1. Buffalo receives this grade for its offseason moves
Bleacher Report graded every NFL team's offseason moves including free agency, trades and the NFL Draft. Ahead of the 2020 season, B/R thinks the Bills have excelled in putting themselves in a better position to win compared to the end of the 2019 season.
Free Agency/Trade: A-
2020 NFL Draft: B+
Overall: A-
Like the Baltimore Ravens, the Buffalo Bills are better now than they were during the 2019 playoffs—at least on paper.
Buffalo needed a true No. 1 receiver to pair with developing quarterback Josh Allen. It got one by trading for Minnesota Vikings wideout Stefon Diggs. The Bills needed cornerback depth behind All-Pro Tre'Davious White. They got it by adding Josh Norman and E.J. Gaines for a second stint.
B/R sees improvement on Buffalo's defensive line as well as their rushing attack thanks to draft picks.
Signing Mario Addison will help boost Buffalo's pass rush, as will adding second-round pick A.J. Epenesa. The former Iowa edge-rusher should be an early impact player and was the 23rd-ranked prospect on Miller's big board. Getting him at 54th overall was a steal.
The Bills drafted a complementary back to pair with budding star Devin Singletary by taking Utah's Zack Moss in Round 3. Taking Georgia's Jake Fromm in Round 5 won't provide immediate value, but it should give them a long-term backup quarterback.
With these offseason additions B/R thinks, like many, Buffalo looks like an AFC East favorite on paper.
2. Dawson Knox: Virtual offseason going 'better than I expected'
In an interview with NFL Network’s Mike Giardi, Bills tight end Dawson Knox shared his thoughts on the virtual offseason and excitement for what's ahead in Buffalo. Knox said he's a bit surprised with how well the virtual meetings have been going with his team given the circumstances.
"It's going better than I expected personally," Knox said. "We've started installing some new stuff. It's nice seeing everybody's face after taking three or four months off, getting to talk with some of the guys. I think it has been going well, so does Coach [McDermott]. I think everybody's going along with it pretty good so far."
Entering his second year in the NFL, Knox admitted he's thankful to not be rookie having to take on the playbook for the first time in a virtual setting. The visual, hands-on learner explained he feels like he has the tools he needs to make this offseason productive.
"I already feel comfortable with most of the playbook and Coach Daboll does a great job of keeping similar plays in," Knox said. "I feel pretty good going forward from here at least having that first year of foundation, instead of going from college to the pros which for me was a completely different experience. It was a huge jump so I'm definitely thankful to have a little foundation."
The tight end said he was able to spend some time with quarterback Josh Allen before the stay at home orders began across the country. Knox hopes to reunite with his quarterback once states begin to open. As the two prepare for their second year together, Knox is looking forward to an increased chemistry amongst the offense as well as welcoming new players who can help Allen move forward.
"I think he's shown enough already where he can compete with the best of the best," Knox explained. "I think he has shown that he is an elite talent. I think he's only going to take steps forward. I think our line is back for the most part, that's going to be great too. I think he's just going to keep progressing."
3. Dion Dawkins says consistency can take this team far
Offensive lineman Dion Dawkins joined The Jim Rome Show this week to discuss how Buffalo is taking on virtual camps. Rome asked Dion what the Bills needed in order to take the next step to success, Dion shared it's about being consistent during the offseason.
"Consistency and for everybody to trust in their self and trust in what they are supposed to be doing," Dawkins said. "All we have to do is our one eleventh the best way and the rest will fall into place because Josh Allen is our quarterback. We're going to roll with that guy and keep the army going behind Sean McDermott. We're going to keep this thing turning and attack it every day."
'Do your one eleventh' is a motto the Bills use which refers to being one of eleven players on the field, meaning be responsible for your job. This motto of accomplishing work also falls into the same category as Buffalo's new motto which head coach Sean McDermott and general manager Brandon Beane revealed is 'Find a Way.' As the team maneuvers through a virtual offseason, they will find a way to make it competitive and improve in many ways.
