5 Underrated Bills Who Could Make the Roster:
-WR Tyrell Shavers
-OT Tylan Grable
-WR K.J. Hamler
-DT Eli Ankou
-CB Keni-H Lovely
The Buffalo Bills revamped their roster during the 2024 NFL offseason, letting go of several veteran starters to bring in younger talent. This has left the team with a solid but incomplete lineup, opening up numerous spots and roles for grabs, especially at the bottom of the roster.
Players who are currently seen as long shots have the chance to earn a spot on the active roster through strong performances in spring and summer workouts. Here are five under-the-radar candidates who have the best chances to make Buffalo’s 53-man roster:
WR Tyrell Shavers
Tyrell Shavers had a winding journey to One Bills Drive. A former promising four-star recruit from Lewisville High School in Texas, Shavers went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft after underwhelming stints at Alabama, Mississippi State, and San Diego State. He signed with the Bills as an undrafted free agent and showed promise in the 2023 preseason, catching three passes for 45 yards and one touchdown over three games. Though a long shot for the active roster, Shavers’ skill set could be valuable for the team on game days.
I’ll be blunt, Tyrell Shavers is an elite special teams player and was the best gunner I watched all of last year, and it wasn’t close…at all…great add as a UDFA
#BillsMafia https://t.co/OCFabU4XrG pic.twitter.com/RoTSAgUsVd
— MeRk (@Merk256) April 29, 2023
Shavers could provide boundary depth for Buffalo’s receiving corps. Standing at 6-foot-4, he played almost exclusively out wide in college. While it’s unlikely he will surpass Keon Coleman, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, or Mack Hollins on the depth chart, he could serve as an insurance policy in case of injuries and be a useful red-zone target. His special teams ability also makes him a strong candidate for the active roster, as he was a standout special teams player in college. With the gunner role open after the offseason release of Siran Neal, Shavers could fill this gap and earn a roster spot.
OT Tylan Grable
Tylan Grable, a sixth-round draft pick, is another player who could make Buffalo’s 53-man roster. The UCF tackle was drafted as a developmental player, boasting a relative athletic score of 9.85 out of 10, ranking him as one of the most athletic tackle prospects in recent decades. His athleticism, combined with his improving play strength (he allowed just 10 quarterback pressures and zero sacks at UCF last year), makes him a valuable prospect.
Grable may not see the field much in his rookie season, but his potential is hard to overlook. Given his athleticism, Buffalo may not want to risk losing him to another team. This possibility could secure Grable a spot on the 53-man roster, even if he doesn’t play much initially.
Tylan Grable was drafted in round 6 pick 204 in the 2024 draft class. He scored a 9.85 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 21 out of 1377 OT from 1987 to 2024. https://t.co/YadDqepOFa pic.twitter.com/1GRrmXxfOu
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 27, 2024
WR K.J. Hamler
K.J. Hamler, a former second-round pick by the Denver Broncos, joins the Bills as a reclamation project. After being released by Denver following an underwhelming three-year stint, the 24-year-old is looking to revive his career with Josh Allen and the Bills. Hamler’s argument for a roster spot is his versatility and speed. He could serve as slot/boundary depth behind Khalil Shakir and Curtis Samuel and contribute on special teams as a returner. Hamler’s unique skill set gives him a clear path to the roster.
KJ Hamler may be a secret deep weapon for the Bills. I look forward to seeing the Brady utilizes him in the offense!🍿 Don't sleep on him. He's fast #BillsMafia #Nfldraft pic.twitter.com/YSU6fCetF9
— Mas (@masonbiznes) April 27, 2024
DT Eli Ankou
Eli Ankou’s spot on the roster depends on how many defensive linemen Buffalo decides to keep. With eight roster locks on the defensive line, Ankou is the likely choice if the Bills opt to keep a fifth defensive tackle. Ankou, who has had three stints with the Bills over the past three seasons, is well-regarded by the team. His familiarity with the team and his performance could earn him a spot on the roster.
Ankou keeping Spector clean….Eli had a hell of a game. pic.twitter.com/nP9Xfv3cmt
— Erik Turner Cover 1 (@ErikJTurner) August 16, 2023
CB Keni-H Lovely
Western Michigan cornerback Keni-H Lovely stands out among Buffalo’s undrafted free agents due to the team’s lack of depth at boundary corner. Lovely, who has already moved up to the fifth cornerback on the depth chart, has a unique skill set. He was a ballhawk in college with 10 pass deflections and six interceptions, and he has impressive speed with a 4.35 40-yard dash time. Lovely’s potential makes him a strong candidate to earn a spot on Buffalo’s competitive roster.
NFL DRAFT GEM OF THE DAY: Western Michigan CB Keni-H Lovely
• 5’10, 182lbs
• 4.37 40, 39” vertical
• ball skills
• closing speed
• knack for forcing fumbles
• short area quickness
• high effort player
• solid tackler pic.twitter.com/n8K0aIHg3L— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) April 16, 2024
Honorable Mention: P Jack Browning
Jack Browning, a punter from San Diego State, is on a cost-effective three-year undrafted free agent contract. While he faces tough competition from Sam Martin and Matt Haack, his college productivity and ability to kick field goals give him an outside chance to make the roster.
