Buffalo Bills: Breaking down the most vital position battles
By Ryan Brennan
Besides depth positions, the only battle on the offensive line will be at right tackle for the Buffalo Bills.
If it weren’t for the struggles at right tackle last season — and a couple injuries — the Buffalo Bills would’ve had one of the top offensive lines in the league. I would still put them top ten, but they could’ve been top five with better pass protection.
A lot of that lack of pass protection came from the right tackle, more specifically Jordan Mills. Although the team re-signed him, I don’t think it will be for a starting spot. At best, I would put Mills as the backup tackle, but not as a starter.
Currently, Dion Dawkins, Cameron Jefferson, Michael Ola and Mills are all battling for the starting right tackle position. Dawkins is expected to handle those duties if he shows he’s ready by Week 1. If not, the team will likely look at Mills to get one last look at whether he can improve or not.
Jefferson enters his third season, but hasn’t made a roster yet and Ola is a long-time veteran that has seen his fair share of teams.
Prediction at tackle: Dion Dawkins and Cordy Glenn start, Michael Ola and Jordan Mills back them up.
At guard, we know the starters will be John Miller and Richie Incognito and center will be Eric Wood. However, the depth behind those three is a battle.
Currently, Zach Voytek, Greg Pyke, Ryan Groy and Vladimir Ducasse are battling for the backup roles. If they keep three, Ryan Groy will no doubt stay as he re-signed with the team and filled in at center perfectly last season. Vladimir Ducasse is a veteran that would be nice to have around. He can fill in when asked to.
That third person will be the real battle, if they take a third. With Groy’s versatility, they could save a roster spot. Between Voytek and Pyke, they are both undrafted free agents this season.
Voytek is 6-foot-5 and 305 pounds and was a decorated lineman at New Haven. His offensive line only allowed 10 sacks all last season. Pyke is a 6-foot-6, 325 pound lineman and is known as a hard worker. I think he will win the coaches over in training camp.