In the age of the NCAA Transfer Portal, homegrown development is often overlooked, but it worked for former Virginia Tech cornerback Dorian Strong.
After being selected by Buffalo in the 2025 NFL Draft, Strong has signed his rookie contract—a four-year, $4,485,356 deal that includes a $285,356 signing bonus, according to Spotrac. The former Virginia Tech cornerback is set to earn a base salary of $840,000 in 2025, with a cap hit of $911,339.
The signing bonus is guaranteed.
With built in escalation, Strong is set to increase his base salary to $1,005,000 in 2026, $1,120,000 in 2027, and $1,235,000 in 2028.
"It's amazing, it's a blessing," Strong said following his first media availability as a member of the Buffalo Bills. "I feel really excited. Just, when I first walked in here yesterday, even hearing my name being called, just getting that phone call, it was amazing, it was a blessing, so, I'm very grateful for this opportunity. I'm not going to waste it. I'm coming out here to work every day and prove my talent."
Coming out of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, he wasn't a highly-sought after recruit—247Sports Composite had him ranked No. 1,448 in the 2020 class and the No. 127 cornerback in the nation, choosing Virginia Tech over Delaware State, Stony Brook, Towson, and UConn —but he wasted no time proving himself at Virginia Tech. As a true freshman, he racked up 22 tackles and one interception, making four starts during his first season in Blacksburg.
Over 53 career games, Strong started 44 times, racking up 112 total tackles, 28 pass breakups, and 7 interceptions and logging over 2,750 collegiate snaps. His 2023 season was a standout—he earned Action Network Second Team All-American honors and All-ACC Third Team recognition. In coverage, Strong was one of the top corners in the country, allowing just 9 receptions on 33 targets across 710 snaps.
In the 2025 NFL Draft, Strong was selected in the sixth round with the No. 177 overall pick.