Quarterback (3)
Tyrod Taylor, EJ Manuel, Cardale Jones
Jones is currently away from the team for unknown personal reasons, which led to the Austin Trainor signing. Despite that, the fourth-round pick will be on the final 53-man roster as the Bills No. 3 quarterback.
Running back (4)
LeSean McCoy, Mike Gillislee, Reggie Bush, Jonathan Williams
This is pretty much set in stone, although Gillislee is fighting through a concussion and Williams hurt his ribs against the Redskins. Obvious picks here.
Fullback (1)
Jerome Felton
Felton has had a solid albeit unspectacular summer after a so-so 2015 campaign, but with his contract and experience, he makes the roster as the club’s primary, power-run lead blocker.
Tight end (3)
Charles Clay, Jim Dray, Glenn Gronkowski
Baby Gronk is the new addition here. Jeff Hunter wrote an insightful piece on Gronk’s chances to make the roster, and I agree with him. He can be a legitimate H-back who blocks, takes FB dives in short-yardage situations and catch passes out of the backfield. Blake Annen is more of a receiving threat than Jim Dray, however, Roman likes to keep a blocking tight end handy.
Wide receiver (6)
Sammy Watkins, Robert Woods, Marquise Goodwin, Walter Powell, Greg Little, Greg Salas
This was the receiver contingent Dan Lavoie projected a week ago. Nothing has happened since then to precipitate any changes.
Offensive tackle (4)
Cordy Glenn, Jordan Mills, Cyrus Kouandjio, Seantrel Henderson
Henderson will make the team after his tremendously difficult offseason battling Crohn’s disease. Rex has praised Kouandjio for his reliable play protecting the blindside in the preseason. He’ll begin the year as the Bills swing tackle and could jump into the starting right tackle gig if Mills shows inconsistency.
Interior offensive line (5)
Richie Incognito, Eric Wood, John Miller, Ryan Groy, Fernando Velasco
Groy has received the majority of preseason reps at left guard with Richie Incognito out, and I haven’t been very impressed. However, he’s a powerful athlete, and there isn’t much depth behind him at the position. Velasco has only had a few hiccups during the summer, and his versatility will help him make the team.
Defensive line (6)
Kyle Williams, Jerel Worthy, Adolphus Washington, Corbin Bryant, Leger Douzable, Lavar Edwards
Edwards is the only new member here. He earns a spot after a strong outing against the Giants and the block-shedding and bull-rushing he showcased against the Redskins. He’ll backup Washington at end.
Edge rusher (4)
Jerry Hughes, Manny Lawson, Lorenzo Alexander, Kroy Biermann
There’s been nothing definitive on Lawson getting the rumored one-game suspension, so I’m putting him on the final 53-man roster. Sean Murphy exquisitely profiled Albright a week ago, I just haven’t seen enough from him that makes me believe he’ll sneak onto the roster, but he’s the ideal practice squad candidate.
Linebacker (4)
Preston Brown, Zach Brown, Brandon Spikes, Randell Johnson
Spikes has been on the field a lot in the preseason, and unsurprisingly, he’s been a run-stopping menace. In this projection, Johnson narrowly beats out David Hawthorne, simply due to overall range and athletic ability.
Cornerback (6)
Stephon Gilmore, Ronald Darby, Nickell Robey-Coleman, Kevon Seymour, Sterling Moore, Corey White
Unchanged from Dan’s previous projection. White has had an underrated preseason. Moore’s been up and down. Minor injuries to Robey-Coleman and Seymour certainly help the veteran free-agent additions make the roster.
Safety (4)
Corey Graham, Aaron Williams, Duke Williams, Robert Blanton
No major surprises here... I guess besides Duke, who I had as a cut in my first roster projection of the summer. He’s been a thumper in the preseason. Blanton’s experience is very valuable. As for Colt Anderson, though touted as a special teams extraordinaire, I’ve seen him make way more plays as a tradition safety this summer than anything he’s done on fourth down. He’s a victim of the numbers game here.
Special Teams (3)
Dan Carpenter, Colton Schmidt, Garrison Sanborn
Jordan Gay’s value has decreased with the new touchback rule. Dan Carpenter takes over kickoff duties... and don’t be surprised if Buffalo incorporates the “high and short” kick to their special teams’ philosophy.
Reserve:
Shaq Lawson, Marcus Easley, Kolby Listenbee, Marcell Dareus, Reggie Ragland
The Bills will have to make the decision to cut someone once these players are available.