Marquise Goodwin Rookie Fantasy Spotlight
Byron Lambert, Rosterwatch.com

Photo via Marquise Goodwin Twitter

Height: 5’9″
Weight: 183 Pounds
40-Time: 4.27
Drafted: Round 3 (Buffalo Bills)

Scouting Report:

Another in a long history of under-utilized and misused players from the University of Texas, Marquise Goodwin is a talented player who must be put in position to succeed. He did not get enough touches at Texas, but was certainly a play-maker when he did. There were times he took over games- like many fans saw this year at the Alamo Bowl versus Oregon St.

A world class sprinter, Goodwin is almost always the fastest player on the field. However, he is undersized and lacks lateral agility. He is also a very raw route runner. He was generally used on quick hitting routes, screens, fly-sweeps, and other gadget plays in college to get the ball in his hands and create a seam to utilize his straight-line speed for yards after the catch. We did see his route running skills progress at the Senior Bowl, where he showed the ability to sink his hips, make cuts, and create separation. His hands were above average, as well. He took a step back at the NFL Combine, looking a bit lost in space on his deep routes. Probably, the area of his game he had the least experience in during college. We expect that to improve (In this Alamo Bowl video – Watch the :12 mark and the 3:20 mark to see game examples of this).

Having been an Olympian, Goodwin has an edge on his peers when it comes to professionalism. Even the way he warms up just looks crisper than anyone else on the field. He’s also media savvy. We expect that to carry over in to how he takes care of his body and prepares as a professional. A lot of teams were very interested in Marquise Goodwin this off-season. They all had a plan in mind. Thus, the Bills wasted no time using an early selection to secure his services. Expect Goodwin to have a definitive role in the offense and on special teams. He will have the opportunity to be a more productive pro than collegian.

Fantasy Analysis:

Buffalo saw mid-round value on a player they believe can fill a Percy Harvin / Tavon Austin type role. The problem is he does not possess the brute strength of Harvin, or the lateral agility and polished receiving skills that Austin does. He also enters a crowded situation. Robert Woods and Da’Rick Rogers are two other talented rookies in the fold trying to carve out a role next to Stevie Johnson. Don’t forget CJ Spiller is going to catch passes and the Bills will most likely be rolling out a rookie quarterback early in the season (one we happen to like- EJ Manuel). Add all of that up and there isn’t a ton to like about Marquise Goodwin this year in Re-draft leagues. He may be worth a trashy-flex-flier a couple of times this season particularly if your league scores special teams production. That said, we believe he carves out a niche in the offense this season and develops some value in year two, making him a worthy late-round grab in Keeper and Dynasty formats.