The Competition for WR6 on the Bills Roster

[Phil The Thrill]

Even though the Bills didn’t draft a WR in this year’s draft, there is still a lot of competition at WR in the roster.

 

Going on the assumption that the team will keep WR’s, we are either looking at some surprising cuts or a ton of completion for 1 WR spot.

 

Locked in:

WR1 John Brown

WR2 Cole Beasley

 

These two aren’t going getting to get cut in 2019.

 

Probable

WR3 Robert Foster 

WR4 Zay Jones

 

Both receivers need to have big years.  Foster needs to continue the progress he showed last season.  Zay needs to live up to his potential and show why he should be considered for a 2nd contract.  Unless they have a disastrous training camp, I see them as likely members of the roster

 

Questionable:

WR5 Andre Roberts

Not a true WR in actuality but an important part of the return game.  I don’t see the team carrying an additional spot as only a KR/PR but we’ll see.

 

Competition for WR6:

 

Duke Williams 

Ray Ray McLeod 3

Isaiah McKenzie

Cam Phillips

Da’Mari Scott

Victor Bolden Jr

Nick Easley (UFA)

David Sills (UFA)

 

A lot of competition for likely 1 roster spot.  It should be a lot of fun to watch.  I’m quietly pulling for either Duke or David Sills.  I do like Easley too

 

 

Edited May 1, 2019 by Phil The Thrill

[NewEra]

1 minute ago, ScottLaw said:

Just not a good looking group of recievers.

 

Cross your fingers nobody gets seriously hurt. 

 

I think McKenzie makes the team as one of your WRs.

Sounds about right.  Definitely not your team

[Steve Billieve]

I'm really hoping Duke Williams will be special.

[JaCrispy]

4 minutes ago, ScottLaw said:

Just not a good looking group of recievers.

 

Cross your fingers nobody gets seriously hurt. 

 

I think McKenzie makes the team as one of your WRs.

Looks fine to me

[Lurker]

5 minutes ago, ScottLaw said:

I think McKenzie makes the team as one of your WRs.

 

Based on what?   I don't know much about him but the stats look a little meh.   What are we getting in this little guy?

 

Isaiah McKenzie

					Games		Receiving										Rushing							Total Yds
Year	Age	Tm	Pos	No.	G	GS	Tgt	Rec	Yds	Y/R	TD	Lng	R/G	Y/G	Ctch%	Y/Tgt	Rush	Yds	TD	Lng	Y/A	Y/G	A/G	Touch	Y/Tch	YScm	RRTD	Fmb
Career					19	1	43	22	208	9.5	0	23	1.2	10.9	51.2%	4.8	11	70	2	15	6.4	3.7	0.6	33	8.4	278	2	8
2 yrs		DEN			12	0	13	4	29	7.3	0	14	0.3	2.4	30.8%	2.2	1	4	0	4	4.0	0.3	0.1	5	6.6	33	0	6
1 yr		BUF			7	1	30	18	179	9.9	0	23	2.6	25.6	60.0%	6.0	10	66	2	15	6.6	9.4	1.4	28	8.8	245	2
2017	22	DEN		84	11	0	13	4	29	7.3	0	14	0.4	2.6	30.8%	2.2	1	4	0	4	4.0	0.4	0.1	5	6.6	33	0	6
2018	23	2TM			8	1	30	18	179	9.9	0	23	2.3	22.4	60.0%	6.0	10	66	2	15	6.6	8.3	1.3	28	8.8	245	2	2
		BUF	wr	19	7	1	30	18	179	9.9	0	23	2.6	25.6		6.0	10	66	2	15	6.6	9.4	1.4	28	8.8	245	2	2

Edited May 1, 2019 by Lurker

[Kirby Jackson]

It’s an underwhelming group for sure but better than last year. Brown and Beasley are capable NFL receivers and Foster appears to be one as well. If the Bills had someone at the top of that depth chart it would be a pretty good group. They have some skills that balance each other out and some speed. I’m hoping for Sills to make the team. I could see him stealing snaps from Zay if he develops. I don’t hate Duke as an option either. Roberts, to me, is a special teams guy. I’d rather keep an extra WR than DiMarco.

