Da’Rick Rogers Rookie Spotlight
Byron Lambert, Rosterwatch.com

Photo by Alex Dunlap

Height: 6’2″
Weight: 217 Pounds
40-Time: 4.52
Drafted: Undrafted (UFA Buffalo Bills)

Scouting Report:

Da’Rick Rogers has some Terrell Owens-type qualities to him. A big strong pass catcher who is percieved as a character liability. Perhaps, the worst kind of liability there is in the NFL- which is why he went undrafted even though he showed big-time skills in college.

Rogers uses his big body so well when it comes to catching passes. He presents a large target to the quarterback and uses great positioning to shield defenders. He’s a classic split end that can use his strength to defeat physical coverage at the line of scrimmage and use his size to jockey for balls on the outside. He doesn’t possess blazing speed- as evidenced by his 40-Time, but it is sufficient. He did excel in several other drills at the NFL Combing showing the ability to drop his hips, change direction, and explode. His former WR coach at Tennessee also recently stated that Rogers is the second smartest football player he has ever coached, right behind the great Cris Carter.

Fantasy Analysis:

The Bills have built a young and complementary receiving corps that has the chance to be special. In theory, Rogers is the X receiver of the future in Buffalo. With two other rookie recivers and a rookie quarteback in the fold it looks like it could be a rocky season. We are more excited about Roger’s longterm prospects. Once established, he has a great shot at being second on the team in targets to Steve Johnson. His ability to learn the playbook makes us confident he will contribute sooner than later. It’s also in his favor that EJ Manuel is a strong-armed QB that will be looking to roll-out and throw it down the sideline. We see an Alshon Jeffrey-type contributor here. Rogers is a solid late-round rookie flier this year, but is most appealing in Keeper and Dynasty formats as a second year breakout prospect.