5 Bold Predictions Surrounding Buffalo Bills, OTA’s
By Tyler Olson
Dec 14, 2014; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Green Bay Packers free safety Micah Hyde (33) tries to tackle Buffalo Bills running back Fred Jackson (22) during the first half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
2. Fred Jackson Will Struggle To Hold #2 Spot
This will be Fred Jackson’s 10th season as a professional running back. The former Coe College standout entered the league as an undrafted free agent and has spent each of his first nine seasons with the Buffalo Bills organization. Now at 34 years of age, Jackson may be on the edge of finding his way out of Buffalo.
The Bills have a large stable of running backs in house. Between LeSean McCoy (clear-cut starter), Jackson, Boobie Dixon, Bryce Brown and rookie Karlos Williams, Jackson will certainly have his hands full keeping the younger guys on the bench.
As a running back in the NFL, it’s unlikely one continues to produce at a high level as they surpass the age of 30. Although Jackson seems to still compete at a high level, his production has slipped in the last few years with 2014 being his worst in terms of rushing average (3.7 YPC) and touchdowns (two). He did, however, have his best season as a pass catcher, receiving 66 passes for 501 yards (both career highs) in 2014.
With McCoy now in town it’s likely that Jackson’s reps will begin to decrease due to the fact that McCoy is viewed as a three-down back. From here forward Jackson may be viewed more as a leadership asset opposed to an on-the-field asset.
Keep an eye on reps for the running backs.
Next: Prediction #3