In round six the Bills acquired two ridiculously fast players, the first of which being Kolby Listenbee out of TCU. I was quite happy that Marshall Weber of Frogs of War on SB Nation had a chance to sit down and throw our way some info on the speedster. His answers are below. And if you’d like more info on Frogs of War – please visit!
How would you describe Kolby’s time at school?
Like calling the Obama Presidency in 2006, or Daniel Craig as the next Bond, this highlight against Michigan State in the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl marks when I told everyone that Kolby Listenbee would be something special. It was his only catch of the year, but it was just one of those things where you saw his future flash before your eyes like you were touching some magical gem stone.
2013 was a weird year for TCU, because despite one of the best defenses Patterson’s ever produced– including an amazing season from first rounder Jason Verrett–they didn’t have a Big 12 offense yet; and when you’re losing your games by a touchdown a less, despite being a historically defensive team, everyone knew TCU needed a change.
Because our offense was so puzzling in the post-Justin Fuente years, when Doug Meacham and Sonny Cumbie got to campus, no one really new what to expect. Even people really close to the team didn’t really believe when I said Listenbee and Josh Doctson would thrive in the new offense. Patterson and TCU always recruit for speed, and with a competent offense, the ceiling for Listenbee got that much higher the day those two coordinators got on campus.
What are his strengths/weaknesses?
Kolby Listenbee is a bargain Corey Coleman. Like Corey Coleman–a guy that’s played on the outside of a Big 12 offense against Big 12 defenses–you worry about the blocking. Not because he isn’t capable, but more so because it’s not really taught: Art Briles makes a point not to make his receivers block because he always wants their legs fresh, and while TCU teaches it a little bit more, Greg Roman’s offensive designs are going to require a lot of NFL-level blocking.
As far as strengths; Buffalo is a run-heavy team, the 23 passing touchdowns ranked 20th in the NFL. HOWEVER: 16 of them went for 20 yards or more (69.5%)–and then six of those went for 40 yards or more. I’m just so elated as a TCU fan, and for fans in Buffalo for the Tyrod Taylor-Listenbee connection. Listenbee said he’s the fastest player in the NFL, and even if there’s one guy faster than him, or two, or three, Listenbee isn’t far behind. So having that kind of elite speed in a offense that likes to offset a dynamic run-game with deep passes, you’re not going to get much better than Listenbee.
Is there anything fans outside of your team wouldn’t know about him?
Maybe that he played quarterback in high school?
How do you think he’ll fit with the Bills?
Sort of like I alluded to above, I think he’s going to fit in great. Adding a speedster to offset McCoy’s–who I actually had on my fantasy team–running game will produce some really great dividends. Buffalo is rich in talent on his side of the ball, and I really love what Rex Ryan’s doing with the defense in this year’s draft as well. Adding weapons like Listenbee will really help them get past the threshold of an 8-8 season, and get to 9-7 or 10-6 and get back to the playoffs.
Any game(s) we should point fans to as “the game” that he stood out?
I love Trevone Boykin. But if Boykin could’ve gotten his deep ball timing down just slightly more, and if Kolby would’ve stayed a little more healthy in 2015, I think you’re looking at a kid that’s a second round pick. There were plenty of times, perhaps dozens, watching plays in person and on TV where Boykin just couldn’t hit him on the killshot like he should’ve. Listenbee had the corners beat by miles, and should’ve left Fort Worth with more scores and a few more highlights.
Any stats jump out during his time at your school?
His Oklahoma-Baylor run from 2014 is really impressive; where he caught 9 passes and collected 249 yards.
Any other thoughts on him?
Buffalo is getting a guy that’s coming to play. I’ve been following this guy for four or five years, now. He’s a track guy who’s obsessed with getting better and faster.
The guy is also always smiling and he’s a beloved team member. Everyone always said he was the funniest guy on the team, so while he’s going to work night and day to get better, he’s also the guy who’s going to energize everyone around him with positivity. I know talking about “character” is a cliche, and it often times sounds like ambiguous nonsense, but the Bills really picked a great player and person for their team.
Plus, who couldn’t love that hair?
Bills Draft Q&A Archive:
Round 1 – Shaq Lawson
Round 2 – Reggie Ragland
Round 3 – Adolphus Washington
Round 4 – Cardale Jones
Round 5 – Jonathan Williams
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