Way To Early 53 man Roster prediction. 45 Picked. You fill the last 8

[The Jokeman]

12 hours ago, NeverOutNick said:

Good job for a first attempt, hard to disagree with much of anything.
 

I do think we keep too many LBs for a team that plays a lot of nickel and one more is expendable for a guy we don’t want to lose.

 

I also think Mike white could take Trubiskys job but I want to see it during the preseason games. 

 

Codrington was very good as a returner last year but with the way our team values versatility Beane has to be hoping Davis or Ty Johnson can handle the role to not waste a spot on just a returner.

 

My surprise cut is Curtis Samuel, I never understood the signing as he’s never proven to be an actual WR, just a gadget type and is always injured but financially I don’t think it makes sense to cut him so who knows. If someone emerges at WR or they really want to keep Davidson with how often our TEs are hurt it could happen. 

This will probably be Carters undoing. Another pick that didn’t make sense with so many WRs, like Troy Franklin, still on the board.

Samuel was supposed to fill in the Isaiah McKenzie role but better as could be a good #2ish passing option. He was hurt most of ast year but showed good things late.

[H2o]

1 hour ago, EmotionallyUnstable said:

@H2o has us keeping 6 WRs. Have we ever done that under McD? Shavers would make sense but from a purely ST role. I feel like they like that depth on the defensive side of the ball. 

Not since 2022. I think they give him a shot to see if he can contribute this year. He's 6'4", 212lbs, and ran a sub 4.4 40. They could use him to run those Fly patterns, Seam routes, and Deep Posts. I wouldn't expect him to get a huge snap count, but he could be an asset. If he doesn't show anything, they could always make a move once the suspensions are over. I also really think Hairston is going on the PUP List. That would leave 3 openings for at least 6 weeks. 

[Sierra Foothills]

5 hours ago, bigK14094 said:

Codrington is only only a return man.  He is to small for a db job, we saw that last year.  Shannult may be a return man and a receiver.  Flexibility then.  Lets see how it plays out.  One or the other makes it unless there is another surprise return guy.

 

5 hours ago, Pete said:

Virgil or Shavers is a sneaky pick at the roster.  Keon and Shakir were fielding punts.  Roster spots are too valuable

 

The roster almost has to be reverse-engineered with the tail (returners) wagging the dog.

 

@Trust The Process and @NeverOutNick also addressed that.

 

Filling those spots creates a reverse domino effect unless some starters (Coleman, Shakir) are going to be surprise starting return guys.

 

 

[balln]

8 hours ago, boyst said:

... I will die on this hill. But I won't die. Because I am simply right.

 

He's a modern day tick above jag. Which for safety in our system is quite good. A system which employed the best tandem over the last 7 seasons replacing them with anyone was going to disappoint everyone. He played better than hyde and poyer did the last two seasons. 

 

He doesn't make mistakes. He simply lacks some physical traits to be as fast or hit as hard - but he doesn't give up his body like Poyer did or subject himself to high risk angles like Hyde did (who often benefited from quickness and smarts to recover).

 

Hamlin is always headed on the right directions, seldom misses a read, and puts himself under the top of a WR or deep threat.

 

In our system fs and ss are interchangeable to a degree. I can't definitively say that Hamlin always covers the boundary because we shift a lot and our 2 LB w nickel causes changes and passing in real time combined with man coverage being introduced more often. However, we leave our nickel to make the calls on field vs boundary covering the slot/te. This is quite complex, but if you agitate me I'll spell it out for you. In short, our free safety (Hamlin) is responsible for what the nickel isn't when Johnson makes his cover read depending on the defense. This leaves Hamlin sometimes matches double on the #1 or playing the field side against a slot who comes to the outside, or a running back who splits wide. It all depends on the zone. Does that make sense? I doubt it will because it's that damn intricate. Hamlin reads it better than most and it's why that Utah kid struggled, it's why Rapp struggled at FS. This team invested a lot to bringing along Hamlin to 2024. McDermott puts a lot of work into the DB's to craft them over time. It's why I haven't given up on Bishop yet, it's why I haven't given up on any DB's. 

 

I suspect in 2025 we see White and Benford start the season. We trust them with Bishop and Rapp.  I see hs starting in man coverage more than anyone will expect and 100% think Hairston is going to be put in for spot time by the 3rd game to cover man while getting better at zone. This defense is going to be a lot better than people think and we will have coverage sacks. 

 

Hamlin will be a big part of that because he plays very smart. It is his strongest trait. Sorry to burst your bubble. 

 

Class over, schools done. Overcome your lack of football knowledge to not just hate Hamlin. It is silly, bub.

