We’ve finally made it through the long NFL offseason. Now that training camp is here, football will ramp up rather quickly, and it’s time for players to compete for jobs. With the first week of camp coming to an end, here’s an outlook on our Buffalo Bills, position by position.
THE OFFENSE
QUARTERBACKS
Kyle Allen will win this job.
Okay, that’s enough joking around. Joshua Patrick Allen, amongst all the bad, weird, or stupid he’s the man. Regardless of how the season ended, and whether opposing fans agree or not, Allen is a top-two quarterback in the world. In comparison to last year, Josh should have a healthy elbow and improved protection. MVP?
RUNNING BACKS
Now this is interesting.
This is James Cook’s job to win, and we saw flashes of great stuff out of him last year. Explosive speed. Highlight jukes. Cook could easily be this team’s number one running back. With a good camp and learning from the new veterans around him like Damien Harris and Latavius Murray, Cook could soon be a new star in this league.
Speaking of new veterans, Damien Harris is an excellent pickup. This is the type of move that goes under the radar. As long as the Bills get the same player they saw in New England, Cook and Harris are a great one-two punch for opposing defenses.
With the recent non-football-related injury to Nyhiem Hines, there are many questions surrounding how the team will handle the running back room. Sadly, the veteran appears to be on injured reserve for the entire upcoming season, which shifts the attention to Latavius Murray. Another under-the-radar pickup, Murray was expected to be a healthy scratch for most games. Now, Murray could have the chance to strap on the pads and shine once again.
Shifting the focus back to Hines’ future with the Buffalo Bills, there is a lot of uncertainty. Looking past this season, the veteran running back is on the books for $5.5M next season, with just $500,000 in dead cap if he were to be released. Coming off a major injury with a large price tag and such little dead cap, it almost seems inevitable the front office will have to make a business decision.
Finally, the running back room is rounded out by Jordan Mims. An undrafted free agent from Fresno State, Mims racked up 18 touchdowns in his final year with the Bulldogs. Unless he has an excellent preseason (and we don’t want to let him get snatched up like Raheem Blackshear last year) he’s most likely a lock for the practice squad.
FULLBACK
How can you not love Reggie Gilliam? On the books for just about a two-million-dollar cap hit for the next two seasons, Gilliam earns that money between run blocking, special teams and the occasional catch.
WIDE RECEIVER
I don’t care what Twitter says, I love you, Stefon Diggs.
Despite all the noise in the offseason, Diggs is at Bills Training Camp and smiling through it all. WR1.
Gabe Davis. I feel like there’s a lot of disgruntled fans over Davis’ performance last season. Expectations were high for Gabe following his massive four touchdown game against the Chiefs in the greatest playoff game of all time… sigh… but there’s no reason to believe Davis won’t rebound this coming season. A contract year. A chance to get healthy. And plenty of time in the offseason to work on some flaws, Gabe could have a big season.
Khalil Shakir, the second-year man out of Boise State, is supposed to be Josh’s weapon in the slot. Shakir is one of the most interesting players to watch at training camp this year. The talented 23-year-old will get an increased workload according to General Manager Brandon Beane, and we’ll see what that brings this coming season.
Deonte Harty was an unexpected signing, with a cap hit of $3.75M for the upcoming year. With Hines now injured, Harty appears to be who the team will look to when it comes to the return game, but with a 5’6” frame that can fly, Dorsey could utilize his speed to spread defenses out.
Another veteran under-the-radar addition to the roster is Trent Sherfield. A solid depth receiver and a special team’s piece, Sherfield should make the roster, but nothing is for certain.
Justin Shorter, our 5th round selection in this year’s draft, is another big frame receiver for Allen to target. The upside is obvious with Shorter. Over 500 receiving yards each of his last two seasons at Florida and the size, speed, and ball skills to stretch the field, Shorter has potential.
Tyrell Shavers, an undrafted rookie from San Diego State is a true sleeper to make the squad.
Regarded as one of the best gunners in college football, Shavers could steal a roster spot from veteran Taiwan Jones. Season after season, McDermott and Beane have placed an emphasis on special teams, and this could be yet another one of those decisions.
Just on Friday the Bills released Jalen Wayne, signing Anthony Isabella. A former second round draft pick in 2019, the Cardinals struggled to maximize Isabella’s talents. As a traditional slot receiver, a position in which the Bills have been looking for some help this offseason, Isabella could have a real shot to make this roster if he can turn some heads in camp and the preseason. A long shot for the now veteran who’s joining the team at camp, but a practice squad spot could suffice.
