Bills Give Minicamp Invite to Rookie RB After 6-Year College Career

The Buffalo Bills are offering an NFL chance to a rookie running back who finished his career just a couple of miles down the Thruway.

The Bills have more than 20 players scheduled to participate in this month’s rookie minicamp, including their draft picks and an NFL veteran looking to restart his derailed career. The group includes Syracuse running back Will Nixon, who saw his own college career sidetracked by injuries.

Will Nixon’s NFL Journey Starts in Buffalo

Nixon will have the chance to show off his skills at the team’s rookie minicamp, scheduled for Orchard Park on May 8 and 9. The team will have just one other running back participating, undrafted free agent Desmond Reid from Pittsburgh, so Nixon should have plenty of opportunities to impress the coaching staff.

Nixon is coming off a six-year college career that included stops at three different schools. He racked up 798 total rushing yards over five seasons, including a strong campaign at Syracuse last season, where he rushed for 432 yards with three touchdowns.

Ahead of Syracuse’s Pro Day, Nixon said he was willing to do whatever it took to make an NFL roster, which meant flashing his versatility.

“Just seeing if I can punt return, be consistent with my blocks,” Nixon told Syracuse.com. “Everything about being a running back. I know that they know that off-field stuff will check out. They can trust me. I’ll know all my plays. I’m a selfless guy and would be willing to do the dirty stuff like block and be a good special teamer.”

Nixon said he had considered returning to Syracuse after seeking and being granted a seventh year of eligibility, but Orange coach Fran Brown shut the door on the idea, Syracuse.com reported.

“I really just put that [appeal] in just to keep my options open,” Nixon said. “I always kind of knew that this last season was going to be my last.”

The Bills have several other players participating in minicamp, including their draft class and former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton.

Bills Have Turned Minicamp Invites Into Roster Spots

While Nixon may have a difficult path to the NFL, the Bills have often awarded contracts to players who impress at rookie minicamp. While these contracts are largely just a chance to stay with the team through training camp, linebacker Joe Andreessen was able to turn a rookie minicamp invite into a spot on the 53-man roster two seasons ago.

The Bills are largely set at running back, with James Cook at the top of the depth chart and the versatile Ray Davis — who earned an All-Pro spot as a kick returner — behind him. Ty Johnson, whose skill set mirrors Cook, is the team’s other running back.

Nixon would likely compete for a spot on the practice squad, where the Bills already have the popular Frank Gore Jr. The team does have an opening at fullback after the departure of Reggie Gilliam, though it’s not clear yet if the team plans to roster anyone at that position, as many NFL teams have done away with fullbacks.

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