It’s been a relatively quiet start to training camp for the Buffalo Bills. Given the widespread roster overhaul the franchise endured during the offseason, that’s probably a good thing.
The Bills avoided the worst-case scenario: an error-ridden start to camp that would have raised questions about whether their window as a Super Bowl contender was closing. Instead, the early signs suggest Josh Allen and Co. are still a threat despite the roster changes.
A few players have earned a greater share of the spotlight than others over the past few days. In every case, it’s a promising sign for Buffalo as the 2024 NFL season draws closer.
2024 Buffalo Bills Training Camp — Early Standouts
Ed Oliver (DT)
Oliver has enjoyed some terrific stretches throughout his career. Usually three-to-five game runs where he looks like one of the league’s top defensive tackles. He’s been unable to maintain that elite level of play for an entire season, though.
The 2019 first-round pick is coming off a 2023 campaign where he tallied 51 total tackles, 9.5 sacks, and an interception across 16 games. It was his most complete season to date, but he still only managed a modest 67.8 overall grade from Pro Football Focus.
If the Bills defense is going to rank near the top of the NFL, they need a truly dominant season from the tackle. So far in camp, he looks ready for the challenge.
Ed Oliver has been a MENACE throughout the first three days of camp. Just blew up a read option in the backfield, nice dance after the TFL. #Bills top DT is going to be a problem this season #BillsMafia
— alex brasky (@alexbrasky) July 26, 2024
Oliver faced a lot of double teams last year while DaQuan Jones was out with an injury, which impacted his production. Not only is Jones back, but Buffalo added to its tackle depth with the additions of Austin Johnson and rookie DeWayne Carter. That should help in his quest for consistency.
Ed Oliver has been dominant today. Last series he blew up an Allen run in the backfield then tipped a pass that went incomplete.
— Andy Young (@AndyYoungTV) July 26, 2024
It’s time for Oliver to earn his first All-Pro and/or Pro Bowl selection.
Matt Milano (LB)
Milano’s placement on this list is relative to expectations. He’s not yet back to peak form after being limited to five games last year before suffering a season-ending leg injury. On the flip side, he looks well on pace to reach full speed before the Bills kick off Week 1.
Here’s 50 seconds of Matt Milano, day one at camp.
Looked pretty darn healthy to me. #Bills pic.twitter.com/0NwLfEQKJX
— Thad Brown (@thadbrown7) July 24, 2024
Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott preached caution with the star linebacker coming into camp.
“As we go through camp, some guys will be managed, Milano being one of them, just to name one of them,” McDermott told reporters this week. “There will be some guys that get days [off] as we go, but we’ll just take it one day at a time right now.”
Bobby Babich on #Bills LB Matt Milano’s progress: “It’s just a matter of time until Matt Milano is Matt Milano.” #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/pklv40yGM8
— alex brasky (@alexbrasky) July 26, 2024
While those off days may come eventually, the 29-year-old Boston College product has so far been heavily involved and looked fluid in his movements. That’s key since his sideline-to-sideline ability is the hallmark of his playmaking ability.
Matt Milano just made a terrific play in coverage to diagnose and get to the boundary on a swing pass. DC Bobby Babich immediately came over to slap his hand and congratulate him.
— Sal Capaccio
(@SalSports) July 26, 2024
A healthy season from Milano and fellow starting linebacker Terrel Bernard would go a long way to answer a lot of the Bills’ defensive questions.
Wide Receiver Room
The Bills’ biggest concern entering camp has become one of the team’s biggest bright spots. The wide receivers have been making a ton of plays. It’s helping the offseason departures of Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis fade away in the rear-view mirror.
A little Josh Allen to Keon Coleman to close out the first week of camp. #Bills #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/YtJRCD2NTu
— AJ Feldman (@AJFeldmanTV) July 26, 2024
Not only have all three of the projected starters—Khalil Shakir, Curtis Samuel, and rookie Keon Coleman—been making players, but a couple of the receivers trying to earn depth roles have also been standing out early. The latter group is led by Mack Hollins and Justin Shorter.
#Bills OC Joe Brady on Mack Hollins:
“One of my favorite players. Honestly, probably one of my favorite people I’ve ever met… Mack Hollins is gonna be a stud for us, both on the field and off.” pic.twitter.com/Tll5Ach7ic
— The Coachspeak Index (@CoachspeakIndex) July 26, 2024
In addition, Shakir, Samuel, and Coleman have all been moving around the formation. Playing both on the boundary and in the slot. That’s why the summer discussion about who would fill each role was silly. It was never going to be a straight replacement for Diggs and Davis. Expect a rotation with plenty of moving around to create an edge.
Curtis Samuel had his breakout day today at camp. The last catch was sensational as he broke open on the right side with Cam Lewis in coverage. He’s so explosive and he’s moving all over the place. Starting to see the vision for what he’ll be in this offense. Major
— Matt Parrino (@MattParrino) July 25, 2024
Although it’s too early in camp to declare the Bills receiver situation a success, the first set of returns is bullish for the offense. If that continues once the preseason gets underway, it may be time to buy low on Buffalo wideouts in fantasy football drafts.
Main Photo: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
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