Post 2016 NFL Draft: Buffalo Bills Depth Chart

With the 2016 NFL draft in the books it’s time to take a look at the Buffalo Bills Depth Chart based on their recent additions.

The Buffalo Bills depth chart got a big boost from the draft where they were able to add two immediate starters. Shaq Lawson and Reggie Ragland will both be expected to step in and start as rookies. They represent significant upgrades at their respective positions.

Adolphus Washington is the wildcard as he has the talent to replace the injury prone Kyle Williams. Washington is a two-way player who can stuff the run and also penetrate the pocket. The breakdown below of the depth chart is based on my thoughts and projections:

Quarterback

Starter: Tyrod Taylor
Backup: Cardale Jones

Tyrod Taylor did more than enough to earn another year as the starter. EJ Manuel is technically still on the roster but his time in Buffalo is coming to an end– especially with Cardale Jones coming into the mix. The interesting thing here will be whether or not Taylor is able to continue his development and earn himself a long-term deal.

Running Back

Starter: LeSean McCoy
Backups: Karlos Williams, Mike Gillislee and Jonathan Williams

McCoy is the starter and figures to get the bulk of the carriers. The next man up is Karlos Williams if McCoy should deal with a string of injuries like he did last season. Keep an eye on Gillislee as he provided a spark in several games and could get some run as the 3rd-down back.

Wide Receiver

Starters: Sammy Watkins and Robert Woods
Slot: Leonard Hankerson
Bench: Marquise Goodwin, Kolby Listenbee and Greg Salas

Watkins appears ready to take the next step in his development and become among the top playmakers in the game. Woods is highly underrated and provides the quarterback with a reliable target. Leonard Hankerson did some nice things in Atlanta last year and could make an impact as the No. 3 receiver.

Marquise Goodwin’s role as the speed-guy is in jeopardy with the addition of Kolby Listenbee.

Left Tackle

Starter: Cordy Glenn
Backup: Seantrel Henderson and Cyrus Kouandjio

Cordy Glenn is a steady performer who is the best offensive lineman on the roster. If he goes down with an injury, Seantrel Henderson will likely get the first shot on the left side which would represent a major drop off in talent.

Left Guard

Starter: Richie Incognito
Backup: Ryan Groy

Incognito was brought back thanks to his strong play last season. He’s the tone setter of the group and provides an edge. Ryan Groy is nothing more than a stop-gap solution.

Center

Starter: Eric Wood
Backup: Fernando Velasco

Wood has been a mainstay in Buffalo and is one of the better centers in the league. Velasco is a capable backup with experience as a starter.

Right Guard

Starter: John Miller
Backup: Ryan Groy and Cyril Richardson

Miller had an up and down rookie season but showed some promise. He needs to be more consistent at the point of attack and with maintaining low pad level.

Right Tackle

Starter: Seantrel Henderson
Backup: Cyrus Kouandjio

There will likely be a battle during training camp between Henderson and Kouandjio. Both have been disappointments based on their talent level. Henderson is the odds on favorite to win the job but has struggled staying healthy.

Defensive End

Starters: Shaq Lawson and Jerry Hughes
Backups: IK Enemkpali and Lorenzo Alexander

Rex Ryan leans towards a 3-4 base defense, but his personnel isn’t really a great fit for that system. It’s likely we will see a hybrid attack that works to get the best players on the field. Either way, Shaq Lawson and Jerry Hughes will be working off the edge and asked to generate pressure on the quarterback.

The depth behind the two starters is very questionable and could be an issue throughout the season.

Defensive Tackles

Starters: Marcell Dareus and Kyle Williams
Backups: Adolphus Washington, Corbin Bryant and Jerel Worthy

Dareus remains one of the best interior defenders in the league, but Kyle Williams has had his share of injury problems over the past few seasons. This is why drafting Adolphus Washington could end up being a major addition. Washington is talented enough to start as a rookie and make a positive contribution.

SAM Linebacker

Starter: Manny Lawson
Backup: Zack Brown

Manny Lawson should remain the starter this year, but don’t count out Zack Brown making a push in training camp. Brown is younger and quicker at this stage in his career.

More from With the First Pick

Middle Linebacker

Starter: Reggie Ragland
Backup: Preston Brown, Zack Brown and Kevin Reddick

Ragland will be in the middle on running downs, but the question will be if he’s able to hold up in coverage. His ability to stick on on the field in passing downs will be key to his overall value.

WILL Linebacker

Starter: Preston Brown
Backup: Zack Brown

Preston Brown had a strong rookie season and figures to keep a starting role. However, there will be competition in training camp which could see a change.

Cornerback

Starters: Ronald Darby and Stephon Gilmore
Slot: Nickell Robey
Backups: Corey White, Kevon Seymour and Sterling Moore

The success of Ronald Darby’s rookie season was a surprise and really helped solidify Buffalo’s secondary. He and Gilmore make a talented duo at the cornerback position. Nickell Robey lacks the size needed to play on the outside but his quickness makes him an ideal fit in the slot.

Kevon Seymour was drafted as a cornerback, but he has the size and length to potentially get a look at safety.

Safety

Starters: Aaron Williams and Corey Graham
Backups: Duke Williams, Robert Blanton and Jonathan Dowling

Buffalo needs Aaron Williams to stay healthy and get back to the player he was a few years ago. His play will be the key to how the safety position looks for the Bills.

Home/NFL Draft News