Few teams got more production out of their first-year players than Buffalo. Two draft picks became instant starters (OT Mike Williams and SS Coy Wire) and four others (WR Josh Reed, DT Justin Bannan, DE Ryan Denney (only 5 games – mostly at end of year) and CB Kevin Thomas) received significant playing time over the course of the season.
Sprinkle in the contribution of a couple of rookie free agents (RB Joe Burns, DE Grant Irons) and the rookie class of 2002 shows a bright future.