x
Breaking News
More () »

Bills make another huge trade to pick Tremaine Edmunds No. 16 overall in NFL Draft

Bills drafted OLB Tremaine Edmunds with their second first-round pick.

ORCHARD PARK – Brandon Beane wasn’t satisfied making one trade up the board in the first round of Thursday night’s NFL Draft.

Rather than stay at No. 22, the Bills made a deal with Baltimore to move up to 16 and picked Virginia Tech linebacker Tremaine Edmunds. Obviously, that pick fills a huge need for the Bills.

The Bills gave the Ravens the 22nd pick, as well as No. 65, which is the first spot in the third round. Buffalo also got back No. 154, which is a fifth-rounder. With these moves, all the Bills have left for Friday’s second and third rounds is the No. 96 pick in the third round, barring any more deals.

More: Buffalo Bills draft picks: Round-by-round look at their selections

Edmunds is one of the youngest players in the draft as he doesn’t turn 20 until next week. He is the son of former Miami Dolphins tight end Ferrell Edmunds, who played in Miami in the late 1980s and early 90s at the height of the Bills-Dolphins rivalry.

Edmunds is a physical freak at 6-foot-4, 250 pounds, with 4.53 speed in his scouting combine 40-yard dash. He started in 2016 and 2017 and in 27 games for the Hokies he was in on 215 tackles (35 for lost yardage including 10 sacks) while also forcing four fumbles. And what’s intriguing is that he could play middle linebacker in Buffalo’s 4-3 defense, or as an outside linebacker in another team’s 3-4.

“I just feel like I can match up, I can do different things,” Edmunds said when asked about versatility at the NFL Scouting Combine. “I don't limit myself, so I can perfect my craft at whatever position it is. Whatever position they ask me to play, I'll be fine.”

NFL Draft Scout analyst Rob Rang said of Edmunds, “It isn't often that you come across traditional off-ball linebackers with Edmunds’ exciting blend of size, instincts and speed. He is still a bit rough around the edges – attacking with reckless abandon and occasionally leaving holes for savvy ball-carriers to exploit - but he possesses the upside to warrant first round consideration, projecting as a future starter and potential difference-maker.”

Before You Leave, Check This Out