4 key training camp battles on offense for the Buffalo Bills
By Brandon Ray
3.) Offensive guard - Ryan Bates, David Edwards, O’Cyrus Torrence
The Bills offensive line group will have most of its starters from last season, but new guys will be coming into training camp for competition to earn a starting role.
Going from the left side to the right, Dion Dawkins will be the left tackle, Connor McGovern should take the left guard position after signing with the Bills this offseason to a three-year deal, Mitch Morse is back at center, and Spencer Brown is heading into a critical year of his contract with the team. The one spot on the offensive line that is up for grabs is the right guard position.
Last season, the Bills rotated at times but Ryan Bates was the main guy. Now, Bates may not be the starter heading into Week 1.
The Bills brought in David Edwards from the Los Angeles Rams on a one-year deal, and O’Cyrus Torrence was drafted by the Bills in the second round of the draft this year out of Florida. Part of Josh Allen’s story is his ability to win with his arm and his legs.
The only thing about using his legs is that sometimes he has no time to throw the ball and faces unnecessary pressure, which causes him to run off script. In order to avoid interior pressure, the Bills will have to evaluate each of these three players to see who can protect the franchise the best. Bates knows the system well, Edwards is great depth to have, and Torrence should be able to solidify himself as a starter sooner rather than later. The battle to help protect Allen starts at training camp.