Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - Preparations for the 2025 season get into full swing on Wednesday with the opening of Buffalo Bills training camp at St. John Fisher University in Pittsford.
Here is one storyline to follow for each defensive position over the next several weeks before the final 53 man roster is set:
Defensive end
How healthy is Joey Bosa? Can he stay healthy and on the field?
The free agent signee missed all of organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamp with a calf injury, and his availability will be a huge focus, especially considering the six-game suspension fellow defensive end Michael Hoecht will be facing to start the season.
Defensive tackle
With Larry Ogunjobi missing the first six games due to his suspension, will T.J. Sanders and Deone Walker be able to step-up right away and make an impact?
This is a position the Bills invested heavily in this offseason, and with no Ogunjobi as a part of the rotation, the two drafted rookies will get plenty of chances early-on to mix in with Ed Oliver, DaQuan Jones, and DeWayne Carter.
Linebacker
If Matt Milano can return, even close to his pre-injury All-Pro form, or even just continue the ascension he was on at the end of last season after returning to the field, the Bills could have one of the best middle/weakside linebacker duos in the NFL with Milano and Terrel Bernard.
But that’s been the hope for the last two seasons, and fans will need to see it play out with no issues.
Cornerback
The only true starting job that looks like it’s going to be an open competition on either side of the ball is cornerback opposite Christian Benford.
From Day One of training camp, all eyes will be on first-round pick Max Hairston and veteran Tre’Davious White to see who is getting more time and reps with the starting unit.
Safety
Cole Bishop missed most of last year’s training camp and preseason, and it really set him back when it came to the regular season. He already missed all of this year’s minicamp with an injury.
Bishop is presumably the starter alongside Taylor Rapp, so any more missed time would be a huge blow to both him and the defense. He’ll have to show he’s healthy and impactful immediately.
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