Remaining Roster Battles

[khlax3]

I have seen mentioned in numerous thread the different position battles however I don’t know the remaining battles are position specific. 
 

As far as the specialist go I think those 3 are set. Arazia will be the punter. The only thing he had to prove to win the job was that he could hold and he has done that.

 

On defense I think there are only 2 open spots.

 

1 spot on the dline. The top 8 are set (miller, groot, Epenesa, basham, Oliver, phillips, jones, settle). That leaves 1 spot as I believe they will keep 9 total. There are 4 contenders for this spot. Lawson, Love, Bryant, Ankou.

 

The other spot I think is between a 7th corner and 6th linebacker and it comes down to Spector or Lewis (this could change after game 6 when smith comes of suspension) 

 

on offense I think the qb position is set and oline is set keeping 9 (Dawkins, saffold, Morse, bates, brown, quessenberry, Doyle, ford,

mancz)

 

The top 4 running backs are set with singletary, moss, Gilliam, and cook.

 

The top 4 wr are also set with diggs, Davis, McKenzie, shakir

 

The top 2 tight ends are Knox and Howard.

 

Rather than looking at the last 4 spots available by position I think it makes sense to look at it from ST value along with positional need. 2 of those 4 spots will have to be WR with the remaining 2 spots could be at wr if they keep 7, a 3rd tight end (we have Gilliam so it’s not a given we have to have 3) and I could see up to 6 running backs for ST value. Here are the guys competing for those last spot:

 

Twain jones

blackshear

Sweeney

morris

austin

hodgins

crowder 

kumerow

 

Based on the camp reports and preseason I am keeping jones, blackshear, hodgins and crowder. This gives the best mix of offensive talent and special teams ability. I think you can stash Morris and Sweeney on PS and go into games with 2 true TE and Gilliam
 

 

 

 

Edited August 15, 2022 by khlax3
Mispelling

[scuba guy]

I think Howard may be a gunner 

 

The old added ship up or ship out

[tomur67]

What am I missing about Tommy Sweeney?  I don't see how he has been able to hang on for as long he has. 

[JoPoy88]

1 minute ago, tomur67 said:

What am I missing about Tommy Sweeney?  I don't see how he has been able to hang on for as long he has. 

He’s shown up in camp this year apparently. 

[MasterStrategist]

6 minutes ago, khlax3 said:

I have seen mentioned in numerous thread the different position battles however I don’t know the remaining battles are position specific. 
 

As far as the specialist go I think those 3 are set. Arazia will be the punter. The only thing he had to prove to win the job was that he could hold and he has done that.

 

On defense I think there are only 2 open spots.

 

1 spot on the dline. The top 8 are set (miller, groot, Epenesa, basham, Oliver, phillips, jones, settle). That leaves 1 spot as I believe they will keep 9 total. There are 4 contenders for this spot. Lawson, Love, Bryant, Ankou.

 

The other spot I think is between a 7th corner and 6th linebacker and it comes down to Spector or Lewis (this could change after game 6 when smith comes of suspension) 

 

on offense I think the qb position is set and oline is set keeping 9 (Dawkins, saffold, Morse, bates, brown, quessenberry, Doyle, ford,

mancz)

 

The top 4 running backs are set with singletary, moss, Gilliam, and cook.

 

The top 4 wr are also set with diggs, Davis, McKenzie, shakir

 

The top 2 tight ends are Knox and Howard.

 

Rather than looking at the last 4 spots available by position I think it makes sense to look at it from ST value along with positional need. 2 of those 4 spots will have to be WR with the remaining 2 spots could be at wr if they keep 7, a 3rd tight end (we have Gilliam so it’s not a given we have to have 3) and I could see up to 6 running backs for ST value. Here are the guys competing for those last spot:

 

Twain jones

blackshear

Sweeney

morris

austin

hodgins

crowder 

kumerow

 

Based on the camp reports and preseason I am keeping jones, blackshear, hodgins and crowder. This gives the best mix of offensive talent and special teams ability. I think you can stash Morris and Sweeney on PS and go into games with 2 true TE and Gilliam
 

 

 

 

I like it and great analysis!

