The Most Underrated Players on the 2023 Buffalo Bills Roster

Dane Jackson - Cornerback of the Buffalo Bills

Image: The Wandering Buffalo - The Most Underrated Players on the 2023 Buffalo Bills Roster

While the Buffalo Bills boast several well-known stars, there are often unsung heroes who contribute immensely but receive less attention. In this article, we will highlight the most underrated players on the 2023 Buffalo Bills roster, highlighting their possible significant impact on the team’s success.

Matt Milano, Linebacker

This might be a hot take, but Matt Milano is certainly among the most underrated players on the Buffalo Bills roster. Despite his exceptional performances and crucial contributions to the team, he often flies under the radar regarding recognition and media attention. Here are a few reasons why Milano deserves more recognition for his assistance:

Exceptional Coverage Skills: Milano's outstanding coverage skills make him a valuable asset in the Bills’ defense. He can read plays, anticipate routes, and effectively cover tight ends and running backs in the passing game. Milano’s coverage prowess allows the Bills to neutralize opposing offenses and limit big plays through the air.

Versatility and Playmaking Ability: Milano’s versatility sets him apart. He excels in defending both the run and the pass, showcasing his ability to make an impact in various defensive situations. Whether making tackles in the open field or dropping back into coverage, Milano consistently displays his playmaking ability. He has a knack for finding the football, disrupting passing lanes, and creating turnovers, which significantly impacts the outcome of games.

Consistent Production: Despite battling injuries at times, Milano has consistently demonstrated his ability to produce at a high level. When healthy, he has been a reliable and dependable player on the Bills’ defense. His tenacity, work ethic, and durability are commendable, and he rarely misses assignments or takes plays off. Milano’s consistent production is an essential ingredient for the success of the Buffalo Bills’ defense.

Leadership and Team Player: Milano’s leadership qualities and team-first mentality cannot be overlooked. His teammates and coaching staff highly respect him for his dedication, work ethic, and willingness to do whatever it takes to help the team succeed. Milano’s positive influence in the locker room and his ability to rally his teammates are crucial intangibles contributing to the Buffalo Bills’ overall success.

Impact Beyond the Stat Sheet: Milano’s contributions may not always be reflected in the stat sheet, but his influence on the field is undeniable. He consistently disrupts opposing offenses, forces quarterback into uncomfortable situations, and helps create opportunities for his teammates. Milano’s ability to make plays that don’t necessarily appear in the box score makes him an invaluable asset to the Buffalo Bills.

James Cook, Running Back

Despite being overshadowed by some of his other teammates, Cook has quietly emerged as a vital cog in the Bills' offensive machinery. The Bills signed Damien Harris this offseason to a one-year “prove it” deal, but James Cook is still up there as my most underrated Bill heading into the 2023 season.

Possessing a unique blend of speed, agility, and vision, the young running back has consistently showcased his playmaking abilities, proving his worth on the field. Whether it's carrying the ball between the tackles, bursting through gaps, or catching passes out of the backfield, he displays a knack for making the right moves at the right time. His explosiveness and ability to turn short gains into big plays have caught the attention of his coaches and teammates alike.

Moreover, Cook's contribution to the Bills' passing game cannot be underestimated. With an impressive set of receiving skills, he gives quarterback Josh Allen a reliable option to dump off the ball when the passing lanes are crowded. Cook's speed and elusiveness make him a nightmare for linebackers and safeties attempting to cover him in open space.

While critics may overlook Cook's potential impact, the Bills' coaching staff understands his value. They have steadily increased his role in the offense in 2022, recognizing his ability to create mismatches and exploit opposing defenses. With his expanded role in the 2023 season, Cook is poised to make his mark as one of the league's most underrated weapons.

Sam Martin, Punter

Sam Martin, the punter for the Buffalo Bills, is undoubtedly one of the most underrated players on the team. Punters often do not receive the same level of recognition or attention as other positions on the field, but Martin’s contributions should not be overlooked, especially after all of the controversy stemming from another Punter formerly on the team.

