Dawkins makes "Honorable Mention" on ESPN top tackle list

[Stank_Nasty]

ESPN came out with another top ten list from their anonymous exec's. This time it was for Tackles(left and right combined) Dawkins came in just outside the top ten on the "Honorable Mentions". Definitely jives with most peoples convos around here about his ascension into being close to the upper tier of LT's. In fact if you factor out the RT's ahead of him, this list ranks him at 10 for LT... I was sort of surprised to see Tunsil so high. Didn't he have a massive amount of false starts on the season? And Jerry had 3 sacks in the playoff game didn't he? One wildcard game doesn't make or break a player but that ranking did surprise me. Also a TON of respect for Trent Williams having missed a year at his age. What a player.

 

I'd really like to see Beane lock Dawkins up before he makes another jump into those top ten waters.

 

https://www.espn.com/nfl/insider/story/_/id/29434261/ranking-nfl-top-10-offensive-tackles-2020-best-league-bodyguards

 

For those that cant see it heres the list.

1. Tyron Smith

2. Laremy Tunsil

3. Trent Williams

4. Ronnie Stanley

5. Terron Armstead

6. Lane Johnson

7. David Bakhtiari

8. Ryan Ramczyk

9. Trent Brown

10. Taylor Lewan

 

Honorable Mention:

La'el Collins

Duane Brown

Mitchell Schwartz

Dion Dawkins

Allejandro Villanueva

Anthony Castonzo

 

Dion Dawkins, Buffalo Bills: "He's got everything you want. He's just inconsistent. Nimble feet, anchor, punch." -- NFC exec

 

Edited July 12, 2020 by Stank_Nasty

[C.Biscuit97]

I mean he’s get paid anyways but consistency will get him really paid.  Honestly, being an OT sucks.  You shut down your guy all game, then have one slip up, guy blasts your qb , and you’re the scapegoat.  

[Mango]

I can’t wait for the guy who said that the Execs in this poll were guys like the VP of communications for Seattle and the players were the long snappers.

 

Bueller?

Bueller...

Edited July 11, 2020 by Mango

[Paup 1995MVP]

17 minutes ago, C.Biscuit97 said:

I mean he’s get paid anyways but consistency will get him really paid.  Honestly, being an OT sucks.  You shut down your guy all game, then have one slip up, guy blasts your qb , and you’re the scapegoat.  

If Dawkins has a big season, then we should pay him well.  If he has an average season, (which overall is what his play has been over the past 3 years) then let him walk and try and find someone who is better.  I hope it is the former rather then the latter.  

[Kirby Jackson]

5 minutes ago, Paup 1995MVP said:

If Dawkins has a big season, then we should pay him well.  If he has an average season, (which overall is what his play has been over the past 3 years) then let him walk and try and find someone who is better.  I hope it is the former rather then the latter.  

They’re going to pay him before the season IMO. We are looking at something like 4 years and $60M.

[Royale with Cheese]

Are we still going to see “move him to guard” comments?

[Paup 1995MVP]

4 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said:

They’re going to pay him before the season IMO. We are looking at something like 4 years and $60M.

I cringe a little with that.  But in today's NFL that really is not a massive deal.  I just hope he plays well enuf that it is money well spent.  

[C.Biscuit97]

12 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said:

They’re going to pay him before the season IMO. We are looking at something like 4 years and $60M.

Would you be happy with that contract?  I love his attitude but man, playing big dudes makes me nervous.  I also think o linemen in today’s nfl aren’t as hard to find anymore.  With all the spreads offenses, there isn’t the same level of offensive line play required.

 

im all for paying him but there are going to be some big decisions coming up with contracts.  This is really where Beane is going to have to prove himself.  They have it really easy right now. 

[H2o]

Tunsil @ #2 though? The guy is a penalty machine and gets away with a lot more than he actually gets called for. He's like the Lee Smith of OT's. 

[NewEra]

Jerry Hughes has 3 sacks against the 2nd best LT in the league in a playoff game.  Just sayin

[ROCBillsBeliever]

I feel like Tunsil gets a notoriety boost because of the whole gas mask bong / media attention surrounding that  escapade / being under drafted. If Jerry "I'm too old for the TBD pundits to approve of" Hughes put on a clinic against him in a playoff game, then one of the two following statements must be true:

 

1) Despite what the TBD haters say, Hughes DOES, in fact, have gas left in the tank.

 

2) Tunsil is over-rated.

 

I'm good with either statement. Hateraide-gulpers: just pick one, and quit harping on both.

[machine gun kelly]

43 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said:

They’re going to pay him before the season IMO. We are looking at something like 4 years and $60M.

you’re probably not far off.  Spotrac just a couple of months ago valued him at $14 mil./yr.

