Tackle at #9, Dawkins to LG

[LSHMEAB]

41 minutes ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

 

I can't recall the specific game but it was early in 2017 in place of Incognito.   And he was killing it.    

Could be wrong but I believe it was TB week 7. 

[aristocrat]

1 hour ago, Dopey said:

And Milano is coming off of a late season injury. It's not a given he'll be 100% at the start of the season.

 

we can grab a lb in the third that can start with these guys or get a guy cut in camp to come in and play. 

[GreggTX]

I don't like any of this year's OT's at 9. Maybe if we trade back into the back half of the 1st round we could get good value for one. Just take BPA. I hope it's Ed Oliver. Then maybe we get a good value at OT in round 2. There are a lot of good OT's in this draft, but no great ones. I'd like Lindstrom too -- great technique and no real weaknesses in his game.

[chris heff]

3 hours ago, Kmart128 said:

So Felciano would be a backup?

Of course he’s a back up Feliciano is 73 and blind for God sake!

[yungmack]

4 hours ago, mjt328 said:

The more I examine the roster and our recent additions, I agree that we still need to draft another O-Lineman high.

 

We are set at center with Mitch Morse, and we need to have confidence that Dion Dawkins returns to form after a sophomore slump.  I think that Ty Nsekhe will be a significant upgrade over Jordan Mills, but he's already 34 and can't be counted on as a long-term answer.  We added some nice competition at the guard position, but neither Spencer Long or Jon Feliciano are guaranteed upgrades.  And we have no idea whether Wyatt Teller will develop.

 

I'm comfortable enough in our additions at Wide Receiver to let things play out, and we don't need to draft anyone else high.

 

Our biggest remaining needs (in order):

1. Tight End

2.  Offensive Line

3.  Defensive Tackle/3-Tech

4.  Defensive End

 

LB could use some help.

[Alphadawg7]

4 hours ago, Logic said:

The #2 ranked defense featured a Pro Bowl level 3T. Without a quality player at that critical position, there is no guarantee that the defense will remain #2 overall or close.

Maintaining an elite defense helps a young QB, as well. 

 

I get what you are saying...BUT...

 

The defense was #2 in the NFL despite playing a third of the season with a putrid offense and losing Milano.  Helping the offense and getting Milano back will also take pressure off the defense.  Plus, Oliver and Wilkins are getting a bit over hyped as if they have no risk.  They are not the same prospect as Quennin Williams.  I do agree we will absolutely add a DT or 2 between now and OTA's...but I just dont think it will be with the 9th pick.  

 

They drafted Harrison to specifically replace Kyle and he has yet to get the opportunity.  Plus they resigned Jordan.  I really don't think Beane is as concerned about the DT as many believe he is.  And Kyle was in the last year of his career, he wasn't the "Pro Bowl" version of Kyle last year.  Thats one thing people keep forgetting.  

 

Irony is I see people talking about how bad our DT's were last year, then also ironically talk about how hard it will be to replace Kyle.  Biggest loss with Kyle is his leadership.  He was solid, not great when he retired in terms of a DT.  Both Jordan and Harrison have the potential to replace the level of play we got out of Kyle last year.  

 

Honestly, if we make zero additions to the Defense right now, it will most likely still be better than last year.  Milano is back, Edmunds has a season under his belt, and the secondary has the depth back.  I really don't see anything about our D that is in crisis mode.  

 

For me...Oliver and Wilkins will be on the board at 9...neither will be picked by the Bills.  We will either trade down if we can...or we will take an EDGE, DK, TJ or OL.  And I suspect as we get closer to the draft this will start to narrow down more.  

[chris heff]

The road to anything goes through New England. You beat Brady with a four and five man rush with pressure up the middle. If there is a guy available at 9 that excels at that, take him.

[26TrapDraw]

4 hours ago, Formerly Allan in MD said:

Yes, it's clearly de ja vu all over again, and again, and again.....

I feel like I've heard this before...

[GunnerBill]

1 hour ago, LSHMEAB said:

Could be wrong but I believe it was TB week 7. 

 

I was about to say it was either Tampa or Oakland. There were a handful of snaps in another game again when Richie was dinged as well. But the drive where he came in and killed it was in that spell where we beat Oakland and Tampa. We couldn't run the ball at all early, Richie went down on the 1st or 2nd play of a drive... Dawkins came in at LG for the drive and we ran it down their throats went 60+ yards and scored. 

