The Buffalo Bills this offseason can finally enjoy a calming point after a loud and busy spring of transition. The storm will then pick up when the Bills take the practice field for training camp at St. John Fisher University, with 90 players looking to make an effort to make the final 53-man roster in September.
The Bills made headlines around the NFL when they fired long-time head coach Sean McDermott and promoted offensive coordinator Joe Brady. Brady went to work right away, hiring Jim Leonhard as the team's new, aggressive defensive coordinator.
The team also added multiple new players during the offseason to fit the temperament and the energy of their new coaching staff. They also have some rising contenders who will look to compete with the roster starters for their jobs.
Four rising players who could oust proven veterans in 2026
1.) WR Skyler Bell
Skyler Bell was selected by the Bills in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. He is a fascinating rookie who possesses great speed to stretch the field, exhibiting his impressive athleticism. In his last season with the UConn Huskies, Bell rang in 101 receptions for 1,278 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Besides his terrific deep pass-catching abilities, his speed may be able to open up opportunities for the outside receivers, such as Khalil Shakir, in the screen passing game. A starting spot as a rookie might be calling Bell's name if he has a good preseason. All the rookie would have to do is outshine Joshua Palmer and Keon Coleman.
With all the inconsistencies and injury Palmer had in his first year with the team, he struggled to put up 22 catches for 303 yards. And with Coleman being in his rookie contract year, the young receiver has had his share of issues to answer to. So, if Bell has a good preseason, he may be able to push past these two very easily.
2.) NT Deone Walker
Deone Walker is already being compared to Cincinnati nose tackle Dexter Lawrence for his ability to move with speed and grace at 6-foot-7, 331 pounds.
Now, finally having a young anchor like Walker as a nose tackle, it can help the Bills lighten up the box and disguise different looks to confuse their opposing offenses' protection.
Look for Walker to be the most ready player to take over for his veteran players' position.
3.) LB Kaleb Elarms-Orr
The Bills selected Kaleb Elarms-Orr with another one of their 4th-round selections. He brings a big, thumping type of linebacker who aims to hit with power and be aggressive in stopping the run.
In the past, the 4-2-5 defense the Bills ran under Sean McDermott, he wanted smaller, more sideline-to-sideline linebackers like Matt Milano who could cover. But the NFL is reverting to under-center with bigger personnel groupings in an effort to run the ball against lighter, faster defenses.
To stop the run now in Leonhard's 3-4 scheme, the Bills need a bigger linebacker like Elarms-Orr, as the league is going back to the early 2000's, with bigger, physical linebackers focused heavily on stopping the run.
The athletic linebacker stands at 6-foot 2, 234 pounds, and looks like a prototypical big, aggressive NFL linebacker. He may have a chance to start early due to his size and scheme fit, and also due to the lack of depth the Bills have at linebackers.
4.) S Cole Bishop
After a disappointing rookie season, Cole Bishop bounced back to become one of the Bills' most consistent safeties. He had his welcome-to-the-NFL moment with a game-sealing interception during the Bills' 27-24 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC Wild Card Playoffs last season.
With his athleticism and a keen knack for making big plays, Bishop's skill set better fits an aggressive defense like Leonhard's, as he will look to increase his interception total from 3 in 2025.
Bishop may be able to make his first Pro Bowl this year if things go as planned, but he's most likely thinking of a Super Bowl ring instead.
Add us as a preferred source on Google