Northwest Missouri State running back Xavier Omon got a lot of attention around Buffalo for a sixth-round draft pick this past weekend.

Bob DiCesare of the Buffalo News recounts some of the challenges Omon has overcome to get to the NFL. The Olean Times Herald called Omon one of the possible sleepers of the draft. They quoted Pro Football Weekly’s Nolan Nawrocki as saying, “(His) production was inflated from facing marginal Division II competition, but showed some natural instincts at the Texas vs. the Nation All-Star Game and fared well against better competition ... should be able to compete for a No. 3 job.”

Northwest coach Mel Tjeerdsma said Wednesday that Omon has a great shot to make the Bills’ team.

“I have no doubts that he’s going to make it. He really has what it takes,” Tjeerdsma said. “He has not only the ability but the mentality to make it at that level. He’s a very determined individual.

“I think he really understands that it really is going to take a great effort and a lot work. He’s ready to do whatever it takes to make the team.”

The Bills’ are set at the starting position with Marshawn Lynch (5-foot-11, 215 pounds), the 12th overall pick in the draft last year. He finished with 1,115 yards last year.

Fred Jackson (6-1, 215), out of Division III Coe College, signed with Buffalo after two years of playing with the Souix City Bandits. Last year, his only in the NFL, he had 300 yards on 58 carries for the Bills. Dwayne Wright (5-11, 228) out of Fresno State also was drafted last year by the Bills (fourth round). He had just 29 carries for 94 yards.

“(Omon) could definitely compete with those guys,” Tjeerdsma said. “But I don’t care who else is on the roster, (Omon) has the ability to contribute.”

As a low-round draft pick, Omon (5-11, 220) probably will need to show his skills in an arena where he was never expected to at Northwest: special teams.

“He was too valuable for us as a tailback, and we used him a lot and kept him off special teams,” Tjeerdsma said. “I don’t think he’ll have any problems for special teams.”

Omon is one of five Bearcats and a Griffon currently in the NFL:

Dave Tollefson, a defensive end, joined the New York Giants midway through the season last year and played throughout their Super Bowl run. He’ll return this year after a full offseason of their conditioning program and more time spent learning their systems.

Receiver Jamaica Rector got a spot with the Arizona Cardinals last year after reaching an injury settlement with Dallas. He was on the active roster on the second half of the season and played in two games as a receiver but had no catches.

Offensive lineman Seth Wand made his way to Oakland last year after they picked him up midseason. “He didn’t play much but he feels like he has a shot this year,” Tjeerdsma said.

Former Western tight end Gijon Robinson is on the Indianapolis Colts practice squad.

Mike Peterson, a Northwest tight end, signed a free agent contract with Green Bay after going undrafted last weekend.

A couple of other Bearcats still are playing professionally, too. Tony Miles is in the CFL, where he was on the Grey Cup-winning Toronto Argonauts in 2004, and now is with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Quarterback Chris Greisen still is leading the Arena Football League’s Georgia Force this year.