Buffalo Bills roster - Ascending, descending, shocking, packing

[GreggTX]

Ascending: Rousseau, Basham. I like them both. Gabriel Davis for sure. I think Howard could have his best season yet if he's healthy. We could see a lot of 2 TE formations in '22. Hopefully Spencer Brown will take a huge step this year because he's got a long way to go. He will need help  protecting Allen from our TE's, RB's or FB. That limits our options on offense. Singletary was playing the best ball in his career at season's end. His fumbling wasn't an issue either. He'll never be great, but the biggest problem with our run game was the blocking. Everyone is writing off Moss. He can be a solid #2 if the right side of the OL is upgraded considerably. Both Moss and Singletary payed the price for a weak OL as well as Josh. I think Bass is 1 game winning FG away from greater recognition. Also, Gilliam isn't special, but he's still one of the better FB's in the league.

Stuck in neutral: Oliver, Edmunds. Edmunds has reached his peak. He doesn't have elite instincts and he's a so-so tackler. Oliver is decent, but hasn't shown significant improvement even if a few people talked about him taking a big step last year. Neither is a bust, but they aren't what I was hoping for.

Descending: I am not a fan of Bates or Boettger. They're just OK as backups, but both could be easily replaced. I hope neither one has to play in '22. Dane Jackson will make the roster, but if we add a couple CB's in the draft, he'll be riding the pine nearly all year.

Shocking: No one.

Packing: Ford. He actually played OK last year in limited snaps, but the die has been cast. He will be replaced in the draft on day 1 or 2. Sweeney may get the axe too. Same with Jerry Hughes and that will be a tough one for the fans. After all, he's been here the longest. Haak is gone.

Edited April 13, 2022 by GreggTX

[billsbackto81]

Ascending: Spencer Brown.  Showed plenty of promise as a rookie but now after a year of seasoning and cleaning up the footwork he locks down the RT position for the foreseeable future. Honorable mention: Gabe Davis locks down WR2 and the numbers will reflect. 

 

Descending: Tre White. Though I expect him to continue to be a rock solid starter at CB1 it will probably take a full season before he gets back to All Pro form.

Honorable mention: Boogie Basham. I'll hold out hope because he was a rookie but I just didn't see much, but probably just lack of playing time.

 

Shocking: Groot. I expect him to take the next step with Miller on the team now. The attention Von will draw along with his tutelage with pay dividends for Groot.

Honorable mention: OJ Howard finds a career resurgence with JA17.

 

Packing: AJ Epenesa will probably find himself as potential trade bait unless the light finally turns on.

Honorable mention: Haack. Reasons are obvious. 

 

 

Of course, JMHO.....

 

[Ethan in Cleveland]

Ascending: Knox.  He is the best TE the Bills have had since the merger.  He will put up big numbers in a contract year.  

Descending:  Morse.  I think he had his one year of resurgence and then he goes back to being an overpaid center.

Shocking: Basham - I think he showed a little at the end of the season.  I wouldn't be surprised if he gets more reps than Lawson and even some reps at DT.  

Packing: Haack is a given.  My surprise cut will be Jordan Phillips.  He didn't show much in Arizona and is coming off a knee injury.  I know he is only on a 1 year deal but I think he will struggle to make the roster.  

13 hours ago, Royale with Cheese said:

I don't see Singletary descending.  We finally got a running game going when he was the featured back getting into a rhythm. 

 

I agree with the others.  

I agree. But I think it had more to do with the OL.  Dawkins was playing at an extremely high level after coming back from COVID #2, Bates and Williams were playing competently at guard, and Brown was up and down but better in the run game than pass protection.  If Saffold looks good I think the team will be more balanced with an increase in two TE sets and more rushes by guys not names Allen.  

[eball]

Not so much a prediction but a fear…Epenesa is a bust. 

[GunnerBill]

16 hours ago, Utah John said:

Not so sure about Ford.  He's still on his cheap rookie contract and provides a warm body that can fill in at guard or tackle.  Not a good fill-in, for sure, but at least available for emergencies, which is what most backups in the NFL amount to.  Once his rookie contract is over, I agree, he's gone.

