Why The Bills Picked A Player In NFL Draft Who Has Never Played Football: He’s 6-Foot-7 And Runs A 4.79 Second 40-Yard Dash

The conversion from rugby to football has been challenging in previous instances. At the pinnacle of their rugby careers, Jarryd Hayne and Christian Wade decided to venture into American football on the gridiron. However, neither succeeded in establishing a lasting presence in the sport.

Louis Rees-Zammit, a former Welsh international, will attempt to succeed with the Kansas City Chiefs this season after transitioning to a different sport earlier this year.

Nevertheless, notable instances of achievement exist. Jordan Mailata has emerged as one of the premier offensive linemen in the NFL, showcasing his prowess on the Philadelphia Eagles offensive line following his transition from rugby league.

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Why The Bills Picked A Player In NFL Draft Who Has Never Played Football: He’s 6-Foot-7 And Runs A 4.79 Second 40-Yard Dash

On Saturday, the Buffalo Bills selected a player they anticipated would have a comparable impact to Mailata, even though he has never participated in a football game.

The Bills chose Travis Clayton, a former rugby player from the United Kingdom, as the 221st overall pick and the first pick of the seventh round.

Clayton, from Basingstoke in England, is among the 16 participants in this year’s International Player Pathway program. The NFL facilitates this program, which offers athletes from various countries the opportunity to strive for a place in the league.

Clayton needs to gain experience in football games, but he possesses the inherent abilities that could enable him to excel as an offensive tackle in the professional league.

He is 6 feet 7 inches tall and weighs 303 pounds. Additionally, he can run a 40-yard dash in a remarkable 4.79 seconds.

“His physical attributes are truly exceptional,” commented Bills general manager Brandon Beane.

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Why The Bills Picked A Player In NFL Draft Who Has Never Played Football: He’s 6-Foot-7 And Runs A 4.79 Second 40-Yard Dash

Clayton played for the Basingstoke Rugby Club, which competes in the Counties 2 Hampshire Division, the eighth level of English rugby.

The team expressed their congrats to Clayton on X, formerly referred to as Twitter, upon his selection in the draft, stating: “BUFFALO SOLDIER!!” Travis Clayton, our representative, was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the draft. Being proud doesn’t capture the extent of my feelings. Located on the NFL map, Basingstoke is a prominent city. Trav, go and excel!

Despite his scant expertise in the game, Clayton knows his rugby background will facilitate his transfer to a new sport.

“Being a team sport, rugby greatly enhances my understanding of teamwork and effective communication, which I believe will be beneficial not only in my current situation but also in my future endeavors, particularly in the NFL,” Clayton expressed. “Playing as a wing in rugby is particularly beneficial for developing physicality, agility, and related skills.”

According to NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein, Clayton’s success in the league will rely on his resilience and a team’s capacity to provide sufficient opportunities to improve his skills, considering his lack of experience.

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Why The Bills Picked A Player In NFL Draft Who Has Never Played Football: He’s 6-Foot-7 And Runs A 4.79 Second 40-Yard Dash

Despite obvious flaws, Zierlein acknowledges Clayton’s positive attributes, describing him as an “exceptional athlete with a wingspan of seven feet” who demonstrates smooth and agile movements with seamless changes in direction.

SOURCE – (CNN)