Omon ‘sticks’ as Bills make cuts

The Associated Press and Buffalobills.com

When the likes of Xavier Omon, Demetrius Bell and Steve Johnson were selected by the Bills in the draft this past spring in rounds six and seven, not many gave them a chance at the 53-man roster come the end of August. Omon was joining a crowded backfield, Bell was considered a project at offensive tackle and Johnson was added at arguably the deepest position on the roster — receiver.

But all three defied the odds Saturday as they made the most of their opportunities and convinced the coaching staff they were too good to keep on the practice squad.

Perhaps the one who surprised the most was Omon. When the ultra-productive Division II product  and Beatrice graduate was drafted by the Bills back in April even he was shocked.

“I’m very surprised,” said Omon at the time. “I didn’t think the Bills would be the team to draft me.”

And though Omon had a big adjustment to make going from Northwest Missouri State to the NFL, and the likes of Marshawn Lynch, Fred Jackson and Dwayne Wright as competition, he made progress as the preseason wore on.

“I think I worked hard in camp and I think it paid off,” Omon told Buffalobills.com. “And things were slowing down. Coach Studesville helped me out a lot and got me prepared and things definitely slowed down a lot and became a lot easier.”

Omon ran hard between the tackles throughout the preseason and finished as the team’s leading rusher in the preseason with 109 yards on 33 carreis. He also showed his nose for the goal line with a one-yard leaping plunge for a touchdown at Indianapolis.

“You first come in you’re scared and by the third or fourth week you’re starting to get relaxed and learn the offense and not worry about the little things as much,” he said.

Although all three picks are ecstatic to have made the active roster, none of them are resting on their laurels.

“It’s definitely worked out for the best,” said Omon. “But now I just have to continue to make strides and continue to work hard and try to get better every day.”

Among the notable players released by the Bills was running back Dwayne Wright, Buffalo's 2007 fourth-round draft pick who appeared in 14 games last season.

Wright's release came after he had three fumbles in four preseason games. He was beaten out for the No. 3 job by Omon.

Other running backs released by the Bills included Jonathan Evans and Bruce Hall.