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Graphic by Dave Myers (DM3)

The first 25 years of the new millennium have seen the extremes of success and lack thereof for the Buffalo Bills. From “The Drought” years of 2000-2016 to the “McBeane Era” from 2017-2025, the Bills certainly have taken their fans on a rollercoaster ride over the past quarter-century.

These 21st century teams, both good and bad, have yielded some players that will go down as all-time great Buffalo Bills.

The team at Built in Buffalo came together recently to create the top 25 players from the new millennium:

1.  Josh Allen, Quarterback (2018-present)

Josh Allen will break all significant Bills passing numbers within the next two seasons and is the all-time NFL leader in total touchdowns per game. 

Allen is more than a generational football player—he has transcended the quarterback position and when he retires, his face might be on the Mount Rushmore of all-time NFL quarterbacks.

2.  Eric Moulds, Wide receiver (1996-2005)

Eric Moulds is second on the Bills’ all-time receiving list and had four seasons with 1000+ receiving yards and two others with 900+. 

He accomplished this feat with ten different quarterbacks throwing the ball to him in ten seasons.

3.  Kyle Williams, Defensive tackle (2006-2018)

Kyle Williams started 178 games over 13 seasons with the Bills and was selected to six Pro Bowls over that time.

His 48.5 sacks are the second-most ever for a Bills defensive tackle.

4.  Dion Dawkins, Tackle (2017-Present)

Dion Dawkins’s 122 starts are the most ever for a Bills offensive tackle.

He has been selected to four consecutive Pro Bowls and is a major reason why the Bills have had their recent NFL dominance.

5.  LeSean McCoy, Running back (2015-2018)

In only four seasons with the Bills, LeSean McCoy rushed for 3,814 yards and 25 touchdowns.

6.  Stefon Diggs, Wide receiver (2020-2023)

Stefon Diggs’ 5,372 receiving yards and 37 receiving touchdowns rank fourth in Bills history, and he accomplished this in only four seasons. 

7.  Aaron Schobel, Defensive end (2001-2009)

Aaron Schobel’s 78 sacks rank second in Bills history in only nine seasons.

8.  Lee Evans, Wide receiver (2004-2010)

Lee Evans took the baton from Eric Moulds after his 2005 departure and went on to have 5,934 receiving yards and 43 receiving touchdowns for the Bills, both of which rank third in team history.

9.  Mario Williams, Defensive End (2012-2015)

In only four seasons, Mario Williams recorded 43 sacks and was selected All-Pro twice and went to two Pro Bowls.

10.  Micah Hyde, Safety (2017-2023)

Micah Hyde and his counterpart, Jordan Poyer, were strong pieces of a Bills defense that was consistently ranked in the top 10. Hyde had a Pro Bowl nod and was selected second-team All-Pro in 2021.

11.  Matt Milano, Linebacker (2017-present)

Matt Milano has been considered one of the best coverage linebackers in the NFL year over year.  He was a first-team All-Pro in 2022.

12.  Jerry Hughes, Defensive end (2013-2021)

In nine seasons with the Bills, Jerry Hughes amassed 53 sacks.

13.  Jordan Poyer, Safety (2017-2023)

A first-team All-Pro in 2021, Jordan Poyer intercepted 22 passes over his seven seasons with the Bills.

14.  Fred Jackson, Running back (2007-2014)

Fred Jackson’s 5,746 rushing yards rank third in Bills history and his 30 rushing touchdowns rank fifth.

15.  Tre’Davious White, Cornerback (2017-2023)  

A three-time All-Pro, Tre White led the NFL in interceptions in 2019.

16.  Eric Wood, Center (2009-2017)

Eric Wood started 120 games over nine seasons with the Bills and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2015.

17.  London Fletcher, Linebacker (2002-2006)

London Fletcher is seventh all-time on the Bills with 494 solo tackles in only five seasons.

18.  Terrence McGee, Cornerback (2003-2012)

A two-time All-Pro, Terrence McGee led the NFL with three kickoff returns for touchdowns in 2004 and 30.2 yards per kick return in 2005. His five career kickoff returns for touchdowns are an all-time Bills record.

19.  Nate Clements, Cornerback (2001-2006)

Nate Clements’ 23 interceptions rank seventh all-time for the Bills. A Pro Bowl selection in 2004, Clements had six interceptions in two different seasons with the Bills (2002 and 2004).

20.  Stephon Gilmore, Cornerback (2012-2016)

Stephon Gilmore was selected the Pro Bowl in 2016 after recording five interceptions.

21.  Pat Williams, Defensive tackle (1997-2004)

Pat Williams started 64 games for the Bills over his eight seasons in Buffalo. His 258 career tackles rank second among all Bills defensive tackles.

22.  Stevie Johnson, Wide receiver (2008-2013)

Stevie Johnson recorded 1000+ receiving yards in three consecutive seasons with the Bills. His 28 receiving touchdowns rank eighth all-time in Bills history.

23.  Tremaine Edmunds, Linebacker (2018-2022)

A two-time Pro Bowler, Tremaine Edmunds recorded 359 tackles in only five seasons in Buffalo after being a first-round pick by the Bills.

24.  Travis Henry, Running back (2001-2004)

Travis Henry’s 3,849 rushing yards with the Bills ranks sixth on the team’s all-time list. His 27 rushing touchdowns rank seventh.

25.  Chris Kelsay, Defensive end (2003-2012)

Chris Kelsay started 120 games for the Bills over 10 seasons.

About The Author

Matt Homan

Buffalo Bills history geek living in Kansas City area. Operator of @HOFSteveTasker on Twitter.

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