The Buffalo Bills underwent a significant change in their offensive line by releasing veteran center Mitch Morse in March as part of a cost-cutting initiative. This move has led to speculation about who will replace him, with the emergence of a potential surprise candidate.
The Bills added veteran center Will Clapp to their roster and also selected Sedrick Van Pran-Granger from Georgia in the fifth round of the draft. Pro Football Focus analysts Jim Wyman and Dalton Wasserman anticipate a tight competition between these two for the starting role.
Van Pran-Granger, despite being a rookie fifth-rounder, boasts an impressive track record from his time at Georgia. He has consistently delivered strong performances, particularly excelling in pass-blocking and run-blocking last season.
While Clapp is initially seen as the frontrunner for the starting position, there’s a possibility that Van Pran-Granger could challenge him as he adapts to the NFL environment.
Clapp brings seven years of NFL experience to the table, including 21 career starts. He filled in admirably for the Los Angeles Chargers last season when Pro Bowl center Corey Linsley was unavailable due to health reasons.
There’s also speculation that Connor McGovern, currently a guard, could transition to center, potentially leaving Clapp vying for a guard position. McGovern expressed readiness for such a move, having gained experience playing all positions along the offensive line during his time with the Dallas Cowboys.
If McGovern does shift to center, his rapport with Morse from the previous season could prove beneficial in terms of communication and calling protections.
Overall, the Bills’ offensive line is poised for an intriguing training camp battle, with multiple contenders vying for key positions and the potential for unexpected developments.
