Unearthing Hidden Gems: The Buffalo Bills' Legacy of Late-Round Draft Steals
The Buffalo Bills have a history of finding hidden gems in the late rounds of the NFL Draft. Players like right tackle Howard Ballard, tight end Jay Riemersma, and wide receiver Stevie Johnson were all drafted in the later rounds and went on to have successful careers with the Bills. The team has a knack for uncovering talent in the later rounds, with players like safety Kurt Schulz and nose tackle Jeff Wright also making significant contributions.
During the Josh Allen era, the Bills have continued to find late-round steals. Players like cornerback Ben Benford and wide receiver Khalil Shakir have emerged as key contributors for the team. Benford, in particular, has become the Bills' CB1 and has made a significant impact on the defense with his playmaking abilities. Shakir, on the other hand, has developed into a reliable target for Allen and has led the team in receiving yards for the past two seasons.
Linebacker Matt Milano is another late-round steal for the Bills. Despite falling to the fifth round in the 2017 draft, Milano quickly made an impact and earned an All-Pro First Team nod in 2022. His athleticism and instincts have made him a key player on the Bills' defense, and he has been a consistent playmaker for the team.
Finally, defensive tackle Kyle Williams stands out as one of the most beloved Bills players in recent memory. Drafted in the fifth round in 2006, Williams went on to play 183 games for the team and became a fan favorite. His contributions on and off the field have solidified his place as one of the top draft values of the millennium.
Overall, the Bills have a history of finding talent in the later rounds of the draft, and these players are just a few examples of the team's success in uncovering hidden gems. Their ability to identify and develop late-round talent has been a key factor in their success on the field.