Buffalo Bills 53-man roster prediction: Offensive guards

Who will the Buffalo Bills take into 2019 as their left and right guards, and how many will there be on the roster?

Part of the Buffalo Bills’ off-season overhaul has taken place within the offensive guard grouping. The team added on starters across the board, then solidified the unit with depth signings to create the group below.

Left: (1) Quinton Spain (2) Wyatt Teller

Right: (1) Spencer Long (2) Jon Feliciano

The 27-year-old Quinton Spain should be established as the left-side starter, as he did the same with the Tennessee Titans for four seasons. In that span, he played 50 games and started 48.

Though not a particularly outstanding run-blocker, Spain has recorded at least high 75.6 pass-blocking Pro Football Focus grade in each of his four seasons. In 2018, he allowed just one sack, tallied six penalties, and finished the year with an outstanding 98.1 pass-block efficiency rating, per PFF — which ranks 16th in the NFL.

In spring practice he split time between the right and left side, but it’s clear the latter is where he’s most comfortable. Spain played left guard for the Titans in 2018; expect that to continue with the Bills.

The right side starter is all but sure. Currently, Spencer Long looks to be the best option, but it may go to another — perhaps one off of this list or dubbed as a tackle. During OTAs, Long practiced with the starters at both guard positions; therefore, he’s listed as a right-side guard with Spain in-place.

Though listed as a center/guard, Long shouldn’t see snaps at the center for the Bills — that’s Mitch Morse‘s job. But, it’s not the only reason why; starting for the New York Jets at the same position in 2018, Long had an awful season. He allowed a career-worst 3.5 sacks on the season and was run out of town.

In 2015, playing left guard, for the Washington Redskins, Long did well, as he allowed just one sack and no penalties on the season. The hope is that he can transition to the right side, where his former self could potentially start. But, the starting job will be all but given to him.

A left guard reserve for the Bills in 2018, Jon Feliciano also has prior experience playing on the right-side. With the Oakland Raiders, he played the position for three seasons in a reserve/spot starter role. During his time as a Raider, Feliciano filled in adequately. Standing at 6-foot-5 and 324-pounds with impressive footwork, he may be a sleeper to take the right-side job.

If Spain finds himself converting to right guard, Wyatt Teller — a fifth-round pick in 2018 — may be the one chosen to take the left-side job. He became the team’s full-time starter at the position from week ten on and showed some promise doing so. He didn’t allow a sack, per PFF, and tallied five penalties — which must be cut down.

For as stable as Teller was in pass protection, he has a ways to go. He’s a negative asset as a run-blocker and struggled with hand placement. However, he’s a second-year player worth taking a shot at developing. He showed good qualities as a rookie; if he can improve and add strength, he may be a long-term option.