GunnerBill Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 Okay, I know it is early, but with FA and draft done I thought it was time for a first go at predicting the opening day roster for the 2015 season. I know injuries are bound to throw this off somewhere but I will update with further attempts the closer we get so here goes.... Bills Roster 2015 v1.0 Quarterback (3): Matt Cassel EJ Manuel Tyrod Taylor Running Back (4): LeSean McCoy Fred Jackson Karlos Williams Anthony Dixon Full Back (1): Jerome Felton Wide Receiver (6): Sammy Watkins Robert Woods Percy Harvin Chris Hogan Marquise Goodwin Marcus Easly Tight End (3): Charles Clay Nick O'Leary Marquise Gray Offensive Line (9): Cordy Glenn T Seantrel Henderson T Cyrus Kouandjo T Richie Incognito G John Miller G Cyril Richardson G Eric Wood C Kraig Urbik G/C Chris Williams G/T Defensive Line (6): Marcel Dareus Mario Williams Kyle Williams Stefan Charles Corbin Bryant Jarius Wynn Linebacker (7): Jerry Hughes OLB Manny Lawson OLB Randell Johnson OLB/ILB Tony Steward OLB/ILB Ty Powell OLB/ILB Nigel Bradham ILB Preston Brown ILB Cornerback (7): Stephon Gilmore Leodis McKelvin Corey Graham Ronald Darby Ross Cockrell Nickell Roby Ron Brooks Safety (4): Aaron Williams Duke Williams Bacarri Rambo Jonathan Meeks Special Teams (3): Dan Carpenter K Colton Schmidt P Garrison Sanborn LS So as I see it the tough calls for the final few spots are the 4th running back over the 4th tight end. I could justify that spot for Boobie based on his special teams play. I can't justify it for Bryce Brown. For me it is Boobie vs Chris Gragg. Equally the other final spot as it stands was an extra WR vs Ron Brooks as a 7th corner. I went with the corner based on Rex's past... however, I think he is vulnerable to the signing of an additional linebacker (Spikes?) or an additional specialist offensive tackle (although they could equally choose to bring a tackle into the fray and cut Cyril Richardson or depending on health Chris Williams). What do you guys think? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fixxxer Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 Not a bad projection though I think they'll want to have 4 TEs on the roster. So, Gragg in and one of the fringe LBs out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly the Dog Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 I think that's pretty close. I still think we sign Landry for Brooks and Spikes for Steward who goes to PS. I still think we may bring in another veteran OL to replace Chris Williams or maybe Richardson. I have no idea how these OL are going to play under Kromer and Roman. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GOBILLS78 Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 That looks pretty good on the surface. Would not at all be surprised if Goodwin doesn't make the team though. Especially if Lewis makes a lot of plays in camp. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly the Dog Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 Not a bad projection though I think they'll want to have 4 TEs on the roster. So, Gragg in and one of the fringe LBs out. Roman does like to use a lot of TE but I think that Gragg and Gray basically do the same thing and serve the same purpose. None of them are blocking TE and Roman often uses extra OT for that. Because of Felton and Boobie is a big guy, too, combined with Harvin they want on the field more as a #3 WR, not counting Goodwin, I think Roman stays with three TE. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GunnerBill Posted May 3, 2015 Author Share Posted May 3, 2015 That looks pretty good on the surface. Would not at all be surprised if Goodwin doesn't make the team though. Especially if Lewis makes a lot of plays in camp. Agree 100% with that and I have said even before the draft that Goodwin is on the bubble for me. His return capacity goes in his favour, however, with Harvin and Darby as potential options I think he is at risk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lurker Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 . I have no idea how these OL are going to play under Kromer and Roman. The 2015 season will hinge on it. It will be the most closely scruitinized aspect of SJF for sure... