Bills news: Which defensive players have stood out so far during OTAs?

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CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 11: Cornerback Davison Igbinosun #1 of the Ohio State Buckeyes blocks a pass intended for Wide Receiver Justin Bowick #0 of the Illinois Fighting Illini in action during a game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Ohio State Buckeyes at Memorial Stadium on October 11, 2025 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Robin Alam/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images) | ISI Photos via Getty Images

The Buffalo Bills are in their second week of Organized Team Activities (OTAs), and while the defensive players are still getting acclimated to the new system being incorporated by new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, Leonhard is quick to admit there are several Bills who have impressed him during OTAs.

Today’s edition of Buffalo Rumblinks leads off by examining which members of the defense have stood out so far during OTAs, a group that includes linebacker Terrel Bernard (pictured below).

Check out Leonhard’s thoughts on his defense and be sure to leave your thoughts on who has impressed you during the offseason program in the comments section.

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Several defensive players making an instant impression on Jim Leonhard​

One of those standouts during the first week-plus of OTAs? Rookie cornerback Davison Igbinosun, who, according to Leonhard, has “competitiveness—he’s extremely competitive in everything he does. Then growth—you know, I’ve been watching him for a long time. I saw a player early in his career that had to make some adjustments to maximize his potential, and we saw him do that this last year,” Leonhard said about Igbinosun during a session with the media.

Learn how Igbinosun, Bernard, defensive tackle Ed Oliver, safety CJ Gardner-Johnson, and rookie linebacker Kaleb Elarms-Orr have made the most of their OTA opportunities, and how second-year cornerback Maxwell Hairston is excited and feels like he can “play free and really be myself” in Leonhard’s defensive schemes.

Plus, hear why Leonhard is excited to return to Buffalo and make the most of his opportunity to overhaul a Bills defense that often struggled at stopping the run, getting off the field on third down, and coming up with the big stop in the playoffs during the Sean McDermott era.

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• Leonhard: Igbinosun’s competitiveness has stood out at OTAs – WGR 550
• Jim Leonhard sees Bills’ new defense as allowing Ed Oliver ‘more freedom’ – Buffalo News (subscription required)
• Bills Leonhard offers early read on four key defenders – Democrat & Chronicle
• New Bills DC says ‘more freedom’ will make Ed Oliver ‘disruptive’ – The Athletic (subscription required)
• Jim Leonhard Talks Defensive Scheme And New Additions – BuffaloBills.com
• Terrel Bernard Aces Early Evaluation by Bills’ New Defensive Coordinator Jim Leonhard – Sports Illustrated Buffalo Bills
• Bills Sparkling Free-Agent Addition C.J. Gardner-Johnson Turning Heads at Buffalo’s OTAs – Sports Illustrated Buffalo Bills
• Bills DC Jim Leonhard Praises Rookie LB Kaleb Elarms-Orr After OTAs – Sports Illustrated Buffalo Bills
• Buffalo Bills begin week two of voluntary OTAs as new defensive Coordinator Jim Leonhard makes his mark – WENY

Even more Bills news​

Analyzing how Josh Allen is off to one of the best starts of any quarterback in NFL history before their 30th birthday. Plus, get to know new inside linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles; Sal Capaccio continues his State of the Bills series by previewing the edge rushers and outside linebackers; we offer up a potential surprise roster cut following the completion of OTAs; and more!

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• Josh Allen turns 30 with one of the best starts to an NFL career ever – Democrat & Chronicle
• New Bills LB worked his way from practice squad to earning one of the 49ers’ most prestigious awards – newyorkupstate.com
• Bills sign ILB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles to one-year deal – BuffaloBills.com
• Bills cut undrafted receiver to make room for linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles – Buffalo News (subscription required)
• Capaccio: 2026 State of the Bills: Edge rusher/outside linebacker – WGR 550
• One Surprise Buffalo Bills Cut to Expect After OTAs – Sports Illustrated Buffalo Bills
• What it means when Bills ‘substantially complete’ new stadium – Buffalo News (subscription required)

Buffalo Bills articles recently featured on Buffalo Rumblings​

• Ranking the most intriguing Bills summer roster battles – Buffalo Rumblings
• Bills sign veteran ILB with experience at defensive back – Buffalo Rumblings
• Will a new defensive system help or hinder CB Maxwell Hairston? – Buffalo Rumblings
• Jim Leonhard “excited” to unleash “really disruptive” Ed Oliver – Buffalo Rumblings
• The Sean McDermott era is over: Now we get to see the real Joe Brady – Buffalo Rumblings
• Can you guess this Bills punter in today’s in-5 trivia game – Buffalo Rumblings

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