35 minutes ago, Alphadawg7 said:

 

I get what you are saying...BUT...

 

The defense was #2 in the NFL despite playing a third of the season with a putrid offense and losing Milano.  Helping the offense and getting Milano back will also take pressure off the defense.  Plus, Oliver and Wilkins are getting a bit over hyped as if they have no risk.  They are not the same prospect as Quennin Williams.  I do agree we will absolutely add a DT or 2 between now and OTA's...but I just dont think it will be with the 9th pick.  

 

They drafted Harrison to specifically replace Kyle and he has yet to get the opportunity.  Plus they resigned Jordan.  I really don't think Beane is as concerned about the DT as many believe he is.  And Kyle was in the last year of his career, he wasn't the "Pro Bowl" version of Kyle last year.  Thats one thing people keep forgetting.  

 

Irony is I see people talking about how bad our DT's were last year, then also ironically talk about how hard it will be to replace Kyle.  Biggest loss with Kyle is his leadership.  He was solid, not great when he retired in terms of a DT.  Both Jordan and Harrison have the potential to replace the level of play we got out of Kyle last year.  

 

Honestly, if we make zero additions to the Defense right now, it will most likely still be better than last year.  Milano is back, Edmunds has a season under his belt, and the secondary has the depth back.  I really don't see anything about our D that is in crisis mode.  

 

For me...Oliver and Wilkins will be on the board at 9...neither will be picked by the Bills.  We will either trade down if we can...or we will take an EDGE, DK, TJ or OL.  And I suspect as we get closer to the draft this will start to narrow down more.  

 

If we pass on Ed Oliver I think that is a mistake. He is one of the elite players in this draft. Wilkins I am high on but yea I can see the reasons for going elsewhere. If we pass on Ed Oliver we will regret it. 

[The Now Moment]

4 hours ago, mjt328 said:

The more I examine the roster and our recent additions, I agree that we still need to draft another O-Lineman high.

 

We are set at center with Mitch Morse, and we need to have confidence that Dion Dawkins returns to form after a sophomore slump.  I think that Ty Nsekhe will be a significant upgrade over Jordan Mills, but he's already 34 and can't be counted on as a long-term answer.  We added some nice competition at the guard position, but neither Spencer Long or Jon Feliciano are guaranteed upgrades.  And we have no idea whether Wyatt Teller will develop.

 

I'm comfortable enough in our additions at Wide Receiver to let things play out, and we don't need to draft anyone else high.

 

Our biggest remaining needs (in order):

1. Tight End

2.  Offensive Line

3.  Defensive Tackle/3-Tech

4.  Defensive End

 

So what if Nsekhe is 34, can't he start one year and we find a new starter next year?  The guy doesn't have a lot of wear and tear on his body, he is a monstrously sized tackle that can hold it down for this year.  We have other needs too, no need to reach.  Who is playing the 3 tech on the line? That's a big question mark.  We need a more dominant pass rushing presence and Oliver could be that option.  Devin White would be hard to pass up pairing with Milano and Edmunds.  Just take the best player.

[LSHMEAB]

21 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

 

I was about to say it was either Tampa or Oakland. There were a handful of snaps in another game again when Richie was dinged as well. But the drive where he came in and killed it was in that spell where we beat Oakland and Tampa. We couldn't run the ball at all early, Richie went down on the 1st or 2nd play of a drive... Dawkins came in at LG for the drive and we ran it down their throats went 60+ yards and scored. 

 

The more I think about it, Oakland makes more sense. I was at that game and after a slow start, we started GASHING them running left. I distinctly remember him dominating at LG even if I can't recall the specific drive/game. He LOOKS like an LG. I think he's serviceable at LT, which is a premium position, but could be dominant at LG. If the opportunity presents itself to acquire a top tier LT, I would love to see that tackle paired up with Dawkins at LG.

[Pete]

I'm sick of seeing the Bills not being able to stop the run!  BPA at 9 will almost certainly be defensive line.  Bosa-Williams-Oliver-Wilkins-Gary I would like with our first pick.  If not those 5-Jawaan Taylor-Hotchinson-White-DK.  There- that is 9 players that would start, and certainly 1-3 QB's will be drafted pre pick 9, so we will have choices.  I prefer depth of OL vs DT.  Chris Lindstrom with our second pick(hopefully after a trade back) I would dig.    Then we can trade up from 3rd round 9 slot and secure our TE-  Alize Mack, Josh Oliver, Jace Sternberger we might have a shot at.