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirby Jackson Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 (edited) Agree 100% with that and I have said even before the draft that Goodwin is on the bubble for me. His return capacity goes in his favour, however, with Harvin and Darby as potential options I think he is at risk. I actually think that Goodwin is pretty safe. He has a skill that he excels at. The Bills don't need him to play many snaps but they can be impact snaps. That's what you'd want at the bottom of your roster I would think. Rex sounds really intrigued by his speed too. If you want to run the ball, the threat of Goodwin is extremely valuable. He keeps guys away from the LOS. Nice job on the 53! I think that is pretty close. Edited May 3, 2015 by Kirby Jackson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly the Dog Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 Agree 100% with that and I have said even before the draft that Goodwin is on the bubble for me. His return capacity goes in his favour, however, with Harvin and Darby as potential options I think he is at risk. Possible. Rex has already gone way out of his way twice to say how impressed he is with Goodwin. I always thought that was going to happen too. You can't cover him. I think Goodwin stays. We are going to use some offenses with insane speed on it, like Watkins, Harvin and Goodwin at WR at the same time, and if they drop back we run, and if they have lineups or formations to stop the run we let those guys take off. It's just a matter of whether Goodwin gets hurt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GunnerBill Posted May 3, 2015 Author Share Posted May 3, 2015 I actually think that Goodwin is pretty safe. He has a skill that he excels at. The Bills don't need him to play many snaps but they can be impact snaps. That's what you'd want at the bottom of your roster I would think. Rex sounds really intrigued by his speed too. If you want to run the ball, the threat of Goodwin is extremely valuable. He keeps guys away from the LOS. Nice job on the 53! I think that is pretty close. Thanks. And what kept Goodwin in for me is that Rex really seemed upbeat on him last week. We will see how things unfold. Will probably do version 2 right at the start of camp and then keep pretty regularly updated after that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LOVEMESOMEBILLS Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 Okay, I know it is early, but with FA and draft done I thought it was time for a first go at predicting the opening day roster for the 2015 season. I know injuries are bound to throw this off somewhere but I will update with further attempts the closer we get so here goes.... Bills Roster 2015 v1.0 Quarterback (3): Matt Cassel EJ Manuel Tyrod Taylor Running Back (4): LeSean McCoy Fred Jackson Karlos Williams Anthony Dixon Full Back (1): Jerome Felton Wide Receiver (6): Sammy Watkins Robert Woods Percy Harvin Chris Hogan Marquise Goodwin Marcus Easly Tight End (3): Charles Clay Nick O'Leary Marquise Gray Offensive Line (9): Cordy Glenn T Seantrel Henderson T Cyrus Kouandjo T Richie Incognito G John Miller G Cyril Richardson G Eric Wood C Kraig Urbik G/C Chris Williams G/T Defensive Line (6): Marcel Dareus Mario Williams Kyle Williams Stefan Charles Corbin Bryant Jarius Wynn Linebacker (7): Jerry Hughes OLB Manny Lawson OLB Randell Johnson OLB/ILB Tony Steward OLB/ILB Ty Powell OLB/ILB Nigel Bradham ILB Preston Brown ILB Cornerback (7): Stephon Gilmore Leodis McKelvin Corey Graham Ronald Darby Ross Cockrell Nickell Roby Ron Brooks Safety (4): Aaron Williams Duke Williams Bacarri Rambo Jonathan Meeks Special Teams (3): Dan Carpenter K Colton Schmidt P Garrison Sanborn LS So as I see it the tough calls for the final few spots are the 4th running back over the 4th tight end. I could justify that spot for Boobie based on his special teams play. I can't justify it for Bryce Brown. For me it is Boobie vs Chris Gragg. Equally the other final spot as it stands was an extra WR vs Ron Brooks as a 7th corner. I went with the corner based on Rex's past... however, I think he is vulnerable to the signing of an additional linebacker (Spikes?) or an additional specialist offensive tackle (although they could equally choose to bring a tackle into the fray and cut Cyril Richardson or depending on health Chris Williams). What do you guys think? Really good job GunnerBill. I still think they find a way to get Spikes on the team somehow. Steward would probably go to PS. After the glowing reviews of Goodwin last week by Rex I just don't see him not making the team. Rex even mentioned how you can't cover him one on one. Unless he gets injured again. Once again good job thanks for taking the time to come up with the list. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
