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First players to stand out at Buffalo Bills 2024 training camp

Theo

The Buffalo Bills’ training camp has started relatively quietly. Considering the franchise’s complete roster overhaul this offseason, that’s probably a good thing.

The Bills avoided the worst-case scenario: a mistake-riddled start to camp that would have raised questions about whether their Super Bowl window would close. Instead, early signs suggest Josh Allen and his team are still a threat despite the roster changes.

Some players have been highlighted more than others in recent days. Either way, it’s a promising sign for Buffalo heading into the 2024 NFL season.

Buffalo Bills 2024 Training Camp: First Players to Score

Ed Oliver (DT)

Oliver has had some quality stretches throughout his career. He typically plays three to five games in which he emerges as one of the league’s best defensive tackles. However, he hasn’t been able to maintain that elite level of play for an entire season.

The 2019 first-round pick is coming off a 2023 campaign in which he totaled 51 tackles, 9.5 sacks and one interception in 16 games. It was his most complete season yet, but he still earned just a modest 67.8 overall grade from Pro Football Focus.

If the Bills defense wants to rank among the best in the NFL, it needs a truly dominant season from its tackle. So far, he appears ready for the challenge.

Oliver faced a lot of double teams last year while DaQuan Jones was injured, which impacted his production. Not only is Jones back, but Buffalo also bolstered its tackle depth with the additions of Austin Johnson and rookie DeWayne Carter. That should help in its quest for consistency.

It’s time for Oliver to earn his first All-Pro and/or Pro Bowl selection.

Matt Milano (LB)

Milano’s ranking on this list is relative to expectations. He’s yet to return to his best after being limited to five games last year before suffering a season-ending leg injury. On the other hand, he appears well on his way to hitting full speed before the Bills kick off Week 1.

Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott has urged caution with the star linebacker coming into camp.

“As we go through camp, there will be some players that will be under control, Milano being one of them, to name one,” McDermott told reporters this week. “Some players will have days off as we go along, but we’re just going to take it one day at a time at the moment.”

While those days off may come someday, the 29-year-old Boston College product has been very involved so far and has looked fluid in his movements. That’s key since his ability to move from line to line is a hallmark of his game.

A healthy season from Milano and fellow starter Terrel Bernard would go a long way toward answering many of the Bills’ defensive questions.

Large reception room

The Bills’ biggest concern heading into camp has become one of the team’s biggest bright spots. The receivers have made a lot of plays. That helps put the offseason departures of Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis in the rearview mirror.

Not only have the three expected starters — Khalil Shakir, Curtis Samuel and rookie Keon Coleman — been big players, but a few receivers vying for depth roles have also stood out early. That last group is led by Mack Hollins and Justin Shorter.

Additionally, Shakir, Samuel, and Coleman have all moved up and down the lineup. They’ve played both on the wing and in the slot. That’s why the summer discussion about who would fill each role was silly. It was never a direct replacement for Diggs and Davis. Expect a rotation with plenty of movement to create an advantage.

While it’s still too early to declare the Bills’ receiver situation a success, the early returns are positive for the offense. If that continues once the preseason begins, it may be time to buy Buffalo receivers cheap in fantasy football drafts.

Main photo: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

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