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: The Offense
Let’s look at the offense first. Starters at each position are in bold and rookies are noted with an asterisk (*).
Quarterbacks:
Tyrod Taylor, E.J. Manuel, Cardale Jones*
Cuts: None
Tyrod Taylor enters the off-season and opening day as the unquestioned starting quarterback in Buffalo. After participating in a three-man competition last off-season, Taylor will receive the majority, if not all of, the first team repetitions in camp, which should only aid his development. E.J. Manuel will likely remain the backup given his familiarity with the playbook and previous starting experience. Additionally, cutting Manuel outright would not save the Bills any cap space and it would leave the very inexperienced Cardale Jones as the backup quarterback. Given the risks that Taylor takes running, Buffalo is likely to keep three quarterbacks this season as Jones likely sits and develops as a project.
Running Backs:
LeSean McCoy, Karlos Williams, Jonathon Williams*, Mike Gillislee
Cuts: James Wilder Jr.
Buffalo is coming off a 2015 campaign that fielded the NFL’s #1 rushing attack despite battling what seemed like never-ending injuries to the running back corps. Despite the myriad of injuries, Buffalo returns three of the five running backs that contributed to the ranking. Boobie Dixon and Cierre Wood are gone, yet LeSean McCoy, Karlos Williams and Mike Gillislee return to the team with surprise fifth-round pick Jonathon Woods. Conventional rosters typically only carry three running backs, however, given the run-first focus of the offense, the Bills are likely to carry at least four to keep runners fresh and to prepare should injuries strike again. McCoy and Karlos Williams are sure bets to return as a thunder and lightning combination while Gillislee will have to prove that his stretch of three 50+ yard touchdown runs to end the season was not a fluke. Jonathon Williams was a highly regarded prospect that likely makes the roster as a young backup. Wilder Jr. would have to outperform Gillislee to take his roster spot, otherwise he may end up on the practice squad.
Fullbacks:
Jerome Felton
Cuts: Glenn Gronkowski*
The Bills are one of the few teams that carry a true fullback on their roster. Jerome Felton is signed for multiple years still and, despite playing limited snaps, has the edge on the young Glenn Gronkowski due to his superior blocking skills. Felton contributes on special teams as well, yet will still find competition from camp in the form of Kansas State hybrid player Gronkowski.
Wide Receivers:
Sammy Watkins, Robert Woods, Leonard Hankerson, Greg Salas, Kolby Listenbee*, Marcus Easley
Cuts: Marquise Goodwin, Walter Powell, Jarret Boykin, Dezmin Lewis, Davonte Allen*, Greg Little, Chris Chambers*
Sammy Watkins and Robert Woods are the only two definite locks for the roster as of right now. Marcus Easley would be the next closest thing to a lock, so long as he recovers from a devastating knee injury without a hitch. Easley offers little as a regular receiver, yet his special teams contributions are missed whenever he is injured. Leonard Hankerson and Greg Salas have the best chances to stick and contribute regularly on offense with both returning to the team after short, late-season auditions. Kolby Listenbee offers the deep threat potential that Marquise Goodwin was supposed to provide and will likely stick as a rookie while he continues to learn the NFL route tree. Goodwin has likely seen his time with the Bills come to an end, as his inability to commit to football 100% over track and field has left him lean and susceptible to injury, which is why he is frequently not on the field. Goodwin must prove he can stay healthy and contribute as a returner. Walter Powell would need to contribute as a returner in a big way to stick. Jarret Boykin has old chemistry with Tyrod Taylor but failed to stick with the wide receiver needy Panthers last season. Greg Little has had declining production since his rookie season. Davonte Allen and Chris Chambers are roster long shots but could impress enough to find a spot on the practice squad. Dezmin Lewis could go back to the practice squad if he hasn’t greatly improved and can push another guy off the roster.
Tight Ends:
Charles Clay, Jim Dray, Chris Gragg
Cuts: Nick O’Leary, Blake Annen
This is a position that the Bills could still add to before or during camp. However, as it stands now, Charles Clay and Jim Dray are locks with Chris Gragg and Nick O’Leary competing for one final spot. Gragg has managed to stick around for several seasons despite never breaking out. O’Leary disappointed last season and will need to really show off in camp to stick on the roster. Blake Annen remains a project and could go on the practice squad if he shows developmental promise. Surprise competition at this position could come from Glenn Gronkowski, who is seen as a hybrid fullback/tight end prospect. If he can show vastly improved blocking skills, he could stick as a fourth tight end/fullback and push Jerome Felton off the roster. But right now that remains unlikely.
Offensive Tackle:
Cordy Glenn, Jordan Mills, Seantrel Henderson, Keith Lumpkin*
Cuts: Cyrus Kouandjio, Jamison Lalk*
Cordy Glenn signing a long-term contract locks down the most important position on the offensive line for the foreseeable future. The other tackle position remains in flux. Jordan Mills ended the season as the starter on the right side and enters camp as the starter again. Seantrel Henderson will have to prove that his Crohn’s disease is manageable and won’t keep him from seeing the field. Former second-round pick Cyrus Kouandjio has failed to meet expectations as both a tackle and a guard and could be a long shot to make the roster, even considering the lack of competition brought in. Keith Lumpkin looks the part of the stereotypical left tackle yet is a big of a project given his poor technique. He could push Kouandjio off the roster with a good camp. This is a position that could see general manager Doug Whaley add more competition to before or during camp after their failed attempt to sign veteran Matt Slauson, who chose the Chargers instead.
Offensive Guard:
Richie Incognito, John Miller, Ryan Groy
Cuts: Cyril Richardson, Marquis Lucas*
Buffalo was wise to re-sign Richie Incognito, who rightly earned a trip to the Pro Bowl this past season. He brought balance to the line and aided the performances of the men on either side of him. He fits Roman’s scheme perfectly, even at age 32. John Miller remains entrenched as a starter with Kraig Urbik being released and signing with the rival Dolphins. He hit the rookie wall last season with injuries, but the coaching staff believes in him and he should show improvement in his second year. Ryan Groy is likely to stick as the eighth lineman to provide depth to the interior. His roster spot could be jeopardized if Ryan decides to carry only seven offensive linemen, as Fernando Velasco can back up all three interior positions.
Center:
Eric Wood, Fernando Velasco
Cuts: Robert Kugler*
Eric Wood returns to anchor the Bills offensive line that returns all five starters for the first time in 20 years. Wood is coming off his first Pro Bowl appearance and looks to keep the ground game rolling while remaining healthy. Velasco, formerly of the Titans, comes aboard to back up all three interior positions and will likely be the first lineman off the bench in the event that one of the interior guys need relief.
Check out an analysis of the defense and special teams here.
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