Buffalo Bills: 3 position battles that could be decided against the Steelers

NFL Combine
NFL Combine / Stacy Revere/GettyImages
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next

3.) Right Guard - O’Cyrus Torrence/Ryan Bates

The offensive line for the Bills looks to be all set from left to right, with the exception of the right guard spot that is being battled out between veteran Ryan Bates and rookie O’Cyrus Torrence. Throughout training camp, the battle between Bates and Torrence was close according to offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey. It was Torrence who got the first team start on Saturday against the Colts and he was able to hold his ground which was a good start for the rookie. 

As for Bates, it was the same setup for him as well which is what makes this competition so close but there is one thing that separates Bates and Torrence throughout this competition. Torrence is a true guard who had an outstanding collegiate career with not allowing a single sack.

Bates on the other hand is a versatile offensive lineman who can play both guard and center. With Bates being able to play center if Mitch Morse goes down (in which he has had some injury concerns with concussions the last two seasons), Bates can step in and keep continuity on the offensive line. 

Depending on how Saturday plays out, this could be the final game that helps decide who will get the start at right guard for the Bills.