It looks like John Clayton finally had some good things to say for the Buffalo Bills, who open their regular season on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens.
Not many people got to read the original article by John Clayton, who evaluated each NFL team in an ESPN Insider article and highlighted their “blue-chip” players. However, it’s something everyone should be talking about.
It has been said that the Buffalo Bills will be sporting a roster more talented than this city has seen in a while and John Clayton seems to agree with that statement — according to his evaluation of the Bills’ squad.
In the article, he ranked Buffalo with the 11th most blue chip players on their roster. In total, he gave 8 Bills’ players that title.
Let’s rewind a month ago when I originally asked “Why does John Clayton dislike the Bills?”
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At the time, Tyrod Taylor had yet to sign a contract extension and John Clayton made the “bold” prediction that he would end up in Denver next season. Here’s what he said in full:
"“A sleeper free-agent pickup for the Denver Broncos next offseason? How about quarterback Tyrod Taylor, who has one year left on his contract with the Bills. Denver could sign Taylor to another one-year deal, and he could help bridge the gap if first-round pick Paxton Lynch isn’t ready to start in 2017.”"
Fast-forward to now, he still has a chip on his shoulder about Tyrod Taylor for some reason, but seems to have good things to say about the rest of the team.
In Clayton’s recent article, he didn’t name Tyrod Taylor as a “blue-chip player.” He did, however, have this to say:
"“…and quarterback Tyrod Taylor is knocking on the door to becoming a top player. At least he could be paid that way if the Bills pick up his option for next year.”"
Clayton also added that the team had enough talent to make a wild card run this season, which would end that horrific 16-year drought.
So, who were those eight players that he selected as top players?
According to this list, the Bills have one of the more talented offensive lines in the league and a highly dominant one-two punch at the cornerback spot. Add in one of the craftiest backs in the league, an explosive wide receiver and one of the best nose tackles in the league — yeah, I would say that’s one talented roster already.
Sure Tyrod Taylor didn’t make the list, but with a good outing this year he will definitely be on the next one.
Clayton did have something to say about the distractions the team has had early this season. Here were his thoughts:
"“The season is already headed toward disaster. Dareus is suspended for four games and has entered a rehabilitation facility. Linebackers Shaq Lawson and Reggie Ragland, the team’s top two draft picks who were both declared starters shortly after the draft, suffered serious injuries. And the Bills cut ties with running back Karlos Williams, who at times last season looked like a future star. Coach Rex Ryan can’t catch a break.”"
He does have a point, but with Aaron Williams fully practicing and the linebackers still looking decent — at least they have a lot to prove, so the motivation is there — we are actually looking alright as the season approaches.
Compared to the rest of our division, the Bills ranked second next to the New England Patriots, who had 11 blue-chip players. The Patriots also ranked first in the whole league. The Jets ranked No. 18 and the Dolphins ranked No. 19 compared to the Bills’ No. 11 rank. Miami and New York each had 7 blue chip players.
These players will definitely have their work cut out for them on Sunday and will all need to play a major role in their offense/defense if the team wants to enjoy a big-W.
I’m sure they’ll be as ready as us.
Do you think another player should’ve been added as a blue-chip player? Leave your comments below!