ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — The Buffalo Bills finally made a pick by selecting Clemson linebacker T.J. Parker at No. 35 in the NFL draft on Friday, a day after completing three trades in backing out of the first round entirely.
At 6-foot-3 and 263 pounds, Parker was a three-year defensive linemen for the Tigers and will make the switch to outside linebacker on a Bills defense transitioning to a 3-4 scheme this season
.He finished with 41 1/2 tackles
for a loss, 21 1/2 sacks and six force fumbles over 39 games. Parker especially excelled in his sophomore season in which he had 19 1/2 tackles for a loss, 11 sacks and set the single-season record with six forced fumbles.
General manager Brandon Beane was strategic by trading down three times on Thursday to add two draft picks and improve the team's position in the middle rounds.
Buffalo entered the draft with just seven picks, and just three among the top 126 selections after trading its second-rounder to Chicago to acquire receiver DJ Moore. The Bills entered Friday with nine picks, and five among the top 126.
The additional picks benefit a Bills team seeking to retool on the fly to remain competitive while transitioning under a new coaching staff.
Offensive coordinator Joe Brady was promoted in January after Sean McDermott was fired following nine seasons. While much of the Josh Allen-led offense returns intact, Buffalo’s defense is transitioning under new coordinator Jim Leonhard.
Buffalo is scheduled to round out Friday with the second pick of the third round, 66th overall.
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