BUFFALO, NY (WKBW) — When there's a player available that's too good to pass up, you go for it. That's what Bills General Manager Brandon Beane did on Saturday, selecting quarterback Jake Fromm out of Georgia with the 167th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
"I thought it was a prank call," laughed Fromm after getting the call from Beane. "I'm super thankful to get that phone call. It was surreal. I'm thankful for my family. They've been hanging with me for a lot of hours recently and I'm just thankful to let is all loose and we finally got it."
Fromm is expected to come in and learn alongside starting QB Josh Allen and veteran Matt Barkley, most likely taking on a developmental role. Barkley currently has one more year left on his contract, so adding Fromm gives the Bills a nice backup option going forward.
"Josh has already reached out," Fromm said. "I'm excited to build my relationship with him. I'm excited to get in that room and meet everybody and see where I fit in and just compete and help the team in any way I can."
Many expected Fromm to go off the board in the 3rd or 4th round but somehow slid with questions surrounding his arm strength, and overall athletic ability. Fromm says he's always been doubted, and this process has made him more hungry.
"I've always been the guy kind of left out, the guy overseen, the guy that's not tall enough, not strong enough," he said. "For me it's just showing up to work and competing and doing whatever I can to help the team win. I'm excited to do that again at this level, super excited to get with my new teammates, and learn and build relationships and ultimately play NFL football."
Fromm is coming off a great career with the UGA Bulldogs, where he became an instant starter his freshman year following an injury to then starting QB Jacob Eason. During his time at UGA, Fromm went 621-of-982 for 8,224 passing yards and 78 touchdowns (2nd in UGA history). He led UGA to three straight SEC Championships and to the College Football Championship game in 2017. He's now ready to take that next step but knows there's a lot more to learn.
"Every QB wants to be a starter," Fromm said. "I've been blessed to play in every single game I've dressed up (while at UGA). I don't know what exactly I'm getting into but I'm humble and hungry. I'm just trying to compete and do the best I can and make that room better and make the team better."
The Bills are scheduled to pick three more times on Saturday, twice in the 6th round and once in the 7th round.
