Fifth-round draft picks rarely find themselves in a position to make an impact in their first year – especially quarterbacks. But Buffalo Bills rookie signal-caller Nathan Peterman has developed somewhat of a cult following among the fan base after an impressive training camp that has carried into the preseason.

It took him just one game to surpass T.J. Yates as the No. 2 quarterback on Buffalo’s depth chart and after Tyrod Taylor sustained a concussion early in the first quarter of Saturday’s preseason loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Peterman got an opportunity to see extended time with the first team offense.

Peterman completed just 11-of-23 passes for 93 yards, but showed confidence in the pocket and got rid of the ball quickly and efficiently. He had his share of rookie mistakes, of course, but for the most part, his teammates are impressed with the progress that he’s shown.

Running back LeSean McCoy, who also played his collegiate ball at Pitt, had nothing but praise for the backup quarterback following the team’s 13-9 defeat.

“He’s going to be alright,” McCoy said. “He looked good. The whole camp he’s looked sure. He’s a young guy who demands a lot of respect and confidence. He’s making all the right reads and throws. I think he’ll be good.”

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Even Buffalo’s defenders are taking notice of the rookie signal-caller. Defensive tackle Jerel Worthy had this to say about Peterman’s command of the offense.

“I like Nate, man,” Worthy said. “I like what he brings to the table. He keeps the ball moving. Our offense was doing their thing. At the end of the day, you like the confidence that he plays with. He’s got a good mental makeup, he’s tough and he plays good football.”

Coach Sean McDermott made it clear that Taylor was the team’s starting quarterback and that Peterman still has work to do, but he also acknowledged that the offense is embracing the 23-year old.

“Tyrod’s our starter,” McDermott said. “I thought Nathan came in and did a good job, at times moved the ball.The biggest thing I wanted to see Nathan do is handle the situation. And he did that. The offense embraced him. He did some good things in the huddle. Nate was poised. All reports from the huddle were that he was very composed and handled himself well.”

After two games playing against opponents’ second and third-string defenders, Peterman still had his share of impressive throws, but against Baltimore’s starters, it was evident that he has quite a bit of room for growth.

With Taylor currently in the concussion protocol, Peterman will likely have an opportunity to continue developing while playing a significant portion of the Bills final preseason game next week against the Detroit Lions