The Buffalo Bills have several players ready to prove their worth in 2017. Some have been on the team, some new to the team and some new to the league.
The Buffalo Bills will be sporting a lot of new this season from top to bottom. Despite a lot of question marks on the roster, optimism continues to pour in like that Salt Bae dude. With training camp a little over three weeks away, a lot of players will soon get their first real chance at impressing the coaches.
Luckily for the fans, that means training camp will be very fun to watch and we will see a lot of competition from all around the roster. Couple that with the hard work and tremendous effort demanded by Sean McDermott and you know it’s going to be exciting.
Before we get there, we have some time to kill — which means we need to create our own fun for the time being. That’s why I’ve put together a list of five players that I think will over-exceed expectations this season. There are definitely a lot of candidates on the roster, but these five are sure to be on everyone’s watch list.
As the headline states, some of the list are returning to the team and some are new to the team.
Let’s see if you agree with my 5 possible breakout players in 2017. If not, let us know what you would change in the comments section!
DE Shaq Lawson
Shaq Lawson is entering his second season in the NFL after being drafted by the Buffalo Bills last season with the 19th overall pick. He was originally projected to go higher in the draft, but his stock dropped due to a shoulder injury.
Rex Ryan gambled on Lawson and ended up paying when he required surgery on his shoulder. He would miss the first 6 games of the season — as well as the entire offseason, training camp and preseason. Not exactly the best way to start your rookie campaign.
When he returned, he was slowly built into the rotation, but never really got a chance to get situated to the NFL speed. He definitely didn’t look like the Shaq Lawson we all witnessed at Clemson University.
That was all expected, though. The other concern was the defense he was in. Not only was Rex Ryan’s defense difficult to learn as is, but Lawson was used to a 4-3 defense from college — not what Rex implemented.
For those three reasons, Lawson’s rookie season was derailed.
Luckily, this season will be different. All three of those issues stated above are now solved and it should mean a breakout season for Lawson. First of all, he is 100% healthy — the most important of the three. Secondly, he will have a full training camp and preseason to prepare for the season ahead — which he didn’t have last season.
Lastly, he is finally in a defense that will suit his talents — McDermott’s aggressive 4-3 defense.
Get ready for some Shaq-a-Sack this season.
DE Jerry Hughes
I already know what’s going to happen. People are going to sleep on Jerry Hughes, the season will start and then he will pull some kind of Lorenzo Alexander, 10+ sack season and make it difficult for any quarterback to find some time.
Remember the Jerry Hughes we saw in 2013 and 2014? Those were both 4-3 defenses (Mike Pettine and Jim Schwartz). In fact, Schwartz’ defense finished 4th in the NFL and also finished top-5 in most defensive categories — simply put, they were dominant.
We could see a return to those days on defense in 2017.
Over that two-year span, Hughes combined for 99 tackles, 19.5 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and 8 stuffs.
You put this guy on the line and give him the goal of using his speed to get around the corner and get to the quarterback, you’ll see results every time. Rex Ryan simply didn’t know how to utilize Jerry Hughes and I am confident that Sean McDermott and Leslie Frazier will figure it out this season.
Let’s not forget, before Jerry Hughes quieted down last season, he quickly found himself in the MVP race about four games into the season. It was a list that put Jerry Hughes as a ‘special mention’ when talking about the early MVP race. He was the only Buffalo Bills’ player on that list.
I believe we’ll see more of that, as well as a little more consistency this season.
CB Tre’Davious White
The Buffalo Bills had a chance at selecting a number of top-talent rookies in some much-needed areas, but ultimately chose to trade down to the 27th pick and select cornerback Tre’Davious White.
I think this will turn out to be a very smart move by Sean McDermott and company — and not just due to the added first round pick next season. We’ve already seen White in minicamps and OTA’s this offseason and he has already impressed the coaching staff.
In a recent interview, White described what his stay in Buffalo has been like so far:
"“It’s been great. The teammates that I have and the vets we have in the locker room those guys have been extremely supportive of all the rookies. They’ve been a great part in the way we’ve gelled as a rookie class. I feel like we’ve got something special there.The speed. It’s a different speed. I thought coming from LSU that I’d be up to speed with the way the guys are moving in the NFL but it’s a little bit faster. Everybody’s fast, quarterbacks are smarter, receivers are smarter. It’s bringing the best out of me and I got off to a great start with OTA’s and Mini Camp.”"
Just seeing his footwork and ability to mirror a wide receiver gets me excited to see more this season. He’s the type of player that will fall in love with the coaching staff just as much as they’ll fall in love with him.
That could make Tre’Davious White a piece of this team that stays for a long time and that’s something Buffalo Bills’ fans weren’t getting with Stephon Gilmore.
Don’t be surprised when opposing offenses have a tough time getting anything past White this season.
HB Jonathan Williams
Jonathan Williams is getting a pretty good opportunity in 2017 to start making a name for himself — much like Mike Gillislee did while he was in town. He will step into training camp as the favorite to be the Bills’ backup running back this season. Competition remains, but it’s unlikely that any of them beat him out.
Entering his second year in the league after being drafted by Buffalo last season, Williams will be in the best shape he has been in a while — as well as being more prepared than he was last season. He was thrust into the NFL after sitting out his senior year of college due to injury.
Because of that, he wasn’t used a whole lot and was put in the backseat to Gillislee. Williams only saw action in 7 games his rookie year.
Now with Gillislee in New England, Jonathan Williams will look to take his place and earn some respect in the locker room. There are certainly a few things that need to be worked on, but he has been transparent in making sure those get done. He recently spoke about working on his ball security:
"“Before every rep where I know it’s a run play called or a pass play where I could get the ball, just in my head I’m thinking, ball security high and tight and put two hands on it in traffic,” said Williams. “That ball is everybody’s money out there. I’ve made a conscious effort to work on my ball positioning.”"
It’s good to see Williams is ready to step up to the plate and take advantage of an opportunity to be a staple in what could be the No. 1 rushing attack in the NFL for a third straight season. There’s belief that new offensive coordinator Rick Dennison’s offense will work in Williams’ favor — much like it will for LeSean McCoy and Tyrod Taylor.
If those three can get it done on the ground this season, I see no reason why this team can’t three-peat.
Either way, expect a much better year from Jonathan Williams, who will be distraction-free entering 2017.
TE Charles Clay
Charles Clay is due for a big season in 2017 if he can stay healthy. He has yet to live up to his contract that was signed two years ago, limited by injury since his arrival in Buffalo.
There has been a lot of concern over his knee, which ailed him all of last season — despite playing through it each week. Although he will likely see some missed practices during training camp and limited action in preseason, I don’t think Clay’s time on the field during regular season will diminish at all — barring any major setbacks.
If that statement can prove true, then Clay will see a much-improved year as a big part of what could be one of the more explosive offenses in the league. His talents and style of play fit perfectly with what Rick Dennison likes in his tight ends — being dominant as both a catcher and blocker.
Clay will be a big part of the run-blocking in Dennison’s offense, but with Clay’s size and skill as a receiver, he should be one of Tyrod Taylor’s top targets. If the chemistry between the two improves during training camp and preseason, I’m going to be excited to see what Clay brings in 2017.
Again, his knee must be healthy first and fore-most. The last thing we need is a repeat of what happened to Sammy Watkins, being thrust back into action too soon.
Next: 7 best free agent signings in Buffalo Bills' history
Which players do you think will come into 2017 with a couple surprises up their sleeve? Leave your thoughts below!