53 Roster predictions

[khlax3]

Assuming we don’t add any meaningful FAs this is how I see the roster breakdown assuming everyone is healthy:

 

QB: Allen, Trubisky (cut- white, buchle)

RB: Cook, Davis, Johnson (cut-Evans, Gore Jr)

FB: Gilliam

TE: Kincaid, Knox, Hawes (Cut- Davidson)

WR: Palmer, Shakir, Coleman, Samuel, Shenault (Cut- shavers, Virgil, pranther)

OL: Dawkins, Edwards, McGovern, Torrence, Brown, Anderson, Van Pran, granger, gable, Lundt (cut- green, Edwards, gouraige)

 

DE: Bosa, groot, epenesa, Solomon, Jackson (susp- Hoecht)

DT: Oliver, Jones, sanders, walker, Carter (susp-ogunjob cut-logue)

LB: Bernard, Milano, Williams, ulofoshio, Andereson (cut-Spector)

CB: Benford, Harriston, white, Johnson, Hancock, strong (cut- Jackson, Ingram, coddington, hardy, couch)

S: Rapp, Bishop, Forrest, Hamlin, Lewis

 

P-Camarda

K-Bass

LS-Ferguson

 

Offense-24

Defense- 26 (does not include 2 suspended players)

ST- 3

[Wizard]

No major disagreement on this list.

 

The goal is to raise both the ceiling and have a high floor.

 

Theoretically, the Bills have done that in most areas.

 

I see the classic Beane move of trading maybe an OL, DL, or CB for a late day 3 pick for 2026 after or around camp.

 

Doubt we can do it, but I would like to see an upgrade at WR in a trade and a better LB for depth somehow as the result of some salary relief with a post June 1 cut or something like that.

 

 

 

Edited Saturday at 11:38 PM by Wizard

[Chicharito]

Only one player I would cut that is currently on your list is Hamlin. Otherwise looks accurate.

[Sojourner]

Cut Codrington???

[Wizard]

I think the OP may believe that Shenault or someone else will be the primary returner.

 

I would keep Codrington and have Dane Jackson instead of Hamlin and project Lundt to PS on this initial projection.

[Aussie Joe]

could be a little early ..
 

Hope they still go through camp and preseason!

[BillsFanForever19]

On 4/26/2025 at 7:12 PM, khlax3 said:

Assuming we don’t add any meaningful FAs this is how I see the roster breakdown assuming everyone is healthy:

 

QB: Allen, Trubisky (cut- white, buchle)

RB: Cook, Davis, Johnson (cut-Evans, Gore Jr)

FB: Gilliam

TE: Kincaid, Knox, Hawes (Cut- Davidson)

WR: Palmer, Shakir, Coleman, Samuel, Shenault (Cut- shavers, Virgil, pranther)

OL: Dawkins, Edwards, McGovern, Torrence, Brown, Anderson, Van Pran, granger, gable, Lundt (cut- green, Edwards, gouraige)

 

DE: Bosa, groot, epenesa, Solomon, Jackson (susp- Hoecht)

DT: Oliver, Jones, sanders, walker, Carter (susp-ogunjob cut-logue)

LB: Bernard, Milano, Williams, ulofoshio, Andereson (cut-Spector)

CB: Benford, Harriston, white, Johnson, Hancock, strong (cut- Jackson, Ingram, coddington, hardy, couch)

S: Rapp, Bishop, Forrest, Hamlin, Lewis

 

P-Camarda

K-Bass

LS-Ferguson

 

Offense-24

Defense- 26 (does not include 2 suspended players)

ST- 3

 

Pretty spot on but there's some minor disagreements I have:

 

- Shenault isn't making it as WR5. He's only making it as a Kick Returner. If he does, he'll be a 6th "WR" like Codrington was a 6th "CB". They'll likely add another veteran to the roster (I feel like DJ Chark or Elijah Moore is likely) in FA/Trade for that spot or to compete with Shavers and Prather. But Shenault's spot boils down to beating Codrington. Which is a big if.

 

- I don't see them keeping Van Demark, Grable, and Lundt. We've never carried more than 4 OT's on the 53. Lundt will either beat out Van Demark or Grable or he'll be cut.

 

- Hancock and Lewis are the same player playing the same role. They're both Nickel CB/Safety hybrids. It's my belief Hancock was brought in to replace Cam Lewis and free up his cap space. If he doesn't look ready to do that in Year 1, he may be cut or Redshirt "injured". But I don't see both Hancock and Lewis being on the roster.

 

- With Hancock taking Lewis' role or being cut or redshirted, one of Ingram or Jackson will stay. Most likely Ingram. Unless Codrington stays (which is likely), in which case they may still both be gone - unless they like one of them more than Strong (which is also likely) and he's cut.

 

- I think 8 Draft Picks making this roster is unlikely. It's 6 to 7, tops.

Edited yesterday at 07:32 PM by BillsFanForever19

[khlax3]

7 minutes ago, Wizard said:

I think the OP may believe that Shenault or someone else will be the primary returner.