 

1. I think Crowder and Hodgins will make it

2. Jones for ST/gunner...he's just that good at that role

3. Last spot to me is a bit different, I think we keep 6 LBs (Spector for now, will be interesting when Smith suspsension ends) and opt for Lewis over Blackshear.  

 

Unless Blackshear is in the plans for a returner role, I think they try to stash him on the P/S.  I already think Dorsey will have his work cut out for him involving the top 3 RBs, and Lewis adds more value as a possible gunner and backup corner (especially with a bit of uncertainty with Tre's exact return, as of now).

[Sammy Watkins' Rib]

Who is our returner? I think the OP left Stevenson out in his list of options for the last spot. Traditionally you would think one of Stevenson or Austin would make the team as the returner. Personally I am willing to roll the dice with McKenzie in that role despite his issues but I know many are not. So who is our returner if it is not Stevenson, Austin or McKenzie?

[nosejob]

30 minutes ago, khlax3 said:

I have seen mentioned in numerous thread the different position battles however I don’t know the remaining battles are position specific. 
 

As far as the specialist go I think those 3 are set. Arazia will be the punter. The only thing he had to prove to win the job was that he could hold and he has done that.

 

On defense I think there are only 2 open spots.

 

1 spot on the dline. The top 8 are set (miller, groot, Epenesa, basham, Oliver, phillips, jones, settle). That leaves 1 spot as I believe they will keep 9 total. There are 4 contenders for this spot. Lawson, Love, Bryant, Ankou.

 

The other spot I think is between a 7th corner and 6th linebacker and it comes down to Spector or Lewis (this could change after game 6 when smith comes of suspension) 

 

on offense I think the qb position is set and oline is set keeping 9 (Dawkins, saffold, Morse, bates, brown, quessenberry, Doyle, ford,

mancz)

 

The top 4 running backs are set with singletary, moss, Gilliam, and cook.

 

The top 4 wr are also set with diggs, Davis, McKenzie, shakir

 

The top 2 tight ends are Knox and Howard.

 

Rather than looking at the last 4 spots available by position I think it makes sense to look at it from ST value along with positional need. 2 of those 4 spots will have to be WR with the remaining 2 spots could be at wr if they keep 7, a 3rd tight end (we have Gilliam so it’s not a given we have to have 3) and I could see up to 6 running backs for ST value. Here are the guys competing for those last spot:

 

Twain jones

blackshear

Sweeney

morris

austin

hodgins

crowder 

kumerow

 

Based on the camp reports and preseason I am keeping jones, blackshear, hodgins and crowder. This gives the best mix of offensive talent and special teams ability. I think you can stash Morris and Sweeney on PS and go into games with 2 true TE and Gilliam
 

 

 

 

I like Bryant. I think he can make big plays when needed. I also like Love, but I sadly think he's going back to the P.S. I think Shaq may be the odd man out.

 

Edited August 15, 2022 by nosejob

[17islongenough]

Are we sure the QB1 spot is settled? Barkley had over 200 yards yesterday in a half and Allen had 0.  

[Sammy Watkins' Rib]

8 minutes ago, nosejob said:

I like Bryant. I think he can make big plays when needed. I also like Love, but I

 

But you what???!!

 

Don't leave us hanging like that.

[Big Turk]

I'm not so sure they aren't keeping 3 TEs and even if they only keep 2, I don't know that Howard is beating Sweeney out...

 

Sure he might be ahead of him on the depth chart now but if the Bills think Sweeney has room to grow and Howard doesn't offer them much upside, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Howard get cut. That type of thing happens a lot around the NFL.

[nosejob]

S

5 minutes ago, Sammy Watkins' Rib said:

 

But you what???!!