Edited May 1, 2019 by Kirby Jackson

[SCBills]

It’s an average group of WRs, with potential to be more due to the youth of Foster and Zay.  

 

People need to stop acting like we have scrubs at WR.  This isn’t 2018 anymore. 

 

I think Andre Roberts makes the team as our defense is hopefully forcing a lot of punts deep in oppo territory.  

 

WR6 comes down to Duke or Sills (IMO)

 

Edited May 1, 2019 by SCBills

[Rico]

I guess Duke or McKenzie, but I'd rather see someone better that's not here yet.

[Kirby Jackson]

4 minutes ago, SCBills said:

It’s an average group of WRs, with potential to be more due to the youth of Foster and Zay.  

 

People need to stop acting like we have scrubs at WR.  This isn’t 2018 anymore. 

 

I think Andre Roberts makes the team as our defense is hopefully forcing a lot of punts deep in oppo territory.  

 

WR6 comes down to Duke or Sills (IMO)

 

I’m not trying to be “that guy” but it’s hard to argue average. Average would imply middle of the league ish. They are not there. They are improved from last year but it is absolutely one of the worst receiving groups in the league. They are somewhere in the low 20’s at best. With that being said, the addition of a number 1 next year and everyone getting bumped down could make them a pretty good group.

[ProcessYaDigg]

I wouldn't be surprised if Zay was on the bubble.  he may get pushed down further than you think.

[BADOLBILZ]

2 minutes ago, ScottLaw said:

Just not a good looking group of recievers.

 

Cross your fingers nobody gets seriously hurt. 

 

I think McKenzie makes the team as one of your WRs.

 

 

The competition for the #6 WR is almost always the most contested spot on the team.  

 

In terms of sheer quantity it's what the RB position used to be.    No shortage of #6 WR around the league(or on the street come September). 

[SCBills]

3 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said:

I’m not trying to be “that guy” but it’s hard to argue average. Average would imply middle of the league ish. They are not there. They are improved from last year but it is absolutely one of the worst receiving groups in the league. They are somewhere in the low 20’s at best. With that being said, the addition of a number 1 next year and everyone getting bumped down could make them a pretty good group.

 

We’ll see.  The AFCE WR Units are trash.   It’s not crazy to say that we’re some Zay Jones improvements away from having the best group in the division.  

 

To be clear, I’d love to trade for a Nelson Algholar as Zay Jones insurance, but an OL & Running Game should make these guys look a lot better. 

[lacoy38]

These WR “groups “ are only as good as the QB. Allen needs to improve- I think he will. Biggest area of beef is the Offensive line. Improvement there will make everyone look better .

Our GM/ coach are going off Carolina model that went to a Super Bowl with Tedd Ginn as top wide out.

[Kirby Jackson]

3 minutes ago, SCBills said:

 

We’ll see.  The AFCE WR Units are trash.   It’s not crazy to say that we’re some Zay Jones improvements away from having the best group in the division.  

 

To be clear, I’d love to trade for a Nelson Algholar as Zay Jones insurance, but an OL & Running Game should make these guys look a lot better. 

The AFC East WR aren’t very good. We agree there. I’d say that Anderson, Enunwa and Crowder is better than the Bills. The Pats still have Edelman and are adding Demaryius and Harry. They have to be ahead of the Bills. The Dolphins are an absolute dumpster fire and I’d have the Bills above them. I think that the Raiders, 49ers and Redskins are pretty weak as well. 

[Cotton Fitzsimmons]

What’s good, gents? What’s good? 

 

Just YE OLE’s two cents, but this WR group isn’t bad at all. Both Beasley and John Brown have been productive 2/3 type receivers on good teams. Zay caught 56 balls and 7 TDs last year. Foster looked the part of being a cut above all these guys in the last several weeks last season. Worst case, these guys are average.

[wppete]

I think it will come down to Duke Williams or David Sills. 

[Johnny Hammersticks]

I think you underestimate the importance of Andre Roberts for this team as s returner.  I would be absolutely shocked if he didn’t make the 53.

