Bills' fifth-round rookie 'showed up' for Sean McDermott, who could 'feel' it vs. Giants

The Buffalo Bills deployed a versatile rookie defensive back at the safety position in their preseason opener, and Sean McDermott could 'feel' his presence.

Buffalo Bills' Jordan Hancock sprints away from a player lined up against him during voluntary workouts at their practice facility on May 27, 2025. | Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Buffalo Bills were shorthanded at the safety position heading into their preseason opener against the New York Giants.

With probable Week 1 starters Taylor Rapp and Cole Bishop unavailable due to minor injuries, the Bills took the field with Damar Hamlin and utilityman Cam Lewis lined up as the safeties.

In that arrangement, the next man up was fifth-round rookie defensive back Jordan Hancock. The Ohio State product, who has been bouncing in between nickel cornerback and safety throughout training camp, entered the game midway through the second quarter, making a tackle three snaps into the Giants' fourth offense possession.

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Hancock, the No. 170 overall draft pick this past April, spent much of the afternoon flying around the field. Seemingly consistently around the ball, he finished with three solo tackles and a second-quarter interception that was nullified by rookie defensive end Landon Jackson lining up in the neutral zone on the snap.

Bills defensive back Jordan Hancock puts in extra reps working on tight coverage off the line during day three of Buffalo Bills training camp at St. John Fisher University Friday, July 25, 2025 in Pittsford, NY. | Shawn Dowd/Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

“Looked good," said head coach Sean McDermott. "Again, you really don't know until you watch the film. I'm not out there watching a specific person necessarily, but there are certain guys that you could feel. They showed up in the game. You could feel them on special teams, feel them on defense in this case, Jordan being one of them."

Hancock appears to come from a similar mold as the veteran Lewis, who has remained on the roster for 5+ years due to his position versatility. While Lewis is probably best suited as a slot cornerback, he has moved around based upon team needs.

Thus far, Hancock has been able to show a similar flexibility, which will undoubtedly play affect his fate on roster cutdown day.

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“I think it's an easy transition [from nickel CB to safety], for real," said Hancock following his preseason debut. "There's still little stuff I have to work on, but it's been a smooth transition because I got great veteran guys that helped me a lot and great coaches."

The Bills have found their share of hidden Day 3 draft gems over the years. Linebacker Matt Milano and wide receiver Khalil Shakir were both Round 5 selections. Will Hancock eventually become the next fifth-rounder-turned-starter?

Jun 11, 2025; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive back Jordan Hancock (37) makes a catch during Minicamp at Highmark Stadium. | Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

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