 

Don't leave us hanging like that.

sorry, got bounced around with the site.

[BADOLBILZ]

I expect the early season roster to be pretty fluid.

 

The Bills may keep more OL or DB than expected because the OL position is one of the weaker ones in the league and the Bills DB's are better players than their TE or WR counterparts.

 

With 11 days between the season opener and the home opener I'd look for the Bills to treat the first game roster sorta' like a weekly "active" roster and then do some re-arranging after the opener.........particularly if it involves giving a roster spot to a veteran whose salary they don't want to have to guarantee by having them on the roster week 1.

 

Guys like Shaq Lawson or Tavon Austin.........or maybe Carolina releases Andre Roberts.......something like that.

 

Also could see Beane getting froggy and trading to try to fix some imbalances on offense.........the last couple WR, TE and interior OL are not where you want them in a season where you are otherwise positioned to bully your way into a Super Bowl.

 

[ColoradoBills]

13 minutes ago, Sammy Watkins' Rib said:

Who is our returner? I think the OP left Stevenson out in his list of options for the last spot. Traditionally you would think one of Stevenson or Austin would make the team as the returner. Personally I am willing to roll the dice with McKenzie in that role despite his issues but I know many are not. So who is our returner if it is not Stevenson, Austin or McKenzie?

 

Stevenson just had surgery and is out for a couple/few weeks.  Shakir is getting punts yesterday and most likely will get more.

McKenzie is a lock and is always a fallback option for PR.

 

Shakir and Austin probably battle it out with Shakir the hopeful, is my guess.

[NewEra]

22 minutes ago, Sammy Watkins' Rib said:

Who is our returner? I think the OP left Stevenson out in his list of options for the last spot. Traditionally you would think one of Stevenson or Austin would make the team as the returner. Personally I am willing to roll the dice with McKenzie in that role despite his issues but I know many are not. So who is our returner if it is not Stevenson, Austin or McKenzie?

Looks like Shakir, Cook or Dirty.  
 

stevenson had surgery.  I think he’s gonna be on IR or the PS.  Can’t see anyone signing him the 53.  

[nosejob]

4 minutes ago, Big Turk said:

I'm not so sure they aren't keeping 3 TEs and even if they only keep 2, I don't know that Howard is beating Sweeney out...

 

Sure he might be ahead of him on the depth chart now but if the Bills think Sweeney has room to grow and Howard doesn't offer them much upside, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Howard get cut. That type of thing happens a lot around the NFL.

I think Wydemeyer(sp)? will be placed on p.s ...and I think by the end of the year, he'll replace a worn out Howard and make a huge. smooth. lumbering target fo JA

[NewEra]

Just now, nosejob said:

I think Wydemeyer(sp)? will be placed on p.s ...and I think by the end of the year, he'll replace a worn out Howard and make a huge. smooth. lumbering target fo JA

He got cut.  He’s toast

[nosejob]

2 minutes ago, NewEra said:

He got cut.  He’s toast

Doesn't mean they won't put him on the P.S

[NewEra]

If we keep a 5th rd, I’d rather keep Blackshear over Jones.  I think he could be our best punt returner.  He’s pretty electric with the ball in his hands too.  Wish he could work his tail off and become a proficient gunner.  If we’re going to keep a guy strictly for ST reasons, it would be nice for him to be able to play two prime ST roles.  

1 minute ago, nosejob said:

Doesn't mean they won't put him on the P.S

Usually when guys are cut this early in camp, they don’t want them.  
 

I would think they’d want to keep him around and coach him up some more.  But you’re right, they could put him on the ps. 

 

 

[nosejob]

3 minutes ago, NewEra said:

If we keep a 5th rd, I’d rather keep Blackshear over Jones.  I think he could be our best punt returner.  He’s pretty electric with the ball in his hands too.  Wish he could work his tail off and become a proficient gunner.  If we’re going to keep a guy strictly for ST reasons, it would be nice for him to be able to play two prime ST roles.  

