{"id":183328,"date":"2024-07-30T15:00:35","date_gmt":"2024-07-30T19:00:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=183328"},"modified":"2024-07-30T14:47:41","modified_gmt":"2024-07-30T18:47:41","slug":"stock-up-down-2024-buffalo-bills-training-camp","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2024\/07\/30\/stock-up-down-2024-buffalo-bills-training-camp\/","title":{"rendered":"Stock Up, Stock Down at 2024 Buffalo Bills Training Camp"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The Buffalo Bills are aiming to capture their fifth straight AFC East division title with a new-look roster in 2024. The battle for spots on the final 53-man squad is already heating up during the early stages of training camp.<\/p>\n<p>A lot more places on the depth chart are up for grabs this year, which created extra urgency to make a strong impression right out of the gate. While the preseason games will ultimately carry most of the weight, the practices are crucial evaluation tools for head coach <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2024\/06\/20\/bills-sean-mcdermott-hot-seat-2024\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Sean McDermott<\/a> and his staff, too.<\/p>\n<p>Let&#8217;s check out some players making headlines, for better or worse, after the first week of camp. The Bills kick off their <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2024\/06\/17\/buffalo-bills-2024-training-camp-location-dates-times\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">exhibition schedule<\/a> Aug. 10 against the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/category\/nfl-teams\/bears\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Chicago Bears<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>2024 Buffalo Bills Training Camp \u2014 Week 1 Stock Up, Stock Down<\/h2>\n<h3>Stock Up: Von Miller (EDGE)<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2024\/05\/22\/bills-may-release-miller\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Miller<\/a> is starting to look more like an eight-time Pro Bowler and future Hall of Famer. It&#8217;s a welcome sight for the Bills. He was one of the NFL&#8217;s worst players in 2023, tallying just three total tackles and no sacks in 12 games in his return from a torn ACL.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Von Miller looks like Von Miller, which is a very good sign for the Bills.<\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Matthew Bov\u00e9 (@Matt_Bove) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Matt_Bove\/status\/1818303539279548921?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 30, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>The 35-year-old Texas A&amp;M product spent the entirety of camp last year expressing confidence he&#8217;d be ready for Week 1. He landed on the PUP list instead, and now he&#8217;s started to walk back his stance, saying he shouldn&#8217;t have played at all.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;My biggest individual goal is just getting back to playing my style of football. It&#8217;s crazy how you get injured, and you come back, and you really shouldn&#8217;t have even been playing, and people judge you by a product on the field,&#8221; Miller told <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/fannation\/sneakers\/interviews\/von-miller-vision-for-upcoming-nfl-season-is-20-20\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pat Benson<\/a> of <em>Sports Illustrated<\/em> last week. &#8220;I could have easily sat out all of last season, but I couldn&#8217;t do my teammates like that. I felt like being later in my career, I didn&#8217;t want to sacrifice any of my years. But at the same time, I shouldn&#8217;t have been out there.&#8221;<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Von Miller has stood out today in 11on11 drills. Speed and bend looks the best it\u2019s looked since the injury. He\u2019s beaten Spencer Brown on a few occasions with at least one would-be sack. They\u2019re battling and Brown has had his wins.<\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Matt Parrino (@MattParrino) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/MattParrino\/status\/1818306500714254477?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 30, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>If Miller returns to a form where he can push toward double-digit sacks, Buffalo should feature one of the league&#8217;s best pass-rushing groups. Projected EDGE starters A.J. Epenesa and Greg Rousseau combined for 11.5 sacks last season. Defensive tackle <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2024\/07\/26\/standouts-2024-buffalo-bills-training-camp\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Ed Oliver<\/a> (9.5 sacks) and Terrel Bernard (6.5 sacks) also made an impact rushing the passer in 2023.<\/p>\n<p>Miller is also playing himself away from the cut conversation with his strong camp. Given the sizable remaining portion of his six-year, $120 million <a href=\"https:\/\/overthecap.com\/player\/von-miller\/2#google_vignette\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">contract<\/a>, the Bills may have opted to move on if he struggled in preseason games as much as he did last year.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Very good practice so far for Von Miller. He\u2019s already registered a sack and might\u2019ve had another one, but they let it play out a bit (obviously not touching the quarterback, even if there\u2019s a chance)<\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Sal Capaccio \ud83c\udfc8 (@SalSports) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/SalSports\/status\/1818302037257339284?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 30, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>A strong bounce-back season will make everyone forget about his terrible 2023.<\/p>\n<h3>Stock Down: Mike Edwards (FS)<\/h3>\n<p>Edwards was underwhelming throughout the first few days of camp. Then he suffered a hamstring injury that McDermott <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wivb.com\/sports\/buffalo-bills\/bills-s-mike-edwards-injures-hamstring\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">said<\/a> would cost the safety at least a week of practices. It&#8217;s an unfortunate string of events for a player who was competing to start in the secondary.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Safety Mike Edwards seemingly walking better than he was yesterday. Sleeve on his injured leg <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/Bills?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#Bills<\/a> <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/BillsMafia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#BillsMafia<\/a> <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/T87M38qx9T\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/T87M38qx9T<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; alex brasky (@alexbrasky) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/alexbrasky\/status\/1818289154343469551?