You would think that Kouandjio (pronounced KWAN-joe), given his background, would have been thrilled after the Bills selected him in the second round. After all, he traveled a long way in a short amount of time and realized a dream.In fact, he was furious. He didn’t crack a smile when his name was announced with the 44th pick overall. Kouandjio wasn’t upset because Buffalo took him, although that was reasonable. He was angry because all 32 teams ignored him in the first round, and 11 more followed in the second.
He understood concerns about his knee, which required surgery. But he was a two-year starter for a top program, a first-team All-American last season, an Outland Trophy semifinalist and a winner. For the first time in his career, he felt disrespected.
The Bills see him as a right tackle. He already has impressed the front office with his attitude and work ethic. He has the size and strength to contribute in the NFL. They believe he has first-round talent and will help in the running and passing games if he can stay healthy. Kouandjio vowed to show they made the right decision.
Hungry?
He’s no longer hungry. He’s hungry and angry, which is even better.
“It sparked a fire inside of me that I hadn’t felt in years,” Kouandjio said. “It’s that fire, that will to push myself past my boundaries, to do anything, just to prove people wrong.”
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