Buffalo Bills: Four bold predictions for Training Camp

ORCHARD PARK, NY - AUGUST 09: A Buffalo Bills spirit member waives a flag to celebrate a score during the first half of a preseason game against the Carolina Panthers at New Era Field on August 9, 2018 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - AUGUST 09: A Buffalo Bills spirit member waives a flag to celebrate a score during the first half of a preseason game against the Carolina Panthers at New Era Field on August 9, 2018 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 28: Offensive lineman Cody Ford of Oklahoma speaks to the media during day one of interviews at the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 28: Offensive lineman Cody Ford of Oklahoma speaks to the media during day one of interviews at the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Cody Ford will not be in starting lineup

While Ed Oliver is likely to be in the starting lineup, the team’s second round pick will have a much tougher path. There was no group that saw a complete overhaul than the offensive line with the team bringing back only one starter (left tackle Dion Dawkins).

The battle at right tackle will be one worth watching and can impact right guard. The team signed Ty Nsekhe to a substantial contract (2 years, $10 million) and one that would seem the front office views him as a starter.

However, this was before Ford fell to the Bills in the second round and certainly muddies up what the team’s plans might be.

Nsekhe, at 32 years of age, has not seen much playing time but when he did with the Washington Redskins was very good. He should be able to hold down the starting job which then impacts the right guard if the coaching staff wants to shift Ford inside.

If this happens, Ford will be competing with Spencer Long, Jon Feliciano and Wyatt Teller.  It is a tall ask for a player, especially a rookie, to shift positions and then overtake veterans who have experience there. This is why Ford will likely start the year on the bench but may see playing time as the season progresses.

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