Buffalo Bills’ post-2025 NFL Draft depth chart and 53-man roster preview (2025)

With the most important period of free agency and the NFL Draft in the rearview mirror, the Buffalo Bills already have 89 players on their roster. A lot of moves will still be made but, for now, we can begin to envision what the Buffalo Bills’ 2025 roster and depth chart will look like in September.

So, without further ado, here’s my full look at the roster and depth chart right now, and my projection for what we might see when September arrives.

Buffalo Bills current depth chart (89 players)

Offense (44): 11 personnel (53% of the time)

Quarterback (4)

Josh Allen, Mitch Trubisky, Mike White, Shane Buechele

Running Back (6)

James Cook, Ray Davis, Ty Johnson, Darrynton Evans, Frank Gore Jr., Reggie Gilliam (FB)

Wide Receiver (X) (4)

Keon Coleman, Tyrell Shavers, Kaden Prather, Hal Presley

Wide Receiver (Z) (5)

Joshua Palmer, Elijah Moore, Laviska Shenault, Jalen Virgil, Stephen Gosnell

Wide Receiver (Slot) (4)

Khalil Shakir, Curtis Samuel, K.J. Hamler, Kelly Akharaiyi

Tight End (5)

Dalton Kincaid, Dawson Knox, Jackson Hawes, Zach Davidson, Keleki Latu

Left Tackle (3)

Dion Dawkins, Tylan Grable, Ryan Van Demark

Left Guard (3)

David Edwards, Alec Anderson, Rush Reimer

Center (3)

Connor McGovern, Sedrick Van Pran-Granger, Jacob Bayer

Right Guard (3)

O’Cyrus Torrence, Kendrick Green, Mike Edwards

Right Tackle (4)

Spencer Brown, Richard Gouraige, Travis Clayton, Chase Lundt

Defense (41): Base 4-2-5

Left Defensive End (4)

Greg Rousseau, Michael Hoecht, Javon Solomon, Hayden Harris

Nose Tackle (1-tech) (4)

DaQuan Jones, DeWayne Carter, Deone Walker, Zion Logue

Defensive Tackle (3-tech) (4)

Ed Oliver, T.J. Sanders, Larry Ogunjobi, Devin Brandt-Epps

Right Defensive End (4)

Joey Bosa, A.J. Epenesa, Landon Jackson, Paris Shand

Weakside Linebacker (4)

Matt Milano, Dorian Williams, Edefuan Ulofoshio, Keonta Jenkins

Middle Linebacker (3)

Terrel Bernard, Joe Andreessen, Baylon Spector

Nickel Cornerback (4)

Taron Johnson, Cam Lewis, Ja’Marcus Ingram, Jordan Hancock

Cornerback (9)

Christian Benford, Maxwell Hairston, Tre’Davious White, Dane Jackson, Dorian Strong, Te’Cory Couch, Brandon Codrington, Daequan Hardy, Daryl Porter JR.

Safety (5)

Taylor Rapp, Cole Bishop, Darrick Forrest, Damar Hamlin, Wande Owens

Special Teams (4)

Kicker (1): Tyler Bass
Punter (2): Jake Camarda, Brad Robbins
Long Snapper (1): Reid Ferguson

Buffalo Bills 2025 projected depth chart and 53-man roster

Offense (25 total players)

Quarterback (2)

Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images

• Starter: Josh Allen
• Backup: Mitch Trubisky

Analysis: Josh Allen, the 2024 NFL MVP, remains the cornerstone of Buffalo’s offense. Mike White and Shane Buechele aren’t likely to threaten Trubisky, who should keep his job as the team’s backup for at least one more year.

Running Back (4)

Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images

• Starter: James Cook
• Backups: Ray Davis, Ty Johnson, Reggie Gilliam (FB)

Analysis: James Cook, now a two-time pro bowler, leads the backfield as a dynamic runner and receiver. Ray Davis, entering his second season, provides some power as the reliable No. 2, while Ty Johnson should continue to contribute as the third-down back and kickoff returner. Reggie Gilliam, the fullback, is a lock due to his niche offensive role and special-teams contributions.

Wide Receiver (6)

Kara Durrette/Getty Images

• Starters: Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, Joshua Palmer
• Backups: Elijah Moore, Curtis Samuel, Laviska Shenault Jr.

