The Buffalo Bills were a bit of a surprise playoff team in 2019. A strong roster and culture got the Bills into the dance last year. Now we get to find out if Josh Allen is a bonafide franchise quarterback and how far he can carry this franchise forward. Do the Bills carry the momentum towards an AFC East crown? Let’s take a look at the Buffalo Bills 2020 training camp preview to see what storylines we should pay attention to as the season inches closer.
3 Position Battles To Watch:
Running Back: Devin Singletary, Zack Moss, TJ Yeldon
This is the primary battle we’re all trying to figure out. Devin Singletary was really good as a rookie. Singletary averaged 5.1 yards per carry on 151 attempts. They rewarded him with Zack Moss as competition. Moss is a power back coming out of Utah. The early signs are Moss is going to be the goal-line vulture while Singletary will get more work in the passing game. There’s still going to be a major battle for touches.
Edge Rusher: Jerry Hughes vs AJ Epenesa
Jerry Hughes has been a stable veteran for this franchise for a long time. Since joining the Bills in 2013, Hughes has 46.5 sacks. Buffalo selected AJ Epenesa in the second round and feels very much like a boom or bust pick. Epenesa has great hands but isn’t an explosive athlete. It will be curious to see how much the rookie from Iowa gets on the field right away.
Cornerback: Josh Norman vs Levi Wallace
This one really isn’t a battle. Levi Wallace has established himself as a really good corner in this league. Josh Norman is all but washed up. However, it’s worth mentioning that we don’t know who the Bills will rely on opposite of Tre’Davious White. It sounds like Buffalo really believes in Norman too.
Ready To Breakout: Ed Oliver
After a 5 sack season in 7 total starts, Oliver is ready to become a monster. We knew that Oliver was a freakish prospect. We just didn’t know if he was super bored at the University of Houston or was just overhyped. What we saw as a rookie indicates the former. Oliver is a beast in the making and it’s only a matter of time before he becomes a wrecking ball.
Rookie To Watch: Tyler Bass
Kickers are people too! The Bills didn’t have a big draft class after giving away every pick they had for Stefon Diggs. The one pick they did cash on was kicker Tyler Bass who had a good showing at the Senior Bowl. Stephen Hauschka has been serviceable but not much more. Bass could be a game changer and flip the field position battle.
Fantasy Sleeper: Dawson Knox
Dawson Knox had such a memorable combine performance that I would have been in on him during the 2019 NFL Draft. As a rookie, Knox showed serious promise. 13.9 yards per reception is a pretty good number. 28 receptions for 388 yards isn’t a super sexy stat line but Knox is an X-Factor in Buffalo. Stefon Diggs is going to take attention away from the defense. Knox has plus speed and could really do damage in the middle of the field.
