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What They're Saying

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What they're saying | NFL analysts weigh in on biggest Bills' camp storylines

WhatTheyreSayingCamp2023

We're one step closer to seeing the Bills in action as training camp will begin July 26 at St. John Fisher University.

The Bills had an active offseason, signing linebacker Leonard Floyd and drafting tight end Dalton Kincaid with their first-round pick, among many other roster changes. Training camp will provide a chance to see how the Bills' season could shape out and who some of their top playmakers could be.

Here are some storylines to look out for during camp, provided by some of the top media voices in the NFL.

With newcomers Latavius Murray and Damien Harris, there is no shortage of talent in the Bills' running back room. According to The Athletic's Joe Buscaglia, James Cook — who rushed 89 times for 507 yards last season — has the potential to be the lead back in an offense in need of a revamped rushing attack.

"The team traded away Zack Moss last season and let Devin Singletary walk in free agency. It's Cook's turn now, and the Bills have seen some high-ceiling flashes. If he can combine more consistency between the tackles with his excellent speed, elusiveness and pass-catching skills, Buffalo could have the back it has coveted for years on a rookie deal through 2025." — Buscaglia

Two Buffalo Bills made it into the PFF50, a ranking by Pro Football Focus' Sam Monson. Quarterback Josh Allen clocked in at No. 12 overall and receiver Stefon Diggs was listed at No. 24. The two have spent three seasons together, and their chemistry is undeniable. In Diggs' first season in Buffalo, he had a career high in both receptions and receiving yards. Allen also took a noticeable leap, throwing for almost 1,500 more yards and 17 more touchdowns than he had the previous season. When one is on the field, the other improves.

"At his best, Josh Allen has shown he can go toe to toe with Patrick Mahomes on the biggest stage. … One of the best route runners in the game and a receiver with no real weakness, Stefon Diggs continues to play like one of the best in the league." —Monson

Since entering the league in 2018, Josh Allen has stunned fans with his ability to improvise, his strong arm and his ability to get downfield. In December of last year, Allen became the only quarterback in NFL history to throw for at least 25 touchdowns and run for at least 5 touchdowns in three seasons. Not only did Allen accomplish those feats in three consecutive seasons, but he averaged 36 passing touchdowns and 7 rushing touchdowns per season in that stretch.

Because of Allen's versatility, ESPN has him ranked as the No. 3 quarterback headed into the 2023 season. Senior NFL national reporter Jeremy Fowler spoke to various coaches, scouts and general managers on why Allen belongs at this spot.

"If you're starting a team, I'd consider taking him first," an AFC exec said. "He can put a team on his back." — Fowler

Dalton Kincaid has been a major talking point as the Bills look to add a dynamic pass catcher to their roster. The former Utah Ute is already gelling with quarterback Josh Allen as a fellow golfer and board game fanatic. Additionally, Kincaid has a team-first, championship mentality according to FOX Sports analyst Henry McKenna — who appeared Wednesday on One Bills Live to talk more about Kincaid, the Bills, and the rest of the AFC East.

"The tight end's biggest contributions in Buffalo will come in the passing game, with Kincaid serving as the type of playmaker who can play all over the offense — in-line, from the slot and from the perimeter. But both the Whittinghams wanted to make one thing clear: He is a willing blocker. And that's a part of his game that Kincaid has improved and will continue to improve." — McKenna

It shouldn't be surprising that NFL.com writer Adam Rank listed quarterback Josh Allen as the Bill's projected 2023 MVP. Allen's season-by-season performance has been nothing short of heroic as the Bills have improved drastically during his tenure. The combination of Allen's arm and his legs make him an elite option behind the center, and as long as Allen on the roster, the Bills are Super Bowl contenders.

"You just can't replace Allen … When you look at the things Josh Allen has done, there is no doubt that it all comes down to him. The dude has posted 5,000-plus offensive yards and 40-plus touchdowns in back-to-back seasons. There are just four quarterbacks who have reached those numbers in multiple seasons in a career all-time." — Rank

Diggs' speed and quick feet make him one of the best receivers in the NFL as he scored 11 touchdowns off 1,429 receiving yards in 2022. Diggs was ranked fifth in The 33rd Team's Andy Benoit's list of the best route runners in the league.

"Quick, controlled feet set Stefon Diggs apart. We can see them on shorter routes, which Diggs is great at running. But they also show on his downfield patterns, even on some of the pure verticals. Diggs' impure verticals are even more impressive. He masterfully boosts them with subtle, double-move elements." — Benoit

Von Miller's signing in the 2022 offseason was perhaps the most impactful move the Bills made before last season. The 12-year veteran had eight sacks and 21 total tackles in the 11 games he played with Buffalo before suffering a torn ACL. Among NFL.com writer Eric Edholm's questions to consider as the Bills head to training camp was: When will Miller be healthy enough to take the field?

"Miller expressed confidence last month that he would be able to avoid starting the season on the physically unable to perform list. If he ultimately needs more time before he's ready, the defense likely can survive him being out for the first chunk of the season, painful as it might be, but that's contingent on others picking up the pieces. Greg Rousseau appears poised for breakout year, but it would be an added boost if someone from the Leonard Floyd-A.J. Epenesa-Shaq Lawson-Boogie Basham group emerges as a force." —Edholm

Scroll to see all 90 players on the Bills Training Camp roster for 2023.

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