Bills training camp preview: Defensive backs
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WIVB) — The Buffalo Bills are headed back to St. John Fisher for training camp, which marks the 24th time that camp will be held at the site.
WIVB News 4 will preview each position group on the Bills to get you ready for the return of football later this month.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
X-factor: Cole Bishop
When the Bills selected Cole Bishop in the second round of the 2024 draft, it became the most draft capital they've used on a safety in the Brandon Beane era. In Year 1, the young safety was behind the 8 ball due to injury.
As he heads into his sophomore campaign, coaches and players alike are excited what they've seen this offseason.
"The jump we've seen from Cole from that first year as a rookie to this year has been has been really good so far," said Bills defensive coordinator Bobby Babich.
Bishop brings a certain level of juice and athleticism that the Bills don't have in the safety room. If the 2nd year safety takes the next step, it fills a big void next to Taylor Rapp in the secondary.
Position battle to watch: Max Hairston vs. Tre White for CB2
Get your popcorn ready. All eyes are on these two at St John Fisher. White, is back for his 2nd stint in Buffalo, after spending last season in Los Angeles and Baltimore.
How much gas does the Bills fan favorite have left in the tank? He's 30 years old and has suffered two season-ending lower body injuries. But on the other hand, he's two years removed from those injuries and could be more confident in his new normal.
He'll be battling the rookie, Max Hairston. His calling card is speed. And he has a whole lot of it. The Bills have high hopes for their first round pick. But will he be ready to supplant the vet by Week 1?
Bold Prediction: Max Hairston starts Week 1 and has solid rookie season
There are gifts that he brings to the table that can't be coached or drawn out on a whiteboard. Even Tre White can see it.
"The guy has some abilities that guys just don't have coming out of the womb," said White.
There are concerns about his tackling ability, which in my opinion are valid. But coaches will tolerate that, if you can take the ball away like Hairston did at Kentucky.