Grading the Buffalo Bills’ Last Five, First-Round Draft Picks
Kaiir Elam - Buffalo Bills Cornerback
Image: Timothy T Ludwig | Credit: Getty Images
The Buffalo Bills have the 27th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Let’s review and grade the past five years of the Buffalo Bills’ first-round picks.
2022 (Pick 23) - Kaiir Elam: C (Unweighted)
Kaiir Elam joined the Buffalo Bills just a year ago in the 2022 NFL Draft, and as with most rookies, it's way too early to assess their potential after just one season fully. Despite this, Elam made an impact in his first year, starting in six games and appearing in a total of 13, recording two interceptions, 29 solo tackles, and six passes defended. It's worth noting that Elam faced a tough challenge this year, filling in for injured star cornerback Tre White, who was out for most of the season with a torn ACL.
While Elam has displayed potential, it's fair to say that he didn't have a breakout season. At this point, I would give him a C grade, but I'm looking forward to watching him develop his skills as a player in the coming years as a member of the Buffalo Bills.
Greg Rousseau - 2021 NFL Draft
Image: Gregory Shamus | Credit: Getty Images
2021 (Pick 30) - Greg Rousseau: B
Gregory Rousseau has been a defensive end for the Buffalo Bills since they drafted him in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft. As a highly-touted prospect from the University of Miami, there were high expectations for his pro career.
Rousseau’s rookie season was impressive, to say the least. In 13 games, he recorded 24 tackles, 11.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and one interception. These stats are even more impressive, considering he was playing in a rotation and only had one actual year of the college experience.
What makes Rousseau so unique is his athleticism and versatility. He can play both defensive end and outside linebacker depending on the situation. He also has a great set of pass-rush moves and a knack for finding the ball carrier. His speed and agility allow him to blow by offensive linemen and quickly get to the quarterback.
Overall, Gregory Rousseau has been an impressive player for the Bills in his rookie season. He has shown himself to be a disruptive pass-rusher and a crucial part of the Bills’ defense. He looks to continue improving and developing his skills and has the potential to be one of the top defensive ends in the league. Time will be the remaining factor in this draft pick. Can Greg Rousseau become the dominant player we drafted him to be? We’ll find out in 2023.
Stefon Diggs - Buffalo Bills Wide Receiver
Image: Adrian Kraus | Credit: AP
2020 - None (Traded for Stefon Diggs): A+
The Buffalo Bills acquired Stefon Diggs in a trade with the Minnesota Vikings on March 20, 2020. The trade involved the Bills sending their first-round pick (22nd overall), a fifth-round pick, a sixth-round pick, and a 2021 fourth-round pick in exchange for Diggs and the Vikings' seventh-round pick. The trade was seen as a significant move by the Bills to bolster their offense and give quarterback Josh Allen another weapon in the passing game, and boy has it paid off.
Diggs had spent his previous five seasons with the Vikings, establishing himself as one of the league's top wide receivers. In 2019, he led the NFL in receiving yards with 1,130 and caught six touchdowns. He quickly became a key player for the Bills in his first season with the team, helping the Buffalo Bills get to the playoffs for the second time in two years.
It’s pretty safe to say the trade was well worth it for both parties, as Stefon Diggs has been a massive reason for the Buffalo Bills’ success for the past three seasons, and the Vikings used the Buffalo Bills’ first-round pick to select Justin Jefferson who has been a top five wide receiver since he was drafted.
Ed Oliver - 2019 NFL Draft
Image: Andy Lyons | Credit: Getty Images
2019 (Pick 9) - Ed Oliver: C-
Ed Oliver has been a good defensive tackle for the Buffalo Bills since they drafted him in 2019. From day one, Oliver was a force to be reckoned with and a major component of the Bills’ defense. Throughout his career, Oliver has shown himself to be one of the most disruptive defensive linemen in the league and a key part of the Bills’ success. Let’s take a look at Oliver’s career and grade it.
In 2019, Oliver put together a solid rookie season, recording 43 tackles, five sacks, and one forced fumble. These stats are impressive for any rookie defensive tackle, but even more unique, considering he was playing in a rotation. His 2020 season was less productive, as he recorded 33 tackles, three sacks, and one forced fumble. This past year, Ed Oliver arguably had the best year in his NFL career, recording 34 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and one forced fumble, and tied his career high of 14 quarterback hits in only 13 games played.
Oliver is an impressive defensive tackle and one of the most important pieces of the Bills’ defense. His draft pedigree is the only factor that has lowered his grade to a C-.
Josh Allen - Buffalo Bills Quarterback
Image: Rich Barnes | Credit: USA TODAY Sports
2018 (Pick 7) - Josh Allen: A+
I’m not too sure how you can grade this draft pick differently.
Allen’s first season in the NFL saw him start 11 games and throw for 2,074 yards, 18 total touchdowns (ten passing, eight rushing), and 12 interceptions. Despite the mistakes, it was apparent that he had the raw talent needed to become a great player.
Josh Allen was always showing promise, even in his rookie year, but it was in 2020 that he began to shine. Allen had an exceptional year, throwing for 4,544 yards, 45 total touchdowns, and only ten interceptions. Allen placed second in MVP voting that year. His improvement from his rookie season was truly remarkable, as he went from 2,074 passing yards and 18 total touchdowns to 4,544 and 45, respectively. His ability to make quick decisions and take advantage of his athleticism has made him one of the most dangerous players on the field. With his career trajectory, there is no doubt that the future continues to look bright for Josh Allen.
Tre’Davious White - Buffalo Bills Cornerback
Image: Timothy T Ludwig | Credit: Getty Images
2017 (Pick 27) - Tre’Davious White: A-
Tre’Davious White has been a star cornerback for the Buffalo Bills since he was drafted in 2017. From his rookie season to now, White has consistently been one of the best defensive backs in the league, and his stats prove it. Let’s look at White’s career so far and grade it.
White’s rookie season saw him start all 16 games and record 63 tackles, 18 passes defended, four interceptions, and one touchdown. He was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and quickly established himself as one of the top cornerbacks in the league. His next two seasons saw him record even better numbers and be named to the Pro Bowl.
In 2020, White had arguably the best season of his career. He recorded 47 tackles, 18 passes defended, four interceptions, and one touchdown, and was named a First Team All-Pro. His stellar performance helped lead the Bills to the playoffs, and his dominance on the field was undeniable.
Overall, Tre’Davious White has been an elite cornerback throughout his career. His versatility and ball-hawking skills make him one of the best cover corners in the league, and his leadership is visible both on and off the field. He has consistently performed at a high level and has been a key part of the Bills’ success. White looks to have a long and successful career ahead of him.
In Review:
The Buffalo Bills have made some great moves these past couple of years in total. The draft is one of the essential parts of running a successful organization, and the Buffalo Bills have handled it well. Sure, they have had some whiffs, but all NFL organizations have had their fair share. In conclusion, Brandon Beane and the Buffalo Bills have had a great couple of drafts, and it’s exhilarating to see what they draw up on their draft board in 2023.
