GunnerBill Posted July 23, 2018 Share Posted July 23, 2018 So training camp is finally, finally just about here. I am already eagerly awaiting the first instalment of Astro's Notes. As longer tenured members of the board will know I like to take a slightly different approach to predicting the roster than just naming the 53. I like at this point to go through what we have and brigade them into one of three categories: BLACK - Guaranteed roster spot (excluding major injury or suspension) BLUE - Probable roster spot RED - Fighting for those last few spots All clear? Then let us begin.... Here is my first stab at categorising the players currently on the Bills 2018 roster (missed a few out who I consider basically no-hopers but if one flashes I will add in later updates). Quarterback Josh Allen AJ McCarron Nathan Peterman Running Back LeSean McCoy Chris Ivory Patrick DiMarco (FB) Travaris Cadet Taiwan Jones Marcus Murphy Keith Ford Tight End Charles Clay Nick O'Leary Logan Thomas Jason Croom Khari Lee Keith Towbridge Wide Receivers Kelvin Benjamin Jeremy Kerley Zay Jones Andre Holmes Rod Streater Ray-Ray McCloud Austin Proehl Kaelin Clay Malachi Dupre Brandon Reilly Cam Phillips Robert Foster Offensive Line Dion Dawkins Ryan Groy Jordan Mills Russell Bodine Wyatt Teller Vlad Ducasse John Miller Marshall Newhouse Conor McDermott Adam Redmond De'Ondre Wesley Ike Boettger Defensive Line Kyle Williams Harrison Phillips Star Lotulelei Trent Murphy Jerry Hughes Shaq Lawson Adolphus Washington Eddie Yarbrough Owa Odighizuwa Terrence Fede Marquavius Lewis Tenny Palepoi Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds Matt Milano Ramon Humber Lorenzo Alexander Julian Stanford Deon Lacey Tanner Vallejo Mat Boesen Corey Thompson Cornerback Tre'Davious White Vontae Davis Taron Johnson Phillip Gaines Siran Neal Levi Wallace Lafayette Pitts Breon Borders Safety Jordan Poyer Micah Hyde Rafael Bush LJ McCray Kelcie McCray Dean Marlowe Special Teams Stephen Hauschka Colton Schmidt Reid Ferguson Cory Carter Tyler Davis So in totally I have 28 all but written in to make the 53 and another 15 that I think likely do. That leaves 10 spots to shoot for and will no doubt be influence by positional balance, special teams ability and performance in camp and pre-season. Okay TBD let me hear where and on who you disagree. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eball Posted July 23, 2018 Share Posted July 23, 2018 (edited) My biggest issue is your D line. Hughes should be written in black and I think Washington should be in blue. Lawson could be red. Edited July 23, 2018 by eball 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillsFan130 Posted July 23, 2018 Share Posted July 23, 2018 Great post. Love their D-line depth this year. Such an upgrade over last year (at least on paper) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GunnerBill Posted July 23, 2018 Author Share Posted July 23, 2018 3 minutes ago, eball said: My biggest issue is your D line. Hughes should be written in black and I think Washington should be in blue. Lawson could be red. I don't think Hughes gets cut, but I don't totally rule out a trade. Blue still means I think he likely makes it but there is just a chance I think that they would flip him for a pick. Reason I have Lawson having more chance than Washington is simply that I see three absolute certs ahead of Washington at DT and so there is probably only one spot left. I think Lawson may benefit from a lack of alternatives at DE. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Posted July 23, 2018 Share Posted July 23, 2018 My comments are specific to the defensive line. Agree that Hughes should be written in black, I don't see him not making the roster. I think Eddie Yarbrough should be written in blue as he has been a solid niche player. Overall, this list looks solid. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay_Fixit Posted July 23, 2018 Share Posted July 23, 2018 Zay Jones name should be in black. Dude is gonna rip it this year. To the tune of at least 38 grabs for 440 yards. 4 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillsFan130 Posted July 23, 2018 Share Posted July 23, 2018 2 minutes ago, Jay_Fixit said: Zay Jones name should be in black. Dude is gonna rip it this year. To the tune of at least 38 grabs for 440 yards. I love the optimism! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldTimeAFLGuy Posted July 23, 2018 Share Posted July 23, 2018 5 minutes ago, Happy Gilmore said: My comments are specific to the defensive line. Agree that Hughes should be written in black, I don't see him not making the roster. I think Eddie Yarbrough should be written in blue as he has been a solid niche player. Overall, this list looks solid. good point and I agree....Eddie has been solid when called upon........ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Griff28 Posted July 23, 2018 Share Posted July 23, 2018 Agree with most. Nice job! I agree with eball that Hughes should be in black. I understand your rationale for Alexander being in blue but I think he's a lot closer to black. Don't see that Rafael Bush is a lock. Think Siran Neal should be with the safety group and that he and Bush should both be in blue and that Phillip Gaines is likely closer to black than blue with the CB's. No real issues with what you've predicted on offense. Obviously too bad that Zay Jones is already in blue. I think McCarron is pretty much a lock and unless something were to develop with another QB elsewhere, Peterman can't be far behind him. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MJS Posted July 23, 2018 Share Posted July 23, 2018 I would think Ducasse and Miller are locks over Wyatt Teller. They've been lining up with the 1's so far, haven't they? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Augie Posted July 23, 2018 Share Posted July 23, 2018 Well done, I’d say. My, we have a long list of red WR’s. Praying someone steps up and makes a clear case! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuffaloHokie13 Posted July 23, 2018 Share Posted July 23, 2018 I'm thinking Ray Ray is blue due to return ability and versatility. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Joshin' Posted July 23, 2018 Share Posted July 23, 2018 Overall I think pretty close with the following differences: BLACK - McCarron, DiMarco, Jones, Hughes BLUE - Thomas, McDermott, Washington, Schmidt RED - Holmes Trades will be the wild cards. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GunnerBill Posted July 23, 2018 Author Share Posted July 23, 2018 If Logan Thomas makes this team again I might actually smash something. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirby Jackson Posted July 23, 2018 Share Posted July 23, 2018 Alexander to black Humber to blue Vallejo to blue Stanford to red Hughes black Washington blue Yarborough blue Teller Blue Neal black Bush blue Great work as always!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldTimeAFLGuy Posted July 23, 2018 Share Posted July 23, 2018 11 minutes ago, GunnerBill said: If Logan Thomas makes this team again I might actually smash something. ...would that be based on his body of work or being in the "Witness Protection Program"?....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CommonCents Posted July 23, 2018 Share Posted July 23, 2018 Good list. I think Odighi ends up making it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnC Posted July 23, 2018 Share Posted July 23, 2018 (edited) 1 hour ago, GunnerBill said: I don't think Hughes gets cut, but I don't totally rule out a trade. Blue still means I think he likely makes it but there is just a chance I think that they would flip him for a pick. Reason I have Lawson having more chance than Washington is simply that I see three absolute certs ahead of Washington at DT and so there is probably only one spot left. I think Lawson may benefit from a lack of alternatives at DE. Excellent assemblage of players. I'm predicting that Aldolphus Washington will be traded. Not that he is bad but there is an excess at his position. What a rebuilding team needs is some hits on some unexpected young players. I'll be watching Conor McDermott to move up the ranks and become a swing tackle. If Streater can stay healthy he should be a contributor to the less than sterling receiver corps. 47 minutes ago, GunnerBill said: If Logan Thomas makes this team again I might actually smash something. Banging your head will not make you a better thinker! Edited July 23, 2018 by JohnC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SlimShady'sSpaceForce Posted July 23, 2018 Share Posted July 23, 2018 Allen will not be the starting QB week 1. McDermott will not pull that trigger prematurely (again). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GunnerBill Posted July 23, 2018 Author Share Posted July 23, 2018 7 minutes ago, ShadyBillsFan said: Allen will not be the starting QB week 1. McDermott will not pull that trigger prematurely (again). That isn't actually suggested in this thread. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hapless Bills Fan Posted July 23, 2018 Share Posted July 23, 2018 I don't disagree with your RB room, but it makes me sad. Age 30, Age 30, Age 29 (with stone hands), and age 29, is not exactly a room built to look towards the future. Even the guys in red - Taiwan Jones (29), Marcus Murphy (27) aren't exactly a "youth movement" I would like to have one or two young prospects who just MIGHT be a sleeper to look at. I guess that translates to "unexcited by 5'11" Keith Ford as That Guy. On WR, I'm curious why you see Andre Holmes with his 13 receptions for 120 yds as a lock? We expended a bunch of draft capital on WR this year, even if it was late rounds. That's kind of surprising if we don't