The Buffalo Bills wrapped up mandatory minicamp on Thursday, which means the players now get to enjoy a six-week break before returning for training camp at St. John Fisher University in the Rochester suburb of Pittsford.
Today’s edition of Buffalo Rumblinks leads off by highlighting who stood out during the final two days of mandatory minicamp, including how new safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (pictured below) enjoyed an impressive performance against Josh Allen and Buffalo’s offense.
Check out the observations
from minicamp and then let us know what stood out to you in the comments section.
Who stood out over final two days of mandatory minicamp?
New Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson has earned a reputation as one of the game’s greatest trash talkers, a fact quarterback Josh Allen admitted to the media on Tuesday when he said Gardner-Johnson was the loudest guy in Buffalo’s locker room at all times.
After a relatively quiet start to minicamp, Gardner-Johnson’s play spoke for itself on Wednesday, when the veteran safety recorded back-to-back breakups of Allen passes before coming away with an interception as Buffalo’s defense more than held its own against Allen and the offense.
“I told (Josh) I’m gonna get one of them before we go out, because I haven’t touched the ball all camp,” Gardner-Johnson said to reporters after practice. “So the fact I got to touch the ball three times in one day. Ah, yeah, it’s gonna be a great year.”
Among the other observations and standouts from mandatory minicamp: defensive lineman Landon Jackson is settling in nicely at his new spot along the interior of the defensive line; embattled wide receiver Keon Coleman showcased his improved quickness and speed on the routes he ran; edge rusher Javon Solomon flashed his potential in defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard’s new scheme; Josh Allen and DJ Moore connected on a touchdown throw on a play where Allen threaded the needle and hit a sliding Moore for the score; second-year undrafted linebacker Keonta Jenkins came away with a few big plays as he states his case for a spot on the 53-man roster; defensive linemen Deone Walker and T.J. Parker were at times unblockable; and wide receiver Trent Sherfield has caught nearly every pass thrown his way.
We also discuss how safety Cole Bishop is staying mentally strong as he works his way back from a left knee procedure; why outside linebacker Bradley Chubb is excited to bring a physicality to Buffalo’s defense; and how a “chiseled” Dion Dawkins is preparing for his 10th season with the Bills.
- Bills minicamp Day 2: Bills’ new safety warned Josh Allen before practice, then backed it up – newyorkupstate.com
- ‘Loud’ Gardner-Johnson sets tone for Bills defense at mandatory minicamp – WGR 550
- Bills OLB Bradley Chubb motivated to win games, ‘play physical’ and train with TJ Parker — Recapping Day 3 of minicamp – BuffaloBills.com
- Bradley Chubb has Dolphins games circled after joining Bills – Democrat & Chronicle
- Bills’ Keon Coleman did something at practice that impressed (minicamp observations) – newyorkupstate.com
- James Cook’s milestone, Joshua Palmer’s motivation & Cole Bishop’s recovery — Recapping Day 2 of Bills minicamp – BuffaloBills.com
- After left knee procedure, Cole Bishop making most of mental reps this spring – Buffalo News (subscription required)
- Cole Bishop injury update: Will Bills safety be ready for training camp? – newyorkupstate.com
- After staying away from voluntary practices, James Cook is back at Bills minicamp – Buffalo News (subscription required)
- Cook back on the field for Bills mandatory minicamp – WGRZ
- Bills minicamp: Don’t count on Stefon Diggs reunion and other takeaways – The Athletic (subscription required)
- Bills hit summer break as they wrap up mandatory minicamp – WGRZ
- ‘Chiseled’ Dion Dawkins still leading in his own, unique way entering 10th season – Buffalo News (subscription required)
Even more Bills news
Learn about the roster moves the Bills did at the conclusion of mandatory minicamp, including why Buffalo waived cornerback Dorian Strong (pictured below) and how the team plans on keeping Strong and placing him on the injured reserve. Plus, contributions to the Patricia Allen Fund surpass $17 million to benefit the Golisano Children’s Hospital; and a former Bill was indicted on murder charges.
- Bills waive Dorian Strong with plan to place second-year cornerback on IR – Buffalo News (subscription required)
- Bills fans shouldn’t panic about Dorian Strong being waived — here’s the real reason Buffalo made this move – newyorkupstate.com
- Bills waive Dorian Strong with injury designation – WGR 550
- Bills waive cornerback who spent offseason practices in neck brace – Democrat & Chronicle
- Buffalo Bills make 5 roster moves as 2026 minicamp ends – BuffaloBills.com
- Patricia Allen Fund reaches $17 million donation mark for Golisano Children’s Hospital – Buffalo News (subscription required)
- Former Buffalo Bills player indicted on murder charge – newyorkupstate.com
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- Is the Bills defensive roster better than it was one year ago? – Buffalo Rumblings
- Bills waive CB Dorian Strong with injury designation – Buffalo Rumblings
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- Patricia Allen Fund surpasses $17 Million for Golisano Children’s Hospital of Buffalo – Buffalo Rumblings
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