Usually when guys are cut this early in camp, they don’t want them.  
 

I would think they’d want to keep him around and coach him up some more.  But you’re right, they could put him on the ps. 

 

 

IDK there's something about this guy after reading all the scouting crap that just gives me the gut feeling. I wish i could provide an NFL comparison.

[khlax3]

37 minutes ago, Sammy Watkins' Rib said:

Who is our returner? I think the OP left Stevenson out in his list of options for the last spot. Traditionally you would think one of Stevenson or Austin would make the team as the returner. Personally I am willing to roll the dice with McKenzie in that role despite his issues but I know many are not. So who is our returner if it is not Stevenson, Austin or McKenzie?

 My thought in the OP was

 

KR: cook and blackshear (cook starts as the primary but if role increases throughout season blackshear could become primary)

 

PR: shakir as the primary with blackshear also backup. If shakir ends up with a prominent role on offense this could be also transition to blackshear)

 

In order for blackshear to make it though he has to prove he can also play on coverage teams 

[hemma]

45 minutes ago, Sammy Watkins' Rib said:

Who is our returner? I think the OP left Stevenson out in his list of options for the last spot. Traditionally you would think one of Stevenson or Austin would make the team as the returner. Personally I am willing to roll the dice with McKenzie in that role despite his issues but I know many are not. So who is our returner if it is not Stevenson, Austin or McKenzie?

Blackshear looked pretty good today.

Let’s see who they put out there next week.

[Sammy Watkins' Rib]

6 minutes ago, khlax3 said:

 My thought in the OP was

 

KR: cook and blackshear (cook starts as the primary but if role increases throughout season blackshear could become primary)

 

PR: shakir as the primary with blackshear also backup. If shakir ends up with a prominent role on offense this could be also transition to blackshear)

 

In order for blackshear to make it though he has to prove he can also play on coverage teams 

 

Blackshear would take Taiwan Jones' spot I assume? 

[hemma]

2 minutes ago, Sammy Watkins' Rib said:

 

Blackshear would take Taiwan Jones' spot I assume? 

No, he said he’d keep Taiwan.  Maybe reread his post.

[That's No Moon]

19 minutes ago, nosejob said:

IDK there's something about this guy after reading all the scouting crap that just gives me the gut feeling. I wish i could provide an NFL comparison.

They did this with someone else not that long ago. I can't remember who though. Cut them early, then signed them to PS later.

[Ed_Formerly_of_Roch]

Agree with most except Blackshear.  Can't see them keeping 4 RB's plus Jones and Gilliam on a team that for the past couple of years only would go with 2 RB on game days.  Definitely not wasting a slot for Blackshear.  Instead that last slot likely will go to Kumerow.

 

This Blackshear love is kind of funny.  Reminds me of the past couple of seasons it was Wade, D Williams, and think there was also a RB named Williams.  He did great in the 4th quarter of pre-season games going up against mostly other undrafted players.

 

If White isn't ready week 1, the 7th CB choice becomes and easy one.

 

Looking at the numbers that gives a total of 25 to offense, 2 QB, 2 TE, 9 OL, 4 RB, 1 FB, 7 WR, and 25 to defense 9 DL, 6 LB, 6 CB, 4 S plus 3 specialists. 

 

Now the question is how do you get down to 47 on game day.  For that drop 1 OL, 1 DL, 1 WR, 1 LB.  After that it gets tougher for the last two.  Last season they often went with just 1 TE and 3 RB.  This year though see that being tough choice as Singletary, Moss, and Cook all have uniquely different strengths.  Personally if it were up to me I'd keep all three active and sit Jones but not so sure they will.  It often may come to either sitting Howard or Gilliam and maybe a CB??  Or instead it may end up being one of the three REAL RB's if past actions are any indicator, but won't make me happy if that's the choice.

