Buffalo Bills: Early look at key position battles during 2023 offseason

While there is still a number of months before the start of the 2023 season, and plenty can change between now and then, there are a few position battles that are already taking shape for the Buffalo Bills.

During offseason workouts, training camp, and then preseason games these are five positions that fans should pay extra attention to as the starter isn’t necessarily locked in and the spot in the starting line up could be won depending on who steps up during this period.

Early look at 5 key position battles for the Buffalo Bills during the 2023 offseason

Right Guard

Ryan Bates vs. Ike Boettger vs. David Edwards

The assumption here is that Connor McGovern will be the starting left guard for the Buffalo Bills, which opens the door to a potential competition at the other starting guard position. The Bills do have Ryan Bates returning, who started 15 regular season games and both playoff games for Buffalo last season after the team matched a four-year offer sheet from the Chicago Bears when Bates was a restricted free agent.

While Bates did a pretty good job, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him pushed for the starting job. Ike Boettger returned on a one-year deal this offseason and could step in as the starter now that he is likely fully recovered from his Achilles injury in 2021. The Bills also added David Edwards, who started 45 games over four seasons with the Los Anges Rams, in free agency.

In addition, the interior offensive line could be a point of focus in this upcoming draft and this competition has the potential to include a rookie depending on how the NFL Draft plays out.