Naming the Buffalo Bills’ best OL and TE of the last 25 seasons

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Reflecting on the Buffalo Bills’ last 25 seasons, we now turn to the offensive linemen and tight ends who powered the trenches and passing game. After crafting a dominant quarter-century defense, it’s time to select the offensive line and tight ends to anchor a hypothetical Super Bowl against a rival franchise.

Prioritizing players’ primes over longevity, I’ve built a unit to control the line of scrimmage and create explosive plays. Without further ado, here are my choices:

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Offensive Line and Tight Ends

Offensive Line Starters

• Left Tackle: Dion Dawkins (2017-present)

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Dawkins’ 2020 season (Pro

Football Focus/PFF grade 80.1, 3 sacks allowed) was a masterclass in pass protection and run-blocking, stonewalling edge rushers like T.J. Watt and opening lanes for Devin Singletary. He’s only gotten better with each passing season, becoming a top-10 player in the league at his position. His athleticism and tenacity make him LT1 — and a reliable blindside protector in a Super Bowl scenario.

• Left Guard: Richie Incognito (2015-2017)

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Incognito’s 2015 Pro Bowl season (PFF grade 88.2, 2 sacks allowed) was a mauling masterclass in run-blocking and stout pass protection. Who doesn’t remember his nasty streak and pulling ability paving the way for LeSean McCoy’s runs. Prime Incognito’s dominance makes him LG1.

• Center: Eric Wood (2009-2017)

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Wood’s 2014 season (PFF grade 83.5, 1 sack allowed) was a clinic in cerebral play, with precise snap counts and run-blocking that fueled Fred Jackson’s 5.0 yards per carry. His ability to handle nose tackles like Vince Wilfork and lead the line earns him C1.

• Right Guard: Ruben Brown (1995-2003)

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A true superstar offensive lineman, Brown’s 2002 season (PFF grade 79.8, 3 sacks allowed) highlighted his versatility, excelling in pass protection and run blocking for Travis Henry’s 1,438-yard season. His quick feet and strength make him RG1, overpowering defensive tackles.

• Right Tackle: Jason Peters (2004-2008)

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Despite playing his prime years in Philly, Peters’ 2007 season (PFF grade 82.6, 2 sacks allowed) was a breakout, showcasing elite athleticism at 6’4” and 328 pounds. His ability to mirror speed rushers like Dwight Freeney and pancake defenders in the run game for Henry makes him RT1, a dominant force on the right side.

Tight End Starter

• Tight End: Jay Riemersma (1997-2002)

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Riemersma’s 2001 season (53 receptions, 590 yards, 3 TDs) was a receiving clinic, stretching defenses with his 6’4”, 245-pound frame and reliable hands. His blocking for Antowain Smith’s runs adds versatility, making him TE1 for his balanced prime in a Super Bowl context.

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Offensive Line Backups

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• Left Tackle: Cordy Glenn (2012-2017)

Glenn’s very underrated. His 2015 season (PFF grade 81.4, 4 sacks allowed) best-illustrated his 6’6”, 345-pound frame shutting down edge rushers and bulldozing in the run game for McCoy. His ability to handle speed rushers like Von Miller makes him a strong LT2, though Dawkins’ peak takes the starting spot.

• Left Guard: Andy Levitre (2009-2012)

Levitre’s 2011 season (PFF grade 78.9, 2 sacks allowed) displayed technical prowess and mobility, supporting C.J. Spiller’s 5.2 yards per carry. His consistency in pass protection and pulling schemes makes him a reliable LG2.

• Center: Mitch Morse (2019-2023)

Morse’s 2020 season (PFF grade 80.7, 0 sacks allowed) was a pass-protection masterclass, keeping Josh Allen clean against blitz-heavy defenses. His quick snaps and second-level run-blocking make him a strong C2, though Wood’s physicality edges him out.

• Right Guard: Kraig Urbik (2010-2015)

Urbik’s 2012 season (PFF grade 77.4, 3 sacks allowed) was underrated, holding up against defensive tackles and opening lanes for Spiller and Jackson. His strength and versatility make him a dependable RG2.