Analysis: The Bills again re-made their receiver room after allowing veterans Amari Cooper and Mack Hollins to leave via free agency, replacing them with some young veterans in Joshua Palmer and Elijah Moore. The first is expected to become the “man-beater” with his separation skills, and the second is expected to stretch the field with his speed and separation skills.

In the slot, Khalil Shakir is back as Josh Allen’s go-to target. Keon Coleman aims to get back on track after struggling at the end of his rookie year, while Curtis Samuel’s health is key for his role as a versatile playmaker. Laviska Shenault must make an impact as the kickoff returner, or he might lose this spot to Tyrell Shavers, a very good special-teams contributor.

Tight End (3)

Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images

• Starters: Dalton Kincaid, Dawson Knox
• Backup: Jackson Hawes

Analysis: Kincaid and Knox form a nice one-two punch, with Kincaid expected to make a jump as the pass-catching threat and Knox excelling as a blocker and all-around TE. Jackson Hawes is a nice developmental TE who excels as a blocker. He didn’t allow a blown block in 384 plays at Georgia Tech in 2024. His special-teams contributions secure his roster spot as the third TE as he develops into a more well-rounded player.

Offensive Line (10)

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• Starters: Dion Dawkins (LT), David Edwards (LG), Connor McGovern (C), O’Cyrus Torrence (RG), Spencer Brown (RT)
• Backups: Tylan Grable (T), Alec Anderson (G/C), Sedrick Van Pran-Granger (C), Ryan Van Demark (T), Chase Lundt (T)

Analysis: The starting offensive line is solidified, with Dawkins and Brown setting the tone as the bookends. Edwards and McGovern provide reliability, while Torrence continues to develop as one of the best up-and-coming right guards in the league.

Grable, a 2024 draft pick, showed promise in the preseason, earning the swing tackle role over Van Demark, who ended up recovering it after Grable got injured. Kromer clearly trusts both of them. Anderson’s versatility across guard and center, plus his role as the 6th offensive lineman on run downs, make him a lock. Van Pran-Granger is a promising prospect at C, and with McGovern entering the last year of his deal without signing an extension, he should be kept around as the potential replacement in case the starter leaves.

The Bills typically carry nine linemen, but Lundt, a 6th-round pick this year, might be stolen if not kept on the 53.

Defense (25 total players)

Defensive End / Edge Rusher (5)

Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images

• Starters: Greg Rousseau, Joey Bosa
• Backups: A.J. Epenesa, Landon Jackson, Javon Solomon

Analysis: The Bills revamped their defensive line through the 2025 draft, and the edge rusher group is deep. Rousseau, signed through 2029, is a cornerstone. Bosa, a high-profile addition, pairs with Rousseau for what should be a formidable pass-rush duo, as long as the new addition can stay healthy.

Epenesa provides rotational production, while Landon Jackson (2025 3rd round pick) brings run defense prowess, which makes him a nice rotational piece to keep Bosa fresh (and healthy) for pass rush purposes. Javon Solomon, on the other end, adds speed off the edge.

Michael Hoecht, suspended for the first six games, won’t make the initial 53 but certainly will return later. If nobody gets hurt, the Bills will need to make a decision on one of those rotational pieces, with trading Epenesa away looking like the most sensible one, in my opinion.

Defensive Tackle (5)

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Starters: Ed Oliver, DaQuan Jones

Backups: T.J. Sanders, Deone Walker, DeWayne Carter

Analysis: The interior defensive line is another area of focus in the 2025 draft. Oliver and Jones form a good starting tandem, but they haven't had enough impact when the Bills needed them the most.

T.J. Sanders and Deone Walker, the 2025 second- and fourth-round draft picks, add youth and upside — Sanders with his penetration skills and Walker with his massive 6’7”, 331-pound frame. DeWayne Carter, the 95th overall pick in 2024, will be moved to the 1-tech, nose tackle role, where he should get more opportunities since Oliver, Sanders, Larry Ogunjobi, and even Walker (despite his size) are better suited for the 3-tech role.

Speaking of Ogunjobi, he’s also suspended for the first six games and is unlikely to make the initial roster. However, he’ll be back and, when it happens, it’ll be interesting to see how the Bills choose to open up a spot for him, just not in the roster, but also in the rotation.