So 3 picks, we have starters at 3 tech, G, and TE- and we have 7 selections were we can look for depth at LB, RB, WR, CB, S, T and special teams.  These picks if done right, stack the roster 1-53 

[LSHMEAB]

The only guy that seems to represent value is Taylor and I have some reservations about his ability to play LT in the NFL. It's also probably more likely than not that he'll be gone at 9.

 

That's the conundrum. If Little or someone else were slightly better prospects, it would be a no brainer.

Edited March 21, 2019 by LSHMEAB

[Alphadawg7]

2 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

If we pass on Ed Oliver I think that is a mistake. He is one of the elite players in this draft. Wilkins I am high on but yea I can see the reasons for going elsewhere. If we pass on Ed Oliver we will regret it. 

 

We would only regret if if the player we took didnt pan out and Oliver did.  If we pass on Oliver and take a guy that goes on to be a good or better player, no one will care we passed on Oliver even if Oliver becomes a good player.

 

Also, DT is getting over valued for some reason.  Rams defense sucked the entire season and they have the best DT the NFL has seen in a decade on it.  They also had a pretty good DT next to him too in Suh.  Rams defense was total garbage.  Bills on the other hand had a struggling offense that put pressure on the D yet still fielded the #2 ranked defense with average DT's.  

 

To be clear, I am totally fine taking Oliver at 9, nothing against him.  But the DT need is getting a bit over hyped and I also think people are once again failing to look at and understand Beane.  We already drafted the heir apparent to Kyle last year who Beane and McD both really like.  Plus they like Jordan a lot too who can rotate in.  

 

IMO, both Oliver and Wilkins will be on the board at 9 and we will not see them in a Bills uniform next year.  EDGE rusher is a much bigger need and so is getting Josh a high level weapon or stud anchor on the line.  We signed several solid offensive additions, love all the signings...but we didn't really add that individual difference maker to the offense.  

Edited March 21, 2019 by Alphadawg7

[hjnick]

9 hours ago, Estelle Getty said:

Nsekhe, Dawkins, Morse, Long, #9 draft pick.  That is the best way we could turn our biggest weakness from last year into a strength.  I get we could use help on the Dline.  What needs more overall help our offense with a second year QB or a #2 ranked defense?

 

Then I would like to see DE in the second and TE in the 3rd.  I don’t see much of a need ar WR after the contracts we just gave out. 

 

Trade back w/ Wash to 14 (get 2nd round pick as compensation), take Hockenson. (Best TE that blocks and catches well)

Take Risner and best WR / DT in 2nd

Take 'other' WR/DT in 3rd

.

.

.

.

Way later in draft take Alex Barnes RB. (Kids a stud).

[PIZ]

Why not a top DT ((Oliver) at 9 and then an OL like Rizner in the second?

 

 

[Brianmoorman4jesus]

If you take a tackle at 9, why wouldn’t you move Dawkins to RT? Then piece together the guards with the C and both T set for a while?

[Seoulful Soul]

When someone says draft a Tackle, all I can think of is Mike Williams.  Still gunshy OBD won't screw it up again.

[JerseyBills]

Very good chance we'll have the chance to choose the #1 OL on their board. If they are very high on a specific player , then pull the trigger. Set up a potentially elite OL.

Just get the best 5 out there, Jawann Taylor - Dawkins - Morse - Long/Teller - Ty 

You also have excellent depth and versatility . Ty, Dawkins, Long can each play multiple positions. 

 

At the same time , I want BPA if they are significantly higher on their board

[Thurman#1]

11 hours ago, Just Joshin' said:

It seems like folks always want to move the LT to G in Buffalo.  If a LT is BPA at 9, then fine.  It will most likely not be.  Let's Also not take a college LT who is projected to G at 9.

 

 

Yes, it's been so, now, basically since Peters left.

 

Seems to be a weird kink in Bills fans DNA.

[Thurman#1]

45 minutes ago, JerseyBills said:

Very good chance we'll have the chance to choose the #1 OL on their board. If they are very high on a specific player , then pull the trigger. Set up a potentially elite OL.

Just get the best 5 out there, Jawann Taylor - Dawkins - Morse - Long/Teller - Ty 

You also have excellent depth and versatility . Ty, Dawkins, Long can each play multiple positions. 

