Final Bills 53-man roster projection for 2020

The Buffalo Bills are a mere hours away from trimming down their roster to 53 players. On Saturday, NFL teams, including the Bills, must have their team down to that number by 4 p.m. Teams entered this year’s training camp with 80 players as opposed to the traditional 90 due to COVID-19.

There were several storylines to come out of this year’s training camp. While some were the types we’re used to, others were new, such as the grapple the team had on reports coming out of training camp. While eyeballs on camp were held back from reporting things over the past few weeks, we haven’t heard much. But media outlets are no longer watching practice, and since they’re not, we’ve started to really see the dust settle a bit on where the team’s final roster could sit.

Using some of the additional info we’re now privy to, let’s put together a final guess at the squad. Here’s our last 53-man roster projection for the Bills as they head toward cut-down day on Saturday:

Bills quarterbacks Josh Allen (17) and Matt Barkley (Gannett photo).

QUARTERBACK (3)

Josh Allen, Matt Barkley, Jake Fromm

Cuts: Davis Webb

At this point of the offseason, we’ve seen two factions of reports out of Bills training camp. The first is Davis Webb out-playing rookie Jake Fromm. That could be true, but the Bills also made an investment in Fromm via a fifth-round pick. Albeit it’s a Day 3 pick, but we’ve already seen the lengths Sean McDermott will go to support a problematic Round 5 QB. Nathan Peterman was one, folks.

Because of that past, and the front office’s prior protections of from via his racially-charged text messages which surfaced this offseason… c’mon, the Bills are almost right to the finish line with Fromm so it’s hard to envision them letting him go. He’s not going to stick around on their practice squad, someone will claim him if he’s let go, so we’ll predict stays and Webb goes to the practice squad… perhaps even in a twisted way. Maybe just to protect Fromm, they keep him on the 53 and put Webb on the practice squad. Teams are much less likely to go after Webb. But if Allen gets hurt, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Webb called up from the practice squad to be QB2 behind Barkley.

And in the past the Bills have kept two quarterbacks, but with COVID-19, it’d be very silly to not do everything you can to keep all four guys around.

Bills second year running back Devin Singletary during individual practice sessions. (Gannett photo)

Running back (5)

Devin Singletary, Zack Moss, TJ Yeldon, Taiwan Jones, Patrick DiMarco

Cuts: Reggie Gilliam, Christian Wade (roster exemption)

At running back, Devin Singletary and Zack Moss lead the backfield, it just depends how those carries get split heading into the season. TJ Yeldon provides the Bills a veteran option that could be scratched on most game days, just like in 2019. Pre-injury, Taiwan Jones was a lock for the team’s roster. However, he’s banged up and then the Bills curiously traded from linebacker Andre Smith.

Both Jones and Smith are mostly special teamers and Jones has missed quite a bit of time with a knee injury. Curious, we won’t be surprised if we’re wrong on Jones, but the Bills do very much covet his skills there so we’ll project he sticks.

On Patrick DiMarco and Reggie Gilliam… not so sure the rookie is actually a tight end. McDermott will take any edge he can get and go to great lengths to do so. Having said that, putting out a signal to other teams that Gilliam’s too bad at his position of fullback and had to be switch to tight end is a good way to make sure he slides onto your practice squad as a future replacement for DiMarco down the road? Just saying.

But in terms of 2020, DiMarco sticks despite missing a lot of practices with a neck injury.

Bills tight end Dawson Knox. (James P. McCoy/Buffalo News via AP, Pool)

Tight end (3)

Dawson Knox, Lee Smith, Tyler Kroft

PUP list: Tommy Sweeney

Cuts: Nate Becker, Jason Croom

Pretty cut and paste for the tight end unit throughout the entire offseason. This group has actually strangely been extremely quiet throughout training camp. The brief blip on the radar came from Kroft, when he hurt his foot… again, just like a year ago… but he only missed one day of practice. He’s back out there and good to go.

