Buffalo Bills go with unproven youth and upside at multiple key positions in final depth chart prediction

There's one game left in the preseason before the coaches and front office for the Buffalo Bills and the rest of the league have the unenviable task of trimming their rosters from 90 down to 53. Genuinely speaking, this has to be one of the most challenging and gut-wrenching experiences of the year. 

Before that final preseason game kicks off on Saturday at 1pm ET against the Carolina Panthers, let's make our final 53-man depth chart prediction.

Quarterbacks (2)

Projected Starter: Josh Allen
Backups: Mitch Trubisky
Out: Ben DiNucci

Analysis: The quarterback room is pretty straight forward, even though Trubisky looked pedestrian at best in the second preseason game and is now dealing with a hamstring injury. I still think he gets the nod as the backup since he has the experience and familiarity in the building. 

Running Backs (4)

Projected Starters: James Cook and Reggie Gilliam (FB)
Backups: Ray Davis, Frank Gore Jr
Out: Ty Johnson, Darrynton Evans

Analysis: James Cook is the obvious starter at halfback, and it appears rookie Ray Davis is locked in as his primary backup. That leaves veterans Ty Johnson and Darrynton Evans competing with UDFA Frank Gore Jr. I fully believe that Evans will be left off the roster, but Gore and Johnson are legitimately battling. I'm giving the nod to Gore, who looked great in the second preseason game.  

Wide Receivers (6)

Projected Starters: Keon Coleman, Khalil Shakir, Curtis Samuel
Backups: Mack Hollins, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Tyrell Shavers
Out: K.J. Hamler, Justin Shorter, Andy Isabella

Analysis: The first four seem locked in. Keon Coleman, Khalil Shakir, and Curtis Samuel will be your starters, with Mack Hollins operating as the fourth option. After that, it's a mess. I've been saying all preseason that Marquez Valdes-Scantling seems like he's on thin ice with his injuries and his drops, but everything that the coaches, and Josh Allen, are saying about him indicates that they have faith in the veteran's abilities and like the outside speed that he brings to the field. I think he's making this roster, even if that wouldn't be my choice.

Tight Ends (3)

Projected Starters: Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox
Backup: Quintin Morris
Out: Zach Davidson, Tre' McKitty

Analysis: We know Kincaid and Knox are the locked in starters, and the battle back and forth between Quintin Morris and Zach Davidson has been ongoing all throughout camp. I think Morris will get the nod here with his veteran experience with the team, but Davidson's athleticism and upside is super intriguing. 

Offensive Linemen (10)

Projected Starters: Dion Dawkins (LT), David Edwards (LG), Connor McGovern (C), O'Cyrus Torrence (RG), Spencer Brown (RT)
Backups: Ryan Van Demark, Alec Anderson, Sedrick Van-Pran Granger, Tylan Grable
Out: Mike Edwards, Keaton Bills, Will Clapp, Gunner Britton, Richard Gouraige, Travis Clayton, La'el Collins

Analysis: Depth is a concern for the offensive line group, but even still, it makes it hard to pencil in La'el Collins. His mobility doesn't look up to where it needs to be anymore for a tackle position, and the position flexibility and upside of younger guys on the depth chart will give them the edge. 

Defensive Linemen (9)

Projected Starters: Greg Rousseau, A.J. Epenesa, Von Miler, Duwuane Smoot, 
Backups: Javon Solomon, Ed Oliver, DaQuan Jones, DeWayne Carter, Austin Johnson
Out: Casey Toohill, Kameron Cline, Kingsley Jonathan, Rondell Bothroyd, Eli Anjou, DeShawn Williams, Branson Deen

Analysis: Javon Solomon, an undersized rookie edge rusher out of Troy, was one of my favorite sleepers in this year's draft, and I'm thrilled to see that he has been balling with the Bills. I expect him to play an important role as a rotational pass rusher.

Linebackers (5)

Projected Starters: Terrel Bernard, Dorian Williams
Backups: Edefuan Ulofoshio, Joe Andreessen, Nicholas Morrow
Out: Matt Milano (projected cut-down day IR), Deion Jones, Shayne Simon

Analysis: I expect Matt Milano to get placed on IR on cut down day to make him eligible to return later in the season, and I'm predicting that Joe Andreessen, "Buffalo Joe," is playing his way onto this roster. His instincts, physicality, and mental approach to the game have him looking like he belongs on this NFL roster. I also don't think Buffalo will be able to get away with stashing him on the practice squad. He's played his way onto a roster.

Cornerbacks (6)

Projected Starters: Christian Benford, Rasul Douglas, Taron Johnson
Backups: Kaiir Elam, Ja'Marcus Ingram, Daequan Hardy
Out: Kyron Brown, Keni-H Lovely

Analysis: The Bills starting cornerback group is incredibly strong, and the depth behind them has a ton of upside. With Daequan Hardy seemingly locking up punt return duties, I believe he makes this roster as the sixth cornerback. He also has looked promising and very sticky in coverage.

Safeties (5)

Projected Starters: Taylor Rapp, Damar Hamlin
Backups: Mike Edwards, Cole Bishop, Cam Lewis
Out: Kendall Williamson, Kareem Jackson, Terrell Burgess, Dee Delaney

Analysis: The safety position is a mess of injuries right now outside of Taylor Rapp, who's locked in as one of the starters. Mike Edwards and Damar Hamlin are working back from injuries, as is rookie Cole Bishop. Who is on the field for Week 1 has as much to do with availability as it does talent.

Specialists (3)

Projected Starters: Tyler Bass (K), Sam Martin (P), and Reid Ferguson (LS)
Projected Returners: Daequan Hardy

Follow along all season for all the latest Buffalo Bills news. You can also find me on X @JonHelmkamp.