NFL Draft Network

Buffalo’s record-breaking wide receiver, Naaman Roosevelt, had another standout season for the Bulls. He led the team in receptions with 70 for 954 yards (13.6 per) and 9 touchdowns in 11 games. Roosevelt is also a dangerous kick returner. I interviewed Buffalo's wide receivers' coach, Juan Taylor, about their top playmaker.

Denis Krusos: Naaman was recruited as a quarterback. Tell me about his transition to wide receiver?

Coach Taylor: We gave Naaman a chance to compete with Drew Willy at quarterback. The coaches felt that Drew had too good of an arm not to be the starting quarterback. We also felt that Naaman was such an athletic guy that he could play wide receiver. He took to the position right away. He has grown by leaps and bounds from that 1^st day, but you could tell he was a natural receiver.

Denis Krusos: One of the biggest adjustments from college to the NFL for a receiver is the mental demands of the position. A receiver in the NFL has to recognize coverages and make quick adjustments. Tell me more about Naaman’s football knowledge?

Coach Taylor: He will have an easier transition to the NFL than most receivers will in this draft. We run the West Coast offense at Buffalo. Naaman understands the offense and has experience at reading coverages and making route adjustments. Many teams in the NFL run a version of the West Coast offense and he will be familiar with the terminology and concepts.

Denis Krusos: What is his greatest strength?

Coach Taylor: He uses his hands well. Many people do not understand how much good hand use comes into play in terms of getting open. His quick feet also help him get open. Naaman is not an overpowering receiver, but his hand use is effective.

Denis Krusos: What does he need to work on to make it in the NFL?

Coach Taylor: I think the biggest thing is to get over the "wow" factor that you are in the NFL. Naaman knows how to run routes.  The foundation to be a good receiver at the next level is there. I think he has to believe that he belongs and he will be fine.

Denis Krusos: Do you see his best position in the NFL being as a slot receiver?

Coach Taylor: We moved him around a lot and he played outside and in the slot. He is a versatile receiver and I think he can play the slot or outside in the NFL. He has no problem working the middle as a slot receiver. He knows that there are linebackers and safeties lurking over the middle and this did not bother him.

Denis Krusos: How is he as a person?

Coach Taylor: Naaman is a model young man. He is respectful and humble and not a prima donna. He was our best offensive player and never demanded the football. It was always about the team and playing within the offense. He also genuinely enjoys playing the game of football.

Denis Krusos: How is Naaman recovering from knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus?

Coach Taylor: He started running yesterday and is right on schedule. He should be ready to play in the East-West Shrine game.

Denis Krusos: Naaman has made some clutch catches for you at Buffalo. Tell me more about his flair for the dramatic.

Coach Taylor: We have a motto for the receivers that says, "make every catch look easy". The situation does not matter. That is what Naaman does. If the ball is thrown his way then he is ready to make the play.

Denis Krusos: Does a certain type of cornerback (big and physical or small, but quick) present more of a challenge?

Coach Taylor: Not really. He had a good game against Missouri last year and they had some big corners. He beat them with his quick feet and his hands. Naaman does not have great upper body strength, but he does use his hands well. He has had success against smaller cornerbacks by also using his hands to win the battle.

Denis Krusos: Tell me about his film review habits.

Coach Taylor: Many college athletes have trouble balancing everything. Time management can be an issue. Naaman has not had this issue and is a regular in the film room. I ask all of the receivers to write down the positives and negatives of the next opponents' secondary. He does a great job with this. It is obvious that he has picked up on tendencies and weaknesses. He has become a student of the game.

Denis Krusos: How is he in the weight room?

Coach Taylor: He can be better. There is some frustration with not getting bigger. I think when he is able to get on a regimen, including a better diet, that he will see strength gains. Naaman is not a weak player, but I would not call him strong, either. I do not see strength as a major problem. You do not need to bench press 400 pounds to play receiver in the NFL. However, Naaman would like to get stronger and I think that can happen in time.