's

 

[rascal]

He'll get 320 carries and about 4 YPC with a slightly better O-line.

I also think he'll get 2 TD's more then last year just based on the o-line being slightly better. I think Fowler and Reyes are upgrades over last year and peter's should continue to improve. Villarrial isn't anything special but decent enough, but Gandy will continue to suck it up. Plus I think their defense will be better then last year helping them to stay in games a bit longer.

His receiving stats should be about the same.

Therefore:

320/1280/7

25/174/0

 

[Noahs Troopers]

I'm not quite as high on McGahee as I was last year at this time.

I'm going to go with 325 carries, 1300 yards, 9 TDS with 30/200/1 receiving. It's a shame that such a talented back is stuck on such a horrible offense who could have grabbed Winston Justice in the 2nd round to upgrade that line but chose to trade up and reach according to all analysts. McGahee is way more talented than Larry Johnson who came out the same year and would be hitting 2000 yards in that offense easily.

 

[B. Nugget]

"McGahee is way more talented than Larry Johnson who came out the same year and would be hitting 2000 yards in that offense easily"

What kind of numbers would LJ have had if he played for Miami and was surrounded by that kind of talent in college? I don't think Penn St. had an elite OL and he hit 2,000 in college. If you are being a homer, just say it, but LJ is a beast and would put similar OR BETTER numbers running behind the Buffalo line this year. He doesn't dance at the line of scrimmage, he hits the hole and runs people over. He is also valuable in the passing game, taking several catches in the flat for big gains. The OL wasn't blocking for him downfield on those plays, it was Gonzo, an old Eddie Kennison and an under-sized Samie Parker or Dante Hall.

B. Nugget

 

[Ace08]

From a pure talent standpoint, there's only maybe 2 or 3 backs in the entire NFL who are more talented than Willis. He's that good. One factor of his game that most people aren't aware of.....he's has EXCELLENT hands. I know that sounds crazy given his relative lack of receiving numbers thus far in his career....but I think that speaks more of the incompetency of the prior coaching regime in Buffalo. You're talking about a kid with 4.3-4.4 speed, great hands, great vision between the tackles, and good size.

You have to figure the offense can't play worse with the new coaching staff/play calling. Red zone play calling for Buffale was absolutely HORRIBLE last year at times. That alone cost him between 5-6 TD's. That's the type of stuff you don't read about or see in the stat book. The new coaching staff is also planning to incorporate him much more in the passing game....and trust me he has the potential to be dynamite in this regard.

Great backs have produced, ff-wise, on bad teams before. I think you'll see that here this year. He's a top 5 back that can be had in the 2nd round this year

Rushing: 1600 yds 15 TD's

Receiving: 45 rec 550 yards 3 TD's

I know those are lofty numbers...but I'll stand behind my prediction. He's an absolute steal this year in redrafts.

 

[Ace08]

"McGahee is way more talented than Larry Johnson who came out the same year and would be hitting 2000 yards in that offense easily"

What kind of numbers would LJ have had if he played for Miami and was surrounded by that kind of talent in college? I don't think Penn St. had an elite OL and he hit 2,000 in college. If you are being a homer, just say it, but LJ is a beast and would put similar OR BETTER numbers running behind the Buffalo line this year. He doesn't dance at the line of scrimmage, he hits the hole and runs people over. He is also valuable in the passing game, taking several catches in the flat for big gains. The OL wasn't blocking for him downfield on those plays, it was Gonzo, an old Eddie Kennison and an under-sized Samie Parker or Dante Hall.

B. Nugget

Huge Canes fan here....and if you think back the year Willis finally got a chance to start was the year AFTER the infamous 2001 national championship team. Granted, there were several returning players in 2002 but they did lose 2 starting O-Lineman. Also...in BOTH 2001 and 2002 the O-Line, while having good talent, was MUCH better at pass blocking than run blocking. I can tell you first hand that during that 2002 season alot of Willis' big plays were very much instances where he himself had to "make it happen". I think back to the FSU game and the 70 yard screen pass he broke loose on that eventually ended up saving Miami in that game. Willis broke 2 tackles and completely outran 3 of the 4 guys in the FSU secondary on the play.Point of my story.....you can't even BEGIN to compare LJ to Willis from a talent standpoint. Willis is the protypical "every down back" in the mold of Edge.....LJ also benefited from a very good KC offensive line.

