The Buffalo Bills ended their 17-year playoff drought this season, and their rookies were a big reason why. Lets take a look at the Bills 2017 NFL Draft class.
The Buffalo Bills entered the 2017 NFL Draft with the 10th overall selection after finishing the 2016 season with a record of 7-9. After a disappointing season, the Bills needed a good draft to help them get some young talent and build a foundation for the future.
In the first round, the Bills decided to trade down 17 spots with the Kansas City Chiefs. The Bills received a 2017 third-rounder and a 2018 first-round pick from the Chiefs so the latter could select their quarterback of the future in Patrick Mahomes. The Bills used the 27th selection to take cornerback Tre’Davious White, who had an outstanding rookie season with the Bills
A corner out of LSU, White was an integral part of the Bills defense. He led the team in defensive snaps, and actually led the NFL in defensive snaps for cornerbacks. He finished the season with 69 combined tackles, and 18 passes defended. He also contributed four interceptions and was stellar for the Bills all season.
Many criticized the Bills for not selecting Patrick Mahomes at No. 10. However, you cannot make the argument that selecting White in the first round was a mistake. Getting an extra first-round pick and a top-tier NFL corner was a home run for the Bills in Round 1.
The Bills had two selections in the second round, and used their picks on wide receiver Zay Jones with pick No. 44 and offensive tackle Dion Dawkins with the 63rd pick. Jones had some growing pains in his first season, finishing the year with only 27 catches for 316 yards. He flashed his potential down the stretch and should be a solid receiver for the Bills in the years to come.
Dawkins was taken after the Bills traded up into the second round to select the Temple product. He was able to sneak into the starting lineup after left tackle Cordy Glenn went down with an ankle injury. Dawkins was impressive for the Bills all season, considering left tackle is one of the hardest positions in football. He should be the left tackle of the future for the Bills.
The Bills rounded out their draft by selecting quarterback Nathan Peterman and linebacker Matt Milano in the fifth round, then Tanner Vallejo in the sixth round. Peterman was thrown into the fire Week 11 against the Los Angeles Chargers and struggled mightily, throwing five interceptions before being pulled at halftime. The Pittsburgh product does have a strong arm and the intangibles to be a solid NFL quarterback; however, it is going to take some time and development.
Milano had a solid rookie season for the Bills, especially considering he was a fifth round pick. He played in all 16 games for the Bills. He finished the season with 49 combined tackles and one interception. Getting that type of production from a late-round pick is a steal for the Bills, and Milano looks to be a cornerstone of their defense. Vallejo had limited contribution for the Bills this season, finishing with only four tackles.
Next: NFL Playoffs: 20 Bold predictions for the Divisional Round
The Bills 2017 draft was a massive success and sets them up well for the future. They secured four long term starters and possibly their answer at quarterback, depending on how Peterman progresses. Brandon Beane and Sean McDermott definitely deserve recognition around the league for how well their 2017 draft panned out.