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Buffalo Bills midseason player grades

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2 years ago

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Photo by Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images

We’ve reached the midway point of the 2022 NFL season. Coming into this year, the Buffalo Bills were the Super Bowl favorites. Midway through, this is still the case, but the look of the team is slightly different than it was two months prior.

The Bills have lost one All-Pro for the season (safety Micah Hyde) and have had other key contributors go down with various injuries and ailments, forcing others to step up.

The biggest disappointment? The starting offensive line.

The biggest surprise? A solid rookie class that has stepped in for injured starters and have gradually gained traction as key contributors to the already-potent Bills roster.

Using rankings from Pro Football Focus (PFF), combined with other analytics, I’ve come up with mid-season grades for each key offensive and defensive contributor for the Buffalo Bills.

The grades take into account the player’s Week 1 designated role and expectations for the season.

Quarterback

Josh Allen
PFF Grade: 88.5
PFF Rank: 2nd of 39
Percent of Offensive Snaps: 95.3
Grade: A+
Analysis: Even after struggling the past game and a half versus the Packers and Jets, JA17 is amongst the favorites to win the league MVP. Hopefully his UCL injury isn’t too serious and he peaks again toward the end of the regular season and into the playoffs as he did last year.

Running backs

Devin Singletary
PFF Grade: 73.5
PFF Rank: 16th of 59
Percent of Offensive Snaps: 70.4
Grade: B
Analysis: Though he doesn’t have “breakaway speed”, Devin Singletary has done a satisfactory job as RB1 in a pass-first offense both as a runner and a pass catcher. Between he, Nyheim Hines and James Cook, Singletary has the most exposure in the Bills offense and will continue to be the running back leader.

James Cook
15.1% of Offensive Snaps
(Too few offensive snaps for PFF ranks)
Analysis: After fumbling away his first NFL carry in his Week 1 debut, Cook saw his playing time limited until recent weeks. He does carry 79.6 PFF grade in his limited playing time and has had a handful of big carries and catches. Look for James Cook to have an increased role in the second half of the season.

Fullback

Reggie Gilliam
PFF Grade: 63.3
PFF Rank: 2nd of 9
Percent of Offensive Snaps: 20.8
Grade: B-
Analysis: The fullback is dying in the NFL. Reggie Gilliam is one of 9 fullbacks who’ve had enough offensive snaps to qualify for PFF grades. Though his biggest asset on offense has been his pass blocking, his greatest contribution to the team has been his special teams play.

Wide receivers

Stefon Diggs
PFF Grade: 91.1
PFF Rank: 2nd of 110
Percent of Offensive Snaps: 76.8
Grade: A+
Analysis: Stefon Diggs has been the most consistent player on this Buffalo Bills team. He is among the top receivers in the league in all receiving categories. The offense lives and dies with Diggs, maybe even more so than Josh Allen, and there is a giant gap between him and the next best receiver on the Bills which may be a problem down the stretch.

Gabe Davis
PFF Grade: 64.9
PFF Rank: 60th of 110
Percent of Offensive Snaps: 81.5
Grade: C+
Analysis: Gabe Davis is known more for his big plays than being a possession receiver which has masked his ineffectiveness so far this season. Though he has played with injuries this year, he’s only had 18 receptions for 451 yards (98 of those on one play). Davis’ 47.7% catch percentage is down compared to his last two seasons and he’s had at least a couple costly drops when the offensive was counting on him this year.

Isaiah McKenzie
PFF Grade: 63.4
PFF Rank: 66th of 110
Percent of Offensive Snaps: 44.9
Grade: C
Analysis: The Bills really hoped that Isaiah McKenzie would be “the man” when it comes to the slot receiver in the 2022 season. Although he hasn’t played poorly the complete first half of the season, there have been instances (see the Chiefs game) where the spotlight may have been a little too big. McKenzie has flourished with the jet sweep and other gadget plays in the past and perhaps that should be more of the role he plays in the second half of the season.

