Unsigned free agent from the Bills projected to secure a spot on the 2025 team roster
The Buffalo Bills are shuffling up their roster, bringing in some fresh faces, particularly in the wide receiver position. But there's a different vibe brewing at another spot, and an unexpected player might just snag a spot on the 2025 roster.
Jacob Bayer, a hulking 6-foot-3, 315-pound behemoth from Arkansas State, could be that player. Sporting a rating of 5.82, according to nfl.com, he projects as an average backup or special-teams player, but seizing a roster spot is half the battle.
Lance Zierlein of nfl.com opined that Bayer is a "center-only prospect and four-year starter whose technique and toughness make up for a lack of ideal mass and length." So, even though he might not be an All-Star, Bayer brings a fighting spirit and solid skills to the table.
With Brandon Beane at the helm, the Bills have scooped up 11 new players to bolster their roster, including three wide receivers, a tight end, three offensive linemen, two defensive backs, and a linebacker. But the draft strategy has been under criticism, with Beane defending the team's choices.
"It sounds like 2018 all over again with you guys," Beane told WGR 550’s The Jeremy and Joe Show, defending the team's decisions. "We just scored 30 points in a row for eight straight games. A year ago, I get you guys asking why we didn't have receivers. But I don't understand it now."
Beane argues that the offense has been performing admirably, and they're already leading the league in points. "Where do we need to improve?" he questioned. "Defense. We addressed that."
Offensive line protection is crucial for quarterback Josh Allen, and that's where Bayer could come in handy. "We've got Josh Allen," Beane said. "First thing you've got to do is protect him."
Bayer excels at getting into opponents' chests with efficient hand placement and block centering. Despite his limitations in generating pop-and-push, he can anchor himself against opponents, as shown in his performance against Michigan's pass rush early in the 2024 season[2][3].
Although Bayer is listed as a center-only prospect, he may receive some guard reps during training camp to increase his versatility for a backup role[2]. Given the established starting interior linemen, Bayer will have to prove himself to snag a spot on the roster.
Despite being a developmental player, Bayer's potential to solidify the Bills’ interior line depth has been recognized by analysts[1][2][4]. With his polished technique, durability, and impressive physical prowess, it seems that Bayer could stand a shot at making the 2025 roster.
Sources:[1] https://www.nfl.com/draft/tracker/profiles/jacob-bayer-40546711[2] https://www.drafttek.com/analysis/olfOV5IVgL.htm[3] https://www.si.com/nfl/2024/01/20/senior-bowl-takeaways-teams-position-groups[4] https://www.sbnation.com/2025/2/13/23152285/buffalo-bills-draft-analysis-josh-allen-buffalo-bills-roster-outlook-2025
- Jacob Bayer, the 6-foot-3, 315-pound center from Arkansas State, might be an undrafted player who could secure a spot on the Buffalo Bills' 2025 roster, despite his rating as an average backup or special-teams player.
- Although listed as a center-only prospect, Bayer could potentially practice as a guard during training camp to increase his versatility for a backup role.
- The Buffalo Bills have recently acquired 11 new players, but the draft strategy has received criticism, with General Manager Brandon Beane defending the team's choices.
- With Josh Allen's protection being crucial for the offense, Bayer's efficient hand placement and block centering could prove beneficial in securing a position on the team for the 2024 sports season, particularly in football positions like the offensive line.
