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Buffalo Bills depth chart ahead of 2025 NFL Draft

Taking a look at where Buffalo’s roster sits before rookies join the fray

By Matt Byham
27 Comments / 27 New / new
New England Patriots v Buffalo Bills Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images

My first crack at sorting out a 2025 depth chart for the Buffalo Bills came in the immediate aftermath of the free-agency frenzy. Blood was still thick in the water, and much remained unsettled regarding too many position groups at One Bills Drive.

With a decent amount of time in the rearview mirror, it makes sense to take another look at Buffalo’s roster before the 2025 NFL Draft begins this evening. Though it’s likely general manager Brandon Beane still searches free agency for another veteran or two in the coming weeks, it’s the results of the draft that will dictate how much and whom Buffalo may target on the wire.

As I mentioned in the first article: The grueling process of adding players is never-ending, and with that comes laying out a (constantly evolving) depth chart. In some cases, starters are obvious. Others? It’s up for debate.

Notable additions/subtractions since prior depth chart:

In total, I’ve accounted for 67 unique rostered players (so, not counting Shenault and Codrington twice for their ST roles), which includes Travis Clayton (NFL International Player Pathway Program). Let’s hit it!

You can check out all the odds on what position the Bills may draft at FanDuel!

Quarterback (4)

Josh Allen is here to stay after signing a new contract. You can’t ask for anything better than the Bills’ situation with Allen. Trubisky, White, and Buechele are all athletic clip holders, and it wouldn’t surprise me if general manager Brandon Beane considers a late-round developmental prospect in this year’s draft.

Running Back (5)

Cook is of course the top dog here, but his recent contract musings have some concerned about his future in Buffalo. Ty Johnson is really talented, and good enough to start for most NFL teams. Ray Davis showed why he belongs in the NFL as a rookie; Gore has premium blood lines and plenty of potential; while Evans is a player the Bills have highly regarded in past seasons and prioritized in free agency.

Fullback (1)

The conversation about fullback starts and ends with Reggie Gilliam. Though he’s an immensely valuable special teams player, Gilliam’s role on offense is perhaps overlooked.

Wide Receiver (8)

Shakir is Josh Allen’s guy and here to stay. Coleman will look to rebound from a disappointing finish to his rookie season with a strong 2025. Josh Palmer is the new face in the room. Samuel returns looking to build off of last season’s strong playoff finish.

Tight End (3)

The team wants Kincaid to get bigger and stronger to hold up better to the rigors of NFL play. Knox is on the last year of his current contract — he’s an important player on offense who’s built solid chemistry with Allen. Will Zach Davidson be given more of an opportunity to show what he can do in 2025 — and perhaps beyond, given Knox’s contract?

Offensive Line (13)

  • Starters: Dion Dawkins (LT), Spencer Brown (RT), Connor McGovern (C), O’Cyrus Torrence (RG), David Edwards (LG), Alec Anderson (swing/sixth lineman) (signed 1-year contract)
  • Backups: Tylan Grable, Ryan Van Demark (signed 1-year contract), Sedrick Van Pran-Granger, Richard Gouriage, Mike Edwards, Kendrick Green, Travis Clayton (NFL International Player Pathway)

Though the Bills have zero need at the moment to search out new starters (and perhaps even reserves), teams always need to be on the lookout for premium O-line talent. Don’t be surprised if Beane adds a rookie or two to this mix via the draft or through UDFA.

Defensive End / Edge Rusher (5)

Rousseau is the future here as a still-ascending talent. Von Miller is gone, in comes Joey Bosa carrying a noticeable recent injury history. Joining him is Michael Hoecht who the team wanted to sign a year ago — but who will now begin his career sitting the first six games due to a PED suspension.

Epenesa’s penchant for knocking down passes and causing turnovers speaks to a unique skill set that needs to be further utilized. Javon Solomon showed flashes late as a rookie, but he remains largely a mystery within the defense.

Defensive Tackle (5)

When he’s on, Oliver is nearly unstoppable. Jones is a grizzled vet who in previous seasons paired well with Oliver. Has time caught up with Jones at this point? Carter enters year two, having shown strong flashes before falling off the radar at season’s end. Ogunjobi will also miss the team’s first six games, for his own PED suspension. Logue is the only other true 1-tech, and a natural backup to Jones.

Linebacker (6)

Zero surprises here. One might also pencil in Williams with the starters, depending on scheme.

The Bills boast a terrific, if underrated, linebacker core. The main issue has been availability, with both Bernard and Milano missing time in recent seasons. Milano played like his former self during the team’s playoff run, but the team restructured his contract, effectively making him a free agent in 2026. If they remain healthy, this duo should make plenty of noise in 2025.

Milano’s extended absence carried a positive effect in that Dorian Williams gained valuable starting reps earlier than perhaps expected, and could find his way to a starter’s role depending on scheme. While Buffalo’s nickel defense fields only two true linebackers at the same time, they did show more 3LB sets in 2024.

Rounding out the group is the gritty Andreessen, Ulofoshio, and Spector. Whether this group is set remains to be seen — especially when considering how oft-injured Spector has proven in previous seasons. Andreessen has shown that ability lives separate of university, while Ulofoshio should at least continue finding work on special teams.

Nickel Cornerback (1)

  • Taron Johnson

Johnson is as good as nickel corners get, yet he’s perhaps still underrated by his peers.

Outside/Boundary Cornerback (7)

Benford is a stud, and here to stay with the Bills for the foreseeable future. Tre’ White is back for 2025, and it’s anyone’s guess if he will be the starting CB2 or provide valuable depth. Behind him is an also-returning Jackson, Ingram, Hardy (who excelled in a collegiate nickel role and as a returner), Couch, and Codrington (who is the team’s featured return specialist). Kaiir Elam is gone, having been traded to the Dallas Cowboys.

Safety (5)

I see this room as stronger than given credit for, and I have Rapp and Hamlin as the starters until we see otherwise. Maybe Bishop makes huge strides in year two and claims the job over Hamlin. Forrest could also jump his competition for a starting nod; Lewis provides valuable depth as a player who understands the system.

Kicker (1)

  • Tyler Bass

Bass is back with swagger in 2025, fresh off a confidence-building season. Interestingly, his numbers in 2024 were very similar to his stats in 2023 — further proof that understanding kickers’ value is more nuanced than other positions.

Punter (2)

After letting Sam Martin go this offseason, Camarda and Robbins will battle for the rights to punt on occasion.

Long Snapper (1)

A popular player with Bills Mafia, Ferguson is a guy most don’t consider on game days, thanks to his high level of play that affords him invisibility.

Returners (2)

  • Brandon Codrington (punt returner)
  • Laviska Shenault (kick returner)

The question here is if one guy will handle two main roles, or if Codrington’s role is safe, while Shenault is here to upset the kick return apple cart. That’s how I see it, even if that means using two roster spots for return specialists. Shenault could also push to climb a bit up the WR depth chart.

What’s you take on the Buffalo Bills’ roster just hours before the 2025 NFL Draft kicks off? You can check out all the odds on what position the Bills may draft at FanDuel!

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