Which second-and third-year players must improve for the Bills in 2025?

The Buffalo Bills are going to be leaning on some younger players in their drive for a Super Bowl in 2025 following some recent roster turnover over the past few years.

Such a comment makes one think of first-year pros. Round 1 cornerback Maxwell Hairston will be leaned on, but second-and-third year players will factor in, too.

Which of those players need to step up for the team in 2025?

Here is Bills Wire’s list:

WR Keon Coleman

Dec 29, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman (0) makes a catch against New York Jets cornerback Isaiah Oliver (23) during the first half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

The Bills’ top pick at the 2024 NFL draft in Coleman had 29 catches for 556 yards and four touchdowns in 13 games as a rookie.

The touchdowns are promising but more is needed. Coleman was hampered by a hand injury after a solid start to his NFL career, but after Buffalo decided not to add a big-name receiver this offseason, there is pressure on Coleman to improve.

S Cole Bishop

Buffalo Bills safety Cole Bishop and Buffalo Bills cornerback Cam Lewis tackle Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Tylan Wallace during second half action at the Buffalo Bills divisional game against the Baltimore Ravens at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Jan. 19, 2025.

Bishop was Buffalo’s next selection at the 2024 draft behind Coleman but only made four starts despite a less-than-inspiring safety depth chart. Damar Hamlin and Taylor Rapp earned more playing time than him during his rookie season.

Bishop needs to take the late-season experience he found as a rookie and turn it into extended playing time in 2025. After a long spell of Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer, Bishop could be the first cornerstone safety piece for the Bills since that duo if he breaks out.

TE Dalton Kincaid

Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (86) puts his hands up and catches successfully the pass while Denver Broncos safety P.J. Locke (6) keeps pace with him during the second half of the Buffalo Bills wild card game against the Denver Broncos at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Jan. 12, 2025.

Similar to Coleman, Kincaid has a chance to earn plenty of targets from quarterback Josh Allen next season.

Buffalo’s top pick at the 2023 draft, Kincaid has had moments… but some would expect more considering his draft status. Kincaid had only 44 catches, 44 yards and two touchdowns last season in 13 games played.

This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: These second-and-third year Bills players must improve in 2025

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