ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) -Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson had an apology to make on Friday before introducing running back C.J. Spiller, the team's first-round draft pick.
Wilson took the blame for how ``dull'' the Bills have been this past decade and vowed things will change with the addition of Spiller, the dynamic multipurpose threat out of Clemson who was selected ninth overall in the NFL draft Thursday.
The Buffalo Bills for the last 10 years, and it's my fault, have been a dull team. Really dull,'' Wilson said.But we're going to turn that around, I can tell you. ... We think we got one of the best players in the country.''
For emphasis, Wilson then turned to Spiller and asked if he was the fastest player available in the draft.
Spiller smiled and politely responded, ``Yes sir,'' before accepting a Bills' No. 1 jersey with his name printed on the back.
Spiller said he intends to meet expectations.
I won't let them down,'' Spiller said, wearing a tan suit and a pink striped tie.Pressure is when you're unprepared. And I know the type of work ethic I have, and I know I won't be unprepared. It's the best decision that they made, and I'll be ready to go.''
Though the Bills had more pressing needs to fill, they targeted Spiller as the one prospect capable of providing a spark to an offense that's had difficulty scoring and has ranked 25th or worst in yards gained in each of the past seven seasons.
Buffalo's anemic attack was particularly apparent last year when the offense finished 30th in yards gained and 28th in points scored despite the presence of receiver Terrell Owens, who is now a free agent after completing his one-year contract.
Spiller, the ACC's player of the year, is a speedster who was unafraid to run the ball up the middle despite his 5-foot-11, 196-pound frame. He also proved to be a threat as a receiver and returning both kickoffs and punts, finishing his four-year college career with 51 touchdowns - 32 rushing.
Because of his versatility, Spiller has drawn comparisons to New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush. Those comparisons are apt, considering Spiller and Bush are the only two players to finish their college careers with 3,000 yards rushing, 1,500 yards in kickoff returns, 1,000 yards receiving and 500 yards in punt returns.
From Lake Butler, Fla., Spiller is not concerned about Buffalo's wintry weather.
I played at Clemson, and it was cold there so I'm not worried,'' he said.You just have to adjust to it. And I'll be willing to adjust to it when I play.''
Spiller is expected to make an immediate impact in a new attack being devised by first-year head coach Chan Gailey, who doubles as offensive coordinator. Gailey foresees lining up Spiller in a variety of positions including receiver to keep opposing defenses guessing.
We hope to create doubt and indecision in the defense's mind,'' Gailey said.And if we can do that, and he gets the ball in his hands, good things will happen.''
Gailey described Spiller as a ``big piece of the puzzle,'' a suggestion that running backs Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson - who split the starting duties last year - will get less playing time.
I don't worry about people's feelings. I worry about scoring points,'' Gailey said.We're going to do what's best to score points and win football games.''
The Bills have eight picks over the final six rounds of the draft. They are expected to address needs along an offensive line that was both young and riddled with injury last season. The left side of the line is a particular question mark with returning starters Eric Wood and Demetrius Bell both recovering from injuries.
Gailey said Spiller's addition already improves the line.
One of our coaches made the statement, 'We not only got a back, but we got better blockers,''' Gailey said.Your blockers become a little bit better when you get a great back and a guy with speed like this.''
