Projecting rosters for an NFL team in May is tricky. Many things can change between now and the start of the regular season. This is especially true for the Buffalo Bills. The Bills are embarking on a transition period for the organization. General Manager Buddy Nix stepped down from his position and head coach Doug Marrone is entering his first season with Buffalo. What’s more the Bills have an unsettled quarterback situation that may take some time before it can be truly settled. Having said that, what fun would it be to wait until the start of the regular season to predict the starting lineup? Absolutely none. That’s why we are going to do it now. Without further delay here is my prediction for the Bills 53-man roster.
Quarterback
1. Kevin Kolb
2. E.J. Manuel
3. Jeff Tuel
Analysis: The Bills gambled and shocked many people by selecting E.J. Manuel in the first round. Many experts felt that Buffalo picked Manuel too early, but the Bills are confident they got their quarterback of the future. Manuel has the physical talents to be a top-shelf NFL quarterback, however he will need time to develop. Kevin Kolb was brought in to compete for the starting quarterback spot and he will likely win this roll early in camp. If Kolb begins to struggle once the regular season starts, don’t be surprised to see Manuel thrown into the fire early.
Running Back
1. C.J. Spiller
2. Fred Jackson
3. Tashard Choice
Analysis: The Bills have a nice one-two punch in C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson. If the duo can stay healthy, they are a lethal combination. With the uncertainty of the new look Buffalo offense under head coach Marrone, the Bills may have to turn to their workhorse running backs to lead the offense.
Wide Receiver
WR1: Stevie Johnson, Brad Smith
WR2: Robert Woods, Marquise Goodwin
WR3: T.J. Graham, Da'Rick Rogers
Analysis: Other than Stevie Johnson the Bills lacked talent at the wide receiver position last season. That may change this season. Buffalo drafted former USC receiver Robert Woods in hopes of adding a little spark to an underperforming receiving corp. Woods should win a starting spot but much of the wide receiver’s success will depend on the play of Kolb. If Kolb struggles then it may turn into a long season for the Buffalo receivers. I liked the picks of Marquise Goodwin and Da'Rick Rogers both will play a key role in the success of the new-look receiver group.
Tight End
1. Scott Chandler
2. Lee Smith
3. Chris Gragg
Analysis: The Bills have a dependable tight end in Scott Chandler. He will not put up Pro Bowl numbers but he will play a vital role as Kolb’s security blanket. The Bills do not have much depth at the position. Former Arkansas tight end Chris Gragg was a good value pick for Buffalo. He had a solid showing at the NFL combine and may turn into a diamond in the rough for the Bills.
Left Tackle
1. Cordy Glenn
2. Zebrie Sanders
Analysis: Glenn did an admirable job in his inaugural season. Entering his second year Glenn should make the transition to the next level. His play will have a huge impact on the success of Kolb and possibly more if Manuel ends up behind center.
Left Guard
1. Colin Brown
2. Sam Young
Analysis: An injury forced Brown to miss most of last season. The Bills like his versatility along the offensive line and are hoping he has fully recovered from the injury. Nothing is certain under a new head coach and Brown will have to work to remain in the starting lineup.
Center
1. Eric Wood
2. David Snow
Analysis: Woods is one of the better centers in the NFL when healthy. The problem is that he cannot seem to stay healthy. Woods has had a history of injuries and the Bills are counting on him to remain on the field. If he can stay on the field the sun will be shinning on Spiller and the rest of the Buffalo running backs.
Right Guard
1. Kraig Urbik
Analysis: Urbik was about to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, but Buffalo resigned their versatile guard after combining two solid seasons in a row. Urbik has started 24 games over the last two seasons and is one of the top tackles in the league.
Right Tackle
1. Chris Hairston
2. Erik Pears
Analysis: Hairston is a big body and the Bills love his pass blocking. Hairston has the ability to be an excellent run blocker for a player of his size and the Bills will be relying on his presence on the right side. Pears’ poor run blocking ability may have him falling out of favor with the new regime.
Defensive Line
NT: Marcell Dareus, Alan Branch, Torell Troup
DT: Kyle Williams, Alex Carrington, Jarron Gilbert
RE: Mario Williams, Mark Anderson
Analysis: After a slow start Mario Williams quietly turned out an extremely respectable season. Williams is not far removed from signing a top-dollar contract and must maintain his elite level of play for the Bills to have any kind of success this season. After the tragic death of his brother last season Macell Dareus should return to form in 2013 and Kyle Williams is a solid contributor. The three are the anchors to the Buffalo defensive line.
Linebackers
SLB: Manny Lawson, Jerry Hughes
MLB: Kiko Alonso, Chris White, Arthur Moats
WLB: Nigel Bradham, Bryan Scott, Marcus Dowtin
Analysis: Buffalo was perhaps one of the quietest teams in free agency this season. One of the few moves they made was signing linebacker Manny Lawson. Lawson will take over the starting strong side linebacker spot for the Bills while Oregon standout Kiko Alonso will take over the middle linebacker duties. Nigel Bradham fills out the weak side position. The new look linebackers should be a major improvement to solidify the defensive unit.
Cornerbacks
RCB: Stephon Gilmore
NCB: Ron Brook, Justin Rogers
LCB: Leodis McKelvin, Crezdon Butler
Analysis: After a slow start to his rookie season Stephon Gilmore turned things around toward the end of the year and was routinely called upon to cover the opponent’s number one receiver. Leodis McKelvin will be counted upon to earn his $20 million dollar contract and play up to the level of his counterpart on the right side.
Safety
FS: Jairus Byrd, Duke Williams
SS: Aaron Williams, Da'Norris Searcy, Jonathan Meeks
Analysis: Safety Jairus Byrd was one of the bright spots for Buffalo last season but doubts of his long-term stay in Buffalo had the team worried. As an insurance plan the Bills drafted Duke Williams and Jonathan Meeks. The two draft picks will help build the foundation for the defensive backfield in the near future. Marrone has made the decision to have Aaron Williams make the switch back to his natural position of safety and battle Searcy for the starting job. It looks like Marrone already has his fingerprints on this team even before the start of the season.
Special Teams
K: Dustin Hopkins
P: Shawn Powell
LS: Garrison Sanborn
Analysis: Dustin Hopkins was one of the top kickers in the college ranks last season and the Bills love his strong leg, which should translate nicely when kicking in the poor weather conditions of Buffalo New York. Powell is one of five fellow Seminoles on the Bills. Powell has a large frame and has a cannon for a leg. The addition of Hopkins makes the Bills special teams one of the strengths of the team early on.