Marcell Ateman is another player to keep your eyes on. The 6’4” wide receiver was the second overall pick in the 2023 XFL Draft. A low-risk, high-upside addition.
TIGHT ENDS
Dawson Knox is slowly becoming the number one tight end he was drafted to be. A good red zone threat. Good athleticism after the catch. The ability to stretch the field. Knox has great traits for a still young tight end. This is the first year of Dawson’s new deal. Nearly a $5M increase for the coming season, then an $8M increase the following season, and on the books for $15.4M in 2025 and $15.6M in 2026, t’ll be expected that Knox plays up to those numbers.
Dalton Kincaid is a fun pick. If you have not watched his highlight tape from Utah, go watch it. Elite ball skills. Silky routes. Good after the catch. Red zone threat. You can expect Kincaid to be lined up all over the field next season.
Quintin Morris is the favorite to secure the final spot for tight end on the roster. Morris only had one touchdown last year in that awesome snow game against Miami, but he provides blocking in the run game and plays a special teams role. Morris should be a lock for the roster, but again, no spot is ever for certain.
Former Minnesota Viking Zach Davidson is an intriguing addition, but he is still on injury reserved. A wildcard going forward, especially since the front office thought it was necessary to sign a reserve future contract.
Every year at training camp there’s at least one interesting story. This year it’s Nick Guggemos. A tight end out of the University of St. Thomas, Guggemos played division III football and now finds himself at an NFL training camp. It’s unlikely the rookie makes the roster, but he’s had to turn some heads to get this far.
Guggemos will battle Joel Wilson, a MAC product out of Central Michigan for a spot on the practice squad. Wilson had 821 yards for the Chippewas and 12 touchdowns over the past two seasons.
OFFENSIVE TACKLE
One of the longest-tenured Bills, Dion Dawkins, will do what he’s done since he arrived in 2017, protect the franchise’s blindside. Outside of that, there’s a great amount of uncertainty at tackle.
Spencer Brown still has the potential to be a great tackle, but there is a lot to be cleaned up. There are plenty of young tackles around the league who have made massive jumps with more experience, but Brown will surely have to battle for the starting right tackle spot.
Last season David Quessenberry was a serviceable backup and a solid starter at times. Another competitor to start at right tackle, but he’ll likely remain on the roster regardless, with a low cap hit of $1.6M, and holding $1M of dead cap if cut.
Brandon Shell is likely Brown’s biggest battle in the position room. With Miami last year, Shell played 761 snaps with 11 starts, allowing just two sacks and called for four penalties. He’s by no means a great starter, but a serviceable veteran when called upon. Side note, Shell is much cheaper to cut than Quessenberry if that is a factor when decisions are being made.
Tommy Doyle, is another big physical young guy. With two years left on his rookie deal he ideally wins a backup job and continues to play a special team’s role. Who knows maybe he’ll catch another touchdown.
Alec Anderson, an undrafted free agent in 2022 spent all of last season on the practice squad. He’ll most likely start there again this year to continue developing, but a young player to keep an eye on.
Richard Gouraige was projected to be a day-three selection but fell to the Bills in undrafted free agency this offseason. Gouraige can play multiple positions and may be better off transitioning to guard.
INTERIOR OFFENSIVE LINE
With a plethora of concussions throughout his career, the hope is that Mitch Morse can stay healthy this season. Morse has been a consistent starter since his arrival in Buffalo, and a great addition to the locker room. Not enough good things could be said about the veteran center.
Guard O’Cyrus Torrence was a steal in the late second round. I expect him to solidify a day-one starter job and be a piece in protection that the Bills were truly lacking last season.
Ryan (Rick) Bates has been solid for the Bills since arriving via trade in 2019. I expect him to be around the entirety of the remainder of his contract, with his versatility being a huge bonus to the team.
Connor McGovern is yet another under-the-radar addition to this roster. The veteran should be a reliable starter for the Bills and was a much-needed signing this offseason. One could argue the Bills paid a premium to get McGovern, but after seeing struggles with the line for a few seasons now, it was necessary.
Nick Broeker, the rookie 7th-round selection out of Mississippi seems to be a project. The rookie needs to put on some weight and get stronger to make up for his smaller wingspan. A fringe roster player, depending on how much veteran depth the team desires.
David Edwards was signed from Los Angeles this offseason, following a stint with the Rams. The veteran played 17 games in 2021 and started every playoff game in the Rams’ Super Bowl run. 2022 was a lost year for Edwards, who struggled when he appeared and missed 13 games due to injury. In a loaded guard room with two new additions, Edwards could be on the outside looking in.
