{"id":12697,"date":"2025-06-25T05:31:08","date_gmt":"2025-06-25T05:31:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/12697\/"},"modified":"2025-06-25T05:31:08","modified_gmt":"2025-06-25T05:31:08","slug":"buffalo-bills-post-spring-53-man-roster-projection-tough-decisions-loom-in-secondary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/12697\/","title":{"rendered":"Buffalo Bills post-spring 53-man roster projection: Tough decisions loom in secondary"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"KA6EYMQZSVAIXLQ2X47BFOYUDQ\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.syracuse.com\/buffalo-bills\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.syracuse.com\/buffalo-bills\/\">Buffalo Bills<\/a> are on summer break until the start of training camp at St. John Fisher University. <\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"5PCEU2WUNBD3BBFGR52PNWYPC4\">With a Super Bowl-quality roster, many spots are locked up. Of course, that doesn\u2019t mean that there won\u2019t be some fun battles to monitor, or a surprise player or two who make their case for a roster spot.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"5X42JHHUVJCBRFJMHCJGCMCRQE\">While those battles will unfold in due time, here\u2019s our projection for the Bills\u2019 53-man roster ahead of training camp. <\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"Z3ST2TR34RC6DOXSLAY5QFC3S4\"><b>QUARTERBACK (2): <\/b>Josh Allen, Mitch Trubisky<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"RPFJ2ET55ZDNPOBIRZOVFGOEMU\">Cut: Mike White, Shane Buechele<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"NOXM7K75IJBH5MKW4GEUQKYMAE\">Don\u2019t count out Mike White for the backup job. Right now, this projection is based on the Bills likely feeling that they could get White onto their practice squad. If the veteran outperforms Trubisky this summer, Buffalo could save some cap space by naming White as Josh Allen\u2019s backup.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"KW2WQGF6VFFFTNTKRPDXXA7NXQ\"><b>RUNNING BACK\/FULLBACK (4): <\/b>James Cook, Ray Davis, Ty Johnson, Reggie Gilliam<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"NB7ZJBUPHZC7JIP2VRVYNP2MTA\">Cut: Darrynton Evans, Frank Gore Jr.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"HNGNFBXZF5HT5I33KEYY6GPLJI\">No surprises here. James Cook reported to mandatory minicamp and will be at training camp as he looks to secure a long-term deal with the Bills or another team at the conclusion of the 2025 season. The depth behind Cook is strong with Ray Davis likely assuming a larger role in year two and Ty Johnson taking third-down duties.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"A3KSD6DS5JHYPNXBXNXOMFTI3M\">Gore Jr. is a good candidate for the practice squad.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"GYT3OKKZGJHBFBRMXCFWRERPCE\"><b>WIDE RECEIVER (5): <\/b>Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, Joshua Palmer, Curtis Samuel, Elijah Moore<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"CCGJBM7YOZCXHHXDUQ7ELWFBVU\">Cut: Kaden Prather, Tyrell Shavers, Laviska Shenault Jr., Jalen Virgil, K.J. Hamler, Kristian Wilkerson, Kelly Akharaiyi, Stephen Gosnell<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"B6ZYMA6W55DAVAKQTFI6JDIVMI\">Buffalo continues to go light at wide receiver. Elijah Moore was the talk of the spring and a solid training camp should help him secure the fifth and final spot in the wide receiver room.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"FINYPMHK2VFLVPXEIEHFTRWAOE\">If the Bills keep a sixth receiver, Prather, Shavers, Shenault Jr. and Virgil could all be vying for one job. <\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"5R42RPQ64JE2FMPLOWGZJMBI3E\"><b>TIGHT END (3): <\/b>Dalton Kincaid, Dawson Knox, Jackson Hawes<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"7YGV6ER3Q5FYVD3CCRNJZMFKM4\">Cut: Zach Davidson, Keleki Latu<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"RL3SO6K3AZBPJA6UGIH2CPWVIU\">Hawes comes in as the team\u2019s blocking tight end and takes on the special teams role that Quintin Morris played.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"VGFOCUZXNVGMPLMMPHXKH66DRI\">Davidson and Latu are both practice squad candidates.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"CEZK5AJV2BEUJOIDW6532GBJVA\"><b>OFFENSIVE LINE (9): <\/b>Dion Dawkins, David Edwards, Connor McGovern, O\u2019Cyrus Torrence, Spencer Brown, Tylan Grable, Alec Anderson, Ryan Van Demark, Sedrick Van Pran-Granger<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"GF3TXSHYBJGULG7Y6E5TPC3DT4\">Cut: Chase Lundt, Travis Clayton, Richard Gouraige, Kendrick Green, Mike Edwards, Jacob Beyer, Rush Reimer<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"SWMLQAEJW5DJ7NQOY3EPIZCGSU\">The talent and depth on Buffalo\u2019s offensive line is impressive. Unfortunately, that means a lot of talented players will be let go. Buffalo will likely try to keep as many as possible on their practice squad, but other teams will be looking to address their depth in late August.