Remaining Roster Battles

[Saxum]

15 hours ago, NewEra said:

He got cut.  He’s toast

 

15 hours ago, nosejob said:

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

 

Teams sometimes cut players early they want to put on PS.

They have seen enough, are good enough to develop but not worth protecting.

[ticketssince61]

16 hours ago, MasterStrategist said:

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).

 

 Agree - easier to stash a RB on PS than a DB

[RedDog3940]

If the Bills' front office likes Blackshear enough, they might try to trade Moss for some improved depth at OL or for future draft choice.  I like Moss, but I don't think he will get much playing time behind Singletary and Cook.

[Matt_In_NH]

2 hours ago, Robert Paulson said:

 

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

 

Actually there is conflicting info on overthecap vs spotrac for post june 1st cut.  According to OTC, they save 2.2M vs the cap if he does not make the team.   If that is true, then the second TE job is up for grabs.

[GunnerBill]

16 hours 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 think you are pretty much correct.... my only quibbles would be I'm not sure OJ Howard is a total lock. I think the Bills want him to be, and the contract would suggest it but boy, oh boy, he does not look impressive at all. I don't like it but I don't think it is beyond the realm of possibility that Sweeney retains that 2nd spot and Howard is cut. Remember the whole Jacob Hollister thing? We all presumed he was nailed on as the 2nd guy and he got cut.

 

I also don't think 9 DL is a total lock, though I agree that it is very likely given their history. But if Shaq doesn't seal that job they might feel comfortable that at least two of Love, Bryant and Ankou could be snuck through to the PS and then activated on gamedays if required? Maybe they even feel Shaq might make it to the PS? So I extend your defense question to Cam Lewis vs Spector vs 9th DL (2 out of 3 make it). I think this decision comes down to who is easier to sneak through to PS and while they have managed that with Cam Lewis the last two years, I fear he might get picked up off waivers now mainly because he can play inside / outside and last year he played 35% of the Bills special teams snaps. I could imagine a bottom feeder team looking at that versatility and saying "worth the risk."

 

As for the "final 4" as you have termed it.... I think Jones is pretty close to being locked in and then it comes down again to who you feel good about sneaking onto the PS - I think you feel good about Blackshear and Morris getting there so they miss the 53. Then Austin is out unless he wins the returner job (anyone know why he didn't play on Saturday? Is he injured?) so it comes down to the three receivers and Sweeney and one of them misses out. TBH if I was picking it'd be Sweeney, I just think he is a marginal NFL talent and we lack depth at outside receiver so I'd be willing to roll the dice on Hodgins. 

 

 

[Robert Paulson]

2 hours ago, SCBills said:

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.  

Yea, but they have to show something.  This kid has shown nothing except being the next irrational hope.  What has he shown after 3 years except dropping the ball and being hurt. Hodgkins has had great camps at least. 

 

We latch onto guys with no promise because we want/hope to be right about them. 

 

 You should buy his jersey.  Does he have a consistent number?

[HiMark]

3 hours ago, Royale with Cheese said:

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.

Gilliam will be our 5th rb, as well as our 3rd TE.  open question who will be our 2nd TE.  Blackshear will make it to PS, count on it.

[Robert Paulson]

1 hour ago, Matt_In_NH said:

 

Actually there is conflicting info on overthecap vs spotrac for post june 1st cut.  According to OTC, they save 2.2M vs the cap if he does not make the team.   If that is true, then the second TE job is up for grabs.

If true, that is great news

[HiMark]

Roster ?'s

QB: Barkley now in play vs Keenam

Taiwan is in. We are going to kick-off a LOT.  Duke looks like the last cut, but they are giving him every chance to make it. 5rb

Knox and ? TE stops at 2, with Gilliam in pocket as 3rd

9OL, starts + Mancz, Quessenberry, Doyle and Ford--haters be damned!

I say we keep 7.  Hard No to Austin.  Crowder survives on merit, with Shakir, Hodgins and Kumerow.  Love me some I Hod, but don't expect any ST value, he looked baaaad in kick cover.

9 dl. Of course we keep Shaq. No 5th DT standout

6 LB's, Dodson and Spector rounding out.  I say Spector is active; super ST value.  Dodson in danger when Smith gets back

6 cb, and looks like Tre will be ready, so Elam, Dane, Taron, Siran and Benford.  Sorry Cam, very tough cut.

S? nothing to see here

Araiza

 

 

 

 

[Buffalo716]

10 minutes ago, HiMark said:

Roster ?'s

QB: Barkley now in play vs Keenam

Taiwan is in. We are going to kick-off a LOT.  Duke looks like the last cut, but they are giving him every chance to make it. 5rb

Knox and ? TE stops at 2, with Gilliam in pocket as 3rd

9OL, starts + Mancz, Quessenberry, Doyle and Ford--haters be damned!

I say we keep 7.  Hard No to Austin.  Crowder survives on merit, with Shakir, Hodgins and Kumerow.  Love me some I Hod, but don't expect any ST value, he looked baaaad in kick cover.

9 dl. Of course we keep Shaq. No 5th DT standout

6 LB's, Dodson and Spector rounding out.  I say Spector is active; super ST value.  Dodson in danger when Smith gets back

6 cb, and looks like Tre will be ready, so Elam, Dane, Taron, Siran and Benford.  Sorry Cam, very tough cut.

S? nothing to see here

Araiza

 

 

 

 

One good game by Barkley versus backups, I don’t think I’ll make it a serious quarterback competition versus Keenum

 

I mean close to a decade of NFL stats show Keenum is vastly superior… Has taken a team to the playoffs as a starter and has much TD INT ratio in a lot more time played 

[RyanC883]

18 hours ago, 17islongenough said:

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

 

QB2 may not be.  

