ESPN just unveiled its NFL All-Backup Team selections, and two Buffalo Bills players are right there on the list: center Lloyd Cushenberry III and tight end Jackson Hawes. This isn’t just some random shout-out; it’s a deep dive into the kind of hidden strength that truly separates the contenders from everyone else when a 17-game season grinds on. Bill Barnwell, the mastermind behind this 53-man roster of reserves, made it clear: championship teams don’t just lean on their superstars, they’re built on the back of incredible depth because injuries are a brutal, inevitable part of the game.
The Center Stage for a Comeback Story
Let’s talk about Lloyd Cushenberry III first, because his story is straight-up wild. He’s new to Buffalo this offseason, and get this: he’s coming off a torn Achilles that tragically cut his 2025 season short in Tennessee and ultimately led to his release. But Barnwell isn’t just throwing darts here. He actually believes Cushenberry, who signed a massive four-year, $50 million free agent deal with the Titans back in 2024, still has that starting-caliber ability. Barnwell wasn’t shy about calling center one of the thinnest positions in the entire NFL, and he’s even giving Cushenberry a “shot as our starting pivot in 2026” on his hypothetical roster. That’s a huge vote of confidence for a guy working his way back, and if he can even get close to that old form, the Bills just snagged a steal.
Hawes: The Blocking Beast Who Can Catch Too
Then you’ve got Jackson Hawes, a guy who screams “unsung hero.” The Bills snagged him in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, and he wasted no time making his presence felt. In college, he was known as one of the best blocking tight ends out there, and he immediately carved out a crucial role in Buffalo’s offense. Barnwell even highlighted how Hawes’s blocking prowess let the Bills ditch those heavy six-offensive-lineman packages they often ran with Alec Anderson in 2024. Instead, they could lean on more traditional two- and three-tight end formations in 2025, opening up their playbook. And get this, it’s not just about the blocking grunt work. Hawes was also named to NFL.com’s optimal 53-man roster, which used the 2026 salary cap to build the best possible team. Oh, and as a rookie, he hauled in 84% of the passes thrown his way, racking up 16 receptions for 187 receiving yards and three touchdowns. That’s a reliable target when you need one!
So, what does this all mean as the regular season gets going? It’s simple: Buffalo is showing off the kind of roster construction that pays off huge over a brutal NFL schedule. Having guys like Cushenberry and Hawes, who can step up and deliver when called upon, is the difference between a good team and a great one. Keep an eye on these two, because their impact goes way beyond the headline stats.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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