UDFA signings 2023

[SoCal Deek]

2 minutes ago, MrEpsYtown said:

Offense:

25:

2 - QB: Allen, Allen

4 - RB: Harris, Cook, Hines, Murray

6 - WR: Diggs, Davis, Harty, Shakir, Sherfield, Shorter

3 - TE: Knox, Kincaid, Morris

10 - OL - Dawkins, McGovern, Morse, Torrence, Brown, Bates, Doyle, Edwards, Broeker, Quessenberry (or Gouraige)

 

Defense: 

26

4 - DT: Jones, Phillips, Oliver, Settle

5 - DE: Miller, Rousseau, Epenesa, Basham, Lawson

6 - LB: Milano, Dodson, Spector, Bernard, Matakevich, Williams

4 - S - Poyer, Hyde, Rapp, Hamlin (lock if healthy)

7 - CB - White, Elam, Benford, Johnson, Neal, Jackson, Allen

 

Specialist: 

3

 

Here I am at 54, so someone would have to go.

 

I cut AJ Klein, though I am not sure how likely that is. To me a guy like Dodson either wins the job or he isn't here, which is crazy. You have to likely lose a corner unless Miller does go on PUP. The chances of any of these UDFAs making, aside from maybe Gouriage is very slim. 

 

I bolded my locks, that roster is 46. So essentially 6 spots up for grabs.

 

All my opinions obviously. 

I say the same thing every year. When it’s all said and done there are really VERY FEW roster spots truly up for grabs. 

[TOboy]

4 minutes ago, MrEpsYtown said:

Offense:

25:

2 - QB: Allen, Allen

4 - RB: Harris, Cook, Hines, Murray

6 - WR: Diggs, Davis, Harty, Shakir, Sherfield, Shorter

3 - TE: Knox, Kincaid, Morris

10 - OL - Dawkins, McGovern, Morse, Torrence, Brown, Bates, Doyle, Edwards, Broeker, Quessenberry (or Gouraige)

 

Defense: 

26

4 - DT: Jones, Phillips, Oliver, Settle

5 - DE: Miller, Rousseau, Epenesa, Basham, Lawson

6 - LB: Milano, Dodson, Spector, Bernard, Matakevich, Williams

4 - S - Poyer, Hyde, Rapp, Hamlin (lock if healthy)

7 - CB - White, Elam, Benford, Johnson, Neal, Jackson, Allen

 

Specialist: 

3

 

Here I am at 54, so someone would have to go.

 

I cut AJ Klein, though I am not sure how likely that is. To me a guy like Dodson either wins the job or he isn't here, which is crazy. You have to likely lose a corner unless Miller does go on PUP. The chances of any of these UDFAs making, aside from maybe Gouriage is very slim. 

 

I bolded my locks, that roster is 46. So essentially 6 spots up for grabs.

 

All my opinions obviously. 

Unfortunately somebody will get injured so they’ll all make it. 

[MrEpsYtown]

6 minutes ago, TOboy said:

Unfortunately somebody will get injured so they’ll all make it. 

 

Miller will probably go on PUP. But in essence, there are still only a few spots up for grabs for these guys and incumbents they would need to beat out. 

[Beck Water]

43 minutes ago, gonzo1105 said:

 

I'd say its likely because I don't think they are going to keep 7 LB's like Sal C thinks, one of Matakevich, Klein, or Dodson isn't making this team with Milano, Williams, Bernard, and Spector laying around as well. I think that is an area where both Shorter and Shavers can make the team.  These two if they are as good as they say at ST's would be cheaper options than Veterans like Siran Neal etc.

 

I don't think Siran Neal is going anywhere this year.  Someone needs to take his job as the dime back, and we may spend more time in different defensive formations.

McKenzie, who was legit fast, always said that Siran Neal was the fastest guy on the team despite his 4.56 pajama olympics time.

 

I think it's good, and reasonable, that we're apparently moving on and replacing 3 ST regulars in Johnson, Kumerow, and Jones.  So keeping 2 in Matakevich and Neal is not unreasonable.

