Buffalo Bills: Final 53-man roster prediction after preseason
Safety (4)
Jordan Poyer, Micah Hyde, Jaquan Johnson, Damar Hamlin
Cut: Josh Thomas
After Tre’Davious White name-dropped Josh Thomas it became a little harder to list him as the player cut.
Found it interesting that during the game yesterday, Tre White was asked which players he was pulling for to make the #Bills roster. He mentioned rookies Nick McCloud and Rachad Wildgoose, but then also Safety Josh Thomas. Said Thomas was only getting better in his time in BUF.
— Bradley Gelber (@BradleyGelber) August 29, 2021
Even though Thomas has played well Damar Hamlin has played a little better. However, the X-factor here is Jaquan Johnson who has been banged up in camp. Johnson seemed like the clear number three guy behind Poyer and Hyde but if he cannot be ready for Week 1, Buffalo may not be willing to risk letting Thomas free to keep a guy who is not available. What makes these backup safety spots so tough to pick is that Buffalo has to think both short and long term with these players because Johnson, Hamlin, and Thomas have all showed such strong promise and potential.
Because of the inexperience, do not be surprised if Buffalo does the same thing I suggested with a cornerback or offensive line. Veteran safeties are a common player to be cut in training camps as teams go for younger more athletic players. Maybe Buffalo considers adding one to the roster or the practice squad for more depth and security behind Poyer and Hyde.