My WR ranking through Week 1 of Camp.

[MAJBobby]

Tier 1 - clearly locked at this point. 

 

Brown - Best WR at camp. Making plays every day. Knew he had speed am pleasantly surprised with how good he is all over the field. 

 

Beasley - Chemistry starting to build with the Injury pre camp. However is turning into Josh’s go to guy when needs an easy completion or third down. 

 

Zay Jones - So far clearly stepped his game up this year. And right now slides into the top 3. Looks a lot different on the field right now. 

 

Tier 2. - likely locked on roster. 

 

Robert Foster - was called out in practice. Clearly trying to push those buttons to get him to adapt and improve. However does flash just wish he did it consistently and grow from end of last season. To this point I think he has taken a small step back but a lot of time to get back there. 

 

Andre Roberts - we knew he was making the team as a All Pro returner. However he is looking like he did when he first came into the league. And I think his WR skills impressing people enough to see he isn’t just a returner at this point and unlike our other ST WRs in past looks to contribute on Offense as well. 

 

Tier 3 - batting for final Spot at this point. (Only going to keep one with either 6 or 7 in my build because similar skill sets) 

 

Ray Ray McCloud - clearly stepped up to this point in camp and bears McKenzie at this point. Read about how much extra work he is putting in and it is clearly moving over to the field. Clearly at this point night and day from where he was last year. (Beats out McKenzie at this point for 6th IMO at this point). 

 

Isaiah McKenzie - he has struggled to this point at camp. And in my rankings has fallen behind McCloud. Needs to step up. Right now on outside looking in. 

 

Tier 4 - outside looking in (everyone else). 

 

Duke Williams - top of this tier because he has flashed a couple times. Offers good blocking outside (similar to Robert Woods) also has size and play style to help this team. (Makes the team at this point if they keep 7). 

 

Cam Phillips - looks very explosive. And has flashed a couple times a practice. Clearly on the rise. Still has to be more consistent and keep working because right now he is still on outside (but likely lands on PS if eligible). 

 

David Sills - UDFA struggling at this point. (To he expected). My worry about him though is if he gets released he never makes it to the PS because of his UDFA market he had post draft.  But is struggling. 

 

Bolden and Easily - right now not even worth mentioning not close to making the team. 

 

 

[CommonCents]

Still can’t accept Hakeem Butler not being on this roster.  The Bills won’t be the only team regretting that one. 

 

Your list looks accurate though. 

[GunnerBill]

Don't know if based on what I've heard I'd characterise McKenzie as having "struggled" at camp.... though I do agree that McCloud has just nosed ahead in that battle.

[Hapless Bills Fan]

31 minutes ago, MAJBobby said:

Tier 1

Zay Jones - So far clearly stepped his game up this year. And right now slides into the top 3. Looks a lot different on the field right now. 

 

Tier 3 - batting for final Spot at this point. (Only going to keep one with either 6 or 7 in my build because similar skill sets) 

Ray Ray McCloud - clearly stepped up to this point in camp and bears McKenzie at this point. Read about how much extra work he is putting in and it is clearly moving over to the field. Clearly at this point night and day from where he was last year. (Beats out McKenzie at this point for 6th IMO at this point). 

Isaiah McKenzie - he has struggled to this point at camp. And in my rankings has fallen behind McCloud. Needs to step up. Right now on outside looking in.

 

Good post.   Consistent with what others have said with regard to the top 3-5

I'm just wondering if you've been at camp or have friends who have been, or are basing this off the same coverage we are? 

 

Because I can't tell from the media coverage if Jones really looks different on the field or whether or not McCloud > McKenzie.  McKenzie has been pointed out for a couple good catches with the 1's.  McCloud got props from McDermott for having stepped up in the off-season but I don't know what weight to put on that.  Sometimes coaches say stuff to encourage a player

 

[MAJBobby]

2 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

I'm just wondering if you've been at camp or have friends who have been, or are basing this off the same coverage we are? 

 

Because I can't tell from the media coverage if Jones really looks different on the field or whether or not McCloud > McKenzie.  McKenzie has been pointed out for a couple good catches with the 1's.

