As you may recall, I started doing mock drafts here in 2017. Or maybe you don’t recall: I didn’t, and had to look through the archives to find out. Holy shit there’s some stuff back there! Anyhoo, the average NFL career, across all positions, is 3.3 years. Some positions, kickers and coddled QBs last much longer, running backs get hammered into dust in 2+ years. Somewhere Derrick Henry has a covered portrait that is taking a fucking beating.

The point being that it’s fun and pointless to mock a draft, and it’s fun, (and even more pointless), to rate a draft immediately afterwards. What were about to find out is how much fun it is to look back after roughly twice the time an average NFL player lasts, and see who did what and how well.

This week we’ll take a stab at the Buffalo Bills draft class of 2017, smashing as many tables as we need to for this to happen.

Fortunately for me, Balls already did this when I mailed in the Tuesday open thread, and I am absolutely not above a little (properly sourced), cutting and pasting when it saves me a bunch of time. Especially when I may be starting jury selection as you read this. Thanks, Balls! (also what I said when my kids were born)

(all grades and comments by, oh, let’s say Balls)

The Bills’ 2017 draft:

1- Tre’Davious White, CB, LSU
2A – Zay Jones, WR, East Carolina
2B – Dion Dawkins, OL, Temple
5A – Matt Milano, LB, Boston College
5B – Nathan Peterman, QB, Pitt
6 – Tanner Vallejo, OLB, Boise State

Pick 1 started his rookie year and has been to 2 Pro Bowls and was selected All-Pro twice. Grade: A

Pick 2A finished 2018 as Buffalo’s leading receiver before being traded to the Raiders. He is now with the Jaguars. Grade: B

Pick 2B is still with the Bills and has gone to one Pro Bowl. Grade: A

Pick 5A is still with the Bills and just signed a four year extension. Grade: A

Pick 5B provided much comedy and is still in the league with the Chicago Bears which ensures more comedy to come. Grade: B+

(OK, I have to interject here. Yes, Peterman’s stunning incompetence has led to a great deal of hilarity, and his ability to somehow still remain in professional football, (well, the Bears anyway), is an excellent reminder of the NFL’s hypocrisy when claiming that Kaepernick is just “too rusty” to compete at this high level, but he’s an F. Maybe an F-. I mean Peterman may very well be colorblind the way he throws the ball towards any moving and possibly blurry object in his field of vision.)

(back to Balls)

Pick 6 has bounced around the league and is currently in Arizona. Grade: B+

Overall, pretty damn good and impressive draft as everyone is still playing and there are a couple of All-Stars in there.