Jordan Poyer knows how difficult it can be to make it in the NFL.
Poyer is coming off of an All-Pro season with the Buffalo Bills in 2021, but it wasn’t that long ago that the defensive back came into the league as a 7th round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. As a late round pick, Poyer had to prove that he was worthy of playing in the league.
Poyer made the Eagles’ roster as a rookie, but was released in October of 2013. The Cleveland Browns claimed Poyer and he stuck with the team through 2016. Poyer worked his way into a starting role in Cleveland before a lacerated kidney on a special teams play ended his final season with the Browns.
While Poyer was getting better on the field each year, it wasn’t until he landed in Buffalo that the defensive back was really given the opportunity to shine. Poyer, along with Micah Hyde, have combined to be one of the league’s best safety duos in the league.
While the Bills have plenty of proven talent at cornerback and safety, the team also has many young defensive backs who will be battling for one or two roster spots this summer much like Poyer did years ago in his early NFL days.
One of those young players, Nick McCloud, reminds Poyer of himself.
In a podcast appearance on Inside the Garage, Poyer praised McCloud to hosts Kyle Hamilton, Cam Hart, KJ Wallace and Conor Ratigan--all Notre Dame alumni.
“Really good dude. Hard worker, man,” Poyer told the Inside the Garage hosts who all played with McCloud at Notre Dame. “I always tell him he always reminds me of myself. Just a guy maybe who’s been overlooked. Maybe having to come in and be on the p-squad (practice squad). Coming in and just have to earn your way up. I’ve seen his growth from year one to year two. I missed OTAs, but I know he was out there working. When I came back and saw what he’s been putting together... They got him playing corner. They got him playing safety. He’s just an athlete. That’s a guy that you gotta respect and a guy that you root for too. I really enjoy being around Nick and I’m hoping for the best for him.”
The Bills signed McCloud following the 2021 NFL Draft. He was released during the team’s final cuts last summer and claimed on waivers by the Cincinnati Bengals. McCloud remained on the Bengals’ 53-man roster into early November. When the Bengals cut McCloud loose, Buffalo was there to add him to their practice squad days later. Following the 2021 season, Buffalo signed McCloud to a reserve/future contract.
Now in his second season, McCloud faces an uphill battle with the team already having many proven defensive backs on their roster. If he can prove himself to be a versatile piece who can contribute at cornerback and safety as well as special teams, the Bills may find a roster spot for McCloud in 2022.