 

 

Have had friends go. And was there at one so far. Going to more in upcoming weeks too

[Hapless Bills Fan]

Just now, MAJBobby said:

Have had friends go. And was there at one so far. Going to more in upcoming weeks too

 

Thanks!  Having been there in person and had knowledgeable friends there in person, gives it cred

 

[John from Riverside]

27 minutes ago, CommonCents said:

Still can’t accept Hakeem Butler not being on this roster.  The Bills won’t be the only team regretting that one. 

 

Your list looks accurate though. 

Yes we should regret that while watching singletary look awesome every day

[NewEra]

34 minutes ago, CommonCents said:

Still can’t accept Hakeem Butler not being on this roster.  The Bills won’t be the only team regretting that one. 

 

Your list looks accurate though. 

You “can’t accept”....lol.

 

 

[MAJBobby]

13 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

Thanks!  Having been there in person and had knowledgeable friends there in person, gives it cred

 

 

Going to the Joint Panther Practices as well. Finalized those plans and travel this morning. 

[SlimShady'sSpaceForce]

 

 

 

[Bleeding Bills Blue]

1 hour ago, MAJBobby said:

Tier 1 - clearly locked at this point. 

 

Brown - Best WR at camp. Making plays every day. Knew he had speed am pleasantly surprised with how good he is all over the field. 

 

Beasley - Chemistry starting to build with the Injury pre camp. However is turning into Josh’s go to guy when needs an easy completion or third down. 

 

Zay Jones - So far clearly stepped his game up this year. And right now slides into the top 3. Looks a lot different on the field right now. 

 

Tier 2. - likely locked on roster. 

 

Robert Foster - was called out in practice. Clearly trying to push those buttons to get him to adapt and improve. However does flash just wish he did it consistently and grow from end of last season. To this point I think he has taken a small step back but a lot of time to get back there. 

 

Andre Roberts - we knew he was making the team as a All Pro returner. However he is looking like he did when he first came into the league. And I think his WR skills impressing people enough to see he isn’t just a returner at this point and unlike our other ST WRs in past looks to contribute on Offense as well. 

 

Tier 3 - batting for final Spot at this point. (Only going to keep one with either 6 or 7 in my build because similar skill sets) 

 

Ray Ray McCloud - clearly stepped up to this point in camp and bears McKenzie at this point. Read about how much extra work he is putting in and it is clearly moving over to the field. Clearly at this point night and day from where he was last year. (Beats out McKenzie at this point for 6th IMO at this point). 

 

Isaiah McKenzie - he has struggled to this point at camp. And in my rankings has fallen behind McCloud. Needs to step up. Right now on outside looking in. 

 

Tier 4 - outside looking in (everyone else). 

 

Duke Williams - top of this tier because he has flashed a couple times. Offers good blocking outside (similar to Robert Woods) also has size and play style to help this team. (Makes the team at this point if they keep 7). 

 

Cam Phillips - looks very explosive. And has flashed a couple times a practice. Clearly on the rise. Still has to be more consistent and keep working because right now he is still on outside (but likely lands on PS if eligible). 

 

David Sills - UDFA struggling at this point. (To he expected). My worry about him though is if he gets released he never makes it to the PS because of his UDFA market he had post draft.  But is struggling. 

 

Bolden and Easily - right now not even worth mentioning not close to making the team. 

 

 

 

From the bottom tier3 and below guys - has anyone looked comfortable in the gunner spots?  I know McCloud and Mckenzie are a bit undersized - but would need to be able to contribute there to stick on the roster.

[The Jokeman]

Just now, dneveu said:

 

From the bottom tier3 and below guys - has anyone looked comfortable in the gunner spots?  I know McCloud and Mckenzie are a bit undersized - but would need to be able to contribute there to stick on the roster.

I'm sure one of our LBs/S/CB could fill that spot too, Maurice Alexander played it with Seattle so suspect he'd do it here too. 

[MAJBobby]

Just now, dneveu said:

 

From the bottom tier3 and below guys - has anyone looked comfortable in the gunner spots?  I know McCloud and Mckenzie are a bit undersized - but would need to be able to contribute there to stick on the roster.

