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The Buffalo Bills added eight players to the roster this weekend via the 2018 NFL Draft. Several of these players will push incumbents for their roster position. While the Bills lost some players during free agency and created holes, other areas of the roster remain filled. Coach Sean McDermott has long stressed that players must earn the right to play, and the new members will undoubtedly place some stress on some current roster members.
It’s not a surprise that several players will be pressed to keep their position on the roster in the fall. Here are three players whose roster spot may be in danger after this weekend’s additions of the draft.
Adolphus Washington
The selection of Harrison Phillips will squeeze Washington’s spot on the roster. Washington, a 2016 third-round pick, has had intermittent success on the Bills’ line. He has had some issues playing against the run, as he was part of a crew that was among the worst against opponents’ ground attacks last season. Washington could still be a somewhat effective rotational player as a pass rusher. However, the combination of Phillips along with the free agent signing of Star Lotulelei may make him expendable. In addition, players selected by Doug Whaley and Rex Ryan have a short shelf life with the Beane-McDermott regime.
Andre Holmes
For some reason, Buffalo has underutilized Holmes during his time as a Bill. In 2017, he had his lowest production as a receiver since his rookie season. Holmes was valued as a special teams player, but the receiving corps needs players who will be employed as wide receivers.
Late-round picks Ray-Ray McCloud and Austin Proehl add intriguing names who could push for a spot at the bottom of the roster. In particular, McCloud could be valued as a kick returner. The signing of Jeremy Kerley may limit his receiver value, while Rod Streater’s signing may squeeze his time as a special teams gunner. With McCloud and Proehl on their roster, the Bills may look to free up some cap space by parting ways with Holmes.
John Miller
John Miller falls into a similar situation as Washington with respect to how he was a Whaley-Ryan holdover. The 2015 draft pick lost playing time to Vlad Ducasse, as the former Louisville Cardinal only started four games last season. Even with all of the changes to the Bills’ offensive line in the offseason, a clear path to playing time did not open up for the third-year pro.
Buffalo could provide an opportunity to fifth-round pick Wyatt Teller to earn a roster spot. Teller was a value pick on day three, and he could compete for the vacant left guard spot early in the offseason.