50 best players in the AFC East
By Brian Miller
Jerry Hughes
Dec 28, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola (80) runs the ball against Buffalo Bills defensive end Jerry Hughes (55) in the second half at Gillette Stadium. Buffalo Bills defeated the Patriots 17-9. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
In 2010 the Indianapolis Colts drafted Jerry Huges with the 31st pick in the first round. Hughes, a Texas Christian defensive end, had a slow start to his NFL career registering just six tackles in 12 appearances during his rookie season.
In 2013 the Colts traded Hughes to the Buffalo Bills for linebacker Kelvin Sheppard, who has since joined the Miami Dolphins. Hughes finished his 2013 season with 46 tackles, 10 sacks, and two forced fumbles in 16 games, starting one of them.
In 2014 Hughes played all 16 games registering 36 tackles and 17 assists adding another double digit sack total (10).
While not as dominant as some of the other defensive ends in the AFC East, Hughes has become very reliable on the outside. He started all 16 games for the Bills in 2014 and is expected to do the same in 2015 after signing a five year extension following the 2013 season.