On their third trade during the 2017 NFL draft, the Buffalo Bills moved up 12 spots to select a mammoth offensive lineman from Temple, Dion Dawkins.

Dawkins was taken at the end of the second round but standing at 6-foot-4, 314-pounds, he possesses the size and ability of a first-round selection. He excelled at the left tackle position while in college but has played all over the Bills’ offensive line since training camp.

After starting out at right tackle, an ankle injury to left tackle Cordy Glenn led Buffalo to switch Dawkins to the left side.

Throughout the season, Glenn has been hampered by nagging ankle/foot injuries that have kept him out of the lineup for three games this season. This week is no different as Glenn has been ruled out for Buffalo’s clash against the New Orleans Saints, giving rookie Dion Dawkins his fourth start of his rookie season.

Head coach Sean McDermott was asked if these injuries on the offensive line, especially with Cordy Glenn, allow the Bills to continue identifying as a running football team.

“I do, I honestly do,” said McDermott.

“I know they led the league. We’re looking to win games, so whatever that takes. Like I’ve said before, obviously, we run it once a game, we run it 100 times a game, whatever it takes to win the game. That’s what we’re really looking to do.”

Going in tune with the running game comments, Dawkins hasn’t necessarily been a spearhead in the rushing attack. Running back LeSean McCoy struggled to get the ball moving behind Dawkins when the rookie made starts against Denver and Cincinnati earlier this season. McCoy tallied just 84 yards total in those two games but Sean McDermott has seen another side of Dawkins.

“I’ve been impressed with the way he’s come into the league,” said the Buffalo head coach.

“His mindset, his approach, he’s an aggressive player, he really fits our personality upfront – what we want to be all about upfront and as an offensive unit. He’s bounced around, [has] played different positions. That’s been a challenge, but he’s embraced that challenge the whole way.”

For Dawkins, this week will present a challenge for him. He’ll be facing off against Saints’ defensive end Alex Okafor who’s accumulated 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble in the last four games.

Be sure to keep an eye on Dawkins this Sunday as Buffalo looks to build some momentum in the second half of the season.