Bills’ UK rookie Travis Clayton always dreamed of the NFL

[Woodman]

At 6-foot-7 and 303 pounds, Clayton has both the size and the mentality to be an NFL offensive lineman.

“I love the physical side of things, being an offensive lineman, being able to take your anger out on people legally is great, and I can just use my strength and my abilities,” Clayton said.

Clayton is reminiscent of Jordan Mailata, who also was a seventh-round pick having played only rugby, not football, and is now the Eagles’ starting left tackle. The Bills think Clayton can develop into that kind of player.



Bills' UK rookie Travis Clayton never played football, but always dreamed of the NFL - NBC Sports

[Woodman]

Tush push

[Historian]

Do the Bills get a special roster exemption for this guy?

How does that work?

[Woodman]

The Bills also have some added roster flexibility with Clayton compared to other late-round picks. He is exempt from the 90-man roster limit in the offseason and can be an extra 17th player on the practice squad during the season

[Woodman]

2024 NFL Draft- Buffalo Bills OT Travis Clayton Injury Analysis - Banged Up Bills

As part of the international pathway program, Clayton does not count towards the roster and when roster cut down occurs, he can be added to the practice squad as an extra body. There was really no downside to selecting him in the seventh round. He comes in willing to learn and without bad habits.

He has the ability to develop without worrying about his roster spot and the Bills can see what they have. Hopefully his outcome is better than that of former Buffalo Bills running back Christian Wade.

[Chet]

Yes there is a downside to drafting him in any round. We’re drafting a complete amateur to the sport

It would be an awesome story if he made it and was a contributor, but the odds are slim at best

[notacon]

Yes there is a downside to drafting him in any round. We’re drafting a complete amateur to the sport

It would be an awesome story if he made it and was a contributor, but the odds are slim at best

Not really a "downside"....just a very slight risk.

The "odds are slim at best" for pretty much ALL 7th round draft picks.