Travis Clayton, a former English rugby player who transitioned to become an offensive tackle prospect, was about to join his classmates from the International Pathway Program at the NFL draft stage in Detroit. Suddenly, his agent rushed to give him a cell phone.
A minute of excitement later, Clayton found himself alone on stage after being chosen by the Buffalo Bills with the 221st pick in the seventh round.
“It all happened so fast, but thankfully I made it to the stage in time, pulled in different directions,” Clayton said, still catching his breath during a Zoom call with a Bills cap on his head. “I hope I did everything right on stage.”
Clayton, who is 23 years old, had an advantage over many of his 2024 Pathway Program classmates. He participated in a 10-week training camp-style workout in Florida this winter.
Instead of being assigned to a team by the NFL or signing as an undrafted rookie, Clayton became the second player from the program to be drafted. He followed Canadian Giovanni Manu, who was picked earlier in the day by the Detroit Lions with the 126th pick.
Standing at 6 feet 7 inches tall and weighing 303 pounds, Clayton has always been involved in sports. He played rugby and boxing and tried his hand at soccer, rowing, and tennis during his upbringing, before deciding against trying skeleton.
“I didn’t want to try going head-first down a slope on a train, so I declined that,” he joked. He got interested in American football in 2019 when he joined the NFL Academy.
“I enjoy the physical aspect. As an offensive lineman, it’s satisfying to legally release your anger on others,” he explained. “I can use my strength to my advantage.”
Clayton caught the attention of the Bills after one of their scouts watched the Pathway Program workouts. Later, Bills offensive line coach Aaron Kromer watched Clayton’s tape and shared it with general manager Brandon Beane.
“He said, ‘This guy’s athletic. He’s raw,'” Beane said of Kromer’s reaction, which led to Buffalo selecting Clayton with their final pick.
“I haven’t seen him play football much, but I know he was a rugby player and boxer, and everyone says he’s a great guy. And his physical measurements are impressive.”
The Bills can take their time developing Clayton. This season, each team will have a 17th spot on the practice squad specifically for an international player.
Teams can also promote an international practice squad player to the active roster up to three times during the season, providing more opportunities for players to develop and play.
“We’re thrilled. He’s going to need some development, and this is all new to him. But his workout was really impressive,” Beane commented.
Out of the 37 international players who have joined teams since 2017, five have made it to the active roster. One of them is Jordan Mailata, an offensive tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles, who has started 57 games in four seasons.
Clayton mentioned he didn’t know the Bills were interested until they called him.
“I didn’t have any visits with the Bills, but you know, it’s the NFL. Buffalo reached out to me. They wanted me. I’m just ready to get to work,” he said. “I don’t think it’ll sink in until I get to Buffalo. Right now, there are so many emotions going on. It’s wild.”
He compared learning American football to learning a new language.
“I always dreamed of playing in the NFL. So hearing my name called was the main goal. That’s exactly what I wanted,” Clayton said. “There are still many steps ahead, but taking the first step is significant. It’s a
“We’re thrilled. He’s going to need some development, and this is all new to him. But his workout was really impressive,” Beane commented.
Out of the 37 international players who have joined teams since 2017, five have made it to the active roster. One of them is Jordan Mailata, an offensive tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles, who has started 57 games in four seasons.
Clayton mentioned he didn’t know the Bills were interested until they called him.
“I didn’t have any visits with the Bills, but you know, it’s the NFL. Buffalo reached out to me. They wanted me. I’m just ready to get to work,” he said. “I don’t think it’ll sink in until I get to Buffalo. Right now, there are so many emotions going on. It’s wild.”
He compared learning American football to learning a new language.
“I always dreamed of playing in the NFL. So hearing my name called was the main goal. That’s exactly what I wanted,” Clayton said. “There are still many steps ahead, but taking the first step is significant. It’s a blessing.”
