The Buffalo Bills wrapped up training camp at St. John Fisher University on Thursday.
Who are a few Bills that need to step up on Saturday afternoon? Here are 10 Bills to watch.
La’el Collins
La’el Collins missed some time at training camp due to a knee injury. The veteran, 31, brings plenty of starting experience to Buffalo, but he has struggled at times this summer with his mobility. At this point, Collins may be best suited to only play inside at guard.
Buffalo’s starting five is set in stone. The team has a lot of young and developing talent such as Ryan Van Demark, Alec Anderson, Sedrick Van-Pranger, Tylan Grable, Travis Clayton and Richard Gouraige among others fighting for depth roles behind the starting five. Collins needs a strong preseason to show that he is still worth keeping on the team’s final roster over some youth options or a veteran like Will Clapp.
Quintin Morris and Zach Davidson
The competition for tight end No. 3 will carry over to the preseason.
Quintin Morris was solid throughout training camp. He was projected to be the No. 3 tight end again this season while contributing as a core special teams player, but Zach Davidson made plays just about every day at camp. Davidson’s size (6 feet 7 inches) and ability to get open against Buffalo’s defense stood out at camp.
Near the end of camp, quarterback Josh Allen praised Davidson.
“He’s been making plays,” Allen said. “He’s been popping on film. Whatever way you look at it, he’s making [Brandon] Beane’s decisions very difficult. He’s done enough where guys in every room are saying this guy is making plays. He’s a six-foot-six, six-foot-seven guy that can move and go up and catch the ball. Again, another guy that is running to the football after the play, making the extra block, doing things the right way. You love to have those types of guys on your team. So, it will be a big preseason for him and hopefully he can go out and make some plays for us.”
If Davidson makes plays as Allen said, he could surpass Morris on the team’s depth chart.
Tyrell Shavers
No one was a bigger riser at training camp than Tyrell Shavers. The second-year wide receiver climbed up the depth chart when opportunities presented themselves and worked his way up to getting first-team reps at St. John Fisher University.
Early at camp, Sean McDermott praised Shavers’ consistency and dedication to getting better in the offseason. He wrapped up camp once again praising the former UDFA receiver.
Buffalo is expected to be without a few receivers on Saturday due to injuries so there should be plenty of opportunities for Shavers. If Shavers stands out on special teams starting on Saturday and makes plays in the passing game, it will be hard to keep him off the roster.
Javon Solomon, Kingsley Jonathan and Kameron Cline
Buffalo’s top-four edge rushers seem established between Von Miller, Greg Rousseau, AJ Epenesa and Dawuane Smoot. The fight for the No. 5 edge rusher is between the likes of rookie Javon Solomon, Kingsley Jonathan, Kameron Cline and Casey Toohill. Toohill has been ruled out for Saturday due to a groin injury, but Solomon, Jonathan and Cline should all see valuable reps. Solomon came on strong at the end of camp recording multiple sacks and pass-rush wins that led to the quarterback having to get the ball out quickly. His play caught the attention of Miller and Rousseau.
A strong preseason, starting against Chicago, could help Solomon lock the job down.
Until that happens, Jonathan and Cline remain in the picture for a roster spot. The former Syracuse UDFA made the 53-man roster last season and had some strong moments at training camp including a would-be sack and batted pass at the line. Cline has the versatility to play outside and inside on the defensive line which could help his case for a roster spot with a strong preseason.
Daequan Hardy and
KJ Hamler
Hardy came on strong at the end of training camp for Buffalo’s defense, but his biggest opportunity on Saturday might come as Buffalo’s returner. KJ Hamler, listed as Buffalo’s primary return man, missed the team’s final training camp practice and his status for Saturday’s game is unknown. If Hamler cannot go, Hardy could get some looks as a kick returner and punt returner. Head coach Sean McDermott recently admitted that the main reason the team drafted Hardy was for his return ability. If Hamler can go, Saturday will be a big opportunity for the veteran as both a receiver and return man. Injuries have derailed his career to date so hopefully the receiver is not dealing with anything serious.
DeShawn Williams
DeShawn Williams is currently Buffalo’s fifth defensive tackle behind Ed Oliver, DaQuan Jones, DeWayne Carter and Austin Johnson.
Buffalo could opt to keep just four defensive tackles, but Jones is dealing with a groin injury. That could open the door for Williams to make the roster. Having a strong preseason is a must for Williams.
Williams not only needs a strong preseason to make the roster, but he also needs to perform well to stay ahead of other depth options like Eli Ankou and Branson Deen.
