Joe Buscaglia's Projected 53 man roster as of today

[MikePJ76]

So a few things stand out, Will Clapp and Mike Edwards getting cut....Edwards with an injury settlement and Clapp being signed back to the Practice squad.  Also only 4 Defensive tackles.  Collins making the team over clapp would be surprising to me.  Also, Chase Claypool getting released and Zach Davidson getting waived.

 

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5688177/2024/08/09/buffalo-bills-training-camp-preseason-53-man-roster-projection/

Edited August 9 by MikePJ76
spelling error

[Buffalo03]

Would love to read but not paying for it

[JP51]

4 minutes ago, MikePJ76 said:

So a few things stand out, Will Clapp and Mike Edwards getting cut....Edwards with an injury settlement and Clapp being signed back to the Practice squad.  Also only 4 Defensive tackles.  Collins making the team over clapp would be surprising to me.  Also, Chase Claypool getting released and Zach Davidson getting waived.

 

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5688177/2024/08/09/buffalo-bills-training-camp-preseason-53-man-roster-projection/

Cant read it but I appreciate the highlights... Claypool being released would be disappointing only because I had hoped he would throttle a position and emerge as a real contributor. If Collins makes it over Clapp hopefully that means he is showing some semblance of his old form and not that he is the lesser of two evils...  I would also be surprised if McD only kept 4 DT, he loves him some DT... 

[RoyBatty is alive]

i can see 4 DTs but they will try to stash a 5th and even make a trade for a  draft pick. i guess  with all the claypool “ baggage” likely be safe to clear waivers,

Edited August 9 by RoyBatty is alive

[MikePJ76]

20 minutes ago, RoyBatty is alive said:

i can see 4 DTs but they will try to stash a 5th and even make a trade for a  draft pick. i guess  with all the claypool “ baggage” likely be safe to clear waivers,

yea absolutely will have a pair of DT on the practice squad I imagine.

 

here is joe's thoughts on that.

 

Defensive Tackle (4)

Ed Oliver, DaQuan Jones, Austin Johnson, DeWayne Carter

With so many good edge rushers shining in camp, some of which having the ability to reduce to defensive tackle on third down, it could make it difficult for the Bills to keep more than four defensive tackles this year. With a low amount of guaranteed money on his one-year deal, the 31-year-old DeShawn Williams is an ideal candidate to release while trying to add him to the practice squad immediately in case of an injury. Eli Ankou would be the backup plan if Williams signs elsewhere.

Released: DeShawn Williams, Eli Ankou
Waived: Branson Deen, Gable Stevenson

[SCBills]

So our Safety room would be Rapp, Hamlin, Bishop and Lewis?

 

I feel good about every unit on this team... except that.  But it's Safety, and McDermott/Babich have shown enough to be trusted with whatever the plan is there.

[GunnerBill]

It is the same as mine earlier this week except he is waiving Mike Edwards injured and keeping Tylan Gable as a 10th OL. 52 of 53 he and I are in lock step on. 

[finn]

45 minutes ago, MikePJ76 said:

So a few things stand out, Will Clapp and Mike Edwards getting cut....Edwards with an injury settlement and Clapp being signed back to the Practice squad.  Also only 4 Defensive tackles.  Collins making the team over clapp would be surprising to me.  Also, Chase Claypool getting released and Zach Davidson getting waived.

 

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5688177/2024/08/09/buffalo-bills-training-camp-preseason-53-man-roster-projection/

He also has Hamler being waived and signed to the practice squad. Me, I would keep Hamler as KR and reserve WR over La'El Collins, who seems washed at tackle and JAG at guard. Put him on the practice squad instead of Hamler. 

 

As for Gilliam and Morris over Davidson, I get it, but I think it's a mistake. The offense needs more juice, even at the expense of special teams. Keep G or M, but sign Davidson to the 53 so Allen and Brady have a 6'7' target to work with. Pete Metzelaars with wheels. 