Khalil Shakir
24.4% of Offensive Snaps
(Too few offensive snaps for PFF ranks)
Analysis: Khalil Shakir has seen nearly a quarter of the Bills offensive snaps this season and, though he’s only had six receptions, all of them have resulted in a first down. PFF doesn’t rank him among other wide receivers because of his limited playing time, but they do give him a grade of 66.6 which is better than Gabe Davis and Isaiah McKenzie. I expect Khalil Shakir to have an increased role down the stretch and possibly take over as the #1 the slot receiver.

Tight ends

Dawson Knox
PFF Grade: 63
PFF Rank: 24th of 69
Percent of Offensive Snaps: 69.9
Grade: C-
Analysis: Though he possibly recorded the biggest touchdown of the season versus the Chiefs, Dawson Knox seems to have regressed in 2022 after a breakthrough ’21 campaign. So far this season, his yards after catch, yards per reception and receiving yards per game are down compared to ’21. His drop off this season may be related to a foot injury that caused Knox to miss the week 5 matchup versus the Steelers. If the Bills are going to make a deep playoff push this year, they need Dawson Knox’s 2021 productivity.

Offensive line

Dion Dawkins
PFF Grade: 73.8
PFF Rank: 20th of 79
Percent of Offensive Snaps: 98.3
Grade: B+
Analysis: Dion Dawkins has been the most consistent and highest-graded Bills offensive lineman… and it’s not close. He’s kind of a big deal, protecting the franchise’s blindside.

Rodger Saffold
PFF Grade: 48.4
PFF Rank: 66th of 79
Percent of Offensive Snaps: 95.8
Grade: F
Analysis: The Buffalo Bills were sure they were upgrading the offensive line’s interior when they signed Rodger Saffold in the offseason. Unfortunately, Saffold has not lived up to his 2021 Pro Bowl hype, ranking in the bottom 15% of the league’s offensive guards. Perhaps Saffold’s slow start is related to an offseason rib injury that kept him out of most of the preseason.

Mitch Morse
PFF Grade: 59.9
PFF Rank: 22nd of 38
Percent of Offensive Snaps: 78.8
Grade: C
Analysis: Even though Mitch Morse allowed his first sack in 16 games this past Sunday, he has seen a slow regression in play over the past few years. However, I believe his PFF rankings don’t do him justice and the guards to his left and right (Saffold and Bates) have been missing assignments, leading Morse to take a hit in PFF grades. Morse needs to stay healthy the remainder of the season.

Ryan Bates
PFF Grade: 60
PFF Rank: 51st of 79
Percent of Offensive Snaps: 95.4
Grade: D+
Analysis: Ryan Bates is another offensive lineman who is simply having a bad season so far. Heading into the season, Bates was being touted as having potential to be a top guard in the league. This is his first year as a starter and he hasn’t lived up to the billing yet, ranking among the lowest starting offensive guards in the NFL.

Spencer Brown
PFF Grade: 61.9
PFF Rank: 54th of 79
Percent of Offensive Snaps: 56.9
Grade: D+
Analysis: Before going down with an ankle injury against the Chiefs, Spencer Brown wasn’t lighting things up as the starting right tackle, ranking 54th in the league overall.

David Quessenberry
PFF Grade: 61.9
PFF Rank: 54th of 79
Percent of Offensive Snaps: 44.9
Grade: C+
Analysis: Though he had a tough time against the Jets last week, Quessenberry has actually been a solid backup lineman for the Bills. His PFF Grade is second-highest amongst all Bills lineman.

Defensive ends

Von Miller
PFF Grade: 87.7
PFF Rank: 7th of 110
Percent of Defensive Snaps: 63.4
Grade: A
Analysis: Von Miller is still an elite pass rusher. His seven sacks rank 7th in the NFL (he’s only played in 63% of the Bills defensive snaps). Miller brings more than his athleticism to the Buffalo Bills and I firmly believe he’s improved the game of Rousseau, Epenesa and Basham.

Gregory Rousseau
PFF Grade: 83.1
PFF Rank: 11th of 110
Percent of Defensive Snaps: 50.9
Grade: A
Analysis: Gregory Rousseau has manned up this year. So far this season, he has 5 sacks and has improved his pass rushing skills immensely. He’s been a bright spot on one of the best defenses in the league.

