One of the biggest question marks for the Buffalo Bills going into the 2025 season is the safety position. Taylor Rapp and Damar Hamlin are penciled in as the starters with 2024 second-round pick Cole Bishop likely challenging for snaps. Buffalo’s safety room is one of the weakest in the NFL and the concern is that it could be an issue against the top teams in the AFC this year.
But there is one sleeper on the roster who could compete for snaps this year and change the position’s entire outlook. That is Jordan Hancock, the fifth-round pick by the Bills. Hancock was a multi-year starter for Ohio State and played just about every position in the secondary. But for the Bills, he is expected to be a full-time safety rather than a nickel defender.
Hancock had a lot of fans from the NFL Draft community, including Lance Zierlein of NFL.com. Here is what he had to say about the former Buckeye going into the pre-draft process:
"Position-versatile defensive back with good size but average coverage talent. Hancock is strong enough to play near the line or on the back end, and his heaviest usage has come from the nickel spot. He’s an above-average tackler in run support and in space but has average thump."Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
Hancock appeared in 41 games for the Buckeyes, starting 21 over the last two seasons. He is incredibly experienced and has a knack for playing well on the biggest stage. And while he isn’t going to overwhelm anyone with his size or athleticism, his ability to do a job of different jobs at a high level makes him a perfect fit in Buffalo.
The Bills will always have a versatile defense under Sean McDermott and they need safeties that can wear several hats on gameday. That’s why it’s not hard to envision Hancock getting onto the field sooner rather than later in Buffalo. And with Hamlin and Rapp both being low-end starters, it wouldn’t take much for Hancock to beat them out or at least, reduce their role.
Keep an eye on Hancock throughout training camp and the preseason as he has a real chance to fight for starting snaps as a rookie despite being a Day 3 selection. He’s got the type of attitude that the Bills desperately lack on defense, and his overall energy is infectious. Look for Hancock to have some type of role on defense right away for the Bills.