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Buffalo Bills: 53-man roster prediction after second round of cuts

By Caleb Holfoth

Aug 21, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie (19) runs with the ball against Chicago Bears defensive back Marqui Christian (43) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 21, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie (19) runs with the ball against Chicago Bears defensive back Marqui Christian (43) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Lions fullback Jason Cabinda makes a catch behind Bills linebacker Andre Smith during the first half of the preseason game at Ford Field on Friday, Aug. 13, 2021. /

Linebacker (5)

Starter: Tremaine Edmunds, Matt Milano

Backup: A.J. Klein, Tyler Matakevich, Andre Smith

Cut: Tyrel Dodson, Joe Giles-Harris, Marquel Lee

The same group minus one from the last prediction. Tyrel Dodson is downgraded to cut and becomes an immediate practice squad candidate alongside Joe Giles-Harris who has looked good. Buffalo plays in the nickel defense much more than a three-linebacker base defense so only carrying five is a fairly normal and understandable thing to do.

Andre Smith is a special teams ace and the way he has improved and looked at linebacker this preseason gives him the edge over Tyrel Dodson. Also, this massive hit on Justin Fields may not have been legal but definitely is something that fires up coaches.

The Buffalo Bills like Dodson but he seems to still react slowly in the passing game and has never been very good covering tight ends, running backs, or zones. I give Smith the edge and the 6th linebacker spot goes to a lineman or wide receiver instead.

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