Bills Training Camp Awards
The team and coaching staff still have about two weeks of work left before the season opens, but here now are our ninth annual Training Camp Awards for those who excelled at St. John Fisher.
Most Valuable Player
His training camp didn't get off to a fast start, but once he was on track, WR Robert Woods was difficult to stop. He's produced in every preseason game. Say what you will about him not getting the starting nod in August, but he's far and away the team's leading receiver this preseason. The second-year wideout is going to play a lot this year and deliver solid production. He might be the most versatile receiver on the roster.
Most Improved Player
The guy who scraped and clawed to get on the roster last year improved his game in every facet. With burst off the line, route running, hands, strength and speed, WR Chris Hogan was able to make upgrades across the board. All those improvements showed in his play, which is why he's in contention for the top slot role.
(Honorable mention – QB Jeff Tuel)
Most Consistent Player
From the very beginning of training camp, DE Jerry Hughes was a player who was hard not to notice. Whether the practice segment was 7-on-7, one-on-one pass rush or 11-on-11 Hughes was constantly screaming in off the edge and wreaking havoc in the offensive backfield. There were a few practices where he had three sacks in a session during team segments. The pass rusher looks ready to dominate this season.
Most Valuable Newcomer
The Bills made a lot of quality additions to the roster this offseason, but the acquisition of WR Mike Williams has looked the best to this point. Williams is an expert at high pointing the ball, which serves this team two-fold. It makes him a scoring threat every time the team is in the red zone. Perhaps more importantly he's infused confidence in EJ Manuel to be more aggressive knowing he'll win most jump ball battles. (Honorable mention – CB Corey Graham)
Most Promising Player
The difference between LB Nigel Bradham's play last year at this time to now is remarkable. His commitment to the game has allowed him to match his physical talent with his mental acuity. Putting those two things together has turned Bradham into a player that is always in position to execute. (Honorable mention – RB C.J. Spiller)
Most Encouraging Comeback
Just about everybody on offense was waiting on left tackle Cordy Glenn to return. No one was necessarily worried, but seeing him cleared fully this week undoubtedly let a lot of other offensive teammates breathe easier.
Most Impressive Rookie
WR Sammy Watkins started training camp with a bang and showed rare ability at a position where there's an awful lot of talent in the league. Watkins workmanlike approach to the game will only serve to make him a special player. (Honorable mention – LB Preston Brown)
Most Surprising Player
We've heard the stories about physically gifted players who never pan out. But T Seantrel Henderson came into the spring practices with his head on straight and looks determined to make good on the opportunity the Bills afforded him. Henderson has the physical tools to dominate at offensive tackle, which is why he's in line to land the starting right tackle job.
Most Inspirational Player
He leads by example, doesn't mind doing the dirty work and never allows the defense to think they got the best of the offense. It's evident to everyone on the offensive side of the ball that C Eric Wood is a player to be respected and followed. (Honorable mention – RB Fred Jackson)
Best Hustle Player
DT Landon Cohen arrived at camp after signing as a late addition. He certainly made up for lost time with a solid preseason as he has a legitimate shot to make the roster. Cohen has skills, but it's his non-stop motor in practice and games that puts him in position to make plays.