 

At the same time , I want BPA if they are significantly higher on their board

 

 

 

If we drafted Jawaan Taylor, the best five would likely be Dawkins - Long - Morse - Ty/Feliciano - Taylor, IMO.

[Thurman#1]

3 hours ago, Alphadawg7 said:

 

We would only regret if if the player we took didnt pan out and Oliver did.  If we pass on Oliver and take a guy that goes on to be a good or better player, no one will care we passed on Oliver even if Oliver becomes a good player.

 

Also, DT is getting over valued for some reason.  Rams defense sucked the entire season and they have the best DT the NFL has seen in a decade on it.  They also had a pretty good DT next to him too in Suh.  Rams defense was total garbage.  Bills on the other hand had a struggling offense that put pressure on the D yet still fielded the #2 ranked defense with average DT's.  

 

To be clear, I am totally fine taking Oliver at 9, nothing against him.  But the DT need is getting a bit over hyped and I also think people are once again failing to look at and understand Beane.  We already drafted the heir apparent to Kyle last year who Beane and McD both really like.  Plus they like Jordan a lot too who can rotate in.  

 

IMO, both Oliver and Wilkins will be on the board at 9 and we will not see them in a Bills uniform next year.  EDGE rusher is a much bigger need and so is getting Josh a high level weapon or stud anchor on the line.  We signed several solid offensive additions, love all the signings...but we didn't really add that individual difference maker to the offense.  

 

 

I don't think so many people are saying that DT is a need. More that DT is the strength of this draft near the top, and thus that if we stay at #9, the BPA is likely to be a DT, and that while DT isn't a hole, it's definitely an area where if we draft one at #9 we would be strengthening the team.

 

I hear you when you say you are fine with Oliver. I just think if he's still there the chances are pretty decent he would be BPA, though I agree with you that edge rusher is a bigger need.

[JerseyBills]

14 minutes ago, Thurman#1 said:

 

 

 

If we drafted Jawaan Taylor, the best five would likely be Dawkins - Long - Morse - Ty/Feliciano - Taylor, IMO.

I agree . Except I'd have Ty at LT and Dawkins at LG if Taylor is at RT. Ty is much better than Feliciano and graded out very well at LT.

Rookie/Ty-Dawkins-Morse-Long-Rookie/Ty is a very very strong 5 with serious potential. Massive upgrade from 2018

[Haplo848]

Drafting for a certain position instead of BPA is inane.  That's what got us in the position we're in in the first place.  There's not really any Olinemen in this draft worth better than 9 other players.  If you draft for need, you end with decent players that are not resigned after their contract is up, instead of star players with the organization for a decade plus.  Draft your star players as they come to you instead of reaching, and use FA and later draft picks to fill in around them.  You draft for need, you end up still needing to fill that position the next year and the year after, and the year after, and the player is gone the year after that.  It's what got us C.J. Spiller instead of Earl Thomas, Marcell Dareus instead of A.J. Green, Julio Jones, or Patrick Peterson, Sammy Watkins instead of Khalil Mack, Aaron Maybin instead of Clay Mathews, etc.  The draft isn't where you fill needs.  It's where you get and develop stars.  There are better players at 9 than O-linemen.  And just because those better players aren't at a position of need THIS YEAR, doesn't mean they won't be at one NEXT YEAR.  Load up on the best players you can, get as many blue chip players as you can, things will fall into place.

[GunnerBill]

5 hours ago, Alphadawg7 said:

 

We would only regret if if the player we took didnt pan out and Oliver did.  If we pass on Oliver and take a guy that goes on to be a good or better player, no one will care we passed on Oliver even if Oliver becomes a good player.

 

Also, DT is getting over valued for some reason.  Rams defense sucked the entire season and they have the best DT the NFL has seen in a decade on it.  They also had a pretty good DT next to him too in Suh.  Rams defense was total garbage.  Bills on the other hand had a struggling offense that put pressure on the D yet still fielded the #2 ranked defense with average DT's.  

 

To be clear, I am totally fine taking Oliver at 9, nothing against him.  But the DT need is getting a bit over hyped and I also think people are once again failing to look at and understand Beane.  We already drafted the heir apparent to Kyle last year who Beane and McD both really like.  Plus they like Jordan a lot too who can rotate in.  

