In our most recent Reacts poll, we asked Buffalo Rumblings readers about which group they believe carries the most intrigue into training camp under a mostly new coaching system. Well, the results you’ve all been waiting for are here. However, I do believe a bit of an apology is in order.
We presented a long list of solid options to consider, but one key position group was mistakenly left off the list: Offensive line. Specifically, the fact that a real battle for Buffalo’s starting left guard position will
unfold during training camp. It may be the only starting position up for grabs on offense, depending how things shake out at fullback and maybe a couple spots at wide receiver.
There was also one other position we could have considered for this poll, at least considering how little we know of Tyler Bass’ current ability. If you weren’t planning on watching Bass closely this summer, think it over again. Remember, Bass missed the entirety of the 2025 NFL season due to hip and groin injuries. He’s the team’s only listed kicker at the moment, but you can be certain that Matt Prater is on speed dial if the team wants him to reprise his successful role from last season.
Onward we push, though, taking a look below at how Rumblers voted…
Taking first place by a nose is the interior defensive line, with 24% of the vote. It’s a bit of a surprising result if only because we know those players who performed well last season. But, it’s a new year and a new system, and we don’t know how any of these guys are set to plug in along the defensive line. That alone speaks to the intrigue and why so many people will be focused on who’s doing what and when along the d-line.
One of the more interesting developments could come via Landon Jackson, who’s undergoing a shift from a 4-3 defensive end to that of a 3-4 defensive lineman. He’s put on a ton of good weight, and he looks ready to tackle whatever comes his way. Deep in the trenches is former rugby-turned-offensive-lineman-turned-potential-defensive-lineman Travis Clayton. It’s unlikely he’s battling for a significant playing role this season, but the shift from offense to defense, should it stick, is very interesting simply because of his roots in rugby.
Coming in second to less surprise is the 22% of votes handed to the wide receivers room. At first blush, you can probably count on three or four players carrying starter status. DJ Moore and Khalil Shakir, certainly — but the third receiver role could come down to a heated battle between Keon Coleman and Joshua Palmer.
Both Coleman and Palmer have plenty to prove in 2026. There are some who believe it could be rookie Skyler Bell who contends for the WR3 role, but for now all we have to go on are interviews and college production/measurables.
In third place with 19% of the vote is the inside linebackers group. This is a room that carries a real argument for the most training camp intrigue. Why, aren’t the starters essentially in pen? Yes, Terrel Bernard has been the team’s lone defensive captain in the past, and Dorian Williams has proven capable in previous starting opportunities.
However, it’s anyone’s guess what new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard will do with the position as it pairs with 3-4 book-ending edge rushers. Bernard has proven injury prone of late, and Williams gives many pause when watching his pass-coverage film. There’s also third-year man Joe Andreessen who continues to defy odds, and a rookie in Kaleb Elarms-Orr, plus Jimmy Ciarlo, Theron Gaines, Keonta Jenkins, and Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles. If nothing else, this is a room that could find a fair bit of shakeup early and often in camp.
Right behind the inside ‘backers are the outside linebackers, aka edge rushers, who finished with 18% of the vote. It’s worth venturing a guess that a lot of this result is bathed in folks’ interest to see how the Bills’ pass rush looks out of a 3-4 alignment.
The EDGE starters feel very set in stone, those being Greg Rousseau and Bradley Chubb. But there’s also a rookie in the room in T.J. Parker. Then there’s Michael Hoecht, who might have lifted this room’s interest level for training camp were it not for his continued rehab off a torn Achilles.
We just don’t know how soon Hoecht will return to the field and what his level of impact will be in 2026. Hoecht could otherwise occupy his own voting slot here, thanks to the wild card nature of his defensive ability. Others in the mix are Javon Solomon, Andre Jones, Mike Danna, and Cade Denhoff.
The bottom of our results this week finds the defensive backs (10%) and quarterback group (4%). There’s zero intrigue at quarterback, unless you enjoy a good old-fashioned backup QB battle. Everyone in Bills Country sure hopes that’s as far as interest goes in quarterbacks not named Josh Allen.
As for defensive backs, it’s a sneaky interesting group. Christian Benford is a bona fide stud, though severely underrated by many. But what’s the play at CB2, where one might expect second-year cornerback Maxwell Hairston to take over full time? Is the former first-round draft pick up for the task, ready to put injury woes behind him?
Believe it or not, a lot remains unknown about Hairston, and that could be why the team invested significantly at the position in the 2026 NFL Draft. Rookie Davison Igbinosun joins the fray, and he could be headed for a starting battle with Hairston. We’ll find out a lot more in training camp.
Buffalo also added rookie Torian Pride Jr., and has Te’Cory Couch, Jordan Dunbar, and Kani Walker listed at outside cornerback. At the slot/nickel position, there’s C.J. Gardner-Johnson, with Dee Alford and Jalon Kilgore behind him.
Strong safety will see Cole Bishop reprise his role, but there’s scant depth overall with Kilgore also listed among those able to play the SS position. Free safety lists Geno Stone first, followed by Damar Hamlin, Jordan Hancock, Sam Franklin Jr. and Wande Owens.
Think you’ve got what it takes to make a play with the Buffalo Bills in 2026? Head over to FanDuel Sportsbook now to put it to the test!
