It is never too soon to guess what a team’s 53-man roster will look like. Thus, here’s an early Buffalo Bills roster projection as we wait for training camp to begin. Let’s take a look at Buffalo’s potential opening day roster from where it stands right now.
Early Buffalo Bills Roster Projection: Defense and Special Teams
Now that the offense has been discussed, let’s talk about the defense and special teams. Starters at each position are in bold and rookies are noted with an asterisk (*).
Defensive Line:
Marcell Dareus, Kyle Williams, Adolphus Washington*, Corbin Bryant, T.J Barnes
Cuts: Claudel Louis*, Jerel Worthy, Justin Zimmer*, Lavar Edwards, IK Enemkpali
Despite a lack of depth, three returning players are locks for the roster. Marcell Dareus and Kyle Williams will return to starting roles and, according to Doug Whaley, will be joined by third-round pick Adolphus Washington. In a 3-4 set, or the 46 defense that Ryan often runs, Williams, Dareus and Washington will be the down linemen. All three men offer versatility to play anywhere on the line and will likely be shuffled to create mismatches. Corbin Bryant will join the rotation as either a defensive end or a defensive tackle, depending on the defense that is called. He can provide depth up and down the line after starting in place of Kyle Williams last season. The final position is a toss-up between T.J. Barnes, Jerel Worthy and undrafted free agent signing Justin Zimmer. All three can fill the nose tackle role but I’ve given the nod to Barnes due to Ryan’s familiarity with him from the Jets. Zimmer could impress and take that spot with a good camp, as could Worthy. IK Enemkpali failed to impress last season and now faces more talented competition. Lavar Edwards and Claudel Louis are likely camp bodies.
Outside Linebackers:
Manny Lawson, Jerry Hughes, Lorenzo Alexander, Max Valles
PUP List: Shaq Lawson*
Cuts: Cedric Reed, Randell Johnson
First-round pick Shaq Lawson would be the unquestioned starter had he not gone under the knife for shoulder surgery. While he remains out, likely missing the first half of the season, Manny Lawson will resume the starting role on the outside. He joins Jerry Hughes as an outside linebacker/defensive end in Rex Ryan’s multiple scheme that can have them line up with their hands on the ground or standing up. Lorenzo Alexander was brought in to bolster the special teams but can offer depth in the linebacking corps as well. Max Valles likely pushes Randell Johnson off the roster until Shaq Lawson returns. Cedric Reed, Johnson and Valles will likely battle for a single roster spot.
Inside Linebackers:
Preston Brown, Reggie Ragland*, Zach Brown, Eric Striker*
Cuts: Kevin Riddick
Preston Brown returns as the quarterback of the defense and will be joined by second-round pick Reggie Ragland in the middle of the defense. Anointed a starter right out of the draft, Ragland will have to prove he can cover at the NFL level or be forced to split time with Zach Brown in passing situations. Brown was brought on to provide depth in the middle and help out on passing downs. Eric Striker will compete with Kevin Riddick and need to impress on special teams to stick. Striker, while undersized, has the heart and fire to be a special teams demon and also contribute on defense at multiple positions. Riddick will likely be the odd man out.
Cornerbacks:
Stephon Gilmore, Ronald Darby, Nickell Robey, Corey White, Sterling Moore, Mario Butler
Cuts: Kevon Seymour*, Sammy Seamster, Julian Whigman, Javier Arenas
Stephon Gilmore and Ronald Darby combine to form one of the youngest and most talented cornerback duos in the NFL. They will be tasked with locking down opposing aerial attacks. Nickell Robey returns as the nickel cornerback after a rough season, but could see competition from the likes of Corey White and Mario Butler. Butler and Sterling Moore should provide outside depth while contributing on special teams. The wild card in this group is rookie Kevon Seymour, who could push a veteran off the roster either at cornerback or safety. Javier Arenas will need to flash on defense and special teams to make the roster. Sammy Seamster and Julian Whigman are long shots.
Safeties:
Aaron Williams, Corey Graham, Robert Blanton, Colt Anderson, Duke Williams
Cuts: Jonathon Dowling, Phillip Thomas, Jonathon Meeks
Aaron Williams will remain a starter so long as his health and neck check out. The real test will come in training camp and preseason with live contact. Should his neck check out, Williams jumps back to the top of the depth chart as the best safety on the team. Corey Graham is likely to take the other starting position but will see competition from recent free agent signee Robert Blanton. Blanton has previous starting experience with the Vikings and will see the field often, as Ryan likes to run nickel sets with triple safeties. Colt Anderson was brought on to bolster the special teams and can add depth at safety. Duke Williams and Jonathon Meeks will compete for a final potential spot and it could go either way. Williams has been the healthier player since him and Meeks entered the league in the same draft, and could get the nod based on that alone. Phillip Thomas and Jonathon Dowling are likely long shots to make the roster.
Kicker:
Dan Carpenter
Cuts: Morgan Marshall*, Jordan Gay
Georgia kicker Morgan Marshall was signed after the draft to provide competition for the usually steady Dan Carpenter. While Marshall had an impressive collegiate career, it is very likely that Carpenter bounces back from a poor showing last season to retain his job this year. But given Ryan’s displeasure with Carpenter’s performance, it should be a close competition and afterward Carpenter will be on a short leash. Jordan Gay is likely to be out of a job with the NFL kickoff rules changing yet again.
Punter:
Colton Schmidt
Cuts: None
Colton Schmidt continues to grow into one of the league’s best punters. He is entering camp as the unquestioned starter with zero competition this season. This is the easiest positon to forecast on the roster.
Long Snapper:
Garrison Sanborn
Cuts: Reid Ferguson*
Buffalo has brought in competition for the ever steady Garrison Sanborn this off-season, but it is unlikely that the rookie Reid Ferguson unseats the steady pro. Likely a case of Whaley creating competition to battle complacency while offering a rookie a chance to audition his skills to the NFL. Sanborn not being on the opening day roster would be an incredible surprise.
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