 

IMO, both Oliver and Wilkins will be on the board at 9 and we will not see them in a Bills uniform next year.  EDGE rusher is a much bigger need and so is getting Josh a high level weapon or stud anchor on the line.  We signed several solid offensive additions, love all the signings...but we didn't really add that individual difference maker to the offense.  

 

I don't think Beane will care what the need is. I think he will draft the best player. He has done his need filling in FA. 

[MAJBobby]

14 hours ago, Estelle Getty said:

Nsekhe, Dawkins, Morse, Long, #9 draft pick.  That is the best way we could turn our biggest weakness from last year into a strength.  I get we could use help on the Dline.  What needs more overall help our offense with a second year QB or a #2 ranked defense?

 

Then I would like to see DE in the second and TE in the 3rd.  I don’t see much of a need ar WR after the contracts we just gave out. 

 

Leave Dawkins alone. And put a real LG next to him. 

[vincec]

15 hours ago, Estelle Getty said:

Nsekhe, Dawkins, Morse, Long, #9 draft pick.  That is the best way we could turn our biggest weakness from last year into a strength.  I get we could use help on the Dline.  What needs more overall help our offense with a second year QB or a #2 ranked defense?

 

Then I would like to see DE in the second and TE in the 3rd.  I don’t see much of a need ar WR after the contracts we just gave out. 

I think penciling in Nsekhe, a career backup, as a playoff caliber LT is too optimistic. I would be happy if he can just be a moderate improvement at RT, which isn't guaranteed IMO. Not to mention that Dawkins will bolt the minute his contract is up if he is asked to switch to guard.

[Chandler#81]

Where U @, OP?

 

Closing in 3..

[bigK14094]

17 hours ago, NewEraBills said:

 

And even then it had difficulty stopping the run in several games.

The rookie mlb we had is not a run plugger in a classic sense.  That is a big part of the problem stopping the run, and why I think TE may end up on the outside.  He doesn't like to stick his head in there......

[Chandler#81]

2..

[Dr. Who]

12 hours ago, LSHMEAB said:

The more I think about it, Oakland makes more sense. I was at that game and after a slow start, we started GASHING them running left. I distinctly remember him dominating at LG even if I can't recall the specific drive/game. He LOOKS like an LG. I think he's serviceable at LT, which is a premium position, but could be dominant at LG. If the opportunity presents itself to acquire a top tier LT, I would love to see that tackle paired up with Dawkins at LG.

Dillard is probably the best potential LT. I still take Oliver at #9, but I do think Dawkins can be a great LG.

[Ethan in Cleveland]

15 hours ago, TigerJ said:

I think that for a GM to decide a month ahead of time what positions he is going to address in each of the top three rounds si one of the quickest ways he can find himself out of a job.  If doing so is evidence of a GMs stupidity (and I absolutely believe it is), then for me to try and do the same as a fan would make me look pretty dumb.  Hence, I don't bother to try.  Left tackle at #9 is a possibility.  The obvious choice for that IMO is Andre Dawkins, who is a quintessential left tackle.  Jawaan Taylor is primarily a right tackle.  I like him, but if I'm targeting a left tackle (which I'm not) Dillard is my guy.   There is some depth at both defensive end and tight end.  I do think the Bills will want to address defensive tackle and linebacker depth before they get too deep into the draft. There's not a lot of depth at those spots.

Lol....trade away TT and not bring Preston Brown back nor sign a MLB in free agency. Pretty sure Beane decided months before last years draft what positions he was drafting. 

And Im fairly certain he has decided that of these four positions TE, edge, OT, DT, three will be drafted in top three rounds if not all four with a trade down.

[Dr. Who]

1 minute ago, Ethan in Portland said:

Lol....trade away TT and not bring Preston Brown back nor sign a MLB in free agency. Pretty sure Beane decided months before last years draft what positions he was drafting. 

And Im fairly certain he has decided that of these four positions TE, edge, OT, DT, three will be drafted in top three rounds if not all four with a trade down.

I can actually see Beane taking Oliver at #9, trading up from #40 into the end of round one if Dillard is available. 

[Ethan in Cleveland]

18 hours ago, mjt328 said:

The more I examine the roster and our recent additions, I agree that we still need to draft another O-Lineman high.

