Since Sean McDermott was hired as head coach of the Buffalo Bills in 2017, the organization has been known as one of the better defensive units in the game.
A big part of that, over the last few years at least, has been the play of safety Taylor Rapp. Since signing a free agent deal with the team in 2023, Rapp has gone from a second-round phenom, to one of the best players at his position.
The only issue? Not many people around the league know about him.
That's why ESPN analyst Aaron Schatz named Rapp as the most underrated safety in the league in his latest piece.
"Although many have described the Bills' safeties as underwhelming, they were an important part of a defense that finished 11th in DVOA last season," Schatz wrote. "They ranked seventh in defensive DVOA on deep passes (16 or more air yards), and Rapp was most frequently in the role of deep safety."
Schatz would go on to explain that Rapp recorded one of the lowest missed tackle rates in the league during the 2024 campaign. Add in an excellent run defense grade, and the Bills are fortunate to have Rapp on their team.
The problem facing Buffalo isn't about Rapp, though. They have found great success over the years against weaker foes, but haven't been able to put it all together in the playoffs.
Buffalo is hoping they have all the pieces to finally get over the hump. Rapp will be a key part if they are to do that in 2025.