The Buffalo Bills are revamping their defense and getting younger in many areas. The secondary will look different with a new starting safety tandem for the first time in seven years. The roster no longer includes former All-Pro Tre'Davious White. Despite the offensive line's best season in years, we will have some new faces, and old faces at new places. Mitch Morse and Ryan Bates are out, and no longer on the team either.
So who are the players the Bills will turn to to fill the shoes of long-time leaders and playmakers? Some starter replacements, such as David Edwards and Taylor Rapp, were already on the team. Both will be expected to step up in their new roles. The team brought in new faces like safety Mike Edwards and Curtis Samuel. Despite the losses and new additions, the expectations for the Buffalo Bills will remain as high as ever.
As long as Josh Allen is behind center, this team will always have Super Bowl aspirations and their fans will expect nothing less. We assume mainstays like Dion Dawkins, Stefon Diggs, Terrel Bernard, Matt Milano, and DaQuan Jones will rise to the occasion, but who might rise and have a significant impact on game days that maybe we don't expect or perhaps we are unsure. I have three names here that some may not have big expectations for, but I believe they will show up on game days and play vital roles in winning in 2024. Let me just add one last thing though, sort of my asterisk to this list. This list could very likely change after the draft. So that is my out, in case I'm way off base on these predictions (insert laughing emoji). Alright, let's get to it.
Buffalo Bills, David Edwards - Offensive guard
David Edwards played 148 total offensive snaps a season ago and allowed exactly zero sacks, zero QB hits, and zero pressures and committed only one penalty. Now, full transparency, the majority of the snaps that Edwards was in on, he was primarily run blocking. He was often lined up on the outside, almost as a tight end but still, he played well when he was given the opportunity. I am, for the most part, an optimistic person, but I also want to be fair.
So, I do have some concerns with Edwards's pass blocking, based on years past when he was a full-time starter. However, here is the optimism in me, I think after having spent a season under offensive line coach Aaron Kromer, I think Edwards will have a terrific season, and fans won't have to worry about him or the line as a whole. I don't believe the line will be better than what they were last year, but I also don't think it'll be a liability either.
Buffalo Bills, Dorian Williams - Linebacker
When Dorian Williams was in the game, you could see the motor and high-energy style he brings, which I love. I also noted how he flies to the football and isn't afraid to get in there. Oftentimes, with rookies there is a hesitation in their step, questioning themselves if they've made the right decision or read the play correctly. Williams makes a call and fires off like a rocket. I think in 2024, with a season of learning and developing, that mentality will serve him well.
Even with Matt Milano returning and Terrel Bernard occupying the other linebacker spot, Williams will get his opportunity as a reserve and probably be a vital piece of the special teams. Buffalo lost a lot of excellent special teamers and I think Williams can be that next great one. Plus, if either of Milano or Bernard were to miss any time, I feel far more confident this year with Williams filling in.
Buffalo Bills, A.J. Epenesa - Edge
A.J. Epenesa may be a little bit of an out-liar on this list. I think some fans expect bigger things from Epenesa going forward, but I'm going to take a step further or go out on a limb, however, you want to look at it, I will predict Epenesa will step up big-time in 2024 and records double-digit sacks. He's recorded 6.5 sacks each year in a significant rotational role in the last two years. I think we see his snap count rise quite a bit next year and really, he would only need 3.5 more than his two-year average.
We also don't know what we are going to get with Von Miller. If that situation doesn't pan out, I could see Epenesa stepping into an even bigger role in Miller's place. I hope the Bills can get large contributions from Miller and Epenesa because if they do, it'll be huge for the Bills and their Super Bowl aspirations. I'm confident that, Epenesa will get it done, but unfortunately, I'm not so confident in Miller. Either way, if that is the case, look for Epenesa in more of a starter's role than a rotational piece.