Bills’ Tackle Duo Lands in NFL’s Top 5 and the Timing Couldn’t Be Better

Dion Dawkins and Spencer Brown just got a pretty nice nod from someone who watches a ton of tape. Gilberto Manzano over at Sports Illustrated ranked the Buffalo Bills’ starting tackles as the fifth-best duo in the league. That puts them behind only the Eagles, Buccaneers, Broncos, and 49ers. Not bad company.

Here’s the thing about these two. They don’t always get the headlines because Josh Allen is busy hurdling linebackers or James Cook is cutting through a hole that wasn’t there a second earlier. But Manzano specifically pointed out that Allen’s ability to extend plays isn’t just about his legs. It’s about knowing Dawkins and Brown are winning their blocks. That buys an extra second, sometimes two. And for a quarterback who likes to freelance, that’s worth more than a highlight reel.

A Quietly Dominant Pair

Dawkins has been the steady presence on the left side for years now. Brown, who came in as a third-round pick out of Northern Iowa, took some time to develop but has turned into a reliable right tackle. Together they helped Cook lead the league in rushing last season. That’s not something you do without a line that can open lanes consistently.

Brown’s growth has been especially noticeable. Early in his career, he struggled with consistency and sometimes got caught lunging. Now he’s winning matchups against edge rushers who were eating him alive a couple years ago. Dawkins, meanwhile, just keeps doing what he does. He’s been a Pro Bowler for a reason.

The Other Side of the Ball Is the Real Problem

Buffalo’s offense looks set again. Allen’s still an MVP candidate. Cook’s still explosive. The line is solid. But the defense? That’s where the questions pile up. Sean McDermott is gone, and that means a new scheme entirely. Matt Milano isn’t getting any younger, and the secondary had holes that showed up all through 2025. The Broncos exposed them in the playoffs, and nobody in Buffalo has forgotten that.

There’s also the linebacker room. It’s thin. Really thin. And the draft didn’t exactly flood them with blue-chip talent there. So while the offensive line looks ready to roll, the defense is the reason people hesitate before picking the Bills to get to the Super Bowl in 2026. That’s not a new feeling for this fanbase.

But for now, at least the guys protecting Josh Allen are getting their flowers. They’ve earned it.