C.J. Spiller: Taking Versatility to the Next Level

C.J. Spiller could help an NFL team win almost immediately. Common logic projects him as the next Chris Johnson. What might be more beneficial to Spiller, as well as the team that drafts him, is if he were to become the next Eric Metcalf.

Dropping that name might cause a few to scratch their heads. Think back, for just a second to the early 1990s, when Cleveland had maybe the most electrifying player in football. Metcalf once scored four touchdowns in a game.  And it wasn’t against UTEP; the Browns were at the Raiders that day.

The key to Metcalf’s success was his versatility.  He returned kicks and punts, he played wide-out and slot receiver, he lined up as a running back, and Bernie Kosar even ran the option to him a couple of times.  Yes, that too was in the NFL.  Short of Vince Young to Chris Johnson, where else does that happen in the pros?

There is no doubt that Spiller can be an effective runner between the tackles. That was seen this year as he gutted out one record breaking performance after another on an injured toe. However, to use him as a featured back might be wasting his tremendous talent.

Running backs take an incredible pounding at the next level. They have the shortest average career span of any player on the field, at just over three full years. Metcalf played from 1989 to 2002.

Football is a game of field position, even more so in the NFL than college.  Having to kick to Spiller can change an entire team’s strategy on special teams. Remember when Devin Hester was a part-time corner and full-time return man? He was the most feared man in the league. That worked until the Bears moved him to offense.

Force a team to kick to Spiller or kick it short. He’ll either break the occasional one or you can start your possessions between the 30 and the 40. Line him up in the backfield or the slot.  Move him around the formation. Watch the counter that keeps of all-purpose yards keep rolling.

When the NFL comes calling for Spiller it will be sometime in the first round. He’ll make a good sum of money no matter where he goes, but if used right he could potentially be cashing NFL checks for a decade.

Or you can motion a tight end away from the direction he’s headed, pull the guard, and pitch it Spiller's way. Then watch him cut back and make someone miss. That was plenty of fun to see while he was wearing orange, but if that’s the direction he’s headed, we may only be able to watch this rare and amazing talent for about 40 more games.