The Buffalo Bills wrap up their preseason today at home vs the Carolina Panthers. With this being the last opportunity for the Bills to use real game action to finalize their roster and solidify position groups, let’s look at some pieces to watch for during the game:
*Please note, Joe Andreessen got his own write-up so please don’t yell at me for not including him here*
Who separates themselves at WR?
Between several injuries and less than ideal quarterback play this preseason, the Buffalo Bills wide receiver group is a muddy one. The top four are seemingly locked in with Curtis Samuel, Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, and Mack Hollins. But after that, it’s question mark after question mark.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling, once believed to be a roster lock, has been inconsistent throughout training camp and the preseason, and currently has a neck injury . He’s opened the door for competition, but no one has really walked in.
Tyrell Shavers generated some buzz early in camp, but he lacks MVS’ speed and has been quiet as a pass catcher in the preseason. Though he did what he could in week 2 vs the Steelers with multiple strong reps as a run blocker, and by contributing on special teams.
Then there’s KJ Hamler and Andy Isabella who possess more speed elements in their game (like MVS), and some return ability on special teams. But nothing consistent enough or strong enough to propel themselves forward as of yet.
I still believe MVS makes the team due to his vertical ability and experience, even if it takes some gamesmanship with his injury status. But it’s possible for him to be jumped on the depth chart, and/or for someone to do enough to warrant the Bills keeping 6 wide receivers. A lot depends on the skillset the Bills want to fill out the position.
What Happens at Tight End?
Quintin Morris’ injury is what starts this conversation. When healthy, Morris is a roster lock who offers the Bills a well rounded third tight end capable of catching passes, functioning as a run blocker, and playing special teams. If the Bills need to roster a third tight end that isn’t Morris, Tre McKitty and Zach Davidson are the candidates.
Each offer a siloed role in comparison to Morris, with McKitty being blocking and special teams focused, and Davidson being more of a pass catching threat. That third tight end role is traditionally more blocking and special teams based, which means Davidson needs to show well in some capacity there vs Carolina.
Finalizing the Trenches (several pieces to keep an eye on here)
-Has DeWayne Carter done enough to make DeShawn Williams fully expendable?
-Have either Kingsley Jonathan or Kameron Cline done enough to force the Bills to keep 6 edges? Is Dawuane Smoot in any danger of being supplanted by either of them?
-Has La’el Collins played well enough to merit a roster spot over someone with more positional flexibility?
-Does Sedrick Van Pran-Granger put himself firmly into the #2 center conversation?
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