intend to give any of them a shot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirby Jackson Posted July 23, 2018 Share Posted July 23, 2018 11 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said: I don't disagree with your RB room, but it makes me sad. Age 30, Age 30, Age 29 (with stone hands), and age 29, is not exactly a room built to look towards the future. Even the guys in red - Taiwan Jones (29), Marcus Murphy (27) aren't exactly a "youth movement" I would like to have one or two young prospects who just MIGHT be a sleeper to look at. I guess that translates to "unexcited by 5'11" Keith Ford as That Guy. On WR, I'm curious why you see Andre Holmes with his 13 receptions for 120 yds as a lock? We expended a bunch of draft capital on WR this year, even if it was late rounds. That's kind of surprising if we don't intend to give any of them a shot. I think it’s telling that the Bills tried to trade back up for Christian Kirk. That tells me that they understand how bad that group was. Outside of KB I wouldn’t say any holdover is a lock. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WMDman Posted July 23, 2018 Share Posted July 23, 2018 (edited) Quarterback Josh Allen AJ McCarron Nathan Peterman Running Back LeSean McCoy Chris Ivory Patrick DiMarco (FB) Travaris Cadet Taiwan Jones Marcus Murphy Keith Ford Tight End Charles Clay Nick O'Leary Logan Thomas Jason Croom Khari Lee Keith Towbridge Wide Receivers Kelvin Benjamin Jeremy Kerley Zay Jones Andre Holmes Rod Streater Ray-Ray McCloud Austin Proehl Kaelin Clay Malachi Dupre Brandon Reilly Cam Phillips Robert Foster Offensive Line Dion Dawkins Ryan Groy Jordan Mills Russell Bodine Wyatt Teller Vlad Ducasse John Miller Marshall Newhouse Conor McDermott Adam Redmond De'Ondre Wesley Ike Boettger Defensive Line Kyle Williams Harrison Phillips Star Lotulelei Trent Murphy Jerry Hughes Shaq Lawson Adolphus Washington Eddie Yarbrough Owa Odighizuwa Terrence Fede Marquavius Lewis Tenny Palepoi Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds Matt Milano Ramon Humber Lorenzo Alexander Julian Stanford Deon Lacey Tanner Vallejo Mat Boesen Corey Thompson Cornerback Tre'Davious White Vontae Davis Taron Johnson Phillip Gaines Levi Wallace Lafayette Pitts Breon Borders Safety Jordan Poyer Micah Hyde Rafael Bush Siran Neal LJ McCray Kelcie McCray Dean Marlowe Special Teams Stephen Hauschka Colton Schmidt Reid Ferguson Cory Carter Tyler Davis Edited July 23, 2018 by WMDman 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DallasMac Posted July 23, 2018 Share Posted July 23, 2018 1 hour ago, Kirby Jackson said: I think it’s telling that the Bills tried to trade back up for Christian Kirk. That tells me that they understand how bad that group was. Outside of KB I wouldn’t say any holdover is a lock. If this is true I'm glad it didn't work out. I don't think Kirk will be anything more than a decent possession receiver. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GunnerBill Posted July 23, 2018 Author Share Posted July 23, 2018 1 hour ago, Hapless Bills Fan said: On WR, I'm curious why you see Andre Holmes with his 13 receptions for 120 yds as a lock? Core special teams. Not sure why so many think Adolphus Washington has such a chance. He was atrocious on the field last year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sky Diver Posted July 23, 2018 Share Posted July 23, 2018 Are you suggesting we only keep 2 QB’s? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirby Jackson Posted July 23, 2018 Share Posted July 23, 2018 23 minutes ago, DallasMac said: If this is true I'm glad it didn't work out. I don't think Kirk will be anything more than a decent possession receiver. Yeah, they tried to get back into the 2nd when he was there. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chandler#81 Posted July 23, 2018 Share Posted July 23, 2018 Probably very close. Are the McCray safeties brothers? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3rdand12 Posted July 24, 2018 Share Posted July 24, 2018 (edited) 1 hour ago, GunnerBill said: Core special teams. Not sure why so many think Adolphus Washington has such a chance. He was atrocious on the field last year. yep and yes about Holmes. but i might hope they can improve on that if does not show well at WR or has health issues Edited July 24, 2018 by 3rdand12 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Murica Posted July 24, 2018 Share Posted July 24, 2018 Maybe I’m mistaken but wasn’t Miller taking all the first team reps at the end of mini camp? I think Miller is a starter this year and has a nice bounce back year. He’s been training hard all off season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Green Lightning Posted July 24, 2018 Share Posted July 24, 2018 6 hours ago, Happy Gilmore said: My comments are specific to the defensive line. Agree that Hughes should be written in black, I