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FB: Kyle Juszczyk, Kiero Small WR: Steve Smith, Kamar Aiken, Breshad Perriman (inj), Marlon Brown, DeAndre Carter, Michael Campanaro (KR/PR), Darren Waller, Jeremy Butler, Aldrick Robinson TE: Crockett Gillmore, Maxx Williams, Nick Boyle, Konrad Reuland, Allen Reisner, Dennis Pitta (inj) LT: Eugene Monroe, James Hurst LG: Kelechi Osemele, John Urschel C: Jeremy Zuttah, Ryan Jensen RG: Marshal Yanda, Robert Myers RT: Rick Wagner, Jah Reid, Marcel Jones K: Justin Tucker, Justin Manton DT: Brandon Williams (NT), Carl Davis, Casey Walker, Christo Bilukidi DE: Timmy Jernigan, Chris Canty, Lawrence Guy, DeAngelo Tyson (NT), Kapron Lewis-Moore, Zach Thompson, Brent Urban (inj) ILB: C.J. Mosley, Daryl Smith, Albert McClellan, Arthur Brown, Zachary Orr OLB: Terrell Suggs, Courtney Upshaw (S), Elvis Dumervil (S), Za′Darius Smith (DE), Steven Means CB: Jimmy Smith, Lardarius Webb (PR), Kyle Arrington, Rashaan Melvin, Tray Walker, Cassius Vaughn, Asa Jackson, Chris Greenwood, Aaron Ross, Quinton Porter, Julian Wilson (inj) S: Will Hill (SS), Kendrick Lewis (SS), Terrence Brooks (FS), Anthony Levine, Brynden Trawick (SS), Matt Elam (IR) Buffalo Bills QB: The Bills have undergone a lot of changes this offseason, but they are still looking for answers at the quarterback position. There is an open competition for the starting job in between Matt Cassel, Tyrod Taylor and EJ Manuel; so far no favorite has emerged. Matt Cassel was acquired via trade and has been seeing most of the time with the starters early in camp, but he hasn’t impressed enough to pull away. He’ll start the Bills first preseason game. Tyrod Taylor has turned some heads with his mobility and could be a player to watch if he can continue his strong play into the preseason. Former 1st round pick EJ Manuel appears to be struggling early in camp, but he impressed during an intrasquad scrimmage on Saturday night. Cassel seems like the safe bet to start the season due to his experience and consistency, but Taylor or Manuel may offer more upside. Matt Simms is a dark horse candidate to make the roster, but as the #4 QB in camp he may not see enough reps to make an impression. RB: The Bills traded for LeSean McCoy and are counting on him to be their workhorse. He’s an elite runner, but it will be interesting to see if the Bills plan to use him heavily on 3rd downs and goal line situations. He suffered a minor toe injury that kept him out of some team drills, but he downplayed its significance. 34-year old Fred Jackson is expected to see a regular role on offense that could limit McCoy’s upside, but he suffered a hamstring injury that will keep him out of practice for a couple weeks. The Bills depth at the position is being tested as Anthony Dixon also suffered an injury last week that could keep him out for a month. That could create an opening for players like Bryce Brown and rookie Karlos Williams to stake a claim to one of the reserve roster spots. Brown, however, continues to be plagued by fumbling issues that could make it tough for the coaching staff to trust him. Jerome Felton was also brought in to give the team a prototypical blocking fullback as they transition to more of a power running offensive scheme under new coordinator Greg Roman. Former Jet John Conner is also in the mix, but there’s probably not enough room for two fullbacks. WR: Whoever wins the quarterback job will have an impressive set of weapons at his disposal in the passing game. Last year’s #4 overall pick Sammy Watkins figures to be the leader of the group as he attempts to build on a solid rookie season. He missed some practice time while dealing with soreness in his surgically-repaired hip, but returned to action the next day. The team signed Percy Harvin to a 1-year contract, so he will be motivated to fit in and make a big impact in hopes of landing a big contract next year. He’s also getting some practice reps at cornerback after asking the coaches to try him there. The Bills may not run as many 3WR sets this year, so Robert Woods figures to take a step back from his team-leading 65 receptions a year ago, but he is still a reliable target who can help move the chains when called upon. Chris Hogan