The Buffalo Bills wrapped up minicamp this week and this was the final chance for players to make an impact before they regroup at training camp. This is a big opportunity as there are a number of players that are fighting for a bigger role in 2024 or even just to be on the roster.
Among some of the reports from people in attendance, these are the four players in particular who made the most of the practices this week during the Buffalo Bills minicamp.
4 players who made the most of Buffalo Bills mandatory minicamp
Kaiir Elam
While the Buffalo Bills had Rasul Douglas in practice for the first time this season, Christian Benford was absent due to personal reasons. This gave Kaiir Elam a chance to play with the starters and all indications are that he looked really good.
Elam would have interceptions on the first two days of minicamp and what was more notable was that both interceptions came off Josh Allen. This is a pivotal season for Elam as he tries to break into the starting lineup and make an impact after the Bills drafted him in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
The former Florida Gators cornerback has not been able to consistently keep that starting job. Even with a good summer, there is no guarantee he will be the starter as Benford and Douglas played really well last season but it definitely would be a boost for the entire position if Elam takes that next step.
Te'Cory Couch
It wasn't only Kaiir Elam who was making plays at the cornerback position as an undrafted free agent signing Te'Cory Couch had the play of the day according to Batavia News' Alex Brasky. After Elam had an interception earlier in practice on Tuesday, Couch would have a diving interception on a throw by Shane Buechele.
Couch played five seasons for the University of Miami and had his best year in the final season for the Hurricanes with three interceptions, four passes defended, and one forced fumble. However, he is a smaller cornerback who probably won't be able to play outside but will likely be a slot corner in the NFL.
The challenge for Couch is that the Bills have a few key players ahead of him for this spot with sixth round draft Daequan Hardy and Cam Lewis. Neither player is a lock to make the roster but Couch will have to make up some serious group to surpass them. He will need to continue to make plays like the one he did during minicamp.
Zach Davidson
The Buffalo Bills may not have room on their 53-man roster for three tight ends but Zach Davidson is trying his best to make it tough on the coaching staff to release him. Davidson has been with the Bills for a few seasons now after he was signed to the practice squad in 2022 but missed all of last season after being placed on injured reserve.
As Thad Brown notes, it is still only minicamp but Davidson looked good during minicamps and was a big target for whoever was throwing him the ball. One of those throws resulted in a touchdown where Davidson was able to go over Kaiir Elam for the score.
When Davidson came out of college, the scouting reports described a player who was still learning the position. He didn't move to tight end until his sophomore year and prior to that was a punter.
However, he has great size and athleticism for the position and this might be the season that everything comes together for him. The question will be how he fits on the Bills roster, or if there is even a spot for him.
Keon Coleman
There is plenty of concern about the wide receiver position after the team moved on from Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis without a clear replacement for either. The Bills definitely brought in plenty of options but it is going to be an open competition through much of training camp.
One player who has very high expectations is Keon Coleman, who the Bills drafted with the first pick in the second round. The former Florida State wide receiver has tremendous size and has been able to use that to his advantage during minicamp.
According to Alex Brasky, Coleman is able to 'play above the rim' and be that wide receiver who can go over defenders to make the catch for Josh Allen. The Bills haven't really had that kind of size at the position and a player like Coleman could help fill the void left with Diggs and Davis no longer on the team.
There will undoubtedly be a learning curve for the rookie, especially if he starts off really well and defenses start rolling more coverage his way. However, it is definitely exciting to see him already standing out in the early part of his first offseason in the NFL.