Orchard Park, NY (WGR 550) -- Before the cuts start rolling in for the Buffalo Bills this evening, I figured I would take one last stab at who may make the 53-man roster for the organization.
In the team's final preseason game, some players put their best foot forward in an attempt to have their names designated as an active member of the organization by the end of the night.
Some players may have even played their way on the roster. Let's take a look:
Quarterback (3): Ryan Fitzpatrick, Tarvaris Jackson, Brad Smith Cuts: Tyler Thigpen
- This is temporary in my opinion. I think the Bills would scoff at the idea of guaranteeing Thigpen's $2.5 million salary if he's only a short-term option. I think there's a possibility of the Bills cutting Thigpen, only to bring him back a few days later if Tarvaris Jackson isn't progressing as they would like and if Brad Smith's groin is an injury that will keep him sidelined for a while.
Running Back (3): Fred Jackson, C.J. Spiller, Tashard Choice Cuts: Johnny White, Zach Brown
- Tashard Choice won the battle for the third spot with the final preseason game.
Fullback (1): Corey McIntyre Cuts: None
Wide Receiver (6): Stevie Johnson, David Nelson, Donald Jones, T.J. Graham, Marcus Easley, Ruvell Martin Cuts: Derek Hagan, Naaman Roosevelt, Kamar Aiken
- With Marcus Easley's three plays against Detroit (100-yard kickoff return for a TD, two-point conversion and 20-yard reception) the Bills can no longer afford to try and sneak him on the practice squad in my opinion. Derek Hagan has fallen off as of late, and would not be as much of a risk to lose to another team if they wanted to bring him back later in the season.
Tight End (2): Scott Chandler, Lee Smith Cuts: Dorin Dickerson, Kevin Brock
- Dorin Dickerson finds himself on the wrong side of the bubble. He has practice squad eligibility, so the Bills may want to develop him there.
Offensive Tackle (4): Cordy Glenn, Erik Pears, Chris Hairston, Zebrie Sanders Cuts: Sam Young, James Carmon
- Despite the solid camp from Sam Young, I think he is much less likely to get claimed by a team than the rookie and fifth-round pick Zebrie Sanders. I believe Sanders will be amongst the inactives as they continue to develop him. A glorified practice squad member only to be used if the team is really in a spot.
Offensive Guard (3): Andy Levitre, Kraig Urbik, Chad Rinehart Cuts: Mark Asper, Keith Williams
- No surprises here.
Center (2): Eric Wood, Colin Brown Cuts: David Snow
- Colin Brown makes the team for his interior versatility. Get used to reading that word. It's the buzz word of cutdown day.
Defensive End (5): Mario Williams, Mark Anderson, Chris Kelsay, Kyle Moore, Jarron Gilbert Cuts: Robert Eddins
- Gilbert gets on the roster over a fourth defensive tackle because he can also play defensive tackle. A player that offers versatility will help him exponentially, and I think that may be the case for the camp standout.
Defensive Tackle (3): Kyle Williams, Marcell Dareus, Spencer Johnson Cuts: Dwan Edwards, Alex Carrington, Kellen Heard
- Here is the big surprise of cutdown day, and it shouldn't be that big of one. Dwan Edwards is set to make $3.6 million this year if kept on the roster. As the fourth defensive tackle, I just don't know how realistic that is. I think it's a 50-50 shot that he gets released Friday.
Linebacker (8): Nick Barnett, Kelvin Sheppard, Arthur Moats, Bryan Scott, Nigel Bradham, Kirk Morrison, Tank Carder, Scott McKillop Cuts: Chris White
- After debating back and forth, I found room for Scott McKillop. I think he is the likeliest candidate to be released if the Bills need to sign Tyler Thigpen back to the roster. For the here and now if kept around, McKillop will be an inactive type that will suit up only if the team doesn't dress John Potter due to weather and wind conditions for special teams reasons. He's lost his role on defense, but holds a bit of value on special teams.
Cornerback (6): Stephon Gilmore, Aaron Williams, Terrence McGee, Leodis McKelvin, Justin Rogers, Ron Brooks Cuts: Isaiah Green
- Terrence McGee makes the team outright, despite the knee problems.
Safety (3): Jairus Byrd, George Wilson, Da'Norris Searcy Cuts: Delano Howell, Nick Saenz
- Howell is a very good practice squad candidate for the team. I wouldn't necessarily rule out Bryan Scott seeing some time at safety if the Bills are in a pinch at that spot. Again, the versatility factor can both make and break roster spots for players.
Kicker (2): Rian Lindell, John Potter Cuts: None
- Despite not getting touchbacks on two occasions Thursday, Potter went 11-of-13 in the preseason. That's still better than the best average of touchbacks in the league last year, only to a much smaller sample size.
Punter (1): Brian Moorman Cuts: Shawn Powell
Long Snapper (1): Garrison Sanborn Cuts: None
There you have it. Cuts will come down sometime Friday afternoon and evening. I'm sure there will be a surprise or two.
Stay tuned as WGR Sports Radio 550 and WGR550.com will have you covered all day long as information becomes available.
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