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 30, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>The Bills are working to replace the longtime safety tandem of <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2024\/04\/18\/hyde-hinting-retirement-amid-rumors\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Micah Hyde<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2024\/03\/12\/jordan-poyer-signs-contract-miami-dolphins\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Jordan Poyer<\/a>. The former Kansas City Chiefs starter would bring a veteran presence to the back end, but the more time he misses, the less chance he&#8217;ll have of making the final roster.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Bills signing Kareem Jackson after an injury to Mike Edwards with Micah Hyde still available\u2026 \ud83e\udd14 <\/p>\n<p>I won\u2019t completely rule out Hyde coming back but don\u2019t think some fans realize the significance of the injuries he\u2019s been dealing with. Would be surprised to see him return.<\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Mike Bundt (@Mike_Bundt) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Mike_Bundt\/status\/1818290823840051702?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 30, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>That point was further hammered home Tuesday when Buffalo <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/BuffaloBills\/status\/1818279191533805573\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">announced<\/a> the signing of fellow safety Kareem Jackson. He&#8217;ll immediately hop into the competition with rookie <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2024\/04\/04\/cole-bishop-2024-nfl-draft-profile\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Cole Bishop<\/a>, Taylor Rapp, and <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2024\/07\/22\/buffalo-bills-roster-cuts-2024-training-camp\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Damar Hamlin<\/a> for a starting role.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s unclear whether Edwards will make it back before the end of the preseason. If he doesn&#8217;t, it&#8217;s hard to imagine him making the roster barring a stint on injured reserve first.<\/p>\n<h3>Stock Up: Mack Hollins (WR)<\/h3>\n<p>Hollins brings a unique skill set among the Bills wide receiver group: physicality and blocking ability. It&#8217;s an important distinction given the departure of <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2024\/03\/11\/report-gabriel-davis-signs-contract-with-jacksonville-jaguars\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Gabe Davis<\/a>, who made up for his shortcomings as a pass-catcher by being an asset in the ground game.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Mack Hollins brings so much juice. He just threw a ball at Kaiir Elam to start a scuffle and it felt like it was 100% intended on getting a reaction from the defense. Because the minute the defense started coming back at him he laughed and walked away.<\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Matthew Bov\u00e9 (@Matt_Bove) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Matt_Bove\/status\/1817941986944471178?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 29, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Buffalo is going to use a receiver-by-committee approach this season following the exits of Davis and <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2024\/06\/07\/stefon-diggs-josh-allen-trade-bills-texans\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Stefon Diggs<\/a>. So, without any WR likely getting a 90 percent snap share, it&#8217;ll be crucial to fill a role. That gives the 30-year-old Maryland native a good spot on the roster.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Today is the \u2018Mack Hollins show\u2019<\/p>\n<p>Catches passes all over the field. <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/BillsMafia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#BillsMafia<\/a> <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/BuffaloPlus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@BuffaloPlus<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Dan Fetes (@danfetes) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/danfetes\/status\/1818304122137022668?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 30, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>The fact Hollins also making plays in the aerial attack is a bonus. He&#8217;s making a strong case to emerge as the No. 4 option behind <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2024\/07\/08\/2024-bills-fantasy-football-khalil-shakir-wide-receivers\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Curtis Samuel<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2024\/06\/01\/khalil-shakir-drops-clues-2024-buffalo-bills-offense\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Khalil Shakir<\/a>, and rookie <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2024\/05\/21\/keon-coleman-dynasty-outlook-2024-fantasy-football\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Keon Coleman<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>Stock Down: Marquez Valdes-Scantling (WR)<\/h3>\n<p>That No. 4 spot in the pecking order was previously ticketed for MVS. He was the obvious choice because of his big-play upside, but it just hasn&#8217;t materialized so far in Bills camp. He&#8217;s mostly been a non-factor, and that&#8217;s a serious problem when there&#8217;s so much competition.<\/p>\n<p>Valdes-Scantling&#8217;s ability to stretch the field gives him a chance to turn the tide back in his favor quickly. He did make one standout play during Tuesday&#8217;s camp practice. More of that, especially in the preseason games, could change the conversation.<\/p>\n<p>https:\/\/twitter.com\/billsdigest_\/status\/1818300188282196119<\/p>\n<p>For now, however, he&#8217;s likely fallen behind the likes of Hollins, KJ Hamler, Andy Isabella, and camp surprise Tyrell Shavers.<\/p>\n<p>Main Photo: [James Germano\/Rochester Democrat and Chronicle] &#8211; USA Today Sports<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Buffalo Bills are a week into training camp. Which players are on the rise and which are trending toward the 53-man roster cut line?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5175,"featured_media":183352,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[54,3],"tags":[7705,3108,4407,32434,607],"class_list":["post-183328","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-editorials","category-bills","tag-buffalo-bills-news","tag-mack-hollins","tag-marquez-valdes-scantling","tag-mike-edwards","tag-von-miller"],"modified_by":"Michael Zimmelman","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/183328","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5175"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=183328"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/183328\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/183352"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=183328"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=183328"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=183328"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}