Cornerback: Christian Benford
When the Bills drafted two defensive backs in the 2022 NFL draft, one in the first round and one in the sixth round, could anyone have guessed that the sixth-round pick would eventually start over the first-rounder?
Enter Christian Benford.
Not only has Benford beaten out the Bills former first-round pick Kaiir Elam, but he also managed to oust Dane Jackson who has started in 22 games over the past three seasons. Benford doesn't have the same skill set as Elam or experience as Jackson, but he should be crowned for his incredible work ethic and preseason performance.
Despite having the odds stacked against him, Benford outplayed his counterparts into the starting role with a strong training camp that included some impressive coverage against Chicago Bears uber-talented wide receiver D.J. Moore, which can be seen in the first play of this highlight package.
Considering Benford started training camp as the presumed third choice, it's sensible for the Bills to give him a fighting chance if he made a strong enough impression to knock his teammates down the depth chart so quickly.
Look for Benford and the rest of Buffalo's new starters to have an impact when they take on future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets in the season opener on Monday at 8:15 PM.