The Bills’ commitment to 10 D-line spots (5 DE, 5 DT) reflects their will to solve the lack os dominance in the trenches, which has hurt them badly in their recent playoff eliminations.

Linebacker (5)

Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images

• Starters: Terrel Bernard, Matt Milano
• Backups: Dorian Williams, Joe Andreessen, Edefuan Ulofoshio

Analysis: Bernard is the defensive captain, leader of this defense, and the new star there. Milano took some time to recover from his injuries last season, but finally looked like himself again in the playoffs, even if it’s a new version who isn’t as quick and fast as the prime version fans have grown to love.

Dorian Williams showed his value as a tackling machine in Milano’s absence last season and is the primary option off the bench. Local hero Joe Andreessen provides solid depth and special-teams value. Edefuan Ulofoshio, a 2024 fifth-round pick, secures a spot as a special teamer with defensive upside.

It’s time to move on from Baylon Spector, in my opinion. He’s always hurt, and in the few opportunities he’s had, he was a liability, attacked by opponents consistently.

Cornerback (6)

Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images

• Starters: Christian Benford, Maxwell Hairston, Taron Johnson
• Backups: Tre’Davious White, Dorian Strong, Jordan Hancock

Analysis: Another area where the Bills heavily invested in the 2025 draft was their secondary, first by selecting Maxwell Hairston in Round 1 (No. 30 overall) to address the CB2 spot. Hairston’s 4.28 40-yard dash and ball skills make him a day one starter opposite Benford, with Taron Johnson in the nickel role. Dorian Strong, another 2025 pick (6th round), adds depth and special-teams value with his size and success playing zone schemes at Virginia Tech. He’s very pro-ready and might surprise early, just like Benford did some years ago.

Tre’Davious White, a former Bills star, returns as a depth piece but is not the same player post-injuries. He still can be a valuable leader and help with the young players' development, though. Hancock rounds out the group as a reserve nickel and safety. His versatility and aggressive style make him the perfect project to become a new Taron Johnson type of nickel back for the Bills, capable of playing in the box and helping the linebackers against the run. He might see opportunities in the dime package from the get-go, supplanting the likes of Cam Lewis and Ja’Marcus Ingram.

Safety (4)

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• Starters: Taylor Rapp, Cole Bishop
• Backups: Darrick Forrest Jr., Damar Hamlin

Analysis: Rapp is a surefire starter, in my opinion. I don’t see the Bills benching him early, not with how reliable he has become as the last line of defense. He’s a sure tackler, a good communicator, and has become one of the leaders of this defense.

2024 second-round pick Cole Bishop will get every opportunity to win the job next to Rapp, and he’s shown enough as a rookie last season to make me believe he’ll be up for this task. If not, he might open a door for the intriguing Forrest — a very athletic and physical safety who’s eager to become the new Jordan Poyer in Buffalo, a formerly overlooked veteran who could flourish as a Bill.

Hamlin, the former starter, isn’t starter material, period. He was a liability during the playoffs, and the market showed he wouldn’t start anywhere else. In Buffalo, with his familiarity with the defense, he provides a floor-level depth and special-teams value. Jordan Hancock can offer some depth here as well, just like Cam Lewis has done recently.

Special Teams (3)

Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images

Kicker (1)
Starter: Tyler Bass

Analysis: Bass rebounded in 2024’s playoffs, regaining his swagger and consistency. He’s locked in as the kicker for 2025.

Punter (1)
Starter: Jake Camarda

Analysis: After letting Sam Martin go, Camarda, a Day 2 draft pick in 2022, should win the punting job over competitor Brad Robbins. His strong leg and athleticism make him a weapon.

Long Snapper (1)
Starter: Reid Ferguson

Analysis: Ferguson, a fan favorite, is a model of consistency and remains invisible on game days — a must for a great long snapper.

Return Specialists (0)

Analysis: Codrington, was acquired via trade before the 2024 season. He had his moments in the regular season last year, but was inactive for every playoff game, which shows me he isn’t the answer in a stacked roster.

Shenault, a free-agency signing, adds kick-return ability and offers more as a wide receiver than Codrington does at cornerback. Ray Davis and Ty Johnson have returned kickoffs in the past as well, and Khalil Shakir can return punts (as he did in the playoffs). The Bills’ decision not to draft a return specialist shows their trust in the players already on the roster.