[AmishRifle]

I don’t see the utility of holding on to OJ Howard based on preseason game 1.    He didn’t offer much even when he was playing late in the game.  I’d rather roll with the younger guys and continue to develop them than keep him on the roster.  

[Simon Says]

9 hours ago, Ed_Formerly_of_Roch said:

Agree with most except Blackshear.  Can't see them keeping 4 RB's plus Jones and Gilliam on a team that for the past couple of years only would go with 2 RB on game days.  Definitely not wasting a slot for Blackshear.  Instead that last slot likely will go to Kumerow.

 

This Blackshear love is kind of funny.  Reminds me of the past couple of seasons it was Wade, D Williams, and think there was also a RB named Williams.  He did great in the 4th quarter of pre-season games going up against mostly other undrafted players.

 

If White isn't ready week 1, the 7th CB choice becomes and easy one.

 

Looking at the numbers that gives a total of 25 to offense, 2 QB, 2 TE, 9 OL, 4 RB, 1 FB, 7 WR, and 25 to defense 9 DL, 6 LB, 6 CB, 4 S plus 3 specialists. 

 

Now the question is how do you get down to 47 on game day.  For that drop 1 OL, 1 DL, 1 WR, 1 LB.  After that it gets tougher for the last two.  Last season they often went with just 1 TE and 3 RB.  This year though see that being tough choice as Singletary, Moss, and Cook all have uniquely different strengths.  Personally if it were up to me I'd keep all three active and sit Jones but not so sure they will.  It often may come to either sitting Howard or Gilliam and maybe a CB??  Or instead it may end up being one of the three REAL RB's if past actions are any indicator, but won't make me happy if that's the choice.

There is no point in "sitting" Jones. His value to the Bills is on special teams. If another player beats him out for the ST gig,he gets cut.

[Pete]

Blackshear takes Dukes spot IMO.  He's younger, cheaper, more upside, and he will be returner and special teams.  He has Bills DNA

 

"Raheem Blackshear actually wants to be Deebo Samuel.

That is to say, the hybrid running back since his college days at Rutgers and Virginia Tech has been craving the opportunity to be utilized however his future NFL employer may deem fit.

He'll carry the ball, he'll go out for and catch passes, he'll return kicks and punts. Hell, he'll even go in at left tackle if that's what his coaches want."

 

https://www.si.com/nfl/bills/news/bills-undrafted-free-agent-profile-raheem-blackshear

Edited August 15, 2022 by Pete

[Milanos Milano]

1 hour ago, Pete said:

Blackshear takes Dukes spot IMO.  He's younger, cheaper, more upside, and he will be returner and special teams.  He has Bills DNA

 

"Raheem Blackshear actually wants to be Deebo Samuel.

That is to say, the hybrid running back since his college days at Rutgers and Virginia Tech has been craving the opportunity to be utilized however his future NFL employer may deem fit.

He'll carry the ball, he'll go out for and catch passes, he'll return kicks and punts. Hell, he'll even go in at left tackle if that's what his coaches want."

 

https://www.si.com/nfl/bills/news/bills-undrafted-free-agent-profile-raheem-blackshear

If we don’t find a way to keep Blackshear, it would be criminal. The dudes heart was the size of the moon Saturday. He was great on the ground and in the air. People with his hunger deserve a role. He played well and the passion showed, him, Shakir, and Hodgins showed up. 
If a player like Kumerow makes the team over Blackshear, it’s a travesty. 

11 hours ago, hemma said:

Blackshear looked pretty good today.

Let’s see who they put out there next week.

I hope he makes the PS at the least. Not many paths for him to get on the 53 unfortunately, unless he takes over for Moss’s spot, which looks unlikely. 

[Matt_In_NH]

13 hours ago, scuba guy said:

I think Howard may be a gunner 

 

The old added ship up or ship out

The problem is his contract is pretty much all guaranteed.  So talent wise this might be the right decision but you have to then fill it with a guy who has at least a minimum salary so that will eat into the 5 million cap left.

