3 Bills players whose stock is plummeting after the preseason opener

The first pre-season game for the Bills is in the books, and it wasn't anything that fans or even the NFL was expecting. The Bills got dominated in a losing effort, going down 33-6 against the Chicago Bears on Saturday. Both the offensive and defensive lines didn't play well at all as they were bullied all game long.

The #1 overall pick of the 2024 draft, Caleb Williams, looked pretty poised in the pocket, making several big throws and scrambles. It wasn't just Williams that looked good, as Tyson Bagent, the Bears backup QB, also had a pretty decent game as well. The same could not be said for the Bills backup QBs (Mitchell Trubisky and Shane Buechele). Along with the losing effort, there were several players that didn't help their stock in terms of making the 53-man roster.

WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling

One of the newest members of the Bills didn't have much run in this game, but when he did, he didn't make much of his opportunity. Valdes-Scantling had 29 offensive snaps, and didn't make a single reception. In fact, he had one memorable target and he dropped it. Valdes-Scantling is known for his drop issues, going back to Kansas City the past two years. In the off-season, he has became friends with Josh Allen, and they seem to be on the same page in that way. But what's more important is that it translates onto the football field. Having these drops and not being consistent can hurt his chances of making this roster. The Bills need more consistent pass catchers, and Valdes-Scantling doesn't seem to be one of them this early on.

WR Chase Claypool

Even though Chase Claypool has been dealing with a foot injury this off-season, he needs to get onto the field sooner rather than later. Claypool was pretty productive in his early years in Pittsburgh, but ever since then, he has had a problem in producing solid numbers at the very least. This stint in Buffalo could be his last best chance at reviving his career. Hopefully he can get healthy enough to make a late push at making a roster spot.

WR K.J. Hamler

Hamler is fighting for one of the last roster spots in the wide receiver room, and his play on the field did not help him. Along with contributing as a wide receiver, he also is battling for kick return duties. He didn't do too much as a receiver in the preseason game, getting only 1 catch for 9 yards. To be fair, the backup QBs did not do him any favors, but where his stock dropped was kick returning. He tried to field a kick-off and he dropped it. As a returner, especially for the Bills and Sean McDermott, it is imperative to not have muffs on these sorts of plays. Hopefully he can get these straightened out in the next two preseason games.