Where are the roster battles?

[Rocky Landing]

On Offense:

I assume they keep nine O-linemen. I know people have given Boettger the edge over Ford at G, but I'm not so sure. I suspect they're on equal footing, but both are certainly locks. What I wonder about Ford (especially if he is not a starter) is: does McD think of him to have position flex? If he ends up in a backup role, he did, of course play his first season at LT, and was serviceable. I bring it up because after Brown (who is raw as hell), there's Hart, and reports from TC have Bobby Hart looking rather pedestrian.

 

Taiwan Jones is an interesting case. He's frustrating to fans because as an actual RB, he's straight-up awful. He's the worst RB on the team. But, apparently, a very important part of ST. Could he be replaced? If Kumerow were able to take his role on ST, it would be a no-brainer. But, IMO, rather than opening up a seventh WR spot, as some would like, I would think Antonio Williams would be a valuable addition to the RB room, and as a STer. He is right now the closest thing we have to a downhill power back, IMO.

 

Wide receiver. There has been some speculation on this forum that Isaiah McKenzie is not a lock. I don't buy that for a second. There has also been speculation that either or both of Hodgins, and Stevenson should take up roster space because they wouldn't be safe on the PS. I don't buy it. They'll be safe on the PS, and even if they're not, unless one of them wins the #6WR spot (possible), they're not going to keep them on the 53 purely for the sake of development.

 

On Defense:

I think the battle for the backup safety positions is pretty up in the air, and I mentioned Jaquan Johnson the other day as being a surprise cut. I know he was core ST, last season, and perhaps @GunnerBill would know just how valuable he's been in his (personal protection, I believe?) role, but it seems to me he hasn't been that much of a standout, especially as an actual safety. And, Hamlin, Thompson, and Thomas have all gotten some buzz in TC.

 

And, there is Siran Neal. Here's a way-too-early bold prediction for the '22 season: At the end of this season, when Taron, and Siran both become UFAs, Taron will get a big contract elsewhere, and Beane will extend Siran a decent deal, and he becomes our NCB. 

 

I'm going to stick with my prediction that they keep 10 D-linemen, and possibly 11. I think Addison is a surprise cut, and I have been arguing they keep Darryl Johnson all summer, so I'm not going to stop now. And, if they do keep 11, that would be Zimmer. "Glue," and all that..

[billsfan89]

On 8/5/2021 at 8:33 AM, snafu said:

They’re going to leave some good talent behind. 
What a nice problem to have. 
 

 

Probably see a trade or two for late round picks. Part of the benefits of being a well run organization. 

[GunnerBill]

3 hours ago, Rocky Landing said:

On Offense:

I assume they keep nine O-linemen. I know people have given Boettger the edge over Ford at G, but I'm not so sure. I suspect they're on equal footing, but both are certainly locks. What I wonder about Ford (especially if he is not a starter) is: does McD think of him to have position flex? If he ends up in a backup role, he did, of course play his first season at LT, and was serviceable. I bring it up because after Brown (who is raw as hell), there's Hart, and reports from TC have Bobby Hart looking rather pedestrian.

 

Taiwan Jones is an interesting case. He's frustrating to fans because as an actual RB, he's straight-up awful. He's the worst RB on the team. But, apparently, a very important part of ST. Could he be replaced? If Kumerow were able to take his role on ST, it would be a no-brainer. But, IMO, rather than opening up a seventh WR spot, as some would like, I would think Antonio Williams would be a valuable addition to the RB room, and as a STer. He is right now the closest thing we have to a downhill power back, IMO.

 

Wide receiver. There has been some speculation on this forum that Isaiah McKenzie is not a lock. I don't buy that for a second. There has also been speculation that either or both of Hodgins, and Stevenson should take up roster space because they wouldn't be safe on the PS. I don't buy it. They'll be safe on the PS, and even if they're not, unless one of them wins the #6WR spot (possible), they're not going to keep them on the 53 purely for the sake of development.

 

On Defense:

I think the battle for the backup safety positions is pretty up in the air, and I mentioned Jaquan Johnson the other day as being a surprise cut. I know he was core ST, last season, and perhaps @GunnerBill would know just how valuable he's been in his (personal protection, I believe?) role, but it seems to me he hasn't been that much of a standout, especially as an actual safety. And, Hamlin, Thompson, and Thomas have all gotten some buzz in TC.

 

And, there is Siran Neal. Here's a way-too-early bold prediction for the '22 season: At the end of this season, when Taron, and Siran both become UFAs, Taron will get a big contract elsewhere, and Beane will extend Siran a decent deal, and he becomes our NCB. 