 

Havent Closely watched that when I was there was mainly watching the Corey vs Corey show.  I do know Neal has had alot of reps as Gunner from the Defensive Backfield.

[Bleeding Bills Blue]

4 minutes ago, MAJBobby said:

 

Havent Closely watched that when I was there was mainly watching the Corey vs Corey show.  I do know Neal has had alot of reps as Gunner from the Defensive Backfield.

 

 

We had Holmes there last year til we cut him - then most of the snaps went to others.  Foster had some too.  Guess it depends how things fall.

 

I like the idea of boot it deep and punt it out of bounds more than anything though.  Probably puts you firmly middle of the road.  Also focus more time on blocking for your own KRs and PRs and less time worrying about tackling etc. 

[freddyjj]

1 hour ago, CommonCents said:

Still can’t accept Hakeem Butler not being on this roster.  The Bills won’t be the only team regretting that one. 

 

Your list looks accurate though. 

maybe this had something to do with Bills passing on him.

 

[ColdFront_USAF]

Good write up, thanks Maj. I'm really hoping they keep 7, which would allow us to put one of the bigger guys in and have a little more versatility. My ideal corps would be Brown, Beasley, Jones, Foster as the top 4. Roberts as a depth wr and obviously as a returner. Then one of McLoud or McKenzie for a smaller, quicker guy, and one of Duke or Sills for the big guy. I think that gives you a ton of speed, solid third down and red zone options, an all pro returner who can step in if needed as a receiver, and some good size for blocking and contested catches. No Julio Jones or AB on the roster, but a well rounded, versatile squad that can be adapted week to week to attack a defenses weakness. 

[MAJBobby]

2 minutes ago, ColdFront_USAF said:

Good write up, thanks Maj. I'm really hoping they keep 7, which would allow us to put one of the bigger guys in and have a little more versatility. My ideal corps would be Brown, Beasley, Jones, Foster as the top 4. Roberts as a depth wr and obviously as a returner. Then one of McLoud or McKenzie for a smaller, quicker guy, and one of Duke or Sills for the big guy. I think that gives you a ton of speed, solid third down and red zone options, an all pro returner who can step in if needed as a receiver, and some good size for blocking and contested catches. No Julio Jones or AB on the roster, but a well rounded, versatile squad that can be adapted week to week to attack a defenses weakness. 

 

I would like to keep 7 as well, and drop a FB or RB.  I think can go with McCoy, Gore and The Rook and that is it in the backfield.  and go with 7 WRs

[GunnerBill]

9 minutes ago, MAJBobby said:

 

I would like to keep 7 as well, and drop a FB or RB.  I think can go with McCoy, Gore and The Rook and that is it in the backfield.  and go with 7 WRs

 

We have disagreed a couple of times today but I wholeheartedly agree with this. I see no use for Yeldon. The two future HOFers and the rook will do. 

[formerlyofCtown]

2 hours ago, MAJBobby said:

Tier 1 - clearly locked at this point. 

 

Brown - Best WR at camp. Making plays every day. Knew he had speed am pleasantly surprised with how good he is all over the field. 

 

Beasley - Chemistry starting to build with the Injury pre camp. However is turning into Josh’s go to guy when needs an easy completion or third down. 

 

Zay Jones - So far clearly stepped his game up this year. And right now slides into the top 3. Looks a lot different on the field right now. 

 

Tier 2. - likely locked on roster. 

 

Robert Foster - was called out in practice. Clearly trying to push those buttons to get him to adapt and improve. However does flash just wish he did it consistently and grow from end of last season. To this point I think he has taken a small step back but a lot of time to get back there. 

 

Andre Roberts - we knew he was making the team as a All Pro returner. However he is looking like he did when he first came into the league. And I think his WR skills impressing people enough to see he isn’t just a returner at this point and unlike our other ST WRs in past looks to contribute on Offense as well. 

 

Tier 3 - batting for final Spot at this point. (Only going to keep one with either 6 or 7 in my build because similar skill sets) 

 

Ray Ray McCloud - clearly stepped up to this point in camp and bears McKenzie at this point. Read about how much extra work he is putting in and it is clearly moving over to the field. Clearly at this point night and day from where he was last year. (Beats out McKenzie at this point for 6th IMO at this point). 

