In the past, draft picks with the Buffalo Bills were almost guaranteed a roster spot as a rookie or at least the first few years in the league. The hope was that they would eventually develop into contributors.
With the depth the roster now has and the expectations the Bills have every year, the front office doesn't have that luxury in a lot of cases anymore.
That is why the mandatory minicamp, which starts Tuesday, is going to be important for former draft picks to make a good impression as these five players are likely on the roster bubble this offseason.
5 draft picks by the Buffalo Bills on the roster bubble entering minicamp
Alex Austin and Nick Broeker
The first two players are recent draft picks by the Buffalo Bills in cornerback Alex Austin and offensive linemen Nick Broeker. Both players were drafted in the seventh round in the 2023 NFL Draft and are playing positions that the Buffalo Bills already have some great depth.
At cornerback, the Bills have four players that are expected to be locks with Tre'Davious White, Kaiir Elam, Taron Johnson, and Christian Benford. In addition to those four, Dane Jackson looks like a certainty as well which leaves maybe one spot left.
That spot will be up for grabs between Siran Neal, Cam Lewis, recently added Cameron Dantzler and Alex Austin.
As for Nick Broeker, he does have some position flexibility as can play guard or tackle but once again the Buffalo Bills have done a great job this offseason at adding significant depth at both of those positions. Broeker will really need to stand out if he wants to move up the depth chart.