Boogie Basham
PFF Grade: 77.8
PFF Rank: 23rd of 110
Percent of Defensive Snaps: 28.3
Grade: B+
Analysis: Though his play has been limited (28% of defensive snaps) behind Von Miller and Gregory Rousseau, there is little dropoff when Boogie Basham comes in to relieve Von Miller and Greg Rousseau.

AJ Epenesa
PFF Grade: 56.5
PFF Rank: 83rd of 110
Percent of Defensive Snaps: 36.3
Grade: D+
Analysis: Epenesa has regressed from the 2021 season. He has shown some strength in his pass rushing skills, however.

Shaq Lawson
PFF Grade: 45.5
PFF Rank: 103rd of 110
Percent of Defensive Snaps: 30.9
Grade: D
Analysis: Though he’s shown some flashes this season, Shaq Lawson’s main role is to spell the other defensive ends.

Defensive tackles

Ed Oliver
PFF Grade: 65.8
PFF Rank: 34th of 121
Percent of Defensive Snaps: 26.6
Grade: B-
Analysis: Ed Oliver has taken a step back from his 2021 season and this can be attributed to his ankle injury in Week 1 against the Rams. The Bills coaching staff has been careful to prevent too much of a workload for Oliver as he’s only averaged 47% of the defensive snaps since returning from his injury. Look for Oliver to slowly increase his playing time and have a solid second half of the season.

DaQuan Jones
PFF Grade: 68.6
PFF Rank: 31st of 121
Percent of Defensive Snaps: 59.3
Grade: B
Analysis: Overshadowed by the Von Miller free agency signing is the signing of DaQuan Jones. Jones has been the most consistent Bills defensive tackle this year and is a main reason their defense has been in the top 10 in most categories. DaQuan has been a rock so far for a Bills defense that has been ravaged by injuries.

Tim Settle
PFF Grade: 59.6
PFF Rank: 54th of 121
Percent of Defensive Snaps: 40.1
Grade: C-
Analysis: Tim Settle has been a consistent contributor to the Bills defensive line. His main liability so far this season has been his pash rushing abilities.

Jordan Phillips
PFF Grade: 56.7
PFF Rank: 67th of 121
Percent of Defensive Snaps: 34.4
Grade: D+
Analysis: Though he’s been a liability against the run, Jordan Phillips has helped bridge the gap while Ed Oliver continues to heal.

Linebackers

Tremaine Edmunds
PFF Grade: 75.1
PFF Rank: 15th of 81
Percent of Defensive Snaps: 84.9
Grade: B+
Analysis: Tremaine Edmunds gets a lot of flak for not making “the big play.” Say what you want, but he has been the HEART of the Bills defensive side of the ball, where he’s played in nearly 85% of the snaps and has been excellent in pass coverage. His one downside has been his run defense.

Matt Milano
PFF Grade: 79.1
PFF Rank: 7th of 81
Percent of Defensive Snaps: 80.4
Grade: A-
Analysis: Matt Milano is having his best year as a pro and is finally receiving national praise. His pass coverage and pass rushing skills are among the elite at his position. But a common theme amongst the Bills front six has been issues with run defense and Milano is no different. Let’s hope Milano can stay healthy down the stretch.

Cornerbacks

Dane Jackson
PFF Grade: 62
PFF Rank: 58th of 110
Percent of Defensive Snaps: 73.6
Grade: C
Analysis: Dane Jackson has done a decent job taking on the CB1 role in the absence of Tre White so far this season. However, Jackson would be a low-end CB2 on most other NFL teams.

Taron Johnson
PFF Grade: 61.9
PFF Rank: 59th of 110
Percent of Defensive Snaps: 91.5
Grade: B+
Analysis: Even though he’s mainly played the nickel corner role, Taron Johnson has taken more defensive snaps than any other Bills defender. He’s been perfect for the slot role and it’s clear the Bills defensive coaches have confidence in him.

