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The First Depth Chart
Training Camp is nearing the end, Hard Knocks featuring the Buffalo Bills just premiered, and recently, on August 5th, we received the first depth chart of the season as the Bills get ready to host the New York Giants on Saturday, August 9th, at 1:00 pm EST. I am confident in some roster spots and position battles, and plan to do an overview of the final 53-man roster after the August 27th cut day. But currently, let’s take a look and focus on some of the shocking depth chart news leaving fans in awe.
Wide Receiver
The Buffalo Bills currently have Joshua Palmer listed as the starting WR3, despite my belief that Elijah Moore may be better suited for the role. I expect Elijah Moore and Joshua Palmer to have explosive preseason games, but they may be held back considering the Bills’ depth at QB.
Another notable name down the depth chart is Laviska Shenault Jr., who, heading into camp, I expected to be WR6 and the starting kick returner, but it appears HC Sean McDermott is going to make Shenault earn it in the preseason. Shenault i listed at a brutal WR7/8 below 2nd year WR Tyrell Shavers and next to veterans Jalen Vigil and K.J. Hamler.
Cornerback
What is most shocking to me is Buffalo has beloved Bills veteran Tre’Davious White at CB2, someone I expected to be a depth piece at most after a brutal 2024 campaign that saw him be cut from the Rams, and spent limited time in Baltimore. Perhaps HC Sean McDermott believes knowing the system is a bigger advantage than pure skill heading into the season, as 1st round pick Maxwell Hairston, who I expect to start alongside Christian Benford, is listed as CB 4/5 with Dane Jackson.
Buffalo Bills fans still have a sour taste in their mouths from the last 1st-round CB we drafted in Kaiir Elam, who didn’t pan out, but he also only started in 12 games throughout 3 seasons. With that being said, HC Sean McDermott might look at starting the young Hairston this time around instead of taking the slow developmental approach that failed last time. Something to follow throughout the preseason.
Saftey
Despite my previous belief that Maxwell Hairston will start over White, which may still be possible as a lot can change between now and week 1, something that I did expect to happen was Cole Bishop becoming the starting safety over Damar Hamlin, and that appears to be the case with this depth chart. The 2nd-year safety sat behind Hamlin last year, but the Bills brought Hamlin back on a cheap 1-year deal and are looking for the former 2nd-round pick Cole Bishop to take a step forward.
Kicker Ray Davis
Finally, let’s take a look at a more fun one, Ray Davis. Nobody expected him to be RB1 on the depth chart…and he’s not. He is, however, listed as the backup kicker to Tyler Bass. It appears the Bills are fully committed to Bass and won’t look to bring in competition this time around, despite previous years.
CB Brandon Codrington is the starting return man, but the backup roles are in question. Laviska Shenault is listed as the 2nd kick returner, while K.J. Hamler is the 2nd punt returner. This will be a fun battle to watch through camp, as only one of them will make the 53-man roster.
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