The Buffalo Bills may feature an entirely new offensive line in 2019. Here is an early prediction of how the competitions will go.
After a drastic change in the offseason with bringing in new faces, the Buffalo Bills will look to transform their offensive line from one of the weakest in 2018 to a more steady and hopeful solidified unit for Josh Allen.
Even though Allen was able to make plays with his legs, that was because most of the time he was running for his life due to enormous pressure allowed through the line. It was clear that one main focus for Brandon Beane was obtaining the protection for his second-year quarterback.
Yes, it’s May. Yes, we still have yet for training camp. Also, I understand that anything can happen in position battles. With that being said, if the season were to begin in the next couple of days, these would be my projected starters in the trenches to keep Allen upward:
LT: Dion Dawkins
A clear-cut obvious. Dawkins has slowly secured his spot as the team’s potential next franchise blind-side protector. Dawkins is an excellent run blocker who opens holes for playmakers. While his pass protection is still unsteady, there is no denying that he will head into his third season protecting Allen’s back once again.
LG: Spencer Long
One of the earliest free agent signings for the Bills, Long comes from the division rival New York Jets. Injuries have held him out of action but if he can stay healthy, Long can provide more consistent protection for Allen.
With second-year player Wyatt Teller not being able to secure the left guard spot at the end of last season, the guard position is one to keep an eye on heading into the summer.
C: Mitch Morse
This prediction is probably more guaranteed than Dawkins at left tackle. After the sudden retirement by Eric Wood in 2018, the Bills struggled heavily up the middle and had to rotate both Russell Bodine and Ryan Groy last season at center.
Morse was brought in to lead the offensive line after a dominant season he had protecting Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes was not pressured as often as Allen was and that was due to productivity from Morse. Allen now has a veteran center who has experience in the cold weather and can keep the line together.
RG: Quinton Spain
Spain was an underrated signing for the Bills. After spending the past few seasons along with Taylor Lewan and the Tennessee Titans, Spain is a mauler who can open up a hole to the next level.
He was a part of one of the best offensive lines in past years (2016 specifically) on the Titans that allowed DeMarco Murray to run for over 1,200 yards. Spain would be an immediate upgrade over Vladimir Ducasse.
RT: Cody Ford
The mean, run-mauling Oklahoma Sooner will make an immediate impact for the Bills. How did he fall out of the first round in the draft? He was considered to be a first-round prospect but fell down to 38th and the Bills traded up two spots to grab him.
Ford is physical, has excellent footwork and loves to hit until the whistle blows. He will have a chip on his shoulder heading into camp and what makes him special is his versatility.