 

He actually isn't that cheap this year. It is $2.3m with $1.5m saving if cut. He has to be AT WORST their number 1 swing backup to stick. If he is 7th or worse on the OL depth chart he is gone.

10 hours ago, MJS said:

Ascending: Jamison Crowder. He is a good player and he has an elite QB throwing to him now. I think he'll have his best year as a pro.

 

Descending: Dane Jackson. While he is a decent player, I think the Bills will bring in a vet and a rookie who will both play above him on the depth chart, relegating Jackson to 4th string once Tre White comes back.

 

Shocking: Gregory Rousseau. With an elite pass rusher in Miller to account for by defenses, Rousseau will see favorable matchups and have double digit sacks. Ed Oliver should have a great year too.

 

Packing: Matt Haack. I think the Bills will draft or sign another punter to compete in camp and they will win the job.

 

Like all of these. 

17 hours ago, BuffaloBill said:

My selections are:

 

Ascending: Dawson Knox - yes, I know he is a starter, but I see him moving into a larger role in the 2022 offense and will have increased targets and yards.

 

Descending: Ryan Bates - I know he stepped up and the Bills matched his offer but it would not shock me to see that he ends up back on the bench

 

Shocking: Tough call because the roster is deep and pretty well set - However, opposite Miller I see Groot having a breakout year in a very good way.

 

Packing: This may be easy but Cody Ford has likely seen his last season in a Bills Uni.

 

This is a good list too.

[ALF]

10 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

 

He actually isn't that cheap this year. It is $2.3m with $1.5m saving if cut. He has to be AT WORST their number 1 swing backup to stick. If he is 7th or worse on the OL depth chart he is gone.

 

 

Lets see if Ford will be a better fit for Kromer's scheme.

[Pete]

Ascending- Groot, Gabe, Oliver

 

Descending- Espeneza 

 

Shocking- Oliver

 

Packing- Haack, Moss, AJ

Edited April 13, 2022 by Pete

[machine gun kelly]

Ascending:  Oliver, he’ll shine next to Settle and the new crew.

Descending:  Edmunds.  Some like him and some don’t.  I’m mediocre on him.  

Breakout:  Knox- I think having Howard here will allow Knox to be in 12 personnel more and with more touches, means more yards and TD’s.

Packing:  Agreed on Ford.  He doesn’t make it through camp.

[Rock-A-Bye Beasley]

6 hours ago, billsbackto81 said:

Ascending: Spencer Brown.  Showed plenty of promise as a rookie but now after a year of seasoning and cleaning up the footwork he locks down the RT position for the foreseeable future. Honorable mention: Gabe Davis locks down WR2 and the numbers will reflect. 

 

Descending: Tre White. Though I expect him to continue to be a rock solid starter at CB1 it will probably take a full season before he gets back to All Pro form.

Honorable mention: Boogie Basham. I'll hold out hope because he was a rookie but I just didn't see much, but probably just lack of playing time.

 

Shocking: Groot. I expect him to take the next step with Miller on the team now. The attention Von will draw along with his tutelage with pay dividends for Groot.

Honorable mention: OJ Howard finds a career resurgence with JA17.

 

Packing: AJ Epenesa will probably find himself as potential trade bait unless the light finally turns on.

Honorable mention: Haack. Reasons are obvious. 

 

 

Of course, JMHO.....

 

 

They may be looking to use Epenesa to move up in the draft. There has to be a team that had him graded highly in his draft year, and with Miller here there's even less playing time available for him to develop here.

 

Ascending: Gabe Davis

 

Descending: Edmunds. Not so much his play compared to previous seasons, but I think he falls short of expectations despite the revamped d line, unfortunately. The kid just doesn't have it, and I was a huge fan of him as a prospect.

 

Shocking: Allen continues his play from the playoffs and goes on a tear. He uses the anger and pain from the Chiefs game stolen from him by McDermott and co. to fuel an MVP season. While not "shocking" technically since he's the MVP favorite, his season was up and down last year, and he really only took off when McDermott stopped holding him back in the 2nd half of TB game.

 

Packing: Epenesa, see above. and also Ford

[HOUSE]

3 hours ago, eball said:

Not so much a prediction but a fear…Epenesa is a bust. 

