Buffalo Bills Player Gets Major Boost as Season Approaches

The Buffalo Bills are heading into what will likely be a big season for the team and hopefully one that brings home a championship. Not to get ahead of ourselves, but the team came so close to making it to that final game last season, so they’re favorites to repeat that success. Looking to the 2025-26 schedule, it’s jam-packed with tough games, but it’s nothing MVP-winning quarterback Josh Allen and the crew can’t handle.

Right now, it’s that downtime in the NFL where not much is going on until training starts back up again later this month. We’re still about two months away from the start of the NFL season in September, but that will go by fast. During the offseason, the Bills have quietly switch up a few key roles on the squad, but they have the bulk of their key players returning.

Now, as we head into the Bills’ 2025-26 season, one unsung hero in the team’s lineup is finally getting his due. It’s nice to see this particular player finally get recognized in the NFL, because for too long, he really went unnoticed.

Bills Player Gets Recognized in the Best Way

Dion Dawkins has finally gone from “honorable mention” to being recognized as one of the NFL’s elite offensive tackles. In a feature published on Sunday, July 13, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN names the best offensive tackles in the league, as reported by surveying league executives, coaches and scouts.

Last year, Dawkins was named honorable mention, but this season, he’s No 8. In the piece, Fowler notes that after many “years of close calls, Dawkins makes his top-10 debut.”

“Dawkins always has been a physical presence,” he adds in the piece. “Last year, the Bills saw him put it all together with consistent play in the run and the pass.”

One AFC executive had some very kind things to say about Dawkins, noting, “Just very steady, stayed healthy, great leader. I’ve just always liked him — probably better football makeup than actual talent.”

Another AFC scout said, “He just gets the job done consistently. He’s physical and nasty.”

Fowler adds that Dawkins has a pressure rate of 7.4%, which is the third best for left tackles since 2022. Also, the Buffalo Bills have inked him to two extensions since 2020.

More Praise for Stellar Bills Player

Brandon Ray of The Buffalo Lowdown agrees. In an article published on Sunday, July 13, he praises the showing.

“Dawkins has been extremely reliable throughout his career,” he notes. “He’s missed no more than two games per year. He didn’t miss a single game in his first four seasons and has only missed one game the last two seasons (Week 18 of 2024 season due to being saved for the playoffs).”

Ray adds that the Bills have “a great foundation upfront to help protect Allen and both Dawkins and Brown have become cornerstone players for the offense. If they can continue to keep Allen upright and clean in the pocket, this offense will continue to thrive like it did last season.”

So, it’s great to see Dawkins finally recognized for his great talent. He absolutely deserves all the kind words.