[Shaw66]

10 minutes ago, MrEpsYtown said:

Offense:

25:

2 - QB: Allen, Allen

4 - RB: Harris, Cook, Hines, Murray

6 - WR: Diggs, Davis, Harty, Shakir, Sherfield, Shorter

3 - TE: Knox, Kincaid, Morris

10 - OL - Dawkins, McGovern, Morse, Torrence, Brown, Bates, Doyle, Edwards, Broeker, Quessenberry (or Gouraige)

 

Defense: 

26

4 - DT: Jones, Phillips, Oliver, Settle

5 - DE: Miller, Rousseau, Epenesa, Basham, Lawson

6 - LB: Milano, Dodson, Spector, Bernard, Matakevich, Williams

4 - S - Poyer, Hyde, Rapp, Hamlin (lock if healthy)

7 - CB - White, Elam, Benford, Johnson, Neal, Jackson, Allen

 

Specialist: 

3

 

Here I am at 54, so someone would have to go.

 

I cut AJ Klein, though I am not sure how likely that is. To me a guy like Dodson either wins the job or he isn't here, which is crazy. You have to likely lose a corner unless Miller does go on PUP. The chances of any of these UDFAs making, aside from maybe Gouriage is very slim. 

 

I bolded my locks, that roster is 46. So essentially 6 spots up for grabs.

 

All my opinions obviously. 

This is great. Thanks.  One of the less obvious GM skills is managing the PS and getting some promising developmental rookies to stay instead of jumping to the first opportunity to be on a roster.  These UDFAs have some potential, and keeping them for a year gives the Bills a chance to see if they have a shot at the 53 in 2024.

[Kmart128]

14 minutes ago, MrEpsYtown said:

Offense:

25:

2 - QB: Allen, Allen

4 - RB: Harris, Cook, Hines, Murray

6 - WR: Diggs, Davis, Harty, Shakir, Sherfield, Shorter

3 - TE: Knox, Kincaid, Morris

10 - OL - Dawkins, McGovern, Morse, Torrence, Brown, Bates, Doyle, Edwards, Broeker, Quessenberry (or Gouraige)

 

Defense: 

26

4 - DT: Jones, Phillips, Oliver, Settle

5 - DE: Miller, Rousseau, Epenesa, Basham, Lawson

6 - LB: Milano, Dodson, Spector, Bernard, Matakevich, Williams

4 - S - Poyer, Hyde, Rapp, Hamlin (lock if healthy)

7 - CB - White, Elam, Benford, Johnson, Neal, Jackson, Austin

 

Specialist: 

3

 

Here I am at 54, so someone would have to go.

 

I cut AJ Klein, though I am not sure how likely that is. To me a guy like Dodson either wins the job or he isn't here, which is crazy. You have to likely lose a corner unless Miller does go on PUP. The chances of any of these UDFAs making, aside from maybe Gouriage is very slim. 

 

I bolded my locks, that roster is 46. So essentially 6 spots up for grabs.

 

All my opinions obviously. 

 

I agree for most part only change if really make is Reggie Gilliam over Morris. I like Morris more. But Gilliam atleast can play backup TE and play FB. And seems to be a better special teams player.

[Beck Water]

31 minutes ago, MrEpsYtown said:

Offense:

25:

2 - QB: Allen, Allen

4 - RB: Harris, Cook, Hines, Murray

6 - WR: Diggs, Davis, Harty, Shakir, Sherfield, Shorter

3 - TE: Knox, Kincaid, Morris

10 - OL - Dawkins, McGovern, Morse, Torrence, Brown, Bates, Doyle, Edwards, Broeker, Quessenberry (or Gouraige)

 

Defense: 

26

4 - DT: Jones, Phillips, Oliver, Settle

5 - DE: Miller, Rousseau, Epenesa, Basham, Lawson

6 - LB: Milano, Dodson, Spector, Bernard, Matakevich, Williams

4 - S - Poyer, Hyde, Rapp, Hamlin (lock if healthy)

7 - CB - White, Elam, Benford, Johnson, Neal, Jackson, Austin

 

Specialist: 

3

 

Here I am at 54, so someone would have to go.