also provides solid depth from the slot and had the best night of any receiver in the team’s Saturday night scrimmage. Marcus Easley is a strong bet to make the team due to his play on special teams, so that may not leave much room for other receivers. Marquise Goodwin has track star speed, but has been underwhelming the past few years and will need a strong camp to make the team. Dezmin Lewis was a 7th round pick who brings much-needed size to the group, but he has been plagued by drops early in camp. TE: Charles Clay was signed to a huge contract that the Dolphins declined to match, which strengthened the Bills and weakened their division rival. He’s expected to play a big role in the new offense, but was targeted very infrequently through the first week of camp. The Bills also have some intriguing young players at the position with Chris Gragg, Marqueis Gray, and rookie Nick O’Leary all worth keeping an eye on. If the team uses the tight end position as much as expected, at least one of them should see significant playing time this year. Defense: The Bills will transition back to more of a 3-4 front this year, but nearly all pieces return. Up front, the focus is mostly on the ongoing contract negotiations with defensive tackle Marcell Dareus, who is entering the last year of his deal and looking for a huge payday. At linebacker, the Bills traded away Kiko Alonso but feel very comfortable with Preston Brown and Nigel Bradham in the middle of their defense. Brown has been tasked with calling the defensive plays, and Rex Ryan has been impressed with his instincts. The secondary will probably get most of the attention in the preseason, as there are a few spots that could be up for grabs. At corner, Leodis McKelvin suffered a setback during his recovery from ankle surgery and his status for the season opener appears to be in doubt. That could open up a spot for 2nd round pick Ronald Darby. Additionally, Corey Graham has been moved to safety and figures to compete with Duke Williams for playing time opposite Aaron Williams. Nickell Robey has established himself as a very reliable inside corner and signed a contract extension this week. Bills Depth Chart QB: Matt Cassel, Tyrod Taylor, EJ Manuel, Matt Simms RB: LeSean McCoy, Fred Jackson (inj), Anthony Dixon (inj), Karlos Williams, Bryce Brown, Corey Knox FB: Jerome Felton, John Conner WR: Sammy Watkins, Robert Woods, Percy Harvin, Chris Hogan, Marquise Goodwin (KR), Marcus Easley, Dezmin Lewis, Deonte Thompson, Marcus Thigpen, Andre Davis, Tobias Palmer, Caleb Holley TE: Charles Clay, MarQueis Gray, Nick O′Leary, Chris Gragg, Chris Manhertz, Matthew Mulligan LT: Cordy Glenn, Seantrel Henderson LG: John Miller, Chris Williams, Cyril Richardson, Darryl Johnson C: Eric Wood, Kraig Urbik RG: Richie Incognito, William Campbell RT: Cyrus Kouandijo K: Dan Carpenter, Jordan Gay NT: Marcell Dareus, Corbin Bryant (DE), Andre Fluellen, Jeremy Towns, Justin Hamilton DE: Mario Williams, Kyle Williams, Stefan Charles, Jarius Wynn, Alex Carrington, Cedric Reed ILB: Nigel Bradham (W), Preston Brown (M), Ty Powell, Tony Steward, Randell Johnson (W), A.J. Tarpley OLB: Jerry Hughes (S/DE), Manny Lawson (S/DE), Jimmy Gaines(S), Bryan Johnson CB: Stephon Gilmore, Leodis McKelvin, Ronald Darby, Nickell Robey, Ron Brooks, Rod Sweeting, Mario Butler, Bobby Felder, Cam Thomas S: Aaron Williams (FS), Corey Graham (SS), Duke Williams (SS) ,Bacarri Rambo (FS), Kenny Ladler (SS), Jonathan Meeks (SS), Wes Miller Carolina Panthers Coaching Staff: Six-year-old Braylon Beam was inspirational on Friday night; leading the Panthers into their Fan Fest. QB: Cam Newton is commanding the offense and looks "loose and confident" on the practice field so far this season. However, he remains inconsistent and needs to maintain his focus on every play, according to camp observers. Newton threw the ball very well during the Fan Fest scrimmage on Friday night. RB: Rookie Cameron Artis-Payne and Jordan Todman are battling for the third running back job; behind starter Jonathan Stewart and #2 Fozzy Whittaker. Artis-Payne is "...incredibly patient as a running back, and you don't see that a lot," according to fullback Mike Tolbert. "He's patient, and he knows when to hit the