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Buffalo Sports News

Stock Up, Stock Down at 2024 Buffalo Bills Training Camp

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Buffalo Bills edge rusher Von Miller

The Buffalo Bills are aiming to capture their fifth straight AFC East division title with a new-look roster in 2024. The battle for spots on the final 53-man squad is already heating up during the early stages of training camp.

A lot more places on the depth chart are up for grabs this year, which created extra urgency to make a strong impression right out of the gate. While the preseason games will ultimately carry most of the weight, the practices are crucial evaluation tools for head coach Sean McDermott and his staff, too.

Let’s check out some players making headlines, for better or worse, after the first week of camp. The Bills kick off their exhibition schedule Aug. 10 against the Chicago Bears.

2024 Buffalo Bills Training Camp — Week 1 Stock Up, Stock Down

Stock Up: 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 NFL’s worst players in 2023, tallying 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 he’d 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 individual goal is just getting back to playing my style of football. It’s crazy how you get injured, and you come back, and you really shouldn’t have even been playing, and people judge you by a product on the field,” Miller told Pat Benson of Sports Illustrated last week. “I could have easily sat out all of last season, but I couldn’t do my teammates like that. I felt like being later in my career, I didn’t want to sacrifice any of my years. But at the same time, I shouldn’t have been out there.”

If Miller returns to a form where he can push toward double-digit sacks, Buffalo should feature one of the league’s best pass-rushing groups. Projected EDGE starters A.J. 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 made an impact rushing the passer in 2023.

Miller is also playing himself away from the cut conversation with his strong camp. Given the sizable remaining portion of his six-year, $120 million contract, the Bills may have opted to move on if he struggled in preseason games as much as he did last year.

A strong bounce-back season will make everyone forget about his terrible 2023.

Stock Down: Mike Edwards (FS)

Edwards was underwhelming throughout the first few days of camp. Then he suffered a hamstring injury that McDermott said would cost the safety at least a week of practices. It’s an unfortunate string of events for a player who was competing to start in the secondary.

The Bills are working to replace the longtime safety tandem of Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer. The former Kansas City Chiefs starter would bring a veteran presence to the back end, but the more time he misses, the less chance he’ll have of making the final roster.

That point was further hammered home Tuesday when Buffalo announced the signing of fellow safety Kareem Jackson. He’ll immediately hop into the competition with rookie Cole Bishop, Taylor Rapp, and Damar Hamlin for a starting role.

It’s unclear whether Edwards will make it back before the end of the preseason. If he doesn’t, it’s hard to imagine him making the roster barring a stint on injured reserve first.

Stock Up: Mack Hollins (WR)

Hollins brings a unique skill set among the Bills wide receiver group: physicality and blocking ability. It’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 ground game.

Buffalo is going to use a receiver-by-committee approach this season following the exits of Davis and Stefon Diggs. So, without any WR likely getting a 90 percent snap share, it’ll be crucial to fill a role. That gives the 30-year-old Maryland native a good spot on the roster.

The fact Hollins also making plays in the aerial attack is a bonus. He’s making a strong case to emerge as the No. 4 option behind Curtis Samuel, Khalil Shakir, and rookie Keon Coleman.

Stock Down: Marquez Valdes-Scantling (WR)

That No. 4 spot in the pecking order was previously ticketed for MVS. He was the obvious choice because of his big-play upside, but it just hasn’t materialized so far in Bills camp. He’s mostly been a non-factor, and that’s a serious problem when there’s so much competition.

Valdes-Scantling’s ability to stretch the field gives him a chance to turn the tide back in his favor quickly. He did make one standout play during Tuesday’s camp practice. More of that, especially in the preseason games, could change the conversation.

For now, however, he’s likely fallen behind the likes of Hollins, KJ Hamler, Andy Isabella, and camp surprise Tyrell Shavers.

Main Photo: [James Germano/Rochester Democrat and Chronicle] – USA Today Sports

The post Stock Up, Stock Down at 2024 Buffalo Bills Training Camp appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.