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4 Takeaways: Bills Complete Their Volunteer Work

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4 Takeaways: Bills Complete Their Volunteer Work

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WIVB) — The Bills conclude the voluntary segment of their offseason program this week, with a mandatory minicamp on the horizon. Here are four takeaways from Tuesday’s team event open to reporters, as well as Bobby Babich’s first meeting with the media since being named Buffalo’s defensive coordinator.

Babich brings a growth mindset to his new position

Promoted from coach in his eighth season on the defensive staff, Babich closely follows Sean McDermott’s lead in succeeding his head coach to coordinate the Bills’ defense.

“I’m a fool if I don’t use Sean McDermott,” Babich said. “And at the end of the day, he’s the head coach of the Buffalo Bills, not only because he’s a great leader and a great football mind, but he’s made a name for himself on defense. And I always considered Sean a mentor. And already, I ask him things every day.

Having previously worked with McDermott in Carolina and having interviewed for two other NFL coordinator positions, Babich appreciates the opportunity to take the next step in his coaching career without leaving Buffalo.

“I’m where I’m supposed to be,” Babich said, “and I’m very, very, very, very, very happy to be here.”

McDermott, who coordinated the defense last season after Leslie Frazier left the team, still hasn’t determined whether he will relinquish defensive play to the new coordinator. Babich will have the chance to call plays during the preseason, McDermott said.

Although a colleague recently contacted Babich at the team office to say “you’re ready for this”, the 40-year-old believes he still has to prove his ability to take on a bigger role.

“You’re never ready until you do it,” Babich said. “You’re constantly trying to prepare yourself for when you get into that position, but until you do something, you’re never ready. So I don’t have the ego to sit here and say I’m ready for this, that and the other. I am vulnerable enough to say that I am as prepared as I can be and that I will continue to learn every day, every step of the way. I will continue to learn. I will make mistakes in everything this job entails.

“It’s going to happen. Just like players make mistakes. And like anyone new to a job, they make mistakes. It’s going to happen. But I’m as prepared as possible. I have a great mentor upstairs who I’ve worked with for many years, who I can lean on, and I’m really, really, really excited about this opportunity.

Practical coaching

While his defensive coordinator settles in, McDermott on Tuesday took on a coaching role with defensive lineman, particularly recently signed rookie Gable Steveson.

A former state high school wrestling champion, McDermott gave the Olympic gold medalist his full attention during the individual portion of Tuesday’s practice and for more than 20 minutes after the team session ended.

Steveson has never played football before and even with his championship wrestling experience, the Bills have to build his football game from the ground up.

“This is new to us,” Babich said. “I think there is no doubt that we know our head coach’s background and his passion for this sport. RIGHT. And obviously, Gable’s career speaks for itself.

“But we have to start from scratch. We will start from scratch. Obviously there are some, whether you want to call it physical tools, athletic traits, things that hopefully translate for him. And to come back, start from scratch. Let’s start with the small details of the position and see where it goes from there.

Comings and goings

For the third straight OTA week, Buffalo’s top cornerback, Rasul Douglas, was not in attendance.

Other players who were not seen on the field during Tuesday’s voluntary practice were: LT Dion Dawkins, TE Dawson Knox, WR Justin Shorter, WR KJ Hamlen, DE Dawuane Smoot, DT DeShawn Williams and LB Nicholas Morrow .

Injured players working the sideline during individual drills included: S Mike Edwards, FB Reggie Gilliam, LB Edefuan Ulofoshio and RB Ray Davis were a limited participant.

The Bills signed LB Shayne Simon, a rookie free agent from Pitt, on Tuesday and waived injured OL Tommy Doyle. The Bills also announced the signing of four-year rookie contracts: S Cole Bishop, DT DeWayne Carter, RB Ray Davis, OL Sedrick Van Pran-Granger, LB Edefuan Ulofoshio, DE Javon Solomon, OT Tylan Grable and CB Daequan Hardy , leaving WR. Keon Coleman as the team’s only unsigned draft pick.

Meet Stefon Diggs

Stefon Diggs spoke to reporters in Houston for the first time this offseason, and the former Buffalo star wide receiver directed some jokes at an old friend.

“Josh is my man,” he says. “He had a bit of that southern hospitality. I probably wouldn’t be here without him. I have a lot of love for this boy. You’re going to give him a hug and a kiss for me.

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Jonah Bronstein joined the WIVB team in 2022 as a digital sports reporter. The Buffalonian has covered the Bills, Sabres, Bandits, Bisons, colleges, high schools and other notable sporting events in Western New York since 2005, for publications including The Associated Press , The Buffalo News and Niagara Gazette. Learn more about his work here.

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