Buffalo Bills: A post-minicamp look at the battles along the offensive line
By Daniel Hahn
Projected starter – John Miller
John Miller is entering the last year of his contract, and was a former starter under Rex Ryan. In his first year with Sean McDermott, Miller lost his starting right guard spot to Vlad Ducasse.
However, thus far this offseason, Miller has re-energized himself and made fitness during the offseason a focus. Working out in Miami with other NFL offensive linemen, Miller has cut down his weight, and improved his technique.
Miller didn’t lose the right guard spot by much, and with a new offense focused on the power run more than a zone-blocking scheme, Miller has a chance to regain a starting position with the power techniques he excels with.
Again, the offensive line is just as much about mix of players as it is finding the best. Miller has experience in the NFL, and with LeSean McCoy. Taking the teachings he learned from former LG Richie Incognito and his newfound approach to his offseason could prove to be the difference in getting his career back on track.
Names to watch – Marshall Newhouse, Wyatt Teller, and Ryan Groy
Free agent addition Marshall Newhouse is expected to provide depth to the offensive line. Yet with all the surprise exits, he may get a chance to start if he proves to be the best option. Right tackle or left guard to me would be the bet for Newhouse.
However, there is a reason Newhouse is a journeyman and the Bills did draft Wyatt Teller in the sixth round for a reason. Teller had a phenomenal career at Virginia Tech, with the exception of his senior year that saw him drop off.
Often there is a reason for that aberration, and if the Bills can get him right he is a talent that could have been in the second or third round of the draft. That type of talent typically starts right away.