Typically, you don't count on undrafted free agents as being contributors, but that's certainly not to say that they can't be. That's the beauty of training camp and competition – everyone has the same opportunity to compete and make an impact, whether they were a first round pick or they were a training camp tryout.
For the Buffalo Bills, three undrafted free agents are making a legitimate case to make the 53-man roster, which is a terrific problem to have for Buffalo Bills' general manager Brandon Beane .
Joe Andreessen, linebacker
The legend of "Buffalo Joe" continues, and it's beautiful. A local kid that grew up around Buffalo, was invited to Rookie Minicamp on a tryout basis, got signed, and last night got the start for his childhood team? It's fairy tale stuff, but his play backs it up.
I hesitate slightly to use this word, but it fits – Andreessen was dominant last night. He was never out of position, he was shedding blocks to make tackles, he was reading what the offense was doing perfectly, shooting the gaps with speed and conviction – he looked every bit the part of an NFL linebacker.
Last year, the Bills carried six linebackers on the 53-man roster. With Matt Milano lost to injury for a majority of the upcoming season, it certainly opens up possibilities with this position group. Terrel Bernard is the headlines, and Dorian Williams is a position lock, but behind that it's a mess, and you can certainly make an argument that Andreessen has done enough to earn his spot.
Frank Gore Jr., running back
Much like Andreessen, Gore is an undrafted free agent rookie that is making the most of his opportunities. The coaches have raved about his work ethic, which isn't surprising considering who his father is, and the manner in which he conducts himself.
"Frank's a football player," offensive coordinator Joe Brady said of Gore last week, with a smile. "Whatever opportunities he gets, he goes and does something with it. He's not going to talk much - you know, we have our running back room, and you've got a bunch of South Florida guys that don't want to talk, they're just all ball. But yeah, I love Frank Gore. You can tell how important it is for him, and he plays with a chip, and the way he runs – he made some plays out of the backfield the other other. those are the things that, I don't care about how the scoreboard looks, it's just seeing how the guys are playing at the end of the game. We understand how important it is to him and see how he's playing. I was really excited about that."
After a standout performance in the second preseason game, head coach Sean McDermott was asked about Gore.
"You know what, it's fun to watch players, young players like Frank [Gore Jr.] and all those guys, they get a shot, right, especially not in their first game. In the first game, they're a little nervous, and I kinda witnessed that last week. Now, in game two, they kinda took advantage of their opportunity in game two," McDermott said with a smile.
Gore looked decisive, explosive, and like he would be a great third running back on this depth chart behind James Cook and Ray Davis after carrying the ball eight times for 41 yards. It certainly feels like he's earned it.
Ja'Marcus Ingram, cornerback
Continuing the local pipeline, the Bills signed cornerback Ja'Marcus Ingram as an undrafted free agent, and he's been doing all the right things to earn a spot on this team as a depth corner.
"Well, he practices the same way," McDermott said when asked about why Ingram has been able to perform in key moments. "His teammates love him. They respect him for the way he works and all the work he puts in physically, all the work he puts in on the mental part of the game, and I'm just real proud of him. Very impressed."
Ingram is one of the most physical players the Bills currently have on the roster. He's a long corner at 6'2" that's more than capable of making the tackle when it's needed. Ingram has seen reps against very talented starting wide receivers over the last two weeks, like D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen, and George Pickens, and he has held his own. In their second preseason game, Ingram got work at nickel and looked strong, tallying eight tackles, including a key fourth down stop.
At this point, it's beyond being a conversation. I believe Ingram makes this roster as their fourth cornerback.
Related: Buffalo Bills' head coach Sean McDermott says 'that's the standard right there' about key element of preseason victory
Follow along all season for all the latest Buffalo Bills news. You can also find me on X @JonHelmkamp .
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