The Buffalo Bills selected cornerback Dorian Strong in the sixth round of this year’s NFL Draft, and he has been a bright spot in the defense.
Buffalo took on the New Orleans Saints in Week 4, and Strong earned some incredible praise for his performance.
Pro Football Focus’ Jim Wyman released the PFF rookies of Week 4, and Strong made it on the list.
Dorian Strong Makes PFF Week 4 Rookie Team
While former first-rounder Maxwell Hairston was the rookie corner the Bills were hoping to count on, his preseason injury has opened the door for sixth-rounder Dorian Strong to pick up the slack,” Wyman wrote Tuesday. “Considering this is his second time in four weeks on this list, he has done just that. In Buffalo’s win over the Saints, Strong recorded an 89.5 PFF coverage grade, allowing just two receptions and four yards into his coverage — both against Alvin Kamara — as he was able to register a stop on each.”
Strong has appeared in all four games for the Bills this season, recording 10 combined tackles.
The young corner has yet to record an interception, but hopefully that will change in the next few weeks.
Like Wyman said, Strong has had to step in for Hairston, who’s out with an LCL sprain. Hairston was the Bills ‘ first-round pick this year and was supposed to have a big season.
Hairston is currently behind schedule due to the LCL sprain he sustained at the beginning of training camp in late July. He is eligible to come off injured reserve this week since he has already missed the mandatory four games after being placed on injured reserve before Week 1.
Bills Are Dealing With Cornerback Struggles
However, there’s a chance Hairston won’t suit up again against the New England Patriots on Sunday, as reporters asked head coach Sean McDermott on Tuesday about the injury status of key players heading into the week.
“I don’t have great word on that,” McDermott said, via SI.com. “[Head Athletic Trainer] Nate [Breske] has been working through, it’s just the day after the game at this point. So, I’m sure we’ll connect later tonight.”
Hairston isn’t the only Bills cornerback facing issues, as the coaches benched veteran CB Tre’Davious White on Sunday.
McDermott spoke after the game about why the team decided to bench White.
“Just looking at a young player,” McDermott said, via SI.com. “Giving him some experience and some valuable reps. It wasn’t anything that Tre didn’t do. That was the plan going into the game.”
There’s a chance McDermott is trying to cover up for his veteran cornerback, because teams usually don’t look at younger players in close games.
Buffalo only beat the Saints 31-19, so it didn’t run away with the game like many expected.
The Bills will need to resolve their cornerback situation by the time the trade deadline arrives in late October, as they may have to make a trade for one if they are serious about winning the Super Bowl this season.
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