The Buffalo Bills’ first season was in 1960, which means a lot of draft classes in the team’s history. Like all teams, the Bills have had great and not-great selections over the decades. And some of their best draft picks have been steals that far outperformed projections. Let’s break down the five greatest NFL draft steals in Bills history.

5. Tom Sestak, 1962, Pick 132

Tom Sestak was a 17th round pick in the 1962 draft, which was a steal for what he eventually became as a pro. He was a problem for opposing offensive lines throughout his entire career. Sestak became a starter right away as a rookie for the Bills. Though frequently banged up, he still fought through the injuries, which included knee problems and broken ribs.

Those injuries did end up cutting his career short, and Sestak ended up hanging his cleats after the 1967 season. If it wasn’t for his relative durability issues, he would have been higher on this list because of what he was able to accomplish as such a late draft pick.

4. Stevie Johnson, 2008, Pick 224

Some have forgotten how good a wide receiver Stevie Johnson was when he was in Buffalo. When he was drafted, no one expected much out of Johnson, but he blew away the expectations. In his third season with the Bills, Johnson recorded 82 receptions for 1,073 yards. Each of the next two seasons he also had 1,000-plus receiving yards. Johnson played six seasons with the Bills, totaling 3,832 yards and 28 touchdowns.

For a guy who had to fight to make it on the Bills’ 53-man roster as a rookie, Johnson had quite an impressive career.

3. Mike Stratton, 1962, Pick 100

Mike Stratton was a hard-nosed defensive linebacker who was a difference-maker for the Buffalo Bills back in the 1960’s. Stratton made six consecutive appearances in the AFL All-Star game back from 1963-68. In 11 seasons in Buffalo, Stratton had 18 interceptions. Eighteen interceptions in 11 seasons is decent for a cornerback, but ultra-impressive for a linebacker.

After the 1972 season, Stratton left the Bills for a season with the Los Angeles Chargers. After the 1973 season, he retired and was named to the Bills’ Hall of Fame.

2. Kyle Williams, 2006, Pick 134

Kyle Williams was a fan favorite during his time with the Bills and for good reason: He was a star. Williams was selected with the 134th pick in the 2006 draft. He played 13 seasons with the Bills before hanging up his cleats after the 2018 season. Williams was named to the Pro Bowl six times.

Williams’ best season came in 2013 when he racked up 10.5 sacks and 68 tackles. He also forced a fumble and recovered another one. When he retired, he had racked up 609 tackles and 48.5 sacks.

1. Andre Reed, 1985, Pick 86

Was there really any doubt who would be tops on this list? Reed was a fourth-round pick in 1985, and it didn’t take long for him to become an impact player in Buffalo.

As a rookie, Reed caught 48 passes for 637 yards and four touchdowns. In four seasons, Reed finished with at least 1,ooo yards receiving. His best season was in 1989, when he caught 88 passes for 1312 yards and nine touchdowns. In 15 years with the Bills, Reed totaled 13,095 yards and 86 touchdowns.

After the 1999 season, Reed joined the Washington Redskins for one year and played in 13 games, with zero starts. Most forget that Reed even left for the Redskins, and he will always be remembered for his time with the Bills.

Reed was a seven-time Pro Bowler, and his bust now sits in Canton, Ohio in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.