Tommy Doyle working inside at guard during Buffalo Bills’ OTA

Tommy Doyle showing his versatility during the Buffalo Bills OTAs by moving inside to guard

If there is a weakness on the offensive line entering this season it is on the interior, particularly at guard. This was an issue for most of last season before Ryan Bates stepped into the starting lineup late in the season.

The Bills were able to bring back Bates, after matching the Chicago Bears contract offer, and also did sign free agent Rodger Saffold. These two are expected to be the starters but the depth chart behind them is a work in progress.

The team did sign David Quessenberry who could step in if needed and the Bills still have Cody Ford, however, he has struggled when given the chance to start.

Could Tommy Doyle be the answer to solidify the depth at offensive guard for the Buffalo Bills?

One player who looks to be getting an early look at the position is Tommy Doyle, who was blocking for Josh Allen during Tuesday’s OTAs. He was likely playing left guard due to Rodger Saffold being absent on Tuesday, according to The Athletic’s Joe Buscaglia.

The Buffalo Bills quarterback was asked after practice what it was like trying to throw over someone like Doyle, who stands 6’8″: “Yeah, it’s weird to see someone that big on the inside.”

Doyle was a fifth round draft pick by the Buffalo Bills last year and as the season went along he started to see more playing time as an extra offensive lineman lined up on the end of the line. He would play 20% or more of the offensive snaps in three of the final four games and even caught a touchdown pass against the New England Patriots in the Wild Card Round.

While Doyle is unlikely to win a starting job, he certainly is setting himself to be very valuable to this offense this coming season. He should continue to be that extra blocker on running plays but also potentially as the backup at guard if he is able to play well there this summer.