For the Bills, the safety spot has long been one of the cleanest success stories of the Sean McDermott era. Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer gave Buffalo a backbone on the back end, and for years that tandem helped define the team’s rise.
Now the next chapter belongs to Cole Bishop, and the buzz around him is getting louder.
Buffalo drafted the Utah safety two years ago, and he took a noticeable jump in the second half of last season. A big part of that growth came with Poyer рядом him, giving Bishop a veteran voice and a live example of how to sharpen his game. By the end of the year, he looked like a different player - more reliable against the pass and even stronger as a run defender.
That progress is why expectations are climbing. But one former Bill thinks the ceiling is even higher.
Eric Wood, the former Bills center who hosts the Centered on Buffalo podcast, recently spoke with Bishop about several topics, including his thoughts on the new Highmark Stadium. After that conversation, Wood reposted one of the comments and made a bold call about where Bishop is headed.
“Honestly, I think Cole after this season will be regarded as a top 5 safety in the league after this season.”
It’s a big statement, but it’s not hard to see where it’s coming from. From Week 9 on last season, Bishop played with more confidence and more control. He picked off passes in back-to-back games, and from Week 8 onward he had five games with seven total tackles.
This season matters a lot for him, too. After it ends, the Bills will have to decide whether to extend him or let him play out the final year of his rookie deal without a new contract.
The addition of C.J. Gardner-Johnson only adds another layer to the picture.
With that pairing, Buffalo could have a safety duo that brings plenty of edge, and if Bishop keeps trending up and stays healthy, the conversation may not stop at Pro Bowl level. It could stretch all the way to All-Pro territory.
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