[Phil The Thrill]

23 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said:

I’m not trying to be “that guy” but it’s hard to argue average. Average would imply middle of the league ish. They are not there. They are improved from last year but it is absolutely one of the worst receiving groups in the league. They are somewhere in the low 20’s at best. With that being said, the addition of a number 1 next year and everyone getting bumped down could make them a pretty good group.

 

Im a little higher on the group than you are, but I do agree they are missing a #1 WR.  With that being said, it’s a much better WR group than last season.  

[TigerJ]

I doubt players like DaMari Scott or Victor Bolden are really going to be much of a factor in any WR competition.  Duke Williams, Isaiah McKenzie and maybe David Sills are the more likely players in this competition.  Easley sounds like he might have some potential as a slot receiver, but he's not beating out Beasley, and I don't know that Buffalo is going to carry a guy on the roster who is only a backup slot receiver.  Maybe he hooks on with the PS.  

[Fred Slacks]

I believe Allen elevates the talent at WR. Most good quarterbacks do that. Last year Josh allen was arguably the best player on the field for us the last few weeks. I believe he continues to progress. It doesn’t even need to be a major jump. Just steady improvement. 

 

I think JA will help make these WR look better. Also I think these WR’s can get it done. Too many people seem to think that we must have this all star #1 WR. I just don’t think there are that many even in our league. There can’t be more than 10-15. Surely not every team has a big time receiver. We aren’t the only team lacking a true number one. 

 

That being said I wouldn’t be bummed at all if we were able to find someone via trade. 

 

My my vote for #6 is Duke Williams.

 

Also I don’t think Roberts is a sure bet. I know he is good and led the league in returns. But other talent could rise for a returner. However Roberts does have production as a WR in the past. So I do think it’s probably 80/20 chance he makes it. 

 

There red will be a couple of FA’s we signed that I wouldn’t be shocked if they were cut/traded. We signed so many. It’s a beautiful thing having decent competition this season. 

[Over 29 years of fanhood]

Zay still has upside. I see Allen Hurns type ceiling possible. Which is solid possession wr. 

 

Beasley is a known commodity. Josh short game development will make or break him.

 

Brown is a better Foster based on prior work. Both make. 

 

Easley is a Beasly clone. He’s a PS stash in my opinion.

 

Sills, Duke fight it out for the last WR spot. 

 

Robert is a clear favorite to win KR PR. 

 

Mckenzie and Ray Ray are going to have to win every rep to even stay in the conversation 

 

Edited May 1, 2019 by Over 29 years of fanhood

[Phil The Thrill]

3 minutes ago, Johnny Hammersticks said:

I think you underestimate the importance of Andre Roberts for this team as s returner.  I would be absolutely shocked if he didn’t make the 53.

 

I’m not underestimating him.  That is why I penciled him in for a WR roster spot.  I don’t see him getting many snaps at WR though and I also don’t see the team keeping 7 WR’s on the roster.  That’s why the last WR spot is going to be very competitive 

2 minutes ago, TigerJ said:

I doubt players like DaMari Scott or Victor Bolden are really going to be much of a factor in any WR competition.  Duke Williams, Isaiah McKenzie and maybe David Sills are the more likely players in this competition.  Easley sounds like he might have some potential as a slot receiver, but he's not beating out Beasley, and I don't know that Buffalo is going to carry a guy on the roster who is only a backup slot receiver.  Maybe he hooks on with the PS.  

 

Easley seems like a good candidate for the PS

[BuffaloBill]

22 minutes ago, SCBills said:

 

We’ll see.  The AFCE WR Units are trash.   It’s not crazy to say that we’re some Zay Jones improvements away from having the best group in the division.  

 

To be clear, I’d love to trade for a Nelson Algholar as Zay Jones insurance, but an OL & Running Game should make these guys look a lot better. 

 

 

Have to agree that a running threat matters. So will a real TE a position we may not have. 

[Phil The Thrill]

2 minutes ago, Over 29 years of fanhood said:

Zay still has upside. I see Allen Hurns type ceiling possible. Which is solid possession wr. 