 

[cws3030]

2005:

rush- 325 / 1247 / 5

rec- 28 / 178 / 0

finished as RB13

2006:

thus far his ADP is 12

He under performed last year, everyone can agree on that. The Bills can't be worse than they were last year. So with his 2005 #'s as the Floor and an ADP of 12 this year there is alot of value there IMO. I see no reason why he will not score at least 200 fantasy points (FBG scoring) this year.

Projection for 2006:

rush- 345 / 1380 / 9

rec- 38 / 241 / 1

 

[Baracuda]

As an owner of Willis for the past 2 years and being married to a rabid Bills fan, I am more plugged in to Willis than I am other players in the league. I agree there is no questioning his talent. However, there are two things that concern me: (1) the Bills offense, which made essentially no changes from last year, and (2) is he a bigtime head case that wants out of Buffalo?

Obviously, with 1 we can only keep our fingers crossed that Losman is better than last year. I don't see Nall or Holcomb as long term solutions. And you have to give Losman one more year to see if he is the guy you spent a first round pick on. Also, I do think the team is trying to fix its offense line issues, but we'll see.

I'm not sure whether #2 is actually good or bad. On the one hand, McGahee has extra incentive to play well for his next contract and ultimately I think he'll leave the Bills and probably go to a better situation, which from a fantasy standpoint would be good. On the other, if McGahee really thinks he's the best RB in the league, then it could mean he's suffering from delusions of grandeur and that's not ideal.

Another factor playing in his favor is that the OC seemed to misuse McGahee near the goalline last year. I can remember several times where he should have just pounded the ball in and didn't. Is that because of McGahee's injury concern? Or was it just mismanagement? Given he hasn't gotten hurt in 3 years, I'm willing to say mismanagement.

There also seems to be a desire to get McGahee more involved in the passing game which should help his numbers.

With all this in mind, I think McGahee gets a similar # of carries and yards, but a slight bump up in touchdowns. Probably a few more short yardage scores.

325 carries, 1300 yards, 8 TDs

30 receptions, 180 yards, 1 TD

 

[TME]

From a pure talent standpoint, there's only maybe 2 or 3 backs in the entire NFL who are more talented than Willis. He's that good. You're talking about a kid with 4.3-4.4 speed, great hands, great vision between the tackles, and good size.

This is something that I wish there was more info on. We all know Willis was a phenom at The U and was regarded as a top 5 pick pre-injury. But, due to the injury, we never got to see the measurables. We know he is big and has amazing strength. He did bench pre-draft and did some 26 reps.But, we do not actually know how fast he is. I would be surprised if he was a legit 4.4 (he is certainly not 4.3) given his size, but maybe mid-to-high 4.4 or certainly slam dunk 4.5. I guess we just do not know in terms of talent measurables.

But, everyone does know what we saw at The U (and how the scouts regarded him from filem) and what we saw in his first playing year in the league. The guy can play, but like most anyone certainly needs the offense as a whole to produce a little better, convert those 3rd downs and take some pressure off him.

 

[B. Nugget]

"McGahee is way more talented than Larry Johnson who came out the same year and would be hitting 2000 yards in that offense easily"

What kind of numbers would LJ have had if he played for Miami and was surrounded by that kind of talent in college?  I don't think Penn St. had an elite OL and he hit 2,000 in college.  If you are being a homer, just say it, but LJ is a beast and would put similar OR BETTER numbers running behind the Buffalo line this year.  He doesn't dance at the line of scrimmage, he hits the hole and runs people over.  He is also valuable in the passing game, taking several catches in the flat for big gains.  The OL wasn't blocking for him downfield on those plays, it was Gonzo, an old Eddie Kennison and an under-sized Samie Parker or Dante Hall.

B. Nugget

Huge Canes fan here....and if you think back the year Willis finally got a chance to start was the year AFTER the infamous 2001 national championship team. Granted, there were several returning players in 2002 but they did lose 2 starting O-Lineman. Also...in BOTH 2001 and 2002 the O-Line, while having good talent, was MUCH better at pass blocking than run blocking. I can tell you first hand that during that 2002 season alot of Willis' big plays were very much instances where he himself had to "make it happen". I think back to the FSU game and the 70 yard screen pass he broke loose on that eventually ended up saving Miami in that game. Willis broke 2 tackles and completely outran 3 of the 4 guys in the FSU secondary on the play.Point of my story.....you can't even BEGIN to compare LJ to Willis from a talent standpoint. Willis is the protypical "every down back" in the mold of Edge.....LJ also benefited from a very good KC offensive line.

