Four Downs: The Bills begin rookie minicamp

While the buzz from the 2021 NFL Draft has finally worn off, the newest members of the Buffalo Bills got to hit the practice field this week. In today’s edition of Four Downs, I take a closer look at rookie minicamp, the wait until September, and a new fan favorite in Buffalo.

Rookie minicamp underway

A combination of draft picks, undrafted free agents, and tryout players took part in the Bills’ rookie minicamp this week. The media was allowed to attend on Friday, and Matt Parrino of NewYorkUpstate.com has a great wrap-up you can find here. While the minicamp does not give much insight into what the Bills will be doing with their new talent this year, it is nice to see the rookies on the practice field for the first time. As noted by Parrino, the 2020 draft class did not have this same opportunity.

Is it September yet?

Once the NFL Draft comes to an end, the wait until the regular season seems to go on forever. Training camp is always nice, and the preseason games are something to look forward to, but this part of the offseason drags like no other. The schedule release gave us all something to look forward to, but the reality is that we have about four more months until “real” football returns.

Pod of the Week

There were lots of great podcasts this week that took a closer look at the Bills’ 2021 schedule, but no one did as thorough a job as Joe Marino of Locked On Bills. He took a closer look at all of the finer details and storylines, and I would consider this episode a must listen.

Keeping an eye on Damar Hamlin

Every year the Bills make a late-round selection who, after some review, becomes a fan favorite. This year I think Damar Hamlin could become that guy after being taking with pick 212 in the draft. The Bills are lacking depth at safety, and his play could help the team replace Dean Marlowe. If you are looking for a reason to cheer for Hamlin off the field, this story from Heather Prusak of WIVB.com is one Bills fans will not want to miss.