 

Im cool with him and Milano in the $12-15 mil./yr. each.  They are worth it and have been a steal at their initial contracts.  T. White on the other hand is easy $18 mil.  We really need all three as free agents are expensive and we send a message to their teammates sticking with Buffalo is worth it.  After this year we’re looking at playoffs 3 out of 4 years.  This year defines we are a heck of a well built team.

[MJS]

52 minutes ago, Paup 1995MVP said:

If Dawkins has a big season, then we should pay him well.  If he has an average season, (which overall is what his play has been over the past 3 years) then let him walk and try and find someone who is better.  I hope it is the former rather then the latter.  

In my opinion you don't let an olineman walk unless you already have an upgrade ready to play. Quality linemen are scarce. Don't risk letting one walk if you don't have an upgrade.

1 minute ago, machine gun kelly said:

you’re probably not far off.  Spotrac just a couple of months ago valued him at $14 mil./yr.

 

Im cool with him and Milano in the $12-15 mil./yr. each.  They are worth it and have been a steal at their initial contracts.  T. White on the other hand is easy $18 mil.  We really need all three as free agents are expensive and we send a message to their teammates sticking with Buffalo is worth it.  After this year we’re looking at playoffs 3 out of 4 years.  This year defines we are a heck of a well built team.

Agree completely. Sign all three of those guys. Get them paid. This is what you saved up your salary cap for. These are your home grown players.

[MJS]

9 minutes ago, ROCBillsBeliever said:

I feel like Tunsil gets a notoriety boost because of the whole gas mask bong / media attention surrounding that  escapade / being under drafted. If Jerry "I'm too old for the TBD pundits to approve of" Hughes put on a clinic against him in a playoff game, then one of the two following statements must be true:

 

1) Despite what the TBD haters say, Hughes DOES, in fact, have gas left in the tank.

 

2) Tunsil is over-rated.

 

I'm good with either statement. Hateraide-gulpers: just pick one, and quit harping on both.

I think most fans think Hughes is a good player. There just seems to be a contingent that think he is an excellent player or even an elite player because of "pressure" and because he gets "held on every play".

 

I think Hughes is good. He's just not elite. He is best when you have a guy like Mario Williams across from him to take a little pressure off. To me, he is replaceable. But you don't just let him walk without another player ready to step in and contribute.

[SCBills]

Really strong core on this team - Just need a true #1 EDGE to complete the building block checklist..

 

QB Allen

WR1 Diggs

LT Dawkins

CB1 White

MLB Edmunds

DE ?

 

We’re a “Cody Ford making a jump” away from having a strong line with Dawkins and Morse anchoring it. 
 

Edited July 11, 2020 by SCBills

[NoSaint]

17 minutes ago, SCBills said:

Really strong core on this team - Just need a true #1 EDGE to complete the building block checklist..

 

QB Allen

WR1 Diggs

LT Dawkins

CB1 White

MLB Edmunds

DE ?

 

We’re a “Cody Ford making a jump” away from having a strong line with Dawkins and Morse anchoring it. 
 

honestly most teams don’t have 5 solid lineman either. It’s not a bad crew 

[Buffalo716]

1 hour ago, C.Biscuit97 said:

Would you be happy with that contract?  I love his attitude but man, playing big dudes makes me nervous.  I also think o linemen in today’s nfl aren’t as hard to find anymore.  With all the spreads offenses, there isn’t the same level of offensive line play required.

 

im all for paying him but there are going to be some big decisions coming up with contracts.  This is really where Beane is going to have to prove himself.  They have it really easy right now. 

Actually offensive line is harder to play than ever before and there's totally a shortage

 

College lineman are not coming in prepared like they used to, and it's taking extra long for them to find their groove because the college spread

 

Their technical skills , communication skills and knowledge of scheme are all a lot worse than 15 years ago. 

 

The only positive of the spread on offensive lineman, is that it tires out the defense quicker and the pace is to your advantage

 

But skills-wise we are at an all-time low for offensive line play. And the NFL still does not run a majority spread offense

Edited July 11, 2020 by Buffalo716

[GunnerBill]

I think Dawkins gets his due. In the conversation is about right.

 

Anyone who has Tunsil ahead of Ronnie Stanley is.... what's the word..... errr..... wrong.  

[Kirby Jackson]

3 hours ago, Paup 1995MVP said:

I cringe a little with that.  But in today's NFL that really is not a massive deal.  I just hope he plays well enuf that it is money well spent.  

 

3 hours ago, C.Biscuit97 said:

Would you be happy with that contract?  I love his attitude but man, playing big dudes makes me nervous.  I also think o linemen in today’s nfl aren’t as hard to find anymore.  With all the spreads offenses, there isn’t the same level of offensive line play required.

 

im all for paying him but there are going to be some big decisions coming up with contracts.  This is really where Beane is going to have to prove himself.  They have it really easy right now. 