....lybob Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 Here's an if question - if EJ or Tyrod win the QB competition do you keep Cassel at 4.75 mil? Chris Williams - in the last 5 years he's been able to play 34 games out of 80, guys has had back issues from his rookie year - he doesn't give me a high confidence level Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fixxxer Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 Here's an if question - if EJ or Tyrod win the QB competition do you keep Cassel at 4.75 mil? Chris Williams - in the last 5 years he's been able to play 34 games out of 80, guys has had back issues from his rookie year - he doesn't give me a high confidence level Yes, for this year at least. In case of injury you want to rely on the veteran QB. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LOVEMESOMEBILLS Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 (edited) Here's an if question - if EJ or Tyrod win the QB competition do you keep Cassel at 4.75 mil? Chris Williams - in the last 5 years he's been able to play 34 games out of 80, guys has had back issues from his rookie year - he doesn't give me a high confidence level I think you keep Cassel if EJ or Tyrod are named the starter. You need a veteran back-up who can come in and win a couple games if injury to the starter happens. I actually think that will be his best role on the team. As for Chris Williams he needs to show something early on if he even makes it that long. Edited May 3, 2015 by LOVEMESOMEBILLS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
symbiant Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 (edited) Good job. Chris Williams will probably be cut. And then put in Chris Gragg. Hmm what about Jordan Gay? Edited May 3, 2015 by symbiant Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 Okay, I know it is early, but with FA and draft done I thought it was time for a first go at predicting the opening day roster for the 2015 season. I know injuries are bound to throw this off somewhere but I will update with further attempts the closer we get so here goes.... Bills Roster 2015 v1.0 Quarterback (3): Matt Cassel EJ Manuel Tyrod Taylor Running Back (4): LeSean McCoy Fred Jackson Karlos Williams Anthony Dixon Full Back (1): Jerome Felton Wide Receiver (6): Sammy Watkins Robert Woods Percy Harvin Chris Hogan Marquise Goodwin Marcus Easly Tight End (3): Charles Clay Nick O'Leary Marquise Gray Offensive Line (9): Cordy Glenn T Seantrel Henderson T Cyrus Kouandjo T Richie Incognito G John Miller G Cyril Richardson G Eric Wood C Kraig Urbik G/C Chris Williams G/T Defensive Line (6): Marcel Dareus Mario Williams Kyle Williams Stefan Charles Corbin Bryant Jarius Wynn Linebacker (7): Jerry Hughes OLB Manny Lawson OLB Randell Johnson OLB/ILB Tony Steward OLB/ILB Ty Powell OLB/ILB Nigel Bradham ILB Preston Brown ILB Cornerback (7): Stephon Gilmore Leodis McKelvin Corey Graham Ronald Darby Ross Cockrell Nickell Roby Ron Brooks Safety (4): Aaron Williams Duke Williams Bacarri Rambo Jonathan Meeks Special Teams (3): Dan Carpenter K Colton Schmidt P Garrison Sanborn LS So as I see it the tough calls for the final few spots are the 4th running back over the 4th tight end. I could justify that spot for Boobie based on his special teams play. I can't justify it for Bryce Brown. For me it is Boobie vs Chris Gragg. Equally the other final spot as it stands was an extra WR vs Ron Brooks as a 7th corner. I went with the corner based on Rex's past... however, I think he is vulnerable to the signing of an additional linebacker (Spikes?) or an additional specialist offensive tackle (although they could equally choose to bring a tackle into the fray and cut Cyril Richardson or depending on health Chris Williams). What do you guys think? spot on. I do think there will be some additons to our roster after June 1. And I think we will get creative with cap space- so there might very well be cap casualties too Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ny33 Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 I think that Meeks gets cut, with Graham a flex CB/safety option. In his place, we either keep Gragg or sign a veteran OT. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Jokeman Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 Quarterback (3): Matt Cassel EJ Manuel Tyrod Taylor Running Back (4): LeSean McCoy Fred Jackson Karlos Williams Anthony Dixon Full Back (1): Jerome Felton Wide Receiver (5): Sammy Watkins Robert Woods Percy Harvin Dezmin Lewis Marcus Easly Tight End (4): Charles Clay Nick O'Leary Marquise Gray Jermaine Gresham Offensive Line (9): Cordy Glenn T Seantrel Henderson T Cyrus Kouandjo T Richie Incognito G John Miller G Cyril Richardson G Eric Wood C Kraig Urbik G/C Chris Williams G/T Defensive Line (6): Marcel Dareus Mario Williams Kyle Williams Stefan Charles Corbin Bryant Jarius Wynn Linebacker (7): Jerry Hughes OLB Manny Lawson OLB Randell Johnson OLB/ILB Tony Steward OLB/ILB Nigel Bradham ILB Preston Brown ILB Brandon Spikes ILB Cornerback (5): Stephon Gilmore Leodis McKelvin Corey Graham Ronald Darby Ross Cockrell Safety (4): Aaron Williams Duke Williams D'wan Landry Bacarri Rambo Special Teams (3): Dan Carpenter K Colton Schmidt P Garrison Sanborn LS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly the Dog Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 Good one, Jokeman. I could see them signing Gresham as the blocker if his back checks out. I also imagine they will sign Spikes and Landry in a week or two. We have three spots open on the roster now (although of course they could always cut one of the guys that has no chance if they want to sign more. It's possible that Lewis will surprise but I find it hard to imagine they would go into the season with really just three WR as Lewis would be really raw and Easley just for ST for the most part. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
