Defensive tackle (4)
Vernon Butler, Quinton Jefferson, Harrison Phillips, Ed Oliver
Cuts: Tanzel Smart, Vincent Taylor, Justin Zimmer
Tanzel Smart did get a few rumblings out of the scrimmage the Bills held during camp, but we haven’t really seen much movement in this group and for good reason. However, some of these cut guys 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.
In regard to guys actually on the roster, even without Star Lotulelei thanks to his opt out, this group is still solid. 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.
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