Buffalo Bills Draft English Rugby Union Player Travis Clayton: A New Pathway to the NFL

In a surprising turn of events, the Buffalo Bills made a bold move in the final round of the NFL Draft by selecting English rugby union player Travis Clayton. The 23-year-old winger, who currently plays for Basingstoke in the eighth tier of domestic rugby, was chosen as the 221st overall pick in Detroit.

Despite never having played American football competitively, Clayton is expected to make the transition to the NFL as an offensive lineman. His impressive physical attributes, standing at 6ft 7in, and agility were highlighted during the NFL Combine where he completed the 40-yard dash in an impressive 4.79 seconds.

Clayton’s selection comes as part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway programme, which aims to discover talent from outside the United States. The Bills were particularly impressed with Clayton’s speed, noting that his dash time was the fastest they had recorded from an offensive lineman in the past decade.

Basingstoke coach Richard Cheetham praised Clayton’s adaptability and described his transition to American football as “extraordinary.” Despite his gentle demeanor off the pitch, Clayton possesses the necessary ferocity and attributes required to excel in the NFL.

With the NFL now offering additional spots on practice squads for international players, Clayton has a unique opportunity to prove himself on the big stage. Teams will also have the option to promote international players from their practice squads to the active roster throughout the season.

As Clayton embarks on this new chapter in his athletic career, all eyes will be on the young Englishman as he seeks to make a name for himself in the highly competitive world of American football.