Final Thoughts

There’s still a lot of time left before the 2025 NFL season opener, and a lot of roster moves will be made — shoot, if I nail it right now, I’ll be sending you lottery numbers next. Anyway, it’s always a meaningful exercise to undertake so we can look at Buffalo’s roster and analyze where they look stronger or where things can change the most before real football returns.

Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images

I personally believe too much investment was made at the 3-tech role — Ed Oliver is the guy there and will play the majority of snaps. The Bills drafted Carter with a top-100 pick last year to play there as well, and he’s already likely to be moved out of position because of the most recent additions. Ogunjobi was added for $8 million initially (this value is down to the suspension), which shows they expected him to become a big-time contributor in the rotation — and on top of that, they traded up in the second round to add Sanders.

All those guys can play a bit of 1-tech, but it’s not their natural position, and they would be smaller nose tackles there, so not ideal. It’s likely that at least one of them become a bad investment, not seeing the field much, making me believe the resources would’ve been better invested elsewhere.

For example at the nose tackle (1-tech) spot, where Jones hasn’t been the same post injury, and Walker might need time to strengthen his injured back and learn the position, since he’s also more of a pass rusher than a big, stout, block eating and run stopping NT.

The cornerback room is another place where general manager Brandon Beane chose to add, and we’ll likely see some capable veterans or promising rookies fail to make the team. It strikes me a bit as lack of conviction in the investments they’ve made, but maybe it’s just that they aren’t as high on the former starters who are coming back right now as they were in the past. Time will tell.

Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images

One thing is for sure: The battle for spots, especially at those two groups, should be exciting. I envision some tough decisions being made there. I’m also curious to see the battle at the wide receiver spots. I’m not as high as most people on Palmer, and I definitely can see Moore winning his job as the starter opposite Coleman.

Speaking of the sophomore receiver, this offense needs him and Dalton Kincaid to step up their games to the next level. No true difference makers were brought in, with Shakir as the go-to guy for Allen. If Coleman and Kincaid can elevate their games, all the other targets should be enough for this offense to continue its high-scoring ways.

There’s a long way to go still, but so far, there’s no reason to doubt that the Bills to will be back, bare minimum, as strong as they have been in the last few years. Drafting and developing have been their brand of team building, and it’ll be very important again in 2025.

TLDR: Projected 2025 Buffalo Bills 53-Man Roster (post-draft edition)

Offense (25)

• QB (2): Josh Allen, Mitch Trubisky
• RB (4): James Cook, Ray Davis, Ty Johnson, Reggie Gilliam (FB)
• WR (6): Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, Joshua Palmer, Elijah Moore, Curtis Samuel, Laviska Shenault
• TE (3): Dalton Kincaid, Dawson Knox, Jackson Hawes
• OL (10): Dion Dawkins, David Edwards, Connor McGovern, O’Cyrus Torrence, Spencer Brown, Tylan Grable, Alec Anderson, Sedrick Van Pran-Granger, Ryan Van Demark, Chase Lundt

Defense (25)

• DE (5): Greg Rousseau, Joey Bosa, A.J. Epenesa, Landon Jackson, Javon Solomon
• DT (5): Ed Oliver, DaQuan Jones, T.J. Sanders, Deone Walker, DeWayne Carter
• LB (5): Matt Milano, Terrel Bernard, Dorian Williams, Joe Andreessen, Edefuan Ulofoshio
• CB (6): Christian Benford, Maxwell Hairston, Taron Johnson, Tre’Davious White, Dorian Strong, Jordan Hancock.
• S (4): Taylor Rapp, Cole Bishop, Darrick Forrest, Damar Hamlin.

Special Teams (3)

• K (1): Tyler Bass
• P (1): Jake Camarda
• LS (1): Reid Ferguson

Suspended: Larry Ogunjobi (DT), Michael Hoecht (DE)

Notable Practice Squad Candidates: Tyrell Shavers (WR), Mike White (QB), Frank Gore Jr. (RB), Zach Davidson (TE), Richard Gouriage (OL), Travis Clayton (OL, International Player Pathway), Ja’Marcus Ingram (CB), Cam Lewis (CB/S), Dane Jackson (CB), Kaden Prather (WR), K.J. Hamler (WR).

Catch up on all this and more with the latest edition of Leading the Charge!