Yea you call Hamlins best trait is that he plays “smart.” I guess? Hard to argue that with evidence

 

i think his most common outcome of plays is as follows : he lets the player catch the ball. Usually with a ton of cushion.  And then usually makes the tackle. I think that’s pretty meh. 
 

if McD system is THAT intricate. And we keep SUCKING in the playoffs. And we trot players like Hamlin out as our starter > Actually another outcome with Hamlin - especially in the playoffs. Are these delayed blitzes from 30

yards deep and he never makes it. It’s like embarrassing. > 

 

we need a new coach/ system. Hamlin is so upgradable imo 

[boyst]

1 hour ago, balln said:

Yea you call Hamlins best trait is that he plays “smart.” I guess? Hard to argue that with evidence

 

i think his most common outcome of plays is as follows : he lets the player catch the ball. Usually with a ton of cushion.  And then usually makes the tackle. I think that’s pretty meh. 
 

if McD system is THAT intricate. And we keep SUCKING in the playoffs. And we trot players like Hamlin out as our starter > Actually another outcome with Hamlin - especially in the playoffs. Are these delayed blitzes from 30

yards deep and he never makes it. It’s like embarrassing. > 

 

we need a new coach/ system. Hamlin is so upgradable imo 

You won't hear me disagree on our defensive scheme. 

[BigAl2526]

On 8/1/2025 at 7:18 PM, PrimeTime101 said:

no one wants to play? ok I will start it.

 

The 8 players will be.

 

WR Shavers

OL Mike Edwards, Kendrick Green

DL Michael Heocht, Alec Anderson

LB Bayloh Spector

CB Dane Jackson

S Jordon Hancock. 

 

What say you?

Alec Anderson is an offensive lineman.  Personally, I think Alec Anderson is ahead of Chase Lundt in competition for a spot on the offensive line.  Anderson is more versatile, having played both tackle and guard on the line.  I'm not at all sure Lundt makes the team.  If Van Pran Granger can get healthy, I think he makes the team as back-up center.   Jalen Virgil is my dark horse to be a sixth.  Prather will be on the PS WR.  Deone Walker makes the team.  The Bills knew he would likely not be ready to make a major contribution at the start of the season, but they covet his upside and know that if they try to sneak him on to the PS, some other team is guaranteed to poach him.  I think Cam Lewis and Damar Hamlin make the team, Cam for his versatility and Hamlin for his experience in the system as a starter.  That beats out Darrick Forrest's better athleticism.  Michael Hoecht will be on the team once he has served his suspension.  I think the Bills might try to sneak Hancock on to the PS.  The Bills probably carry a fifth LB, and Specter looks to be in the lead for that spot.  He's had trouble staying healthy in the past and gave up some big plays last season, but he seems like he's taken a step forward this training camp.  

[PrimeTime101]

5 minutes ago, BigAl2526 said:

Alec Anderson is an offensive lineman.  Personally, I think Alec Anderson is ahead of Chase Lundt in competition for a spot on the offensive line.  Anderson is more versatile, having played both tackle and guard on the line.  I'm not at all sure Lundt makes the team.  If Van Pran Granger can get healthy, I think he makes the team as back-up center.   Jalen Virgil is my dark horse to be a sixth.  Prather will be on the PS WR.  Deone Walker makes the team.  The Bills knew he would likely not be ready to make a major contribution at the start of the season, but they covet his upside and know that if they try to sneak him on to the PS, some other team is guaranteed to poach him.  I think Cam Lewis and Damar Hamlin make the team, Cam for his versatility and Hamlin for his experience in the system as a starter.  That beats out Darrick Forrest's better athleticism.  Michael Hoecht will be on the team once he has served his suspension.  I think the Bills might try to sneak Hancock on to the PS.  The Bills probably carry a fifth LB, and Specter looks to be in the lead for that spot.  He's had trouble staying healthy in the past and gave up some big plays last season, but he seems like he's taken a step forward this training camp.  

agreed

 

[GunnerBill]

4 hours ago, BigAl2526 said:

Alec Anderson is an offensive lineman.  Personally, I think Alec Anderson is ahead of Chase Lundt in competition for a spot on the offensive line.  Anderson is more versatile, having played both tackle and guard on the line.  I'm not at all sure Lundt makes the team.  If Van Pran Granger can get healthy, I think he makes the team as back-up center.   Jalen Virgil is my dark horse to be a sixth.  Prather will be on the PS WR.  Deone Walker makes the team.  The Bills knew he would likely not be ready to make a major contribution at the start of the season, but they covet his upside and know that if they try to sneak him on to the PS, some other team is guaranteed to poach him.  I think Cam Lewis and Damar Hamlin make the team, Cam for his versatility and Hamlin for his experience in the system as a starter.  That beats out Darrick Forrest's better athleticism.  Michael Hoecht will be on the team once he has served his suspension.  I think the Bills might try to sneak Hancock on to the PS.  The Bills probably carry a fifth LB, and Specter looks to be in the lead for that spot.  He's had trouble staying healthy in the past and gave up some big plays last season, but he seems like he's taken a step forward this training camp.  