 

Oh the humanity

[atomicpwrd]

Ascending: On Defense, Oliver with better DT running mates.  On offense, Singletary.  I think we will roll with 2 TEs more which will aid the running game, and the return of Kollar will also help.

 

Descending: Knox.  I love Knox, and I believe he is a top 10 TE at this point, but OJ will eat up some of his touches.

 

Shocking: Doyle usurps the swing tackle spot.

 

Packing: Edmunds is traded during the draft.

[machine gun kelly]

19 hours ago, jwhit34 said:

Ascending - Gabriel Davis and  Dane Jackson: I hesitate to put Davis here because of the game vs. KC in the playoffs, but he was still WR4 last year and I think he has a 1,000 yard, 8+ TD season. As for Jackson, he filled in pretty well, the Bills seem to like him, has some better physical attributes than Levi Wallace, and although they will probably pick a CB in the first 2-3 rounds of the draft, I think he will win the CB2 job. It is noted often here and elsewhere that year 3 is often the season that a player makes a quantum leap, so I'll guess it's Jackson.

 

Descending - Devin Singletary: They aggressively went after McKissic and were very disappointed when they didn't get him, then signed Duke Johnson. I think the Bills will pick a RB on day 2 of the draft, I actually think it's going to be round 2 and either Hall, Spiller or Walker. Singletary's touches go down. 

 

Shocking - Tim Settle: They went after him hard too, and it seemed that many in DC really liked him as a player. Ends up having a better year than Harrison Phillips in Minnesota. 

 

Packing: Zack Moss - odd man out in the RB room, maybe they trade him, I could see them using him as part of a package to trade up in the draft somewhere in rounds 2-4. 

Singletary had a strong finish last year, and they improved their running offense with Saffold joining the team.  Last year prior to 2021, Settle was rated the second best run stuffing DT per PFF, but he was overlooked in Washington given their other studs.   I think you’re right on Moss.  He and Ford are probably going away by the end of camp.

[BearNorth]

The sad thing about Ford is there are probably teams in this league where he would start.  Competent OL play in the NFL takes a rare talent.

 

[John from Riverside]

Well since I have been Championing Bates for two years now I will put him in the A.

 

Its not luck that he played well when put in last year....he has done that EVERY time they have played him since he has been on the team....and he is a smart player.

[machine gun kelly]

9 hours ago, billsbackto81 said:

Ascending: Spencer Brown.  Showed plenty of promise as a rookie but now after a year of seasoning and cleaning up the footwork he locks down the RT position for the foreseeable future. Honorable mention: Gabe Davis locks down WR2 and the numbers will reflect. 

 

Descending: Tre White. Though I expect him to continue to be a rock solid starter at CB1 it will probably take a full season before he gets back to All Pro form.

Honorable mention: Boogie Basham. I'll hold out hope because he was a rookie but I just didn't see much, but probably just lack of playing time.

 

Shocking: Groot. I expect him to take the next step with Miller on the team now. The attention Von will draw along with his tutelage with pay dividends for Groot.

Honorable mention: OJ Howard finds a career resurgence with JA17.

 

Packing: AJ Epenesa will probably find himself as potential trade bait unless the light finally turns on.

Honorable mention: Haack. Reasons are obvious. 

 

 

Of course, JMHO.....

 

Interesting take.  Howard should have a good year.  Agreed on Epenesa and Haack.  I’d lay $ we pick a punter in the 7th.

 

Howard will also give Knox more playing

time.  I’m not sure Tre is descending.  He had a significant injury.  He may look like he’s descending, because so many teams throw opposite of him at Wallace.

 

[Draconator]

Might be a stretch, might not

 

Ascending: Davis

Descending: Spencer Brown, but only slightly. Teams will figure out his technique and it will be up to him and the coaching staff to readjust.

Shocking: Allen. He may put up numbers we have not or may never see again.

Packing: Haack

[Alphadawg7]

Ascending:  Greg Rousseau - With this revamped line in the trenches and Von Miller, I think he is in line for a breakout year.  Was going to say Gabriel Davis, but I think he's kind of already broke out to a degree, and Rousseau has further to "ascend" so going with him.

