Former Buffalo Bills tend to do fairly well for themselves after leaving Buffalo. Need proof? Just take a look at the seven former Bills players that will be participating in this year's Super Bowl (not counting Jason Peters, who is out with an injury.) Let's rank the former Bills that will be playing a major role in the big game.
7. DE Eric Lee, Patrots
A Buffalo Bills practice squad player until late in the 2017 season, Lee played a big role in the Patriots strong finish to the season. Bill Belichick saw something in the practice squad player and made him an immediate starter.
Bills fans certainly recognize the name thanks to a pick that derailed the Buffalo Bills opening drive at New Era Field. That pick deflated fans hopes and set the tone for that game, and Lee has continued his solid play in the playoffs.
6. RB Mike Gillislee, Patriots
The Bills running back who averaged over five yards a carry in the previous season was doing his job as a goal line back for the Patriots in the first portion of the season. But after a few fumbles, Gillislee found himself in the doghouse. When Rex Burkhead came back, Gillislee saw his role almost completely disappear. He hasn't done much in the playoffs, but don't be surprised to see Belichick utilize him in the Super Bowl.
5. LB Nigel Bradham, Eagles
The Eagles linebacker has been a key piece of a defense that has helped the Eagles get to the Super Bowl. Bradham racked up 88 tackles during the regular season and plays a key role on a really good Philadelphia Eagles defense. He was a great piece of Buffalo's defense prior to leaving, so it's no surprise to see him having success in Philly.
4. S Corey Graham, Eagles
The former safety for the Bills got paid to be in the Eagles secondary, and he has delivered some impressive results. Graham had two picks during the regular season and added another key one in the NFC championship game. We'll see if he can repeat the feat against Tom Brady on Sunday.
3. CB Ronald Darby, Eagles
The Buffalo Bills were able to find a gem in the draft with rookie Tre'Davious White, but Darby was no slouch for Buffalo. The talented cornerback was widely recognized as one of the better cornerbacks in the league while he was on the Bills, and was again a solid cornerback in Philadelphia.
2. WR Chris Hogan, Patriots
Chris Hogan went from a household name from "Hard Knocks" to one of Tom Brady's favorite targets over the past few years. On the Bills, Hogan seemed to have a knack for getting open and picking up key first downs. On the Patriots, Hogan has quickly become one of the best wide receivers on the team. I have no doubt that he'll be making plays again on Super Bowl Sunday.
1. CB Stephon Gilmore, Patriots
As painful as it is to admit, both starting cornerbacks for Buffalo last season have made it to the Super Bowl. The better one is Gilmore, who is getting paid like a top cornerback in the NFL. Gilmore made the Pro Bowl in 2016 and is still widely recognized as a top 10 cornerback in the league. He hasn't played like one of the best in the league in 2017, but his full skills will be on display in the Super Bowl.
