With their lone pick in the sixth round, the 2017 NFL Draft for the Buffalo Bills is now over. With the 195th overall selection, the Bills used it on Boise State linebacker Tanner Vallejo -- the second linebacker they picked on the third and final day of the draft.
Vallejo played all four seasons for the Broncos, appearing in 46 games and racking up 275 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 35 tackles for loss, and one interception. The linebacker was at least an honorable mention for the All-Mountain West teams for three straight seasons.
Joe B's Take
Vallejo’s 2016 season was mostly defined by injuries. He’s a smaller linebacker at 6-foot-1 and 228-pounds but I believe he has the quickness to likely play either middle linebacker or weakside linebacker in Sean McDermott’s scheme.
The Bills desperately need depth all across the board at the linebacker position, and now with both Vallejo and fifth-round selection Matt Milano, the Bills have added that.
They also added something vital that has been lacking at the linebacker position -- speed. Both smaller and speedier players, they are comfortable playing in space.
Between the two, I actually like Vallejo's chances to contribute defensively earlier on -- mostly due to his versatility for the defense. His injuries need to be put in the past but based on how well he played as a sophomore and a junior, I think he has a chance.
Nothing should be ruled out at weakside linebacker -- especially not with Ramon Humber currently slated to be the starter.
