Who will be the final WRs to make the Bills roster?

The Bills have a very talented wide receiving corps and have added some depth to the position this offseason. Being such a pass-heavy team, the receiver group is one of the most vital positions on the team, and they’ll have some decisions to make regarding who will be the receivers to make the 53-man roster.

The Bills wide receivers, as of right now, consist of Stefon Diggs, Gabriel Davis, Jamison Crowder, Isaiah McKenzie, Khalil Shakir, Tavon Austin, Marquez Stevenson, Jake Kumerow, Isaiah Hodgins, Tanner Gentry, and Neil Pau’u. The first five listed are near locks to make the opening day roster, leaving just one or two remaining spots on the team.

Diggs will be the WR1 heading into the 2022 season and Davis will get the start at WR2 due to the departure of Emanuel Sanders. The slot position will consist of Jamison Crowder, who the Bills picked up this offseason, and Isaiah McKenzie, who the Bills recently re-signed to a two-year contract worth $8 million. Khalil Shakir, drafted in the fifth round of this year’s Draft, should get a little work both outside and inside.

‘The other guys’ heading to training camp are Austin, Stevenson, Kumerow, Hodgins, Gentry, and Pau’u.

In this scenario, I’m predicting the Bills to carry seven wide receivers on their 53-man roster. The first guy I’m predicting to be one of the final receivers to make the roster is Tavon Austin.

This might surprise some people, but Austin is experienced and could provide a spark at times. Recently signed to a one-year deal, the 31-year old has been lacking production lately. His 37 targets and 213 yards last year with the Jaguars were both highs for him over the last four years. After recording over 400 receiving yards in three out of his first four years in the league, he has tailed off quite a bit. But, the upside to Austin that could lead to a him making the roster is his ability to be a returner. In his career, he has 190 punt returns (for 3 TDs) and 25 kickoff returns. His stability as a returner, along with his ability to provide depth in the slot, may be the course he follows to land a roster spot. He would beat out Stevenson, who provides a similar skillset, but just lacks experience and has yet to find his stride.

I’m also predicting Jake Kumerow to earn one of the final WR spots on the roster. He has been a known name for Bills fans for a couple of seasons now but has never played a significant role. What he does provide the Bills is reliable depth at WR and also a quality special teamer. Along with his special teams experience, he stands out from the group for being a big target for Josh Allen. At 6’4″ and 209 pounds, he’s the biggest WR on a roster that is filled with smaller, slot-type receivers. The size and experience will help Kumerow stand out from the pack.

53-man roster prediction: Stefon Diggs, Gabe Davis, Jamison Crowder, Isaiah McKenzie, Khalil Shakir, Tavon Austin, and Jake Kumerow.  

Isaiah Hodgins, Marquez Stevenson, Tanner Gentry, and Neil Pau’u will all end up on the practice squad or cut.

Who do you think will make up the WR group this year, Bills Mafia?