1. This Bills player rose to stardom after the 2019 season
ESPN’s Dan Graziano made a list of 10 players who he thought turned into stars by the end of the 2019 season. These players might not have been considered as game-changing in Week 1, but their on-field success through the season upgraded their status by Week 16. Buffalo's Tre'Davious White was one of the players who made the list.
Who he was in August: A solid third-year cornerback on a probably-underrated defense who'd had four interceptions in his rookie season and two in his second.
The numbers: White doubled his career interception total with six in 2019, and opponents had a 45.0 passer rating when targeting him. He also contributed two forced fumbles and his first career sack.
Who he is now: The league's top corner in 2019 was New England's Stephon Gilmore (who we decided was already too big a star to make this year's list). But after Gilmore, there's a debate to be had about who's the second-best in the league right now, and White is smack in the middle of that debate.
White finished his third season with 58 tackles, 17 passes defensed, six interceptions and one sack in the regular season. Being invited to compete in his first Pro Bowl was definitely a nod from the NFL on his league-wide impact that's continuously growing.
2. Who is the right receiver for Buffalo in the 2020 NFL draft?
By looking at the stats and records, it's easy to see the type of production Cole Beasley and John Brown brought to the Bills this season. Brown had 72 catches for 1,060 yards and Beasley caught 67 passes for 778 yards, combining for 12 receiving touchdowns. The bar is unquestionably higher for next year as the two continue to improve their chemistry with Josh Allen. With Allen learning from the past two years and rookies moving into their second season, a few new pieces could mean a lot to the offense. The Draft Network’s Joe Marino looked into the wide receivers in this year's draft and ID'd what he thinks is the perfect fit for the Bills. Many mock drafts have the Bills selecting Tee Higgins with the 22nd pick, but Marino thinks otherwise.
Buffalo needs a more complete skill set for a first-round investment. Part of that is a size element and the ability to extend throwing windows but that can't be all. The Bills need a wide receiver that can help in more ways. Enter Colorado's Laviska Shenault Jr.
The wide receiver sizes up to be 6'2 and weighs in at 220 pounds. In nine games during the 2019 season, Shenault scored six total touchdowns. The receiver Marino thinks his size and versatility can add a new wrinkle to Buffalo's offense.
Shenault is an alpha receiver in every sense of the label. He has a strong above the rim game and the ability to "go get it" in contested situations, but he's also dynamic and physical creating after the catch. He's fearless working across the middle of the field and he uncovers quickly in the short passing game. He's also experienced filling the role Buffalo currently uses Isaiah McKenzie for in terms of jet motion, sweeps, shuffle passes and quick targets in space.
Shenault would just mean more to Allen and the offense because he's an every-level-of-the-field threat and overall a much more dynamic prospect. His ability to produce isn't contingent on Allen's ability to make accurate throws down the field. Buffalo has field-stretchers already in the mix in Brown and Robert Foster, and Shenault would add another vertical threat in addition to all the other ways he can attack a defense.
3. Potential Bills to be recognized at NFL Honors
One of the many event's surrounding Super Bowl LIV is NFL Honors which awards several players and coaches on their performances from the season. A few Buffalo Bills may receive recognition including Lorenzo Alexander for Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year and head coach Sean McDermott for Coach of the Year. McDermott received one vote on NFL.com’s votes for NFL Honors. It will air nationally on February 1 at 8 p.m. ET on FOX.
The show includes the announcement of The Associated Press' annual accolades, the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year presented by Nationwide and the newest Pro Football Hall of Fame class. Preceding FOX's telecast, NFL Network will air "Super Bowl Saturday Night" at 7 p.m. ET covering all the sights and sounds from the Red Carpet at NFL Honors.
The show will feature 20 different awards, a full list can be viewed here. Steve Harvey will host the show for the second year in a row.
