English Rugby Union Winger Travis Clayton Drafted by Buffalo Bills in NFL Draft

In a surprising turn of events, English rugby union winger Travis Clayton has been drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the final round of the NFL Draft. The 23-year-old, who plays in the eighth tier of domestic rugby for Basingstoke, was selected as the 221st overall pick in the seventh round in Detroit.

Despite never having played American football competitively, Clayton is expected to make the transition to playing as an offensive lineman for the Bills. His experience playing rugby is seen as a valuable asset, with Clayton himself noting that the physicality and agility required in his position as a winger will serve him well in his new role.

Basingstoke coach Richard Cheetham has praised Clayton’s adaptability, describing his transition as “extraordinary.” Standing at an impressive 6ft 7in, Clayton’s athleticism was on full display during the NFL Combine, where he completed the 40-yard dash in an impressive 4.79 seconds.

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. This recognition of his potential has earned Clayton a spot in the NFL’s International Player Pathway programme, which aims to identify talented players from outside the United States.

With former Wales rugby union star Louis Rees-Zammit also making the move to the NFL this year, it is clear that the league is increasingly open to international talent. In fact, all 32 NFL franchises will now have an additional place in their practice squads specifically reserved for international players, allowing for greater opportunities for athletes like Clayton to showcase their skills on a global stage.