Christian Benford
PFF Grade: 60.8
PFF Rank: 64th of 110
Percent of Defensive Snaps: 42
Grade: C
Analysis: Despite some injuries, the sixth-round rookie has been an early season surprise for the Bills. He’s shown steady improvement through the first half of the season but has missed some time with injuries. Look for him to battle for the CB2 position after Tre White returns.

Kaiir Elam
PFF Grade: 60.5
PFF Rank: 67th of 110
Percent of Defensive Snaps: 70.3
Grade: C
Analysis: When drafted in the first round this season, Kaiir Elam was projected to compete with Dane Jackson for the CB1 slot while Tre White was out. Starting the season off, Elam was behind fellow-rookie Christian Benford on the depth chart. Elam has slowly come to age and has made some clutch plays this season—none bigger than the interception of Patrick Mahomes in the endzone on the Chiefs’ first drive in Week 6.

Safeties

Jordan Poyer
PFF Grade: 68.4
PFF Rank: 32nd of 84
Percent of Defensive Snaps: 56.4
Grade: B
Analysis: No one can question Jordan Poyer’s toughness. The man couldn’t fly in an airplane because of a lung injury so he drove half a country away to play in the Chiefs game—he’s committed to the team. His play, though, has been down so far this season and he’s a middle-of-the-line safety. This could be because of different ailments he’s been suffering from, or it could be because his partner in crime, Micah Hyde, has been missing. Or, it could be because the game is finally catching up to him. Nevertheless, he’s still the best safety on the roster and his field-general presence is necessary if the Bills want to make a playoff push.

Damar Hamlin
PFF Grade: 66.2
PFF Rank: 36th of 84
Percent of Defensive Snaps: 75.4
Grade: B-
Analysis: Damar Hamlin has stepped up and done a commendable job in the absence of Micah Hyde. Hamlin’s nose for stopping the run has been extremely valuable as the rest of the defense has seemed to have a problem with this. Look for Hamlin and fellow safety, Poyer, to gel as they play more together.

Jaquan Johnson
PFF Grade: 48.7
PFF Rank: 76th of 84
Percent of Defensive Snaps: 42.5
Grade: D
Analysis: Jaquan Johnson was never meant to have significant safety reps on this Bills team, let alone take 42% of the defensive snaps. Unfortunately, Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde have had injury issues and Johnson has had to step in.

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Buffalo Bills history geek living in Kansas City area. Operator of @HOFSteveTasker on Twitter.

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Buffalo Bills

Bills Offensive Line Returning Most Starters in Josh Allen’s Bills Tenure

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3 weeks ago

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June 18, 2024

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For the first time in Josh Allen’s seven-year career, the Buffalo Bills will be returning four primary offensive line starters from the previous season.  The only missing lineman from 2023 is Mitch Morse, who the Bills released this past March.

Primary starting offensive linemen returning to the Bills in 2024 are:

Left Tackle, Dion Dawkins
Left Guard, Connor McGovern
Right Guard, O’Cyrus Torrence
Right Tackle, Spencer Brown

There is a good chance that Connor McGovern moves to center, opening the door for David Edwards to take over the starting left guard position. 

In four seasons with the Rams, David Edwards started in 45 out of 53 games active and is lauded by Bills coaching staff.

The other possibility is for the center position to go to rookie, Sedrick Van Pran-Granger, who the Bills drafted in the 5th round this past April.

The Bills starting offensive line will look to continue to improve on an already solid 2023 performance.  The ’23 front five allowed their quarterback to only be sacked 4% of his drop backs in 2023, the lowest mark in the league.

Much of the 2023 Bills offensive line success can be attributed to health.  All five starting offensive linemen started all 17 games in 2023—a trend that the Bills coaching staff would like to continue in 2024.

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Buffalo Bills

Josh Allen versus Jim Kelly:  Who’s the Buffalo Bills quarterback GOAT?

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4 weeks ago

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June 10, 2024

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With six seasons under his belt, Josh Allen’s stock has risen to a point that many consider him the greatest Bills quarterback of all time, challenging the formerly undisputed top QB, Jim Kelly.

