Taylor Rapp underrated? Espn thinks so!

[GASabresIUFan]

https://billswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/bills/2025/05/25/espn-bills-taylor-rapp-the-most-underrated-safety-in-the-nfl/83840347007/
 

Quote

 

ESPN's Aaron Schatz went through the entire NFL, identifying a single player whom he believes is the most underrated at each position, and he deemed Rapp to be the league's most underrated safety.

 

Here is what Schatz had to say:

 

“We're going back to the Bills' defensive backfield here -- but in a different way. As I noted earlier, there are different ways to be an underrated NFL player. Benford, for instance, is considered good but is actually one of the best in the league at his position. Rapp, meanwhile, is considered a hole on the Buffalo roster -- but he's actually reasonably productive.

Although many have described the Bills' safeties as underwhelming, they were an important part of a defense that finished 11th in DVOA last season. 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.”

 

 

[transient]

Is there a metric that tracks impact of man-games lost due to reckless play? Between injuries to Rasul Douglas, Taron Johnson, and himself due to his carelessness, you have to wonder whether his "reasonable productiveness" is offset by drop off in skill when backups are covering for the damage he inflicts.

[BlueRed]

I do remember one of the Jets games where he caught breece hall inside the 5 and broke up a play in the end zone. His impact pretty much won that game which I think is impressive to do as a safety. 

Although not elite I think I’d agree he’s probably underrated and under appreciated. 

[BullBuchanan]

Lmao. This is the most off-seasoniest take ever.

[RiotAct]

you know; I’ve always liked Aaron Schatz.

[Augie]

It seems he learned to keep his head up more and generally hits players from the other team more than he used to. 

 

EDIT: I imagine that’s one of those little coaching things that might have drawn a mention. Please stop killing OUR guys. Eyes up!  

 

.

Edited 1 hour ago by Augie

[NewEra]

I thought Rapp played reasonably well last season.  Would’ve been nice to have him out there vs KC

[Augie]

2 minutes ago, NewEra said:

I thought Rapp played reasonably well last season.  Would’ve been nice to have him out there vs KC

 

I’m fuzzy on the recall, but I feel like he won us a game last year with a big play late. 

[Brianmoorman4jesus]

Rapp saved us so many TDs and games last year by never giving up on plays. The guy is one of the only people we had that plays with general aggression. He was probably my favorite player on the miserable Defense and was never appreciated even by our own fans. Safety WAS a problem last year but it was the other guy.

[BullBuchanan]

10 minutes ago, Brianmoorman4jesus said:

Rapp saved us so many TDs and games last year by never giving up on plays. The guy is one of the only people we had that plays with general aggression. He was probably my favorite player on the miserable Defense and was never appreciated even by our own fans. Safety WAS a problem last year but it was the other guy.

Hamlin was quite a bit better in coverage.

[RyanC883]

just came to TSW to post this.  I like it.  I think we (myself included) perhaps overlook him because we had the Poyer/Hyde combo so long.  If you paired Rapp with another stud at safety, he'd look even better.  As is, he looks really good.  

[Doc Brown]

2 minutes ago, BullBuchanan said:

Hamlin was quite a bit better in coverage.

Marginally better and Rapp was the better run defender.  Both below average starting safeties.  The Bills could use an upgrade at both spots ideally so I'm pulling for Bishop and Forrest this training camp.

[Brianmoorman4jesus]

8 minutes ago, BullBuchanan said:

Hamlin was quite a bit better in coverage.

I think Hamlin is the biggest liability on our defense. Outside of the coach obviously 

[SoonerBillsFan]

34 minutes ago, Brianmoorman4jesus said:

Rapp saved us so many TDs and games last year by never giving up on plays. The guy is one of the only people we had that plays with general aggression. He was probably my favorite player on the miserable Defense and was never appreciated even by our own fans. Safety WAS a problem last year but it was the other guy.

It will be Rapp and whoever else at Safety this year.  Right now I see it being Forrest.   

[BearNorth]

Our highest graded safety last season was Cam Lewis, he was the only safety on the roster with a passable coverage grade.

[Aussie Joe]

1 hour ago, transient said:

Is there a metric that tracks impact of man-games lost due to reckless play? 

They actually have a new award for it - the Anti Protector of the Year …

 

 

[DapperCam]

Didn’t Rapp catch McCaffery by the shin from behind before that game got out of control? That was a TD saving tackle.

 

I think Rapp is accurately rated though. Below average strong safety. Passable as a starter if the other positions around him are good. Gets out of position in pass coverage pretty easily. Overcommits and injures himself and his teammates with reckless play.

[US Egg]

Well, if ESPN says so…..🥱

[Augie]

In-the-box safety is the new slot receiver.

 

It’s what we got, and a little variety would be great. 

 

I hope one of the new guys is a fit. 

[BuffBillsForLife]

When did Sal start writing for ESPN???