 

I'm going to stick with my prediction that they keep 10 D-linemen, and possibly 11. I think Addison is a surprise cut, and I have been arguing they keep Darryl Johnson all summer, so I'm not going to stop now. And, if they do keep 11, that would be Zimmer. "Glue," and all that..

 

Jaquan Johnson was absolutely key as the personal protector on punts last year. They tried a few guys early - Matakevich and Gilliam I think both had goes before Jaquan solidified it - was Pat Di Marco's job beforehand. McDermott also spoke highly of Johnson when he met the media this week so I would be very surprised if he is cut.  It is also a retention question. Unless Tariq Thompson (who as I have said above I had as a draftable player and a good fit here pre-draft) totally balls out in pre-season games there is every reason to believe a man who was passed on through 7 rounds of the draft would not be signed to someone else's active roster and while ocassionally a guy gets cut and signs for someone else's practice squad rather than the team he did camp with that is very rare. If the Bills want Thompson (or Thomas for that matter) back on their PS they should be able to get them without too much fuss. 

[Ethan in Cleveland]

There is always a surprise cut or two 

Feliciano is my guess on offense

H. Phillips is my guess on defense 

3 hours ago, Rocky Landing said:

On Offense:

I assume they keep nine O-linemen. I know people have given Boettger the edge over Ford at G, but I'm not so sure. I suspect they're on equal footing, but both are certainly locks. What I wonder about Ford (especially if he is not a starter) is: does McD think of him to have position flex? If he ends up in a backup role, he did, of course play his first season at LT, and was serviceable. I bring it up because after Brown (who is raw as hell), there's Hart, and reports from TC have Bobby Hart looking rather pedestrian.

 

Taiwan Jones is an interesting case. He's frustrating to fans because as an actual RB, he's straight-up awful. He's the worst RB on the team. But, apparently, a very important part of ST. Could he be replaced? If Kumerow were able to take his role on ST, it would be a no-brainer. But, IMO, rather than opening up a seventh WR spot, as some would like, I would think Antonio Williams would be a valuable addition to the RB room, and as a STer. He is right now the closest thing we have to a downhill power back, IMO.

 

Wide receiver. There has been some speculation on this forum that Isaiah McKenzie is not a lock. I don't buy that for a second. There has also been speculation that either or both of Hodgins, and Stevenson should take up roster space because they wouldn't be safe on the PS. I don't buy it. They'll be safe on the PS, and even if they're not, unless one of them wins the #6WR spot (possible), they're not going to keep them on the 53 purely for the sake of development.

 

On Defense:

I think the battle for the backup safety positions is pretty up in the air, and I mentioned Jaquan Johnson the other day as being a surprise cut. I know he was core ST, last season, and perhaps @GunnerBill would know just how valuable he's been in his (personal protection, I believe?) role, but it seems to me he hasn't been that much of a standout, especially as an actual safety. And, Hamlin, Thompson, and Thomas have all gotten some buzz in TC.

 

And, there is Siran Neal. Here's a way-too-early bold prediction for the '22 season: At the end of this season, when Taron, and Siran both become UFAs, Taron will get a big contract elsewhere, and Beane will extend Siran a decent deal, and he becomes our NCB. 

 

I'm going to stick with my prediction that they keep 10 D-linemen, and possibly 11. I think Addison is a surprise cut, and I have been arguing they keep Darryl Johnson all summer, so I'm not going to stop now. And, if they do keep 11, that would be Zimmer. "Glue," and all that..

Ford played RT his rookie year, Bates can play OT, and Boettger is far from a lock. I like Bates as the back up center and that frees them up to go with Boettger at RG and let Feliciano go. 

[Rocky Landing]

1 minute ago, Ethan in Portland said:

There is always a surprise cut or two 

Feliciano is my guess on offense

H. Phillips is my guess on defense 

Horrible Harry getting cut certainly would be a surprise, and a hard pill for a lot of people to swallow. but, it’s certainly within the realm of possibility. 
 

Mongo, on the other hand— that ain’t happening. 

[HappyDays]

Joe Buscaglia had some interesting ideas in today's training camp recap:

 

Quote

After nine practices, the defensive end battle for roster spots is shaping as the most competitive of the summer. Since the pads have gone on, bubble defensive ends Efe Obada and Darryl Johnson have stacked excellent pass-rushing days one on top of the other. Two days ago, Obada had a dominant practice even though Johnson put together some good reps. On Saturday, the roles were reversed. Johnson had his best practice of training camp, and it couldn’t have come at a better time than during the team’s scrimmage.