 

I cut AJ Klein, though I am not sure how likely that is. To me a guy like Dodson either wins the job or he isn't here, which is crazy. You have to likely lose a corner unless Miller does go on PUP. The chances of any of these UDFAs making, aside from maybe Gouriage is very slim. 

 

I bolded my locks, that roster is 46. So essentially 6 spots up for grabs.

 

All my opinions obviously. 

 

What about Gilliam?  They just signed him to a 2 year contract last season.  He doesn't have a lot of dead cap, but they do seem to really like him.  It might be a battle between him and Morris, but if they're trying to do more run up the gut they also might like to keep their FB

 

Over in another thread, @JGMcD2 put out a pretty good 53 man roster guess
https://www.twobillsdrive.com/community/topic/247098-bills-sign-udfa-6’6-wr-shavers-reportedly-3-year-deal/page/2/#comment-8384772

 

For reference, here is how the Bills roster broke down in 2021 and 2022:

 

Historically last 2 seasons, Bills roster has broken down as follows

2022

QB 2, RB 4, FB 1, WR 6, TE 3, OL 9, DL 9, LB 6, CB 6 S 4 ST 3

2021

QB 2 RB 4, FB1 WR 7, TE 2, OL 9 DL 10 LB 6, CB 5 S 4 ST 3

 

I also don't think they'll move on from Klein.  McDermott is big on vet leadership, and Klein is there "we know he can do it" vet MLB fallback position

Edited May 2, 2023 by Beck Water

[Warcodered]

12 minutes ago, MrEpsYtown said:

 

Miller will probably go on PUP. But in essence, there are still only a few spots up for grabs for these guys and incumbents they would need to beat out. 

Doyle probably on PUP too.

[Beck Water]

1 minute ago, Warcodered said:

Doyle probably on PUP too.

 

I think you can bet on it.

[MrEpsYtown]

16 minutes ago, Beck Water said:

 

What about Gilliam?  They just signed him to a 2 year contract last season.  He doesn't have a lot of dead cap, but they do seem to really like him.  It might be a battle between him and Morris, but if they're trying to do more run up the gut they also might like to keep their FB

 

Over in another thread, @JGMcD2 put out a pretty good 53 man roster guess
https://www.twobillsdrive.com/community/topic/247098-bills-sign-udfa-6’6-wr-shavers-reportedly-3-year-deal/page/2/#comment-8384772

 

For reference, here is how the Bills roster broke down in 2021 and 2022:

 

Historically last 2 seasons, Bills roster has broken down as follows

2022

QB 2, RB 4, FB 1, WR 6, TE 3, OL 9, DL 9, LB 6, CB 6 S 4 ST 3

2021

QB 2 RB 4, FB1 WR 7, TE 2, OL 9 DL 10 LB 6, CB 5 S 4 ST 3

 

I also don't think they'll move on from Klein.  McDermott is big on vet leadership, and Klein is there "we know he can do it" vet MLB fallback position

Forgot about him. Yes think he is a lock

[ngbills]

1 hour ago, MrEpsYtown said:

Offense:

25:

2 - QB: Allen, Allen

4 - RB: Harris, Cook, Hines, Murray

6 - WR: Diggs, Davis, Harty, Shakir, Sherfield, Shorter

3 - TE: Knox, Kincaid, Morris

10 - OL - Dawkins, McGovern, Morse, Torrence, Brown, Bates, Doyle, Edwards, Broeker, Quessenberry (or Gouraige)

 

Defense: 

26

4 - DT: Jones, Phillips, Oliver, Settle

5 - DE: Miller, Rousseau, Epenesa, Basham, Lawson

6 - LB: Milano, Dodson, Spector, Bernard, Matakevich, Williams

4 - S - Poyer, Hyde, Rapp, Hamlin (lock if healthy)

7 - CB - White, Elam, Benford, Johnson, Neal, Jackson, Austin

 

Specialist: 

3

 

Here I am at 54, so someone would have to go.

 

I cut AJ Klein, though I am not sure how likely that is. To me a guy like Dodson either wins the job or he isn't here, which is crazy. You have to likely lose a corner unless Miller does go on PUP. The chances of any of these UDFAs making, aside from maybe Gouriage is very slim. 

