BUFFALO, N.Y. — Several minutes after the second mandatory minicamp practice ended for the Buffalo Bills, Josh Allen and the rest of the team’s quarterbacks — Mitch Trubisky and Shane Buechele — were still out on the practice field, talking and working with some of the team’s receivers and running backs, along with other small groups of players getting in more practice. They spent the extra time on route timing, and general communication and comfort.
The following day, coach Sean McDermott did something he hasn’t done in several years by holding a practice on the third day of minicamp, albeit a more relaxed version with several starters not taking part in team drills.
“Well, not necessarily [any specific changes from previous years] other than, obviously, a high percentage of new players, new faces,” McDermott said. “So, the more reps we can get the better, and listen … I would add, I appreciate the players’ willingness and their attitude when they went out there. Not all teams are practicing on the third day of minicamp, and I appreciate their attitude.”
Perhaps no position group on the roster demonstrates the new faces better than the Bills receiver room, which has undergone an almost complete makeover since the end of the 2023 season. It also remains one of the biggest question marks heading into training camp — with practices commencing on July 24 at St. John Fisher University — and the regular season.
How will Allen perform with a new set of receivers that does not include Stefon Diggs, the receiver he has targeted most in his career by far? The tight ends and running backs will play roles in the receiving game, as well, but with so many changes at receiver, what will this Bills offense look like and how will it come together?
“Every team’s a new team, but this is truly a lot of new faces,” general manager Brandon Beane said at the conclusion of minicamp. “Some players coming from other teams that have had success or maybe things didn’t work out as well, and we’ve got a fresh opportunity for them to reestablish themselves.”
Mack Hollins was one of the voices that echoed the loudest during offseason practices. Chase Claypool showed signs he can be a downfield target to watch and potentially make the roster. Curtis Samuel and Marquez Valdes-Scantling built up their comfort with quarterback Josh Allen, while rookie Keon Coleman spent one-on-one time with wide receiver coach Adam Henry during rookie minicamp.
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