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"2EDMZASVLNBFXOJNC2XJ26YAFM\"><b>DEFENSIVE END (5): <\/b>Greg Rousseau, Joey Bosa, Landon Jackson, A.J. Epenesa, Javon Solomon<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"6ZCSN5TCA5BDZCUUPKZGOXWVHI\"><b>Suspended: <\/b>Michael Hoecht<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"UATAE35AMVEXVBBGLSVRCIILXA\">Cut: Hayden Harris, Paris Shand<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"HOLNZ57NERHYRDGWE44GM75MO4\">This position seems cut and dry to start the year. What they do when Hoecht comes off the suspension list will be interesting. <\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"ANANBK65Q5DONJQLAZZ7KHGJ5U\"><b>DEFENSIVE TACKLE (5): <\/b>Ed Oliver, DaQuan Jones, T.J. Sanders, Deone Walker, DeWayne Carter<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"ZVNYCI7Y5NFTHJRXUPE7BXCEAM\"><b>Suspended: <\/b>Larry Ogunjobi<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"23FBEFP6ANDCDFM4EJV2TRW6UY\">Cut: Casey Rogers, Zion Logue, Marcus Harris<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"ZJU5TTE3ERD3RAGKHC5IZ4CQVE\">Much like defensive end, the defensive tackle spot seems set in stone. Ogunjobi will provide a nice boost when he comes off the suspension list. <\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"FSTXD6O2GJH6VONZ4PMIR7W2LI\"><b>LINEBACKER (5): <\/b>Terrel Bernard, Matt Milano, Dorian Williams, Joe Andreessen, Edefuan Ulofoshio<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"4JYV5P4TFJGXPAYU22IRKMA6JM\">Cut: Shaq Thompson, Baylon Spector<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"6KLGGIXH7JGDHONZW4WBJ6NCLU\">Joe Andreessen\u2019s strong spring answered a lot of questions about the depth of Buffalo\u2019s linebackers. Terrel Bernard and Matt Milano provide Buffalo with an excellent 1-2 punch at linebacker, with Dorian Williams and Andreessen offering strong depth. Ulofoshio claims the final spot and takes on a big special teams role.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"F3SRUJV4ZRDXTMLCFRY2WPXDCA\">Shaq Thompson has ties to Sean McDermott, but I can\u2019t justify a roster spot for him at this point. The veteran has missed most of the past two seasons and will have to stay healthy to have any shot of making the initial 53-man roster. This summer should likely end the Baylon Spector experiment. He has talent, but cannot stay healthy.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"RKCQXCE2ENGRPPVK4ESCWDNS2Y\"><b>CORNERBACK (6): <\/b>Christian Benford, Maxwell Hairston, Taron Johnson, Tre\u2019Davious White, Dorian Strong, Dane Jackson<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"UUACHHSI3JHWPJODZOGXIIFZKY\">Cut: Ja\u2019Marcus Ingram, Te\u2019Cory Couch, Daequan Hardy, Daryl Porter Jr.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"G2VJKYL6VJEMHBHQGIFROZ2L6U\">Dane Jackson claims the final cornerback spot in my pre-training camp 53-man roster projection, but it would not be a big surprise if Ja\u2019Marcus Ingram beat him out for the sixth and final spot. Special teams play will matter and Ingram could have the edge there. <\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"OGQ74AEISVG55PDE6FSOHR6TYY\">Te\u2019Cory Couch stood out at times this spring and could be a priority addition on the practice squad along with the loser of the Jackson\/Ingram battle and Daequan Hardy.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"SEUO6JQKAZC6JENZZPRNHLKZVI\"><b>SAFETY (5):<\/b> Taylor Rapp, Cole Bishop, Darrick Forrest, Damar Hamlin, Jordan Hancock<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"UXWH3SYVHJG6BFWVBYK4O6FKLU\">Cut: Cam Lewis, Wande Owens<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"KXUTRN2EENHM3EZ7OCCMLOCYT4\">Taylor Rapp is a lock and it seems clear that the team wants Cole Bishop to start alongside the veteran. Bishop will need to stay healthy for that to happen. <\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"RUSBSTBWEFHDJF4CXSJU4M7WSQ\">Cam Lewis may have been the most difficult cut on the entire roster for me. He plays a big role on special teams and brings so much versatility to the secondary. How the depth behind Rapp and Bishop perform this summer could ultimately determine Lewis\u2019 fate.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"DLVPA53HBBAE5LA55Z42E3HUP4\"><b>SPECIAL TEAMS (4): <\/b>Tyler Bass, Jake Camarda, Reid Ferguson, Brandon Codrington<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"P5CNQ4MVXRGI7HKN4SRG5GWJPA\">Cut: Brad Robbins<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"VQLOK3L3SVBERNINDFSAQG4N24\">Codrington is technically a cornerback, but he\u2019s not making the roster for his play at that position. If he makes the 53-man roster, it will be due to the return abilities that he flashed as a rookie.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"YYDX4MXUFVDPDLQ442HVS3X5XQ\">Bass and Ferguson have no competition to speak of and the punter job is a coin flip at this point.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The Buffalo Bills are on summer break until the start of training camp at St. John Fisher University.&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":12698,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[39],"tags":[8019,13081,1232,62,13082,67,132,68],"class_list":{"0":"post-12697","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-nfl","8":"tag-american-football","9":"tag-bestof","10":"tag-nfl","11":"tag-sports","12":"tag-topix","13":"tag-united-states","14":"tag-unitedstates","15":"tag-us"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@us\/114742367545244982","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12697","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12697"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12697\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12698"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12697"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12697"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12697"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}