Sometimes I enjoy reading a good Pro Football Focus article or checking out their player grades. I do find value in what they do, but sometimes I have to question their thought process. Such is the case with their recent ranking of the top 32 offensive tackles. Going back to last season, PFF ranked the Bills offensive line fifth in the league, heading into the final week of the regular season, and called Dawkins the best lineman on the team.
Now, they have Dawkins ranked as the 21st-best tackle in the league. Something doesn't add up for me. You called Dawkins the best lineman on the team, ranked the Bills line in the top five, and now suddenly Dawkins is the 21st-best tackle in the league. There are 64 starting tackles in the NFL, so this is saying that Dawkins is the top third, which doesn't sound so bad, but let's look at some of those ranked ahead of him. How about the Chargers' Rashawn Slater, who PFF graded with a 59.5 run block grade? Or how about the Panthers' Taylor Moton, who scored an overall PFF grade of 74.6, with a run block grade of 65.6? In contrast, Dawkins earned an overall of 73.7, and a better run block grade of 66.3, but Moton is ranked eight places higher.
By the way, Dawkins also allowed all of one sack last season. One area he could stand to clean up is the penalties, ranking 11th in the league with nine penalties according to PFF. It's clear to me that Dawkins continues to be one of the most underrated offensive tackles in the game today, perhaps with another stellar season like last year, he'll finally start getting more of the recognition he deserves.
2024 will be a big year for the Buffalo Bills offensive line
Buffalo's line will look slightly different in 2024, but Dawkins will continue to anchor the left tackle position and serve as the leader of the line. Mitch Morse is no longer with the team, leaving Connor McGovern to slide from his guard position to center, and reserve lineman David Edwards will be asked to step in as a starter at guard. This unit needs to play well while Josh Allen learns his new weapons and builds the timing and chemistry with his new-look receivers. If they do, I see no reason the Bills line and their offense can't be at top unit next season.