Several new faces, some positions with changes in numbers.
QUARTERBACKS (3): Tyrod Taylor (6th season), EJ Manuel (4th season), Cardale Jones (1st season)
The Bills had only three quarterbacks throughout both the offseason and the preseason, so naturally there were no surprises here. Tyrod Taylor had a strong pre- season and entered the year as the team’s unquestioned starter one year after coming out on top in a three-way QB competition. EJ Manuel, the is the clear No. 2 option despite some shaky performances over the past two seasons. General manager Doug Whaley has professed his faith in Manuel time and time again, however, and is not ready to give up on the former first-round pick. Rookie Cardale Jones is the third QB and is essentially taking a redshirt year. Jones got off to a rocky start in Buffalo, struggling mightily with his accuracy, but he showed plenty of improvement as the preseason went on. He’s an interesting developmental player to keep an eye on moving forward.
RUNNING BACKS (5): LeSean McCoy (8th season), Reggie Bush (11th season), Mike Gillislee (3rd season) Jonathan Williams (1st season), FB Jerome Felton (9th season/re-signed after Week 1 and replaced Glenn Gronkowski)
This story is from the October 2,2016 edition of Bills Digest.
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This story is from the October 2,2016 edition of Bills Digest.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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.
