As camp comes to a close it’s time for the 12th annual Bills Training Camp Awards.
Buffalo Bills Insider Chris Brown provides the details. Here is his report:
Buffalo’s 2017 training camp has come to a close at St. John Fisher, but the work will continue back at One Bills Drive leading up to the season opener Sept. 10th. Here now are the 12th annual training camp awards and the players who earned them.
Most Valuable Player
From the very beginning of training camp LeSean McCoy was the most dominant player on the field with the ball in his hands. Whether it was juking defenders or making plays in the passing game, McCoy is the most critical weapon in Buffalo’s offense and showed it every day he lined up.
Most Improved Player
There were a couple of quality candidates, but no one came as far with their personal game as Jonathan Williams. NFL personnel executives say players often make their greatest improvement from their rookie year to their second NFL season. Williams looks like he’ll be the latest example of that commonly held belief. Hon. Mention: Logan Thomas
Most Valuable Newcomer
There wasn’t much time for him on the practice field since he was a late signed, but with Sammy Watkins now in Los Angeles, Anquan Boldin will be a receiver upon whom Tyrod Taylor depends when the chips are down in a game. Hon. Mention: Leonard Johnson.
Most Promising Player
He didn’t sign with the team until the end of May, but proved to be a quick study. The play of Gerald Hodges has been so encouraging that he could be challenging for a starting role by the time the Bills reach midseason.
Most Encouraging Comeback
His play has been so steady that some forget he missed the last seven games of the 2016 season. Eric Wood looks like his old self and fully prepared to help Tyrod Taylor run the new offense up front. Hon. Mention: Jordan Poyer.
Most Impressive Rookie
Tre’Davious White looks like a player who has far more experience than that of a rookie. There a level of poise and self-confidence that is evident in his play. He’s a lock to be a starting cornerback in Buffalo’s defense.
Most Surprising Player
This was as big a slam dunk as any award this year. DE Eddie Yarbrough came out of nowhere to not only earn a roster spot, but show he deserves to be a primary rotational end in Buffalo’s defense.
Most Inspirational Player
Still grinding with five Pro Bowls under his belt, Kyle Williams is a widely respected veteran. Other players gravitate to the defensive tackle and work to model their game after him.
Best Hustle Player
He wasn’t the only player going at top speed day in and day out, but DT Jerel Worthywas running to the football harder and longer than most other defensive players in camp.