Capaccio: Bills had clear focus to draft future leaders

Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR 550) - In a matter of just a couple weeks this offseason, the Buffalo Bills saw some most of their core leadership walk out the doors of One Bills Drive.

Some like safety Jordan Poyer, cornerback Tre'Davious White, wide receiver Stefon Diggs and center Mitch Morse, were the team's decision through trade or release.

Another, wide receiver Gabe Davis, signed as a free agent with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Safety Micah Hyde's contract has expired, and he still has yet to determine what his own future holds. Even if he decides to play again, the Bills may have already moved on after re-signing Taylor Rapp, signing Mike Edwards from the Kansas City Chiefs, and then drafting Cole Bishop in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Bishop doesn't just represent an on-the-field replacement for Hyde, he's also one of several Bills picks who have tremendous leadership qualities and skills.

That was a clear focus of general manager Brandon Beane and his staff when selecting this year's class.

"With the transition of the team, finding young leaders, we've got some young leaders that are already on the roster that will have their opportunity to step up," said Beane on Saturday about one of the things they were looking for in this year's group. "Beyond that, adding some guys with edge, as well, to kind of blend with some of these young what we see as future leaders of the team, eventually."

Two of their picks, running back Ray Davis and linebacker Edefuan "Eddie" Ulofoshio, are both already 24-years-old, with Davis turning 25 in November.

Defensive tackle DeWayne Carter was the first-ever three-time captain on the Duke University football team.

"We met him at the Senior Bowl," Beane detailed. "I wrote down in my notes, 'This is a grown man.' He's going to walk right in the door, you're not going to have to tell him when to be here, what to do, who to follow. He's ready to roll."

Bishop commanded the secondary while at Utah, often lining teammates up and playing multiple positions throughout his time there.

"You need veteran leadership, but some of that can even come in this rookie class," Beane said of his existing roster. "These guys blending together, they'll do a lot of things together as we on-board them starting this spring and the transition from college to pro."

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