[Freddie's Dead]

2 hours ago, IronMaidenBills said:

The dudes heart was the size of the moon Saturday.

 

THIS^^^^^^^^^^^^  Dude's ankle was breaking and he still dove forward for the TD.  I love that freakin' guy.  Get Blackshear on my team.

[Robert Paulson]

13 hours ago, Big Turk said:

I'm not so sure they aren't keeping 3 TEs and even if they only keep 2, I don't know that Howard is beating Sweeney out...

 

Sure he might be ahead of him on the depth chart now but if the Bills think Sweeney has room to grow and Howard doesn't offer them much upside, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Howard get cut. That type of thing happens a lot around the NFL.

agree not feeling the love for OJ Howard or Stevenson.

 

Howard is super slow with stone hands: Sweeney can get better and josh likes to pound beers with him-good locker room guy

 

Stevenson has not shown me anything except dropped balls and being hurt-CFL guy 

 

 

23 minutes ago, Matt_In_NH said:

The problem is his contract is pretty much all guaranteed.  So talent wise this might be the right decision but you have to then fill it with a guy who has at least a minimum salary so that will eat into the 5 million cap left.

just looked it up: $3.5MM against the cap one way or another- he's staying and he is stealing

[Paul Costa]

13 hours ago, nosejob said:

I think Wydemeyer(sp)? will be placed on p.s ...and I think by the end of the year, he'll replace a worn out Howard and make a huge. smooth. lumbering target fo JA

I think they will bring in Steven Carlson former Browns TE to replace him. Jamestown NY native. Great ST player, excellent blocker, solid pass catcher. 

[Big Turk]

17 minutes ago, Robert Paulson said:

agree not feeling the love for OJ Howard or Stevenson.

 

Howard is super slow with stone hands: Sweeney can get better and josh likes to pound beers with him-good locker room guy

 

Stevenson has not shown me anything except dropped balls and being hurt-CFL guy 

 

 

just looked it up: $3.5MM against the cap one way or another- he's staying and he is stealing

 

Stevenson pretty much a guaranteed IR stash at this point.

[Royale with Cheese]

Every year after one preseason game, this board falls in love with a player.

Blackshear had a nice game like many before him.

 

I don’t see a spot for him.  Singletary, Moss and Cook I believe will be our 3 RB’s.  Taiwan will be our 4th reserve RB and main special teams ace.

 

We won’t keep 5 RB’s.

[newcam2012]

14 hours ago, JoPoy88 said:

He’s shown up in camp this year apparently. 

Sweeney is just OK. He's not they dynamic TE the Bills really want. OJ looks to be pretty bad. If he couldn't do anything with Brady that's a big red flag. He's probably been the biggest disappointment thus far. I don't see a turn around in play. 

[LABILLBACKER]

Like to see Crowder, Hodgins and Blackshear make it as insurance.  I have no clue who that last d lineman will be.

[Robert Paulson]

44 minutes ago, Big Turk said:

 

Stevenson pretty much a guaranteed IR stash at this point.

3 years on IR? Why bother?

[SCBills]

16 minutes ago, Robert Paulson said:

3 years on IR? Why bother?

He’s at a premium position.  If you draft a guy and can stash him until time runs out, you do so.  
 

Look at Hodgins .. in the program for 2 years and is now pushing for a roster spot with one more cheap year on his deal after this year.  

 

We need as many dirt cheap contract contributors as possible with Josh Allen graduating from his rookie contract moving forward.  

[BuffaloBill]

15 hours ago, Big Turk said:

I'm not so sure they aren't keeping 3 TEs and even if they only keep 2, I don't know that Howard is beating Sweeney out...

 

Sure he might be ahead of him on the depth chart now but if the Bills think Sweeney has room to grow and Howard doesn't offer them much upside, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Howard get cut. That type of thing happens a lot around the NFL.

reports suggest Howard has been disappointing. He may not make the team.