close
close

Stocks rise and fall at Buffalo Bills 2024 training camp

Theo

The Buffalo Bills are aiming to win their fifth straight AFC East division title with a new team in 2024. The battle for spots on the final 53-man roster is already heating up as training camp begins.

This year, there are a lot more spots to fill on the depth chart, which has created an added urgency to make a good impression early on. While preseason games will ultimately carry the most weight, practices are also crucial evaluation tools for head coach Sean McDermott and his staff.

Let’s take a look at some of the players who made headlines, for better or worse, after the first week of camp. The Bills open their exhibition schedule on August 10 against the Chicago Bears.

Buffalo Bills 2024 Training Camp — Week 1: Stocks Up, Stocks Down

Storage: Von Miller (EDGE)

Miller is starting to look more like an eight-time Pro Bowler and future Hall of Famer. It’s a welcome sight for the Bills. He was one of the worst players in the NFL in 2023, totaling just three total tackles and no sacks in 12 games in his return from a torn ACL.

The 35-year-old Texas A&M product spent the entirety of camp last year expressing confidence that he would be ready for Week 1. He landed on the PUP list instead, and now he’s started to walk back his stance, saying he shouldn’t have played at all.

“My biggest personal goal is to get my game back. It’s crazy to get hurt, come back and not even have to play, and people judge you based on your performance on the field,” Miller told Pat Benson. Sports Illustrated “I could have easily sat on the bench all last season, but I couldn’t do that with my teammates. I felt like being further along in my career, I didn’t want to sacrifice any of my years. But at the same time, I shouldn’t have been on the pitch.”

If Miller can return to a form that allows him to aim for double-digit sacks, Buffalo should have one of the best pass rushing corps in the league. Projected edge starters AJ Epenesa and Greg Rousseau combined for 11.5 sacks last season. Defensive tackle Ed Oliver (9.5 sacks) and Terrel Bernard (6.5 sacks) also have an impact at pass rusher in 2023.

Miller is also staying away from the cut discussion with his strong camp. Given the significant portion remaining on his six-year, $120 million contract, the Bills might have chosen to move on if he struggled as much in preseason games as he did last year.

A strong rebound season will make everyone forget their terrible 2023.

Stocks Down: Mike Edwards (FS)

Edwards was disappointing in the first few days of camp. Then he suffered a hamstring injury that McDermott said would cost him at least a week of practice. It’s an unfortunate series of events for a player who was competing to be a starter in the defensive secondary.

The Bills are working to replace the longtime safety duo of Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer. The former Kansas City Chiefs starter would provide a veteran presence on the back end, but the longer he’s out, the less likely he is to make the final roster.

That point was further underscored Tuesday when Buffalo announced the signing of fellow safety Kareem Jackson. He will immediately enter competition with rookie Cole Bishop, Taylor Rapp and Damar Hamlin for a starting role.

It’s unclear whether Edwards will be back before the end of the preseason. If not, it’s hard to imagine him making the roster unless he’s first placed on injured reserve.

Storage: Mack Hollins (WR)

Hollins brings a unique skill set to the Bills’ receiving corps: physicality and blocking ability. That’s an important distinction given the departure of Gabe Davis, who made up for his shortcomings as a pass catcher by being an asset in the running game.

Buffalo will be using a receiver-by-committee approach this season following the departures of Davis and Stefon Diggs. So, with no WR likely to get a 90% snap share, filling a role will be crucial. That gives the 30-year-old Maryland native a solid roster spot.

The fact that Hollins is also capable of making plays in the pass attack is a bonus. He has a good case to establish himself as the fourth option behind Curtis Samuel, Khalil Shakir and rookie Keon Coleman.

Stock Drop: Marquez Valdes-Scantling (WR)

The fourth spot in the hierarchy used to be reserved for MVS. He was the obvious choice because of his big-play potential, but that hasn’t materialized so far in the Bills camp. He hasn’t been a deciding factor, and that’s a serious problem when there’s this much competition.

Valdes-Scantling’s ability to stretch the field gives him a chance to turn the tide quickly. He made a remarkable play in Tuesday’s camp practice. If he does more of that, especially in preseason games, it could change the game.

For now, though, he’s likely fallen behind players like Hollins, KJ Hamler, Andy Isabella and camp surprise Tyrell Shavers.

Main photo: (James Germano/Rochester Democrat and Chronicle) – USA Today Sports

Related Posts