It's in My Blood Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 (edited) For me, linebacker is the only area (excluding Qb) where we're stacked. I wanna see them sign Spikes. Edited May 3, 2015 by It's in My Blood Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lurker Posted May 4, 2015 Share Posted May 4, 2015 Openings for Spikes, Landry and a vet OL... "Assuming the above 11 players sign, the Bills will have three roster spots open." http://bills.buffalonews.com/2015/05/03/bills-look-to-fill-out-roster/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
metzelaars_lives Posted May 4, 2015 Share Posted May 4, 2015 Kenny Ladler will make the team before Meeks. Also I think Jordan Gay is absolutely worth a roster spot and I'm willing to bet the Bills feel the same. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Punching Bag Posted May 4, 2015 Share Posted May 4, 2015 Okay, I know it is early, but with FA and draft done I thought it was time for a first go at predicting the opening day roster for the 2015 season. I know injuries are bound to throw this off somewhere but I will update with further attempts the closer we get so here goes.... Bills Roster 2015 v1.0 Special Teams (3): Dan Carpenter K Colton Schmidt P Garrison Sanborn LS What do you guys think? I think since they signed Jordan Gay to extension they will keep him unless they have can't lose candidate. Think they will cut a DB and put multiple DBs.on practice squad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JM57 Posted May 4, 2015 Share Posted May 4, 2015 Kenny Ladler will make the team before Meeks. Also I think Jordan Gay is absolutely worth a roster spot and I'm willing to bet the Bills feel the same. Unfortunately the other 31 teams disagree. That being said, the Bills seem to have a lot of versatile pieces that save them roster spots so they can afford to keep a kickoff specialist. Graham as a CB/S, Dixon as a RB/FB, Clay as a do everything guy, Urbik as the back up center,etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GunnerBill Posted May 4, 2015 Author Share Posted May 4, 2015 I did think about Jordan Gay but we were the only team in the NFL last year to carry a kick off specialist.... I wondered whether I could see Rex going with that. By the way if we could add Landry and Spikes I'd be delighted... my 53 was based purely on who is currently on the roster. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Punching Bag Posted May 4, 2015 Share Posted May 4, 2015 Unfortunately the other 31 teams disagree. That being said, the Bills seem to have a lot of versatile pieces that save them roster spots so they can afford to keep a kickoff specialist. Graham as a CB/S, Dixon as a RB/FB, Clay as a do everything guy, Urbik as the back up center,etc. Well the other 31 teams do not get a vote on Bills roster; the Bills do not need to take their opinion into their decision. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirby Jackson Posted May 4, 2015 Share Posted May 4, 2015 Well the other 31 teams do not get a vote on Bills roster; the Bills do not need to take their opinion into their decision. I am kind of with you on this. I think that Jordan Gay makes some sense for this roster. If the defense is going to be as good as most of us think it will be nice to have a guy that makes teams drive the ball 80 yards against them. When you play good defense you need to minimize big plays on ST. It is probably a little less important for a team like NE or GB that can score so easily. JMO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
