Best of the AFC East: Tight end position lacks flash

Ranking the tight end units in the AFC East.

Bills tight end Dawson Knox. Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

3. Buffalo Bills

Dawson Knox burst onto the scene last year for the Bills (relatively speaking). He ran over defenders, blocked well, and made some impressive runs after the catch for the Bills during his rookie season. However, he is still refining his game a bit, as he is relatively new to the position, switching to tight end in college.

Knox is an impressive athlete and as he becomes a better route runner and learns how to use his body for contested-catch passes, he will be a player for whom defenses must dedicate some planning. The biggest problem, without a doubt for Knox, is his hands. He led NFL tight ends with 10 total drops last season. That has to improve before Knox will ever be considered as on of the AFC East’s, let alone NFL’s, best tight ends.

Tyler Kroft was a “big-name” free agent signing for the Bills ahead of last season. However, he suffered another foot injury, which set him back. Kroft is a good veteran option who is reliable when called upon. Lee Smith mostly provides the Bills with a depth blocking option, on the Bills coaching staff seems to love.