I’m fine with that deal. I think he’s a quality LT. He’s a top 10ish blind side protector. He’s going to have to stay healthy and play at the level of last year and not the year before. If he does it’s an okay deal.

[GoBills808]

5 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said:

 

I’m fine with that deal. I think he’s a quality LT. He’s a top 10ish blind side protector. He’s going to have to stay healthy and play at the level of last year and not the year before. If he does it’s an okay deal.

He's also only 26 with a good head on his shoulders, you lock him up for the rest of his career and don't look back

[Kirby Jackson]

51 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

I think Dawkins gets his due. In the conversation is about right.

 

Anyone who has Tunsil ahead of Ronnie Stanley is.... what's the word..... errr..... wrong.  

How good are ND offensive linemen?!? 

[GunnerBill]

3 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said:

How good are ND offensive linemen?!? 

 

Very. 

[Buffalo716]

1 minute ago, GunnerBill said:

 

Very. 

They are easily the best at developing talent right now

 

Because they have a very pro scheme on the offensive line, and a lot are ready day 1

[Kirby Jackson]

1 minute ago, GunnerBill said:

 

Very. 

Would you rather have an OL of only ND guys or the field? The fact that it’s even in consideration is wild. Stanley, Martin and Nelson is a strong core.

[Watkins101]

I'm surprised no one is commenting on Trent Williams at #3, despite not having played in how long?

[LittleSammy]

You lost me when I saw this was determined by ESPN.

[ROCBillsBeliever]

6 hours ago, MJS said:

I think most fans think Hughes is a good player. There just seems to be a contingent that think he is an excellent player or even an elite player because of "pressure" and because he gets "held on every play".

 

I think Hughes is good. He's just not elite. He is best when you have a guy like Mario Williams across from him to take a little pressure off. To me, he is replaceable. But you don't just let him walk without another player ready to step in and contribute.

 

I guess I just hear a lot of the, "Hughes has lost a step", over the past three years. All players do, but he is still a force. He proved it versus Tunsil. That's my point.

[NewEra]

6 hours ago, MJS said:

I think most fans think Hughes is a good player. There just seems to be a contingent that think he is an excellent player or even an elite player because of "pressure" and because he gets "held on every play".

 

I think Hughes is good. He's just not elite. He is best when you have a guy like Mario Williams across from him to take a little pressure off. To me, he is replaceable. But you don't just let him walk without another player ready to step in and contribute.

Name one player that isn’t best when he has a guy like Mario williams across from him to take a little pressure off?  
 

I don’t think he’s “good”.  I’d rate him very good.  He isn’t elite, no doubt. Stats are what sells.  He doesn’t have much in terms of stats.   He plays the run very well and has been one of the best DEs in the league at generating pressure.  He has major issues finishing sack, but QBs know he’s coming. 

[Ethan in Cleveland]

Ranked about 15th seems fair and makes sense.  If he will agree to a deal that pays him around 8-10th highest paid then the Bills should do it.  Anything higher and I would let him walk and get a comp pick in return.  He could be replaced in the first or second round next year.  Going into next year they will still need a pass rushing DE and an OLB early but another OT in the first three rounds makes sense.  I don't ever see Ford as a LT.  

[John from Riverside]

10 hours ago, Kirby Jackson said:

They’re going to pay him before the season IMO. We are looking at something like 4 years and $60M.

I would totally be fine with that

[first_and_ten]

6 hours ago, GoBills808 said:

He's also only 26 with a good head on his shoulders, you lock him up for the rest of his career and don't look back

 

Yes he does have a good head on his shoulders. I like the fact that he's tough and appears to be a great leader.

[John from Riverside]

8 hours ago, NoSaint said:

honestly most teams don’t have 5 solid lineman either. It’s not a bad crew 

This

 

The bills are in a lot better situation with their OL then ppl think

6 minutes ago, Ethan in Portland said:

Ranked about 15th seems fair and makes sense.  If he will agree to a deal that pays him around 8-10th highest paid then the Bills should do it.  Anything higher and I would let him walk and get a comp pick in return.  He could be replaced in the first or second round next year.  Going into next year they will still need a pass rushing DE and an OLB early but another OT in the first three rounds makes sense.  I don't ever see Ford as a LT.  

I think its more we would "try" to replace him in the first or second round of next year.

 

The draft is such a crap shoot......if I know a player is young and good (being average in the NFL is good) I keep him and dont create that whole on the team.....not one that potentially is about to make a super bowl push.

[GunnerBill]

5 hours ago, Ethan in Portland said:

Ranked about 15th seems fair and makes sense.  If he will agree to a deal that pays him around 8-10th highest paid then the Bills should do it.  Anything higher and I would let him walk and get a comp pick in return.  He could be replaced in the first or second round next year.  Going into next year they will still need a pass rushing DE and an OLB early but another OT in the first three rounds makes sense.  I don't ever see Ford as a LT.  

