The Buffalo Bills ending their 17-year playoff drought was among the biggest surprises in the NFL in 2017.
There were many reasons why Sean McDermott was able to lead his team to a 9-7 finish in his first season, but one of the biggest factors was Buffalo's rookie class. McDermott was able to find multiple players who instantly contributed for the team and these players had a significant role in the Bills' success.
Leading the way was Buffalo's first round pick Tre'Davious White. The cornerback finished the season as the Associated Press' runner-up for defensive rookie of the year. After being selected 27th overall in the 2017 NFL draft, White came into Buffalo and took over the team's No. 1 cornerback spot. He finished the season with 69 total tackles, 18 passes defensed, four interceptions and one defensive touchdown.
In addition to White, Buffalo may have also found a franchise left tackle in Dion Dawkins. Cordy Glenn spent much of the 2017 season dealing with foot and ankle soreness which led to Buffalo's second round pick starting much of the season at left tackle. Dawkins played very well as a rookie and finished with the second highest grade among all rookie tackles at Pro Football Focus.
Buffalo also received contributions from rookies such as wide receiver Zay Jones and linebackers Matt Milano and Tanner Vallejo.
Considering how well Buffalo's rookie class fared in 2017, it was no surprise that NFL.com recently gave the Bills the highest AFC East rookie grade.
Here is what NFL.com's Nick Shook said about Buffalo's rookies.
Round 1: (No. 27 overall) Tre'Davious White, CB, 16 games/16 starts.
Round 2: (37) Zay Jones, WR, 15 games/10 starts; (63) Dion Dawkins, OT, 16 games/11 starts.
Round 5: (163) Matt Milano, LB, 16 games/5 starts; (171) Nathan Peterman, QB, 4 games/2 starts.
Round 6: (195) Tanner Vallejo, LB, 15 games/0 starts.
Buffalo found a pair of immediate contributors in White and Jones, with the former playing so well that he built a strong case for Defensive Rookie of the Year. Jones showed flashes of potential while popping in and out of Buffalo's offense. Dawkins found himself in the starting lineup for much of the season, making that second-round pick worthwhile. Milano was a surprise impact player, starting at Will linebacker with solid play. Peterman was a disaster in his first start, which felt forced in the midst of a playoff season. He seems to be in line to start whenever Buffalo finally cuts ties with Tyrod Taylor (whether it's warranted is another discussion), but he doesn't excite many folks. GRADE: B
Shook gave the Patriots' rookie class a B- while giving out a C grade to the Dolphins and a C- to the Jets.