That injury last season paved the way for Dawson Knox to become Buffalo’s No. 1 tight end, a job he’ll continue in next season. Despite some successes, Knox needs to improve his drop problem and blocking abilities.

Info on Tommy Sweeney’s foot injury is currently scarce as well. He can be removed from the PUP list at any time before the first game, but he’s been on that designation for awhile now. Plus, offensive lineman Jon Feliciano, who’s expected to miss multiple games himself (chest) hasn’t been put on the PUP list, so… what gives here?

If Sweeney does come back, 2020 could be a big year for Knox and Sweeney if the Bills are going to move into the long-term future with both. In the short term, both will be be on the Bills roster again, as will Lee Smith, who will take the bulk of extra-blocking duties and provide a veteran presence. As early as 2021, the Bills could look to go in another direction here if Knox/ Sweeney/ both don’t take a step forward next season, but that’s a story for another day.

Bills wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins. (James P. McCoy/Buffalo News via AP, Pool)

Wide receiver (7)

Stefon Diggs, Cole Beasley, John Brown, Gabriel Davis, Isaiah McKenzie, Andre Roberts, Isaiah Hodgins

Cuts: Robert Foster, Duke Williams

Stefon Diggs, John Brown, Cole Beasley, and Gabriel Davis are your locks. As a fourth-round pick, Davis will be on the roster as a rookie… not to mention, he’s been your “training camp darling” and has impressed just about every single practice.

Onto the tougher decisions, how do the Bills keep seven wideouts out of camp? In the past, they’ve kept as few as five. Well, the rundown… Isaiah McKenzie has been a Swiss-Army knife for the Bills. With the coronavirus offseason going on, McKenzie has a lot of experience in Buffalo’s scheme on offense, so he has an edge on all these depth options who don’t. McKenzie can also provide a job as a backup to All-Pro Andre Roberts as a kick returner. Roberts has actually showed some nice practices as a receiver as well.

Isaiah Hodgins has the physical tools and has done enough as a sixth-round rookie to probably keep around. We left off Robert Foster and Duke Williams. Foster hasn’t been healthy enough to get on the field and make any sort of impressions due to a concussion. Williams has been on the field and certainly has impressed. Unfortunately, Hodgins can play special teams and Williams doesn’t. Maybe Buffalo can slide Williams on the practice squad, but if he gets claimed, nothing but well wishes should be sent his way.

But, again, seven? The Bills do have a few injuries heading into camp. Among those is someone like Jon Feliciano. If he gets designated to the PUP list or somewhere else while he’s out a few weeks, perhaps when he’s activated, the Bills cut down to six guys in the receiver room then? Just a thought.

Bills offensive tackle Dion Dawkins. Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive tackle (4)

Dion Dawkins, Ty Nsekhe, Daryl Williams, Ryan Bates

Cuts: Victor Salako, Brandon Walton, Trey Adams

The Bills have their anchor at left tackle with Dion Dawkins, but for now, right tackle is up in the air. We haven’t been able to get much information on the Bills’ starting offensive line heading into next season, but at right tackle, it could either be Ty Nsekhe or Daryl Williams. Last year’s starting right tackle, Cody Ford, is likely going to begin the year as Buffalo’s right guard. McDermott hasn’t come out and said this, but th images and videos we see from camp indicate to us that Ford’s spent plenty of time on the inside. Nsekhe could be a cap casualty or a trade piece, but for now we’ll assume he stays.

In Bates, we haven’t seen a ton of what he can do since he’s only played in a total of 78 offensive snaps in his career, but the Bills appear to like him. Prior to camp we guessed Trey Adams could grab a roster spot, but he’s been relatively silent over training camp and is probably a lock for a practice squad spot because the Bills have pretty much no other younger options for there.