10 minutes ago, Buffalo716 said:

One good game by Barkley versus backups, I don’t think I’ll make it a serious quarterback competition versus Keenum

 

I mean close to a decade of NFL stats show Keenum is vastly superior… Has taken a team to the playoffs as a starter and has much TD INT ratio in a lot more time played 

 

this is true.  But camp reports seem iffy.  Glad we have some more preseason games to figure it out. 

[hemma]

10 minutes ago, Buffalo716 said:

One good game by Barkley versus backups, I don’t think I’ll make it a serious quarterback competition versus Keenum

 

I mean close to a decade of NFL stats show Keenum is vastly superior… Has taken a team to the playoffs as a starter and has much TD INT ratio in a lot more time played 

Yeah, I think Keenum is going to kick his own ass pretty hard this week..  

I expect much better on his next go.

[Scott7975]

1 hour ago, GunnerBill said:

 

I think you are pretty much correct.... my only quibbles would be I'm not sure OJ Howard is a total lock. I think the Bills want him to be, and the contract would suggest it but boy, oh boy, he does not look impressive at all. I don't like it but I don't think it is beyond the realm of possibility that Sweeney retains that 2nd spot and Howard is cut. Remember the whole Jacob Hollister thing? We all presumed he was nailed on as the 2nd guy and he got cut.

 

I also don't think 9 DL is a total lock, though I agree that it is very likely given their history. But if Shaq doesn't seal that job they might feel comfortable that at least two of Love, Bryant and Ankou could be snuck through to the PS and then activated on gamedays if required? Maybe they even feel Shaq might make it to the PS? So I extend your defense question to Cam Lewis vs Spector vs 9th DL (2 out of 3 make it). I think this decision comes down to who is easier to sneak through to PS and while they have managed that with Cam Lewis the last two years, I fear he might get picked up off waivers now mainly because he can play inside / outside and last year he played 35% of the Bills special teams snaps. I could imagine a bottom feeder team looking at that versatility and saying "worth the risk."

 

As for the "final 4" as you have termed it.... I think Jones is pretty close to being locked in and then it comes down again to who you feel good about sneaking onto the PS - I think you feel good about Blackshear and Morris getting there so they miss the 53. Then Austin is out unless he wins the returner job (anyone know why he didn't play on Saturday? Is he injured?) so it comes down to the three receivers and Sweeney and one of them misses out. TBH if I was picking it'd be Sweeney, I just think he is a marginal NFL talent and we lack depth at outside receiver so I'd be willing to roll the dice on Hodgins. 

 

 

 

I could see Belichick trying to pick up another RB.  Might not be so easy to sneak Blackshear on if he continues to show well.

[ColoradoBills]

3 hours ago, Royale with Cheese said:

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.

 

So true.  I will say that Blackshear had a great junior year at VT.  Over 1,000 yards rushing and receiving.

He seems a much better player than the William's and Wade's of recent years.

I hope he develops on the PS this year and can be a RB3 or better next year after Devin leaves.

[HiMark]

21 minutes ago, Buffalo716 said:

One good game by Barkley versus backups, I don’t think I’ll make it a serious quarterback competition versus Keenum

 

I mean close to a decade of NFL stats show Keenum is vastly superior… Has taken a team to the playoffs as a starter and has much TD INT ratio in a lot more time played 

All true about Keenum, but a guy can get old.  We may have to look waiver wire for #2, but Barkley has at least earned PS consideration, and is forcing the question with Keenum. 

[nosejob]

4 hours ago, Paul Costa said:

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. 

I'll have to look him up.

 

[msw2112]

I saw the game and agree that Keenum looked bad and Blackshear looked good.  Barkley also looked good.  That said, it's one preseason game and isn't enough of a sample size to make final roster judgments.  Keenum played with the backup OL (and even third-team guys like Tenuta starting at tackle) against the Colts' first team defense - and the Colts have a decent defense.  Blackshear and Barkley played against the third string Colts defense.  Blackshear is a young guy who may have some upside and I'm all in if he continues to play well.  With Barkley, we know what his ceiling is.  I suspect that Blackshear will be on the PS and Barkley will be the 3rd QB, inactive on game days.  Keenum is no world beater, but I think that he can be servicable with the first team OL and skill guys.  Barkely may also be PS, depending on the numbers and if they want that roster spot for a different position.

Edited August 15, 2022 by msw2112

[GunnerBill]

10 minutes ago, Scott7975 said:

 

I could see Belichick trying to pick up another RB.  Might not be so easy to sneak Blackshear on if he continues to show well.

 

He rushed 6 times for 11 yards against 3rd stringers. I wouldn't be scouting property in Boston yet if I were him. He showed some juice which was nice but so did half a dozen other late round or undrafted backs around the league last weekend. 

[Scott7975]

Just now, GunnerBill said:

 

He rushed 6 times for 11 yards against 3rd stringers. I wouldn't be scouting property in Boston yet if I were him. He showed some juice which was nice but so did half a dozen other late round or undrafted backs around the league last weekend. 

 

Im not saying we should keep him on the roster.  I honestly didnt get to see him play because my meds knocked me out by the second half.  Im just saying that I think BB is going to be looking for some young RBs and probably some receivers around the league. Not just BB either.  It might not be so easy for a team to stash these type of players this year.

[Scott7975]

Lol so you dont think any teams might looks to snag a RB or WR off another teams practice squad at all?  Lol ok bro.

Edited August 15, 2022 by Scott7975