The Buffalo Bills kicked off their 2025 preseason schedule against the New York Giants, with both starting safeties, Taylor Rapp and Cole Bishop, inactive with slight injuries. Due to their absences, safety Damar Hamlin and utilityman Cam Lewis took the field as the safeties.
Finally getting his call, was fifth-round defensive back Jordan Hancock. During training camp, he was playing the nickel cornerback and safety positions and has shown why his name was called.
Can Jordan Hancock keep showing his presence at preseason games to earn a spot on the 53-man roster?
How Hancock shined at camp
The former Ohio State University Buckeye was making his presence known on the field last Saturday. He also registered three tackles and a pick that was called back on a penalty.
Hancock's energy and toughness drew attention as he repeatedly made plays with the football. At 6 feet 1 inch, 195 pounds, the skilled athlete mimics similar comparisons to veteran Cam Lewis, who has spent the last five years on the team because of his athleticism and ability to move around at defensive back.
Head Coach Sean McDermott indicated that Hancock, on paper, performed well but needed to be evaluated more thoroughly on film. McDermott is an impartial head coach, yet he does take note of individuals playing, and can get a special feeling about them.
Under the McDermott and Beane regime, the Bills have struck gold with finding day-three draft-day treasures. Linebacker Matt Milano, who technically was drafted by Doug Whaley as Beane's first draft wasn't until 2018, and wide receiver Khalil Shakir were both drafted in the 5th round.
The question is, could Hancock be next in line for the Bills' to be a round-5 steal in the draft?
PFF and history rating
Hancock, in just one preseason game, is already making the grade for the Bills. PFF gave the versatile defensive back an 81.3 grade, per Ryan Talbot.
Additionally, the 21-year-old can already be effective on corner blitzes and displays excellence as an open-field tackler. Hancock is not your average rookie being selected at No. 170, as he is showing that he can be another piece of a puzzle added to the Bills' explosive defense.
Talented roster of defensive backs
The Bills boast a deep roster of defensive backs this year, with a blend of young and veteran players gunning for a roster spot. Hancock is slated to be penciled into a hybrid corner/safety similar to Lewis.
Hancock will also be going toe-to-toe with players like Tre'Davious White and Taron Johnson. If either of those two corners goes down with an injury, Hancock would be the perfect replacement. But first, he will have to earn it, as McDermott does not believe in participation trophies.