Buffalo Bills: Cody Ford should remain the starter at right tackle

Where Ford has to improve

The 2019 second-round pick was consistently beat by edge rushers using their speed off the edge to beat Ford’s main weakness.

Ford had a pretty solid game versus the Cowboys on thanksgiving but was still beat convincingly on a few occasions:

Veteran defensive end Michael Bennett takes advantage of Ford’s inexperience by faking an inside rush and blowing pass the rookie tackle in a play that ended up being a great touchdown by Josh Allen.

Ford has to be quicker getting into his pass set and far too often was beat by a speed move and just couldn’t get to his spot in time. When the young tackle can get into his set he is solid, rarely is he beat with power because of his size. Ford occasionally can get beat by quick hand swipes where an edge defender can get around him.

If the former Oklahoma Sooner can improve on his foot speed, especially in pass sets he should improve significantly, along with experience Ford shouldn’t be as easy to deceive as he was in 2019.

Outlook

I expect Ford to enter the 2020 season as the starter at the right tackle position, but nothing can be certain with Nsekhe being in the rearview mirror.

If there is any uncertainty with the second-year tackle in training camp and preseason it wouldn’t shock me to see McDermott slide in the veteran tackle Nsekhe to offer stability.

If Ford shows up to camp improved and is noticeable on the field the job should be his.