Ike Boettger, Greg Mancz and Kevin Jarvis round out the guards for this year’s Buffalo Bills. Versatility will be a big factor as decisions are made, and only one will likely be stashed on the practice squad.
SEAN MCDERMOTT’S DEFENSE
DEFENSIVE ENDS
Von Miller is the headliner and veteran leader of this group. Teams always need to be aware where 40 is lined up. Hopefully he’s back by October, but in the meantime his leadership and coaching will be important to this defense.
Greg Rousseau, the former first-round pick was also supposed to be a project with high upside. Going into year three, it is time to see some serious development. Not that Greg hasn’t shown flashes or been an impact in his time here already, but for this team to win a Super Bowl, they’ll need a legitimate threat across from Von.
Leonard Floyd was a great signing who could be that legitimate threat. A Super Bowl champion. A productive veteran with a lot of knowledge and experience. He should help the young linemen.
There are many mixed opinions about A.J. Epenesa in Bills' Mafia circles. Has the young defensive end lived up to the hype just yet? No. But Epenesa did rack up 6.5 sacks last season with limited playing time. In a contract year, A.J. will aim to impress.
Boogie Basham is yet another young defensive end who needs to take a step. With the plethora of options at the position, there’s a chance he’s on the outside looking in. However, it would be hard to see the Bills make him walk. We’ll see how Boogie’s grown as a player.
Shaq Lawson feels like a fan favorite. Left to get his money then came back and embraced the fans with another solid season. He is excellent on the edge at containing the run. Another fringe roster player in a loaded room, it’s hard not to root for Shaq.
Kingsley Jonathan was a dog last preseason. He was all gas, no breaks, looking to turn some heads. Jonathan should be on the practice squad to start the season, but with injuries he could find himself in a position to prove what he has.
Kameron Cline will get a shot with the Bills after a few years with the Colts struggling to make active rosters. It’s an uphill battle for Cline in Buffalo as well.
Kendal Vickers, the former Las Vegas Raider, spent the end of last year on the Bills practice squad. Vickers is in the same boat as Cline though, with an uphill battle to fight through camp.
DEFENSIVE TACKLES
Ed Oliver, you got paid. Now show us why you got paid. Another polarizing player among the fan base, Oliver will look to prove the haters wrong in his fifth season with the team.
Daquon Jones is a versatile defensive tackle with size. Likely one of the more under-the-radar players on the team, Jones’ impact was seen last season when he was out with injury. The 6’4” 320-pound defensive tackle is a stout run stuffer, a role the team has been trying to fill for a few years now. With his talent and the fact that his contract comes with a large amount of dead cap, it would be a massive surprise to see Jones not on the 53-man roster. With another strong year, Jones could be a candidate to receive an extension, but he is 32 already.
Jordan Phillips is another fan favorite. He is relatively cheap and is productive when he plays. Health problems plagued him last year so hopefully that is a non-factor. Another defensive lineman on a one-year deal, Phillips is playing to make the team and then another contract. Always rooting for J Phil.
Poona Ford was another great value addition by Brandon Beane. A big guy who will eat up blocks and gaps on the line of scrimmage, Ford will help against the run. The veteran is also on a one-year deal just as Jones and Phillips, meaning he’s also in a contract year.
Tim Settle did not get much time on the field last season. Some had high hopes for Settle, with him being seen as a diamond in the rough, but that did not come to fruition. 2023 could be a better year for the interior pass rusher, but with a dead cap of $5.15M Settle is not an option to be cut. If the Bills want to move on, they are better off finding a trade partner to save cap space.
Eli Ankou did not see the field at all last year in a practice squad role. Ankou will have to fight for that same spot on the practice squad if he intends on being around this season.
Cortez Broughton was waived by the Chiefs last year due to a failed physical. The 25-year-old lineman will try to make the Bills practice squad if he wants to stick around.
DJ Dale is an undrafted free agent from Alabama. The interior defensive lineman was projected to be a day three selection with upside by scouting networks. With a good camp, Dale would be the favorite to make the practice squad. I would expect him to be a practice squad guy that Mcdermott can develop.
LINEBACKERS
Matt Milano is a stud, and his contract is a steal. After years of the Bills Mafia calling Milano underrated, the trend can finally come to an end. All Pro. Top 100 Players. Matt Milano has arrived in this league and is here to stay.
With the departure of Tremaine Edmunds, a starting linebacker spot is up for grabs and there are multiple candidates competing for the position.
Beane added Dorian Williams in the third round of this year's draft, an athletic linebacker who can play sideline to sideline. He can compete to start day one, but he’ll have plenty of veterans to battle for the position.
