Duke Williams took the unconventional path to the NFL, and both he and the Bills appear to be better off for it. A one-time five-star recruit, Williams’ path featured several detours due to a series of issues away from the football field. After he was kicked out of Auburn due to an off-field fight, Williams ended up with the Edmonton Eskimos of the CFL, where he became a standout north of the border. That led to a contract from the Bills this offseason. Williams struggled to make his mark at training camp but did enough in preseason action to earn a spot on the practice squad, seemingly getting stronger with each passing week. After a series of highlight-reel performances at regular-season practices — and with a need for a big, physical option in the passing game — the Bills promoted Williams from the practice squad and he made an instant impact, catching a seven-yard touchdown pass in Buffalo’s Week 5 win over the Tennessee Titans. Bills Digest recently caught up with Williams for his thoughts on his path to the NFL, and where he’s looking to go from here — in an extended edition of 1st and 10.
1 When the Bills make a move like trading Zay Jones, do you see this as more of an opportunity for you to continue making an impact on offense?
A: I see every day as an opportunity. Every day is an opportunity to grow, get better and work. So that’s what it’s about — getting better and working.
2 How do you feed off that performance against Tennessee?
A: Continue to work, look at film and find ways to get better. Go out and practice and execute our gameplan and watch film, see what the coaches have to say on what we messed up and get better from it.
3 How many times did you rewatch the touchdown from the Tennessee game?
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TRACKING TRAINING CAMP
Bills Digest was there for all the big moments at training camp. Here are some observations …
‘We're constantly trying to evolve'
For more on what’s happening within Buffalo’s offense, here are some highlights from offensive coordinator Brian Daboll’s recent press conferences.
‘On the field you must flip that switch'
Here are some highlights from head coach Sean McDermott’s recent press conferences.
ALLEN GETS HISTORIC DEAL
Bills QB now under contract through 2028
Right back in the swing of things
It’s fair to say that this year’s Bills training camp looks wildly different from those of the past.
1st & Ten with STEFON DIGGS
Stefon Diggs had one of the best seasons ever by a Bills receiver in 2020, and he’s looking for an encore. Diggs was clearly amped up and ready to go as the Bills began their preparations for the new season, leading the huddle and supporting his teammates as they kicked off training camp in Orchard Park. Diggs recently touched on his goals for the upcoming season for both himself and the team in an informative discussion with members of the media. Here are the highlights from that discussion.
RUNNING BACKS: TOP AVAILABLE FREE AGENTS
Aaron Jones, Packers 5-9 • 208 pounds • 27 years old A fifth-round steal in the 2017 draft out of UTEP, Jones is equally proficient in the running and passing games. He rushed for more than 1,000 yards the last two years, and caught 49 and 47 passes, respectively. He’s also a touchdown machine with 30 TDs the last two years (25 rushing and 5 receiving). The son of two career Army officers, he’s a tough, driven player and the kind of guy players want on their team.
THE RIGHT STUFF?
Keeping two important starters is a priority as the right side of the O-line hits free agency
QUARTERBACKS: TOP AVAILABLE FREE AGENTS
Dak Prescott, Cowboys 6-2 • 235 pounds • 27 years old A solid starter who has a nice TD-INT ratio over his first five seasons (104-40), Prescott is an accurate thrower and very mobile. However, he’s coming off a compound fracture and dislocation of his right ankle, so it remains to be seen if this will impact his game moving forward.
TIGHT ENDS: TOP AVAILABLE FREE AGENTS
Hunter Henry, Chargers 6-5 • 250 pounds • 29 years old A very talented player, Henry has had issues staying healthy, unable to complete an NFL season, including missing the entire 2018 season with a torn ACL. But when healthy, he’s a terrific all-around tight end who really connected with Justin Herbert in 2020 with 60 catches. Henry is very good at finding holes in zone coverage.
