The Buffalo Bills' Bold Move: Drafting a 6-foot-7 Athlete with Rugby Background for NFL

Making the switch from rugby to football has been a challenge for some in the past. Jarryd Hayne and Christian Wade, who were at the top of their game in rugby, both tried their luck in football but were unable to sustain success in the long run.

Louis Rees-Zammit, a former Welsh international, is taking on the challenge of playing for the Kansas City Chiefs this season after making the switch from rugby earlier this year.

However, not all stories end in failure. There are some notable success stories in the sports world. For instance, Jordan Mailata has emerged as one of the top offensive tackles in the NFL. He has become a key player on the offensive line for the Philadelphia Eagles, transitioning from a background in rugby league.

Recently, the Buffalo Bills made a bold move by drafting a player who has never before stepped foot on a football field. Despite this lack of experience, they are hopeful that he will follow in Mailata's footsteps and make a significant impact on their team.

With the 221st overall pick and the first pick of the seventh round, the Bills chose Travis Clayton, a former rugby player from the United Kingdom.

Hailing from Basingstoke in England, Clayton is among 16 players participating in this year's International Player Pathway program. This program, run by the NFL, gives athletes from different countries the opportunity to pursue a career in the league.

Aden Durde made history by becoming the first British NFL coordinator when he was hired by the Seattle Seahawks to organize their defense.

Aden Durde made history by becoming the first British NFL coordinator when he was hired by the Seattle Seahawks to organize their defense.

Roger Steinman/AP

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Aden Durde, who initially paved the way for international players in the NFL, is now making history as a coordinator.

Clayton, despite never having played in a football game, has the natural abilities that could potentially make him a successful offensive tackle in the league.

He is 6-feet-7-inches and weighs 303 pounds. He can also run a 40-yard dash in 4.79 seconds.

“His measurables are – wow – off the page,” Bills general manager Brandon Beane said.

Clayton was a player for Basingstoke Rugby club, a team in the Counties 2 Hampshire Division, which is the eighth tier of English rugby.

The club took to X, previously known as Twitter, to congratulate Clayton after he was drafted. They posted: “BUFFALO SOLDIER!! Our very own Travis Clayton has been drafted by the Bills. We are incredibly proud. Basingstoke is now on the NFL Map! Go out there and give it your all, Trav!!”

While his experience in the game is limited, Clayton believes his rugby experience will help his transition to a new sport.

Clayton wears a United Kingdon flag on his shoulders on stage after being drafted by the Bills.

Clayton wears a United Kingdon flag on his shoulders on stage after being drafted by the Bills.

Jeff Roberson/AP

Clayton believes that playing rugby, a team sport, has enhanced his understanding of teamwork and communication, which he hopes will benefit him in the NFL. He also mentioned that his experience playing as a wing in rugby has helped him develop physicality, agility, and other skills that will be advantageous in American football.

NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein has pointed out that Clayton's success in the league will depend on his toughness and the support he receives from his team to improve his skills, especially considering his limited experience in the sport.

While Clayton does have some weaknesses, Zierlein also highlights his strengths. Zierlein mentions that Clayton is an "above-average athlete with a seven-foot wingspan" and praises his ability to "shuffle and slide with fluidity and clean change of direction."

Editor's P/S:

The transition from rugby to football has witnessed both successes and failures, as evidenced by the experiences of Jarryd Hayne, Christian Wade, and Louis Rees-Zammit. However, the recent drafting of Travis Clayton, a rugby player with no prior football experience, by the Buffalo Bills has rekindled optimism for a successful crossover. Clayton's impressive physical attributes and determination to leverage his rugby background suggest he may follow in the footsteps of Jordan Mailata, who transitioned from rugby league to become a top offensive tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles.

The NFL's International Player Pathway program plays a crucial role in facilitating these transitions. By providing opportunities for athletes from diverse backgrounds, the league broadens its talent pool and enriches the sport's global appeal. The success of players like Clayton and Aden Durde, the first British NFL coordinator, demonstrates that with the right support and determination, the barriers between different sports can be overcome. As Clayton embarks on his journey in American football, his story serves as an inspiration, reminding us that the pursuit of excellence transcends traditional boundaries and that the path to success can be forged through the convergence of different sporting disciplines.