But how does one assess greatness amongst two quarterbacks from two different eras?  And how would one decipher what attributes make one quarterback better than another.

Recently, I took a deep-dive into both Jim Kelly and Josh Allen’s career.  Through looking at both quarterbacks’ statistics, teammates and clutch performances; I hope to settle the debate once and for all.

Many base their opinions on their “eye test”—Josh Allen has a stronger arm, bigger frame, can run faster and do things that Jim Kelly never dreamed of.

There is no doubt that Josh Allen’s skillset is far superior to Jim Kelly’s. 

However, Jim Kelly retired from the Bills in 1996 and Josh Allen’s Bills rookie campaign was 2018.  In those 22 years there have been advances in technology, training and nutrition that all current NFL quarterbacks have enjoyed the fruits of.

Josh Allen is on pace to shatter Jim Kelly’s Bills passing yards (35,467) and passing touchdowns (237) marks.  Allen needs only 12,764 passing yards and 70 passing touchdowns to surpass Kelly and this could very well happen in three to four seasons.

However, Jim Kelly had an atypical NFL career.  He missed the 1983, 1984 and 1985 seasons—the first three of his career due to playing in the USFL so his career numbers are skewed.  Kelly could have easily had an additional 10,000 yards and 75 touchdown passes had he played these seasons with the Bills.

Another big factor that one needs to consider in the Bills QB GOAT conversation is the weapons and protection that each quarterback was given.

It’s no coincidence that Josh Allen’s career took a giant step forward in 2020 when the Bills traded for All-Pro wide receiver Stefon Diggs.  But other than Diggs, the Bills have had mediocre at best talent for Josh Allen.  And except for the 2023 season, the Bills offensive line has been average at best.

Jim Kelly already had Hall of Fame wide receiver, Andre Reed when he came into the league in 1986.  Two years later, he was given another HOF’er, Thurman Thomas and then HOF’er, James Lofton in 1989.  Kelly also played behind one the most consistent offensive lines in NFL history with the likes of Kent Hull, Howard Ballard, Jim Ritcher and Will Wolford.

Yes, the NFL was different in the 1980’s and 1990’s than it is today.  The quarterbacks are much more protected now and pass catchers are given more liberties as well. 

Keeping this in mind, the most objective way to compare Jim Kelly and Josh Allen statistically is to assess where they rank amongst their quarterback peers in the era that they played—not merely comparing statistics straight up.

This graphic shows Jim Kelly’s and Josh Allen’s rankings year by year in Yards Per Game, Touchdown Percentage, Interception Percentage and QB Rating.

Neither quarterback’s rankings amongst their peers stand out as being superior to the other. 

In the Super Bowl years, Jim Kelly was among the best quarterbacks in the NFL.  He finished second in MVP voting and was First-Team All-Pro in 1991.  Kelly went to five Pro Bowls in six seasons from 1987-1992—back when a Pro Bowl nod meant something.

Josh Allen’s first two seasons were nothing spectacular, but starting in 2020, he turned a corner and is now regarded as one of the elite quarterbacks in the league.  Like Jim Kelly, Josh Allen finished second in MVP voting in 2020 and was selected to the Pro Bowl twice.

One negative similarity between Josh Allen and Jim Kelly is their knack for throwing interceptions.  Allen finished in the bottom half of the league in interception percentage in five of his six seasons.  Kelly finished in the bottom half of the league in interception percentage in eight of his eleven seasons in the league.

There are two major differences between Josh Allen and Jim Kelly that likely gives Allen the Bills QB GOAT nod over Kelly.

First is Josh Allen’s rushing ability.

In five of his six seasons in the league, Josh Allen finished top-50 in the league in rushing yards per game and he’s been top-25 in the league in rushing touchdowns every season of his career (he was top 10 twice).  Allen has carried his team on his back year after year.

Jim Kelly was your typical immobile ‘80’s and ‘90’s quarterback.  He rushed for seven career touchdowns.  Josh Allen doubled that LAST SEASON.

