Buffalo Bills: What should we expect from the offensive line?

One of the standout points from the first week of OTAs was the state of the Buffalo Bills’ offensive line, as they revolve players in an attempt to find their best unit.

Rex Ryan made a lot of mistakes during his tenure in Western New York. However, one thing he did get right, was utilizing the available talent to help the Buffalo Bills lead the league in rushing during his two seasons as head coach.

A major part of the reason for this success, was down to the offensive line. With players such as Eric Wood, Cordy Glenn and Richie Incognito, it was certainly an impressive unit.

However, as is often the case in professional sports, nothing lasts forever. Wood was forced to retire during the offseason, Glenn was traded away and Incognito, well, he’s got something else going on altogether.

The result is a lot of uncertainty on the offensive line, as the countdown to September continues. As such, this unit was one of the positions getting the most attention during the Bills’ first week of OTAs.

Really, the only position which seems solidified is at left tackle, which will be manned by Dion Dawkins. As much as it was a gamble trading Glenn, Dawkins made this decision that much easier after his impressive displays during his rookie season.

After this, it’s anyone’s guess who will start at the other four positions. But it won’t stop the media and fans alike trying to do just that.

Thursday was the only practice session open to the media, and there was understandably some intrigue as to which offensive linemen played with the first team. Of particular note, Vlad Ducasse played at left guard, Russell Bodine was at center and John Miller lined up at right guard.

Admittedly, not exactly a list of names to excite Bills fans. However, that doesn’t mean they’re without ability.

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Ducasse signed a three-year deal with the Bills before last season, making them his fifth team in five years. However, he then went on to start the final 12 games of the 2017 campaign, at right guard.

Meanwhile, Bodine has the dubious distinction of attempting to replace Wood, who was one of the most popular and consistent players in Buffalo. In fairness though, he started every game during his four seasons in Cincinnati, helping the Bengals to two playoff appearances.

Miller will be the most familiar name to Bills fans. He looked promising enough during his first two seasons in Western New York, as he started 28 games.

However, it all went downhill for the 24-year-old last year. After starting the first four games, he was replaced by Ducasse in the lineup and didn’t play again in 2017.

Spurred on by this adversity, Miller is determined to reclaim his spot in the starting unit. As reported by Bills Insider Chris Brown, he said:

"“This year I’m starting over, we’re starting fresh. I’m taking it as a new opportunity. An opportunity to grow and an opportunity to get better every day, every time I step out there for practice. Show the coaches and the GM and my teammates that I want to be here and that I belong and just go out every Sunday and compete at a high level.”"

Of surprise to some, was the absence of Ryan Groy from the first unit on Thursday. He instead worked with the second team, but has been predicted to challenge for a starting spot.

However, Groy saw action as the first team center the previous day. And really, this alludes to the uncertainty with the offensive line.

It also points to what we can expect in the coming weeks and months. McDermott is a big proponent of competition, and the o-line will provide him with the perfect opportunity to embrace this.

For example, Groy is a candidate to start at either guard position or center. This means he will be battling against the likes of Ducasse, Bodine and Miller.

The 27-year-old is embracing the competition, as he looks for any opportunity to play. (He has just 11 starts in four seasons in the NFL.) As per Buffalobills.com, he said:

"“It’s been smooth really. It’s just part of being in the NFL. Guys leave. Guys come in. This is my fifth year in the NFL. You’re kind of used to transition.”"

So how will it all play out? We predict the Buffalo Bills will line up along the front five as follows: Dawkins (LT) – Ducasse (LG) – Bodine (C) – Miller (RG) – Jordan Mills (RT)

However, we appreciate the arguments which will be made, for example, for Groy to start at left guard, which could then shift Ducasse over to right guard or out of the lineup altogether. Let battle commence…

Next: Assessing the QB battle after first week of OTAs

How do you see the offensive line shaping up for the 2018 season? Will they help the Buffalo Bills once again be an effective running team, or have they lost too much talent? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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Buffalo Bills: What now for the offensive line?

By Paul Taylor | May 26, 2018

One of the standout points from the first week of OTAs was the state of the Buffalo Bills’ offensive line, as they revolve players in an attempt to find their best unit.