Next Man Up – How the Buffalo Bills Fill the Loss of Kiko Alonso

Nov 16, 2013; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals linebacker Preston Brown (2) tackles Houston Cougars running back Ryan Jackson (22) during the second half of play at Papa John

Preston Brown, Age: 21

After an outstanding performance at Buffalo’s voluntary mini-camp, third-round pick Preston Brown has the Bills coaching staff very excited according to Buffalo News’ Tim Graham. Although this camp was without pads, for a rookie to make this kind of impression on coaches this early on, it’s noteworthy to say the least.

From a playing standpoint, at 6’1″, 251 pounds, Brown is a physical player that played with great instincts at the University of Louisville. Many times at Louisville you would see former Cardinals head coach Charlie Strong lean on Brown for defensive responsibilities, asking him to both call plays at the line of scrimmage, and line up defenders. That kind of leadership will surely help Brown adapt to the new scheme being implemented in Orchard Park.

In Jim Schwartz defensive scheme, the weak side linebacker has most of the action funnelled towards him, allowing the weak side linebacker to play a “read-and-react” style of football. With Brown’s great instincts, he could also be a viable replacement for Kiko Alonso in that role. If mini-camp was any indication, Brown taking snaps as a first-team nickel linebacker is a great sign of what the Bills staff think of his versatility.

Could the Bills be on the verge of striking gold twice with rookie linebackers?