The second major difference that pushes Josh Allen past Jim Kelly is Allen’s clutch playoff performances.

In 17 career playoff games, Jim Kelly had a QB Rating of 72.3, had 21 combined touchdowns and 28 interceptions.  You might be saying to yourself, “Yes, but Jim Kelly led his team to four Super Bowls.”  Well, as mentioned earlier—Kelly had a lot of help, especially from a guy named Thurman Thomas who averaged 74 rush yards per game with 20 touchdowns in 18 career playoff games with Jim Kelly under center.

Josh Allen has played in 10 career playoff games.  His QB Rating is 100.0 with 26 combined touchdowns and 4 interceptions.  Have the Bills gotten to a Super Bowl?  No—but don’t put that on Josh Allen.  Except for one game where Gabe Davis shined against the Chiefs with four receiving touchdowns, Josh Allen put his Bills team on his back and willed them to victory with no other stand-out performances from any other offensive player.

Jim Kelly is in the Hall of Fame and he 100% deserves it.  He’s known for his toughness and resiliency.  Kelly had some incredible seasons with the Bills and they would not have made the Super Bowl runs that they made without him.  However, if you look at all the factors—factors that make a quarterback great, Josh Allen has to get the nod for the Bills GOAT.

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Buffalo Bills

Never-to-Early Bills 53-Man Roster Projection

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1 month ago

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June 5, 2024

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The Buffalo Bills open their regular season against the Arizona Cardinals in only 95 days!  It may sound like a long way out, but once the summer months start rolling, Bill Mafia will primed and ready to rock Highmark Stadium before we know it.

We know what the core of the 2024 Bills squad will be, however we will likely see a veteran or two signed with the open cap space freed up with the June 1 cut of Tre White for depth.

However, it’s never to early (and it’s kinda fun) to take a look at which Bills players will be on the 53-man roster.

Here is a position-by-position preview of the 2024 Buffalo Bills 53-man roster:

Quarterback
Projected to make 53-man Roster:
1.  Josh Allen
2.  Mitch Trubisky

Projected to make Practice Squad or Cut:
Shane Buechele

Analysis:  This is the easiest position to predict.  It is unlikely that the Bills sign anyone to challenge Trubisky at QB2 and Buechele has been a solid practice squad quarterback for both the Chiefs and Bills.

Running Back
Projected to make 53-man Roster:
1.  James Cook
2.  Ty Johnson
3.  Ray Davis

Projected to make Practice Squad or Cut:
Frank Gore Jr, Darrynton Evans

Analysis:  James Cook, Ty Johnson and Ray Davis are likely locks for the team unless Frank Gore Jr can make a run and then I’d imagine Ty Johnson would be the odd man out.

Fullback
Projected to make 53-man Roster:
1.  Reggie Gilliam

Projected to make Practice Squad or Cut:
None

Analysis:  No surprises here.  Gilliam is the only rostered fullback and the coaching staff values his special teams contributions. 

Wide Receiver
Projected to make 53-man Roster:
1.  Keon Coleman
2.  Khalil Shakir  
3.  Curtis Samuel
4.  Mack Hollins
5.  Marquez Valdez-Scantling
6.  Justin Shorter

Projected to make Practice Squad or Cut:  Chase Claypool, KJ Hamler, Andy Isabella, Xavier Johnson, Lawrence Keys, Bryan Thompson, Tyrell Shavers

Analysis:  Keon Coleman, Khalil Shakir, Curtis Samuel and Mack Hollins are locks. 

The Bills will roster either Marquez Valdez-Scantling OR Chase Claypool—not both.  This is because of both of their inabilities to play special teams.  MVS has more recent success and Chase Claypool, if he can keep his head straight, has more upside.  It’ll be interesting to see which makes the roster.

Tight End
Projected to make 53-man Roster:
1.  Dalton Kincaid
2.  Dawson Knox
3.  Quintin Morris

Projected to make Practice Squad or Cut:  Tre McKitty, Zach Davidson

Analysis:  The tight end position is straight forward.  The Bills coaching staff like Quintin Morris for his blocking ability and special teams play.

