The Buffalo Bills have had solid drafts under Brandon Beane since he took over in 2017. While he has some obvious misses, his track record shows that he can find hidden gems that are overlooked in the later rounds. This past draft class that Beane drafted features potential immediate starters and role players who will have the chance to develop into starters for the future.
Beane has usually drafted some defensive studs that have been a near-perfect fit in Sean McDermott’s defensive scheme. They might just have another one in safety Cole Bishop who was drafted in the second round by the Bills. Bishop joins a room that has Mike Edwards, Taylor Rapp, and Damar Hamlin. Bishop, who is a great run-stopper, is a very underrated player who will be able to learn from one of the best coaches in McDermott, who was a defensive back himself in college.
Despite the high ceiling potential that Bishop has, he is overlooked amongst CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso's NFL Preseason All-Rookie team projection. Trapasso predicted the All-Rookie team, along with second team and honorable mentions, and Trapasso left Bishop off of the list at safety. Instead of Bishop, the three safeties that made the list were Malik Mustapha (49ers), Jaden Hicks (Chiefs), Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (Cardinals), and Trey Taylor (Raiders).
Bishop being overlooked is ridiculous
Since McDermott has taken over as head coach, he has proven that he can coach up the secondary no matter who is in it. While it did help to have great veterans like Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer, both players weren’t always on the field but it didn’t seem to matter. Even though Mike Edwards and Taylor Rapp will more than likely get the start, Bishop is the future in the backend of the defense.
While Bishop was left off the list, there was one Bills rookie that made Trapasso’s list as an honorable mention; offensive lineman Sedrick Van-Pran Granger.
"Van-Pran Granger's film was too clean at Georgia -- particularly in pass protection -- for him not to make this list. He could be a vital interior swingman for the Bills blocking unit in 2024. "Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports
Van-Pran Granger was a great lineman at Georgia and the fact that the Bills got him in the fifth round could be a big steal for Buffalo. It is nice knowing that atleast one rookie received some recognition, but Bishop should have been an easy pick at safety.