Top Buffalo Bills Training Camp Battles to Keep an Eye On

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It’s that time of the year again where you walk outside and instantly get hit with humidity and start sweating. For the average person, this is frustrating, but for NFL fans, it means that training camp is upon us. The smell of fresh cut grass and heat serves as a reminder that it is football time. The Buffalo Bills are back at St. John Fisher College for training camp this year after a few years absence. So, let’s take a look at the top position battles to keep an eye on this summer in Rochester. 

The biggest question mark all off-season for the Bills has been at cornerback. Unfortunately, into the end of July already, that question remains. Besides having been told that he is progressing very well and has been at the Bills training facility all off-season, we don’t know if All-Pro cornerback Tre ‘Davious White, will be ready week one from his Thanksgiving ACL tear. For this article, we will assume he is going to be, because either way, rookie Kaiir Elam, and soon to be third-year man Dane Jackson will be fighting for the cornerback two spot across from White. Levi Wallace left for Pittsburgh and left a hole at corner for the Bills. Dane Jackson stepped up big time last season after White’s injury and has been flashing since the seventh-round pick has received playing time. Despite that, the Bills went out and drafted Florida Gator Kaiir Elam who is packed with potential. All eyes will be on them during training camp to see who best fits that role from the jump. Jackson, because of experience and familiarity with the system may start out with the upper hand but, you don’t trade up in the first round to select a player you’re going to bench. Both players are fighters and will not give up the position easily, it will be a fun battle to watch this summer. 

For the past few years, Cole Beasley has been a menace out of the slot for the Buffalo Bills. The two sides agreed to part ways this off-season, opening that role up in the receiver room. The Bills re-signed fan favorite Isaiah McKenzie, who over the years has filled in very well for Beasley when needed. They also signed former Jets receiver, Jamison Crowder, who has had much success in the slot. On top of that, the Bills drafted Khalil Shakir who many dubbed as a draft steal and there is much excitement around him. Only one will be the starting slot receiver though. While McKenzie is fast and has played well, the potential of what Crowder could do with Josh Allen as his quarterback is very enticing. Crowder is a proven veteran and could help elevate the Bills offense to another level. Shakir could potentially beat out both guys or not even make the team at all, he is a bit of a wild card, but the excitement and potential is there. All three will be locked in an exciting matchup of quick footed route runners this summer, to determine who will be the number three receiver in a room headlined by Stefon Diggs and budding star, Gabe Davis. 

Head Coach Sean McDermott visits with star receiver Stefon Diggs on the opening day of the Buffalo Bills training camp at St. John Fisher University in Rochester Sunday, July 24, 2022.
Sd 072422 Bills Camp 21 Spts

Late last season after an offensive line mix up, running back Devin Singletary tore it up. Singletary down the stretch and into the playoffs, was one of the best rushers in the NFL. He is the clear-cut number one. Behind him though, is murky. Two years ago, the Bills took Zack Moss early in the draft and the buzz around him was high. He unfortunately has not amounted to much since and seemed to fall out of favor with the coaching staff last season. The Bills took James Cook, brother of superstar Dalvin Cook, in the second round of the draft this year. The rookie’s potential is being talked about across the league because of his pass catching skills being paired up with Josh Allen. Some analysts even believe he will take over the running back one spot by mid-season. But before that, we must get through training camp where Cook and Moss will do battle for the spot behind Devin Singletary. Moss has to essentially prove he isn’t a bust and deserves playing time, while Cook has to prove why the Bills used a valuable second round selection on him. Yet another exciting battle for Bills’ Mafia to look forward to this summer in Rochester.

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