Don't get me wrong, I think Willis is very good, but LJ put up those crazy stats in half a year and it took Priest a whole year to better them with the same (younger)offensive line and playcalling. I agree that Buffalo isn't a great offensive team, and Willis is forced to do much himself, which is definitely going to effect his stats, but LJ was dominant last year and it wasn't all the offensive line, the same way it wasn't all Willis' fault for having a season that didn't meet many people's expectations. Would Willis be great behind the KC line? No doubt. Without Willis playing for KC, it is just an argument that nobody can claim 100% victory over.I posted previously that as KC homers, the guys in my keeper league used to mock LJ and talk about his "diapers" when he complained about playing time. He was so lucky to get to play behind that OL, let him go somewhere else and see how good he is. Well he got his chance and benefited from playing behind Priest, who he admits openly that he learned alot from, and now is an elite RB. I guess what I'm saying, and maybe I'm not doing a great job and conveying it, is that saying Larry Johnson vs Willis right now is a one-sided proposition is silly to me because LJ has became a much better player since he entered the league.

Honest question: Are you guys that are predicting these lofty numbers drafting Willis in the 1st round with those expectations? If you have the 8th-10th pick in the 1st round of a 12 team draft, do you take Willis or hope he falls to you in the 2nd round so that he is a value? He is a hell of a RB2, but in the leagues I play in, he goes easily in the top 8 picks, maybe that is why I am a little down on his prospects this year.

 

[Baracuda]

I think 8 overall is too high, but he should be good value in the second round. I love having him as my #2.

 

[Ace08]

Well I'll tell you this....I've followed McGahee since his junior year in high school when Miami first began recruiting him. He's legit 4.4. He and Portis never liked each other very much....and I remember that during the 2001 Rose Bowl season there was a article down here in Miami about how Portis challenged McGahee to a race and McGahee smoked him. Portis was considered legit 4.4 coming into the NFL so you do the math. This year will be, in reality, the magical "2nd year removed" from his ACL injury.......I can't understate this enough. He's also lost weight during the offseason.

This kid has the ability to dominate games. As for the LJ comparison. I have zero problem stating that if you put McGahee on last years Chiefs team for all 16 games the kid pushes 1800-1900 yards rushing. He's faster than LJ, has better stop and go acceleration, and is a great receiver out of the backfield. He's also great at the goal line. The kid scored 28 TD's his last year at the U. Just my opinion....but LJ just doesn't have the all around physical gifts this kid was blessed with.

With that said...if I had the 9-12th pick in the draft I'd be targeting him with my early second round pick. Not because I don't think he's worth a first round selection....but purely do to the fact his "perceived" value is such. Why overpay for a guy when you know you can get him PLUS another great back (Jordan, S Jax, etc etc)

He'll be the best RB#2 in fantasy this year.

 

[TME]

This year will be, in reality, the magical "2nd year removed" from his ACL injury.......I can't understate this enough.

Wasn't last year that year?- blows out knee in championship game (last college game) and has surgery

- sits out next season recovering from surgery

- plays season

- plays season

Wasn't last season the season where he was two years removed from surgery?

 

[LawFitz]

I can't recall which game it was, but I remember his getting hit in his reconstructed knee midway thru last season and being helped off the field. It seemed like after that hit, he wasn't the same last season. It looked like he was nursing some sort of injury the rest of the way, relying more on his vision and strength, rather than his burst.

When fully healthy, this guy's the total package, but last year, I don't think he was during the 2nd half of the season.

Anyone know more about the injury or his health status now?

 

[TME]

I can't recall which game it was, but I remember his getting hit in his reconstructed knee midway thru last season and being helped off the field. It seemed like after that hit, he wasn't the same last season. It looked like he was nursing some sort of injury the rest of the way, relying more on his vision and strength, rather than his burst.

When fully healthy, this guy's the total package, but last year, I don't think he was during the 2nd half of the season.

Anyone know more about the injury or his health status now?

You are probably referring to when he hyper-extended his knee on a screen pass. No one touched him. But, his foot got caught in the turf, knee went slightly back and he just fell over and down. Stayed out the remainder of the game, but came back next week as the injury was not serious, but scared everyone at that moment during the game.I do not think that or any injury was really significant enough to plague Willis last year. Like people have said, he may have been playing too heavy, which may have caught up with him in the 2nd half of the season. He was tearing it up early, but fell off the face of the earth once he made the "best back in the league" comment.

But, in any event, what hurt him most last year was just an awful team that opponents could stack the box against and force the Bills to try to throw and the Bills were often playing from behind which limited carries in some games.