NFL Training Camps: Buffalo Bills Rookie Report
By Jon Dove
The Buffalo Bills made some smart moves in the draft that provided them some major future assets.
Everyone applauded the Buffalo Bills decision to move down in the draft, grab a future 1st round pick and still add Tre’Davious White. This move accomplished two things– set them up for the future and provided immediate help.
White should open the season as the starting cornerback working opposite Ronald Darby. He should be able to make a quick adjustment. White is a technically should and savvy player who plays hard.
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He’s the perfect option to replace Stephon Gilmore who left via free agency. In fact, White has a chance to eventually develop into a more consistent defender.
Zay Jones is another Bills rookie who will be immediately forced into playing time. Buffalo doesn’t feature a lot of depth at wide receiver and an overall lack of talent. Jones is already the most talented option outside of the oft-injured Sammy Watkins.
It wouldn’t be a major surprise if Jones is one of the top contenders for NFL rookie of the year. He has that type of talent and will receive a lot of targets.
The Bills are also counting on Dion Dawkins to be an early contributor. He will be given a chance to earn a starting job at either right tackle or guard. Dawkins is a physical player who excels at opening running lanes.
However, he’s also a steady pass protector who will have some ups and downs as he develops. Buffalo needs the Dawkins pick to hit after failed draft picks like Seantrel Henderson and Cyrus Kouandjio.
The Bills just opened up some space in the quarterback room by trading Cardale Jones. This move was possible because they landed Nathan Peterman in the 2017 NFL Draft. Peterman doesn’t have the physical tools of Jones, but has a better feel for the position.
He could be the eventual replacement for Tyrod Taylor if the Bills decide not to re-sign him.