Offensive Line
Projected to make 53-man Roster:
1.  Dion Dawkins (LT)
2.  Connor McGovern (LG)
3.  Sedrick Van Pran Granger ( C )
4.  O’Cyrus Torrence (RG)
5.  Spencer Brown (RT)
6.  Ryan Van Demark (T)
7.  David Edwards (G)
8.  La’El Collins (T)
9.  Alec Anderson (G)

Projected to make Practice Squad or Cut:  Will Clapp, Tylan Grable, Travis Clayton, Keaton Bills, Gunner Britton, Mike Edwards, Kevin Jarvis, Richard Gouraige

Analysis:  The Bills starting offensive line will mirror 2023’s except for Sedrick Van Pran Granger. 

It will be interesting to see who will win out the backup OL roles.  David Edwards is a lock and may very well be the Bills starting left guard, pushing Connor McGovern to the center position.

Ryan Van Demark and Alec Anderson were feel-good stories last season, defying the odds and making the 53-man squad.  We’ll see if drafted rookie, Tylan Grable can push either of them for a roster spot.

Defensive End
Projected to make 53-man Roster:
1.  Greg Rousseau
2.  Von Miller
3.  AJ Epenesa
4.  Casey Toohill
5.  Javon Solomon

Projected to make Practice Squad or Cut:  Kingsley Jonathan, Dawuane Smoot, Kameron Cline, Rondell Bothroyd, David Ugwoegbu

Analysis:  Greg Rousseau, Von Miller, AJ Epenesa and Javon Solomon are locks for the 53-man.

The 5th roster spot is hide open, however.  Veteran, Casey Toohill is the frontrunner heading at this point, but Dawuane Smoot and Kingsley Jonathan will also push to make the roster.

Defensive Line
Projected to make 53-man Roster:
1. Ed Oliver
2.  Daquan Jones
3.  Austin Johnson
4.  Deshawn Williams
5.  Dewayne Carter

Projected to make Practice Squad or Cut:  Brandon Deen, Eli Ankou, Gable Steveson

Analysis:  At this point, the five defensive linemen who will likely make the team is cut and dry.  Veterans Ed Oliver, Daquan Jones, Austin Johnson and Deshawn Williams along with rookie Dewayne Carter will be on the squad unless one of the lower-tier linemen make a training camp push.  

Linebacker
Projected to make the 53-man Roster:
1.  Matt Milano
2.  Terrel Bernard
3.  Dorian Williams
4.  Nicholas Morrow
5.  Baylon Spector
6.  Edefuan Ulofoshio

Projected to make Practice Squad for Cut:  Deion Jones, Joe Andreessen, Shayne Simon

Analysis:  Matt Milano, Terrel Bernard, Dorian Williams, Nicholas Morrow and rookie Edefuan Ulofoshio will make the 53-man roster.  Baylon Spector is on the inside looking out and will likely make the roster unless one of the remaining three make a strong training camp push.

Cornerback
Projected to make the 53-man Roster:
1.  Rasul Douglas
2.  Christian Benford
3.  Taron Johnson
4.  Kaiir Elam
5.  Daequan Hardy
6.  Ja’Marcus Ingram

Projected to make Practice Squad or Cut:  Keni-H Lovely, Kyron Brown, Te’Cory Couch

Analysis:  The only question mark on this position group is the CB6 spot.  Could Ja’Marcus Ingram finally make the roster after to years of practice squad play?

Safety
Projected to make the 53-man Roster:
1.  Taylor Rapp
2.  Mike Edwards
3.  Cole Bishop
4.  Cam Lewis

Projected to make Practice Squad or Cut:  Damar Hamlin, Kendall Williamson, Dee Delaney

Analysis:  The four safety roster spots are set.  At this point, it looks like Damar Hamlin will be on the outside looking in.

Special Teams
Projected to make the 53-man Roster:

Kicker:  Tyler Bass
Punter:  Sam Martin
LS:  Reid Ferguson

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