Three Buffalo Bills Poised for a Breakout Season in 2025
Every NFL season has its ups and downs. This comes in relation to teams as well as players. Just look at Josh Allen in his first two seasons compared to 2020 for an example of how things can change at the drop of a hat. After quickly becoming established as one of the most inaccurate quarterbacks in the league, he was looking to be marked as just another bust in the NFL’s long history of underachievers. However, after changing his mechanics and spending day after day working on his craft, Allen has established himself as a top-three quarterback in the league. In the same vein, we’ll be taking a look at three players on the Bills who have the potential to break out in the same way Allen did all those years ago.
Ray Davis
Ray Davis excelled in the opportunities that were given to him in his rookie season. Now, with the uncertainty of James Cook and his contract situation, Davis could be leaned on to be the lead back for the Bills. According to Next Gen Stats, Davis forced missed tackles on a whopping 37.3% of his touches, fourth-highest in the NFL last season. Also, the former Kentucky Wildcat logged 323 receiving yards for seven receiving touchdowns at his alma mater. All of that combined with the fact that he’s been a solid contributor in pass protection makes Davis a key candidate to break out in 2025.
Keon Coleman
The Bills drafted Keon Coleman with their first pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. After an underwhelming rookie season, he’s due to become a big contributor in 2025. His big frame allowed him to earn Rookie of the Week honors for Week Seven last year, and the team has been waiting for him to replicate that performance. With a whole offseason to keep developing his relationship with his MVP quarterback under his belt, he should be able to elevate his game even more. Though his drop issues were a concern, many great receivers faced those same concerns early in their careers, like Ja’Marr Chase and Davante Adams. Assuming that he becomes more sure-handed and continues to build rapport with Allen, Coleman could easily become the premier wideout that the team drafted him to be.
Cole Bishop
Cole Bishop is another candidate on this list who could have a breakout season in 2025. After many years of the team being blessed with Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde, the team has tried to move on to the next chapter of safeties with Damar Hamlin and Taylor Rapp. With Hamlin being successful and Rapp only being under contract until 2026, the team drafted Bishop to be his successor. After only playing 34% of defensive snaps in the regular season, he stepped into a big role in the playoffs. Bishop led the team with 10 tackles in the AFC Championship, showing signs that he could indeed be the safety of the future. This comes as Bishop was reported to be taking reps with the first-team defense in OTAs, specifically being a “constant communicator with Taylor Rapp, Taron Johnson, Christian Benford and others,” wrote The Athletic’s Joe Buscaglia. “You could hear Bishop’s loud, booming voice as clear as day ahead of the snap to try to get everyone on the same page.”
