Nothing says football season like the non-binding depth charts teams are required to release when preseason games approach. Up first in six days against the Giants for the Hall of Fame game, the Bills have issued the first depth chart of 2014.
To no surprise whatsoever, receiver Sammy Watkins is listed as a starter, across from Robert Woods. Mike Williams, who reportedly struggled in the offseason, appears as the understudy to Woods. Watkins also shows up as the No. 3 kickoff returner, behind Marquise Goodwin and T.J. Graham.
With left tackle Cordy Glenn still unavailable due to a still-undisclosed illness, rookie Seantrel Henderson is the de facto starter at the fairly important position. Henderson, who fell to round seven due in part to off-field issues, could end up being a steal, if he can stay on the right path.
In a bit of a surprise, newcomer Bryce Brown appears as the fourth-string tailback, behind C.J. Spiller, Fred Jackson, and Anthony Dixon.
On defense, Nigel Bradham appears as the starter in Kiko Alonso’s spot at weakside linebacker. Alonso will miss the entire season with a torn ACL suffered during offseason workouts.
With five preseason games, the depth chart could change a lot before Week One. But it’s the only tangible hierarchy of any NFL team at this point of the season.