 

Descending:  Tre White - (JUST THIS SEASON) I am only talking about what I expect from him this season.  I think he will still be good for us, but I am skeptical he gets all the way back to his peak form during this season.  Often takes a player getting through a season to get through both the mental and physical hurdles of coming back from this kind of injury.  So I think while he will still be our starter and a good starter when he gets back, but I think we are going to see him struggle a bit more than we are used to at times, especially with some of the faster WRs until he truly gets back all the way from the injury.

 

Shocking:  Devin Singletary runs for 1200+ yards and double digit TDs.  When Devin got at least 13 carries last season (7 Games, 5 of them down the stretch and playoffs) he averaged 81.43 YPG, 4.7 YPC with 7 TDS in 7 Games...which projected over a full season would be almost 1400 yards and 17 TDs.  As we sit right now, Devin is easily in line IMHO for at least 13 carries a game, and that number could jump considering in 4 out of his last 6 games last season and playoffs, he had between 16 and 22 carries. The only thing where this could change is if Bills somewhat surprise and take a RB early this year where Devin is maybe splitting carries as the season goes on with another lead back level RB.  But if Devin is still the clear featured RB after the draft and come week 1, then I think he is in store for a season that will shock a lot of people around here.  

 

Packing:  Zack Moss:  I was wrestling with Cody Ford and Zach Moss here...I went Moss for 2 reasons...1 the Bills seem to be looking at a number of RB's in the draft right now, and 2 we brought in Kromer which I think might give Ford a little bit longer leash to see if Kromer can mold something out of him.  But both are questionable to make the final roster week 1 right now IMHO.  If we draft a RB, then I just don't see how Moss sticks around given he doesn't do anything better than Devin, nor does he do anything that Devin can't also do.  I think both are potential trade candidates and both are guys Beane can probably get something for.

[Alphadawg7]

On 4/12/2022 at 10:00 AM, jwhit34 said:

 

Descending - Devin Singletary: They aggressively went after McKissic and were very disappointed when they didn't get him, then signed Duke Johnson. I think the Bills will pick a RB on day 2 of the draft, I actually think it's going to be round 2 and either Hall, Spiller or Walker. Singletary's touches go down. 

 

Yeah but neither McKissic or Duke were coming here to challenge Devin as the primary ball carrier, they are receiving RB specialists who can be a weapon for josh on screens, obvious passing downs, 3rd/4th and long conversion attempts.  Neither was going to take many rush attempts Devin.  

 

Now if the Bills draft someone who would be a player to at least split carries with Devin and potentially take over lead duties next year when Devin is a FA, then I think that will obviously negatively impact Devin.  

 

But keep in mind, Devin only had 7 games last year where he got at least 13 carries, and 4 of them came in the last 6 games (reg season and playoffs).  In those 7 games, he averaged over 80 yards per game rushing and had 7 TDs.  Projected over a full season, that is about 1400 yards and 17 TDs.  So I think McD and Beane are a bit higher on Devin than some people on this board.  

 

However, Devin is a FA next year, and Beane likely stays true to his board with BPA in the draft, so its certainly on the table he could take one of the premier RB prospects if there is one they covet.  If I had to guess though, I think its more likely they draft more of that speedy receiving back, someone who is gonna push Duke Johnson to the waiver wire in pre season.

On 4/12/2022 at 10:00 AM, jwhit34 said:

 

Descending - Devin Singletary: They aggressively went after McKissic and were very disappointed when they didn't get him, then signed Duke Johnson. I think the Bills will pick a RB on day 2 of the draft, I actually think it's going to be round 2 and either Hall, Spiller or Walker. Singletary's touches go down. 

 

Yeah but neither McKissic or Duke were coming here to challenge Devin as the primary ball carrier, they are receiving RB specialists who can be a weapon for josh on screens, obvious passing downs, 3rd/4th and long conversion attempts.  Neither was going to take many rush attempts Devin.  

 

Now if the Bills draft someone who would be a player to at least split carries with Devin and potentially take over lead duties next year when Devin is a FA, then I think that will obviously negatively impact Devin.  

 

And keep in mind, Devin only had 7 games last year where he got at least 13 carries, and 4 of them came in the last 6 games (reg season and playoffs).  In those 7 games, he averaged over 80 yards per game rushing, 4.7 ypc and had 7 TDs.  Projected over a full season, that is about 1400 yards and 17 TDs.  So I think McD and Beane are a bit higher on Devin than some people on this board.  