 

Quote

The trouble is, Obada is Johnson’s primary competition for a spot and Obada has been excellent at camp as well. Obada showed up for a pressure of his own and an excellent run stuff Saturday where he contained the edge and made a tackle at the line of scrimmage. For the Bills to keep all seven defensive ends (Jerry Hughes, Mario Addison, A.J. Epenesa, Greg Rousseau, Boogie Basham, Obada and Johnson) they’ll need to get creative. Maybe it’s only keeping three defensive tackles and playing some ends regularly on the interior. Or perhaps it’s skimping at cornerback to fit an 11th defensive lineman. All we can see is the impact some of these players are having, and Johnson is standing out for his defensive work and special teams ability. He might wind up being their most difficult decision this summer.

 

Quote

Given the state of things at defensive tackle right now, it might be worth the Bills time to consider only keeping three of them this year and using the remaining spots on versatile defensive ends like Obada, Basham and Johnson.

 

He proposes keeping just Oliver, Lotulelei, and Zimmer at DT, and keeping 7 DEs. I would be surprised if the Bills go that route but it may be the only way to get the 10 best d-linemen on the team. Harrison Phillips has been great in the community but as a football player I don't know that he's worth a spot over any of these DEs. But that would also leave us razor thin with DT depth. I think d-line is the hardest position group to predict right now.

Edited August 7, 2021 by HappyDays

[BADOLBILZ]

1 hour ago, HappyDays said:

Joe Buscaglia had some interesting ideas in today's training camp recap:

 

 

 

 

He proposes keeping just Oliver, Lotulelei, and Zimmer at DT, and keeping 7 DEs. I would be surprised if the Bills go that route but it may be the only way to get the 10 best d-linemen on the team. Harrison Phillips has been great in the community but as a football player I don't know that he's worth a spot over any of these DEs. But that would also leave us razor thin with DT depth. I think d-line is the hardest position group to predict right now.

 

 

Actually haven't heard much positive at all about Addison or Lotulelei in camp. 

 

With most of their salaries guaranteed whether they make the team or not.........and likely having next to zero market for their services elsewhere........it might be an option to cut them and have them as vets on the PS to have available for injury replacements while keeping the young talent on the roster.

 

Can pretty much guarantee that if they were cut on the eve of the season they would at least not be signed elsewhere until week 2 when their veteran minimum salaries would be unguaranteed and they would only have to be paid week-to-week.    

 

Could also see Beane exploring some trades to swap depth at one position for help at another.........like the Eli Harold for Ryan Bates trade.   

 

I'd be interested in seeing @GunnerBill use his extensive knowledge of recent drafts to put together some swaps..........like Daryl Johnson for a promising but blocked LT prospect.......deals like that.   

[Maynard]

On 8/6/2021 at 6:09 AM, DCofNC said:

It sure looks like there are going to be some talented guys looking for new jobs.  I think a few of them have some trade value.  Touch Down Jesus may garner a 1st round pick from Aaron Rodgers, so he could be on the block.  I hate to see It, but there’s a log jame at DE, somebody has got to go.  Outside looking in, it’s Addison that’s gotta go.  You have Hughes who seems untouchable (maybe not?), 3 guys you drafted in the last 2 years in the top 2 rounds, Obada who looks the part.. I’m not seeing room for much more.  

I think the only problem is that Addison is really embracing the rooks. Haven’t heard much about Jerry doing so. That certainly doesn’t mean that Jerry hasn’t, but he hasn’t been mentioned too much lately by the rooks. Addison might be off the chopping block because of him taking on the rooks and because of his salary implications. Dunno..

[GunnerBill]

42 minutes ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

I'd be interested in seeing @GunnerBill use his extensive knowledge of recent drafts to put together some swaps..........like Daryl Johnson for a promising but blocked LT prospect.......deals like that.   

 

I am away for a few days visiting family but I will have a look after pre season game 1 at my old draft boards. It is an interesting idea. I am particularly thinking could there be a depth corner somewhere you can unearth who is maybe limited but a scheme fit like when we got EJ Gaines the first time for peanuts in the Watkins deal. 

[ColoradoBills]

7 hours ago, Rocky Landing said:

I would think Antonio Williams would be a valuable addition to the RB room, and as a STer. He is right now the closest thing we have to a downhill power back, IMO.

 

This RB competition is heating up.  From all the reports I've read here about Williams it could get interesting.  I'm expecting him to take

a lot of snaps in preseason.  If he doesn't make the team (which right now seems likely) I sure hope he slips to the PS.

I hope that because next year could be his time to make the team outright.  He's my longshot player.

[Rocky Landing]

1 hour ago, ColoradoBills said:

 

This RB competition is heating up.  From all the reports I've read here about Williams it could get interesting.  I'm expecting him to take

a lot of snaps in preseason.  If he doesn't make the team (which right now seems likely) I sure hope he slips to the PS.

I hope that because next year could be his time to make the team outright.  He's my longshot player.

Yeah. I think his best chance to make the roster this season is if they cut Taiwan Jones, which, albeit unlikely, would probably be fine with a lot of fans. 

