UDFA's highlight surprise roster decisions in Buffalo Bills 53-man roster prediction
The Buffalo Bills have plenty of roster questions still to be decided, but with a couple preseason performances and a majority of training camp under our belts, it's time to start making some projections. The third and final preseason game is going to go a long way in determining some of the last remaining position […]
The Buffalo Bills have plenty of roster questions still to be decided, but with a couple preseason performances and a majority of training camp under our belts, it's time to start making some projections.
The third and final preseason game is going to go a long way in determining some of the last remaining position battles, but one thing is clear – this roster is going to look quite different from years past. Let's get into the 53-man roster prediction.
53-Man Roster Prediction
Offense (25)
Quarterbacks (2): Josh Allen, Mitch Trubisky
Running Backs (3): James Cook, Ray Davis, Frank Gore Jr.
Full Back (1): Reggie Gilliam
Wide Receivers (6): Keon Coleman, Khalil Shakir, Curtis Samuel, Mack Hollins, Tyrell Shavers, K.J. Hamler
Tight Ends (3): Dalton Kincaid, Dawson Knox, Quintin Morris
Offensive Line (10): Dion Dawkins, David Edwards, Connor McGovern, O'Cyrus Torrence, Spencer Brown, La'el Collins, Ryan Van Demark, Alec Anderson, Sedrick Van Pran-Granger, Tylan Gable
I'm giving the third running back spot to Frank Gore Jr., who has been playing very well and is earning high praise from the coaches throughout the preseason process. It's certainly a battle that I believe comes down to he and Ty Johnson, who only saw one carry in the second preseason game.
At wide receiver, it's complicated. Marquez Valdes-Scantling dealing with the neck injury muddies the water in this position group. How serious is it? Will he be ready for Week 1, or is he a candidate to go on PUP? There's still a lot of cloudiness here.
Sedrick Van Pran-Granger is looking promising throughout camp, but isn't receiving looks with the top unit. Give him time to keep impressing, and he has a shot to develop into a solid interior offensive lineman. He's not a player you can stash on the practice squad – someone else will scoop him up if you do.
Defense (25)
Defensive End (5): Greg Rousseua, A.J. Epenesa, Von Miller, Dawuane Smoot, Javon Solomon
Defensive line (4): Ed Oliver, DaQuan Jones, DeWayne Carter, Austin Johnson
Linebackers (5): Terrel Bernard, Dorian Williams, Edefuan Ulofoshio, Nicholas Morrow, Joe Andreessen
Cornerbacks (6): Rasul Douglas, Christian Benford, Taron Johnson, Kaiir Elam, Ja'Marcus Ingram, Daequan Hardy
Safeties (5): Taylor Rapp, Cole Bishop, Mike Edwards, Cam Lewis, Damar Hamlins
Yeah, I'm doing it. If it were up to me, "Buffalo Joe" is making this roster, with a spot opened up with the Matt Milano injury. I expect Buffalo to wait until cut down day to take advantage of the new rule that will allow them to put Milano on IR on that day and designate him for return later in the season.
Joe Andreessen absolutely looked the part in the second preseason game, leading the team with 12 tackles after getting a start. Andreessen did this work against starting NFL Talent, and I believe the underdog story deserves a spot on this roster.
Specialists (3)
Kicker (1): Tyler Bass
Punter (1): Sam Martin
Long snapper (1): Reid Ferguson
Bills Mafia needs to see Josh Allen and the offense answer major questions in third and final preseason game
Time is running out before the games count.
Follow along all season for all the latest Buffalo Bills news. You can also find me on X @JonHelmkamp.
