Bills Cuts Coming

By 5pm Saturday NFL teams have to make their last cuts in preparation for the Regular Season. The Bills are currently at 80 players and have to get down to 53. 27 Bills will lose their job in the next 30 hours.

Most of the starting positions are set with only a few up for grabs. Here are my predictions for the opening day lineup. Reserves are in parenthesis.

QB-Fitzpatrick (Thigpen, B. Smith)

Fitzpatrick is easily the starter on this team. Some thought that Gailey brought in Thigpen to start but as shown during his preseason reps he doesn't know the system yet and has looked lost. The Bills are in trouble if Fitzpatrick goes down. Brad Smith is listed as a QB on the depth chart but he is going to be used all over the place as a kick returner, WR, RB and Wildcat QB. I am excited to see his role in on the team.

RB-Jackson (Spiller, J. White)

Jackson was not happy with the way the Bills were treating him but he is the #1 on this team until CJ Spiller proves otherwise. Jackson is a 1,000 yard back and will get the majority of carries despite CJ's increased role in the offense.

FB-McIntyre

Corey McIntyre was solid as a blocking back last year and will make the squad over another WNY native in Jehuu Caulcrick

WR-St. Johnson & Parrish (Jones, Easley, Nelson, Roosevelt)

Stevie Johnson is easily the #1 on this team. However, #2 is up for grabs. I can see Jones, Easley or Parrish getting the nod. Parrish will get most of the work in the slot so I listed him as the second starter. Fan favorites David Nelson and Buffalo native Naaman Roosevelt also make the roster as reserves

TE-Chandler (Martin, Pianalto)

I like what Pianalto has shown in the preseason but it wasn't with Fitzpatrick or against starting defenses. Scott Chandler has also been a surprise of the exhibition season and will get the starting role.

RT-Pears (Hairston)

Both Pears and Urbik at RG have not impressed me at all and that will be the weak spot on the line. However, Rookie Chris Hairston might slip in at RT if Pears underperforms or is struck with an injury.

RG-Urbik (Rinehart)

As with Pears this position can change and will be a weak spot on the offense. Cordaro Howard just misses the 53 man roster.

C-Wood (Hangartner)

The easiest to predict on the OL. Wood is the best offensive lineman on the team and his starting role is solidified in the middle of the line. I also think that Hangartner makes the team as a backup due to his ability to play at C or Guard and his veteran leadership.

LG-Levitre (Wrotto)

Another young starter on the OL with Levitre. He showed some good signs last year and hopes to repeat that.

LT-Bell (Wang)

Demetrius Bell had his ups and downs last year but has looked good enough during the preseason to gain the starting role.

DE-Dareus & Edwards (Carrington, Sp. Johnson)

Dareus and Edwards both have been great during the preseason and have solidified their starting roles. Carrington and Spencer Johnson just beat out Kellen Heard for the final roster spot.

NT-K. Williams (Troup, Jasper)

All three Defensive Tackles will make the roster. Jasper will make the roster and not the practice squad to keep him safe from waivers.

OLB-Merriman & Kelsay (Batten, Moats)

If Merriman can stay healthy watch out for this pass rush. Kelsay is the player the fans like to hate on the most but he is liked by the Bills staff. Moats tried out at ILB during camp but I see him going back to his more natural pass rush position. Danny Batten also impressed during the preseason and I see him making the roster over Antonio Coleman.

ILB-Davis & Barnett (Morrison, Sheppard)

The perspective starters at the start of Training Camp will be the starters on September 11th in Kansas City, but once Kirk Morrison gets used to the system in Buffalo he will step in for Davis. Many fans are intrigued by Kelvin Sheppard but he didn't get much practice in and won't have the chance to start, yet.

CB-McGee & McKelvin (Florence, A. Williams, Corner)

It was a three way race between McGee, McKelvin and Florence. I think McKelvin gets the opportunity above the veteran. I also see 2nd round pick Aaron Williams getting a lot of playing time.

S-Wilson & Byrd (Scott, Searcy)

Wilson is set in stone and Byrd should start despite a poor sophomore season. Corto was my last player cut. He helps out a lot on special teams and is an Orchard Park native. However, I think Searcy just makes the roster over him.

P-Moorman

Obvious

K-Lindell

Obvious

LS-Sanborn

Obvious