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
