How do the rookies play in their first NFL action?
One group that likely will be playing a lot this preseason is the rookies for the Buffalo Bills. This is going to be their first NFL action and there are a number of players that could have big roles this season that the coaching staff will need to evaluate.
On the defensive side of the ball, the most important rookie is first round draft pick Kaiir Elam. The Bills haven’t gotten Tre’Davious White back yet and the likelihood Elam is starting the first game of the season is growing.
However, the coaching staff will also want to see how Christian Benford, the team’s sixth round pick, plays in these games. He has recently been getting snaps with the first team and could have a role early.
On the offensive side of the ball, it is second round draft pick James Cook. The Bills will probably not use most of their playbook and limit what they put on tape ahead of their matchup with the Los Angeles Rams.
This could limit what James Cook does during the preseason because he is probably the most versatile player in this offense. Instead, the one thing to watch with Cook is how he handles blitz pickup as this may be the biggest deciding factor in how much playing time he gets as a rookie.