The AFC East, Buffalo Bills named worst tight end division in the NFL by CBS Sports.
Tight end play in recent years have evolved to make the position a more influential spot on the field in the NFL. The Bills’ tight end room looks a lot like a few others around the AFC East. A young promising product at the top of the depth chart that still needs time to grow.
For the Bills, that’s Dawson Knox, who’s entering the second year of his career in 2020.
But when packing the entire division into one, promise means far from perfect. CBS Sports recently ranked each NFL division by the tight ends in them. The AFC East appears at the bottom of the barrel. The worst in the NFL.
Here’s why:
There’s a lot of “what-if” here. Mike Gesicki came on strong in 2019 with 50 catches and five scores, but he still needs another step forward to be considered top-10 material. Chris Herndon flashed as a rookie and is probably underrated entering a big year for Sam Darnold, but he’s coming off a season in which he missed all but one game due to injuries and an early suspension. Dawson Knox, meanwhile, is a decent prospect who averaged almost 14 yards per catch as a rookie but should trail at least three others in targets. The Patriots, meanwhile, are taking multiple swings after granting Rob Gronkowski’s Tampa relocation, but they’ve got no surefire play-maker.
This “what if” group clearly translates to one thing: It’s time to prove it. The AFC East does have a couple of guys that have flashed, but for one reason or another, they leave something to be desired. In 2020, if there’s one guy that might have the best look at improving and it could be the Bills’ Knox.
Gesicki is probably the most-talented guy, but the Dolphins offense is a revamped unit coming into next season. It’ll take time for that grouping to lay a foundation, let alone during an offseason with a global pandemic throwing a curveball into everyone’s plans. In regard to Herndon, he falls into a bit of both Gesicki and Knox. Like the Dolphins, the Jets are re-tooling things on offense, but maybe not to as far of an extent. Like Knox, Herndon has to prove himself he can be consistent as well.
Back to Knox: The Bills have the most continuity on their offense returning in 2020. The same QB, the same offensive line, and same coaches. Plus, the addition of Stefon Diggs. Knox can really benefit from the trickle-down effect via Diggs. Defenses will have to know where he is at all times, which could lean to a bit easier coverage sent to cover other playmakers, such as the tight end.
Knox flashed as a rookie, but led the league in drops in terms of tight ends with 10. You can bet Knox has been working on correcting that this offseason, so all things considered, that’s an optimistic feeling for Buffalo’s tight end in 2020, despite this list.
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