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Just days before their first preseason game of the 2021 season against the Detroit Lions, the Buffalo Bills released their first depth chart.
There weren’t too many surprises as the Bills roster is set at many positions, but there are some interesting things to take away from the team regarding how they currently view their roster. After taking a look at the team’s initial depth chart, here are some things to watch out for over the next few weeks as the team prepares to reduce their roster to 53 players.
Harrison Phillips in danger?
Harrison Phillips, a former Bills third-round pick, could be in danger of release. On the team’s initial depth chart, Phillips was in the third team at 1-tech behind starter Star Lotulelei and Vernon Butler.
It is possible that Phillips will find himself on the wrong side of the list bubble in early September. That’s something the defensive tackle acknowledged earlier this week.
“Yeah, I think everyone understands the business and does that kind of scoring game, but it’s so early and there are still preseason games to play and you just need to do your best every day. “said Phillips.
The preseason is going to be an important one for Phillips and his place in the squad.
Levi Wallace in the lead for CB2
Ahead of the first preseason game, Levi Wallace leads the competition to start against Tre’Davious White. If you’ve watched an episode of SHOUT !, that wouldn’t be a surprise. Wallace has been more consistent than sophomore cornerback Dane Jackson. If all things stay the same by Week 1, this will be just another case of Wallace pushing back the competition like he has for the duration of his NFL career.
Although Jackson is currently listed behind Wallace, a big preseason could turn things around. Jackson was a player in 2020 making coins whenever he was called into action. He will need to make a few plays this preseason while showing consistency in the post if he hopes to win the post.
Cody Ford currently in the lead for the RG position
Four of the Bills’ five starting lineman positions appear to be held by Dion Dawkins, Jon Feliciano, Mitch Morse and Darryl Williams. The last place, however, was to be won between Cody Ford and Ike Boettger. For now, Ford is in the lead to start for Buffalo. Ford has made a few plays at camp – especially as a race blocker – and will be looking to keep that momentum going through the preseason.
Jake Fromm could be unique
According to the team’s initial depth chart, Jake Fromm might need a big preseason to claim a spot on the squad training team.
Josh Allen and Mitch Trubisky are the two best quarterbacks on the team. It’s very possible that they only have two QBs on their final roster, so Fromm’s best chance at staying at Buffalo could be the practice squad. At the moment, claiming one of the team’s 16 places is not a guarantee. Fromm is currently the team’s No.4 quarterback behind Allen, Trubisky and veteran Davis Webb.
A look at the large reception room
Although he has been beaten for much of training camp to date, Emmanuel Sanders is listed as the starting outside receiver against Stefon Diggs. As long as he’s ready to play in Week 1, that may remain the case, but second-year wide receiver Gabriel Davis could close the gap in the preseason. Regardless of how it goes, both should have big roles on the squad this season.
Training camp wide receiver Jake Kumerow is on the second team behind Diggs. His main contender for the sixth wide receiver, Isaiah Hodgins, is currently on the third team.
Efe Obada vs. Darryl Johnson
Defensive fin hall veterans Jerry Hughes and Mario Addison are listed as the team’s starting defensive ends. First-round pick Greg Rousseau and last year’s second-round pick AJ Epenesa make up the second team and Boogie Basham, this year’s second-round pick, is safe on the third team. If the team decides to wear six defensive ends, the competition could be played between Efe Obada and Darryl Johnson.
The two flashed at camp with Obada being more consistent and as it stands, the former Carolina Panther is listed ahead of Johnson. The only thing Johnson has going for him is his special teams play which was highlighted last week by coordinator Heath Farwell.
“He’s always been great to me,” Bills Health special teams coach Farwell said of Darryl Johnson. “To get four phases from a defensive end, you know they’re hard to find. Before the game, when I talk to the other coordinators, he’s the first guy they raise. It’s a lag to have a guy this big and running so fast on the court, it’s just a huge factor that they have to take into account.
It’s possible the Bills will sacrifice depth elsewhere to carry both defensive ends, but Obada appears to have a slight head start on Johnson for now.
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