Not shocking: B/R grades Bills’ 2018 draft class an ‘A-plus’
The Buffalo Bills landed a franchise quarterback at the 2018 NFL draft…and a QB for their defense as well.
Hard to imagine the team getting any other mark than an A-plus for the 2018 NFL draft haul… and that’s exactly what happened via Bleacher Report.
The Bills used their two first rounders at the draft on quarterback Josh Allen and linebacker Tremaine Edmunds.
Allen is undoubtedly a top-tier signal caller now. He has been a MVP favorite for the past few years and might have his name on the award in 2022.
Edmunds, like Allen, had the fifth-year option picked up on his rookie deal… and while he waits for his long-term extension, Edmunds was recently named a top-10 linebacker in the NFL by his peers.
Not to mention, the team made numerous other positive selections at that draft, including cornerback Taron Johnson and offensive lineman Wyatt Teller.
Check out what B/R had to say about Buffalo’s 2018 rookie class below:
The Buffalo Bills took the ultimate gamble on Josh Allen and have been rewarded handsomely for their patience.
Allen has flourished into one of the most devastatingly effective offensive weapons of this era with his elite athleticism and incredible arm talent. It took time for Allen to hone his craft, but the Bills’ strong infrastructure helped him take a massive leap in 2020.
What makes this draft close to perfect for Buffalo was its continued ability to unearth quality talent into Day 3. Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds is a productive and versatile linebacker who has totaled at least 108 tackles in each of his four seasons. He already has two Pro Bowls under his belt and is only 24 years old.
Defensive backs Taron Johnson and Siran Neal are underrated in their roles as well. Johnson is a premier slot defender who emerged in 2019 when given the opportunity to play more. Neal has helped on special teams more than on defense and re-signed on a three-year deal this offseason.
It’s also notable that Buffalo picked guard Wyatt Teller in the fifth round. Teller lasted only one season in Buffalo before being traded to Cleveland and blossoming into a Pro Bowler. Although the Bills whiffed on their decision to trade Teller, they correctly evaluated him as a future starter.
Grade: A+
