Unexpected group of players dubbed Bills’ ‘biggest need’ heading into training camp

While the Buffalo Bills roster saw significant turnover during the 2024 NFL offseason, the team’s offensive line remained largely unchanged. The Bills will return four of five starters, with Mitch Morse, who had ably anchored the middle of the team’s offensive line since the 2019 campaign, leaving Western New York this spring as a salary cap casualty. Buffalo plans to fill the void by moving Connor McGovern, who started 17 games for the team at left guard last season, to center, with David Edwards filling McGovern’s vacancy at guard. Dion Dawkins, O’Cyrus Torrence and Spencer Brown will continue to start at their respective positions.

Given the continuity of the staff and the continued presence of highly regarded offensive line coach Aaron Kromer, it’s reasonable to expect the Bills’ offensive line to perform at a high level again this upcoming season. CBS Sports reporter Josh Edwards disagrees with that sentiment, recently identifying Buffalo’s interior as its “biggest need” heading into the 2024 campaign.

“Receivers, defensive tackles, safeties and linebackers are some of the positions that may already have answers on the roster, though the group as a whole still has more to prove,” Edwards wrote. “The choice was either cornerback or interior offensive line. Rasul Douglas played very well after arriving from Green Bay in a trade. Christian Benford and Kaiir Elam are once again being asked to lock down the other side now that Tre’Davious White is off to Los Angeles.

“Connor McGovern went from offensive guard to center this offseason, and then the team signed David Edwards in free agency. That could work out, but there’s a lot of movement from last season.”

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Edwards’ analysis seems a bit off, as there aren’t really many “moving parts” compared to last season. McGovern, yes, is sliding to center, but it’s a position he has both college and professional experience at. He recently told the Buffalo press corps that center is his “natural position,” and he spent the offseason perfecting his swap with quarterback Josh Allen. It’s a change, sure, but it doesn’t seem like it’s going to slow down the line.

David Edwards, who made concerning– Signed with the Bills in the offseason but initially joined the team as a free agent in 2023 – Has started 45 games in his professional career and appears more than capable of stepping into a starting role in Buffalo. He’s clearly earned the trust of Kromer, who was on the Los Angeles Rams’ coaching staff for two of the guard’s seasons in Southern California.

Torrence played every single offensive snap for the Bills as a rookie and performed admirably — there’s really no reason to worry about that. The team also signed La’el Collins — who has experience starting at both guard and tackle — as depth in free agency before selecting Georgia center Sedrick Van Pran-Granger in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, meaning Buffalo has options if Plan A doesn’t pan out.

The interior of the line is being reworked, but the group isn’t necessarily weak or in need of more additions. Cornerback is probably the most needed for the team, as its primary depth option is Kaiir Elam, a former first-round pick who has been underwhelming throughout his pro career. The team could make some depth moves at guard or center before camp, but don’t expect any significant changes, as the unit generally looks solid.

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