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5 Buffalo Bills breakout candidates in 2022 NFL season

By Kris Mcandrews

ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 03: Gabriel Davis #13 of the Buffalo Bills catches a pass before a game against the Houston Texans at Highmark Stadium on October 3, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 03: Gabriel Davis #13 of the Buffalo Bills catches a pass before a game against the Houston Texans at Highmark Stadium on October 3, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /
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Buffalo Bills
Jan 9, 2022; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin (31) walks to the field prior to the game against the New York Jets at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

The Buffalo Bills have a talented roster and these five players should make a big impact this season. Who is ready for a breakout season?

The Buffalo Bills made a splash in the offseason adding several key pieces and positioning themselves for a Super Bowl run in 2022. Adding Von Miller, OJ Howard, Duke Johnson, and others have added to the expectations and excitement in Western New York.

Bills fever is at levels not seen since the Super Bowl teams of the early 90s. The Bills find themselves with some new faces, young players, and returning stars all vying for key roles on the roster. Competition for playing time is always an exciting part of the process.

Each year there are always lesser-known guys who make a huge impact on a team. Here are 5 guys who could breakout in a big way in 2022.

Buffalo Bills breakout candidate no. 5: Damar Hamlin – SS – 2nd season

Hamlin didn’t see the field much as a rookie in 2021, Playing only 6% of defensive snaps according to Pro-Football-Reference.com. And why should he?

Both Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde were pro-bowl caliber safeties in 2021. But this defense will look a bit different in 2022 and all bets are off for 2023 and beyond.

After their spending spree this summer, it’s hard to see the Bills coughing up the money Poyer will want to stay with the team. His current contract expires at the end of the 2022 season. Hamlin looks like an heir apparent in the Bills’ secondary.

A standout defensive back at the University at Pittsburgh, he’s a tough-nosed player who can play down in the box to stop the run and has good speed for a guy his size (6’0″, 200 pounds).

In college he had 10 TFLs and 6 picks which shows he has a nose for the ball and is comfortable hovering around the line of scrimmage as well as playing in coverage.

After contributing mostly on special teams as a rookie, he may find an opportunity to play more regularly on defense and earn a role. I’m looking for him to make his mark in his second season.

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