Bills veteran Dawson Knox appreciates newcomer’s offseason impact

The new additions to the Buffalo Bills roster began the acclimation process during the recently concluded organized team activities, and one veteran receiver, in particular, made his presence felt during that time.

“There were some great new guys that came in, took on the challenge,” tight end Dawson Knox said after minicamp practice.

Perhaps the most notable of the group is 30-year-old Mack Hollins, who signed as a free agent in March.

“Mack Hollins has been working his butt off. I think he’s No. 1 in the Iron Bills Games rankings right now,” Knox said. “Mack has been amazing, he works so hard.”

Hollins has started games for four different NFL teams since the Philadelphia Eagles drafted the North Carolina product in 2017. The 6-foot-4, 220-pounder makes a big target in the passing game and is a known special teams warrior.

Quickly attracting the attention of starting quarterback Josh Allen, Hollins has been a vocal veteran during practices.

“I appreciate the guys for their hard work and the type of presence that is there, especially Mack Hollins,” Allen said at the start of Phase 3 OTAs. “Again, the guy who’s pushing guys right now. He’s He’s a good talker. He’s a bad talker too. He’s very realistic. I appreciate the edge he brings to this room right now and how much point he pushed these guys and how these other guys reacted.

Hollins will almost certainly have the opportunity to play a significant role on offense. Buffalo’s roster features just one receiver — Khalil Shakir — who has ever caught a pass from Allen in an NFL game.