 

Isaiah McKenzie - he has struggled to this point at camp. And in my rankings has fallen behind McCloud. Needs to step up. Right now on outside looking in. 

 

Tier 4 - outside looking in (everyone else). 

 

Duke Williams - top of this tier because he has flashed a couple times. Offers good blocking outside (similar to Robert Woods) also has size and play style to help this team. (Makes the team at this point if they keep 7). 

 

Cam Phillips - looks very explosive. And has flashed a couple times a practice. Clearly on the rise. Still has to be more consistent and keep working because right now he is still on outside (but likely lands on PS if eligible). 

 

David Sills - UDFA struggling at this point. (To he expected). My worry about him though is if he gets released he never makes it to the PS because of his UDFA market he had post draft.  But is struggling. 

 

Bolden and Easily - right now not even worth mentioning not close to making the team. 

 

 

Foster is a lock.

[billspro]

55 minutes ago, MAJBobby said:

 

I would like to keep 7 as well, and drop a FB or RB.  I think can go with McCoy, Gore and The Rook and that is it in the backfield.  and go with 7 WRs

 

I’m not convinced McCoy is going to beat out Singletary at this point. That being said Daboll comes from the Pats system and the typically keep a lot of RBs and TEs. 

[thunderingsquid]

Would love to see how they all work in 4 and 5 WR sets.  

 

This is going to be a very interesting year.  

 

My hope is we step in to the 21st century and start passing to set up the run and watch Shady and Devin go OFF!

[chris heff]

1 hour ago, MAJBobby said:

 

I would like to keep 7 as well, and drop a FB or RB.  I think can go with McCoy, Gore and The Rook and that is it in the backfield.  and go with 7 WRs

I would like to keep 7 wr also. I’m confused by Demarco, can’t someone else fill that role?

[Hapless Bills Fan]

1 hour ago, dneveu said:

From the bottom tier3 and below guys - has anyone looked comfortable in the gunner spots?  I know McCloud and Mckenzie are a bit undersized - but would need to be able to contribute there to stick on the roster.

 

Astro said in his Day 4 notes - well, here:
Kick Return practice was all The Andre Roberts Show. Like it or not, he’s on the team as the WR#6/KR#1. Some key special teamers out there were Pat DiMarco, Stanford, Sweeney, Isaiah McKenzie, and my man Nick Easley. Players reaching Roberts first were Easley, RayRay, and McKenzie.

So evidently they are being used and reaching the KR in gunner practice, but to be determined what their comfort level may be with that role.

[Malazan]

Were you at camp or this like a collection of thoughts from reports from camp?

[Hapless Bills Fan]

10 minutes ago, billspro said:

I’m not convinced McCoy is going to beat out Singletary at this point. That being said Daboll comes from the Pats system and the typically keep a lot of RBs and TEs. 

 

It's been consistently reported that the order of snaps in RB practice is McCoy, Gore, Singletary.  He's done well, but he's a long way from beating out McCoy.

[metzelaars_lives]

Clearly.

[hondo in seattle]

I think this is an interesting topic but I'd like to hear from observers who have been going to camp.  If some of these guys are falling behind, I'd like to know why.  Dropping balls?  Routes not crisp enough?  Not fast enough?  Can't beat press coverage?  Not hustling?  Doesn't know playbook?  

Edited July 29, 2019 by hondo in seattle

[mannc]

1 hour ago, billspro said:

 

I’m not convinced McCoy is going to beat out Singletary at this point. That being said Daboll comes from the Pats system and the typically keep a lot of RBs and TEs. 

If Singletary beats out McCoy, then Shady will likely be cut or traded.  And that's as it should be. 

[ColoradoBills]

4 hours ago, MAJBobby said:

Tier 1 - clearly locked at this point. 

 

Brown - Best WR at camp. Making plays every day. Knew he had speed am pleasantly surprised with how good he is all over the field. 

