Bills' late-round rookie DB projects as potential succession plan for All-Pro veteran

The Buffalo Bills may have found a fifth-round gem capable of providing insurance across multiple positions in the defensive backfield

Jan 12, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Denver Broncos tight end Lucas Krull (85) is tackled by Buffalo Bills cornerback Taron Johnson (7) during the second quarter in an AFC wild card game | Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

It's unfair, and unreasonable, to compare a late-round rookie to an All-Pro out of the gate, but the Buffalo Bills didn't draft Taron Johnson until Day 3 either.

One month ago, the Bills used the No. 170 overall selection to draft Ohio State defensive back Jordan Hancock.

Although their backgrounds are different —Hancock comes from national champion Ohio State while Johnson was a small-schooler from Weber State— Hancock has a skill set and a versatility that naturally compares to the Bills' seven-year starter.

"We're looking at him as a nickel safety. So more in that camp, the way we've used Cam Lewis, but could play outside," said Bills' general manager Brandon Beane.

Lewis, who offers insurance across multiple spots in the defensive backfield, is right behind Johnson, a 2023 All-Pro selection, on the depth chart at nickel cornerback while also serving as an emergency safety.

Jan 20, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Jaden Greathouse (1) reaches for a pass against Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Jordan Hancock (7) in the second half in the CFP National Championship college football game | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

"Safety, some nickel, so we're going to see, but I just want to create value to the team," said Hancock during rookie minicamp earlier this month.

RELATED: Bills' potential Week 1 starter tabbed 'best rookie' from nine-member draft class

The 6-foot Hancock is said to have deficiencies in pass coverage, but head coach Sean McDermott's scheme has historically been able to mask or eliminate such issues.

"For this defense, a good scheme fit as well as a talent fit," said PFF analyst Trevor Sikkema during an appearance on One Bills Live. "He can come down from depth. He could tackle you with some pretty good hitting power as well, so I think he's built like an NFL slot.”

For the record, Johnson isn't going anywhere for awhile. His contract runs through 2027 and he remains a key cog in the defense's operation. It never hurts, however, to groom a capable understudy.

Jan 10, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (26) and Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Jordan Hancock (7) in action during the game between the Texas Longhorns and the Ohio State Buckeyes | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

—  Enjoy free coverage of the Bills from Buffalo Bills on SI  —

More Buffalo Bills News:

• James Cook seemingly out of options as Bills hold upper hand in salary dispute

• NFL selects Buffalo Bills to host HBO's groundbreaking summer series

• Bills release rookie WR less than two weeks after minicamp, sign replacement

• SI's NFL win total predictions put Bills before Chiefs as AFC No. 1 seed co-favorite

• NFL MVP starts as two-man race with 2024 winner Josh Allen at forefront