Pittsford, N.Y. (WGR 550) - Monday was the first day of padded practices for the Buffalo Bills, as they continue preparations for the 2023 season at training camp at St. John Fisher University.
While there may not be too many roster battles heading into the season, especially on offense, there is some sorting out that needs to take place on the offensive line.
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In the first week of training camp, a few pieces have been moving around, especially at guard, with Connor McGovern, Ryan Bates, and 2023 second-round draft pick O'Cyrus Torrence competing for starting spots come Week 1.
For the last six seasons, the Bills have had their anchor at the left tackle position with Dion Dawkins, who was taken by Buffalo in the second round (63rd overall) in the 2017 NFL Draft out of Temple University.
Going into his seventh year with the Bills, Dawkins is looking to take the high expectations of this team just one day at a time.
"I have that overall goal in my mind, and it's sitting up there at the top, but win the current day [first]," said Dawkins on Tuesday during an appearance on the "Jeremy White Show" at Bills training camp. "Be where your feet is at, mind, body, and soul, and control what you can."
Since entering the NFL, Dawkins has admitted he has not been able to line up on the offensive line with the same guard right next to him. Last season was Rodger Saffold, and this season it's expected to be free agent addition Connor McGovern.
In the opening week of training camp, Dawkins likes what he sees with McGovern, and notices how seriously he approaches the game and how well he takes care of his body.
With the Bills entering Week 2 of training camp at St. John Fisher University, Dawkins says he loves being in Rochester, and enjoys only getting to focus on football over the course of three weeks.
"If somebody's complaining, then they should re-think about life," Dawkins said with Jeremy White and Joe DiBiase. "We get to take a step away and put all of our focus on ball, and bond and build with our teammates, and play video games, play cornhole in our down time, and just be boys."
Hear more from Dawkins' appearance during the "Jeremy White Show" and his meeting with the media available in the players below:
