The Buffalo Bills wrapped up mandatory minicamp on Thursday, which means the players now get to enjoy a six-week break before returning for training camp at St. John Fisher University in the Rochester suburb of Pittsford.
Today’s edition of Buffalo Rumblinks leads off by highlighting who stood out during the final two days of mandatory minicamp, including how new safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (pictured below) enjoyed an impressive performance against Josh Allen and Buffalo’s offense.
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Check out the observations from minicamp and then let us know what stood out to you in the comments section.
Who stood out over final two days of mandatory minicamp?
New Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson has earned a reputation as one of the game’s greatest trash talkers, a fact quarterback Josh Allen admitted to the media on Tuesday when he said Gardner-Johnson was the loudest guy in Buffalo’s locker room at all times.
After a relatively quiet start to minicamp, Gardner-Johnson’s play spoke for itself on Wednesday, when the veteran safety recorded back-to-back breakups of Allen passes before coming away with an interception as Buffalo’s defense more than held its own against Allen and the offense.
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“I told (Josh) I’m gonna get one of them before we go out, because I haven’t touched the ball all camp,” Gardner-Johnson said to reporters after practice. “So the fact I got to touch the ball three times in one day. Ah, yeah, it’s gonna be a great year.”
Among the other observations and standouts from mandatory minicamp: defensive lineman Landon Jackson is settling in nicely at his new spot along the interior of the defensive line; embattled wide receiver Keon Coleman showcased his improved quickness and speed on the routes he ran; edge rusher Javon Solomon flashed his potential in defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard’s new scheme; Josh Allen and DJ Moore connected on a touchdown throw on a play where Allen threaded the needle and hit a sliding Moore for the score; second-year undrafted linebacker Keonta Jenkins came away with a few big plays as he states his case for a spot on the 53-man roster; defensive linemen Deone Walker and T.J. Parker were at times unblockable; and wide receiver Trent Sherfield has caught nearly every pass thrown his way.
We also discuss how safety Cole Bishop is staying mentally strong as he works his way back from a left knee procedure; why outside linebacker Bradley Chubb is excited to bring a physicality to Buffalo’s defense; and how a “chiseled” Dion Dawkins is preparing for his 10th season with the Bills.
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Even more Bills news
Learn about the roster moves the Bills did at the conclusion of mandatory minicamp, including why Buffalo waived cornerback Dorian Strong (pictured below) and how the team plans on keeping Strong and placing him on the injured reserve. Plus, contributions to the Patricia Allen Fund surpass $17 million to benefit the Golisano Children’s Hospital; and a former Bill was indicted on murder charges.