metzelaars_lives Posted May 4, 2015 Share Posted May 4, 2015 (edited) Unfortunately the other 31 teams disagree. That being said, the Bills seem to have a lot of versatile pieces that save them roster spots so they can afford to keep a kickoff specialist. Graham as a CB/S, Dixon as a RB/FB, Clay as a do everything guy, Urbik as the back up center,etc. We happen to have a very unique situation- we have a guy who is one of the best field goal kickers in the league yet one of the very worst at kicking the ball to the end zone on kickoffs. I would strongly disagree with anyone who did not think Jordan Gay was worth a roster spot last season. He is taking the spot of a backup/special teamer. Don't forget, there are always going to be injuries. By the time the games came around there were only a few players that he dressed in place of- Koundjio, maybe Randell Johnson, etc. The yardage we gain in field position by dressing him vastly outweighs the value in dressing an 8th lineman or something. Edited May 4, 2015 by metzelaars_lives Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miyagi-Do Karate Posted May 4, 2015 Share Posted May 4, 2015 I did think about Jordan Gay but we were the only team in the NFL last year to carry a kick off specialist.... I wondered whether I could see Rex going with that. By the way if we could add Landry and Spikes I'd be delighted... my 53 was based purely on who is currently on the roster. Great job! My only comment was on Gay too. The fact that we re-signed him pretty quickly makes me think they are committed to him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly the Dog Posted May 4, 2015 Share Posted May 4, 2015 Great job! My only comment was on Gay too. The fact that we re-signed him pretty quickly makes me think they are committed to him. Likely. I still think it will come down to the last player they are wanting to cut and how much Rex or Roman or Thurman wants them on the roster. They also may say, since Karlos Williams and Darby are so good on special teams as tacklers, and they do so much more, we can afford to not have Gay KO. Roman may say in order for this thing to explode, I want an extra WR like Goodwin or even Lewis, and that could carry weight over Gay. Carpenter could say the less kicking I have been doing has made my leg a little stronger and I can handle the KO duties, or even schmidt, who can KO too, has improved enough. There are a lot of factors. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Wagon Posted May 4, 2015 Share Posted May 4, 2015 I'm a believer in a kick off specialist who can drive the ball out of the back of the endzone as a waste but the Bills didn't agree last year. I really like what guys like Saban and Urban have started doing in college after they moved the kick offs up, instead of driving it out of the back of the end zone, they overload the coverage to one side of the field then have a kicker who can hang the ball up like a punt inside the 20. That puts a lot of pressure on the returner, he knows he has to catch the ball, is likely to get popped soon after catching the ball but is in an awkward role/spot to just call a fair catch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miyagi-Do Karate Posted May 4, 2015 Share Posted May 4, 2015 Likely. I still think it will come down to the last player they are wanting to cut and how much Rex or Roman or Thurman wants them on the roster. They also may say, since Karlos Williams and Darby are so good on special teams as tacklers, and they do so much more, we can afford to not have Gay KO. Roman may say in order for this thing to explode, I want an extra WR like Goodwin or even Lewis, and that could carry weight over Gay. Carpenter could say the less kicking I have been doing has made my leg a little stronger and I can handle the KO duties, or even schmidt, who can KO too, has improved enough. There are a lot of factors. Agreed. I have a feeling it all plays out at the very end, including once they identify people that they can likely stash on the PS. One "concern" I have is Goodwin. He will probably play pretty well, the coaches will be enamored (they already are), and then he will make the team. Then, we go into the regular season, and he misses another 10 games. I really like the guy, but he has proven to be a huge injury risk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GunnerBill Posted May 4, 2015 Author Share Posted May 4, 2015 I do see the argument for the kick off specialist. Will be a big call that one. Seems Carrington may well soon be an additional consideration for the 53. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sojourner Posted May 6, 2015 Share Posted May 6, 2015 QB - Manuel, Taylor & Cassel RB - Freddie, McCoy, Felton, Williams & Dixon TE - Gray, Clay, Gragg & O'Leary OL - Wood, Glenn, Henderson, Incognito, Urbik, Miller, Richardson, Kouandjio & Williams/Kupper WR - Watkins, Woods, Harvin, Easley, Hogan & Goodwin/Lewis DL - Mario, Kyle, Dareus, Hughes, Lawson, Charles, Wynn & Bryant/Reed/Carrington (I think it's personally between Bryant and the new kid Cedric Reed) LB - Brown, Bradham, Johnson, Steward & Powell/Spikes (dependent on a return) DB - Gilmore, Graham, McKelvin, Robey, Brooks, Darby, Duke Williams, Aaron Williams, Meeks & Rambo STs - Carpenter, Sanborn & Roth Practice Squad - Tuel, Tyson