The Buffalo Bills started training camp with an offensive line combination featuring a few different surprises. When the first string rolled out, the group was, from left to right: Dion Dawkins, Quinton Spain, Mitch Morse, Jon Feliciano, and Cody Ford.
Jon Scott of Spectrum News notes Spain and Feliciano flipped a couple times and Ty Nsehke subbed in for Ford a few times.
The Bills, in the Sean McDermott regime, have placed plenty of emphasis on making rookies earn their way to a role. Examples that come to mind include Matt Milano’s path to a starting job behind veteran Ramon Humber, the team’s decision not to start Josh Allen on opening day, and McDermott’s comments that rookie first rounder Ed Oliver “has a long way to go” as he starts his career. That’s why it’s a bit of a coup that rookie offensive tackle Cody Ford began training camp as the starting right tackle.
Ford over veteran Ty Neskhe was one surprise, but the guard situations were also a bit unexpected. Spencer Long had been the starting left guard through the spring OTAs and mandatory minicamp, but he wasn’t with the first string to begin the practice. Instead, Feliciano found himself as the starting right guard with Spain at left guard. Spain had been dealing with an injury, so that could explain the shift.
The team has as many as three position battles going on this summer. The guard spots and right tackle could shuffle out any number of ways, but today we know how the battles begin.
The second-team offensive line was (from left to right) LT LaAdrian Waddle, LG Wyatt Teller, C Russell Bodine, RG Spencer Long, and RT Ty Nsekhe according to Sal Capaccio.