In their first year together assembling the Bills roster, GM Brandon Beane and head coach Sean McDermott had some interesting decisions at certain positions. The front office went heavy at tight end, offensive line and defensive line thanks in part to some Sunday waiver claims in the form of Khari Lee and Conor McDermott.
Here's a position-by-position look at how Buffalo's 53-man roster shapes up and the presumed roles most of these players will fill.
QB (3) - Tyrod Taylor, Nathan Peterman, T.J. YatesIt was largely expected that Buffalo would carry three quarterbacks into the regular season. Taylor and Peterman were locks for the roster. Yates was a small question mark, but being the most experienced quarterback in this offensive scheme makes him valuable in communicating some of the nuances of the offense to Taylor and Peterman.
RB/FB (5) - LeSean McCoy, Joe Banyard, Taiwan Jones, Pat DiMarco, Mike TolbertMcCoy will be the one to provide the offense with a good deal of versatility from the running back position. DiMarco will be the primary blocking back and help in the pass game. Banyard and Tolbert will provide options as hard-running downhill backs for short yardage and goal line situations. Jones is an added speed threat who can help on special teams.
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WR (5) - Jordan Matthews, Zay Jones, Andre Holmes, Brandon Tate, Kaelin Clay Matthews is the unquestioned number one option based on his production in the league, and figures to work mainly out of the slot. Jones and Holmes will be the primary outside receivers with Tate and Clay helping as deep threats and as special teamers. Note: Walt Powell is on the reserve/suspended list serving a four-game suspension.
TE (4) - Charles Clay, Nick O'Leary, Logan Thomas, Khari LeeClay will be the primary playmaker with O'Leary the first on the field in two tight end sets. Thomas is a developing player that offers enticing potential. Lee was just claimed off waivers and has some experience in the league.
OL (9) - Cordy Glenn, Richie Incognito, Eric Wood, John Miller, Vladimir Ducasse, Jordan Mills, Dion Dawkins, Ryan Groy, Conor McDermottMost of the starting offensive line is in place from last season, with the starting right guard likely to be announced this week. Groy and Dawkins are valuable swing players on the interior and at tackle respectively. McDermott is a developing tackle.
*Note: Seantrel Henderson is on the reserve/suspended list serving a five-game suspension.*
DL (9) - Jerry Hughes, Kyle Williams, Shaq Lawson, Marcell Dareus, Ryan Davis, Eddie Yarbrough, Adolphus Washington, Jerel Worthy, DeAndre ColemanLikely the strength of Buffalo's defense, the starting four are talented. Yarbrough offers exciting situational potential off the edge and Washington and Worthy offer solid depth on the interior.
LB (6) - Lorenzo Alexander, Preston Brown, Ramon Humber, Matt Milano, Tanner Vallejo, Deon LaceyAlexander will also be featured as a subpackage pass rusher. Humber proved himself capable in coverage and will have a rangy rookie behind him on the depth chart in Milano. Brown will anchor the defense in the middle. Vallejo and Lacey should offer speed elements on special teams.
CB (5) - Tre'Davious White, Shareece Wright, E.J. Gaines, Leonard Johnson, Greg MabinWhite starts on one side and we're likely to find out who will start opposite him on Monday (Wright or Gaines). Johnson is the primary nickel corner. Mabin provides depth.
S (4) - Micah Hyde, Jordan Poyer, Colt Anderson, Trae ElstonHyde will quarterback the secondary and could draw some coverage roles up on the line at times. Anderson will be a veteran leader on special teams, and Elston will also begin by helping in the kicking game.
K/P/LS (3) - Stephen Hauschka, Colton Schmidt, Reid FergusonHauschka has been nothing but reliable all preseason. Schmidt put together a strong camp and Ferguson was consistent on his snaps.