Tyrel Dodson could be an internal candidate to fill the void that Edmunds had left. Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Bills in 2019, Dodson has stuck around the team’s practice squad and 53-man roster. As camp has begun, Dodson has seen the bulk of his snaps as the team’s first-team middle linebacker, but we’ll see if he can hang on to that role as camp and preseason proceed. Regardless, Dodson makes the roster with his ability to play special teams.
Baylon Spector, the Bills 7th round pick out of Clemson last year, is a dark horse to win the starting middle linebacker job. On Friday at camp, Spector saw some snaps as the first-team middle linebacker and ran with it. A near interception turned the heads of many, but it’ll be an uphill battle for the second-year linebacker.
Another Beane draft pick from just last season, Terrel Bernard, was thought to be the favorite to start at middle linebacker. Very good at Baylor just a couple years ago, Bernard has great athleticism and is excellent in coverage. As camp continues, Bernard could earn that starting spot and it would shock no one.
AJ Klein was brought back by the Bills this offseason. A fine backup and special teamer, Klein should make this roster. The veteran likely won’t be the team’s starting linebacker, but he has been solid when stepping in, in the past.
Tyler Matakevich is a great special team’s player and should be a lock to make the Bills’ roster.
Shane Ray is a former 2015 first round pick by the Broncos that just never panned out. With the loaded linebacker room, it's an uphill battle for Ray.
Trevin Howard, another Los Angeles Rams connection to the Bills, was also brought in on a one-year deal. Most likely, there is no room for him here on this roster.
CORNERBACK
Tre’Davious White should be better going into year two after ACL surgery. White didn’t seem to be his normal self-last season, understood coming off such a serious injury. When at his best, Tre might just be the team’s best defensive player.
Following a strong ending to last season, Kaiir Elam is the favorite to win the CB2 job, across from Tre. However, as camp has begun, Elam certainly has some serious competition.
Christian Benford was awesome last year when the Bills needed him. That trend has carried over to camp where Benford has seen the bulk of snaps with the first-team defense.
Dane Jackson was a steal of a former 7th-round pick from Beane. The now veteran will be in the mix for CB2 but most likely is competing for time as the dime back. It is worth noting that Dane is in a contract year.
Taron Johnson is a great nickel corner. This is the first year of his pay increase and he deserves it. Taron’s all over the field making tackles but is also sticky in coverage.
Siran Neal is an outstanding special team’s player. He should be a roster lock.
Cam Lewis, a University at Buffalo product, is a solid depth player. He’ll compete this camp to stay with the team.
Ja’Marcus Ingram is another University at Buffalo guy. Ingram will likely be fighting for a practice squad spot, and he may just be the favorite to do so.
Alex Austin, a rookie 7th-round pick from Oregon State, is a fringe roster guy but with the need for special team aces, he could get nodded down to the practice squad to start.
SAFETIES
Jordan Poyer is incredible. I honestly thought he would sign elsewhere this season, but the Bills are lucky to have him back. And you can’t say Poyer without….
Micah Hyde. Hyde is returning after missing most of last year with a neck injury. It was unfortunate to miss him pretty much the entirety of last year, but he will be back and hopefully still the same elite safety.
Taylor Rapp was a great signing. He is a starting caliber safety who showed great versatility while playing with the Rams. His contract provides excellent value, and he may just be the long-term plan for safety when Poyer or Hyde eventually moves on.
Damar Hamlin. What is there to say? An amazing story from last season. It’s incredible that he’s back at training camp and all is well. Perhaps forgotten in the mix of last year’s story, Damar showed some real potential as a future starting safety in the league. He will be a backup again next season and I am sure his presence will be a boost for the boys.
Dean Marlowe is a serviceable backup and has been during his time with McDermott. He will have to compete for a spot on the roster due to the addition of Rapp.
Zayne Anderson, who was with the Chiefs last year, signed a two-year deal with the Bills. Anderson is young and has experience playing special teams snaps for the Chiefs over the past two years. He could provide value to special teams, but he will have to beat someone in the secondary out for a roster spot.
Jared Mayden, the former Alabama safety, will try to earn a spot on the practice squad for the Bills throughout training camp and the preseason.
SPECIALISTS
LONG SNAPPER
How can you not love Reid Ferguson? A true culture guy. I hope he retires a Buffalo Bill.
KICKER
Tyler Bass is still money. Coming off a great third season with the Bills, it’s safe to say he’s a top-ten kicker in the league and still rising in those ranks.
PUNTER
Sam Martin was good for the Bills last year. He is also under contract through 2025 for cheap. Martin is getting up there in age but looks like there should be no change in punter yet.
Thank you for reading, and as always, Go Bills.
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