PFF suggests Bills’ offseason includes heavy plans in the trenches
Now that season-ending press conference have concluded this week, all eyes are now on Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane. He’ll take center stage because frankly, he has some hard work ahead of him.
While the Bills (13-3) had a very successful 2020 campaign, Beane already said this week he does not plan on settling. The drive for Super Bowl LVI starts now.
In an effort to get the Bills there, Pro Football Focus provided their thoughts on what Beane could do next. The football analytics outlet recently pegged what every NFL team should focus on this upcoming season.
For the Bills, PFF had a heavy focus on their play in the trenches. While cornerback is mentioned, both offensive and defensive lines are as well.
Here’s how PFF breaks that down:
It’s difficult to find glaring needs on this roster, which is a good sign for the Bills as they look toward 2021. There are certainly areas that could be strengthened, but no one area stands out as prohibitively problematic, and there are plenty of places where they are playing with real strength.
Daryl Williams is scheduled to be a free agent, and while he played well this past season, he has a lot of questionable tape on his resume, as well. In an excellent tackle draft, Buffalo could look to upgrade and get cheaper at right tackle. Williams allowed 29 total pressures from 827 pass-blocking snaps including the playoffs and was penalized nine times. Seven of those pressures were sacks.
PFF does mention three interesting options for where the Bills need to improve this offseason. But the one the outlet elaborated on should certainly be at the top of the list.
The Bills’ offensive line is an average unit. After a couple of years of poor play from 2017 to 2018, the group improved, but the original bar was low. It’s time to raise it. Specifically, this Buffalo O-line is an underachieving run blocking unit. That played a big part in this team’s ability to be a two-dimensional offense.
It’s unlikely that both Jon Feliicano and Daryl Williams both return in 2021. Both are pending free agents. Cody Ford was injured and upon his return this offseason, he’s going to start at either guard or tackle on that side. At left guard, Ike Boettger could probably be improved upon. Truthfully, aside from Dion Dawkins at left tackle, almost every spot could use change. Due to Mitch Morse’s large contract, a change at center seems unlike, though.
Along the defensive line, Star Lotulelei will return and even at cornerback Buffalo will have EJ Gaines as well. Both of those players opted out due to COVID-19 and will be under contract with the Bills next season already. Due to current contract situations, the O-line is the most-likely spot for new faces to appear for Buffalo