 

Anderson is a lock but I think every day Lundt plays well and VPG doesn't get on the field the chances of Lundt > VPG increase. I will be very interested to see how they use Lundt in pre-season. He played tackle in college but I think they might well see him inside at guard. And if they think he can do some of that as a rookie even then I think he makes the roster. Anderson was the backup center last year, VPG never progressed past 3rd string. Maybe the Bills find a way to keep both, but rostering 10 OL or by IRing VPG. 

[Pete]

1 hour ago, GunnerBill said:

 

Anderson is a lock but I think every day Lundt plays well and VPG doesn't get on the field the chances of Lundt > VPG increase. I will be very interested to see how they use Lundt in pre-season. He played tackle in college but I think they might well see him inside at guard. And if they think he can do some of that as a rookie even then I think he makes the roster. Anderson was the backup center last year, VPG never progressed past 3rd string. Maybe the Bills find a way to keep both, but rostering 10 OL or by IRing VPG. 

IMO VPG is Connors replacement after he gets a huge FA contract, and we pay Cyrus

[GunnerBill]

13 minutes ago, Pete said:

IMO VPG is Connors replacement after he gets a huge FA contract, and we pay Cyrus

 

I think that was the plan, 100%. But he wasn't very good last pre-season and never made it past 3rd team oline. The one game he played serious snaps in week 18 at New England the pass blocking was not clever. 

 

Then he comes into camp on PUP. I do not think his roster spot is as safe as some think it is. And Chase Lundt is every inch a classic Kromer OL, whereas VPG isn't in terms of physical profile. 

 

It is a big summer for VPG and he needs to get on the field quick or else it can go sideways for him.

[ganesh]

On 8/2/2025 at 2:42 AM, PrimeTime101 said:

I picked 45 players. 

 

Fill in the Blanks

 

Missing 8 players.. what 8 will you choose. 

Have Fun!

 

 

QB

Josh Allen, Mike White

 

RB

James Cook, Ray Davis, Ty Johnson

 

FB 

Reggie Gilliam

 

WR

Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, Joshua Palmer, Elijah Moore, Curtis Samuel 

 

TE

Dalton Kincaid, Dawson Knox, Jackson Hawes

 

OL

Dion Dawkins, David Edwards, Conner McGovern, O'Cyrus Torrence, Spenser Brown, Chase Lundt, Tylan Grable

 

DL

Greg Rousseau, Ed Oliver, DaQuan Jones, Joey Bosa, AJ Epenesa, Landon Jackson, Javon Solomon, TJ Sanders

 

LB'S

Terrel Bernard, Matt Milano, Joe Andreeson, Dorian Williams

 

CB

Christian Benford, Tre'Davious White, Taron Johnson, Dorian Strong, Maxwell Hairston

 

S

Taylor Rapp, Cole Bishop, Darrick Forrest, Jordan Hancock

 

ST

K

Tyler Bass

P

Brad Robbins

LS

Reid Ferguson

 

If Samuels is injured, then I seem them get Cooper back on a 1-year deal. 

Walker makes it at DT

Alec Anderson on OL

Granger on OL

Ingram at CB

Shaq Thompson OLB

Carter DT

Hamlin S

 

[PrimeTime101]

45 minutes ago, ganesh said:

If Samuels is injured, then I seem them get Cooper back on a 1-year deal. 

Walker makes it at DT

Alec Anderson on OL

Granger on OL

Ingram at CB

Shaq Thompson OLB

Carter DT

Hamlin S

 

im really hoping we can move on from Hamlin.  I doubt cooper comes back. 

 

[fergie's ire]

14 hours ago, H2o said:

Not since 2022. I think they give him a shot to see if he can contribute this year. He's 6'4", 212lbs, and ran a sub 4.4 40. They could use him to run those Fly patterns, Seam routes, and Deep Posts. I wouldn't expect him to get a huge snap count, but he could be an asset. If he doesn't show anything, they could always make a move once the suspensions are over. I also really think Hairston is going on the PUP List. That would leave 3 openings for at least 6 weeks. 

I think that since he has practiced, Hairston can't go on the PUP list and return.  However, he could use one of the two pre-season IR to return slots.  I do think the Bills were certainly use those two slots and since Hairston is on crutches now, it probably makes sense for him to start the season that way.  Since VPG is on the PUP list I almost wonder if makes sense to keep him on it until the season starts if he is having injury problems anyway.  That would keep one more roster spot open.

