Bills Day 3 observations: Competition heats up at CB, WR; a message is sent to backup LBs

Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, July 25th 2025 at 19:26 GMT by The New York Times
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Outside of Khalil Shakir, how have the wide receivers looked in camp?

Bills Training Camp Day 3: Competition Ignites at Cornerback, Wide Receiver, and Linebacker Positions

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — As the Buffalo Bills wrapped up their third day of training camp at St. John Fisher University, the intensity was palpable under the summer sun. With pads coming on for the first time tomorrow, today's session focused on individual drills, team periods, and situational work that highlighted emerging battles across several key positions. Head coach Sean McDermott emphasized the importance of competition in building a championship-caliber roster, and nowhere was that more evident than in the heated contests at cornerback, wide receiver, and linebacker. While quarterback Josh Allen continued to look sharp in his connections with the offense, the real storylines revolved around the depth charts that are far from settled.

Starting with the cornerback room, the Bills are navigating a post-Tre'Davious White era, and the competition for starting spots opposite Rasul Douglas is heating up. Kaiir Elam, the 2022 first-round pick, has been turning heads with his physicality and improved technique. During today's 7-on-7 drills, Elam broke up a deep pass intended for Stefon Diggs' replacement, rookie Keon Coleman, showcasing the sticky coverage that has eluded him in previous seasons. Elam's development under defensive coordinator Bobby Babich seems to be paying dividends; he's added muscle and appears more confident in press-man situations. However, he's not without challengers. Christian Benford, who started 15 games last season, matched Elam's intensity with a pair of deflections in team drills, including one that nearly turned into an interception on a slant route to Khalil Shakir. Benford's versatility—able to play both outside and in the slot—gives him an edge, but Elam's athletic upside could sway the coaches if he maintains consistency.

Adding fuel to the fire is veteran Taron Johnson, who's locked in at nickel but has been mentoring the younger corners. Johnson praised the group's competitiveness post-practice, noting, "It's iron sharpening iron out here. Kaiir's making plays, Christian's steady as ever—it's going to make us all better." The Bills' secondary depth is further tested by Ja'Marcus Ingram and rookie Daequan Hardy, who both saw reps with the second unit. Hardy, a sixth-round pick from Penn State, flashed speed on a coverage rep against Chase Claypool, but he'll need to bulk up to handle NFL receivers. Overall, this cornerback battle feels like a microcosm of the Bills' defensive philosophy: aggressive, adaptable, and unforgiving. McDermott has stressed the need for playmakers in the backfield, especially after last season's injury woes, and Day 3 suggested that multiple players are rising to the occasion.

Shifting to the wide receiver corps, the Bills are rebuilding after trading Diggs and losing Gabe Davis, creating a wide-open competition for targets behind presumed starters Coleman and Shakir. Curtis Samuel, the free-agent addition from Washington, looked explosive today, hauling in a 40-yard bomb from Allen during 11-on-11 work. Samuel's speed and route-running precision make him a natural fit for the slot, but he's also been lining up outside to stretch the field. His chemistry with Allen is building quickly, as evidenced by a red-zone touchdown catch where he outmaneuvered safety Damar Hamlin.

But the real intrigue lies in the fight for the No. 3 and No. 4 spots. Marquez Valdes-Scantling, signed for his deep-threat ability, had a mixed day. He connected on a go-route for a big gain but dropped a contested catch in traffic, drawing visible frustration from Allen. Valdes-Scantling's experience with Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City could be a boon, but he needs to prove reliability. Meanwhile, Chase Claypool, the former Steeler looking for a career revival, impressed with his physicality. At 6-foot-4, Claypool won a jump ball over Elam in one-on-one drills, using his frame to shield defenders effectively. His performance today suggests he could carve out a role as a red-zone specialist, especially if he continues to build rapport with Allen.

Don't sleep on the youngsters, either. Mack Hollins, known more for his blocking than receiving, made a case with a tough catch over the middle, while undrafted free agent Tyrell Shavers turned heads with his speed on special teams returns. Offensive coordinator Joe Brady has been experimenting with personnel packages, often deploying three- and four-receiver sets to exploit mismatches. Allen, ever the leader, commented after practice: "We've got a lot of hungry guys out there. It's not about who starts; it's about who can make plays when it counts." The wideout competition is crucial for an offense that aims to diversify beyond Allen's arm and legs, and Day 3 showed promising flashes of a multifaceted attack.

Perhaps the most underrated battle is at linebacker, where the Bills are thin after Matt Milano's injury-plagued 2023 and the departure of Tyrel Dodson. Milano himself looked back to form, flying around in drills and breaking up a screen pass to James Cook. His speed and instincts remain elite, but the focus is on who pairs with him in the base defense. Terrel Bernard, who stepped up last year with 143 tackles, appears entrenched as the Mike linebacker, but he's being pushed by Dorian Williams and Edefuan Ulofoshio.

Williams, a 2023 third-rounder, had a standout moment today, stuffing a run play in team drills and later dropping into coverage to bat away a pass intended for tight end Dalton Kincaid. His athleticism shines in space, making him a potential three-down player. Ulofoshio, the rookie from Washington, brings physicality; at 6-foot-1 and 239 pounds, he leveled running back Ty Johnson on a blitz simulation, earning nods from defensive line coach Eric Washington. However, Ulofoshio's inexperience showed in a coverage lapse where he allowed a completion to Samuel.

Veteran Nicholas Morrow, signed in free agency, adds depth and leadership. He rotated in with the first team and made a heads-up play by forcing a fumble on a swing pass. Linebackers coach Al Holcomb has been vocal about the group's versatility, especially in nickel packages where the Bills often go light on linebackers. McDermott echoed this, saying, "Our linebackers need to be able to do it all—stop the run, cover backs and tight ends. The competition is bringing out the best in them." With injuries always a concern at this position, the Bills are prioritizing depth, and today's session highlighted how Williams and Ulofoshio could factor into sub-packages.

Beyond the position battles, other notes from Day 3 painted a picture of a team building momentum. The offensive line, anchored by Dion Dawkins and Connor McGovern, held up well in pass protection, giving Allen time to dissect the defense. Running back James Cook flashed his elusiveness with a couple of cutback runs that gained chunk yards, while rookie Ray Davis added power between the tackles. On defense, edge rusher Von Miller looked spry in individual drills, a positive sign after his down year. Special teams saw some wrinkles, with kicker Tyler Bass nailing field goals from 50-plus yards, boosting confidence after last season's inconsistencies.

As camp progresses, these competitions will only intensify, especially with padded practices on the horizon. The Bills, perennial AFC contenders, know that depth and resilience win in January. Day 3 was a reminder that while stars like Allen and Milano drive the bus, it's the emerging talents and gritty competitors who could determine how far this team goes. With joint practices and preseason games looming, expect these battles to evolve, potentially reshaping the roster in unexpected ways. For now, the energy in Rochester is electric, and the Bills are embracing the grind.

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