ChronicAndKnuckles Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 I apologize if this thread has been done before. I wanted to make one for myself that I can look back on at the end of the season to see who the more accurate guesses were. It's pretty self-explanatory, but every year on almost every NFL team, a guy you'd least expect comes out of nowhere to have a good to great season. Who is your favorite candidate to have a breakout year? People's definition of a "dark horse" may vary. Just use your best judgement. A good example would be... Gabe Davis. 4th rounder rookie puts up 600 yards & 7 TD's as well as some very clutch catches in the playoffs. Not earth-shattering stats, but very impressive nonetheless given his draft status and Diggs/Beasley taking away targets. Pre-Diggs I think he could've had a 1K+ yard season. Who is/are your dark horse breakout candidate(s) for this coming season and why? 🧐 My favorite dark horse for this coming season is Jacob Hollister. Advantages going into camp: 1) One of Allen's favorite targets at Wyoming. Competition could heat up fast if they can pick up where they left off. 2) Overall competition is pretty weak. What else can I say? Our starting TE last season had 288 yards +3 TD's. Dawson Knox is his biggest competitor. 3) Pretty fluid route running and moves well for a big guy. When I watch the little bit of NFL tape, I see a guy who has deceptive speed and prototypical size. 4) My opinion is that he was underutilized w/ Seattle. If he can win a starting spot, the Bills will use him more often. I'm hoping he can become a decent red zone threat as well. 5) Youth. At age 27, he still has time on his side. Not an old dog so he can still learn new tricks. Disadvantages going into camp: 1) Hollister is not good in the run game. From what I've read & seen, he's a terrible in-line blocker and this could cost him playing time in certain packages 2) Buffalo will be his 3rd team in 5 years. I'm not sure what went wrong w/ the Patriots and Seahawks or why he was let go. It doesn't look great, but maybe a change of scenery w/ a familiar face is what he needs. 3) Numbers. His best season in the NFL was 349 yards + 3 TD's (still better than Knox.) I think w/ Allen throwing to him, he won't have a problem topping those #'s Honorable mentions: AJ Epenesa,Zack Moss. ✌️❤️🏈 13 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clyde Smith Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 I'm going Levi Wallace. I believe this year the front 7 will be a huge difference maker, allowing the secondary to ball out and cause more turnovers. With Jackson and some of these young guys pushing for a starting spot, I believe that will be enough motivation to keep the spot lockdown. Honorable: Rousseau - He is going to surprise a lot of people that normally doesn't follow Buffalo. 4 1 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kwai San Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 I am firmly in the AJE camp.....my hope is he takes a HUGE leap with the proper conditioning and training camp under his belt..... 11 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewEra Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 I’m on board with Hollister. While I like knox and think he has a greater upside, I think Hollisters quickness will allow him to get open at a greater rate, hence be the better target. Being Josh’s college bro can only help his situation 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jauronimo Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 Harrison Philips - over a year removed from injury he gets back to what he was showing in his brief season before the ACL tear. By season end, he takes the lion's share of snaps away from Star Lottaukelelei. 8 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChronicAndKnuckles Posted June 10, 2021 Author Share Posted June 10, 2021 9 minutes ago, Clyde Smith said: I'm going Levi Wallace. I believe this year the front 7 will be a huge difference maker, allowing the secondary to ball out and cause more turnovers. With Jackson and some of these young guys pushing for a starting spot, I believe that will be enough motivation to keep the spot lockdown. Honorable: Rousseau - He is going to surprise a lot of people that normally doesn't follow Buffalo. I could get down w/ this. 💯 Levi had a very timely interception from Big Ben that pretty much sealed the win against the Steelers. He had a nice one on Goff during the Rams game as well. Truly underrated player and good choice. 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyDays Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 I was going to say Hollister too. He's apparently looked good in OTAs and I think Allen will trust him more than Knox. I guess I don't see anything Knox provides that he doesn't. The only caveat is if we do actually trade for Ertz, Hollister will be a backup at best. If we do trade for Ertz I'll change my answer to Star. Mostly because the board as a whole is really down on him and I think he's going to be a big reason the defense gets back to it's 2019 level of play. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seasons1992 Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 Marquez Stevenson 1 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chongli Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 7 minutes ago, Kwai San said: I am firmly in the AJE camp.....my hope is he takes a HUGE leap with the proper conditioning and training camp under his belt..... Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports just posted an article where he agrees with you: https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/under-the-radar-players-who-could-be-2021-stars-for-each-afc-team-marquise-brown-among-potential-breakouts/ Under-the-radar players who could be 2021 stars for each AFC team: Marquise Brown among potential breakouts Don't sleep on these AFC players heading into the 2021 season Bills: A.J. Epenesa, DE "A.J. Epenesa was arguably a first-round talent coming out of Iowa in 2020, but Buffalo was able to scoop him up in the second round. He appeared in 14 contests for the Bills during his rookie season, but played sparingly (27% of the defensive snaps). When given more of an opportunity in the later part of the season, however, Epenesa didn't disappoint. His lone start of the season came in Week 17, when he totaled a season-high three tackles for a loss along with a quarterback hit. The rookie also was a noticeable presence during the AFC Championship Game against the Chiefs. As he heads into his second season, coach Sean McDermott will likely give Epenesa even more opportunity to grow within this defense. As Buffalo looks to contend in the AFC in 2021, Epenesa could prove to be a key piece along that unit to compliment Josh Allen on the other side of the ball. " 7 2 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gugny Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 If we go into the season with the current TEs, then Tommy Sweeney is my pick. 6 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
warrior9 Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 Breida. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Royale with Cheese Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 AJE. What I found interesting is I believe Frazier said the ideal weight for AJE was 255-260. So it sounds like to me he actually played even lighter than that last year. With Dawkins saying he's not a feather anymore, AJE is at the right weight and has the strength back to make an impact. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buffalo_Stampede Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 I like the TE group for this. I'm not sure which one but I think we'll see someone breakout. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dkollidas Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 Rousseau is mine for the fact that everyone thinks he’s going to need time to develop. He was a guy I thought was going to go top-10, then he opted out. So he’s behind the 8-ball a bit but his size and relative athleticism is extremely intriguing and I think he can be an impact guy from week 1. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SF Bills Fan Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 I agree with people on Epenesa- I think he will take a huge step up and be a bigger part of the pass rush. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freddie's Dead Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 CWade. Time to ***** or get off the pot. If the Bills cut him, I hope he gets picked up by someone else, or declines the Indentu...er, International Gateway Program. It would be nice to see him play. 1 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arm of Harm Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 12 minutes ago, Royale with Cheese said: With Dawkins saying he's not a feather anymore, AJE is at the right weight and has the strength back to make an impact. Dawkins knows all about not being a feather anymore. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allen2D̶i̶g̶g̶s̶TBD Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 Dane Jackson He looked good in limited action last season and I think he has a legitimate chance to win the #2 spot with a solid preseason. Harrison Phillips He didn't look 100% last year after coming back from an ACL tear, but he improved as the year went on. I think he can split reps with Star and solidify our run defense. Isaiah McKenzie He has mainly been a gadget player for the Bills, but his performance against the Dolphins shows that he can contribute as a receiver. Unfortunately he got injured shortly after and was limited throughout the playoffs. He will battle rookie Marquez Stevenson and Isaiah Hodgins for a roster spot this summer, but I believe his familiarity with the offense will give him a major advantage and he will have a career year. 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
17islongenough Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 Dane Jackson. Everytime he was in last year he seemed to make plays. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warcodered Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 12 minutes ago, Dkollidas said: Rousseau is mine for the fact that everyone thinks he’s going to need time to develop. He was a guy I thought was going to go top-10, then he opted out. So he’s behind the 8-ball a bit but his size and relative athleticism is extremely intriguing and I think he can be an impact guy from week 1. Definitely with a mystery year if off field development I think he could be further along than people think. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ramza86 Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 I want to believe in Singletary. I think hes going to be at his best this year and itll translate on the field. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maddenboy Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 (edited) My first thought was . . . nobody. All our players from last year seem to be at or near their ceilings (unfortunately for some of them, but I dont wanna de-rail this thread). Or they are progressing along a smooth and steady incline. I dont expect any big jumps and to me, a Dark Horse is usually unexpected. Usually a long-shot to make a big move. So, I agree with you on Hollister, and for the reasons you stated. New system for him, so he might be able to make a big jump from his lack-luster career numbers so far. Edited June 10, 2021 by maddenboy 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Royale with Cheese Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 29 minutes ago, Arm of Harm said: Dawkins knows all about not being a feather anymore. Are you saying he looks better in biker shorts? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Ripster Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 I like ur pick and reasoning for Hollister having a big season this year. I can also see Breida breaking some big plays after he gets comfortable with the system. My 2 defensive dark horses are Darryl Johnson + Justin Zimmer. Johnson had roughly the same stats as Epenesa last season and Zimmer showed his ability to get to the QB. I can see hem both taking that next step this season alongside the more obvious players like AJE and Ed Oliver. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baba Booey Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 Tremaine Edmunds!! He FINALLY becomes the middle linebacker we all thought he would be. It’s his year, and he will not disappoint!!! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wppete Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maddenboy Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 4 minutes ago, Baba Booey said: Tremaine Edmunds!! He FINALLY becomes the middle linebacker we all thought he would be. It’s his year, and he will not disappoint!!! uh oh 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TroutDog Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 All of the above (save Wade). There are a number of younger players who have a supreme opportunity to displace the older players this year. I particularly like the AJE and Knox references. The former was absolutely too light last year and Knox is entering the window where the game has slowed down for him and should provide for more plays being made. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John from Riverside Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 Last year when this question was asked I said Knox this year the question is being asked and I say Knox 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bangarang Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 Cody Ford is someone I haven’t seen mentioned yet so I’ll go with him. 8 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoBills808 Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 Knox. And I am far from the biggest Knox fan so this is a hope and a prayer but someone making a name for themselves in the TE room would be the single biggest benefit to the team imo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Schick Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 I’ll go with Isaiah Hodgins. Going to be tough to get on the field, But if he’s any good he will at least get a look. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billsfan89 Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 Dane Jackson comes to mind. There are still a lot of good corners out on the market and the Bills haven't pounced and I think that is because the organization seems to like Dane a lot to take over for Levi (who remains as depth/insurance.) I do love AJE and Phillips but Dane is my guy. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chicharito Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 Jake kumerow! I see him marking the squad and making his presence felt! 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Vader Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 Offense: Jacob Hollister Defense: AJ Klein 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
947 Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 Efe Obada. 5.5 sacks in limited snaps for Carolina last year, if he works his way into the rotation, he could surprise. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjt328 Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 I could see a lot of Bills players step up this year. Devin Singletary People forget that he was pretty good as a rookie. I believe last year's run-game struggles were caused by a multitude of factors (blocking, gameplan), and not just the running backs. AJ Epenesa The lack of a true offseason. Plus the weight loss. Plus him being a rookie. Despite this, I think he flashed at times. Drafting two edge rushers is really going to push him, and I think he's ready for the task. Dane Jackson One of my weekly surprises last season was seeing Jackson on the practice squad, and no other teams snatching him up. Every time he was on the field, he seemed to make plays. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maryland-bills-fan Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 Absolute no doubt about it. Efe Obada is going to make a huge impact as a pass rusher opposite Hughes on obvious passing downs. The two rookies will be going to school and learning the pro game and will see reps on the inside. Epenesa will be the 1st and 2nd down improving DE. We will be able to trade one of these guys in the offseason for a 2nd or 3rd round pick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LABILLBACKER Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 I'll jump on the Dane bandwagon. I like the way he played in limited snaps and I think he'll become a solid CB2. I'm also looking forward to seeing Efe play. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TroutDog Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 39 minutes ago, Mark Vader said: Offense: Jacob Hollister Defense: AJ Klein I’m not sure about Klein. I think we saw his peak last year when he was AFC DPOW. Hollister will be interesting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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