It looks like a two-horse race for the starting right tackle spot with an incumbent and upstart rookie set to battle it out in training camp.
By Canio Marasco / Contributing Correspondent
BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Bills boasted one of the best rushing attacks in the NFL last season. This wasn’t due exclusively to the talent of LeSean McCoy. The Bills also had one of the better offensive lines in the league. Despite this fact, the play at right tackle was criticized at various points last season. With an incumbent starter and talented rookie, the battle at right tackle will be one of the highlights of training camp. Here are the two players who will be battling for the starting spot.
DION DAWKINS
The Bills traded-up to draft Dion Dawkinsin the second round of the 2017 draft. Dawkins played four years at Temple, where he showed his talent almost immediately. He was able to start two games as a true freshman before a foot injury ended his season. Dawkins started in 11 games his sophomore year, as he built on his early collegiate success.
Dawkins became a mainstay in the Owl’s offensive line during his junior and senior years. His solid play was awarded with a second team all-AAC honor his junior year, and first team all-AAC his senior year. Although Dawkins started almost exclusively at left tackle while at Temple, he will find his opportunity to start in the NFL at right tackle.
Dawkins stated that he doesn’t care where he plays, he just wants a chance to compete.
“I just know that nothing is given to anybody and I have to come and compete for everything that I’m doing,” said Dawkins, “I’m fighting and fighting every day in whatever spot needs to be taken or be filled. I’m just going to keep working and see what happens.”
Dawkins has experience in a zone blocking scheme, which is what the Bills will be deploying under offensive coordinator Rick Dennison. The rookie has noted upper-body strength, which makes him a very effective blocker in the run game. He also has a rather fluid kick-step, which gives him good balance in pass protection.
Although Dawkins has natural talent, there is still going to be a learning curve for the rookie.
“I’m just taking it day by day and just learning from all of the guys around because it is a totally new world,” said Dawkins. “I can’t just rush in and do things differently. I’m just taking it slow and learning from the vets.”
JORDAN MILLS
Jordan Mills, a five-year veteran, has had an up and down career in the NFL. Mills was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fifth round of the 2013 draft. He started in 16 games his rookie season, and appeared to have a bright future in the NFL. However, in the final game of his rookie season, Mills hurt his foot and never seemed to recover fully. He only played in 13 games the following year and seemed to be struggling with his confidence on the field.
The Bears waived Mills after his second season with the team. He was claimed, and later waived, by the Dallas Cowboys. The Bills claimed Mills during the 2015 season, and he started five games at right tackle. He entered the 2016 season as the starting right tackle, but building consistency in his game throughout the season seemed to prove elusive.
He enters training camp as the starter and to his credit, his play in the spring sessions was highly praised.
“Right now, Jordan is competing with Dion at the right tackle spot,” said offensive line coach Juan Castillo. “Jordan has had a great OTA practice period. I kept both of them afterwards the other day and told them they’re going to compete and split time with the first group in training camp. It’s been a battle. Jordan has made it a battle. He’s really playing very well right now.”
This sentiment was echoed by coach Sean McDermott.
“I’m confident honestly in the talent we have at that position [right tackle], the competition we have at that position and the options we have at that position,” said McDermott. “Jordan Mills has had one heck of an offseason.”
The drafting of Dawkins seemed to signify to many that the Bills were looking to replace Mills at right tackle. However, the veteran has put in the effort, and shown that Dawkins will have to take the starting spot from him in training camp.