• Right Tackle: Spencer Brown (2021-present)

Brown’s 2024 season (PFF grade 77.8, 5 sacks allowed) showed flashes of dominance in run-blocking and improved pass protection. His athleticism and upside make him RT2, a promising backup.

Tight End Backup

• Tight End: Dalton Kincaid (2023-present)

Kincaid’s 2024 season (73 receptions, 780 yards, 6 TDs) showed off his soft hands and route-running, creating mismatches against linebackers and safeties. His second season was frustrating, though, and Riemersma’s balanced prime takes TE1, leaving Kincaid as a dynamic TE2.

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Third Team

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• Left Tackle: John Fina (1992-2002)

Fina’s 2000 season (PFF grade 76.5, 4 sacks allowed) showed veteran savvy, protecting Drew Bledsoe and aiding Antowain Smith’s runs. He’s a solid LT3, though below Dawkins and Glenn.

Left Guard: Derrick Dockery (2007-2008)

Dockery’s 2007 season (PFF grade 75.8, 3 sacks allowed) brought power to the interior, aiding Marshawn Lynch’s 1,115-yard season. His size and strength make him a fitting LG3.

Center: Connor McGovern (2023-present)

McGovern’s 2024 season (PFF grade 76.2, 3 sacks allowed) brought stability when playing center, with strong pass protection for Allen and run-blocking for James Cook’s 4.8 yards per carry. His versatility makes him a suitable C3.

• Right Guard: O’Cyrus Torrence (2023-present)

Torrence’s 2024 season (PFF grade 75.5, 4 sacks allowed) showed off his raw power and improving technique, supporting Cook’s rushing attack and holding up in pass protection. His size (6’5”, 347 pounds) and upside make him a strong RG3.

• Right Tackle: Daryl Williams (2020-2021)

Williams’ 2020 season (PFF grade 79.2, 3 sacks allowed) was strong, with excellent pass protection for Allen’s breakout year. His ability to anchor bull rushers makes him a reliable RT3.

• Tight End: Dawson Knox (2019-present)

Knox’s 2021 season (49 receptions, 587 yards, 9 TDs) was as prolific as it gets. His athletic catches and improving blocking make him TE3, though Kincaid’s hands and route-running, and Riemersma’s versatility rank higher.

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All-Bills’ Quarter-Century Offense (Linemen and Tight Ends)

Offensive Line

• Starters: LT Dion Dawkins, LG Richie Incognito, C Eric Wood, RG Ruben Brown, RT Jason Peters
• Second Team: LT Cordy Glenn, LG Andy Levitre, C Mitch Morse, RG Kraig Urbik, RT Spencer Brown
• Third Team: LT John Fina, LG Derrick Dockery, C Connor McGovern, RG O’Cyrus Torrence, RT Daryl Williams

Tight Ends

• Starter: Jay Riemersma
• Second Team: Dalton Kincaid
• Third Team: Dawson Knox

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Final Thoughts

This offensive line and tight end unit is a Super Bowl-caliber force. Dawkins and Peters lock down the edges with athleticism and power, Incognito and Brown dominate the interior, and Wood’s smarts anchor the line, protecting the QB and creating lanes for a power run game. Riemersma’s balanced receiving and blocking add versatility, with Kincaid’s pass-catching flair as a luxury backup. The second team, with Glenn and Morse, is nearly starter-quality, while the third team, bolstered by Torrence’s upside and Williams’ reliability, provides solid depth.

A potential oversight? Chris Villarrial (1998-2003) could challenge Torrence at RG3 for his 2002 run-blocking (PFF grade 75.1), which supported Travis Henry’s 1,438-yard season. For tight ends, Robert Royal (2006-2008) could be a contender for TE3 for his 2007 blocking and receiving (38 receptions, 384 yards, 3 TDs), but Knox’s red-zone impact holds firm.

Rumblers, I’m ready for your thoughts on Dawkins vs. Glenn or Riemersma vs. Kincaid — did I miss anyone? Let’s discuss! I’ll be back next with the skill positions. Go Bills!

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