Editor’s note: This is the fifth story in a series previewing the Bills’ position groups as training camp looms. Today: Cornerbacks.
Having found a taker for 2022 first-round pick Kaiir Elam (traded to the Dallas Cowboys) and having no interest in moving forward with veteran Rasul Douglas (still a free agent), the Buffalo Bills idled in addressing the cornerback position this offseason … until they didn’t.
April 21: Signed Tre’Davious White to a one-year contract, bringing him back to Buffalo after he played in 2024 for the Los Angeles Rams and Baltimore Ravens.
April 24: Used their first-round draft pick (No. 30 overall) on Kentucky’s Maxwell Hairston.
And with that, the top level of the Bills cornerback depth chart was completed, joining Christian Benford and nickel Taron Johnson.
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Benford will enter camp July 22 as the Bills’ no-doubt No. 1 cornerback, a sixth-round pick who signed a four-year, $69 million ($18.85 million guaranteed) extension on March 29, and Johnson remains one of the NFL’s elite slot cover men.
But the key will be if White can find the fountain of athletic middle age, two years removed from the October 2023 Achilles tendon tear that ended his first tour with the Bills, and if Hairston can be a quick study.
In addition to White and Hairston, the Bills brought back Dane Jackson (2024 with Carolina) and drafted Jordan Hancock (nickel) and Dorian Strong.
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Cornerback Tre’Davious White is back with the Bills after spending 2024 playing for the Los Angeles Rams and Baltimore Ravens. Harry Scull Jr., Buffalo News
On the roster
Twelve: Benford, Johnson, White, Hairston, Jackson, Hancock, Strong, Ja’Marcus Ingram, Cam Lewis (also safety), Daequan Hardy, Brandon Codrington and Te’Cory Couch.
How many on the final 53?
Seven, counting combo nickel/safety players Lewis and Hancock, joining Benford, Johnson, White, Hairston and Ingram.
Most impactful offseason move
Drafting Hairston No. 30 overall.
Hairston’s selection was basically required after the Bills missed on Elam, the 23rd overall pick in 2022 who didn’t fall out of favor as much as he was unable to ever gain favor with the coaches. In three years, he started only 12 of his 29 games and had two interceptions. He was flipped with a sixth-round pick to Dallas for a fifth-round pick (Hancock) and a 2026 seventh-round pick.
Enter Hairston, who started 20 of his 32 college games and had six interceptions (five in 2023). He was the second cornerback drafted after Denver’s Jahdae Barron (No. 20).
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Defensive backs Maxwell Hairston, right, and Dorian Strong work together after rookie minicamp on May 9. Joshua Bessex, Buffalo News
Biggest question to answer in camp
What does White have left in the tank?
White, 30, was a first-team All-Pro for the Bills in 2019 and a second-team selection in 2020, and intercepted a combined 15 passes in his first four pro seasons (2017-20). But he has only two interceptions since (33 games).
Battle to watch
Lewis vs. Hancock for backup nickel.
In the Bills’ system, the backup nickel – Lewis last year – also fills the dime (sixth defensive back) package role.
Lewis started six games last year, including four (Weeks 2-5) when Johnson was out with a broken right forearm. Lewis played at least 20 defensive snaps in 11 of 20 games. The Bills value his versatility and experience.
Hancock, a fifth-round pick from Ohio State, impressed the Bills with his college tape by being able to learn and effectively play nickel and safety. In his last two seasons, Hancock had a combined 89 tackles, four forced fumbles, three interceptions and 12 other pass breakups.
The guess here is Lewis will get every chance to keep his role, allowing Hancock to progress on a steady course.
Under-the-radar player
The Bills drafted Strong out of Virginia Tech in the sixth round. In 53 games (44 starts), he had 112 tackles and seven interceptions. His 35 total pass breakups showed a nose for the football. Once the pads go on in camp, it will interesting to see how Strong uses his size (6-foot-1, 185 pounds) in press coverage.
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