 

Beasley - Chemistry starting to build with the Injury pre camp. However is turning into Josh’s go to guy when needs an easy completion or third down. 

 

Zay Jones - So far clearly stepped his game up this year. And right now slides into the top 3. Looks a lot different on the field right now. 

 

Tier 2. - likely locked on roster. 

 

Robert Foster - was called out in practice. Clearly trying to push those buttons to get him to adapt and improve. However does flash just wish he did it consistently and grow from end of last season. To this point I think he has taken a small step back but a lot of time to get back there. 

 

Andre Roberts - we knew he was making the team as a All Pro returner. However he is looking like he did when he first came into the league. And I think his WR skills impressing people enough to see he isn’t just a returner at this point and unlike our other ST WRs in past looks to contribute on Offense as well. 

 

Tier 3 - batting for final Spot at this point. (Only going to keep one with either 6 or 7 in my build because similar skill sets) 

 

Ray Ray McCloud - clearly stepped up to this point in camp and bears McKenzie at this point. Read about how much extra work he is putting in and it is clearly moving over to the field. Clearly at this point night and day from where he was last year. (Beats out McKenzie at this point for 6th IMO at this point). 

 

Isaiah McKenzie - he has struggled to this point at camp. And in my rankings has fallen behind McCloud. Needs to step up. Right now on outside looking in. 

 

Tier 4 - outside looking in (everyone else). 

 

Duke Williams - top of this tier because he has flashed a couple times. Offers good blocking outside (similar to Robert Woods) also has size and play style to help this team. (Makes the team at this point if they keep 7). 

 

Cam Phillips - looks very explosive. And has flashed a couple times a practice. Clearly on the rise. Still has to be more consistent and keep working because right now he is still on outside (but likely lands on PS if eligible). 

 

David Sills - UDFA struggling at this point. (To he expected). My worry about him though is if he gets released he never makes it to the PS because of his UDFA market he had post draft.  But is struggling. 

 

Bolden and Easily - right now not even worth mentioning not close to making the team. 

 

 

 

I agree with you evaluation so far.  Tier 1 and 2 are pretty much a done deal.

Camp and Preseason has a huge bearing on who is kept for depth so a lot can change on the Tier 3 and 4 guys in the coming weeks.

Actually looking forward to preseason games this year.

[CSBill]

4 hours ago, CommonCents said:

Still can’t accept Hakeem Butler not being on this roster.  The Bills won’t be the only team regretting that one. 

 

Your list looks accurate though. 

 

What? ?

[billspro]

1 hour ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

It's been consistently reported that the order of snaps in RB practice is McCoy, Gore, Singletary.  He's done well, but he's a long way from beating out McCoy.

 

I hope Shady beats him out, that means the old Shady is back. Singletary has been looking great though so if Shady doesn’t play his best ball he will likely be gone. I think the Bills keep 5 RBs on the 53 with Shady as the starter still though. 

[MAJBobby]

1 hour ago, chris heff said:

I would like to keep 7 wr also. I’m confused by Demarco, can’t someone else fill that role?

I think Sweeney can Definitely Fit that FB/H Back role

1 hour ago, jeremy2020 said:

Were you at camp or this like a collection of thoughts from reports from camp?

Asked and Answered

[Hapless Bills Fan]

4 minutes ago, MAJBobby said:

I think Sweeney can Definitely Fit that FB/H Back role

Asked and Answered

 

Oh, c'mon - There 1d; friends there  takes almost about the same number of letters and is so much more informative

 

4 minutes ago, billspro said:

 

I hope Shady beats him out, that means the old Shady is back. Singletary has been looking great though so if Shady doesn’t play his best ball he will likely be gone. I think the Bills keep 5 RBs on the 53 with Shady as the starter still though. 

 

See here's the thing - it really doesn't, in preseason.  Every year we see TC Heroes who disappear when the pads go on and preseason games start, and then Preseason Heroes who look great in preseason games and disappear when it's For-Real.  That's why I think it's early to nail down the WR roster and depth chart, and even more so with RB which depends so much on physicality you just don't see when it's teammate-on-teammate.

