Summary

Connor McGovern was selected in Round 3 (#90 Overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft out of the University of Missouri. A multi-year starter in the SEC, McGovern was valued for his size, toughness, and versatility along the interior offensive line. At Missouri, he started 30+ collegiate games at guard and center, earning All-SEC recognition and developing a reputation as a durable, team-oriented lineman capable of handling multiple roles. In the NFL, McGovern has built a long, steady career with the Broncos, New York Jets, and Buffalo Bills, starting 100+ career games through the 2024 season. With Buffalo, he has primarily played left guard, helping stabilize the interior in front of Josh Allen in a high-volume passing offense. While not a high-profile lineman, McGovern is widely respected as a high-character, dependable professional, praised for his toughness, preparation, versatility, and willingness to play through physical wear while maintaining consistency.

Strengths

• Positional Versatility: Experience at both guard spots and center increases lineup flexibility.

• Play Strength: Solid anchor against interior power rushers and uses his hands well to fight counters and stand his ground.

• Pass Protection Reliability: Generally sound positioning and minimizes mental errors. Workmanlike execution of assignments and understands leverage and angles.

• Availability: Proven ability to handle heavy snap counts over multiple seasons. Extensive reps against elite interior defensive linemen.

Weaknesses

• Lateral Quickness: Can be stressed by quick interior penetrators and stunts.

• Recovery Ability: Limited athletic recovery once initially beaten.

• Second-Level Mobility: Functional but not dynamic when climbing to linebackers. Won’t see him running downfield often on breakaway runs like predecessor Mitch Morse.

• Pad Level Consistency: Can play high, allowing leverage losses. More steady than explosive as a drive blocker.

Outlook

McGovern is best suited for balanced or pass-first offensive systems that value interior stability, communication, and reliability. In Buffalo, his role as a guard fits well within an offense that prioritizes keeping the pocket clean for Josh Allen while mixing in power and inside-zone concepts. His versatility also provides valuable insurance at center, allowing flexibility when injuries arise. Looking ahead, McGovern projects as a solid veteran starter or high-end interior depth option. While he may not offer elite athletic upside, his durability, experience, and consistency provide a high floor and dependable value. For the Bills, McGovern remains a stabilizing interior presence whose impact is rooted in reliability, toughness, and professional execution rather than highlight production.