Buffalo Bills’ Rookie Class Shines Early in the Season
Located in Orchard Park, New York, running back Ray Davis’s life journey began in the foster care system, as he moved across the country before eventually finding stability in New Jersey. Defensive tackle DeWayne Carter comes from a football-oriented family but wasn’t permitted to play until he reached the sixth grade. Meanwhile, wide receiver Keon Coleman stands out as an impressive two-sport athlete who transferred from Michigan State to Florida State, where he had a remarkable season last year.
Despite their diverse experiences, these three members of the Buffalo Bills’ rookie draft class have significantly contributed to the team’s 5-2 record as they prepare for a matchup against the Seattle Seahawks (4-3) this Sunday. “We have a unique group,” Davis mentioned, including safety Cole Bishop—a second-round draft pick who has played minimally due to a shoulder injury that kept him out for most of training camp. “It’s fascinating to see how we react when we’re thrust into challenging situations. Do we step back or do we tackle it head-on? I believe we’ve truly embraced our responsibilities.”
The necessity to rely on their younger players has become increasingly apparent for the Bills. The team faced an offseason roster overhaul, losing six of eight returning captains, due in part to a combination of aging players and salary cap constraints. “I feel proud. Our rookie class is making significant contributions,” Coleman remarked. “DeWayne is out there making impactful tackles, and Ray is pushing through defenders. We’re just focusing on doing our jobs while enjoying the process.”
Selected as the first pick in the second round, Coleman ranks third among NFL rookies with a leading total of 326 receiving yards for the Bills, highlighted by a standout performance against the Tennessee Titans where he caught four passes for 125 yards in a 34-10 victory. Carter, a third-round selection from Duke, has already secured two starting positions while filling in for Ed Oliver and made a pivotal impact against the Titans. During a crucial moment when the Bills were trailing 10-7, Carter made a significant play, stopping Tony Pollard for a loss that eventually led to a touchdown for Buffalo just six plays later.
“Those are the types of plays that you see him making during practice,” Oliver commented about Carter, who now has three tackles for a loss and deflected a pass attempt from Aaron Rodgers in a nail-biting 23-20 win against the Jets. “I’m not sure if it’s inherent for him, but he’s known for making critical and timely plays.”
Originally from Ohio, Carter’s family has a rich football legacy. His father played for Ohio State, while his uncle played at Notre Dame, and two other relatives were active in football at Western Kentucky and Youngstown State. Although his father initially prohibited him from playing football until he reached high school, Carter’s mother eventually eased that restriction.
On the other hand, Davis was selected in the fourth round from the University of Kentucky. He had a remarkable opportunity to play against the Jets in the Meadowlands, with many relatives and friends witnessing his performance. Stepping in for the injured James Cook, Davis racked up 97 rushing yards and 55 receiving yards, becoming the first rookie for Buffalo to lead in both stats since Ronnie Harmon in 1986. “It felt like a full-circle moment given that my career effectively started in the New York-New Jersey region,” Davis stated, adding that he reunited with a former teacher after the game, making it a memorable experience for all involved.
Davis was born in San Francisco, growing up with 14 siblings while facing numerous challenges due to his parents’ incarceration. Entering foster care at age 8, he even experienced life in a homeless shelter. At 16, he found a home at Trinity-Pawling prep school in New York, helped by supporters like Lora Banks and her husband Greg Ley, whom he still regards as his guardians. He eventually played at Temple University before transferring to Vanderbilt and concluding his collegiate career at Kentucky, where he amassed a record of 21 touchdowns (14 rushing and seven receiving) last year.
Currently, Davis is ranked second on the Bills with 213 rushing yards and two touchdowns, alongside 79 receiving yards. Coleman reflected on how impressed he was with Davis’s performance at Kentucky. “It’s been the same here,” he noted, “whatever the challenge may be, he brings an unstoppable determination.” Coach Sean McDermott commended Davis’s background, suggesting that the adversity he faced has shaped him into both a resilient individual and impactful player. “When someone has to navigate through challenges in life, it tends to give those players an edge because they have learned to fight for what they want,” McDermott said. “He’s naturally inclined to succeed because of his life experiences.”
