Eric Wood: Buffalo Bills' 2017 Player Profile

After missing the second half of the 2016 season due to a broken leg, Eric Wood will return to the center position to anchor the Buffalo Bills’ OL.

Eric Wood helped make the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft one to remember. At the time, it marked the first time since 1983 that two centers were taken in the first round. Alex Mack was the first to go with the 21st pick to the Browns. The second one was Eric Wood, going to the Buffalo Bills with the 28th pick.

In fact, just 8 centers since 2000 have been taken in the first round and they actually have all had great careers — including Eric Wood. After being selected by the Bills in 2009, he started at left guard before fracturing his tibia and fibula during his tenth game. He would start 14 games in 2010 at left guard.

In 2011, he made the switch to center and helped create a spark in the Bills’ offense — which included Fred Jackson and Ryan Fitzpatrick. Unfortunately, the injury bug would hit and he would only play 9 games.

Since then, it has been smooth sailing for Wood. In 2012, he would start 14 games and would follow that up with three-straight full seasons at center. Of course, he would suffer a broken leg last season vs. the Seattle Seahawks, causing him to miss the final 7 games of the season.

But he’s back and ready to man this offensive line. He has been a key component of the Buffalo Bills’ continued success on the ground and will help the protection of Tyrod Taylor in 2017.

It’ll be nice to have him back, for sure.