[MikePJ76]

1 minute ago, finn said:

He also has Hamler being waived and signed to the practice squad. Me, I would keep Hamler as KR and reserve WR over La'El Collins, who seems washed at tackle and JAG at guard. Put him on the practice squad instead of Hamler. 

 

As for Gilliam and Morris over Davidson, I get it, but I think it's a mistake. The offense needs more juice, even at the expense of special teams. Keep G or M, but sign Davidson to the 53 so Allen and Brady have a 6'7' target to work with. Pete Metzelaars with wheels. 

I personally wouldn't keep collins in any scenario really.  He is always hurt and is known to be a lazy uninterested player.  He really has been a head scratcher to me being signed here.

[GunnerBill]

2 minutes ago, MikePJ76 said:

I personally wouldn't keep collins in any scenario really.  He is always hurt and is known to be a lazy uninterested player.  He really has been a head scratcher to me being signed here.

 

They won't, and shouldn't, go with 4 backup OL with zero NFL starts under their belts though. So it kinda comes down to Collins or Clapp and they are well stocked with centers. My hope is that there is a vet lineman on the eventual 53 who is currently on another roster. But that remains to be seen and wouldn't happen until after the original cut downs.  

[Logic]

I really hope they don't keep La'el Collins over someone like KJ Hamler or even a younger OL prospect like Richard Gouriage.

From all reports in camp thus far, Collins is cooked. If they MUST have some veteran OL depth, I hope they scour the waiver wire after cutdown day.

[Ed_Formerly_of_Roch]

9 minutes ago, MikePJ76 said:

I personally wouldn't keep collins in any scenario really.  He is always hurt and is known to be a lazy uninterested player.  He really has been a head scratcher to me being signed here.

 

5 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

 

They won't, and shouldn't, go with 4 backup OL with zero NFL starts under their belts though. So it kinda comes down to Collins or Clapp and they are well stocked with centers. My hope is that there is a vet lineman on the eventual 53 who is currently on another roster. But that remains to be seen and wouldn't happen until after the original cut downs.  

 

That may be what keeps Collins on the roster, do they want to go with 4 backups with essentially no experience.  Agree too they may find a vet cut from another team and sign him instead. 

 

Article also stated a similar thing could happen at safety or I'll add maybe Hyde?

[Allen2D̶i̶g̶g̶s̶TBD]

Full Text of article:

 

Buffalo Bills post-training camp pre-preseason 53-man roster projection

 

By Joe Buscaglia

 

4h ago

 

The Bills are officially through the first stage of training camp. They wrapped up their final practice at St. John Fisher University on Thursday, then moved back into their permanent home at One Bills Drive in Orchard Park for the rest of the season.

 

As camp raged on, player performances and how the Bills handled their depth chart over the past few weeks revealed several potential changes from where things stood with the 53-man roster in the spring. Injuries have also sculpted at least one key position on the roster.

 

As the Bills approach their first preseason tilt — a Saturday contest at home against the Chicago Bears at 1:00 pm — how does the 53-man roster look before an exhibition game gets played?

 

Here is an updated, post-camp, pre-preseason look at how the Bills roster could shake out, complete with practice squad.

 

Quarterback (2)

 

Josh Allen, Mitchell Trubisky

 

Even with Shane Buechele occasionally working with the second-team offense, there is no drama at quarterback this year. It’s Allen and Trubisky, with Buechele as their practice squad guy for a second year.

 

Waived: Shane Buechele

 

 

Running back (4)

 

James Cook, Ray Davis, Ty Johnson, Reggie Gilliam (FB)

 

Running back is another open-and-shut case with the same projection from before camp. Cook is the unquestioned starter, with the fourth-round rookie Davis and Johnson as the dependable depth. Neither Darrynton Evans nor Frank Gore Jr. really pushed hard for a roster spot during camp, though they’ll have plenty of opportunity to do so during the preseason games.

 

Released: Darrynton Evans

Waived: Frank Gore Jr.

