Bills Rookie Gets Helping Hand from Teammates - VIDEO

While Buffalo Bills rookie offensive lineman Travis Clayton has yet to play a down on a professional football field, the team remains optimistic about potentially finding a draft diamond in the rough.

Clayton, the Bills selection at No. 221 overall in the seventh round, was among 16 participants chosen in January to take part in the NFL's International Player Pathway Program (IPPP,) designed to give international players more opportunities to play in the league.

© Mandi Wright, Detroit Free Press

As he participated in his first mandatory minicamp last week, several of his Bills teammates along the offensive line — including starting right tackle Spencer Brown —  offered Clayton a helping hand in learning the nuances of the NFL.

Let’s take a look:

For the native of Basingstoke, England, being drafted by the Bills became an opportunity which led him to his dream of playing in the NFL. Clayton first attempted to journey into American football in 2019, when he joined the NFL Academy in London. Though his first stay was short-lived, the English rugby union standout rejoined the academy, where he caught the eye of IPPP scouts.

Clayton turned in an eye-opening performance at his IPPP pro day, having run the 40-yard dash in 4.81 seconds. Measuring in at 6-7, 301 pounds, his mix of size and speed, along with his seven-foot wingspan, earned him comparisons to Jordan Mailata - an Australian rugby player who became a starter along the Philadelphia Eagles' offensive line - as well as tryout invites from several clubs.

With rookies set to report for training camp at St. John Fisher University in Rochester on July 16, the Bills are hoping that Clayton can provide some needed strength and stability to their offensive line this season.