Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR 550) – The big story from Day 1 of Buffalo Bills mandatory minicamp was the absence of wide receiver Stefon Diggs.
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Meanwhile, all the other players were in Orchard Park for the three days.
Head coach Sean McDermott says there’s still a lot of work to be done before training camp begins in late July.
"We continue to work on our fundamentals, the foundation we’re building, getting the guys back out there and executing," said McDermott on Tuesday during his press conference with the media. "I think we’ve had a good offseason to this point. This time of year, you’re putting in new things and you’re trying to look at them and decide if this is something we want to take into training camp."
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One of the biggest question marks moving forward is who is going to replace Tremaine Edmunds at linebacker. The competition is between Tyrel Dodson, Terrel Bernard, Baylon Spector, A.J. Klein and Dorian Williams. McDermott likes what he’s seen so far.
"I’ve been pleased with the competition, as they’re all working hard at it," McDermott said. "When they’ve gotten opportunities, they’ve looked good. So the competition continues, and what we always do is reset the board a little bit after the next couple of days, as we head into the summer break and then we get into training camp, and we start from there."
This is the time the Bills use to help some of the younger players get used to life in the NFL and what they need to do. That way, they’re more used to things once they get to training camp.
"It’s hard to be a rookie in this league. There’s just so much thrown at a young player from scheme, to adjusting to a new life, new city," McDermott said. "Our staff does a great job of helping our young players, even where to live. Right now, we’re trying to get them to finish strong, and then they’ll get a break. They’ll be anxious to get a little space and time, and then it’s important for them to come back in shape and have a great training camp."
Damar Hamlin had his helmet on while taking reps last week in OTAs. McDermott continues to be amazed and pleased with the progress his young safety has made.
"He continues to amaze us all," he said. "He had an interception last week, and to just watch that unfold, it’s just a moment that I’ll never forget. Even when I’m done coaching, it’s just fun to watch that. For him to continue to take steps towards getting back, it’s still one day at a time. But I’ve been very impressed by his approach."
Tre'Davious White was still rehabbing his knee at this time last year, and really couldn’t play until Thanksgiving. White was good when he returned, but he wasn’t quite himself. That often happens with that kind of surgery, but McDermott says White is doing well this offseason.
"I think he’s worked extremely hard, which I don’t take for granted. But knowing him and his level of commitment and dedication to be the player he knows he wants to be, he just wants to be great," McDermott said. "He puts in the work, and he’s had a good spring. He’ll continue to work."
The Bills have two more days of mandatory minicamp before they get a month off before training camp.
