The Buffalo Bills have a long tradition of turning undrafted players into impact contributors — and in some cases, franchise legends. Jason Peters went from an undrafted tight end to one of the best left tackles in NFL history. Kent Hull, also undrafted, anchored the offensive line during Buffalo’s Historic Super Bowl run in the 1990s.

Even in recent years, players like Joe Andreessen made the active roster after rookie minicamp tryouts. While the 2025 Bills boast one of the deepest rosters in the NFL, there’s always room for a dark horse to break through. With training camp in full swing, a few undrafted rookies are standing out — and making their case for a roster or practice squad spot.

Here are three UDFAs making the most of their opportunity in Orchard Park:

1. Stephen Gosnell – WR, Virginia Tech

Camp Buzz:
Gosnell has flashed multiple times during team drills, most notably hauling in a 50-yard touchdown from Josh Allen during a recent practice. With injuries thinning the WR room, he's taken reps with both Allen and Trubisky and looked sharp in contested catch situations.

College Resume:

• 2023 (VT): 35 receptions, 540 yards, 4 touchdowns

• Transferred from North Carolina

• Known for his physicality and reliability as a route runner

Special Teams Fit:
Gosnell has experience as a kick coverage gunner and has shown a willingness to block and do the dirty work — key traits for back-end WRs looking to carve out a role. His toughness and size also make him a potential upback or jammer on punt return units.

Roster Outlook:
He’s a long shot to crack the top five WRs, but if he continues to perform, he’s a strong candidate for WR6 or a priority practice squad slot.

2. Wande Owens – S, New Hampshire (via Yale)

Camp Buzz:
Owens has quietly been one of the most consistent defensive backs in camp. With Cole Bishop briefly leaving practice and other safeties limited, Owens has seen increased reps — and hasn’t disappointed. His closing speed and recognition in zone coverage have stood out.

College Resume:

• 2023 (UNH): 111 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT, 1 FF, 1 FR

• All-ECAC and All-CAA First Team

• Former Yale captain

• 9.59 Relative Athletic Score (RAS)

Special Teams Fit:
This is where Owens may shine brightest. His instincts, tackling ability, and athleticism translate well to kick coverage, and his leadership qualities make him a strong locker room presence. He profiles as a potential core special teamer in the mold of Siran Neal.

Roster Outlook:
Owens received one of the most generous UDFA guarantees on the team ($60,000), and he’s living up to it. He’s very much in the mix for a practice squad spot or even a surprise spot on the 53 if injuries hit the secondary.

3. Jacob Bayer – C, Arkansas State

Camp Buzz:
With Sedrick Van Pran-Granger and Alec Anderson sidelined due to injury, Bayer stepped in at center and held his own during red zone and blitz install periods. He’s been steady, smart, and dependable — exactly what you want from a reserve center.

College Resume:

• 2-year starter at Arkansas State

• Team captain

• All-Sun Belt Honorable Mention (twice)

Special Teams Fit:
Interior linemen often contribute on field goal and extra point units, and Bayer’s experience snapping under pressure makes him a clean fit. His ability to make protection calls also gives him value as a developmental backup behind Connor McGovern and SVPG.

Roster Outlook:
Practice squad is the most likely outcome, but if depth is needed on the interior OL during the season, Bayer could be one of the first call-ups. He could end up as a great developmental piece for Aaron Kromer. 

Honorable Mentions to Watch:

• Keonta Jenkins (LB/S, Virginia Tech): Versatile hybrid defender with 9 pass breakups, 4 forced fumbles, and 3 INTs in college. Could push for a special teams role.

• Paris Shand (DE, LSU): Active in 1-on-1 drills with good first-step quickness. Has flashed as a situational edge rusher.

• Daryl Porter Jr. (CB, Miami): Stepped up in reps following Maxwell Hairston's injury. Sticky in man coverage. Not a 53 man roster but could maybe make the practice squad. (Update) - RELEASED June 30. Things happen quickly this time of year.

Question

While the odds may be stacked against undrafted rookies on a loaded roster, Bills history has proven that diamonds can emerge from the rough. With a few weeks of training camp and preseason still to go, these UDFAs will continue their push to make the roster and a name for themselves in Buffalo. Who, if any, do you all think have a legitimate shot at making the 53 or the practice squad and becoming an impact player for the Bills?