holes and when to make the right reads." Artis-Payne is also a solid pass protector. Artis-Payne noted, "That's the easy part. One of my friends that was already in the NFL told me that pass-blocking will keep you in the league. Ever since I heard that... that's just something I knew I had to do." Tolbert was impressed with the 55,000 attendees at Friday’s Fan Fest practice, "We've been in training camp for... a week, and this is the best that I've seen this team as a whole, offense, defense and special teams... Coach is really honing in and tightening up the nuts and bolts, getting the loose screws right. That’s all in the detail, and it’s starting from the top. We’re more focused this year. We know the time is now for us to make a run." WR: Stephen Hill was waived after tearing his right ACL in practice last Saturday. There were reports that Jerricho Cotchery may be on the roster bubble if Devin Funchess/Philly Brown pan out during camp, but those are unconfirmed reports. Ted Ginn Jr. is making a splash and may earn a role on offense in addition to role as a top-tier returner. Kelvin Benjamin, who reportedly showed up to OTAs overweight, entered training camp back at his prescribed 245 pounds and is reportedly past the hamstring issues that hampered him during OTAs. An ESPN writer described Benjamin as the MVP of the early part of training camp. Funchess hurt his shoulder last week but the injury is not significant. "Turns out he was OK but they (the trainers) did want to put some ice on it," according to Coach Rivera. TE: Olsen is unquestioned in his role atop the depth chart. Sometimes it’s forgotten that Olsen is not merely a talented receiver, but is an equally effective blocker. We got a glimpse of that last Wednesday when he stopped linebacker A.J. Klein in his tracks on a blitz. Defense: Defensive tackle Star Lotulelei suffered a "stress reaction" in his surgically-repaired right foot last Monday, and will be re-evaluated in "a few weeks" (he's been in a walking boot since the re-injury). Lotulelei broke his foot during the playoffs and had corrective surgery in January. The loss of Lotulelei for any length of time will degrade the Panthers' rush defense. Tackle Kawann Short is battling a back injury and hasn't practiced all week. Defensive end Kony Ealy has been up and down so far. "I've seen some good and I've seen some bad," Coach Rivera said, "The big thing that needs to happen is that he needs to be consistent." Nobody has stood out as the potential replacement for the departed Greg Hardy. Frank Alexander and Mario Addison have taken the majority of snaps at right defensive end with the first team defense, while Ealy has been relegated to second-team. Despite the issues around replacing Hardy, the defense has had the edge over the offense thus far; they appear to be poised to remain a top-rated unit this coming season. PK: Dan Carpenter has been placed on the NFI (Non-Football Injury) list and sidelined with a hamstring injury that the team claims is just a tweak. Jordan Gay was 1-for-3 in the team’s scrimmage and appears to be no threat to Carpenter or even to be the Bills kicker if Carpenter somehow isn’t ready to begin the season. The Bills terrific defense and seemingly futile offense makes this one of the best kicker situation in the league, so monitor Carpenter’s health before rightfully targeting him in drafts. Panthers Depth Chart QB: Cam Newton, Derek Anderson, Joe Webb RB: Jonathan Stewart, Cameron Artis-Payne, Fozzy Whittaker, Jordan Todman (KR), Brandon Wegher FB: Mike Tolbert, Richie Brockel WR: Kelvin Benjamin, Devin Funchess, Corey Brown (KR), Jerricho Cotchery, Ted Ginn (KR/PR), Jarrett Boykin, Brenton Bersin, Marcus Lucas, Mike Brown, Damiere Byrd, Paul Browning, Stephen Hill (IR) TE: Greg Olsen, Ed Dickson, Brandon Williams, Kevin Greene, Scott Simonson LT: Michael Oher, Jonathan Martin LG: Andrew Norwell, Amini Silatolu C: Ryan Kalil, Fernando Velasco RG: Trai Turner, Brian Folkerts, Chris Scott RT: Daryl Williams , Mike Remmers, Nate Chandler, David Foucault K: Graham Gano DT: Star Lotulelei (NT) (inj), Kawann Short, Dwan Edwards, Colin Cole, Kyle Love, Darious Cummings, Terry Redden DE: Charles Johnson, Frank Alexander, Wes Horton, Kony Ealy,Mario