With week one just around the corner in the NFL, the Buffalo Bills have four rookies to look out for in this week's contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They are very talented and have shown that they are ready to contribute when it counts.
They have all played hard to earn a role to help the team thrive for a chance to go for a sixth consecutive AFC East title.
4 rookies who should start in Week 1 for Bills
T.J. Sanders - DT
Sanders looks like a no-brainer pick with the 41st selection in the 2025 NFL Draft by the Bills. At 6 feet, 5 inches, 297 pounds, the former South Carolina game cock is a tall and athletic interior D-lineman with both great pass rush and run-stopping ability.
Despite playing out of position as a nose tackle in South Carolina's 3-3-5 scheme, Sanders is projected to fit better as a defensive tackle in McDermott's 4-3 scheme.
Don't be surprised if he contributes early in his rookie season as a three-tech DT while earning enough reps to spell time for Ed Oliver. It gives Oliver a chance to regroup and stay crisp for the duration of the game.
If Sanders continues with his speed and power in the regular season, he could clear a track to a more substantial role on passing downs. The rookie DT could be sent in with Oliver to rush on the important plays.
Deone Walker - DT
It's amazing that such a massive prospect would be drafted in the fourth round and not sooner. At 6 feet 7 inches, 331 pounds,, these physical features will help get him NFL-ready this year. Walker is very athletic for a tall, large defensive tackle.
He is also mobile enough to move around the defensive line and play different positions. Walker is making his case to contribute right away, along with fellow DT rookie teammate T.J. Sanders.
This is due to free agent signees Larry Ogunjobi and Michael Hoecht being suspended for the first six games of the season, which means Walker must fill in and contribute early. Luckily, Ogunjobi and Hoecht were brought in on short-term contracts, meaning Walker can also contribute right away on a young, inexpensive rookie option.
Jordan Hancock - CB/S
The Bills selected another cornerback in the fifth round named Jordan Hancock, formerly of Ohio State. He should be ready to play immediately as a rookie.
In a passing league where the game contains tall, physical corners, Hancock can play outside corner, nickel, or safety in the NFL.
He plays a lot like former Bills safety, Aaron Williams. When Williams came out of the draft, he was a tall, athletic defensive back at 6 feet, 205 pounds who played corner in college, and also played nickel and safety.
So far, Hancock has impressed the Bills' coaching staff in the first two preseason games. Since the Bills are very deep on defense, he may strive for a starting safety role opposite Taylor Rapp, given Cole Bishop's battles.
If Bishop overcomes his challenges, then Hancock can start the season as a corner and work on it from there.
Dorian Strong - CB
The Bills once again selected a cornerback going with Dorian Strong in the sixth round. He is tall and physical with ball-hawking abilities.
In his five years of playing for Virginia Tech, the Hokie tallied 112 tackles, 287 passes deflected, and seven interceptions (with five of the interceptions in his two final seasons).
While man-man isn't his strong suit, Strong gives McDermott another tall, hard-nosed corner who can get it done in zone coverage and create turnovers on defense.
Because he was drafted in the sixth round, Strong only has a contract worth just over one million dollars a year for four years. If he eventually becomes a starter, it's another low-cost player keeping the team's salary cap in good condition.