Chandler, Koundajio/Kupper (whomever doesn't make the 53), Corey Knox, Justin Brown, Cockrell, Ladler, Jermaine Barton, Tarpley & Erik Williams Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GunnerBill Posted June 24, 2015 Author Share Posted June 24, 2015 (edited) Everyone seems to be in update mode post OTAs and mini camp so here is mine: Quarterback (3): Matt Cassel EJ Manuel Tyrod Taylor Running Back (4): LeSean McCoy Fred Jackson Karlos Williams Anthony Dixon Full Back (1): Jerome Felton Wide Receiver (6): Sammy Watkins Robert Woods Percy Harvin Chris Hogan Marquise Goodwin Marcus Easly Tight End (3): Charles Clay Nick O'Leary Marquise Gray Offensive Line (9 8): Cordy Glenn T Seantrel Henderson T Cyrus Kouandjo T Wayne Hunter T Richie Incognito G John Miller G Cyril Richardson G Eric Wood C Kraig Urbik G/C Chris Williams G/T Defensive Line (6 7): Marcel Dareus Mario Williams Kyle Williams Stefan Charles Corbin Bryant Jarius Wynn Alex Carrington Andre Fluellan (to remain on original 53 as Dareus does not count against the roster week 1 due to his suspension) Linebacker (7): Jerry Hughes OLB Manny Lawson OLB Michael Buchanan OLB Randell Johnson OLB/ILB Tony Steward OLB/ILB Ty Powell OLB/ILB Nigel Bradham ILB Preston Brown ILB Cornerback (7 6): Stephon Gilmore Leodis McKelvin Ronald Darby Ross Cockrell Nickell Roby Ron Brooks Safety (4): Aaron Williams Corey Graham (moved from CB in previous draft) Duke Williams Bacarri Rambo Jonathan Meeks Special Teams (3 4): Dan Carpenter K Jordan Gay KOS Colton Schmidt P Garrison Sanborn LS OUTS: - Chris Williams now only makes this team if he proves himself a starter on the line and I just don't see it. He looks done to me. Cyril Richardson - Has been given no time with the first unit at all this off season despite the policy of "rotating guys in." If they think Hunter is the kind of vet who brings some versatility and has some familiarity with some of the staff then I see him sticking and Richardson missing out with the Bills going heavy O-line on the practice squad. Tony Steward - I still think he has a chance to make it, but they are intrigued by Buchanan's ability as a spot pass rusher and that might squeeze Steward into practice squad territory unless he stands out in camp and pre-season. Jonathan Meeks - Only made the first draft because I didn't see them keeping only three at safety. With Corey Graham now moved across I see Meeks as a more likely casualty than one of the back up corners (Brooks or Cockrell). INS: - Michael Buchanan - they have signed him to make the team in my opinion. He is someone who would have to play himself out from this point. Wayne Hunter - as described above familiarity with Rex plus the lack of experience at tackle means that he might be a valuable commodity incase neither Kujo nor Henderson prove up to the task. Alex Carrington - Pettine loved him and it is not a stretch to say in a similar defensive front Rex will too. Jordan Gay - I am more and more thinking they keep the kick off specialist. Vulnerable - the two back up corners I mentioned can not afford poor camps and pre-seasons if they don't want to slip off the radar. Boobie Dixon might need to show he can play a bit of full back if necessary to see off John Connor who Rex has familiarity with from the Jets. Matt Cassel will be gone if they think he is the 3rd of 3 at QB given his salary. The new added vulnerable? Stefan Charles. The signing of Fluellan (who I have as the post week 1 cut to bring Dareus back) puts pressure on the back up defensive tackles. Rex said recently that Corbin Bryant is "that guy" right now who would be first in line to play so if Fluellan shows good skills it would appear Charles could be on sticky ground. Edited June 24, 2015 by GunnerBill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GunnerBill Posted August 15, 2015 Author Share Posted August 15, 2015 As I have said before - happy for the mods to merge this with any of the other threads about the 53... but for posterity and a little bit of fun have returned to my original thread after the first pre-season game to update my prediction. Quarterback (3): Matt Cassel EJ Manuel Tyrod Taylor Running Back (4): LeSean McCoy Fred Jackson Karlos Williams Anthony Dixon Bryce Brown Full Back (1): Jerome Felton Wide Receivers (6): Sammy Watkins Robert Woods Percy Harvin Chris Hogan Marquise Goodwin Marcus Easly Deonte Thompson Tight End (3): Charles Clay Nick O'Leary Marquise Gray Chris Gragg Offensive Line (9 8): Cordy Glenn T Seantrel Henderson T Cyrus Kouandjo T Wayne Hunter T Richie Incognito G John Miller G Cyril Richardson G Eric Wood C Kraig Urbik G/C Defensive Line (7): Marcel Dareus Mario Williams Kyle Williams Stefan Charles Corbin Bryant Jarius Wynn Alex Carrington Andre Fluellan (to remain on original 