Since the ESPN rankings by NFL executives, coaches, and scouts started per Jeremy Fowler, the Buffalo Bills have had some sort of recognition. However, the latest interior offensive linemen rankings is the first list where not a single Bill, including center Connor McGovern is listed. If anything, McGovern was expected to be on this list considering that he was part of an offensive line that only allowed 14 sacks all last season.
For the first time in the Josh Allen-era, the Bills had a consistently healthy offensive line that had a lot of continuity and it all started with McGovern who switched from guard to center. He was the new anchor in the middle of the trenches after the Bills released Mitch Morse. Not only did the Bills do well upfront, they completely exceeded expectations.
Earlier this summer, Pro Football Focus ranked McGovern as the No. 6 center overall going into the 2025 season so you would think that McGovern would be recognized as well from NFL executives, coaches, and scouts across the league. But no, that didn’t happen per Jeremy Fowler.
Connor McGovern completely disrespected in latest ESPN rankings
Not only did McGovern get left out of the top-10, he didn’t even get recognized votes which is completely ridiculous. I mean, the fact people are completely overlooking McGovern’s move from guard to center and completely excelling in it just shows that this list is a joke. He was literally the anchor to Buffalo’s offensive line that not only kept Allen clean in the pocket, but also had one of the best rushing attacks in 2024.
McGovern is in a similar role that Dion Dawkins was in for a long time. He is more than serviceable. He’s one of the best at his position and he is reliable. It’s one thing if executives gave McGovern votes but missed out on the top-10, that’s whatever. But the fact that he wasn’t even recognized as an honorable mention or even just received some votes is flat out wrong.
The good news for McGovern is that he is entering a contract year in 2025 (and even though he rightfully deserves a contract extension), he will have an opportunity to shine to get paid again hopefully by the Bills so that the continuity stays intact in front of Josh Allen.