Defensive tackle (4)
Vernon Butler, Quinton Jefferson, Harrison Phillips, Ed Oliver
Cuts: Tanzel Smart, Vincent Taylor, Justin Zimmer
Without Star Lotulelei thanks to his opt out, this group got a whole lot more interesting. But having said that, it’s a deep group, so while Lotulelei not playing stings, it doesn’t hurt. The two guys who have a great look at replacing him are Vernon Butler and Harrison Phillips. As a former first-round pick of the Panthers, Butler finally looked solid last season, but the Bills still swiped him via free agency. Phillips also had a solid first two games of 2019 before a knee injury sidelined him. So far in camp, Phillips hasn’t had any bumps in the road in regard to returning.
At the other tackle spot, Ed Oliver is the clear-cut No. 1 following Jordan Phillips’ departure in free agency. But Quinton Jefferson is capable as a No. 2 and can play all over the defensive line, so he’ll see the field a nice amount as well. Surprisingly, the Bills even mentioned Jefferson as helping fill-in for Lotulelei’s spot, too. That could be a committee approach by the Bills.
The final three names could jockey for expanded practice squad roles. Up to six players on the practice squad can have an unlimited number of accrued seasons. This means that six spots on the practice squad can really be an extension of the 53-man roster. Guys like Smart could qualify for that, or even an offensive lineman like Boehm.
Quinton Jefferson looked pretty nice last night. If he can turn it on this season and the rookies are as ahead of schedule as they looked last night… 👀 pic.twitter.com/O3LezZjOhw
— velvet mikeman (@michaelbjargon) August 10, 2018