Locked On Bills - Daily Podcast On The Buffalo Bills

Buffalo Bills’ receiver room faces a pivotal question: should Brandin Cooks return given his unique field-stretching skills despite a down year marred by chemistry issues? Joe Marino unpacks why Cooks’ proven hands and vertical threat could boost Josh Allen and Joe Brady’s offense, while also debating Keon Coleman’s chance to carve out a larger role amid competition with Josh Palmer.

Marino tackles Josh Allen’s leadership style, the future fit of Max Hairston at safety, and whether Joe Brady can join coaches like Matt LaFleur and Jim Caldwell in engineering instant success with a star quarterback. Other hot topics include Ed Oliver’s potential for a breakout season, the defensive tackle depth chart, and a lighthearted segment on the best Disney rides. Can Buffalo’s new coaching and roster moves finally deliver a Super Bowl? Don’t miss this dynamic breakdown of the Bills’ biggest offseason storylines.

Photo Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images

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00:00 Watching NFL game ending fails

08:53 Carolina Panthers coaching staff changes

11:23 Terry Pegula's recent decision-making

20:18 Being overwhelmed by excitement

27:02 Importance of Christian Benford

31:56 Praising Dawkins' leadership transformation

38:02 Expectations for rookie players

41:20 Analyzing a player's explosive skills

43:50 Offensive line coaching strategy discussion

54:17 NFL under-25 talent rankings

58:50 Evaluating a player's performance

01:00:24 Evaluating Bills' Wide Receiver Decisions

 

Everydayer Club

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COMto play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.

Square

Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/lockedonnfl! #squarepod

Betterhelp

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at http://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDON.

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.

Ultra Pouches

Don’t sleep on Ultra Pouches. New customers get 15% Off with code LOCKEDONNFL at https://takeultra.com! #UltraPouches #ad

Warby Parker
Our listeners can buy one pair of glasses and get 20% off any additional pairs at https://WarbyParker.com/LOCKEDONNFL — and using our link helps support the show. #WarbyParker #ad

Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

 

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Buffalo Bills gamble on Zane Durant’s explosive upside—could the Penn State standout be their next fifth-round steal? Joe Marino spotlights Durant’s elite athletic traits, impressive flexibility, and hard-hitting motor, but questions remain about his limited size, mass, and consistency. The breakdown digs into Durant’s football IQ, versatility as an interior defensive lineman, and how his unique skillset matches up with NFL-caliber linemen.

Marino explores where Durant could fit in the evolving Bills defensive line rotation alongside Ed Oliver, Deone Walker, TJ Sanders, Landon Jackson, and Dewayne Carter. Who will shine in the Bills’ new 3-4 base and who might miss the final roster? Discover why Durant’s quickness and effort could be pivotal in passing downs, and what obstacles he must overcome to make an impact in Buffalo’s pursuit of AFC East supremacy.

Photo Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

Visit https://www.thejoemarino.com/ for details on Substack, Subtext, Merch and more! 

Everydayer Club

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.

Square

Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/lockedonnfl! #squarepod

Betterhelp

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at http://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDON.

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.

Ultra Pouches

Don’t sleep on Ultra Pouches. New customers get 15% Off with code LOCKEDONNFL at https://takeultra.com! #UltraPouches #ad

Warby Parker
Our listeners can buy one pair of glasses and get 20% off any additional pairs at https://WarbyParker.com/LOCKEDONNFL — and using our link helps support the show. #WarbyParker #ad

Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Buffalo Bills fans brace for a training camp unlike any other as Joe Brady and Jim Leonhard bring fresh energy and untapped potential to the squad. Who will emerge as the next star under new leadership, and can veterans like Dion Dawkins bounce back to form while promising talents like Cole Bishop and Jalen Kilgore break through?

Joe Marino spotlights nearly 30 superlatives, including the fiercest camp battles, projected breakout players, and dramatic body transformations. Hot topics include Christian Benford’s rise as a vocal secondary leader, Deone Walker’s case for a breakout season, and questions surrounding Keon Coleman's consistency despite staff hype. With trenchant insights into roster bubble candidates, the tone-setting presence of CJ Gardner-Johnson, and the impact of new additions like Zane Durant, this episode explores the personalities and positional battles shaping the Buffalo Bills’ preseason—and the team’s future playoff aspirations.

Photo Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Visit https://www.thejoemarino.com/ for details on Substack, Subtext, Merch and more! 

Everydayer Club

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.

Square

Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/lockedonnfl! #squarepod

Betterhelp

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at http://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDON.

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.

Ultra Pouches

Don’t sleep on Ultra Pouches. New customers get 15% Off with code LOCKEDONNFL at https://takeultra.com! #UltraPouches #ad

Warby Parker
Our listeners can buy one pair of glasses and get 20% off any additional pairs at https://WarbyParker.com/LOCKEDONNFL — and using our link helps support the show. #WarbyParker #ad

Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Buffalo Bills face a defining 2026 season as a roster packed with question marks looks to erase doubt. Can Dion Dawkins and DJ Moore prove they still have high-level production left, or will their best days be behind them? Bradley Chubb enters the spotlight, aiming to finally be the edge rusher difference Buffalo craves.

Joe Marino spotlights a dozen players—including Dalton Kincaid, Ed Oliver, Terrel Bernard, and Josh Palmer—who must silence concerns about health and seize bigger roles if the Bills are to compete. Key discussions include how Deone Walker’s emergence could reshape the defensive front, the consequences of Max Harrison facing new competition, and what’s at stake for young contributors like Dorian Williams. With questions swirling about durability, depth, and development, Buffalo’s path to success depends on these core players delivering when it matters most.

Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Visit https://www.thejoemarino.com/ for details on Substack, Subtext, Merch and more! 

Everydayer Club

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.

Square

Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/lockedonnfl! #squarepod

Betterhelp

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at http://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDON.

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.

Ultra Pouches

Don’t sleep on Ultra Pouches. New customers get 15% Off with code LOCKEDONNFL at https://takeultra.com! #UltraPouches #ad

Warby Parker
Our listeners can buy one pair of glasses and get 20% off any additional pairs at https://WarbyParker.com/LOCKEDONNFL — and using our link helps support the show. #WarbyParker #ad

Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.