Full Breakdown
Buffalo Bills Host 58-Player Rookie Minicamp, Spotlight on 31 Tryout Candidates
5/9/2026, 11:45:51 PM
Minicamp Kickoff: Dates, Location, and Purpose
The Buffalo Bills opened their rookie minicamp on May 8-9 at the team’s Orchard Park facility. The two-day session brought together 58 participants—10 drafted rookies, 12 undrafted free-agents, and 31 players invited on a tryout basis—to evaluate talent ahead of the 2025 preseason.
Roster Construction: Draft Picks, Undrafted Signings, and Tryout Invitations
The Bills’ 2025 draft class includes second-round edge rusher T.J. Parker, fourth-round receiver Skyler Bell, and other selections such as Davison Igbinosun, Jalon Kilgore, Toriano Pride Jr., and Zane Durant. The club also signed 12 undrafted free agents, among them Bruno Fina, son of former Bills left tackle John Fina. The tryout list features 31 players spanning every position group, from quarterbacks Brady Olson (Central Connecticut) and Ta’Quan Roberson (Buffalo) to specialists Jack Howes (kicker) and Mason Arnold (long-snapper).
Key Tryout Contenders
Among the tryout pool, former Bengals third-round pick wide receiver Jermaine Burton received particular attention, as did veteran fullback Jakob Johnson, who was released by the Houston Texans in January. Defensive edge prospects Prince Dorbah (Arizona State) and Sage Ryan (Ole Miss) represent the defensive line depth the Bills seek. Local talent also appears: University at Buffalo’s kicker Jack Howes, quarterback Ta’Quan Roberson, edge rusher Kobe Stewart, and offensive lineman Trevor Brock.
Statistical Snapshot
The minicamp roster breaks down as follows: 2 quarterbacks, 8 offensive linemen, 2 tight ends, 1 wide receiver, 1 running back, 1 fullback, 5 linebackers, 4 defensive linemen, 4 defensive backs, and 3 specialists. The 31 tryout players constitute roughly 53 % of the total participants.
Bills’ Official Position
Team officials announced the roster composition while noting the franchise’s 91-man limit under the IPP exemption. They emphasized that any contract awarded to a tryout player would require a corresponding roster move. Head coach Joe Brady, in his first minicamp as head coach, observed the drills and offered individualized feedback, underscoring the “ball-first” philosophy he expects from newcomers.
Critiques and Concerns
Analysts flagged several potential issues. Wide-receiver depth-chart battles loom, with veteran Keon Coleman projected to defend the No. 4 slot against a “real threat” in Bell. Burton’s prior suspension for undisclosed conduct and reported trust concerns raise questions about his readiness. The fullback position also remains open after Reggie Gilliam’s departure, prompting speculation about Johnson’s role.
On-the-Ground Reports
During drills, Burton dropped a pass on an un-contested air ball, prompting a live-tweet from reporter Alex Brasky. Bell admitted to early-practice jitters, recalling coach Brady’s advice to “just be yourself.” Parker expressed enthusiasm for Brady’s leadership, stating, “I love Coach Brady.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Burton’s recent history: one cites a suspension for “undisclosed conduct,” while another mentions an ankle injury that sidelined him in 2025. No official comment has clarified which factor most influenced his release from the Bengals. Additionally, the Bills have not disclosed criteria for converting tryout participants to contracts.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He’s about ball. He’s a football junkie. He’s cool.” — Skyler Bell, rookie wide receiver
- “I love Coach Brady,” — T.J. Parker, defensive end
- “Jermaine Burton (3) drop vs. air. Rough start to his tryout at Bills rookie minicamp,” — Alex Brasky, reporter (X)
- “He was just telling me just to be myself and stop overthinking,” — Skyler Bell, on advice from Coach Brady
- “Unless something changes, Coleman is going to battle for the No. 4 spot in the rotation, and the only real threat right now would seem to be Bell,” — Sal Maiorana, Democrat & Chronicle
What’s Next
The Bills will review minicamp performances before finalizing the 53-man roster. Potential signings from the tryout group could be announced during upcoming OTAs and training camp, where competition for roster spots will intensify.
