Continuing a month-long series analyzing players who are on the Buffalo Bills' roster bubble and where they potentially fit in 2015:
Name: Jimmy Gaines
Position: Linebacker
Age: 22
2014 stats: None; spent season on practice squad.
Chance of making 53-man roster: 40 percent
Why he should make it: Gaines was one of the Bills' more impressive undrafted rookies in training camp last season, earning him a spot on the team's practice squad. He had a chance to learn from one of the NFL's best units and if he can take a step forward this August, he has a shot to crack a thin depth chart at linebacker. The Bills have three roster locks between Nigel Bradham, Preston Brown and Ty Powell, but the fourth spot in that group is up for grabs. Gaines can seize the opportunity by standing out on special teams during the preseason.
Why he shouldn't make it: The Bills invested a sixth-round draft pick in Tony Steward, which gives him a leg up on Gaines entering training camp. As long as Steward stays healthy and isn't a disaster during the preseason, he stands a good chance of earning the fourth spot on the depth chart. Undrafted rookie A.J. Tarpley was also impressive during OTAs and minicamp and is part of the mix at that position. Ultimately, Gaines has an uphill battle to beat both of those players out and make the 53-man roster.
Closest competition: Steward, Tarpley, Randell Johnson