 

I bolded my locks, that roster is 46. So essentially 6 spots up for grabs.

 

All my opinions obviously. 

Ford signed and is a lock. 

[MrEpsYtown]

4 minutes ago, ngbills said:

Ford signed and is a lock. 

Yep I had perfect timing with that lol. Adding Ford and Gilliam would take the locks to 48, 49 with miller, meaning 4 spots up for grabs. 

[SoCal Deek]

 Now add a bit of Poona. 

[Pete]

1 hour ago, MrEpsYtown said:

Offense:

25:

2 - QB: Allen, Allen

4 - RB: Harris, Cook, Hines, Murray

6 - WR: Diggs, Davis, Harty, Shakir, Sherfield, Shorter

3 - TE: Knox, Kincaid, Morris

10 - OL - Dawkins, McGovern, Morse, Torrence, Brown, Bates, Doyle, Edwards, Broeker, Quessenberry (or Gouraige)

 

Defense: 

26

4 - DT: Jones, Phillips, Oliver, Settle

5 - DE: Miller, Rousseau, Epenesa, Basham, Lawson

6 - LB: Milano, Dodson, Spector, Bernard, Matakevich, Williams

4 - S - Poyer, Hyde, Rapp, Hamlin (lock if healthy)

7 - CB - White, Elam, Benford, Johnson, Neal, Jackson, Austin

 

Specialist: 

3

 

Here I am at 54, so someone would have to go.

 

I cut AJ Klein, though I am not sure how likely that is. To me a guy like Dodson either wins the job or he isn't here, which is crazy. You have to likely lose a corner unless Miller does go on PUP. The chances of any of these UDFAs making, aside from maybe Gouriage is very slim. 

 

I bolded my locks, that roster is 46. So essentially 6 spots up for grabs.

 

All my opinions obviously. 

Good stuff.  No Reggie Gilliam?

[MrEpsYtown]

28 minutes ago, Pete said:

Good stuff.  No Reggie Gilliam?

added gracias

[Shaw66]

Well, watching you all go around with Mr. Eps reminds me how complicated and unpredictable all of this is.   Not all of the locks we see are going to turn out to be locks.   We're surprised every summer, with injuries, trades, retirements, whatever.   

 

All I can say is that I like the current version of locks.   It's a really, really solid team.  

Edited May 2, 2023 by Shaw66

[khlax3]

2 hours ago, MrEpsYtown said:

Offense:

26:

2 - QB: Allen, Allen

5 - RB: Harris, Cook, Hines, Gilliam, Murray

6 - WR: Diggs, Davis, Harty, Shakir, Sherfield, Shorter

3 - TE: Knox, Kincaid, Morris

10 - OL - Dawkins, McGovern, Morse, Torrence, Brown, Bates, Doyle, Edwards, Broeker, Quessenberry (or Gouraige)

 

Defense: 

27

5 - DT: Jones, Phillips, Oliver, Settle, Ford

5 - DE: Miller, Rousseau, Epenesa, Basham, Lawson

6 - LB: Milano, Dodson, Spector, Bernard, Matakevich, Williams

4 - S - Poyer, Hyde, Rapp, Hamlin (lock if healthy)

7 - CB - White, Elam, Benford, Johnson, Neal, Jackson, Austin

 

Specialist: 

3

 

Here I am at 56, l so someone would have to go.

 

I cut AJ Klein, though I am not sure how likely that is. To me a guy like Dodson either wins the job or he isn't here, which is crazy. You have to likely lose a corner unless Miller does go on PUP. The chances of any of these UDFAs making, aside from maybe Gouriage is very slim. 

 

I bolded my locks, that roster is 48, essentially 5 spots up for grabs with 2 of those spots likely going to OL and 1 to safety. 

 

All my opinions obviously. 

Nice work! I agree with most but I think a couple guys you have as locks could be surprise cuts. I would put the following players in competing for a job due to what the cap saving would be and just overall performance:

 

Settle

Spector

Neal

Doyle

 

I also think Murray and Lawson are pretty close to locks and Klien is probably closer to a lock than cut. I see Klien making it and Dodson and Spector battling for that last LB spot

 

[Logic]

My "surprise camp cuts/trades" list includes OG David Edwards and DTs Tim Settle or Jordan Phillips.