 

Wide receiver (6)

 

Khalil Shakir, Curtis Samuel, Keon Coleman, Mack Hollins, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Tyrell Shavers

 

The wide receiver movement from practice to practice has been one of the most exciting facets of camp. But after the dust settled from the 12 sessions, there’s only one significant change from our pre-camp projection: Tyrell Shavers is in, and Justin Shorter is out. Shavers has been excellent in camp, gives them the versatility to play all three receiver positions, offers more on special teams, and, to put it bluntly, has outplayed Shorter quite a bit. Shavers will need to keep going through the preseason to secure the spot. However, with ample options at Shorter’s position (X receiver) already on the roster, they can go with the player that gives them the most potential right now, and that’s Shavers.

 

As for the veteran players getting cut in this projection, Chase Claypool’s injury has taken him out of consideration for now, and he’ll need a strong preseason when he returns to get back into contention. KJ Hamler loses out on the return job because his competition showed some game on the defensive side. But Hamler should be a priority practice squad add if he passes through waivers.

 

Released: Chase Claypool, Andy Isabella

Waived: Justin Shorter, K.J. Hamler, Bryan Thompson, Xavier Johnson, Lawrence Keys III

 

Tight end (3)

 

Dalton Kincaid, Dawson Knox, Quintin Morris

 

Kincaid and Knox will be the two most heavily used tight ends, and Morris has sprinkled in with the first-team offense occasionally throughout the summer. Morris would be the only one that could be at risk of not making the team in favor of a player like Zach Davidson, who has had a nice camp. But with so much turnover on special teams this offseason, and Morris being a core member of all those units for coordinator Matthew Smiley for years, I think that’s enough to warrant a spot on the team right now. They should be able to get the 26-year-old Davidson through waivers and to the practice squad.

 

Waived: Zach Davidson, Tre’ McKitty

 

Offensive line (10)

 

Dion Dawkins, David Edwards, Connor McGovern, O’Cyrus Torrence, Spencer Brown, Ryan Van Demark, Alec Anderson, La’El Collins, Sedrick Van Pran-Granger, Tylan Grable

 

The Bills’ starting offensive line has been set all summer, and their backup group could feature four players who have yet to start an NFL game. As draft picks, Van Pran-Granger and Grable seem like perfect options to stick on the 53-man roster for development and hold their four-year rookie deals while making them healthy scratches every week there isn’t an injury. Both players have shown some potential this summer.

 

Will Clapp is the biggest name among those cut, but as a vested veteran, he would not be subject to waivers and could immediately sign to the Bills’ practice squad. The Bills have used Kevin Jarvis and Richard Gouraige occasionally on the second-team offensive line, which would make them prime practice squad candidates.

 

Released: Will Clapp

Waived: Kevin Jarvis, Richard Gouraige, Mike Edwards, Gunner Britton, Keaton Bills, Travis Clayton (International Pathway Program exemption)

 

Edge Rusher (6)

 

Greg Rousseau, A.J. Epenesa, Von Miller, Dawuane Smoot, Javon Solomon, Kingsley Jonathan

 

Outside of the prominent top four, the fifth-round rookie Solomon has been excellent in his first training camp and looks like a roster lock. Past that, the edge rusher decisions come down to a few things. First, will the Bills keep six? Considering some good showings across the position this summer, it’s a strong bet as of now. Second, could the Bills keep seven edge rushers? It depends on special teams needs, but it’s not out of the question. And third, if they only hold six, which of Kingsley Jonathan or Casey Toohill would make the cut? I give those honors to the better pass rusher, which in this case is Jonathan. After getting burned by waivers once before, with the Bears claiming Jonathan in 2022, general manager Brandon Beane will likely avoid subjecting pass rush ability to the rest of the league. The Bills can get Toohill back on the practice squad if he doesn’t sign elsewhere, so it makes sense for Jonathan to be the sixth.

