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Bills training camp awards 2025 | Most consistent players, camp surprises & more

Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 06, 2025 at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 06, 2025 at St. John Fisher University.

After 11 practices at St. John Fisher University, the Bills are heading back to Orchard Park. Training camp isn't over for Buffalo just yet as they'll continue through the preseason before roster cuts at the end of August.

As the Bills head home, we're highlighting the players who shined by turning heads in Rochester.

Offensive MVP: QB Josh Allen

Big shock – right? Allen earned the league's MVP title in February, and he's earning it again, from us, after his training camp performance. The offense goes as Allen goes, and it's easy to see that while watching practices. As the QB heads into his eighth NFL season, he's not taking his foot off the gas. Instead, he's finding ways to become a better leader and a more talented quarterback.

"You see a calm, confident dude who knows what he has to do in the offseason," general manager Brandon Beane said of his QB. "He's always prepared when he shows up. He's not coming here unprepared, and I think his teammates, when he's in the huddle, they're as calm as ever just having Josh Allen in there."

That calmness played out on the field amid the chaos of training camp. There were several plays where Allen stepped back to throw, released a beautiful ball and it felt like time slowed down as you watched the ball spin in the perfect direction of his target. Allen's touch doesn't get old. The QB is an elite artist when it comes to ball placement, finding a sliver to place the ball in a tight window and throwing receivers open.

Allen also did an incredible job throughout camp of building chemistry with new receivers like Joshua Palmer and Elijah Moore. I know we're all looking forward to seeing what the MVP has in store for Year 8.

Defensive MVP: CB Christian Benford

This was fun to watch unfold as camp got going. In the first couple days, you're eagerly watching to see who's the player that took a giant step forward or the one that just doesn't miss. Benford stuck out in the first week based off his consistency. Play after play, the CB was there to make a good read on the ball and break it up. His teammates believe he's at the top of the league.

"I think he is the best corner in the NFL," nickel cornerback Taron Johnson said of Benford.

Being the best corner possible is the type of standard Benford sets for himself. The CB is also stepping into a bigger leadership role in his fourth season on the team.

"I've really just been working on technique, fundamentals, just making sure I'm sharp from play 1 to the end of the practice," Benford said. "Just making sure my mental is strong…challenging myself to step out of my comfort zone and talk more and interact more with different players."

The energy from coming off a new contract extension in April could be seen on the field in July at St. John Fisher University. Benford is so talented at reading, reacting and letting his technique speak for itself. It resulted in plenty of pass breakups throughout camp for the CB. If a play was near him, you better believe he was trying his hardest to knock the ball away.

Rookie MVP: DT T.J. Sanders

Buffalo traded up big to grab defensive tackle T.J. Sanders in the second round of this year's draft. Those moves look like they're paying off because Sanders has been consistent in camp, even dating back to OTAs.

One reason the Bills loved Sanders in the draft was because of his athleticism and ability to rush the passer from the interior. The rookie has put that on display by beating his man and batting the ball away on multiple occasions. Sanders has an extensive basketball background, which has helped him fine-tune his pass rush technique from the inside.

The South Carolina product is juggling learning the playbook and life in the NFL but that hasn't stopped him from showing up in the pass rush with pressures and sacks on the quarterbacks in training camp.

"I feel like every day is just growing," Sanders said of getting used to the NFL. "We are putting new things in every day, just trying to get adjusted. And I feel like I've been doing a pretty good job of that. Physically, just the same thing every day, just taking it one step at a time. Trying to get it to where it slows down for me."

If it hasn't slowed down yet, I'm excited to see what it looks like because Sanders has already flashed just months into being a Buffalo Bill.

Most consistent on offense: the offensive line

If Josh Allen is the MVP of training camp, you better believe the offensive line deserves kudos for helping their guy out. They're the unsung heroes, and they're fine without the accolades but they also deserve the recognition every once in a while.

Buffalo's offensive line put a stellar season in 2024 as they allowed the league's lowest sack number at 14 — less than a sack per game. Now heading into 2025, it's about doing even more than that.

"We all want to take that next step forward because we didn't finish off the year the right way, the way we wanted to," center Connor McGovern said. "So, I think we're really feeding off that and just continuing to that next stride. Make sure the whole offense is just one unit, not just the offensive line."

In terms of making sure the offense operates as one unit, the offensive line is taking on more responsibilities to make that happen. The group is taking more off Allen's plate, so the QB can think less and react more.

"As much as we can teach the offensive line, the centers, if they can see it from a quarterback's perspective, they can at least get it started for Josh and not make Josh have to do it all," offensive coordinator Joe Brady said of his OL. "And so, that's part of the things right now, we're challenging them, and we have the guys that can do it."

Right tackle Spencer Brown missed the beginning of training camp due to injury but is now back in the fold. With all five back together, the group looks like they haven't missed a beat. Even with new, productive defensive linemen added to the mix, the OL has done a great job of holding their own and being the anchor of the offense. It hasn't just been keeping Allen clean; the group has opened up nice lanes for running backs on multiple occasions to help them pop off in camp as well.

Most consistent on defense: DT Ed Oliver

Time flies because Ed Oliver is in his seventh NFL season. As the defensive tackle continues to put roots down in this defense, he finds new ways to grow and evolve as playmaker.

Oliver was very consistent throughout training camp practices in Rochester. If the pocket was collapsing, most times Oliver was in the mix of making it happen. It's tough to judge defensive linemen during training camp because you can't get near the quarterback. Even with that restriction in mind, Oliver came barreling through the line in most practices for pressures and sacks.