Addison, Arthu Miley, Steve Miller MLB: Luke Kuechly, David Mayo, Ben Jacobs OLB: Thomas Davis (S), A.J. Klein (W), Jason Trusnik, Shaq Thompson, Adarius Glanton (W), Kevin Reddick (S), Horace Miller(W) CB: Josh Norman, Charles Tillman, Bene Benwikere, Melvin White, Carrington Byndom, Teddy Williams, Louis Young, Garry Peters S: Roman Harper (SS), Tre Boston (FS), Kurt Coleman (FS), Colin Jones (SS), Robert Lester (FS), Kimario McFadden (FS), Dean Marlowe, Kimario McFadden Chicago Bears QB: The Bears decided to stick with Jay Cutler and are hoping that new coordinator Adam Gase will be able to bring out the best in him. Growing pains are to be expected, but the potential for an explosive resurgence exists. Early reports been mixed. Cutler strung a handful of good practices together, but then completed just 1 of 5 attempts in a scrimmage against the 2nd team defense on Saturday at Soldier Field. Backup Jimmy Clausen has had a harder time adjusting to the new system and has looked a bit lost at times, so the Bears will need to keep Cutler healthy. David Fales opened camp on the PUP list with an illness, but should be cleared to practice soon. Undrafted rookie Shane Carden has looked terrible and may have trouble even making the practice squad. RB: Matt Forte is entering the final year of his contract, so the Bears may want to start looking for possible long-term replacements. Forte doesn’t expect to get a ton of work in the preseason, and it looks like Jacquizz Rodgers is currently next up on the depth chart. Although likely too small for an every down role, Rodgers has plenty of experience from his time in Atlanta. Rookie Jeremy Langford has also been seeing regular time with the 1st string offense and figures to compete with 2nd year pro Ka’Deem Carey for the #3 job. Langford is expected to contribute more on special teams, which could give him the edge. WR: There are some big changes in this group as Brandon Marshall was traded to the Jets, which will allow Alshon Jeffery to take over as the team’s #1 WR. The team also drafted Kevin White early in the first round, but he has not been cleared to practice yet while dealing with a shin injury. There are concerns that he might not be ready to go for the season opener, but that is likely premature at this point. The early star of camp has been new slot receiver Eddie Royal. He has a history with Jay Cutler from their time together in Denver, and should provide a reliable target in the middle of the field. Marquess Wilson is also competing for a starting spot outside, and should be ready to take on a bigger role this year. TE: Martellus Bennett skipped some offseason training sessions in an attempt to try and get the Bears to renegotiate his contract, but he has two years left on the deal. He has earned raves early in camp for his receiving and blocking, and figures to be in for another big year. Zach Miller hasn’t played in a regular season game since 2011 due to a series of injuries, but he is having another strong camp. The Bears have more experienced depth at the position with Dante Rosario and Bear Pascoe also competing for backup jobs. Defense: The Bears defense has outplayed the offense early in camp, but they are expected to take some time to adjust to the new 3-4 scheme being implemented by coordinator Vic Fangio. Up front, the team is hoping rookie 2nd round pick Eddie Goldman can continue his strong start and help solidify the middle of the defensive line. At linebacker, the Bears have been giving Christian Jones and Shea McClellin most of the first team reps at inside linebacker, but Mason Foster is making a push for one of those jobs as well. Jonathan Bostic has missed time with injuries and is falling further behind. At outside linebacker, Pernell McPhee sat out the Saturday scrimmage so Jared Allen saw some additional work and contributed a pair of sacks. Lamarr Houston is also making positive steps in his recovery from an ACL injury. Willie Young has been cleared to practice, but looks like a poor fit at his new position. In the secondary, there is a battle for one of the safety spots between Brock Vereen and Ryan Mundy. Vereen appears to have an early lead, but Mundy is the more proven and reliable option. |