[MAJBobby]

32 minutes ago, hondo in seattle said:

I think this is an interesting topic but I'd like to hear from observers who have been going to camp.  If some of these guys are falling behind, I'd like to know why.  Dropping balls?  Routes not crisp enough?  Not fast enough?  Can't beat press coverage?  Not hustling?  Doesn't know playbook?  

Foster has been called out a couple times at practice on hustle.

 

McKenzie has been fighting the ball (drops)

 

Sills has struggled game seems to fast right now for him, Like he is swimming out there.

 

Easley and Boldin (just not good enough) 

4 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

Oh, c'mon - There 1d; friends there  takes almost about the same number of letters and is so much more informative

 

 

See here's the thing - it really doesn't, in preseason.  Every year we see TC Heroes who disappear when the pads go on and preseason games start, and then Preseason Heroes who look great in preseason games and disappear when it's For-Real.  That's why I think it's early to nail down the WR roster and depth chart, and even more so with RB which depends so much on physicality you just don't see when it's teammate-on-teammate.

 

Sorry I live in Florida and rely on my friends that go when I cant.  I however did make it to One Practice, Flew in went to a practice, so Yep I was there.  Also will be going to Carolina for the joint practices, so yeah as I said asked and answered.

 

I dont think the depth chart is locked in by any means, but there is a clear top 5 at WR right now.  That could all change after week 2 of camp and again after week 3, etc etc

Edited July 29, 2019 by MAJBobby

[billspro]

7 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

Oh, c'mon - There 1d; friends there  takes almost about the same number of letters and is so much more informative

 

 

See here's the thing - it really doesn't, in preseason.  Every year we see TC Heroes who disappear when the pads go on and preseason games start, and then Preseason Heroes who look great in preseason games and disappear when it's For-Real.  That's why I think it's early to nail down the WR roster and depth chart, and even more so with RB which depends so much on physicality you just don't see when it's teammate-on-teammate.

 

I agree, but I also think Singletary is legit. He is going to beat out Shady at some point. It might be preseason, it might be half way through the regular season, or it might not be until the end of the year but it is going to happen. 

[Hapless Bills Fan]

6 minutes ago, MAJBobby said:

Foster has been called out a couple times at practice on hustle.

 

McKenzie has been fighting the ball (drops)

 

Sills has struggled game seems to fast right now for him, Like he is swimming out there.

 

Easley and Boldin (just not good enough) 

 

Sorry I live in Florida and rely on my friends that go when I cant.  I however did make it to One Practice, Flew in went to a practice, so Yep I was there.  Also will be going to Carolina for the joint practices, so yeah as I said asked and answered.

 

I dont think the depth chart is locked in by any means, but there is a clear top 5 at WR right now.  That could all change after week 2 of camp and again after week 3, etc etc

 

If I recall correctly, drops are a primary reason Denver moved on from McKensie after a year.  They felt he had persistent problems with "the dropsies", which continued to manifest last season.

 

What about Duke Williams?

1 minute ago, billspro said:

I agree, but I also think Singletary is legit. He is going to beat out Shady at some point. It might be preseason, it might be half way through the regular season, or it might not be until the end of the year but it is going to happen. 

 

That would be a Good Thing because no question McCoy is on the downhill side.

[MAJBobby]

Just now, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

If I recall correctly, drops are a primary reason Denver moved on from McKensie after a year.  They felt he had persistent problems with "the dropsies", which continued to manifest last season.

 

What about Duke Williams?

 

Duke looked much better with Pads on, has good body control and shields well.  I worry about his separation ability at the top of the route.  But now that pads on seem like he is getting better separation.

[AllenLongBall]

It's a bit sad to see Foster taking a step back. 

[PromoTheRobot]

5 hours ago, CommonCents said:

Still can’t accept Hakeem Butler not being on this roster.  The Bills won’t be the only team regretting that one. 

 

Your list looks accurate though. 

 

Would you trade Dawson Knox or Devin Singletary Butler?

[CommonCents]

7 minutes ago, PromoTheRobot said:

 

Would you trade Dawson Knox or Devin Singletary Butler?

I’d trade Knox for a half eaten cheese doodle.