The Buffalo Bills added six new players in the 2023 NFL Draft and the hope is that these players will develop and contribute to the team's success in the future. However, that timeline is going to be different for every player and where they were drafted may not be the best indication of when or how quickly they become a starter.
It can also depend on what players are already on the roster and where there are needs. Last year, the Bills would draft Terrel Bernard in the third round and he would only play 110 defensive snaps. However, Christian Benford was a sixth round pick and quickly moved up the depth chart with the Bills lacking depth at cornerback and he would have five starts as a rookie and play 363 defensive snaps.
When looking at the Buffalo Bills roster and the players they drafted, this is how I would rank them based on their impact as a rookie.
Ranking the Buffalo Bills' 2023 NFL Draft class by first-year impact
Number 6: Nick Broeker
In the seventh round, the Buffalo Bills would draft offensive linemen Nick Broeker out of Ole Miss. During his time at Ole Miss, he would have starts at both left tackle and left guard and that versatility was probably one of the reasons the Bills were interested in drafting him.
However, as a rookie he is going to have a tough time moving up the depth chart or even making the 53-man roster. The Bills have added free agents like Connor McGovern and David Edwards while also getting veterans like Ike Boettger and Tommy Doyle back from injuries.
In the past two NFL Drafts, the Bills have drafted offensive linemen in the final two rounds with neither making the 53-man roster (Luke Tenuta and Jack Anderson). It wouldn't be surprising to see that happen again this year but the front office will hope Broeker doesn't get claimed off their practice squad.