Buffalo Bills GM says three rookies will start on defense in 2016

Buffalo Bills general manager Doug Whaley is guaranteeing that the team’s first three draft picks will all be starters for the 2016 season.

On the sidelines, the Buffalo Bills may have the most outspoken coach in the history of the NFL with Rex Ryan preparing to enter his second season with the team. Apparently, Ryan’s brashness is starting to rub off on others within the organization.

During an appearance on the NFL Network, general manager Doug Whaley was asked about which rookies he thought would have a chance to start when the 2016 season kicks off. Whaley channeled his inner-LeBron James and said “not one, not two…”:

"“At least three. Shaq Lawson is going to walk in off the bus starting. Reggie Ragland and then Adolphus Washington — all three of those guys will start right off the bus. And we’re excited for some guys from the fourth through sixth rounds that will contribute for us.”"

There is almost no doubt that Lawson, who was one of the best defensive players last season while helping to lead the Clemson Tigers to the national title game, will be in the lineup from day one and replacing Mario Williams as one of the starting defensive ends.

Ragland, who is the reigning Defensive Player of the Year for the Alabama Crimson Tide, could step in and help out at linebacker while Washington, a national champion during his time with the Ohio State Buckeyes, gives Ryan and the Bills even more depth on the defensive line.

The Bills open their 2016 season on the road against the Baltimore Ravens (where Ryan served as defensive coordinator once) before hosting the New York Jets (Ryan’s last stop before Buffalo) just four days later.

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