 

We are set at center with Mitch Morse, and we need to have confidence that Dion Dawkins returns to form after a sophomore slump.  I think that Ty Nsekhe will be a significant upgrade over Jordan Mills, but he's already 34 and can't be counted on as a long-term answer.  We added some nice competition at the guard position, but neither Spencer Long or Jon Feliciano are guaranteed upgrades.  And we have no idea whether Wyatt Teller will develop.

 

I'm comfortable enough in our additions at Wide Receiver to let things play out, and we don't need to draft anyone else high.

 

Our biggest remaining needs (in order):

1. Tight End

2.  Offensive Line

3.  Defensive Tackle/3-Tech

4.  Defensive End

 

Why do you think Nsekhe will be significantly better than Millstone? He is 5 years older and mostly been journeyman back up his career.  I am not even convinced he is as good as Mills.

[Hapless Bills Fan]

18 hours ago, Estelle Getty said:

Nsekhe, Dawkins, Morse, Long, #9 draft pick.  That is the best way we could turn our biggest weakness from last year into a strength.  I get we could use help on the Dline.  What needs more overall help our offense with a second year QB or a #2 ranked defense?

 

Then I would like to see DE in the second and TE in the 3rd.  I don’t see much of a need ar WR after the contracts we just gave out. 

 

17 hours ago, Doc Brown said:

I've always thought Dawkins could develop into one of the top guards in the game if given the chance.  I'd love to be able to move him over there if we have two capable tackles.

 

Could you guys please explain what it is about Dawkins and his play through college that leads you to believe he could become an effective pulling guard in the NFL?

I do know that he played guard in the Senior Bowl and was evaluated as both a guard and a tackle by pre draft pundits.

 

Thanks. 

 

[BuffAlone]

1 minute ago, Ethan in Portland said:

Why do you think Nsekhe will be significantly better than Millstone? He is 5 years older and mostly been journeyman back up his career.  I am not even convinced he is as good as Mills.

I'll say this...yes he's older. No, he hasn't been a full time starter. Idk how their grades compare. But watching his tape, he does more than Mills ever could...and aggressively. I'd say its an upgrade,and a stopgap. Ideally, he'll be our swing tackle. If not, he can start and still be an upgrade

[Chandler#81]

1...

Folks, we have posting guidelines for the OP to stay with threads they start. Doing so precludes Fly By Turd Dropping threads. There’s great discussion going on in this thread of how we should address the Draft. I hate to kill it, but not doing so encourages our not so bright FBTD crowd. 

 

For this thread specifically, I’ll let y’all decide.

[Dat]

30 minutes ago, Chandler#81 said:

2..

 

Your penchant to close posts that have traction and everyone is playing nice, especially during a slow period is disturbing. 4 pages of good discussion, and the OP may be at work, but enough others have argued both sides including the OP’s IMO. Shhh relax.

 

On topic I am in the BPA corner.

 

The whole line will play better with Morse. In the videos Ty looks to handle slower bull rush players better than speed. Handled Clowney well, the few snaps against players with speed and moves less so, that would translate to RT better. Hoping new coach can elevate all.

[Tatonka68]

19 hours ago, Estelle Getty said:

Nsekhe, Dawkins, Morse, Long, #9 draft pick.  That is the best way we could turn our biggest weakness from last year into a strength.  I get we could use help on the Dline.  What needs more overall help our offense with a second year QB or a #2 ranked defense?

 

Then I would like to see DE in the second and TE in the 3rd.  I don’t see much of a need ar WR after the contracts we just gave out. 

Nsekhe and Long plated together in Washington so they should be on the same side. 

[blacklabel]

There's a reason they've signed so many OL this off-season. They want guys with experience because almost all of the college OL players coming out have little to no experience in putting their hand in the dirt. Beane talked about that last year during a pre-season game, how it's taking a lot longer to coach these guys up once they enter the league. I'm not saying that  this would deter them from ever drafting OL in the first few rounds (they already have with Dawkins) but I think for this season they're going to roll with more experienced players. And that's good for Allen, hopefully they can settle their starting five early in camp and let them come together and take care of things up front and hopefully give Allen a little less to worry about.

 

And on Dawkins... I'll say what I said about Edmunds when people keep thinking he should move outside. They haven't spent two seasons coaching Dawkins up to be their LT just to move him inside. Why would they replace him with an inexperienced rookie when they've already got two full seasons of working with Dawkins? Unless the OL prospect is some kind of generational/can't miss kind of talent, they're leaving Dawkins where he's at.