don't see him not making the roster. I think Eddie Yarbrough should be written in blue as he has been a solid niche player. Overall, this list looks solid. Absolutely accurate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TigerJ Posted July 24, 2018 Share Posted July 24, 2018 5 hours ago, Hapless Bills Fan said: I don't disagree with your RB room, but it makes me sad. Age 30, Age 30, Age 29 (with stone hands), and age 29, is not exactly a room built to look towards the future. Even the guys in red - Taiwan Jones (29), Marcus Murphy (27) aren't exactly a "youth movement" I would like to have one or two young prospects who just MIGHT be a sleeper to look at. I guess that translates to "unexcited by 5'11" Keith Ford as That Guy. On WR, I'm curious why you see Andre Holmes with his 13 receptions for 120 yds as a lock? We expended a bunch of draft capital on WR this year, even if it was late rounds. That's kind of surprising if we don't intend to give any of them a shot. That running back room makes me more nervous than sad. I think in another year it could be re-stocked with some youth without too much difficulty, but I could see a stable of guys that old going down like flies with a run of bad luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocky Landing Posted July 24, 2018 Share Posted July 24, 2018 What, no Gerhard De Beer? (Red, obviously), but makes me think that there should be asterisks for players we think will make the practice squad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gugny Posted July 24, 2018 Share Posted July 24, 2018 7 hours ago, GunnerBill said: So training camp is finally, finally just about here. I am already eagerly awaiting the first instalment of Astro's Notes. As longer tenured members of the board will know I like to take a slightly different approach to predicting the roster than just naming the 53. I like at this point to go through what we have and brigade them into one of three categories: Running Back LeSean McCoy Chris Ivory Patrick DiMarco (FB) Travaris Cadet Taiwan Jones Marcus Murphy Keith Ford Wide Receivers Kelvin Benjamin Jeremy Kerley Zay Jones Andre Holmes Rod Streater Ray-Ray McCloud Austin Proehl Kaelin Clay Malachi Dupre Brandon Reilly Cam Phillips Robert Foster I think Cadet and Zay Jones are in the black. Otherwise, I agree. Gunner, your analysis and assessment are among the best on the board. Please keep it coming. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Augie Posted July 24, 2018 Share Posted July 24, 2018 2 minutes ago, Gugny said: I think Cadet and Zay Jones are in the black. Otherwise, I agree. Gunner, your analysis and assessment are among the best on the board. Please keep it coming. I certainly agree on Zay. He will get a chance to get it together. I’m praying it happens. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gugny Posted July 24, 2018 Share Posted July 24, 2018 1 minute ago, Augie said: I certainly agree on Zay. He will get a chance to get it together. I’m praying it happens. Dude, he fights for Jesus. How can he NOT make it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Augie Posted July 24, 2018 Share Posted July 24, 2018 1 minute ago, Gugny said: Dude, he fights for Jesus. How can he NOT make it? Jesus is really the Turk, and he failed to turn the other cheek? Just guessin’. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Logic Posted July 24, 2018 Share Posted July 24, 2018 To those who are discussing the, um...advanced age of our running back room: I totally agree, HOWEVER... I 100% expect the Bills to draft a brand new starting running back in next year's draft. Unless Shady's name is cleared AND he has a great season, I think he's gone next offseason. Too much money to pay a 31 year old running back. So if the Bills can just hang on for one more season with this group...between the full slate of draft picks and the money they'll have at their disposal in FA, I anticipate a bevy of offensive reinforcements at HB, WR, and OL. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GunnerBill Posted July 24, 2018 Author Share Posted July 24, 2018 (edited) 9 hours ago, Sky Diver said: Are you suggesting we only keep 2 QB’s? I have one as a lock and two as probably to make the roster.... so no. I just think if either McCarron or Peterman really sucks in camp it isn't beyond the realm of possibility they are cut. Unlikely but not impossible. Edited July 24, 2018 by GunnerBill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ALF Posted July 24, 2018 Share Posted July 24, 2018 All 3 QBs are a lock this season. Peterman keeps impressing McD in practice and good attitude. McCarron has 4 years as a backup to learn the pro system. I have started to trust Beane and McD , win or lose I like this organization , will be patient. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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