Bills Pre-Camp Position Preview: Safety - Projected Starters, One to Watch

As the Buffalo Bills prepare for the upcoming season, several roster hopefuls will use the coming weeks to make their respective cases to earn a spot on the 53-man final product.

With the Bills having concluded mandatory minicamp, all eyes will soon be on training camp for position battles and individual performances.

Much like the cornerbacks, the Bills' safeties face a difficult task in replacing longtime roster mainstays Jordan Poyer and (potentially) Micah Hyde.

In that vein, here is our early positional preview at safety.

Cred: BuffaloNews.com

Current Depth:

Taylor Rapp, Damar Hamlin, Dee Delaney, Mike Edwards, Cole Bishop, Kendall Williamson

Projected Starters: 

Taylor Rapp

Rapp, who signed one-year contract with the Bills in 2023, is currently slated to fill the spot at strong safety vacated by longtime starter Jordan Poyer. Rapp played in 16 games (four starts) for Buffalo last season, logging 50 total tackles, two passes-defensed, one interceptions and 0.5 sacks. Lastly, Rapp has showcased a sustained ability to take the football away, logging seven interceptions over the last three years.

Mike Edwards

Edwards entered the NFL as a third-round selection by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2019. The 5-10, 205-pound safety spent three seasons with the Bucs, helping them to a victory in Super Bowl LV. Last season, he joined the Chiefs, winning his second Super Bowl in three years. Throughout his career, he has logged 235 tackles, 26 pass-breakups, five fumble recoveries, eight interceptions and four defensive touchdowns. Last season, he logged 51 tackles (two for loss,) five passes defensed, one interception and a touchdown on a fumble recovery.

One to Watch: Cole Bishop

Buffalo’s second-round (No. 60 overall) draft choice may be in prime position to earn a notable look at increased reps with the first team during training camp. During his time at Utah, Bishop was one of the Utes' most reliable defensive backs. Last season, he totaled 60 tackles, three sacks, two interceptions and three passes-defensed. The 6-2, 206-pound safety quelled any concerns about his speed by posting a 4.45 time in the 40 at the NFL Scouting Combine. At his best, Bishop projects as an all-purpose defensive back, who could play a notable role at strong safety. Bishop defends well against the run, has the ability to blitz and should see time in the Bills’ zone looks in the short-to-intermediate areas of the field.

Best of the Rest: Dee Delaney 

Despite spending the first two seasons of his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Washington Commanders respectively, the undrafted free agent signed with the Bucs in May 2021. During his three years with Tampa Bay, he appeared in 49 games, logging 71 total tackles (three for loss) seven passes defended and three interceptions. Delaney earned career highs in interceptions (two) and passes-defensed (five) while making 25 total tackles last season.

Though he has previously dealt with both head and lower-body injuries, Delaney should be at full strength heading into training camp.