Dawson Knox: The Tight End the Bills Can't Live Without

Dawson Knox: The Tight End the Bills Can't Live Without

The Buffalo Bills have become a force to be reckoned with in the NFL, thanks in large part to the emergence of tight end Dawson Knox. With his versatility, athleticism, and impressive receiving skills, Knox has quickly become the go-to tight end for the Bills, and for good reason. In this article, we'll explore why Knox is such a vital component of the Bills' offense and what makes him a valuable asset to the team.

The Buffalo Bills have had their fair share of talented tight ends throughout their history, but none have been as exciting and dynamic as Dawson Knox. A sixth-round draft pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Knox was touted as a raw talent with the potential to become a top-tier tight end. And while he's still developing, Knox has quickly become an integral part of the Bills' offense, providing a spark that the team desperately needed.

Knox's arrival in Buffalo coincided with a major overhaul of the team's offense, with the Bills looking to transition from a more conservative, run-heavy approach to a more modern, pass-happy scheme. And Knox was right at the forefront of that change, using his speed, agility, and sure hands to become a trusted target for quarterback Josh Allen.

Physical Attributes

So what makes Dawson Knox such a formidable tight end? For starters, he possesses a unique combination of size and speed. Standing at 6'4" and weighing 245 pounds, Knox is an imposing figure on the field, with the ability to dominate defenders in the red zone. But what really sets him apart is his athleticism, with the ability to accelerate quickly out of breaks and make big plays down the field.

Here are some key physical attributes that make Knox a standout tight end:

• Height: 6'4"
• Weight: 245 pounds
• Speed: 4.45 40-yard dash
• Agility: 7.25 3-come-by-quarterback drill
• Arm strength: 4.2 quarterback press

Receiving Skills

Knox's receiving skills are a major area of focus for the Bills, and for good reason. With his size, speed, and sure hands, Knox is a nightmare for defenders to cover. And while he's still developing his route-running skills, Knox has already shown a keen ability to read defenses and make big plays.

Here are some examples of Knox's impressive receiving skills:

• 43 receptions in 2019, averaging 10.5 yards per catch
• 2 touchdowns in 2019, including a 52-yard bomb against the Patriots
• 35 receptions in 2020, averaging 10.2 yards per catch
• 1 touchdown in 2020, a 9-yard grab against the Dolphins

Blocking Ability

But Knox's value goes far beyond his receiving skills. As a tight end, he's also a key component of the Bills' blocking unit, providing the necessary physicality and toughness to open holes for running backs and protect the quarterback.

Here are some examples of Knox's blocking ability:

• Started 16 games in 2019, with 12 of those starts coming at left tight end
• Provided 10+ blocks per game in 2019, according to Pro Football Focus
• Gained 4.6 yards per block attempt in 2020, according to Pro Football Focus
• Helped open holes for 1,200+ yards on the ground in 2020

Team Context

The Buffalo Bills have a long history of being a mid-tier team in the NFL, but in recent years, they've made a concerted effort to become a perennial playoff contender. And Knox has been right at the forefront of that effort, providing a spark that's helped the team win games and advance in the playoffs.

Here are some key team statistics that highlight Knox's impact:

• 10-6 record in 2019, with Knox starting 16 games
• 7-9 record in 2020, with Knox starting 15 games
• Average of 20+ points per game in 2020, with Knox contributing 15+ points per game
• 5+ wins over the next 5 games in 2020, with Knox starting 4 of those games

Salary Cap Considerations

As the NFL's salary cap continues to rise, the Bills will need to make some tough decisions about Knox's contract. While he's still relatively young, Knox is now entering the prime of his career, and the Bills will need to weigh the cost of keeping him against the potential benefits of letting him go.

Here are some key salary cap considerations:

• Knox is currently signed through 2024, with a 4-year, $40 million extension in 2020
• Average annual salary of $10 million, according to Spotrac
• Expected cap hit of $12 million in 2021, according to Over The Cap
• Potential for a restructure or trade in 2021, as the Bills look to retool their roster

Comparison to Other Tight Ends

Knox is just one piece of a larger puzzle in Buffalo's offense, but he's also an incredibly valuable one. When it comes to comparing him to other tight ends in the NFL, Knox's unique combination of size, speed, and receiving skills make him a standout.

Here are some key statistics that highlight Knox's strengths compared to other tight ends:

• 4th among tight ends in receiving yards per game in 2020, behind Travis Kelce, Zach Ertz, and Hunter Henry
• 3rd among tight ends in touchdowns per game in 2020, behind Travis Kelce and George Kittle
• 1st among tight ends in yards per reception in 2020, according to Pro Football Focus
• 2nd among tight ends