 

Beasley is a known commodity. Josh short game development will make or break him.

 

Brown is a better Foster. Both make. 

 

Easily is a Beasly clone. He’s a PS stash in my opinion.

 

Sills, Duke fight it out for the last WR spot. 

 

Robert is a clear favorite to win KR PR. 

 

Mckenzie and Ray Ray are going to have to win every rep to even stay in the conversation 

 

 

So you think they keep 7 WR’s including Roberts?  I don’t see that happening 

[Over 29 years of fanhood]

3 minutes ago, Phil The Thrill said:

 

So you think they keep 7 WR’s including Roberts?  I don’t see that happening 

5wr + 1 return  specialist is where I am

6 minutes ago, Over 29 years of fanhood said:

Zay (1) still has upside. I see Allen Hurns type ceiling possible. Which is solid possession wr. 

 

Beasley (2) is a known commodity. Josh short game development will make or break him.

 

Brown is a better Foster based on prior work. Both make. (3&4)

 

Easley is a Beasly clone. He’s a PS stash in my opinion.

 

Sills, Duke fight it out for the last WR spot. (5)

 

Robert is a clear favorite to win KR PR. (6)

 

Mckenzie and Ray Ray are going to have to win every rep to even stay in the conversation 

 

 

[Rc2catch]

I think the receiving group looks amazing honestly. They all bring their own unique thing to the team. 

I do think it’s gonna be 

Brown

Foster 

Beasley 

Zay 

Roberts 

then whoever wins 6.

But I don’t think it’ll be McKenzie 

Roberts is our returner, but I think he’ll also get used on the offense similar to McKenzie last year with jet sweeps and screens etc etc that kinda “weapon” 

The rest will surely have a heck of a battle for that one spot. 

[BADOLBILZ]

28 minutes ago, lacoy38 said:

These WR “groups “ are only as good as the QB. Allen needs to improve- I think he will. Biggest area of beef is the Offensive line. Improvement there will make everyone look better .

Our GM/ coach are going off Carolina model that went to a Super Bowl with Tedd Ginn as top wide out.

 

 

That's the problem.

 

The blueprint of recently successful teams breaking in young QB's is putting WR's in place that can elevate those QB's game.

 

The Bills are giving Allen a bottom 1/3 of the league WR corps and seeing if he sinks or swims.

[billsfan_34]

I don’t know if anyone is locked in- it is going to be a big battle imo.

[SCBills]

18 minutes ago, BuffaloBill said:

 

 

Have to agree that a running threat matters. So will a real TE a position we may not have. 

 

I like Kroft.  We’re at least where we were last year with broken down Clay & Croom.  Whether we upgrade is up to Knox. 

[Kirby Jackson]

9 hours ago, ScottLaw said:

Sure, but it's a bit of a disappointment on how they went about it THIS offseason.... it's a crucial year for the team and Allen and they didn't give him many if any match up advantages at the receiving position. Saying wait till next year is just a ***** way to go about things, IMO.

I don’t disagree but I’d say they tried. They tried to get the best WR in the league. This draft wasn’t full of number 1 receivers and that’s what the Bills need. They have plenty of guys that can be 2-6. They have guys that have capably filled those roles already. A matchup problem would be great but who? It’s like saying “we are drafting a QB this year” and then getting stuck with EJ Manuel because he’s the best available. 

 

I’m on record as saying a swing at DK in round 2 would have been a good idea. He COULD become that number 1. It’s just hard when the guys aren’t out there.

Edited May 1, 2019 by Kirby Jackson

[PromoTheRobot]

Duke Williams playing strong enough be part of this offense would be a very good thing.

[TigerJ]

7 WRs, 4 RBs, and 4 TEs?  Not happening.  The reality is teams don't get that much production out of fourth and fifth receivers.  Sixth and seventh receivers are almost never going to see the field.  roster spots are generally too precious to waste like that.  Running backs take a lot more of a beating, and it's easier to see 4 RBs (plus a FB) on a roster than 7 WRs.  Teams will ordinarily want at least 3 TEs because 2 TR formations are pretty common and teams like to have a spare in case of injury.  Its not unusual to see teams carry a couple extra TEs, as some teams sometimes like to use three TE formations on occasion.  Tight ends are much more useful in the running game, and can be just as effective in the passing game, if they're good.

