Buffalo Bills: Predicting the depth chart at TE entering training camp

ORCHARD PARK, NY - SEPTEMBER 13: Dawson Knox #88 of the Buffalo Bills runs the ball after a catch against the New York Jets at Bills Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Orchard Park, New York. Bills beat the Jets 27 to 17. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - SEPTEMBER 13: Dawson Knox #88 of the Buffalo Bills runs the ball after a catch against the New York Jets at Bills Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Orchard Park, New York. Bills beat the Jets 27 to 17. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /
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Buffalo Bills
Jan 24, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox (88) runs the ball as Kansas City Chiefs strong safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) defends in the AFC Championship Game at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

Buffalo Bills starting tight end: Dawson Knox

When considering the Buffalo Bills didn’t bring in a clear upgrade over Dawson Knox should speak to their confidence in the third-year tight end or the hope that he can reach his potential this season.

The Bills did use a high draft pick on Knox in 2019 when they selected him in the third round. The general thought was that Knox had all the physical tools but needed time to develop. He never really got that time and was essentially the starter as a rookie after Tyler Kroft suffered an injury during OTAs and missed the start of the year.

When looking at his first two seasons, the stats are very similar with catch rates between 54% and 56%, average yards per game around 25 and two receiving touchdowns as a rookie and three last year.

If there is one thing to point to as a positive that is the drop rate went down from 20% as a rookie to 9% last year. The tight end position is unlikely to see a high volume of targets but if Knox limits those mistakes, when considering his physical tools, he could be a valuable piece of this offense.