Every summer there are a few players who maximize their opportunity and parlay it into a spot on Buffalo's 53-man roster. Former undrafted OL Alec Anderson went from practice squad his rookie year to the active roster in 2023.
With a larger roster turnover this offseason than previous years, the situation could be ripe for a few surprises from some upstarts. Here's a look at this year's camp sleepers.
TE Zach Davidson
The former practice squad tight end is back from an ACL injury in 2023 and looks primed to compete if the spring practices were any indication. Yes, he's at a stacked position with three proven players in front of him on the depth chart (Kincaid, Knox, Morris), but Davidson offers playmaking ability in the passing game and is a giant target (6-7, 251). Should a preseason injury at the position surface, the offensive staff is likely to look Davidson's way first.
RB Darrynton Evans
Evans appeared to be closing in on the third running back role for the Bills last summer before Buffalo signed free agent Ty Johnson, once he returned to full health and he pushed the speedy back out of a roster spot.
The 26-year old Evans wound up latching on with Chicago, likely due to his strong performance against the Bears in Buffalo's preseason finale (9 car, 65 yds, 1 TD). He appeared in five games for Chicago before playing in two more games for Miami last season.
Evans led the Bills in rushing last preseason and averaged 5.1 yards per carry. His skill set mimics that of James Cook more than the power backs, Johnson and rookie Ray Davis. If there's an injury to one of the projected top three backs, Evans is a viable alternative.
OL Tylan Grable
The Bills sixth-round pick, has been lining up almost exclusively at offensive tackle and that's noteworthy. Though young at the position, there's high-end athleticism to Grable's skill set.
It'll be an uphill battle to land the fourth offensive tackle role on the 53-man roster with veteran La'el Collins and last year's third tackle, Ryan Van Demark on the roster. But Grable made a favorable first impression in the spring. If he can carry that into camp with the pads on, he could push for a roster spot.
WR K.J. Hamler
An ACL injury in 2021 followed by hamstring issues in 2022 landed Hamler out of the NFL in 2023. But at just 25 years of age, the former second-round pick still has plenty of juice and is looking to re-establish his NFL career.
Consistent separation to be an early answer in the passing game will be a critical component to convincing the decision makers that he can be the fifth or sixth receiver on the roster.
CB Ja'Marcus Ingram
The University at Buffalo product is now entering his third season with the Bills after serving on the team's practice squad each of the last two years and playing in five regular season games over that span as a call-up.
Ingram has ideal length and build at 6-2 and 190 pounds. With Tre'Davious White in Los Angeles and Dane Jackson in Carolina, the door is open for Ingram to get the inside track on the fourth cornerback role on the 53-man roster.
WR Tyrell Shavers
The long and lanky Shavers (6-4, 211) made the practice squad in 2023 as a rookie. After flashing in the preseason last summer, Shavers made plays this spring. He'll need to build on that with a noticeable day-to-day consistency in training camp and the preseason to demonstrate he's a fit for one of the last receiver roles on the roster.
