ESPN undertook a big project recently, by holding a four-round NFL Draft.
But by draft, we mean a massive draft. It wasn’t just consisting of rookie players like a typical mock exercise. Instead, each and every player in the league was put into the draft pool and picks were made using the recent draft’s order.
Because of that, the Bills select No. 22 overall, the pick that was actually traded to the Vikings. Then it continues as a snake draft format.
Of the four players the Bills land, two are familiar. Josh Allen is still the Bills’ QB as he’s the second-round pick in this draft and the 22nd one taken. Of QBs, some surprising ones were taken ahead of Allen. Those include a few rookies who haven’t even played in the NFL yet, Joe Burrow (13) and Tua Tagovailoa (30). Then there’s Sam Darnold (23), Teddy Bridgewater (18) and the teamless Cam Newton (38).
Back to current Bills players, with the final Buffalo pick, safety Micah Hyde is taken in the fourth round, joining his actual team. With Buffalo’s first pick, wide receiver Michael Thomas is picked. Here’s the four-man team ESPN assembled for the Bills:
Round 1 (22): Michael Thomas, WR
Round 2 (43): Josh Allen, QB
Round 3 (86): Matthew Judon, OLB
Round 4 (107): Micah Hyde, S
More interestingly might be the rest of the Bills players that were drafted. Two players fell on other rosters: Tre’Davious White and Stefon Diggs. White was selected the the third round, No. 67 overall by the Lions. Then the Ravens take Diggs in the fourth round, No. 101 overall. White was the third cornerback selected, behind Stephon Gilmore (32) and Jalen Ramsey (38).
In regard to other familiar faces picked up, Gilmore (as mentioned) and Tyrod Taylor find their way on the Chiefs with their first and fourth picks, respectively. And of course there’s that draft day connection to Patrick Mahomes, who ends up being the first-overall player taken in the draft to the Bengals.
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