Sean McDermott said the DT has been on his mind during training camp because of his consistency and growth.

"He's actually playing better," McDermott said of his first-round pick from 2019. "And then he's just matured and grown, become more and more of a professional every season, including this training camp. That is one of the joys of coaching and teaching."

McDermott admitted Oliver's consistent development gets him a little emotional. The vet is looking explosive and relentless as he's used his leverage and technique to his advantage.

Most exciting newcomer on offense: WR Joshua Palmer

I can't wait to see the wrinkle Joshua Palmer adds to Buffalo's offense. Once the Bills signed the receiver in March, coaches and players raved about his ability to separate and be a deep-ball threat.

"I mean separation that he can create with his feet," Josh Allen said of what makes Palmer standout. "I think that off the line, just the way that he's really taken ownership of it and he cares about his craft. He's just an easy guy to throw to, body language, eyes, and I feel like his catch radius is some of the best I've been around."

Now getting a chance to see that in training camp, those rave reviews check out. Palmer has a knack for finding ways to separate due to his athleticism and route-running ability. The WR has been meticulous about getting comfortable with his new quarterback in Josh Allen.

After one-on-ones and team period reps, the two often find each other to talk through the play. That's resulted in the two connecting on several plays, including touchdowns throughout camp.

"I'm going to him, and I'm saying, 'Is that where you wanted me to be?'" Palmer said. "And asking for feedback, especially after practice, asking him what routes he wants to run. Where does he see me coming out of this break? Just a lot of reps and doing it over and over."

Based off his training camp performance, there's a lot of excitement surrounding how Palmer will help Buffalo's offense come Week 1.

Most exciting newcomer on defense: DE Joey Bosa

We didn't have a chance to get a good look at new defensive end Joey Bosa during OTAs because Bosa was sidelined for most of it due to a calf injury. Now seeing him healthy with full pads during training camp, there's a lot to look forward to.

"I feel great," Bosa said of being back healthy. "It's been the story of my last four years. Camp comes around, everybody asks the same questions, how are you feeling? I say great…But this year I definitely feel tip top and speed, strength is good."

Bosa was such a productive pass rusher for the Chargers, 72 sacks in 107 games, and it's exciting to see him now in blue and red. The DE presents a long, strong frame, which helps create pass rush moves that many can't replicate.

Bosa showed flashes of that through camp by outmuscling his way past the offensive line or blowing through in a blip off a stellar move to get to the quarterback. The defensive line added plenty of new players to the room this offseason, and Bosa will be one who makes an instant impact because of his resume.

Training camp surprise: CB Tre'Davious White

Many of us were bummed to see Tre'Davious White leave after the 2023 season, not feeling like the cornerback was back to his true self after coming off an ACL injury in 2021 and an Achilles in 2023. After a year away and time to heal, it's easy to see the White we all know and love is fully back.

The smile, the infectious energy, it's all there and it's better than ever.

"It's fun to see him," general manager Brandon Beane said of White on the first day of practice. "I see him confident. I'm never going to bet against Tre White."

White's confidence has been on display as he's been putting on a clinic throughout training camp. It's not a big play one day, then another a week later. White has consistently been making tough, physical plays.

The surprise part of why White deserves this shoutout is because we didn't know if after two major injuries, White could return to the 2019 version of himself who grabbed six interceptions. That version has been making appearances during camp.

"This is the first off season in three or four years, where I put in a lot of work and wasn't limited to just rehabbing one area, one specific area on my body," White said of not having to rehab an injury. "I can focus on the total body and building a resilient one."

The corner has looked resilient in Rochester with an interception and several pass breakups. The nine-year vet has a deep understanding of this defense, which brings out the best version of himself. White is a technician in the way he can read routes, jump them at the perfect time and bat the ball away. The way he's running around out there makes him look anything but 30 years old.

"When you love the people around you and you appreciate (them), you have a different connection besides just football and it goes beyond the field," White said of why being back in Buffalo is so special. "That makes coming to work so much easier. And your attention to detail, your care about the team, about your craft is going to be a little bit more because the guys around you, you really love and genuinely care about. So, ultimately, you don't want to let those guys down."

Most improved: DE Javon Solomon

There's been a big jump from Javon Solomon's first year to his second in a Bills uniform. The way the DE is moving with ease, looks like a weight has been lifted from his shoulders. He's impressed in his ability to get through the offensive line and to the quarterback consistently throughout camp.

Solomon had 16 sacks in his final year at Troy, and that athleticism and get off is showing up in training camp.

"Just the ability to be comfortable in your own skin, your own abilities," Solomon said of the difference in Year 2. "Going out there performing, knowing that if I mess up, I'm going to get coached up. And when I make a great play, I'm going to get coached up. The ability to constantly get better is always a huge thing in our room, so that's the biggest thing for me."

Solomon has shown improvement in his understanding of the playbook and how the game is slowing down for him. The second-year player can go out there and play, rather than thinking through every detail. This has resulted in pressures and sacks throughout training camp practices.

"I think Javon's doing a really nice job," defensive coordinator Bobby Babich said. "I said it the other day, I've seen a lot of growth from Javon."

It'll be exciting to see how this young player evolves in his second year as a pro.

Scroll to see exclusive photos of the 2025 Buffalo Bills Training Camp Hard Knocks Premiere at The North Park Theatre.

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