3 Potential Breakout Players for the Buffalo Bills in 2024

Greg Rousseau — Buffalo Bills Defensive End

As the Buffalo Bills gear up for the 2024 season, fans are eagerly watching for players assured to make significant impacts. With a combination of seasoned veterans and promising young talent, the Bills are in a strong position to push for a successful season. Here are three potential breakout players who could help lead the team to new heights:

1. Greg Rousseau

Since being drafted in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Greg Rousseau has shown consistent improvement each year. Standing at 6'6" and weighing 266 pounds, Rousseau possesses a rare blend of size, speed, and athleticism that makes him a formidable presence on the defensive line. While he hasn’t yet demonstrated complete dominance on the field, the departure of Leonard Floyd and the seeming decline of Von Miller present Rousseau with a prime opportunity to shine.

This off-season, Rousseau appears to have added significant muscle, further enhancing his physical presence. Reports indicate that he has been working diligently on his technique and strength, aiming to become a more disruptive force against both the run and the pass. If he can translate his off-season improvements onto the field, Rousseau could very well become a cornerstone of the Bills' defensive strategy.

2. Keon Coleman

Initially, I was skeptical about drafting Keon Coleman this year. My track record with draft opinions is admittedly shaky (I once preferred Josh Rosen over Josh Allen). However, Coleman has quickly shown himself to be a promising addition, capturing the media's attention and endearing himself to fans.

Coleman, a wide receiver out of Florida State, brings a unique skill set to the Bills' offense. Standing at 6'4" with a solid build and exceptional athleticism, he has the physical tools to compete with the best defensive backs in the league. His college highlights showcase his ability to make contested catches and his knack for finding the end zone.

His dynamic potential as a top wide receiver is visible, and he hasn't even made his first play for the Bills yet. With his natural talent and enthusiastic support, Coleman is poised for a breakout season. If he can maintain his momentum and continue to develop his route-running and understanding of the playbook, Coleman could quickly become a favorite target for Allen, adding a new dimension to the Bills' passing attack.

3. Dalton Kincaid

Choosing Dalton Kincaid might seem like an obvious pick, but it’s also an overlooked one. This off-season, much criticism has been directed at the Bills' wide receiver room, overshadowing the tight end duo of Kincaid and Dawson Knox. However, the tight end position is becoming increasingly vital in modern NFL offenses, and Kincaid has the potential to be a game-changer.

As a rookie, Kincaid demonstrated impressive skills, catching 73 passes for 673 yards and two touchdowns. His ability to create mismatches against linebackers and safeties made him a valuable asset in the passing game. Kincaid was outstanding as a rookie tight end, and there's ample room for growth. With an increased target share and more two-tight-end sets, Kincaid is positioned to take over the league in 2024 if everything aligns correctly.

Optimism of Outcomes

With so much pessimism surrounding the Bills this off-season, I remain highly optimistic about the team's prospects in 2024. There’s no reason why the Bills can't succeed and potentially make it to the Super Bowl. Under Sean McDermott's leadership, it’s always Super Bowl or bust. Every position and every player must step up and perform cohesively as a team to achieve this goal.

The Buffalo Bills have built a strong foundation over the past few seasons, establishing themselves as perennial contenders in the AFC. The 2024 season presents an opportunity for the team to take the next step and realize their championship aspirations. The road to the Super Bowl is never easy, but the Bills have shown resilience and determination in the face of adversity. The development of these potential breakout players will be crucial in determining the team's success.

If Rousseau can become a dominant force on the defensive line, if Coleman can emerge as a reliable target in the passing game, and if Kincaid can take the next step in his development, the Bills will be well-positioned to compete with the best teams in the league.

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Jakob Merkel
CO-FOUNDER - EXECUTIVE PRODUCER - GRAPHIC DESIGNER
www.jakobmerkel.com