The wide receiver group has undergone a near-total roster cleanup compared to the group that played in 2023 for Buffalo.
BUFFALO — Several minutes after the conclusion of the second practice of the mandatory minicamp for the Buffalo Bills, Josh Allen and the rest of the team’s quarterbacks —Mitch Trubisky y Shane Buechele— were still on the practice field, chatting and working with some of the receivers and running backs, along with other small groups of players doing additional work. They spent the extra time fine-tuning route timing, general communication, and comfort.
The next day, the head coach Sean McDermott did something he hasn’t done in several years, holding a practice on the third day of minicamp, albeit a more relaxed version with several starters sidelined from drills.
“Well, not necessarily [cambios específicos respecto a años previos] “Beyond, obviously, a high percentage of new players, new faces,” he said. McDermott“So the more reps we can get, the better, and listen… I would add, I appreciate the players’ willingness and their attitude when they went out there. Not every team practices on the third day of minicamp, and I appreciate their attitude.”
Curtis Samuel headlines a wide receiver group that has a deep turnover for the Bills from last season. Bryan Bennett/Getty Images
Perhaps no positional group on the roster better demonstrates the fresh faces than the wide receivers, one that has undergone a near-total cleanup since the end of the 2023 season. It also remains one of the biggest question marks heading into training camp — with practices beginning July 24 at the St. John Fisher University— and then the regular season.
How will it perform? Allen with a new group of recipients that does not include Stefon Diggsthe wide receiver he’s scouted the most in his career, by far? Tight ends and running backs will have their roles in the passing game, too, but with so many changes at wide receiver, what will the Red Sox’s offense look like? Billsand how is it going to work?
“Every team is a new team, but there are really a lot of new faces now,” said the general manager. Brandon Beane at the conclusion of minicamp. “Some players are coming in from other teams that have had success or maybe where things didn’t work out well, and we have a fresh opportunity for them to reestablish themselves.”
Mack Hollins was one of the voices that made the most noise during the campaign recess practices. Chase Claypool He showed signs that he could be a target downfield, and potentially stay on the roster. Curtis Samuel y Marquez Valdes-Scantling They have worked on their comfort with the quarterback Josh Allenwhile the rookie Keon Coleman spent one-on-one time with the wide receivers coach, Adam Henryduring the mini-camp for beginners.
Con Diggs being transferred to the Houston Texans y Gabe Davis signing for the Jacksonville Jaguars In free agency, last season’s top two wide receivers are gone. The only wide receiver on the roster who Allen has thrown a pass in his career is Khalil Shakir –suffered an injury during mandatory minicamp, although Beane He said he thought that Shakir will be fine — who is coming off a promising second season but has accounted for just 2 percent of career pass attempts Allen. Diggs He is responsible for 21 percent of the passes sent in the career of Allen11 percentage points higher than the next player (Cole Beasley10 percent).
Subscribe to Disney+!
You can now enjoy all of ESPN’s sports on Disney+. Subscribe NOW.
To replace that, the group was rebuilt throughout the offseason through the draft and free agency, betting on a variety of veterans who have shown potential in a variety of offenses.
The offensive coordinator Joe Bradywho was promoted from his interim position this offseason, made it clear that the attack of the Bills will continue to revolve around Allenwhen he first spoke to the media in May since assuming his new role.
“Only time will tell. Look, at the end of the day, it’s about the offense of Josh Allenisn’t that right?” he said. Brady“You have to build the offense around the guys you have.”
The rest of the starting offensive staff has remained basically the same, apart from Connor McGovern moving from left guard to center, after the departure of Mitch Morse. The mentality they assume this year, as taught Bradyis that “everyone eats.” The philosophy, with the season months away, can also serve as a representation of the contrast to the more than 150 passes aimed at Diggs in each of his four campaigns in Buffalo.
“That’s the mentality [que nos dice Brady] all the time, ‘Everyone eats.'” he shared Shakir“And if you’re running a certain route, you’ve got to go and you’ve got to make room for your teammate who’s coming on an outside route or whatever. But, like I said before, what goes around also comes around. If you’ve got to sit there and run a vertical route 50 times, do it at full speed 50 times, then on the 51st time it might be you running that outside route with somebody else making room for you.”
The first step in answering some of these questions will come when training camp opens with competition to make the 53-man roster. There are some players who are certain, including Samuel, Shakir y Coleman. Hollins has established itself quickly, with Shakir and others noticing the presence he brings on and off the field.
“The vibe is really good [en el grupo de receptores]”Because the way I look at it, receivers, they all play a certain part, and they’re not all the same, and that’s what makes him great,” the coach said. Henry“And so there’s a lot of experience there just to pull them aside. … The group is really coming together and creating its culture.”
A variety of players in the wide receiver group are playing to prove something, agreeing to one-year deals with one of the league’s best quarterbacks to show what they are capable of. Claypool He’s a great example of a player who had success early in his career — back-to-back seasons of at least 100 passing targets and 850 receiving yards each — but has since struggled to find his place, bouncing around three different teams since 2022.
Editorial Selections
1 Related
“If it is frustrating for the outside world [no cumplir con las expectativas]it’s even more frustrating for me,” he noted. Claypool“I understand where I need to be. And I understand that I haven’t met those expectations. And that’s why I work harder and harder every year, to be able to meet those expectations and exceed them.”
Claypool He was among the players who worked extra hours in offseason workouts and made notable plays during organized team activities, but earning a spot on the final 53-man roster is not guaranteed. Out of every team in camp, one seems destined for Valdes-Scantlingwho had flashes during his time with the Kansas City Chiefsespecially in the postseason, but was inconsistent at times (5.5 percent of passes dropped in 2022 and 9.1 percent in 2023).
“Obviously, I’ve been one of the best deep guys on the field for most of my career. And so, I’m going to get a lot of attention whenever I’m on the field,” he said. Valdes-Scantling“And so just being able to go out there and do whatever it takes to make the team win, I’m all for that, man. I’ve had to do it before, and sometimes you get those balls thrown at you.”
A clear theme for some of the additions for the Bills This year it was size to help Allen. Six wide receivers on the current roster are at least 6-foot-4. Two of them, Claypool y Hollinscan contribute on special teams, which will help both when it comes to divvying up roster spots, and will be a must for whoever gets that final wide receiver spot thanks to the new kickoff rules.
The group also includes another wide receiver looking for an opportunity, in KJ Hamlera 2020 second-round pick by the Denver BroncosHe has played in just 10 games over the past two years due to injuries. Justin Shorter, Andy Isabella, Tyrell Shavers, Bryan Thompson and undrafted free agents Xavier Johnson y Lawrence Keys complete the group.
The continued rise of the second-year tight end, Dalton Kincaidwill also be a point of emphasis for the offense, as well as the runner James Cook if he can improve his ball-catching skills, something the rookie running back Ray Davis can contribute.
Continuing to add to the group is not out of the question, however, with the limited resources that the players arrived with, Bills This offseason, these receivers are being given the opportunity to prove what they can do.
“These guys are really in the learning phase, too, and we’re still competing,” he explained. Henry“But for us now, it’s about competing against yourself and being the best version of yourself.”
2024-07-02 23:22:32
#Bills #plenty #questions #among #wide #receivers
