Buffalo Bills rookie impresses All-Pro defensive back during OTAs

Having played six seasons alongside the best duo in franchise history, Buffalo Bills cornerback Taron Johnson knows what constitutes an effective safety.

With Jordan Poyer joining the Miami Dolphins and unsigned Micah Hyde seemingly leaning toward retirement, Johnson has quickly become the elder statesman in the Bills defensive backs room. Coming off an All-Pro season, the 2018 fourth-round pick sees potential in rookie safety Cole Bishop, who was the No. 60 overall selection last April.

The 6-foot-2 Bishop has the size and mobility that should serve him well in the NFL.

“Huge. The first thing I saw him, I’m like this kid is big,” Johnson said after a Phase 3 OTA practice at Orchard Park. “The way he moves, like I’m looking at him during the drills, he moves like he’s my size (5’11”, 190 lbs).”

Bishop, who weighs more than 200 pounds, showed above-average athleticism during NFL Combine testing. He had the third-fastest 40-yard dash time (4.45) among the safety participants. From one perspective, Bishop ran faster than 17 running back prospects in Indianapolis. His vertical jump of 39 inches was fourth-best at his position.

“Just having a guy like that there, I think it’s going to help us a lot,” Johnson said.

Bishop, who has played in 35 games for Utah over the past three years, will likely compete with veterans Taylor Rapp and Mike Edwards for playing time as a rookie.