 

I would keep Codrington and have Dane Jackson instead of Hamlin and project Lundt to PS on this initial projection.

Ya I like him but he gives nothing on defense and I just don’t think you have the room for him. I think Forrest or shenault (or another WR5) will be the punt returner 

[Bleeding Bills Blue]

5 minutes ago, BillsFanForever19 said:

 

Pretty spot on but there's some minor disagreements I have:

 

- Shenault isn't making it as WR5. He's only making it as a Kick Returner. If he does, he'll be a 6th "WR" like Codrington was a 6th CB. They'll likely add another veteran to the roster (I feel like DJ Chark is likely) in FA/Trade for that spot or to compete with Shavers and Prather. But Shenault's spot boils down to beating Codrington. Which is a big if.

 

- I don't see them keeping Van Demark, Grable, and Lundt. We've never carried more than 4 OT's on the 53. Lundt will either beat out Van Demark or Grable or he'll be cut.

 

- Hancock and Lewis are the same player playing the same role. They're both Nickel CB/Safety hybrids. It's my belief Hancock was brought in to replace Cam Lewis and free up his cap space. If he doesn't look ready to do that in Year 1, he may be cut or Redshirt "injured". But I don't see both Hancock and Lewis being on the roster.

 

- With Hancock taking Lewis' role or being cut or redshirted, one of Ingram or Jackson will stay. Most likely Ingram. Unless Codrington stays (which is likely), in which case they may still both be gone - unless they like one of them more than Strong (which is also likely) and he's cut.

 

Shenault doesn't return punts. Keep codrington over another DB. Also upgrade shenault in some way.

[SoonerBillsFan]

53 minutes ago, khlax3 said:

Assuming we don’t add any meaningful FAs this is how I see the roster breakdown assuming everyone is healthy:

 

QB: Allen, Trubisky (cut- white, buchle)

RB: Cook, Davis, Johnson (cut-Evans, Gore Jr)

FB: Gilliam

TE: Kincaid, Knox, Hawes (Cut- Davidson)

WR: Palmer, Shakir, Coleman, Samuel, Shenault (Cut- shavers, Virgil, pranther)

OL: Dawkins, Edwards, McGovern, Torrence, Brown, Anderson, Van Pran, granger, gable, Lundt (cut- green, Edwards, gouraige)

 

DE: Bosa, groot, epenesa, Solomon, Jackson (susp- Hoecht)

DT: Oliver, Jones, sanders, walker, Carter (susp-ogunjob cut-logue)

LB: Bernard, Milano, Williams, ulofoshio, Andereson (cut-Spector)

CB: Benford, Harriston, white, Johnson, Hancock, strong (cut- Jackson, Ingram, coddington, hardy, couch)

S: Rapp, Bishop, Forrest, Hamlin, Lewis

 

P-Camarda

K-Bass

LS-Ferguson

 

Offense-24

Defense- 26 (does not include 2 suspended players)

ST- 3

I see AJ is traded,Shenault isn't needed as codrington is our return guy.  Give the 7th round WR with speed a chance.

 

Good work overall though

[BillsFanForever19]

Just now, Bleeding Bills Blue said:

 

Shenault doesn't return punts. Keep codrington over another DB. Also upgrade shenault in some way.

 

Honestly, Shenault is an extreme long shot to make this roster. He's this year's Andy Isabella, K.J. Hamler, or Chase Claypool. A WR who had the talent to be Drafted early but flamed out and is getting a shot at Camp bc the talent was there coming out of College.

 

Shenault ended the year on Seattle's Practice Squad and like those other guys I listed, that's more likely than not his ceiling. 

[sven233]

59 minutes ago, khlax3 said:

Assuming we don’t add any meaningful FAs this is how I see the roster breakdown assuming everyone is healthy:

 

QB: Allen, Trubisky (cut- white, buchle)

RB: Cook, Davis, Johnson (cut-Evans, Gore Jr)

FB: Gilliam

TE: Kincaid, Knox, Hawes (Cut- Davidson)

WR: Palmer, Shakir, Coleman, Samuel, Shenault (Cut- shavers, Virgil, pranther)

OL: Dawkins, Edwards, McGovern, Torrence, Brown, Anderson, Van Pran, granger, gable, Lundt (cut- green, Edwards, gouraige)

 

DE: Bosa, groot, epenesa, Solomon, Jackson (susp- Hoecht)

DT: Oliver, Jones, sanders, walker, Carter (susp-ogunjob cut-logue)

LB: Bernard, Milano, Williams, ulofoshio, Andereson (cut-Spector)

CB: Benford, Harriston, white, Johnson, Hancock, strong (cut- Jackson, Ingram, coddington, hardy, couch)

S: Rapp, Bishop, Forrest, Hamlin, Lewis

 

P-Camarda

K-Bass

LS-Ferguson

 

Offense-24

Defense- 26 (does not include 2 suspended players)

ST- 3

 

Probably pretty close as it stands now, but man.....that WR room is brutal.  Shenault can't be counted on to be a WR even though it is his natural position.  So, I am not sure he makes the roster.  And, if that's correct, that only leaves 4 on the roster and only 1 that I am absolutely confident in as being good in Shakir.  The jury is still way out on Coleman.  It seems Samuel always comes up hurt at some point in the season. And Palmer has never played a snap with this team.  Shakir is our only definite good WR.  Just sticks out like a sore thumb.  We might not just need to add 1 WR.  We might need to add 2 legit WRs to this team before we kickoff in September.