Bills offensive tackle Cody Ford. (James P. McCoy/Buffalo News via AP, Pool)

Interior O-line (4)

Quinton Spain, Mitch Morse, Evan Boehm, Cody Ford

Cuts: Ike Boettger, Marquel Harrell, Brian Winters

Injured: Jon Feliciano

While we only have eight guys that “make the cut” we’re really looking at nine here with Feliciano as the wild card. But the real big change for us is Brian Winters being cut. First with Feliciano, something is likely to give… he’s going to at least be out through the Raiders meeting Week 4. He sent out to social media that he’s going to return then, but Feliciano is an optimistic player, not a doctor. Putting him on the PUP list or IR could be an option here… and as mentioned, potentially cutting a receiver at the point of his return.

But in lieu of him, it seems pretty certain Ford is taking his spot now instead of Winters, who was once a bit of a presumed starter with Feliciano out… however, that hasn’t been the case. If Winters isn’t starting, perhaps he could be a trade piece for the Bills? Also without Feliciano, the Bills need a backup center and Boehm has much more experience at doing so than the likes of Bates. While cut, Ike Boettger could be the leading candidate for a practice squad spot, although, he’s been claimed before when the Bills have cut him.

Bills defensive end AJ Epenesa. (James P. McCoy/Buffalo News via AP, Pool)

Defensive end (4)

Mario Addison, Jerry Hughes, AJ Epenesa, Darryl Johnson

Cuts: Mike Love, Darryl Johnson, Trent Murphy, Bryan Cox Jr.

Last year, Darryl Johnson was the No. 4 the rotation McDermott runs on his defensive line, but he was a distant four as the Bills didn’t trust him much on the field and his snaps decreased after the start of the year. However, he’s young, has potential, plays special teams, and perhaps more importantly, Johnson has a better chance of being claimed on waivers than guys like Mike Love or Bryan Cox. That could give Johnson the slight edge like Fromm does over Webb at QB. At minimal, one of Love or Cox would sneak onto the practice squad.

But the reason you’re all looking here: Trent Murphy. Does he have more proven talent than Johnson, Cox and Love? Yes. Still, Murphy’s way too much of a cap casualty to keep. The Bills would receive around $8 million in cap space by letting him go, and we’ve essentially heard very little about him during training camp. While that $8M won’t go far right now, if it rolls over into the 2021 salary cap, less Murphy could mean more Matt Milano.

As the team’s top 2020 draft pick, Epenesa stays. Plus, it’s been revealed that Epenesa has lined up at all four spots along the defensive line during training camp. That’s some massive trust in him from Buffalo’s coaching staff.

Bills offensive tackle Cody Ford, left, blocks Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver during pregame warmups. (James P. McCoy/Buffalo News via AP, Pool)

Defensive tackle (4)

Vernon Butler, Quinton Jefferson, Harrison Phillips, Ed Oliver

Cuts: Tanzel Smart, Vincent Taylor, Justin Zimmer

Tanzel Smart did get a few rumblings out of the scrimmage the Bills held during camp, but we haven’t really seen much movement in this group and for good reason. However, some of these cut guys could jockey for expanded practice squad roles. Up to six players on the practice squad can have an unlimited number of accrued seasons. This means that six spots on the practice squad can really be an extension of the 53-man roster. Guys like Smart could qualify for that, or even an offensive lineman like Boehm.

In regard to guys actually on the roster, even without Star Lotulelei thanks to his opt out, this group is still solid. The two guys who have a great look at replacing him are Vernon Butler and Harrison Phillips. As a former first-round pick of the Panthers, Butler finally looked solid last season, but the Bills still swiped him via free agency. Phillips also had a solid first two games of 2019 before a knee injury sidelined him. So far in camp, Phillips hasn’t had any bumps in the road in regard to returning.

At the other tackle spot, Ed Oliver is the clear-cut No. 1 following Jordan Phillips’ departure in free agency. But Quinton Jefferson is capable as a No. 2 and can play all over the defensive line, so he’ll see the field a nice amount as well.