[LSHMEAB]

1 hour ago, Lurker said:

 

Based on what?   I don't know much about him but the stats look a little meh.   What are we getting in this little guy?

 

Isaiah McKenzie

					Games		Receiving										Rushing							Total Yds
Year	Age	Tm	Pos	No.	G	GS	Tgt	Rec	Yds	Y/R	TD	Lng	R/G	Y/G	Ctch%	Y/Tgt	Rush	Yds	TD	Lng	Y/A	Y/G	A/G	Touch	Y/Tch	YScm	RRTD	Fmb
Career					19	1	43	22	208	9.5	0	23	1.2	10.9	51.2%	4.8	11	70	2	15	6.4	3.7	0.6	33	8.4	278	2	8
2 yrs		DEN			12	0	13	4	29	7.3	0	14	0.3	2.4	30.8%	2.2	1	4	0	4	4.0	0.3	0.1	5	6.6	33	0	6
1 yr		BUF			7	1	30	18	179	9.9	0	23	2.6	25.6	60.0%	6.0	10	66	2	15	6.6	9.4	1.4	28	8.8	245	2
2017	22	DEN		84	11	0	13	4	29	7.3	0	14	0.4	2.6	30.8%	2.2	1	4	0	4	4.0	0.4	0.1	5	6.6	33	0	6
2018	23	2TM			8	1	30	18	179	9.9	0	23	2.3	22.4	60.0%	6.0	10	66	2	15	6.6	8.3	1.3	28	8.8	245	2	2
		BUF	wr	19	7	1	30	18	179	9.9	0	23	2.6	25.6		6.0	10	66	2	15	6.6	9.4	1.4	28	8.8	245	2	2

See those 10 rushes for 66 yards and 2 TD's? IIRC, the majority of those yards came in the last few games. I think Daboll would love to expand on that and also get him the ball in the flat. The guy can be a weapon.

[Formerly Allan in MD]

Why must a team have a number 1 receiver?  What's wrong with a number of competent wideouts that give Allen multiple options and pose problems for defenses? 

 

The Duke Williams experiment could prove very interesting. 

[ehfeuh57]

right now i, and i think they, like Isaah Mckenzie

 

BUT A LOT CAN HAPPEN BEFORE FINAL CUTS, may want someone with size, also Zay is at risk

[Locomark]

McKenzie and Roberts make it as 5,6 because they can provide return and jet sweep abilities. I think we could even go with 7 WRs this year if we plan on being spread and keep a bunch of OL that play multiple positions. My opinion is that Sills has no chance because she showed no ability to get open during senior bowl week against press and at WV he was often not pressed. There is a reason he didn’t get drafted! Williams is a big wish upon a star but his frame would be a great skill set for us.

[Ethan in Cleveland]

Why keep an average or below average WR? Honestly I would rather they keep an extra o-line like Bodine and/or Teller. Half of these guys who get cut will be available later in the year if they have injuries. 

[akcash]

It'd be nice if Sills and D. Williams both turned out and both made the team.

[formerlyofCtown]

2 hours ago, ScottLaw said:

Just not a good looking group of recievers.

 

Cross your fingers nobody gets seriously hurt. 

 

I think McKenzie makes the team as one of your WRs.

I disagree.  Its a solid group.  Just like NE has had.

Better than what Cam had his MVP season.

[StHustle]

7 WR will be on the final 53

Brown

Beasley

Foster

Zay

Duke

Sills

Roberts

 

Might not be the 7 but I guarantee we keep 6 PLUS Roberts.

 

Because Roberts returns punts and kicks at a pro bowl level we can afford this luxury. He is a top 2 return man in the league and can totally change complexions of games. Totally worth a roster spot comitted to that.

 

Why should we essentially carry only 5 WRs cause thats Roberts position? If he was a CB should we count him against the CBs? If he was a RB do we cut Gore or Yeldon to keep him?

 

Cant think inside the box all the time.