NFL training camps are barely underway and things are already all over the place for the Buffalo Bills during this crazy, COVID-19 pandemic offseason.
In recent weeks, the Bills and teams around the league have had to endure cutting their rosters to 80 players, flipping guys on and off the Reserve/ COVID-19 list, players deciding to opt out, and not to mention… injury. There’s a lot to unpack, and here’s a remainder: The Bills really haven’t even gotten to a real, actual practice just yet. Pads won’t go on for another week or so.
But when they do, the recent slew of moves made by the team has increased the importance of these practices for some members of the Bills. Here are six players that need a good showing at training camp:
DT Harrison Phillips
Western New York collectively held their breath for a few hours, but finally exhaled as cornerback Tre’Davious White eventually decided to play next season. In lieu of White being the “biggest” name on the Bills’ list of guys opting-out, the No. 1 will instead be defensive tackle Star Lotulelei.
Without Lotulelei in the middle of Buffalo’s defensive line, Harrison Phillips has a big opportunity. The top-two options to replace Lotulelei are Phillips and Vernon Butler. However, Butler recently signed with the Bills this offseason, so he’s likely to stick around, as will Phillips in the rotation Sean McDermott runs on Buffalo’s defensive line, but the starter role is certainly up for grabs.
In terms of taking that job, Philips has to do two things. First, show he can do it. Some pegged Phillips as a better 3-tech defensive tackle (Ed Oliver’s job), but now in this role, he’d be tasked with the space-eater job of Lotulelei. And… is he healthy? Phillips was a forced at the start of the 2019 season, but his year was cut short due to an ACL injury. If Phillips puts it all together, the Bills could even find themselves an upgrade here.