The Buffalo Bills are creeping closer and closer to the regular season, so that means it’s time for the annual 53-man roster prediction.
After the Buffalo Bills second preseason game, we have started to see the strengths and weaknesses of players on the roster.
Even though there are two more preseason games left, I have created my roster prediction and am ready to share.
Quarterback (3)
Josh Allen, Nathan Peterman, AJ McCarron*, free agent quarterback
All three of these quarterbacks have shown their positives and negatives through camp and the preseason so far.
With McCarron’s injury, his chances of starting for the Bills is gone, for now. Both Allen and Peterman looked impressive against the Browns. We will see more of these two in the final preseason games. A free agent QB will probably be picked up.
Cuts: None
Running Backs (4)
LeSean McCoy, Marcus Murphy, Chris Ivory, fullback Patrick DiMarco
McCoy is a definite, but at backup, the competition between Ivory and Murphy is still happening. Murphy has been outstanding the last two games both on the run and returning punts and kicks. He has shown enough to the coaches that he deserves the spot. Cadet has been rocky this preseason and hasn’t shown much.
Cuts: Travaris Cadet, Keith Ford
Wide Receivers (7)
Kelvin Benjamin, Andre Holmes, Jeremy Kerley, Rod Streater, Ray-Ray McCloud, Zay Jones, Corey Coleman
The Bills have 13 receivers on the roster, and cutting that number down is hard. Lots of talent on the squad and many have proved that they can play on the active roster.
Cuts: Malachi Dupre, Robert Foster, Cam Phillips, Kaelin Clay, Austin Proehl, Brandon Reilly
Tight Ends (3)
Charles Clay, Nick O’Leary, Khari Lee
O’Leary has lost some reps in training camp, but really showed up last night against the Browns. It may be a risky choice but I think Lee has shown enough potential to make the roster. He made some impressive plays the last two games and in camp.
Cuts: Logan Thomas, Jason Croom, Keith Towbridge
Offensive Line (8)
Dion Dawkins, John Miller, Jordan Mills, Russell Bodine, Ryan Groy, Marshall Newhouse, Vladimir Ducasse, Wyatt Teller
The Bodine-Groy competition at center is still ongoing, but both make the roster. Newhouse and Teller have shown potential, but need some more learning of McDermott’s team.
Cuts: Conor McDermott, De’Ondre Wesley, Mo Porter, Josh James, Ike Boettger, Gerhard de Beer, Adam Redmond
Defensive Line (8)
Trent Murphy, Kyle Williams*, Star Lotulelei, Jerry Hughes, Shaq Lawson, Adolphus Washington, Harrison Phillips, Eddie Yarbrough
The addition of Harrison Phillips and Star Lotulelei to the defensive line will be valuable this season. New players to add to the pass rush. Kyle Williams got injured last night and we are unsure of the severity of his knee injury.
Cuts: Terence Fede, Tyrunn Walker, Rickey Hatley, Mat Borsen, Mike Love, Albery Havili, Ryan Russell
Linebackers (6)
Lorenzo Alexander, Tremaine Edmunds, Matt Milano, Ramon Humber, Deon Lacey, Tanner Vallejo
Fans panicked when the Bills lost Zach Brown to free agency, until Tremaine Edmunds was drafted. Some believe he could be a potential Defensive Rookie of the Year. Milano played well during the offseason and will hopefully continue during the season.
Cuts: Julian Stanford, Corey Thompson, Keenan Robinson, Xavier Woodson-Luster
Defensive Backs (9)
Tre’Davious White, Vontae Davis, Jordan Poyer, Micah Hyde, Taron Johnson, Rafael Bush, Phillip Gaines, Dean Marlowe, Siran Neal
The “dynamic duo” of Hyde and Poyer is in year two and will continue to dominate. The additions of Davis, Johnson, Bush, and Gaines also bring new depth to the squad.
Cuts: Lafayette Pitts, Levi Wallace, Kelcie McCray, L.J. McCray, Ryan Carter, Breon Borders
Special Teams (3)
Stephen Hauschka, Colton Schmidt, Reid Ferguson
No change to the specialist this season.
Cuts: Tyler Davis, Cory Carter
*due to injury, will not count on 53-man roster