With off-season moves, such as free agency and the draft, complete and rosters beginning to take shape, it’s time to closely examine which IDP rookies could make an immediate impact. Which teams are going to jump-start the clock and roll with rookies? One team that likely will be starting an IDP rookie is the Buffalo Bills, with FS Cole Bishop.
Rewind to the Past
The Buffalo Bills drafted Cole Bishop in the 2nd round with the 60th overall pick. Bishop played his college career for the Utah Utes where he was named 3X All-Pac-12 Conference team, 2nd team All-American, and semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe award. During his time with the Utes, he played in 35 games, making 29 starts while recording 197 total tackles, 117 solo stops, a 59.3% solo rate, 21½ TFLs, 7½ sacks, three interceptions, 14 PBUs, one forced fumble, four fumble recoveries, and one blocked kick. In 2022 Bishop led the team in tackles with 83 and in 2023 he led the team with 9½ third down stops. He was invited to the 2024 Senior Bowl and put together an amazing performance at the NFL combine.
Back to the Future
Under the Sean McDermott tenure, we have seen the Bills go with a veteran approach with rookies sprinkled in, but this year will look entirely different from what we’re used to seeing. Some familiar faces (Jordan Poyer & Micah Hyde to name a couple) are gone and there is an infusion of youth to replace them. While it looks like that Taylor Rapp will take over one of the safety spots, it’s expected that rookie Cole Bishop will man the other spot (according to Ourlads.com). This is a win for all, as the Bills get younger and cheaper, while Taylor & Rapp are expected to be better options than the two declining veterans were. For Bishop, this is a huge opportunity that can allow him to fully show what all he can do on the field, whether that’s playing down in the box or dropping in coverage and the Bills need him to be the eraser of the defense.
Fantasy Breakdown
In the world of IDP, Bishop has been one of the hottest names in this draft cycle. He is being drafted at an average pick of 44.3 and the third safety off the board just behind Tyler Nubin (36.9) and Cooper Dejean (43.9). In a 14-team league, pick 44 would be at the beginning of the 4th round of fantasy drafts. That’s really great value for a player that is projected to be a full time starter with no real competition behind him to speak off. Bishop is a must draft in all IDP formats withe potential to be a box score stuffer like he was at Utah. Watching his film and how Utah deployed Bishop, I believe his game will translate seamlessly to what McDermott and the Bills will want from him.
Back to fantasy, as I mentioned he’s been a hot name in rookie drafts as of late, where I have seen him creep up into the 25-35 range. Still not bad value and definitely worth the draft capital. As with any player in fantasy it’s about the volume, but with him having no one to challenge or push him for the starting spot (possibly Mike Edwards) makes him I want to invest in for my IDP Portfolios. I suggest watching where Nubin and Dejean go and try to base my decision off that. It’s a really solid safety class in draft so you don’t have to over reach for him. If you can get him in the 3rd round or later, then run with it and enjoy the return on your investment.
All stats provided by Pro Football Reference
Thanks for reading my article. I am a member of the FSWA (Fantasy Sports Writers of America). Follow me on Twitter at @HollywoodTitan, on Facebook on my IDPNation page, on Reddit in the fantasy football IDP sub — I’m user KingTitan1 — and tune in each week and listen to IDP Nation and Devy IDP Grind, the podcasts that I co-host, on several different platforms. Feel free to email or DM me with any questions, as I’m always glad to help fellow IDPers. #IDPNation #IDP #IDPDevy
