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Dave Gentleman first rounders: Where are they now?

By Joseph Weitemeyer

New York Giants general manager Dave Gettleman on the field for training camp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday, August 18, 2020.Ny Giants Training Camp
New York Giants general manager Dave Gettleman on the field for training camp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday, August 18, 2020.Ny Giants Training Camp /
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Bills Vernon Butler gets pressure on Colts quarterback Philip Rivers.(Image via Democrat and Chronicle)
Bills Vernon Butler gets pressure on Colts quarterback Philip Rivers.(Image via Democrat and Chronicle) /

Carolina Panthers: CB Vernon Butler

2016 – Pick #30

Gettleman stuck with defense in the first round for the 2016 NFL Draft, but his selection of DT Vernon Butler with the 30th overall pick has been forgettable. (His second round selection of James Bradberry, meanwhile, should be remembered.)

Big Vern has neither played a full season in the NFL, nor has he seen the majority of defensive snaps in any single season. In his first three seasons with Carolina, he did not start a game.

He finally cracked the Panthers’ starting lineup in 2019, starting in nine games of the 14 he played. That season, Gettleman watched from NY as his former first-rounder had the best season of his career.

2019 was the only season Butler had more than 19 tackles and more than 1.5 sacks. In all, Big Vern recorded 32 tackles (seven of which were tackles for loss), six sacks, and eight QB hits. He also forced three fumbles.

That strong 2019 season enchanted the Buffalo Bills enough to forget Butler’s lackluster performance in his first three seasons. They signed the defensive tackle to a two-year, $15 million contract.

But Butler appears to have reverted back. He again started in nine of the 14 games he played for Buffalo in 2020. But he had no sacks, just 18 tackles, and two QB hits. He recorded three tackles across the Bills’ three playoff games.

The Bills have a potential opt out in 2021.

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