Buffalo Bills: 4 players who stood out in first week of OTAs

Taylor Rapp

Another free agent addition this offseason who may not have a direct path to snaps this season that made an impression was Taylor Rapp. He was a second round pick by the Los Angeles Rams in 2019 and over the first four seasons would have 48 starts in 56 career games.

During the first OTA practice, Jordan Poyer was in attendance but not participating which opened the door for Taylor Rapp to get extra reps with the starters. Matt Parrino with newyorkupstate.com noted a play Rapp made during the practice where he was able to break up a pass from Josh Allen that was intended for Deonte Harty.

After practice John Butler, the team's defensive back coach said about Rapp according to Parrino:

"“We love guys who have a versatile background,” Butler said. “Just in the concept of their ability to play man, their ability to play zone, their ability to tackle, their ability to play the ball. I think he’s been a great addition to us and he’s fit in well not only from a football player perspective but culturally.”"

This season, the Bills starters are set with Jordan Poyer returning on a two-year deal and Micah Hyde coming back from his neck injury last season. However, past this season there are some notable questions about what the position might look like with Hyde set to be a free agent after the season.

While Taylor Rapp did sign only a one-year deal, this could be an opportunity for him to learn the defense and then step in as a starter in place of Micah Hyde in 2024.