Bills Central

Bills given graded evaluation for selecting third CB in NFL Draft

The Buffalo Bills are building a cornerback surplus in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Jeremy Brener|
Virginia Tech defensive back Dorian Strong runs in the 40 yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Virginia Tech defensive back Dorian Strong runs in the 40 yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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The Buffalo Bills wanted more depth for their secondary at the start of the NFL Draft's sixth round, and they got it by taking Virginia Tech cornerback Dorian Strong with the No. 177 overall pick.

Strong comes to the Bills after five seasons at Virginia Tech, where he made 53 appearances for the Hokies.

Bleacher Report contributor Brent Sobleski graded the pick, giving the Bills a "B" for the move.

Virginia Tech Hokies cornerback Dorian Strong breaks up a pass for Virginia Cavaliers wide receiver Malachi Fields
Virginia Tech Hokies cornerback Dorian Strong breaks up a pass for Virginia Cavaliers wide receiver Malachi Fields. | Peter Casey-Imagn Images

"The Buffalo Bills aren’t messing around in the secondary. They’ve now selected three cornerbacks after grabbing Virginia Tech’s Dorian Strong at the top of the sixth round. General manager Brandon Beane saw a problem area and has thoroughly addressed it," Sobleski wrote. "Today's game allows some leeway in how cornerbacks play. 

"At one time, everyone wanted to be the next Deion Sanders or Darrelle Revis—pure shutdown corners who can match anyone in one-on-one coverage. Today's game relies far more heavily on rerouting wide receivers, particularly in the contact zone, and dropping into elaborate coverages in an attempt to confuse opposing quarterbacks. 

"Fortunately, Strong thrives in each of those areas."

RELATED: Which picks did Bills send Bears in NFL Draft trade-up that landed Deone Walker?

Strong is the third cornerback the Bills have taken in the draft so far, joining first-round pick Max Hairston out of Kentucky and fifth-round selection Jordan Hancock from Ohio State.

Strong will have some competition in training camp for playing time, but if he plays like he did in college, he will have a chance to make some contributions.

Virginia Tech defensive back Dorian Strong participates in drills during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium
Virginia Tech defensive back Dorian Strong participates in drills during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

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