I know that all three seem unlikely to be cut or traded. That's why I say SURPRISE camp cuts/trades.

We've seen Beane trade or unexpectedly cut interior offensive linemen that don't win starting jobs out of camp before. McGovern almost certainly starts at LG, and I have a hard time seeing Edwards beating out both incumbent Ryan Bates AND 2nd round pick O'Cyrus Torrence. I think the drafting of the latter made Edwards' hold on a roster spot somewhat tenuous. Particularly with Boettger and Broeker representing cheaper (albeit also likely inferior) options.

As for the DTs, with the signing of Poona Ford, and allowing for the possibility that UDFA DJ Dale has an impressive camp, the Bills could decide they don't want to carry more than four DTs and trade or cut one of the two veteran backups mentioned above.

 

Edited May 2, 2023 by Logic

[ngbills]

36 minutes ago, Logic said:

My "surprise camp cuts/trades" list includes OG David Edwards and DTs Tim Settle or Jordan Phillips.

I know that all three seem unlikely to be cut or traded. That's why I say SURPRISE camp cuts/trades.

We've seen Beane trade or unexpectedly cut interior offensive linemen that don't win starting jobs out of camp before. McGovern almost certainly starts at LG, and I have a hard time seeing Edwards beating out both incumbent Ryan Bates AND 2nd round pick O'Cyrus Torrence. I think the drafting of the latter made Edwards' hold on a roster spot somewhat tenuous. Particularly with Boettger and Broeker representing cheaper (albeit also likely inferior) options.

As for the DTs, with the signing of Poona Ford, and allowing for the possibility that UDFA DJ Dale has an impressive camp, the Bills could decide they don't want to carry more than four DTs and trade or cut one of the two veteran backups mentioned above.

 

I could see one of the RB's cut. 

[BillsFanForever19]

8 hours ago, MrEpsYtown said:

Offense:

26:

2 - QB: Allen, Allen

5 - RB: Harris, Cook, Hines, Gilliam, Murray

6 - WR: Diggs, Davis, Harty, Shakir, Sherfield, Shorter

3 - TE: Knox, Kincaid, Morris

10 - OL - Dawkins, McGovern, Morse, Torrence, Brown, Bates, Doyle, Edwards, Broeker, Quessenberry (or Gouraige)

 

Defense: 

27

5 - DT: Jones, Phillips, Oliver, Settle, Ford

5 - DE: Miller, Rousseau, Epenesa, Basham, Lawson

6 - LB: Milano, Dodson, Spector, Bernard, Matakevich, Williams

4 - S - Poyer, Hyde, Rapp, Hamlin (lock if healthy)

7 - CB - White, Elam, Benford, Johnson, Neal, Jackson, Austin

 

Specialist: 

3

 

Here I am at 56, l so someone would have to go.

 

I cut AJ Klein, though I am not sure how likely that is. To me a guy like Dodson either wins the job or he isn't here, which is crazy. You have to likely lose a corner unless Miller does go on PUP. The chances of any of these UDFAs making, aside from maybe Gouriage is very slim. 

 

I bolded my locks, that roster is 48, essentially 5 spots up for grabs with 2 of those spots likely going to OL and 1 to safety. 

 

All my opinions obviously. 

 

QB - Allen, Allen

RB - Cook, Harris, Hines, Murray

FB/TE - Gilliam 

WR - Diggs, Davis, Harty, Shakir, Sherfield, Shorter

TE - Kincaid, Knox

OL - Dawkins, McGovern, Morse, Torrence, Brown 

Bates, Edwards, Quessenberry, Gouraige

 

DE - Miller, Rousseau, Lawson, Epenesa, Basham

DT - Oliver, Jones, Ford, Phillips, Settle

LB - Milano, Bernard, Klein, Williams, Dodson, Matakevitch

CB - White, Elam, Johnson, Jackson, Benford, Neal

S - Poyer, Hyde, Rapp, Hamlin

ST - Bass, Martin, Ferguson

Edited May 3, 2023 by BillsFanForever19