After four training camp practices, Sunday was the first day off for the Buffalo Bills before getting back on the field on Monday. It’s a good time to reflect on the first four sessions with one thought and observation at each position:
Quarterback:
There is a clear separation between Mitchell Trubisky and the next two signal-callers behind Josh Allen - Jake Fromm and Davis Webb. Trubisky has looked good going all the way back to OTAs and minicamp. Patient. Steady. Consistent. Fromm and Webb have been inconsistent at best.
After head coach Sean McDermott said the team has no plans at this time to keep an emergency COVID-19 quarterback on the final 53-man roster, it’s going to be an uphill battle for both to make the squad.
Running back:
Matt Breida has really shown off his speed and quickness through the first four days. He works well in tight spaces, but also gets to where he’s going in a hurry.
He could wind up being more of a factor in the offense than many anticipated when they signed him as a free agent in March.
Wide receiver:
Despite all the depth and competition, it’s looking like it’s going to be very hard to keep Jake Kumerow off the final 53 man roster. He’s looked really good as a route runner and has excellent hands.
The added bonus for Kumerow is that he also plays special teams. However, unlike players at other positions who are “special teams first” then help at a position, Kumerow is looking like a legitimate wide receiver option who can also play special teams.
Offensive line:
With tackle Dion Dawkins and guard Ike Boettger both out while on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, it has given a chance for others to take reps and test the depth and versatility of this group. That’s been good.
However, it doesn’t appear anyone has really stepped up to take charge at left tackle in Dawkins’ absence, as of yet. A bit too much inconsistency from that spot without him.
Tight end:
Dawson Knox has been consistent catching the football, something he hasn’t been his first two years in the league. However, he’s also done it in all parts of the field. He has the ability to be a terrific mismatch if he can continue to catch the ball reliably.
Bills fans have been waiting for that to be the case through his first two years. His raw talent is undeniable.
Defensive tackle:
In one offseason, this group’s size has been completely transformed. From one of the smallest defensive line units in the NFL a year ago to adding Star Lotulelei back, as well as a thicker Harrison Phillips; seven of the eight defensive tackles are listed on the official roster as weighing, at least, 300 pounds, including three at 315 or more.
The only one who is less than 300 pounds is the 6-foot-1, 287-pound Ed Oliver, whose game relies much more on quickness and penetration.
Defensive end:
I’m going to be really interested to see what happens when pads come on and things get more physical, because it’s hard not to get excited from what I’ve seen from Greg Rousseau and A.J. Epenesa, the team’s top draft picks each of the past two years.
Rousseau is every bit as tall, long, and imposing as he appears to be from afar, and it looks like he’s already very good at using that length to his advantage, understanding leverage and balancing speed and power.
Epenesa isn’t quite the physical specimen as Rousseau, but is long, as well, and a very good tactician.
Linebacker:
This group is really deep. Much deeper and better than most realize, because it’s not full of household names.
After starters Tremaine Edmunds and Matt Milano, the roster is just littered with guys who can play, and even start, for many teams. Are all very versatile as linebackers, and can also play special teams.
From top to bottom, it’s, arguably, the deepest unit on the team.
Cornerback:
There’s been no sign, to me, yet that Dane Jackson is ready to take the No. 2 starting cornerback spot away from Levi Wallace.
The second-year cornerback has been up-and-down in both 1-on-1 and team drills, making some plays, but also being beaten a little too often for what you want to see from a guy hoping to snatch that starting spot.
Safety:
We know it’s all about Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer, but through four practices, the next safety spot behind them seems just as up for grabs as it was before the team even hit the field for the first time.
Jaquan Johnson, Josh Thomas, Damar Hamlin, and Tariq Thompson are all in the mix, and this could come down to the final week of camp.
Specialists:
I haven’t tracked every single kick, but from what I have seen, kicker Tyler Bass has not missed a single field goal attempt in practice.
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