Roster changes

 

Key additions

WR Stefon Diggs, OT Daryl Williams, DT Vernon Butler, DE Mario Addison, DE Quinton Jefferson, LB Tyler Matakevich, LB A.J. Klein, CB Josh Norman, CB E.J. Gaines

 

Key losses

RB Frank Gore, OT LaAdrian Waddle, DT Jordan Phillips, DT Corey Liuget, DE Shaq Lawson, LB Lorenzo Alexander, CB Kevin Johnson, S Kurt Coleman

 

2020 draft class

DE A.J. Epenesa (2.54), RB Zack Moss (3.86), WR Gabriel Davis (4.128), QB Jake Fromm (5.167), K Tyler Bass (6.188), WR Isaiah Hodgins (6.207), CB Dane Jackson (7.239)

 

Projected Starters

 

Offense

QB: Josh Allen
RB: Devin Singletary
WR: Stefon Diggs
WR: John Brown
WR: Cole Beasley
TE: Dawson Knox
LT: Dion Dawkins
LG: Quinton Spain
C: Mitch Morse
RG: Jon Feliciano
RT: Cody Ford

 

Defense

DE: Jerry Hughes
DT: Ed Oliver
DT: Star Lotulelei
DE: Mario Addison
OLB: Matt Milano
MLB: Tremaine Edmunds
OLB: A.J. Klein
CB: Tre’Davious White
CB: Josh Norman
S: Micah Hyde
S: Jordan Poyer

 

Team Outlook

 

Biggest strength: Secondary

Buffalo’s calling card in recent years has been their pass coverage, and it should be as stout as ever in 2020 with Tre’Davious White—who I believe is the top corner in the league—being joined by a collection of Josh Norman, Levi Wallace, and former running mate E.J. Gaines. Plus, the veteran duo of Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer should remain extremely reliable on the backend, and the overall depth is excellent with Jaquan Johnson capable of stepping in at either safety spot.

 

Biggest weakness: Tight end

There honestly isn’t a notable hole on Buffalo’s roster, but the one that requires the biggest projection is likely tight end because Dawson Knox is still raw entering his second season. If the 23-year-old is able to become more consistent, we could really see the offense take off as opponents try to contain Stefon Diggs and John Brown on the outside with Cole Beasley working underneath—and that’s without even taking the explosive running game into consideration.

 

Position battle to watch: Right side of offensive line

Brandon Beane has done a great job building up the depth for the Bills this offseason, and the coaching staff may have a couple of difficult decisions to make on the offensive line. Perhaps the entire starting five from last season (as listed above) will remain intact, but Daryl Williams is a former All-Pro tackle, so the team has the option to kick Cody Ford inside to right guard if they feel that’s his best long-term fit. That would send Jon Feliciano to the bench despite a strong 2019 campaign as a 16-game starter on the interior.

 

One more thought

I think former Georgia quarterback Jake Fromm was the steal of the 2020 NFL Draft, and Buffalo seems to feel the same way after saying they had no plans to target a quarterback until the value was just sticking out on their board as best player available. The landing spot is less than ideal for Fromm personally, but he will be a valuable asset for Josh Allen as basically a coach in the room. Also, the exciting (but sometimes dangerous) playing style of Allen could lead to Fromm seeing the field on a team that’s ready to win now.

 

Early over/under: 9 wins (via FOX Bet)

Over. The schedule for Buffalo is much tougher this year—just look at their primetime matchups (v KC, @ SF, v PIT, @ NE)—but the roster is arguably the best in football from top to bottom, and I am confident in Josh Allen taking another step to establish himself as a possible MVP candidate.