With the core players of Buffalo’s 1990s dynasty getting older, the Bills’ front office knew that the 1997 Draft would be critical in rejuvenating the Bills roster.
General manager John Butler and head coach Marv Levy hit with their early picks, taking Antowain Smith and Marcellus Wiley in the first two rounds.
Twenty years later, Smith and Wiley reflected on the draft process and their careers in Buffalo.
The Bills finished 10-6 in 1996, so the team’s first selection in the draft didn’t come until pick 23. With the team looking to add some support for an aging Thurman Thomas, Buffalo took Smith with their first selection.