Buffalo Rumblings
Find out what happens when a panel of Bills content producers — including writers, analysts, reporters, podcasters, position experts, and media personality — put their heads together in finalizing a top-10 player list.
Last week I was able to share my top 10 players most important to the future of the Buffalo Bills. It was part of an exercise that takes place each year with Joe Marino from “Locked On Bills.” It’s always a pleasure to be included in the panel with other content creators including Bruce Nolan, former Bills offensive linemen John Fina and Jerry Ostroski, Pat Moran, Ryan Talbot, and Jeremy White (among others).
I thought it would be a good thing to share the consensus top 10, and see where things differed from my initial rankings (listed below in parenthesis). You can catch the full episode of “Locked On Bills” (embedded at the bottom of this article) to hear the analysis from the panel.
Now to the list!
Defensive tackle Ed Oliver was one of two players listed here who didn’t make my consensus top 10. While I may not have included him, it’s understandable why the panel included Oliver. The former first-rounder has flashed during his time with the Bills, and he’s shown enough potential over the years. I will be curious to see if the addition of rookie defensive tackle T.J. Sanders cuts into his playing time, or if the two become a formidable duo on obvious pass-rushing downs.
Hairston was the other player who failed to crack my top 10. If the 2025 first-round pick can solidify himself as a quality starter, it would immediately justify his spot on the list. It’s understandable that a starting cornerback, on a cost-controlled rookie contract, would be a popular choice from the group.
Everyone recognizes that Kincaid’s development and production are a key components to continued success for Buffalo’s offense. Kincaid played through injuries last year, but a forgettable performance in the AFC championship game left a sour taste for many members of Bills Mafia. This needs to be a bounce-back season for Kincaid, as the Bills have to decide on his fifth-year option after the season.
To be honest, I wasn’t sure if Shakir would make the consensus list. While the Boise State-product solidified himself as the team’s most consistent pass catcher in 2024, I didn’t have a true gauge on how others would have seen his potential as the team’s WR1. Hopefully Shakir continues to develop after signing his contract extension this offseason.
Bernard has earned his spot on this list thanks to his performance over the past two seasons. There has always been added pressure placed on Bernard with Buffalo, as Matt Milano suffered significant injuries in 2023 and 2024. Thanks to Bernard’s steady play, the defense performed admirably with backups Tyrel Dodson and Dorian Williams...