[PrimeTime101]

6 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

 

Anderson is a lock but I think every day Lundt plays well and VPG doesn't get on the field the chances of Lundt > VPG increase. I will be very interested to see how they use Lundt in pre-season. He played tackle in college but I think they might well see him inside at guard. And if they think he can do some of that as a rookie even then I think he makes the roster. Anderson was the backup center last year, VPG never progressed past 3rd string. Maybe the Bills find a way to keep both, but rostering 10 OL or by IRing VPG. 

agree with everything last year. Especially bolded

[pennstate10]

On 8/1/2025 at 9:01 PM, boyst said:

He was a pro bowl player.  I guess since we sit on a couch on Sunday we know more than the coaches, players and people who put him there.

 

Just further evidence that being named pro bowl alternate is meaningless

[Sierra Foothills]

14 hours ago, Sierra Foothills said:

The roster almost has to be reverse-engineered with the tail (returners) wagging the dog.

 

@Trust The Process and @NeverOutNick also addressed that.

 

Filling those spots creates a reverse domino effect unless some starters (Coleman, Shakir) are going to be surprise starting return guys.

 

Thinking about the opening day roster, I'm gonna double down on my earlier post about the returners position having a trickle down effect.

 

Besides determining who the returners are, the Bills lost 2 Core 4 Special teamers in Mack Hollins and Quintin Morris.

 

I think there are gonna be mildly surprising roster decisions based on who's playing special teams.

 

[fergie's ire]

9 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

 

Anderson is a lock but I think every day Lundt plays well and VPG doesn't get on the field the chances of Lundt > VPG increase. I will be very interested to see how they use Lundt in pre-season. He played tackle in college but I think they might well see him inside at guard. And if they think he can do some of that as a rookie even then I think he makes the roster. Anderson was the backup center last year, VPG never progressed past 3rd string. Maybe the Bills find a way to keep both, but rostering 10 OL or by IRing VPG. 

Again, a weird NFL distinction.  As long as VPG does not practice all training camp, they can PUP him, which means he doesn't count as an IR to return.  They could still IR to return two others before the 53 man cut down.

[boyst]

6 hours ago, pennstate10 said:

Just further evidence that being named pro bowl alternate is meaningless

Too lazy to waste my time on such a worthless post other than to say scroll up to my last post. Sorry, your experience of understanding football ended in middle school, hutch 

[pennstate10]

6 hours ago, boyst said:

Too lazy to waste my time on such a worthless post other than to say scroll up to my last post. Sorry, your experience of understanding football ended in middle school, hutch 

[boyst]

7 hours ago, pennstate10 said:

 

On 8/2/2025 at 12:44 PM, boyst said:

... I will die on this hill. But I won't die. Because I am simply right.

 

He's a modern day tick above jag. Which for safety in our system is quite good. A system which employed the best tandem over the last 7 seasons replacing them with anyone was going to disappoint everyone. He played better than hyde and poyer did the last two seasons. 

 

He doesn't make mistakes. He simply lacks some physical traits to be as fast or hit as hard - but he doesn't give up his body like Poyer did or subject himself to high risk angles like Hyde did (who often benefited from quickness and smarts to recover).

 

Hamlin is always headed on the right directions, seldom misses a read, and puts himself under the top of a WR or deep threat.

 

In our system fs and ss are interchangeable to a degree. I can't definitively say that Hamlin always covers the boundary because we shift a lot and our 2 LB w nickel causes changes and passing in real time combined with man coverage being introduced more often. However, we leave our nickel to make the calls on field vs boundary covering the slot/te. This is quite complex, but if you agitate me I'll spell it out for you. In short, our free safety (Hamlin) is responsible for what the nickel isn't when Johnson makes his cover read depending on the defense. This leaves Hamlin sometimes matches double on the #1 or playing the field side against a slot who comes to the outside, or a running back who splits wide. It all depends on the zone. Does that make sense? I doubt it will because it's that damn intricate. Hamlin reads it better than most and it's why that Utah kid struggled, it's why Rapp struggled at FS. This team invested a lot to bringing along Hamlin to 2024. McDermott puts a lot of work into the DB's to craft them over time. It's why I haven't given up on Bishop yet, it's why I haven't given up on any DB's. 

 

I suspect in 2025 we see White and Benford start the season. We trust them with Bishop and Rapp.  I see hs starting in man coverage more than anyone will expect and 100% think Hairston is going to be put in for spot time by the 3rd game to cover man while getting better at zone. This defense is going to be a lot better than people think and we will have coverage sacks. 

 

Hamlin will be a big part of that because he plays very smart. It is his strongest trait. Sorry to burst your bubble. 

 

Class over, schools done. Overcome your lack of football knowledge to not just hate Hamlin. It is silly, bub.