Buffalo Bills OTAs 2015: position battles and expectations

While it would be premature to expect anything definitive to come out of positional battles during Buffalo Bills OTAs, which begin next week, fans may still learn a thing or two about the lineups Rex Ryan is setting this spring. Things will obviously change throughout the team activities, and even more during training camp this summer, but that won't stop us from setting some expectations for next week's activities.

John Miller at first-team guard

During a Tuesday morning appearance on WGR 550's The Howard Simon Show, Ryan spoke openly about how impressed he is with Miller, the third-round guard out of Louisville. It would come as no surprise to see Miller with the first team during OTAs. Guard was identified as a glaring need this offseason, and Miller should supplant Chris Williams or Cyril Richardson as the guy with an inside track to start as early as next week.

Percy Harvin on the outside

When the Bills signed Harvin, many thought he would line up as a slot receiver, leaving Sammy Watkins and Robert Woods on the outside. Shortly after the opening of free agency settled down, it became apparent that the Bills would plan on lining Harvin up on the outside, with Woods transitioning to the slot - at least more than initially anticipated, at any rate. This move obviously bumps Chris Hogan from his starting slot position, placing him in competition for one of the backup receiver spots on the roster.

Quarterback carousel

During the aforementioned interview, Ryan stressed that Matt Cassel, EJ Manuel, and Tyrod Taylor would all receive equal reps with the first-team offense. This has been a recurring theme for the head coach when asked about the quarterback competition, and one would expect this to hold true next week. It will be interesting to see if any member of the trio creates any separation during OTAs, but that might be unlikely.

Corey Graham sticks to cornerback

Even though Graham has the versatility to play safety, it is expected that he will stay at cornerback for the time being. Duke Williams is penciled in as a starting safety opposite Aaron Williams, while Graham could challenge Leodis McKelvin for a cornerback job. Graham could shift to safety should one of the starters get injured, but expect him to stay at corner for the foreseeable future.

What other expectations do you have for the Bills next week during OTAs?