 

However, Devin is a FA next year, and Beane likely stays true to his board with BPA in the draft, so its certainly on the table he could take one of the premier RB prospects if there is one they covet.  If I had to guess though, I think its more likely they draft more of that speedy receiving back, someone who is gonna push Duke Johnson to the waiver wire in pre season.

On 4/12/2022 at 10:00 AM, jwhit34 said:

 

Descending - Devin Singletary: They aggressively went after McKissic and were very disappointed when they didn't get him, then signed Duke Johnson. I think the Bills will pick a RB on day 2 of the draft, I actually think it's going to be round 2 and either Hall, Spiller or Walker. Singletary's touches go down. 

 

Yeah but neither McKissic or Duke were coming here to challenge Devin as the primary ball carrier, they are receiving RB specialists who can be a weapon for josh on screens, obvious passing downs, 3rd/4th and long conversion attempts.  Neither was going to take many rush attempts Devin.  

 

Now if the Bills draft someone who would be a player to at least split carries with Devin and potentially take over lead duties next year when Devin is a FA, then I think that will obviously negatively impact Devin.  

 

And keep in mind, Devin only had 7 games last year where he got at least 13 carries, and 4 of them came in the last 6 games (reg season and playoffs).  In those 7 games, he averaged over 80 yards per game rushing, 4.7 ypc and had 7 TDs.  Projected over a full season, that is about 1400 yards and 17 TDs.  So I think McD and Beane are a bit higher on Devin than some people on this board.  

 

However, Devin is a FA next year, and Beane likely stays true to his board with BPA in the draft, so its certainly on the table he could take one of the premier RB prospects if there is one they covet.  If I had to guess though, I think its more likely they draft more of that speedy receiving back, someone who is gonna push Duke Johnson to the waiver wire in pre season.

[DieHardBillsFan]

On 4/12/2022 at 12:34 PM, BuffaloBill said:

Ok this is a simple string. We can look back after the end of training camp  but pick your players who fit the following categories:

 

Ascending: Player who improves significantly - example - moves from depth to starter

Descending: Player who declines significantly - example - moves from starter to depth (stays on the roster but goes to the bench)

Shocking: Can be up or down but the player that ascends or descends dramatically and does so unexpectedly

Packing: Your surprise cut from the roster

 

My selections are:

 

Ascending: Dawson Knox - yes, I know he is a starter, but I see him moving into a larger role in the 2022 offense and will have increased targets and yards.

 

Descending: Ryan Bates - I know he stepped up and the Bills matched his offer but it would not shock me to see that he ends up back on the bench

 

Shocking: Tough call because the roster is deep and pretty well set - However, opposite Miller I see Groot having a breakout year in a very good way.

 

Packing: This may be easy but Cody Ford has likely seen his last season in a Bills Uni.

Great topic!!!

 

Ascending: Greg Rousseau - I would go with Gabe Davis but he already achieved that through the playoffs. Can't really do much better than that. I will go with Rousseau. Not the most creative but think he or Epenesa will have a huge year opposite of Miller

 

Descending: Zack Moss - I hope I am wrong but I believe he will rarely see the field during the season. Think there has been hope and trust lost here to put the ball in his hands. Better have a real strong PreSeason.

 

Shocking: JA - He shocks me every game and how he left things in the playoffs, I see a 15-2 or better record for the Bills mostly due to how many records he just broker in 2022.

 

Packing: Cody Ford - Definitely the choice here. They just resigned Bobby Hart... Writing is on the wall.

[machine gun kelly]

8 hours ago, atomicpwrd said:

Ascending: On Defense, Oliver with better DT running mates.  On offense, Singletary.  I think we will roll with 2 TEs more which will aid the running game, and the return of Kollar will also help.

 

Descending: Knox.  I love Knox, and I believe he is a top 10 TE at this point, but OJ will eat up some of his touches.

 

Shocking: Doyle usurps the swing tackle spot.

 

Packing: Edmunds is traded during the draft.

I seriously doubt Knox descends, but more so they play more 12 personnel.

 

Its possible Singletary gets more touches as well and we play much more 2 and 3 WR sets.  We wouldn’t need as much a WR early in the draft.