[buffblue]

Shenault stinks, and I don't think Ingram is going anywhere. But not a bad effort. Man those receivers...

[BillsFan130]

They still need to address WR5.

 

Not sure why they didn't draft a receiver with some traits who can play some special teams 

[Matt_In_NH]

The defense will be very different from last year.  On paper looks like a better roster. 

[djp14150]

1 hour ago, khlax3 said:

Assuming we don’t add any meaningful FAs this is how I see the roster breakdown assuming everyone is healthy:

 

QB: Allen, Trubisky (cut- white, buchle)

RB: Cook, Davis, Johnson (cut-Evans, Gore Jr)

FB: Gilliam

TE: Kincaid, Knox, Hawes (Cut- Davidson)

WR: Palmer, Shakir, Coleman, Samuel, Shenault (Cut- shavers, Virgil, pranther)

OL: Dawkins, Edwards, McGovern, Torrence, Brown, Anderson, Van Pran, granger, gable, Lundt (cut- green, Edwards, gouraige)

 

DE: Bosa, groot, epenesa, Solomon, Jackson (susp- Hoecht)

DT: Oliver, Jones, sanders, walker, Carter (susp-ogunjob cut-logue)

LB: Bernard, Milano, Williams, ulofoshio, Andereson (cut-Spector)

CB: Benford, Harriston, white, Johnson, Hancock, strong (cut- Jackson, Ingram, coddington, hardy, couch)

S: Rapp, Bishop, Forrest, Hamlin, Lewis

 

P-Camarda

K-Bass

LS-Ferguson

 

Offense-24

Defense- 26 (does not include 2 suspended players)

ST- 3

Not debating who makes the roster but structure….

 

roster construct would be something like this

 

2 QB

3 RBs

5 WRs

3 TE

9 OL

22 offense 

 

9 DL/Edge

4 LB

9 DBs

22 Defense

 

6 ST players—P, K, LS, Ret, 2 ST captains  ( 1 off, 1 def player) 

 

3 wild cards ( rookies, injured players to in season IR)

 

some vets have understanding of getting cut thrn resigned because of in season IR moves and suspended players. With buffalo having 2 players who get suspended expect the LS and another low vet to get cut then resigned a day later.

 

 

[BlueRed]

Thanks for breaking this out!

 

There are going to be some great competitions for end of roster spots - Notably the DB’s, D-line, and WR5 spots. 
 

But also interested to see the competition for depth o-line, depth LB, and TE3. 
 

And how could I forget a punter competition! It’s going to be a long wait until training camp!

[TheyCallMeAndy]

13 hours ago, Sojourner said:

Cut Codrington???

PR only, was replaced on KR duty a d doesn't add a thing at CB. 

[MrEpsYtown]

Codrington unable to return kicks and Shenault unable to return punts is a problem for roster building if they serve no other purpose at a position. They need one guy to do both. I could see them keeping Shenault with the new kickoff rules and even though he isn’t a great receiver, he is a better receiver than Codrington is a corner. I wouldn’t sleep on Daquan Hardy pushing for a role. He is a way better corner than Codrington. 

[SCBills]

Post-Suspension
 

QB Allen-Trubisky (2)

 

RB Cook-Johnson-Davis (3)

 

FB Gilliam (1) 

 

TE Kincaid-Knox-Hawes (3)

 

WR Shakir-Palmer-Coleman-Samuel-FA (5)

 

OL Dawkins-Brown-RVD-Grable-McGovern-Edwards-Torrence-Anderson-VPG (9)

 

DT Walker-Carter-Oliver-Sanders-Ogunjobi (5)

 

DE Bosa-Rousseau-Jackson-Hoecht-Epenesa-Solomon (6)

 

LB Bernard-Milano-Williams-Ulofoshio-Andreesen (5)

 

CB Benford-Hairston-White-Strong (4)

 

NCB Johnson (1 + Hancock)

 

S Rapp-Bishop-Hamlin-Forrest-Hancock (5)

 

K Bass (1)

 

P Camarda (1)

 

LS Ferguson (1)

 

PR Codrington (1)

 

*We cut Dane Jackson, Cam Lewis & Daquan Jones.  
 

*Sign/Trade for another WR. 
 

*Van Demark vs Lundt for final OL spot.

 

**Not sure of DL timing given suspensions for first 6 weeks & Beane open about ramping up Walker slow due to back injury recovery

 

**Linebacker looks weak to me given injury history of Bernard/Milano and unproven depth after Williams

 

**Id be suprised if we didn’t add another WR to round out the room