Will Bryce Brown make the Roster for the 2015 Buffalo Bills?

The Buffalo Bills wrapped up their mandatory minicamp today, giving new Head Coach Rex Ryan and his crew a chance to finally see their players up close and personal. While many people have been focusing on the QB battle throughout camp, there’s one position battle that’s not garnering a lot of attention; the running backs. And for this group, there’s plenty of attention that should directed their way.

With the addition of LeSean McCoy, the drafting of Karlos Williams, and the return of Bryce Brown, Anthony “Boobie” Dixon, and Fred Jackson, the Bills are literally loaded at the running back position. That’s something that is sure to make Rex Ryan grin from ear to ear, as he plans to implement his “ground and pound” mentality and game plan this season. However, with five backs currently on the roster, it’s hard to believe that all of them will make the final cut come Week One. While all these backs have their own upside, one in particular is being considered a “bubble” player to make the 2015 roster; Bryce Brown. He’s been prone to fumbling throughout his young career, and he’s certainly had his share of fumbles last season. But Brown is one of the more athletic running backs in the league and has the ability to make defenders miss with ease. That being said, let’s break down some coach’s tape on Bryce Brown.

The first clip is from the Bills’ Week 10 matchup at home against the Kansas City Chiefs. In the third quarter, with the Bills leading 10-3, Buffalo’s offense was driving deep into Chiefs’ territory. On 2nd and 10 from the Chiefs’ 17-yard line, QB Kyle Orton came out in the shotgun with Brown lined up to his left. The play was a designed off tackle run to the right. Brown received the hand off, hit the hole, and was heading for the end zone before the ball was knocked out of his arms at the 5-yard line, bouncing out the end zone and giving the Chiefs the ball back at their own 20. Had Brown not fumbled, the Bills would have been up 17-3 with all the momentum in their favor and the game slowly slipping away from the Chiefs. Instead, the Chiefs capitalized on the opportunity and got out of Buffalo with a huge win. Bryce Brown has big play capability, but needs to learn to secure the ball better, similar to Tiki Barber in his playing days with the Giants.

The second clip is from the Week 15 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. In the second quarter with Green Bay leading 10-7, the Bills were again driving down the field. On 1st and 10 from Green Bay’s 48-yard line, Brown was lined up as the lone back with Orton under center. The Packers defense brought pressure with a safety blitz and had the safety waiting in the backfield for Brown. The play appeared to be over, but this is where Brown’s athleticism took over. Brown performed a spin move while the safety was diving towards him to make a tackle, then he continued to break to the outside, and was finally tackled after a gain of 12 yards.

As you can see from the clip, Brown showed he can be patient and make something happen when there appears to be nowhere to go. Brown should complement McCoy and the other running backs nicely if he’s given the chance. Brown is still young and eager to make an impact in the NFL. New Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman should be chomping at the bit to get this season started and find creative ways to get Brown the ball when he’s on the field.

It still remains to be seen if there is any room for Bryce Brown on the Bills’ 2015 roster. But Brown is young, fast, athletic, elusive, and patient when carrying the ball; similar to that of his former, and now current teammate, LeSean McCoy. If Brown improves on minimizing the fumbles, there’s no reason to believe he won’t be in a Bills uniform on Opening Day. There’s a buzz surrounding this Bills’ team that hasn’t been around since the 90’s; something many Bills fans will remember (if they’re old enough to). Adding Bryce Brown to the roster will only help add to the buzz and make the team that much more intriguing.

Alex Rugile @alexrugile

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