Early 53-man roster prediction for Bills

Bills 2022 roster is loaded with both talent and depth

One of the most difficult tasks for the Bills leading up to the 2022 NFL season will be deciding who makes the team and who doesn’t. This is perhaps the best roster that Bills fans have seen since the early 1990s, and there will be plenty of hard decisions along the roster bubble. Most notably, the running backs, wide receivers, o-line, and cornerbacks have a surplus of talent that will make for some interesting roster decisions.

Below, I’ll outline our first 53-man roster prediction for 2022.

Quarterback (2)

Josh Allen; Case Keenum.

The quarterback room is pretty straight forward. You have your stud starting quarterback in Josh Allen and a proven veteran in Case Keenum to back him up. In this scenario, Matt Barkley moves to the practice squad to serve as the scout-team QB.

Running back (4)

Devin Singletary; James Cook; Duke Johnson; Taiwan Jones.

The Bills will roll with four backs, led by Devin Singletary as RB1. In this scenario, Zack Moss moves to the practice squad to make room on the roster for rookie James Cook and FA signing Duke Johnson. Taiwan Jones remains among the group because of his experience on special teams.

Wide receiver (7)

Stefon Diggs; Gabe Davis; Isaiah McKenzie; Jamison Crowder; Khalil Shakir; Jake Kumerow; Marquez Stevenson.

In a crowded WR room, the Bills end up going with seven at the position. Jake Kumerow and Marquez Stevenson round out the group, as Isaiah Hodgins, Tanner Gentry and others head to the practice squad. With Stevenson on the 53-man roster, he’ll likely be the kickoff-return man. Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis lead the group, and they’re followed by three shifty, multi-use wide receivers in Crowder, McKenzie and the rookie Shakir.

Tight end (4)

Dawson Knox; O.J. Howard; Tommy Sweeney; Reggie Gilliam (TE/FB).

The Bills could finally have a tight end tandem worthy enough of having the offense run more 12 personnel. Behind a budding Dawson Knox and a resurging OJ Howard will be Tommy Sweeney, who’ll beat out Quintin Morris and UDFA Jalen Wydermyer for the TE3 spot. Reggie Gilliam stays in the group as a hybrid fullback/tight end.

Offensive line (9)

Dion Dawkins; Spencer Brown; Tommy Doyle; David Quessenberry; Ryan Bates; Rodger Saffold; Ike Boettger; Mitch Morse; Greg Mancz.

The Bills roll with nine o-lineman. This is a group that is one of the deepest in the league and they’ll have versatility to plug and play in different alignments if needed. In this scenario, Cody Ford moves to the practice squad to begin his contract year.

Defensive line (9)

Ed Oliver; Tim Settle; Jordan Phillips; DaQuan Jones; Von Miller; Greg Rousseau; AJ Epenesa; Shaq Lawson; Carlos Basham.

This bunch is not only improved from last year but they have much more depth as well. They’re solid across the board, from proven veterans and returning faces to young players still developing. We’re lumping Von Miller (listed as a linebacker) into this category because he’ll see a lot of work on the edge with two linebackers behind him. Look for Ed Oliver and company to dominate the trenches and Miller and Greg Rousseau to cause problems on the edge.

Linebacker (6)

Matt Milano; Tremaine Edmunds; Terrel Bernard; Tyler Matakevich; Andre Smith; Baylon Spector.

This unit will be headed by Matt Milano and Tremaine Edmunds again this year. Behind them on the depth chart will be Tyler Matakevich and Andre Smith, as well as rookies Terrel Bernard and Baylon Spector. The two rookies impressing enough to make the roster pushes both Tyrel Dodson and Marquel Lee to the practice squad.

Cornerback (5)

Tre’Davious White; Kaiir Elam; Dane Jackson; Taron Johnson; Siran Neal.

The cornerback group will have a great competition between Dane Jackson and Kaiir Elam to decide who will be the full-time starter opposite of Tre’Davious White. That’s a good problem to have, though, as whoever gets named third on the depth chart will be ready to provide quality snaps should another CB injury occur. Rounding out the group is slot cornerback Taron Johnson and special teams ace and newly re-signed Siran Neal. Being moved to the practice squad will be rookie Christian Benford, Olijah Griffen, Cam Lewis, and Nick McCloud.

Safety (4)

Micah Hyde; Jordan Poyer; Damar Hamlin; Jaquan Johnson.

The group of safeties is pretty much set in stone, as it won’t change from last year. Behind the All-Pro duo of Hyde and Poyer will be Damar Hamlin and Jaquan Johnson.

Special teams (3)

Tyler Bass (K); Matt Araiza (P); Reid Ferguson (LS).

Tyler Bass remains a strong-legged, dependable kicker for the Bills as he continues to rack up points. At punter, rookie Matt Araiza beats out Matt Haack for the punter job. And, long snapper Reid Ferguson remains one of the best in the league at what he does.

Practice Squad: Matt Barkley (QB); Cody Ford (G), Zack Moss (RB); Isaiah Hodgins (WR); Jalen Wydermyer (TE); Luke Tenuta (T); Christian Benford (CB); Olijah Griffen (CB); Cam Lewis (CB); Eli Ankou (DT); Tyrel Dodson (LB); Marquel Lee (LB), Nick McCloud (CB); Quintin Morris (TE); Tanner Gentry (WR); Brandin Bryant (DT).