The Buffalo Bills have begun the next phase of their offseason with organized team activites (OTAs) beginning this week. The 10 practices are spread over three weeks and lead into the mandatory minicamp next month.
It is important to keep in context what OTAs are, which is just the beginning stages of preparation for the upcoming season. During this time, there are no pads, and hitting is restricted, but for some players who are trying to earn bigger roles or even a roster spot, they need to take advantage of every practice.
With that in mind, these are four players on the Buffalo Bills who are already making an impact during OTAs.
Josh Allen
It might be surprising to see Josh Allen's name on this list as he already is one of the best players in the NFL and often in the discussion for MVP each season. However, the starting quarterback is finding himself in a unique situation this coming season.
The Bills made significant changes this offseason as the offense not only has an almost entirely new wide receiver group but also a new starting center. This week, Allen talked about the relationship he is trying to build with McGovern, according to Thad Brown:
"“We’re two of the first guys here and we’re sitting in the training room, getting stretched out, hanging out right by each other for a good 45 minutes to an hour,” said Allen. “I think that’s part of it, you just understand each other off the field, developing a constant line of communication.”"
There probably wasn't any question who the leader of the offense was but with the departure of veterans like Mitch Morse and Stefon Diggs, this is clearly Josh Allen's team and he is trying everything to make sure he is building those relationships early and quickly.
Dalton Kincaid
One player who Josh Allen is familiar with is former first-round pick Dalton Kincaid, who could emerge as the top target in this offense. Last year, Kincaid made an impact with 73 receptions, 673 receiving yards and two touchdowns and surpassing Dawson Knox as the team's top tight end.
The Bills are going to need even more from Kincaid in his second season and it appears he is off to a great start. Matt Parrino with Syracuse.com wrote about Kincaid's practice this week:
"Kincaid made a pair of big catches on the day - one from Allen and another from Trubisky. Kincaid gets open easily and regularly and always seems like an option for the quarterback. The pass from Allen was a dart about 12 yards down the field and Kincaid made the grab in traffic but still had room to run."
Coming out of college, Dalton Kincaid was expected to be a matchup nightmare as he has the size of a tight end but moves like a wide receiver. He is too big for defensive backs but too quick for linebackers in coverage.
At this point, Kincaid is not on the same level as Chiefs' Travis Kelce but he could play a similar role in this offense as the top target. The start of OTAs could be a sign of big things to come for Dalton Kincaid in 2024.
Chase Claypool
Brandon Beane has done a great job this offseason of trying to bring in as many options as possible at wide receiver and let the five or six best pass catchers emerge in an open competition. One of the more intriguing options is Chase Claypool.
He was a second round pick by the Steelers and made an immediate impact with nine receiving touchdowns as a rookie. However, the past few years has been a struggle with limited production in stops with the Bears and Dolphins.
Claypool is still only 25 years old and could have plenty of football ahead of him. He will need to work his way up the depth chart and all indications are he is entering OTAs with the right attitude. According to Dan Fetes, Sean McDermott said this week that he was very impressed by Claypool in his first impression of the wide receiver.
“Very impressed… starting with his approach… he’s on a mission to reclaim what he once was. True pro. High character.”
— Dan Fetes (@danfetes) May 21, 2024
-Sean Mcdernott on his first impression on bringing in Chase Claypool#BillsMafia @BuffaloPlus
If Chase Claypool continues to produce, it wouldn't be surprising to see him not only make the 53-man roster but be a starter for this offense.
DeWayne Carter
There is no question during these initial practices, the defense is at a pretty big disadvantage with no hitting or contact. However, that didn't stop third round draft pick DeWayne Carter from drawing the attention of people in attendance.
According to Sal Capaccio of WGR550, the rookie defensive tackle made some notable plays during practice.
"On the defensive side of the ball, rookie defensive tackle DeWayne Carter made a few plays that caught attention, including getting into the backfield a couple of times to disrupt timing and battling down a Trubisky pass."
The Bills have made changes at the position this offseason as they saw Tim Settle Jr. and Jordan Phillips to name a few leave in free agency. In their place they signed free agents Austin Johnson and DeShawn Williams but Carter might be the difference maker behind Ed Oliver and DaQuan Jones.
Carter played significant snaps the past three years for Duke and has the experience that he could make an impact right away. If the rookie continues to play at this level, he should be that first player in the rotation after the starters.