While everyone’s head is still pinning over the recent trades, I thought this might be a good time to take a look at the shaping and future turnover of the Buffalo Bills’ roster.
There are several new faces looking to earn their spot on the roster moving forward. Some of these young men are making a name for themselves in key positions where depth are needed.
Vic Carucci of the Buffalo News has given praise to Tre’Davious White, saying he has had a sensational camp. That is good news after a complete shake-up in the secondary from last season with the last remaining player, Ronald Darby, now in Philadelphia. It looks like White is in the lead to take the #1 corner position as of now. The #2 spot is still to be determined.
Staying on defense, another player making a name for himself is Eddie Yarbrough at defensive end. It’s pretty clear the starters will be Jerry Hughes and Shaq Lawson, but Yarbrough will be valuable in the rotation. He had a strong showing in the first pre-season game against the Vikings with a sack and two hurries. If he continues to impress, Yarbrough could find himself a long term spot on the defensive line.
Shifting over to the offense, Logan Thomas is also receiving high praise from Vic Carucci, saying Thomas showed the most athleticism and best hands among the tight ends at camp. In an offense that will look to get the tight ends more involved, Thomas is becoming a pleasant surprise.
There have been many questions surrounding Charles Clay throughout his tenure in Buffalo in regards to his contract, his knee, and his production. If Thomas or Nick O’Leary can step up their game consistently, the Bills may be inclined to move on from Clay.
These are just a few of the new additions to the Bills as the new regime looks to build their roster. There will be more changes in the future, more veterans parting ways, and more new faces filling those slots.
I have seen both criticism and praise for the most recent trades involving Watkins and Darby. I have even seen the dreaded “T” word being thrown around way too often. No, the Bills are not tanking.
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Beane, McDermott and company are doing what they said they were going to do. Build for the short term as well as long term. Yes, the Bills traded away “elite potential” in Sammy Watkins but along with that potential came questions of durability. Watkins missed 8 games last season due to a recurring foot injury. All signs point to Watkins being healthy and ready to go but only time will tell for sure. Money might have been the deciding factor as Watkins was due to become a free agent after this season. The Bills would have to either franchise tag him or get a deal worked out. Either way that would require tying up a nice chunk of cap space.
The Bills also have implemented a new offensive scheme built on running the ball as well as getting the backs and tight ends more involved in the passing game. With that in mind, would Watkins receive enough targets to justify a big pay day in Buffalo? Is this the right offense for him to thrive or would he be held back? In regards to Darby, would he have struggled in a zone coverage scheme? Was he buying into the new scheme?
All these things have to be considered in the evaluation of these trades, not to mention gaining an extra second and third round pick. That gives the Bills six picks in the first three rounds of the 2018 Draft. Plenty of ammunition to move up in the first round without “tanking” and still have some picks left to address other roster needs.
There are more changes to come. Coach McDermott has made it clear he is looking to build a team first mentality. He will bring in the type of players that fit that mold. No one’s roster spot is safe; everyone will have to earn their keep.
Next: LeSean McCoy feels animosity towards McDermott/Matthews
Do you think Sean McDermott and Brandon Beane are managing the roster in the right way? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!