Buffalo Bills Who've Turned Heads in Offseason Workouts
The Buffalo Bills are sporting a new look this offseason, with a new head coach in Rex Ryan and several new pieces on the offensive side of the football.
Many of the pieces from last year's 9-7 campaign are still in place, however, and this is again looking like a team that will be in the playoff hunt at season's end. Whether or not the team can get over the hump and claim a playoff spot will likely be determined by how well the old and new pieces can mesh.
It's still relatively early in the offseason process, but Buffalo has at least gotten a look at its newly minted team in minicamps and organized team activities (OTAs).
Though this team has a long way to being finalized, some players have managed to stand out in offseason workouts and take a first step toward claiming a role in 2015. We will take a look at some of the early offseason head-turners in Buffalo over the next few pages.
RB LeSean McCoy
1 of 5
The Bills traded to acquire running back LeSean McCoy from the Philadelphia Eagles in order to have a clear-cut starter at the top of their depth chart.
Though McCoy has missed some time this offseason with a neck injury, it hasn't prevented him from flashing his starter's ability in workouts when on the field.
Following McCoy's return to OTAs, Chris Brown of BuffaloBills.com wrote, "The dynamic back returned to the field this week. McCoy’s trademark burst and elusiveness were both on display Wednesday as he deftly dodged defenders on his way upfield."
Though he will be learning a new playbook in Buffalo, there is reason to believe McCoy's transition will be a relatively easy one. The multi-talented runner has the traits needed to thrive in Buffalo's power-running offense.
He rushed for 1,319 yards with a 4.2 yards-per-carry average a season ago. McCoy also hauled in 28 passes for 155 yards.
G John Miller
2 of 5
Rookie guard John Miller has fit right in with the Buffalo offense in OTAs, which is an encouraging sign for the offensive line. The third-round pick out of Louisville appears well on his way to locking down a starting job.
Head coach Rex Ryan had the following to say of Miller's time with the starters in minicamp, per Matthew Fairburn of Syracuse.com:
"That doesn't mean that he stays there, but that's where he's already fitting in. You put him out there with the ones, mentally that's pretty impressive. It wasn't like we had to slow things down because he was in there.
"
According to Sal Capaccio of WGR 550, Miller has been working with the first-team offense in OTAs and could enter training camp as a starter.
If the 6'2", 303-pounder can lock down the starting job at right guard, it would be a major boon to the offense. Last year's starter, Erik Pears, was rated just 76th overall among guards, according to Pro Football Focus.
DE Jerry Hughes
3 of 5
Defensive end Jerry Hughes has gained plenty of attention on the football field, racking up 20.0 sacks over the past two seasons. This is why the Bills were willing to give him a five-year, $45 million contract this offseason.
Hughes' status as a well-known commodity hasn't prevented him from catching the eye of his new head coach this offseason, however.
Rex Ryan recently said the following of Hughes, via Chris Brown of BuffaloBills.com:
"It’s rare that you have to pull a guy from practice because he’s ruining your practice, but I had to pull him. If we were keeping track he might have had five, six sacks. It’s one of those deals, it’s like, ‘OK, let’s pull him out. Let’s get a pass off or something like that.’ He really did have that kind of day.
"
If the Bills are getting this kind of intensity and drive out of Hughes in practice, they can likely expect him to continue to be a force on Sundays.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
RB Karlos Williams
4 of 5
Buffalo has a pretty crowded backfield with LeSean McCoy, Fred Jackson, Bryce Brown and Anthony Dixon on the roster.
However, fifth-round draft pick Karlos Williams has managed to stand out and may be in line for a role in the coming season.
The 6'1", 230-pound Florida State product has the size and the skill set to excel in offensive coordinator Greg Roman's power-run system. So far, Williams "has been aces" on the field, according to Roman, via ESPN's Mike Rodak.
"Bills OC Greg Roman said John Miller "has not blinked" and Karlos Williams "has been aces."
— Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) May 19, 2015"
Sal Capaccio of WGR 550 seems to agree that Williams has looked strong in OTAs.
"I really noticed rookie running back Karlos Williams' ability to one-cut and change directions while going downhill through a hole a few times." Capaccio recently wrote of the rookie runner.
If Williams can continue to shine in training camp, he may be able to lock down the No. 2 or No. 3 role behind clear starter McCoy.
TE Charles Clay
5 of 5
The Bills managed to grab restricted free agent Charles Clay from the Miami Dolphins with a five-year, $38 million contract.
If his salary didn't already suggest it, early reports from OTAs indicate that Clay will play a major role in Buffalo's offense this season.
Matthew Fairburn of Syracuse.com wrote the following of Clay's performance at a recent practice:
"The Bills did a lot of work on the two-minute drill Wednesday, and newly signed tight end Charles Clay was a featured part of the attack. With limitations at the quarterback position, the Bills will have to rely on the short passing game, and Clay excels in that area. He also made a nice play down the sideline.
"
Jonah Javad of WGRZ TV also lauded Clay's workout performance and suggested he could actually be the team's biggest offseason addition:
"#Bills TE Charles Clay with great catch on the sideline over a defender. More I see, more I think he'll end up being biggest addition.
— Jonah Javad (@JonahJavad) June 3, 2015"
If Clay really does prove to be the biggest addition out of a group that includes quarterback Matt Cassel, wide receiver Percy Harvin and running back LeSean McCoy, it will likely mean he is having a huge year for the Bills.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
