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Training Camp Begins Soon
Training camp begins in a couple of days on July 23rd (full schedule listed below) at St. John Fisher University just outside of Rochester, NY. A total of 90 players will begin to fight for a coveted spot on the Buffalo Bills 53-man roster. While most of the starting lineup is set due to Buffalo retaining majority of the 2024 team, some key positions still leave fans wondering who will start and who will even make the team’s final few spots.
Training Camp Schedule
| Date | Start Time | Open to Public |
|---|---|---|
| Wed. July 23 | 9:45 am | Yes |
| Thur. July 24 | 9:45 am | Yes |
| Fri. July 25 | 9:45 am | Yes |
| Sun. July 27 | 9:45 am | Yes |
| Mon. July 28 | 9:45 am | Yes |
| Tues. July 29 | 9:45 am | Yes |
| Thur. July 31 | 9:45 am | Yes |
| Fri. Aug 1 | 5:30 pm | Return of Blue & Red at Highmark Stadium; Open to public |
| Sun. Aug 3 | 11:15 am | Yes |
| Mon. Aug 4 | 9:45 am | Closed to public |
| Wed. Aug 6 | 9:45 am | Yes |
| Thur. Aug 7 | 9:45 am | Yes |
Key Position Battles
Slot WR: Although many starting roles are already solidified, there are a few I have my eyes on. Starting with the Slot WR role. The Bills added not only veteran Joshua Palmer, but also veteran Elijah Moore. Both are deemed as good, reliable guys, but who has the edge in this competition? I like Palmer, but I love Elijah Moore in this system. Moore is a versatile WR that can play outside, which lets HC Sean McDermott move Khalil Shakir into the slot, which he did last offseason on occasion, but that’s also due to the Bills not having a natural slot WR. I’m giving the edge to Elijah Moore solely for versatility as both WRs are 500-750 yard guys.
DT2: Moving to defense, and while I think DaQuan Jones‘ job is fairly safe, by no means is he someone I consider a lock to be a week 1 starter. The Bills drafted heavily on the defensive side of the ball, especially the defensive line. With Jones aging, Von Miller being cut, and Joey Bosa‘s injury history, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see T.J. Sanders step up in camp and take over the DT2 role next to Ed Oliver. For now, I like DaQuan Jones’ odds to start week 1.
FS: The Bills had a chance to give Damar Hamlin a long-term contract extension this past season after he started last year for the first time in his career. Hamlin showed flashes, but it’s no secret Buffalo used a 2nd round pick in the 2024 draft on Cole Bishop, who sat behind Hamlin last season. Hamlin returns, but only on a one-year deal. This is arguably the toughest prediction I will have in this article. My gut tells me Hamlin, but I think with him being on a one-year deal and not wanting to waste a 2nd-round pick, McDermott gives the nod to Cole Bishop in week 1 to see what the 2nd-year player has to offer.
Recap
There are a few more depth competitions in camp, such as CB4 and TE3, but I wanted to highlight the more notable ones heading into camp and throughout the preseason. In my humble opinion, Elijah Moore, DaQuan Jones, and Cole Bishop win their respective battles in camp, and these three positions will solidify the Bills’ starting lineup heading into week 1, barring any unforeseen injury, suspension, etc.
If you haven’t already, check out one of our most recent videos on YouTube where we discuss the Washington Commanders’ potential heading into this season!