[Hapless Bills Fan]

This seems an appropriate place to put this:

 

https://www.newyorkupstate.com/buffalo-bills/2021/08/buffalo-bills-on-the-bubble-what-theyre-saying-about-jake-kumerow-darryl-johnson-efe-obada-more.html

 

Quote

Kumerow had a rare drop at the Bills’ Return of the Blue & Red, but he’s been the team’s most consistent receiver behind the team’s top five. His ability to contribute on special teams also gives him a great chance of making the final roster.

 

Quote

Efe Obada has stood out at multiple training camp practices. He was one of the best defenders on the field during the team’s open practice on July 31 and NYUP’s Matt Parrino has gone on to note other strong practices as well.
 

“Obada has been one of the most consistent players on either side of the ball throughout camp and he got to show off his power on Tuesday,” Parrino wrote on August 3rd. “The best single pass rush rep of the day came from Obada, who put Brown in a blender before Allen was able to pitch it past the line of scrimmage to Zack Moss just in time. Obada combined with Vernon Butler earlier in practice to flush Mitch Trubisky out of the pocket on one of his early drop backs before taking off and running.
 

Obada’s length was on display in the third 11-on-11 period when he was able to get a hand up and knock down an Allen pass.

 

Also for Obada, don't discount the familiarity factor:

Quote

Obada has a previous relationship with defensive line coach Eric Washington which could help his chances of making the final roster as the coach knows exactly what Obada brings to the table. In addition to playing defensive end, Obada can also contribute on the inside.

 

Quote

“He’s always been great for me,” Bills special teams coach Health Farwell told the media. “To get four phases out of a defensive end, y’know those are hard to find. Pre-game when I talk to the other coordinators he’s the first guy that they bring up. It’s a mismatch having a guy that big and that fast running down the field, he’s just a huge factor they have to account for.”

In addition to Farwell, linebacker Tyler Matakevich heaped praise onto Johnson for his special teams play this week.

Johnson showed that he is more than just a special teams contributor at the Bills’ Return of the Blue & Red. He was the team’s best defensive end on the day applying pressure when given the opportunity.

 

Then this on Zimmer:

 

 

[MJS]

Personally, I'd rather have Zimmer on the team than either Harrison Phillips or Vernon Butler.

 

And I would rather keep Obada over Addison.

 

But I get they have to consider contracts.

[ndirish1978]

On 8/5/2021 at 9:39 AM, Gugny said:

 

Can you please re-write your original post in a more bulleted format?  It would be a lot easier on my eyes.  Thanks!

 

Gave it a shot

 

Offense - 24

QB

LOCK - Allen, Trubisky

BUBBLE -

 

RB

LOCK - Moss, Singletary, Brieda

BUBBLE - Taiwan Jones, A Williams, Gilliam

 

TE

LOCK - Knox, Hollister

BUBBLE - Sweeney

 

WR

LOCK - Diggs, Sanders, Beasley , Davis, McKenzie

BUBBLE - Kumerow, Stevenson, Hodgins, Duke

 

OT

LOCK - Dawkins, D Williams, Brown

BUBBLE - Doyle

 

OG

LOCK - Feliciano, Ford, Boettger

BUBBLE - Lamp, Anderson

 

C

LOCK - Morse

BUBBLE - Bates

 

Defense - 25

DE

LOCK - Hughes, Rousseau, Basham, Epenesa

BUBBLE - Obada, Addison, D Johnson

 

DT

LOCK - Oliver, Harry, Star

BUBBLE - Vernon Davis, Zimmer

 

LB

LOCK - Edmunds, Milano, Klein, Matakevich

BUBBLE - T Adams, Andre Smith, T Dodson, Joe Giles-Harris

 

CB

LOCK - Tre, Wallace, Jackson, T Johnson

BUBBLE - Wildgoose, Cam Lewis

 

S

LOCK - Poyer, Hyde, Neal, J Johnson

BUBBLE - J Thomas, Hamlin

 

ST

LOCK - Bass, Haack, Ferguson 

[MAJBobby]

DL. There is a major numbers game gonna go on and players that can play in this league are going to be moved either via cut or trade. 

[scuba guy]

On 8/7/2021 at 10:12 AM, BigAl2526 said:

Cut down is going to be painful because you're going to have to let go of quality players.  How many are going to latch on to teams the Bills will face this season?  I'd hate to have a former Bills player make a play that helps a future opponent beat the Bills.

 

Good work, Gunner.

Well the pats will diff pick up one of your players just to get scouting info

[Patrick Duffy]

How many thinks Duke Williams will NOT be kept on PS this time around? I think it may be a solid chance the legend of Duke may officially come to an end soon.