The Buffalo Bills fortified their offensive line during the later rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft.
On the draft’s final day, Buffalo used three of their seven picks to select offensive linemen. With the 221st pick, they selected Travis Clayton, an unconventional choice who hails from the International Pathway Program rather than a traditional college.
Despite limited football experience, Clayton possesses all the qualities to develop into a top-tier lineman, reminiscent of the Philadelphia Eagles’ success with Jordan Mailata from the same program in 2018.
Here’s what fans should know about Clayton now that he’s part of the Bills:
Impressive Pro Day Performance:
Standing at an imposing 6 feet 7 inches and 303 pounds, Clayton turned heads with his remarkable athleticism at his pro day. He recorded an impressive 4.79-second 40-yard dash, faster than any offensive lineman at the NFL Combine in the past decade, making him an intriguing late-round prospect for many teams.
Recognition from Draft Experts:
Leading up to the draft, NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah identified Clayton as a player with immense potential, believing he could become an outstanding player in the league. Buffalo secured Clayton’s services in the seventh round, validating Jeremiah’s assessment.
Rugby Background:
Before transitioning to football, Clayton played rugby for the Basingstoke RFC Men’s Rugby team. Following his selection by Buffalo, the rugby club congratulated Clayton on his achievement.
Part of the International Pathway Program:
Clayton was among the 16 players selected for the International Pathway Program in 2024, representing eight different countries. This program aims to develop talent from various countries, providing them with training and exposure to NFL standards.
Diverse Sporting Background:
While Clayton lacks football experience, he has participated in a range of sports, including rugby, soccer, boxing, rowing, tennis, and skeleton. Buffalo hopes that his diverse athletic background will aid in his transition to football.
Despite his unconventional path to the NFL, Clayton’s athleticism and potential make him an intriguing addition to the Bills’ roster as they look to bolster their offensive line for the upcoming season.
