5 Dark Horse Candidates to Make Buffalo Bills' 53-Man Roster

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5 Dark Horse Candidates to Make Buffalo Bills' 53-Man Roster

Greg Roman Buffalo Bills Offensive Coordinator
Kevin Hoffman – USA TODAY Sports

Every year, NFL players emerge seemingly out of the blue during the offseason and end up making rosters for various teams. Often, these are younger players that have either been overlooked, undrafted or have never fit in on their previous teams. The Buffalo Bills have some intriguing young players on their roster that are dark horses to make the final roster.

5. FB Marqueis Gray

MarQueis Gray Buffalo Bills
Kirby Lee – USA TODAY Sports

5. FB MarQueis Gray

MarQueis Gray Buffalo Bills
Kirby Lee – USA TODAY Sports

Though MarQueis Gray is behind both Jerome Felton and John Conner on the depth chart, he still may be able to make the team’s final roster. Gray is a fullback who can serve as an H-back, and this versatility and his ability to catch balls out of the backfield will likely allow him to secure a spot on the team’s final roster.

4. A.J. Tarpley

AJ Tarpley Buffalo Bills
Getty Images

4. A.J. Tarpley

AJ Tarpley Buffalo Bills
Getty Images

The Bills really need some linebacker depth, and Tarpley had a solid career at Stanford. While Tarpley did struggle in pass coverage, he was still a stout two-down run defender. Given the fact that the Bills only have two real starters at linebacker, Tarpley may be able to impress and become a run-stopping starter like Brandon Spikes was for the team last season.

3. TE Clay Burton

Clay Burton Buffalo Bills
Timothy T. Ludwig – USA TODAY Sports

3. TE Clay Burton

Clay Burton Buffalo Bills 2
Timothy T. Ludwig – USA TODAY Sports

Clay Burton was a solid tight end for the Florida Gators during his college career, but he went undrafted in the 2015 NFL Draft. Burton is a tight end with athletic upside, but teams didn’t think that he would be a special player. He has reportedly looked really good during offseason workouts and OTAs, and may challenge to make the team’s roster as a third tight end.

2. OT Tyson Chandler

Tyson Chandler Buffalo Bills
Timothy T. Ludwig – USA TODAY Sports

2. OT Tyson Chandler

Tyson Chandler Buffalo Bills
Timothy T. Ludwig – USA TODAY Sports

The weakest part of the Bills’ offense is their offensive line and the lack of depth at the tackle position. Tyson Chandler has reportedly looked like a solid backup during OTAs. If Chandler can hold off competition from Wayne Hunter and Seantrel Henderson, then he should make the team’s roster and be their backup swing tackle.

1. DE Michael Buchanan

Michael Buchanan Buffalo Bills
Winslow Townson – USA TODAY Sports

1. DE Michael Buchanan

Michael Buchanan Buffalo Bills
Winslow Townson – USA TODAY Sports

The former New England Patriots player never played much in his two seasons with the team, but he looked decent when he was on the field. Buchanan had two sacks in limited playing time as a rookie and he would have gotten more time this season if he hadn’t gotten hurt. Buchanan should make the team as a rotational guy, and he will be a solid pickup for the team.

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