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Josh Allen (17) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Josh Allen (17) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
KJ Hamler (19) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veterans Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Khalil Shakir (10) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Reid Ferguson (69) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veterans Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Tyrell Shavers (80) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Dion Dawkins (73) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Josh Allen (17) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Curtis Samuel (1) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Curtis Samuel (1) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Taron Johnson (7) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Taron Johnson (7) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Tre' McKitty (83) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veterans Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Zach Davidson (84) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Dawson Knox (88) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Dawson Knox (88) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Curtis Samuel (1) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Darrynton Evans (37) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veterans Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Josh Allen (17) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Tyrell Shavers (80) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
KJ Hamler (19) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veterans Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Taron Johnson (7) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Tyrell Shavers (80) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Dalton Kincaid (86) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Dalton Kincaid (86) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Mitchell Trubisky (11) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Josh Allen (17) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Dalton Kincaid (86) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Dalton Kincaid (86) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Mitchell Trubisky (11) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Tyrell Shavers (80) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veterans Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Darrynton Evans (37) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
KJ Hamler (19) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veterans Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Darrynton Evans (37) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Josh Allen (17) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Tyrell Shavers (80) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veterans Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Tyrell Shavers (80) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veterans Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
O'Cyrus Torrence (64) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veterans Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
O'Cyrus Torrence (64) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veterans Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Bryan Thompson (89) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling (81) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Khalil Shakir (10) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Bryan Thompson (89) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veterans Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Bryan Thompson (89) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veterans Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Khalil Shakir (10) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Josh Allen (17) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Ty Johnson (26) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Ty Johnson (26) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Deion Jones (45) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veterans Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Shane Buechele (6) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veterans Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Kaiir Elam (5) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veterans Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Tyrell Shavers (80) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Kaiir Elam (5) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veterans Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Kaiir Elam (5) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veterans Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Khalil Shakir (10) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Austin Johnson (98) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
DeShawn Williams (93) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veterans Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
DeShawn Williams (93) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Ed Oliver (91) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Eli Ankou (51) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veterans Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Josh Allen (17) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Eli Ankou (51) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veterans Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Ed Oliver (91) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Eli Ankou (51) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veterans Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Eli Ankou (51) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veterans Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Mack Hollins (13) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Kameron Cline (96) and Eli Ankou (51) pose for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veterans Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Kameron Cline (96) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veterans Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Mack Hollins (13) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Reggie Gilliam (41) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veterans Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
James Cook (4) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Keon Coleman (0) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Dee Delaney (29) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veterans Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
James Cook (4) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
James Cook (4) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
James Cook (4) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Ryan Van Demark (74) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veterans Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
James Cook (4), Keon Coleman (0) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Kyron Brown (32) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veterans Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Keon Coleman (0) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Kyron Brown (32) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veterans Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Keon Coleman (0) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Kyron Brown (32) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veterans Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Dion Dawkins (73) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Kingsley Jonathan (59) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veterans Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Ja'Marcus Ingram (46) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Kingsley Jonathan (59) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veterans Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Matt Milano (58) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Kingsley Jonathan (59) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veterans Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Dawuane Smoot (94) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veterans Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Andy Isabella (87) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Dawuane Smoot (94) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veterans Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
La'el Collins (71) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
La'el Collins (71) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veterans Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
La'el Collins (71) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veterans Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Matt Milano (58) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Greg Rousseau (50) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Greg Rousseau (50) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Alec Anderson (70) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veterans Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Richard Gouraige (75) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Alec Anderson (70) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veterans Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
DaQuan Jones (92) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
DaQuan Jones (92) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
A.J. Epenesa (57) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
A.J. Epenesa (57) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
A.J. Epenesa (57) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Keon Coleman (0) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
A.J. Epenesa (57) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Ja'Marcus Ingram (46) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veterans Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Ja'Marcus Ingram (46) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veterans Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Dion Dawkins (73) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Keon Coleman (0) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Dion Dawkins (73) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Dion Dawkins (73) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Dion Dawkins (73) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Kendall Williamson (36) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Terrel Bernard (43) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Terrel Bernard (43) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Keon Coleman (0) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Von Miller (40) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Rasul Douglas (31) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Joe Andreessen (44) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veterans Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Rasul Douglas (31) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Keon Coleman (0) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Shayne Simon (49) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veterans Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Josh Allen (17) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Josh Allen (17) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Tyrell Shavers (80) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Josh Allen (17) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Kendall Williamson (36) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Kendall Williamson (36) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Keon Coleman (0) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Tyrell Shavers (80) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Keon Coleman (0) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Keon Coleman (0) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
Ja'Marcus Ingram (46) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
DeShawn Williams (93) poses for a photo during Buffalo Bills Veteran Media Day, June 10, 2024 at 1 Bills Drive.