 

We have been through this though that isn't how new deals work. You overpay for 2 years then underpay for 2 years because of the way the market works. Maybe covid and a flat cap has some impact on that, I don't know, but the idea that the 10th best left tackle in the league signs a deal that pays him as such right away and for the duration won't happen while we have cap inflation. 

[Ethan in Cleveland]

2 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

 

We have been through this though that isn't how new deals work. You overpay for 2 years then underpay for 2 years because of the way the market works. Maybe covid and a flat cap has some impact on that, I don't know, but the idea that the 10th best left tackle in the league signs a deal that pays him as such right away and for the duration won't happen while we have cap inflation. 

That’s not what I posted. He’s not 10th best. He is barely above league average. You don’t overpay for league average.  He won’t sign for less than top 5 money and the Bills should not pay him top 5. Let him walk, get the comp pick, replace him in the draft, and save the money for White, Allen, Hyde, and Edmunds. I didn’t include Milano - I’d let him walk too. 

[GunnerBill]

36 minutes ago, Ethan in Portland said:

That’s not what I posted. He’s not 10th best. He is barely above league average. You don’t overpay for league average.  He won’t sign for less than top 5 money and the Bills should not pay him top 5. Let him walk, get the comp pick, replace him in the draft, and save the money for White, Allen, Hyde, and Edmunds. I didn’t include Milano - I’d let him walk too. 

 

It isn't overpaying. 

[CSBill]

18 hours ago, ROCBillsBeliever said:

I feel like Tunsil gets a notoriety boost because of the whole gas mask bong / media attention surrounding that  escapade / being under drafted. If Jerry "I'm too old for the TBD pundits to approve of" Hughes put on a clinic against him in a playoff game, then one of the two following statements must be true:

 

1) Despite what the TBD haters say, Hughes DOES, in fact, have gas left in the tank.

 

2) Tunsil is over-rated.

 

I'm good with either statement. Hateraide-gulpers: just pick one, and quit harping on both.

 

Tunsil is over-rated.

[GunnerBill]

4 minutes ago, CSBill said:

 

Tunsil is over-rated.

 

Agree. He is. He is a good left tackle. But anyone who really thinks he is elite hasn't watched enough of him. He can be dominant, but he is not consistent. 

[Thurman#1]

11 hours ago, Ethan in Portland said:

Ranked about 15th seems fair and makes sense.  If he will agree to a deal that pays him around 8-10th highest paid then the Bills should do it.  Anything higher and I would let him walk and get a comp pick in return.  He could be replaced in the first or second round next year.  Going into next year they will still need a pass rushing DE and an OLB early but another OT in the first three rounds makes sense.  I don't ever see Ford as a LT.  

 

 

That's not the way it works. If a guy is 15th best, out of 64, he's going to get paid probably somewhere in the general range of 3rd to 8th. That's the way it works with the rising cap. It might be a bit different if the cap dips due to the coronavirus. But that's what guys get when they sign a new contract, they're above a bunch of guys who are as good or better but signed a few years back. It's how it works, and Dawkins should be signed if at all possible.

 

The $15 mill or so a year someone suggested is in the right ballpark. You do NOT want to create a vacancy at LT unless forced to in some way. If Dawkins refused to sign for less than $20, then yeah, you get one somewhere else. But they're likely to find agreement in that general range suggested above, and he isn't league average, he's significantly above it. The article has him in the top 11 to 14 of all tackles, left and right, and that's also in the right ballpark though most of the guys above him on that list are LTs.

Edited July 12, 2020 by Thurman#1

[MJS]

15 hours ago, NewEra said:

Name one player that isn’t best when he has a guy like Mario williams across from him to take a little pressure off?  
 

I don’t think he’s “good”.  I’d rate him very good.  He isn’t elite, no doubt. Stats are what sells.  He doesn’t have much in terms of stats.   He plays the run very well and has been one of the best DEs in the league at generating pressure.  He has major issues finishing sack, but QBs know he’s coming. 

The elite pass rushers produce sacks and pressures even when they are double teamed all game long. They make impact plays at key moments. Guys like Aaron Donald, Mack, etc. They don't need another top edge rusher across from them to be effective. In fact, Mario Williams was like that when he chose to be (but he was lazy and took plays off).

 

Hughes isn't that kind of player. And I disagree that he is "very good". He's good. But you are entitled to your opinion. And it's ok if you disagree with me.

[Don Otreply]

23 hours ago, Mango said:

I can’t wait for the guy who said that the Execs in this poll were guys like the VP of communications for Seattle and the players were the long snappers.

 

Bueller?

Bueller...

Anyone...