BuffaLowDown
Fansided

Buffalo Bills: Predicting roles for the reserve/future contract signings

By Caleb Holfoth

ORCHARD PARK, NY - AUGUST 08: Christian Wade #45 of the Buffalo Bills runs in the back field during the fourth quarter of a preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts at New Era Field on August 8, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. Buffalo defeats Indianapolis 24 -16. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - AUGUST 08: Christian Wade #45 of the Buffalo Bills runs in the back field during the fourth quarter of a preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts at New Era Field on August 8, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. Buffalo defeats Indianapolis 24 -16. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
Buffalo Bills
ORCHARD PARK, NY – AUGUST 29: Nate Becker #84 of the Buffalo Bills waits for the snap during the first half of a preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings at New Era Field on August 29, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. Buffalo beats Minnesota 27 to 23. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /

TE Nate Becker

Nate Becker has been on the Buffalo Bills practice squad the past two seasons not making a regular-season appearance yet in his career. Becker is a blocking tight end and has not shown much skill outside of that.

Becker has been given limited opportunities but with Lee Smith being traded to the Atlanta Falcons the Bills no longer have a tight end on the roster with a very strong blocking skillset. While players like Dawson Knox, Tommy Sweeney, and offseason addition Jacob Hollister are all capable blockers Becker is the best one.

With Lee Smith gone there is an open role at the tight end position and Becker could take that spot. Ultimately Becker will likely fall short. With no serious NFL experience yet the Bills could opt to find a veteran free agent to fill that role or even take that role out of the offense.

Projection: Cut

DE Bryan Cox Jr.

Bryan Cox Jr. is one of the most experienced players signed to a future/reserves deal for the Buffalo Bills with 25 career games and two starts already. Cox has shown potential in his opportunities as mainly a strong run defender.

Cox Jr. has good size at the defensive end standing 6-3 and 270lbs and his ability to defend the run is what kept him around on the practice squad in 2020. Although he only saw action in one game Cox Jr. does have the ability to develop some strong pass-rushing skills.

Cox Jr. will have to make a big jump this year if he hopes to make the roster. Cox Jr. was the second-best defensive end on the Bills practice squad and with the Bills potentially adding more defensive end help in the draft Cox Jr. will have to put on a spectacular performance in training camps to make the Bills.

Projection: Cut

DE Mike Love

Mike Love has been with the Buffalo Bills since 2018 and has been a mainstay on the practice squad making a couple of appearances every season for the Bills. Love is a well-rounded end who always seems to have a good training camp and just fall short of making the 53-man roster.

The Bills like what Love offers considering he has been a part of the organization for three full seasons. Love will have to show an improved level of pass-rushing skills to make the team this fall. Buffalo will have a battle for the last defensive end spot and depending on who the Bills add through the draft the last spot could be between Love and Special Teams Ace Darryl Johnson.

Johnson will be hard to unseat because of his special team’s ability but Love makes noise every training camp.

Projection: Practice Squad

Home/Bills Free Agency