Buffalo Bills: 53-man roster projection after second preseason game

Defensive players making the Buffalo Bills' 53-man roster

Defensive End (5)

Von Miller, Gregory Rousseau, Leonard Floyd, Shaq Lawson, Boogie Basham

Some fans don't think Basham will make the 53-man roster but he's played well so far. He had a fine training camp and practice performances too. He is in year three, which tends to be a big year for defensive linemen. I expect he will have more of an impact in the defensive line rotation in 2023.

Shaq Lawson is having a solid preseason as well and has been rolling with the ones more than I initially expected. I think the team trusts him and that's huge for this coaching staff. It's why rookie's have a hard time cracking this roster but it can be done, which we saw with Rousseau during his rookie season.

Defensive Tackle (5)

Ed Oliver, DaQuan Jones, Jordan Phillips, Tim Settle, Poona Ford

This is a terrific group of defensive tackles and will give opposing offenses fits. I'm aware the Steelers had that one long run for the score but outside of that, the Bills did a good job against the run and were equally solid a week ago.

Linebackers (4)

Matt Milano, Terrel Bernard, Tyrel Dodson, Dorrian Williams

This one was difficult because I know how much Coach McDermott loves A.J. Klein, going back to what I said about trusting his players and he's also big on special teams, which made it difficult for me to cut Tyler Matakevich.

At the end of the day, Williams is far more superior athletically than either of those two and has played well in special teams, as has Justin Shorter, which should make it a little easier for McDermott to finally let go of Klein and Matakevich.

Cornerback (7)

Tre'Davious White, Kaiir Elam, Christian Benford, Taron Johnson, Dane Jackson, Cam Lewis, Siran Neal

Cam Lewis and Siran Neal are two guys that give McDermott some versatility. Both these guys have played corner, nickel, and safety. They have a lot of experience in the defensive backfield. One thing I could see occurring though is one of these two getting cut, to make an extra spot for someone like Andy Isabella.

As far as the starting CB2 role, it's anyone's guess but it is looking more and more like it might be Dane Jackson regardless, all three of those battling for the job will make the 53-man roster, Jackson, Elam, and Benford.

Safety (4)

Micah Hyde, Jordan Poyer, Taylor Rapp, Damar Hamlin

There was talk a week or so ago that Hamlin might not make the team but so far in practices and the two preseason games, I haven't seen any reason to let him go. He knows the defense and he plays with a physical style that McDermott is looking for in his defense.

The other three are given and Rapp I think is the heir apparent to one of the starting safety spots after this season, if Hyde and/or Poyer decide to call it a career.

Specialist (3)

Tyler Bass, Sam Martin, Reid Ferguson

No shockers here surprises here and not like anyone is vying for their spots anyways. As far as Ferguson goes, how long has he been with the team now, it feels like he's been long snapping for the Bills since the 90s.

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