Buffalo Bills 2023 NFL Draft: Prospects and games to watch in Week 12
Player #2: Jaelyn Duncan, OT Maryland
#2 Ohio State @ Maryland, 3:30 PM
The Buffalo Bills have used three draft picks on offensive tackles over the past two drafts in order to find a long-term partner for left tackle Dion Dawkins. Luke Tenuta was unable to make the roster, Tommy Doyle has never been in serious consideration to start, and Spencer Brown has failed to meet expectations through his first two seasons and has looked as if he has not taken a step forward in his second year.
The Bills should not stop trying to protect Josh Allen and while there are major concerns with the interior of the offensive line, the Buffalo Bills could still try and shore up that tackle position.
Jaelyn Duncan fits the size profile that Brandon Beane has shown to like with tackles of tall and lean. Duncan is 6-6, 315lbs, and moves really well as an athlete. With long arms, Duncan does a good job of using his length to keep edge rushers from being able to fully engage with him at the point of attack.
The Bills will like Duncan as he is a really solid run blocker who loves to finish blocks and will get to the second level quickly. Duncan also has the ability to pull often and block in space. His athleticism helps him move down the field and he is a really good finisher in space not often letting smaller backers and defensive backs get around him.
Where Duncan can improve is essentially in the technique department. Duncan uses his size and strength to win him a lot of battles in college and that is something that may not translate well to the NFL. He needs a strong initial punch, better lateral footwork, and stronger awareness in pass protection in order to fulfill the potential we see on tape. Some may say it is a little bit of a project at tackle but Duncan is unique because he comes with all the traits that are difficult to teach and what he lacks are the skills that are extremely coachable.
With Spencer Brown struggling again this season the Bills could try and attempt to shore up the right tackle position. Additionally, you never know what the Bills may try and do on the offensive line when it comes to positioning. A short experiment with Bobby Hart at guard seemed to help him make the roster this season maybe the Bills are just looking to add talent and figure it out later.