Monday, May 05, 2008 | Posted by Connor Byrne

Two Aprils ago, when the Buffalo Bills chose Dwayne Wright in the fourth round of the 2007 NFL Draft, many were expecting the 5-foot-11, 228-pounder to develop -- whether quickly or eventually -- into the team's go-to running back in short-yardage and goal-line situations.

During his rookie campaign, though, Wright never won the coaching staff over. He ultimately carried the ball just 29 times in 14 regular-season games, accumulating a modest 94 yards along the way. While starter Marshawn Lynch expectedly got the bulk of the carries during his first pro season, Wright failed to beat out veteran Anthony Thomas and the unknown Fred Jackson for backup duties. When Lynch sustained an ankle injury in November, it was viewed by some as a perfect opportunity for Wright -- an ex-Fresno State star -- to grab the backfield reins and turn his potential into actual NFL success. It didn't happen, though, as the 26-year-old Jackson took that role instead, proving himself an adept dual-threat back. Because of the results the Bills got with Jackson in the backfield, he spent the end of last season as a change-of-pace runner who gleaned 10-15 touches per game, and is now a fan and team favorite who should continue serving as the Felix Jones to Lynch's Darren McFadden in 2008.

Meanwhile, going into Year 2 of his pro career, Wright's situation has only gotten worse. Thomas is off the roster, which was supposed to mean one fewer back to compete with for Wright. Unfortunately for the soon-to-be 25-year-old, the Bills drafted a very similar back last month in 5-11, 220-pound Xavier Omon (Round 6). Pardon the pun, but that should be thought of as a bad Omon for Wright -- who could be a preseason casualty come early September, when the Bills trim their roster to 53 players.

Like Wright, Omon doesn't have high-end speed to accompany his size (4.59 speed). However, that didn't stop the Beatrice, Neb., native from compiling earth-shattering numbers during his college career at Division II Northwest Missouri State. Last season, in fact, Omen racked up a stunning 2,337 yards on 370 carries (a 6.2 per-attempt average) and a jaw-dropping 38 touchdowns, 37 of which came on the ground. Overall, during four years of dominance for the Bearcats, Omon amassed 7,000-plus rushing yards and found opposing end zones 98 times. In the process, he became the first runner in NCAA history to exceed 1,500 ground yards in four consecutive seasons.

Common sense says Omon won't approach those numbers in the NFL; doing so would put all-time greats like Jim Brown, Walter Payton, Emmitt Smith and Barry Sanders to shame. However, expecting a solid career from Omon isn't necessarily unrealistic. One positive trait that Omon consistently demonstrated as a college footballer was an ability to make tacklers miss; it was nearly impossible for the first defender Omon contacted to tackle him. He was too shifty and too powerful. Granted, pro defenses are obviously far better and more advanced than the ones Omon is accustomed to facing. However, if he continue utilizing his power and quickness the same way he did at Northwest Missouri State, he just might morph into a competent back in the big leagues.

Of course, that would be unwelcome news for Wright, who went from No. 3 runner for the Bills to in jeopardy of making the 2008 roster during draft weekend. Professional athletes -- particularly those who have never proven anything -- fall out of favor quickly, which means a prodigious summer from Omon and a so-so performance from Wright will lead to the former as Buffalo's second reserve next season and the latter looking for a new employer.

"I've just got to worry about myself," Omon told The Associated Press.

So does Wright.

*E-mail: cbyrne@realfootball365.com

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