Martin’s consistency and precision in punting make him an invaluable asset to the Bills. His ability to pin opponents deep in their territory with well-placed punts gives the defense a significant advantage in field position. This strategic advantage can often force opposing teams to start their offensive drives farther away from the end zone, increasing the likelihood of defensive stops and turnovers.

While Martin’s contributions may not be as glamorous or immediately apparent as those of offensive skill players or star defensive performers, his impact on the game is undeniable.

Dane Jackson, Cornerback

Dane Jackson is going into his forth-year as a Buffalo Bill and is often overlooked.

Jackson possesses a versatile skill set that allows him to excel in various defensive schemes. He is equally adept at playing man-to-man coverage and handling zone assignments. This versatility gives the Bills’ coaching staff flexibility in their defensive game plans and allows them to make strategic adjustments based on the opponent’s offensive approach.

In addition to his versatility, Jackson displays an impressive combination of physicality and instincts. He is unafraid to battle receivers, disrupting their routes and timing physically. His ability to jam receivers at the line of scrimmage and maintain tight coverage throughout the play often leads to incomplete passes or contested catches. Jackson’s willingness to be physical with opponents sets him apart and makes him a valuable asset in the Bills’ defensive backfield.

Furthermore, Jackson has demonstrated a knack for making key plays and timely interceptions. Whether it’s a crucial pass breakup or a 101-yard pick-six to end an AFC Divisional game, he has a knack for being in the right place at the right time. These game-changing plays often go unnoticed in the broader conversation surrounding the team but significantly impact the outcome of games.

His versatility, physicality, playmaking ability, and consistency are vital to the Bills’ defensive puzzle. While he may not be in the spotlight, his impact on the field should not be underestimated or overlooked. Jackson has consistency issues, but Kaiir Elam must step up his game if he wants that starting role.

Taylor Rapp, Saftey

Taylor Rapp is a talented safety who often flies under the radar as he was just signed by the Buffalo Bills this offseason. Rapp’s name may not be as widely recognized as some of his more high-profile teammates, such as Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde. Here’s why Taylor Rapp deserves recognition as one of the most underrated players on the Buffalo Bills.

First and foremost, Rapp’s versatility sets him apart. He can excel in both run defense and pass coverage, making him a valuable asset for the Bills’ defensive schemes. Rapp showcases excellent instincts and football IQ, allowing him to scan plays and position himself effectively on the field. His understanding of opposing offenses enables him to make crucial stops and prevent significant gains. With Sean McDermott now at the helm of the defense, expect creativity in their packages with Rapp now with the Bills.

Moreover, Rapp’s tackling ability is highly underrated. He consistently demonstrates sound technique and form, rarely missing tackles when given the opportunity. Rapp’s physicality and willingness to take on ball carriers head-on make him a reliable last line of defense for the Bills. His tackling prowess often goes unnoticed, but it significantly limits yards after the catch and prevents explosive plays.

Rapp’s coverage skills further bolster his value to the team. He displays excellent range, allowing him to cover ground quickly and effectively in the deep secondary. Rapp’s ability to read the quarterback’s eyes and anticipate routes enables him to precisely break on the ball, leading to passing breakups and interceptions. His coverage skills make him an asset in both man-to-man and zone coverage situations, providing the Bills with a versatile defensive back.

Taylor Rapp’s contributions may not always grab headlines, his impact on the Buffalo Bills’ defense should not be underestimated. His versatility, tackling ability, coverage skills, and leadership make him essential to the team’s success. As the 2023 season progresses, keep an eye on Taylor Rapp as he continues to prove himself as one of the most underrated players on the Buffalo Bills roster.

While the Buffalo Bills boast several well-known stars, the success of any team often relies on the unheralded players who consistently perform at a high level. Matt Milano, James Cook, Sam Martin, Dane Jackson, and Taylor Rapp may not always grab headlines, but their contributions to the team should be noticed. As the 2023 season unfolds, watch these underrated players as they continue to impact the Buffalo Bills’ quest for greatness significantly.

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