53 as Dareus does not count against the roster week 1 due to his suspension) Linebacker (7): Jerry Hughes OLB Manny Lawson OLB IK Enemkpali OLB Michael Buchanan OLB Randell Johnson OLB/ILB Ty Powell OLB/ILB Nigel Bradham ILB Preston Brown ILB Cornerback (6): Stephon Gilmore Leodis McKelvin Ronald Darby Ross Cockrell Nickell Roby Ron Brooks Mario Butler Safety (4): Aaron Williams Corey Graham Duke Williams Bacarri Rambo Special Teams (4): Dan Carpenter K Jordan Gay KOS Colton Schmidt P Garrison Sanborn LS OUTS:- Boobie Dixon – I just think that Bryce Brown both in camp and pre-season has shown some intriguing ability. Roman had Dixon in San Francisco and he was buried at the bottom of a depth chart in a way that suggests Roman was never convinced by him as a running back but that he was retained for special teams. I only now see Boobie remaining a Bill if they think they need to retain his Special Teams ability. Marquise Goodwin – I have had Goodwin on the bubble before and now he falls out of the 53 for me. Every good flash you see is counterbalanced by a poor route or a ball that he should catch and doesn’t. Interesting that he wasn’t even given a shot as a returner in the first pre-season game. Nick O’Leary – he had a pre-season debut to forget as a receiver and a blocker. Given that and Chris Gragg’s improvements in camp I see him as being in major danger unless they keep an extra tight end. Wayne Hunter – obvious in that he has retired but I’d probably have brought Richardson back in anyway as he has impressed the coaching staff and they have even tried a bit of contingency cross training of him at tackle. Michal Buchanon – when he was signed Rex said he could back up Jerry Hughes. Last week he said the same about IK and then I didn’t see anything of Buchanon during the Panthers game. Ross Cockrell – again like Goodwin he has been in my danger zone for a while, at the moment I have Butler in there for him but there could also be an extra spot for a safety in Jonathan Meeks if McKelvin remains out and the staff feel they need to have the option of shifting Corey Graham’s experience back across to corner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jwhit34 Posted August 15, 2015 Share Posted August 15, 2015 I think gunner's list is pretty accurate, though I think there will be a couple of surprises: WR: I think Goodwin makes it but either Easley or Hogan gets cut. In terms of receivers, I don't know how often they will use 4 in formations, and for rotation purposes they would use Harvin and Woods as slot receivers in 3 wide sets. That makes Hogan expendable, I would think they would opt to get Goodwin's speed on the field in one of the wide spots. RB: Agree that Dixon could be odd man out. TE: My bet is they keep 4 an O'Leary is one of them. CB: Wouldn't be shocked if McKelvin starts the season on the short term IR and they go with 5, with maybe one on the practice squad, which could be Cockrell. S and DL: I think they keep 1 more safety (Meeks) and 1 less DL (either Carrington or Wynn) By the way, I know they haven't played a single game that counts, but the team seems to have come up with some players in the draft despite not having a 1 and 4. Miller looks really good, Darby had a rough night but has potential, and Karlos Williams looks like a player. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Posted August 16, 2015 Share Posted August 16, 2015 QB Cassel Tyrod EJ RB McCoy Fred Bryce Karlos FB Felton WR Sammy Woods Harvin Deonte Thompson Goodwin Easley TE Clay Mulligan Gray(or TE not on roster yet) T Cordy Henderson Kujo G Incognito Miller Cyril C Urbik Wood Edge Hughes Mario Randall IK or Buchanan(edge to IK) Lawson DT Dareus Kyle Charles Carrington Byrant LB Bradham Brown Powell Steward CB Leodis Darby Gilmore Robey Butler Brooks S Graham Duke Williams Rambo K Carpenter Gay P Schmidt LS Sanborn practice squad Hogan O Leary Daryl Johnson Alex Kupper Meeks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gregkash Posted August 16, 2015 Share Posted August 16, 2015 I would much rather see O'Leary in the line up than 2 kickers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GunnerBill Posted August 16, 2015 Author Share Posted August 16, 2015 (edited) Hogan won't be PS eligible and regardless he wouldn't make it there. If the Bills cut Hogan he would not clear waivers not a chance in hell. He was a starter (3rd receivers and 3rd CBs are basically starters now) for most of last season for the Bills and he would start for at least a third of the league. We would be beyond crazy to cut him. Regardless of what the "guys like Hogan are ten a penny" crowd thinks. Edited August 16, 2015 by GunnerBill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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