Bills linebacker Matt Milano. (James P. McCoy/The Buffalo News via AP, Pool)

Linebacker (6)

Tremaine Edmunds, Matt Milano, AJ Klein, Tyler Matakevich, Andre Smith, Tyrel Dodson

Cuts: Del’Shawn Phillips, Corey Thompson, Vosean Joseph

Here’s where we can connect Winters into our changes in this final roster projection. Previously, the Bills keep five linebackers. Only keeping five wouldn’t be the worst thing because McDermott mostly runs a defense with two starting linebackers. However, keeping six would be a more comfortable feeling for the coaching staff and give the team more options for special teamers. So without Winters, Tyrel Dodson is your beneficiary, making the cut.

Previously the Bills stuck by Dodson’s off-field issues and during this year’s training camp, he’s showed versatility as a special teamer and on defense as a backup to both starting spots. That gives Dodson an edge on a guy like Vosean Joseph.Corey Thompson has shown versatility to spell both Edmunds and Milano over the recent years, but he’s missed some time recently in camp due to injury and Dodson is a younger option.

Speaking of special teams, Tyler Matakevich will likely only see time as a special teamer. During his career he’s been great there, but not a great linebacker. Andre Smith, recently traded for by the team isn’t a lock, but why trade for him if you didn’t expect him to come in and play special teams since that’s what he does?

Then we have Tremaine Edmunds, Matt Milano and AJ Klein. Those guys have been locks since Day 1, especially Edmunds and Milano. Klein isn’t the pass rusher Lorenzo Alexander was, but he can replace him in coverage and might even be a better run stopper.

Bills cornerback Tre’Davious White. (James P. McCoy/The Buffalo News via AP, Pool)

Cornerback (5)

Tre’Davious White, Josh Norman, Levi Wallace, Taron Johnson, Dane Jackson

Cuts: Cam Lewis, Brian Allen

Slow and steady has kind of been the way we’ve seen Dane Jackson’s trajectory in training camp. He hasn’t had any crazy big days, but with EJ Gaines opting out, Jackson’s been there. He provides depth both at inside and outside cornerback. There could be a diamond in the rough with him, especially if Buffalo eases him into action.

The top-three of Tre’Davious White, Josh Norman and Levi Wallace are set. Actually we’ll make that four since Taron Johnson has quietly held down the slot duties for the past few seasons now. Norman is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, but was seen working out a bit on the sideline and has returned to doing some stuff during the limited viewing portions of practice this week, so he should be good by the season opener.

And now for a sneak preview of the next page: Siran Neal. The safety can also come down and provide depth in the box as a cornerback inside, so he’d be your sixth defensive back in this group, if called upon. Lewis is a practice squad candidate while Allen just appeared to be a signing as a training camp body.

Bills safety Jordan Poyer. (James P. McCoy/The Buffalo News via AP, Pool)

Safety (5)

Micah Hyde, Jordan Poyer, Dean Marlowe, Siran Neal, Jaquan Johnson

Cuts: Josh Thomas

You already knew Neal was coming… and Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer. But this final safety spot is up for grabs. Dean Marlowe is has been more of the No. 3 safety in recent years. If Hyde and Poyer, who rarely miss time, do, it’s Marlowe’s spot to step up. So far in training camp, Marlowe’s done nothing expect solidify he’s going to continue in that job in 2020. With Jaquan Johnson, the Bills might have an extra body in the secondary that’s mostly a special teamer, although Neal will also play a big role there as well. The Bills could have a liking for Johnson in terms of a potential starter down the road, but that’s a bold projection, for sure.

Specialists (3)

Tyler Bass, Corey Bojorquez, Reid Ferguson

Cuts: Stephen Hauschka, Lachlan Edwards

Tyler Bass and Corey Bojorquez have already won their training camp battles for their spots as the Bills’ placekicker and punter, respectively. They join long snapper Reid Ferguson as Buffalo’s starting specialists.

Related

Could teammate hold back Bills QB Josh Allen in fantasy football?

ESPN: Tre'Davious White, Stefon Diggs predicted as top-100 players in 2020

Report: Steve Tasker to replace Eric Wood on Bills radio broadcast

Bills currently over potential 2021 salary cap floor heading into roster cuts