Buffalo Bills: 53-man roster prediction after final preseason game
By Joe Cook
Buffalo Bills Defense
Defensive Tackle (5)
Ed Oliver, Jordan Phillips, DaQuan Jones, Poona Ford, Tim Settle
After a hot start last season, Ed Oliver was slowed down by a nagging injury down the stretch. While he has not lived up to the number nine overall pick status, the impact Oliver has is overblown because the stats don’t pop. The ability for a monster season is there for Oliver, who is surrounded by the best Bills' defensive line he’s been a part of. Jordan Phillips was hurt last year as well and wasn’t the same. When healthy, he is a monster and figures to have a big year.
Jones was so good for Buffalo last year. If you turn on the tape, it’s pretty much perfection on how to play 1-tech in a 4-3 defense. The Bills also finally have two very good 1-techs with the addition of Poona Ford. Tim Settle reworked his deal to stay with the Bills this year and had a very good training camp and preseason. The Bills' defensive tackle rotation can be extremely dangerous.
Defensive End (5)
Greg Rousseau, Leonard Floyd, A.J. Epenesa, Boogie Basham, Shaq Lawson *Von Miller Starts the year on IR*
This is based on the assumption that Von Miller starts the season on IR. The Bills have to carry him on the roster at first, then put him on IR, or he wouldn’t be eligible to play this year. This is based on what it will look like after Von is placed on IR, which would only keep him out for a minimum of four weeks. Entering his third season, Rousseau is trying to reach double-digit sacks for the first time in his career. He finished last season with eight and is another player who was slowed down by injury.
Leonard Floyd isn’t Von Miller but is about as good of a player as you can have to play in his place. Floyd and Rousseau will be a nice tandem. Behind them is Epenesa, who has had a good preseason, and Boogie Basham, who has also had a nice camp and preseason.
Shaq Lawson has been quiet but will be the fifth defensive end. When Miller does come back, this group of edge rushers is going to be top-notch and could see Epenesa or Basham traded.