Which Buffalo Bills Veterans Are On The Hot Seat

2 of 2

Aug 8, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Anthony Dixon (26) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

Running Back:

The Buffalo Bills drafted Karlos Williams, which was a surprise, at least to me as I didn’t think they were in the market for a running back, but it could have come down to best on the board and there was nothing else worth reaching for at that point.

So in comes Karlos Williams as the 5th running back on the team. There are a couple of options that the Buffalo Bills have depending on what direction they are looking to move. First thoughts are on Fred Jackson. He is getting up there in age, the oldest running back in the NFL. Could be a viable option for the Buffalo Bills, release him in training camp and keep LeSean McCoy, Anthony Dixon, Bryce Brown, and Karlos Williams as your 4 backs.

More from BuffaLowDown

Anthony Dixon has shown use on special teams so there is a secondary depth to having him on the team, as well as bringing that bigger natured back for the short, tough yards in a ground and pound atmosphere. Bryce Brown, I think if Fred Jackson is kept, will be the odd man out. He does have fumbling issues, as have been reported in the past, and does not bring much of a game changing aspect that the other backs on the roster will bring. This competition is really between Dixon, Brown and Williams. Williams is a similar back to that of Dixon at a lesser price. But if Dixon can show some worth and knock the special teams out of the part, Brown will be the one packing his bags for other pastures.

Wide Receiver:

With the 7th round draft pick, the Buffalo Bills went wide receiver and brought in a big bodied Dezmin Lewis. He is similar in stature to that of David Nelson and will bring back that big receiver aspect to the offense that was missing last year. Locks for the position are Sammy Watkins, Percy Harvin, Robert Woods, and Marcus Easley (special teams). The likelihood that the Buffalo Bills will be keeping 7 wide receivers is probably not going to happen, so there will be 3 players fighting for what could be 2 spots. Dezmin Lewis, Marquise Goodwin, and Chris Hogan are all on the bubble. Of the three I think that Chris Hogan has the inside edge at this point. He is a possession receiver that came up big last year and showed his worth.

As far as the others, Marquise Goodwin has unbelievable speed, but is an injury concern. He is really the one that needs to prove that he can be there and stay healthy to contribute to stretching the field, of which Watkins and Harvin are both capable of doing as well. As stated before, Dezmin Lewis adds that size aspect to the receiver position that was missing last year and is able to go up and win most of those jump ball battles. That could be the aspect that sets him apart from the other two for one of the remaining spots.

Defensive Line:

The last position that we will take a look at is one that came from a free agent signing that occurred just after the draft. Alex Carrington has been brought back to play with the Buffalo Bills. With Carrington’s signing, he adds more depth and versatility in a multiple front defense, which is a signature for Rex Ryan and Dennis Thurman in their defensive schemes.

With Carrington adding this depth to the already strong defensive line and 15 players on the roster right now for the line, there will be some that will not be joining the Bills on the 53 man roster. Corbin Bryant, Bryan Johnson, and Jairus Wynn could all be veterans that are possibilities to lose their spot with the signing of Alex Carrington. Although Carrington is a defensive tackle by nature, he excelled in playing the end position in Mike Pettine’s defensive just a couple of years ago. Keep and eye out on this position battle, as there are a lot of individuals that will be moving on from here.

Home/Buffalo Bills News