 

Released: Casey Toohill

Waived: Kameron Cline, Rondell Bothroyd

 

Defensive Tackle (4)

 

Ed Oliver, DaQuan Jones, Austin Johnson, DeWayne Carter

 

With so many good edge rushers shining in camp, some of which having the ability to reduce to defensive tackle on third down, it could make it difficult for the Bills to keep more than four defensive tackles this year. With a low amount of guaranteed money on his one-year deal, the 31-year-old DeShawn Williams is an ideal candidate to release while trying to add him to the practice squad immediately in case of an injury. Eli Ankou would be the backup plan if Williams signs elsewhere.

 

Released: DeShawn Williams, Eli Ankou

Waived: Branson Deen, Gable Stevenson

 

Linebacker (5)

 

Matt Milano, Terrel Bernard, Dorian Williams, Baylon Spector, Edefuan Ulofoshio

 

Keeping only five linebackers is a switch from the pre-camp projection, but this is not a settled spot. To this point, free agent signing Nicholas Morrow has allowed competition like Deion Jones to catch up to him, and Morrow has now missed time with an injury to complicate it even more. Jones has a real chance of usurping Morrow’s veteran linebacker job, whether on the 53-man roster or the practice squad. Linebacker is a “to be continued” until we know how long the rookie Ulofoshio will be out with a rib injury. If his absence extends well into the summer, he could be a prime candidate to take to the 53-man roster and then place him on injured reserve a day later. That would allow the Bills to cut a vested veteran who isn’t subject to waivers, promising to bring them back a day later with a nice little signing bonus for their trouble.

 

Released: Deion Jones, Nicholas Morrow

Waived: Joe Andreessen, Shayne Simon

 

Ja’Marcus Ingram is one player who played his way onto the roster during training camp. (Shawn Dowd / USA Today)

 

Cornerback (6)

 

Taron Johnson, Rasul Douglas, Christian Benford, Kaiir Elam, Daequan Hardy, Ja’Marcus Ingram

 

Two players on this list have played their way onto the 53-man roster projection through camp. That includes the sixth-round rookie Hardy and long-time Bills practice squad member Ingram. Hardy has done well enough as a kickoff and punt returner, but more importantly, he showed some real ability on defense. He also did it at two positions, getting reps at nickel and boundary cornerback throughout the summer. Ingram has that similar versatility while giving the Bills special teams reps across several units, with over two years of experience in the defensive scheme. Ingram was the final player kept on the 53-man roster projection. Should the Bills need a spot elsewhere — namely at safety — he’s on the shortlist of players to remove from a subsequent projection.

 

Waived: Kyron Brown, Keni-H Lovely, Te’Cory Couch

 

 

Safety (4)

 

Taylor Rapp, Cole Bishop, Damar Hamlin, Cam Lewis

 

This group provides the projection’s biggest surprise, with veteran Mike Edwards off the final squad. In this case, Edwards would go to season-ending injured reserve with an eventual settlement due to his “week-to-week” hamstring ailment. Edwards has been injured for most of his time with the Bills and doesn’t have much time on task in the scheme, which hurts his case. Without that baseline for Edwards, Bishop’s promising early camp progress and some great camp performances at cornerback, it opens the door for the Bills to move on from Edwards. Don’t forget about Cam Lewis, who the Bills trust in their scheme, whether at safety or nickel corner. Lewis is listed at safety on the team’s unofficial depth chart. We still need to see Cole Bishop’s return timeline, which could also impact this final roster. It also would not be a shock if the Bills signed a safety to round out the group or to be the 2024 starter next to Rapp.

 

Released: Kareem Jackson, Terrell Burgess, Dee Delaney

 

Injured Reserve with later settlement: Mike Edwards

 

Specialists (3)

 

Tyler Bass (K), Sam Martin (P), Reid Ferguson (LS)

 

Waived/Released: None

 

Practice squad (17)

 

QB Shane Buechele, RB Frank Gore Jr., WR KJ Hamler*, WR Justin Shorter, WR Bryan Thompson, TE Zach Davidson, IOL Will Clapp*, IOL Kevin Jarvis, OT Richard Gouraige, OT Travis Clayton (International Pathway Program exemption), DE Casey Toohill*, DE Kameron Cline, DT DeShawn Williams*, LB Deion Jones*, CB Keni-H Lovely, CB Te’Cory Couch, S Kareem Jackson*

 

 

 

[3rdand12]

1 hour ago, Ed_Formerly_of_Roch said:

 

 

That may be what keeps Collins on the roster, do they want to go with 4 backups with essentially no experience.  Agree too they may find a vet cut from another team and sign him instead. 

