Bills 2022 Draft Class: Who's Ready for Second-Year Jump?
The Buffalo Bills began OTAs this week, which marks another step closer to the start of the regular season ... and the second professional campaign for Buffalo's 2022 draft picks.
The class, which included cornerback Kaiir Elam, running back James Cook, linebacker Terrel Bernard, receiver Khalil Shakir, punter Matt Araiza, defensive back Christian Benford, offensive lineman Luke Tenuta and linebacker Baylon Spector, had plenty of flashes during their rookie years - but the Bills are certainly hoping for a big jump this offseason.
Around the league, players often improve significantly from their first to second seasons, in some cases more than any stretch during their careers.
So, who's poised to make that leap forward this fall? There's a case to be made for several candidates, starting with Elam.
Drafted at No. 23 overall last April, Elam logged six starts in 13 appearances en route to two interceptions and four passes defended. He was recently named Buffalo's biggest "breakout candidate" by Pro Football Focus.
As mentioned by general manager Brandon Beane, Elam is in line for a bigger role this season - even with Tre'Davious White, Dane Jackson and the aforementioned Benford all slated to return.
On talent alone, Elam has the goods; after all, he was drafted where he was for a reason. Considering his array of traits, accumulated experience and possibility for increased snaps, the former Florida standout has all of the ingredients needed for a second-year jump.
It's a similar story for Cook, who rushed for 507 yards and two touchdowns on 89 carries and added 21 receptions for 180 yards and a score during his first campaign. Granted, Buffalo signed running backs Damien Harris and Latavius Murray in free agency and still has Nyheim Hines, but Cook should enter the year atop the depth chart.
The Bills will likely have a by-committee approach as they've done in years past but Cook has the versatility and explosiveness to become a true weapon for quarterback Josh Allen and the rest of Buffalo's offense.
With running back Devin Singletary off to the Houston Texans, Cook is now the longest-tenured running back on the Bills' roster ... and could see a workload that reflects it, leading to a highly productive second act.
Returning to the defense, Bernard has a chance to take over the middle linebacker spot following linebacker Tremaine Edmunds' departure to the Chicago Bears, thrusting last year's No. 89 selection into a much bigger role.
Bernard played 62 percent of the Bills' snaps on special teams but only 11 percent on defense with just one start across 16 games, registering 22 total tackles.
The former Baylor star will face competition from Tyrel Dodson, A.J. Klein and Spector for the starting job, but he'll enter as the favorite ... if only slightly over Dodson. Buffalo's third-round pick this year, Dorian Williams, is likely to back-up Matt Milano at the other linebacker spot.
Bills coach Sean McDermott noted last month that Bernard saw some "valuable" snaps as a rookie and is "excited" about what he brings to the table - which could be a strong second season with opportunities aplenty.
There's also a case to be made for Shakir, as the Bills have questions at receiver beyond Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis. Of course, there are plenty of other pass catching options, including tight ends Dawson Knox and Dalton Kincaid plus the running backs, but there remains an opportunity for Shakir, who had 10 receptions for 161 yards and a touchdown last season.
Among Buffalo's four picks from Round 6 and later, Benford had the biggest impact, drawing five starts in nine appearances and recording 24 tackles and an interception. There were plenty of positive flashes from the 22-year-old, who could be in line for a switch to safety, and he's well thought-of by Buffalo's staff.
So, will a jump be made, and who will it be by? Really, there's a case to be made for several players, and it's certainly possible - if not probable - that there's more than one answer to the question.
And as the Bills seek to get over the hump in the postseason, they'll be hoping for as many leaps as possible ... starting with Elam and moving down as long as they can.
You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter @DFlickDraft
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