 

Article also stated a similar thing could happen at safety or I'll add maybe Hyde?

Ahh , The Hyde Factor 

[ColoradoBills]

Clapp will make the 53 and one of the rookies will go onto IR to start the season.

Davidson or one of the WRs will go to IR.

 

Those 2 "free" IR positions are pretty much an extension of the 53.

 

Then at least one (maybe 2) more IR moves will be made the old-fashioned way using a cheap vet player for the cut and wait in the parking lot scenario.

This is why Beane is holding onto the $8M in cap.

 

[Saxum]

2 hours ago, Buffalo03 said:

Would love to read but not paying for it

 

Seamonkey browser opens it when you edit page.

[GunnerBill]

2 minutes ago, ColoradoBills said:

Clapp will make the 53 and one of the rookies will go onto IR to start the season.

Davidson or one of the WRs will go to IR.

 

Those 2 "free" IR positions are pretty much an extension of the 53.

 

Then at least one (maybe 2) more IR moves will be made the old-fashioned way using a cheap vet player for the cut and wait in the parking lot scenario.

This is why Beane is holding onto the $8M in cap.

 

 

The linebacker is my clubhouse leader for a rookie IR stash. 

[section122]

2 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

 

They won't, and shouldn't, go with 4 backup OL with zero NFL starts under their belts though. So it kinda comes down to Collins or Clapp and they are well stocked with centers. My hope is that there is a vet lineman on the eventual 53 who is currently on another roster. But that remains to be seen and wouldn't happen until after the original cut downs.  

 

I don't really think Collins having experience matters when he is so limited and frankly not good anymore.

 

I spent some time thinking about the 53 recently and it was harder yet more fun than I expected.  Here are some differences I see:

 

I would keep Davidson and in turn release Gilliam.  I know it isn't likely but Gilliam is such a limited contributor offensively I think Davidson can be the 3rd TE and have Morris fill the H-Back/ST Ace role.  More realistically, I would be okay with cutting Collins and keeping Davidson.

 

I had Hamler over Shavers.  I know Shavers has had a great camp but here is my thought process on this - Hamler can play but usually gets hurt.  I would keep Hamler until the inevitable and then promote Shavers from the PS.

 

I think Edwards gets cut but is immediately resigned once someone (Bishop maybe) goes to IR.  With Bishop being injured I find it difficult to think they will keep effectively 3 safeties for week 1.

 

 

[Nephilim17]

7 minutes ago, section122 said:

 

I don't really think Collins having experience matters when he is so limited and frankly not good anymore.

 

I spent some time thinking about the 53 recently and it was harder yet more fun than I expected.  Here are some differences I see:

 

I would keep Davidson and in turn release Gilliam.  I know it isn't likely but Gilliam is such a limited contributor offensively I think Davidson can be the 3rd TE and have Morris fill the H-Back/ST Ace role.  More realistically, I would be okay with cutting Collins and keeping Davidson.

 

I had Hamler over Shavers.  I know Shavers has had a great camp but here is my thought process on this - Hamler can play but usually gets hurt.  I would keep Hamler until the inevitable and then promote Shavers from the PS.

 

I think Edwards gets cut but is immediately resigned once someone (Bishop maybe) goes to IR.  With Bishop being injured I find it difficult to think they will keep effectively 3 safeties for week 1.

 

 

I'd live to find a way to keep Davidson as well. He's had an eye-opening camp, is 6'7", athletic and relatively young. I haven't followed Gilliam's role on ST but I'd be happy with that move.

[Ridgewaycynic2013]

Never mind what Buscaglia thinks...what are Sal and Sneaky Joe's predictions? 🤔

Edited August 9 by Ridgewaycynic2013