The NFL draft, for those in the know, is arguably the highlight of the offseason in American football. Every year the next in line of potential NFL superstars are brought to our attention, although of course not all live up to the hype.
The 2014 NFL draft is now over. Looking back, it should go down as one of the more memorable drafts in recent times.
We saw plenty of trades, a few surprises and players falling – quarterback Johnny Manziel falling to number 22 seemed to almost break Twitter.
Oh, and history was made as the first openly gay man was drafted on the final day.
The first two picks in Round 1 went as expected, with defensive end Jadeveon Clowney going to the Houston Texans and the St Louis Rams selecting tackle Greg Robinson.
The first surprise came with the third pick as the Jacksonville Jaguars took quarterback Blake Bortles, who wasn’t expected to be drafted until later in the round. Then we saw the Cleveland Browns trade picks with the Buffalo Bills who swooped in and took Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins, who many thought Cleveland themselves would take at number four.
I personally like the next three picks as linebacker Khalil Mack, tackle Jake Matthews and wide receiver Mike Evans went to Oakland, Atlanta and Tampa Bay respectively. Then the Johnny Manziel talk began and everyone speculated as to where he would land.
When the Dallas Cowboys came to pick at 16, rumours began to swirl that owner Jerry Jones would not resist in taking ‘Johnny Football’, but he took tackle Zak Martin instead.
Then when Cleveland traded up to the number 22 spot, you kind of felt they’d take Manziel, and they didn’t disappoint. The Radio City Music Hall in New York City went wild, but can Manziel ignite a franchise that has been an NFL laughing stock for such a long time?
We also saw the New Orleans Saints trade up from number 27 to number 20 to select wide receiver Brandin Cooks. The Super Bowl champions Seattle traded out the first round with the Minnesota Vikings, who would take quarterback Teddy Bridgewater with the last pick of Round 1.
Round 2 saw plenty of trade activity and some top talent go who could have easily been chosen in the first round. Derek Carr to the Oakland Raiders is an intriguing pick and we finally saw the first running back selected – Bishop Sankey at pick number 54 going to the Tennessee Titans.
Did we also see Tom Brady’s heir apparent in New England when the Patriots selected quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo? We also saw some potentially great players who were drafted in Rounds 3 and 4 this year – players like Louis Nix, Morgan Moses and Pierre Desir immediately spring to mind.
But perhaps the biggest story of the draft was on the final day when the St Louis Rams selected defensive end Michael Sam with the 249th overall pick. A lot will be said about this pick but you have to admire the St Louis Rams for taking the plunge on a guy who some will feel may be a distraction due to his sexuality.
It’ll be interesting to see just how well he fares in training camp and beyond.
If this draft taught us anything, it’s that the NFL landscape is changing. Getting that stud offensive or defensive lineman is perhaps more important than perhaps its ever been.
However you feel about how your team drafted, the 2014 NFL season can’t come soon enough.
Jimmy S
Guest
I wasn't surprised that Jacksonville went with Bortles as QB was a need along with WR, but it was a deep WR draft. If Bortles was the top QB on the Jags board, they can either: - Pick Bortles at #3 - Trade trade down and hope no one else picks him - Pick someone else & trade back into the first round The only team that wanted to move up seems to have been Buffalo at #9. Both Cleveland (4) and Minnesota (8) picked QB's in the first round, with Raiders (5) taking a QB in the second. If Jacksonville trades down to #9, there's a risk that any of those teams picks Bortles. Time will tell if it's worth it, but as a strategy I can't really fault them.
Eliot Bingham
Roar Pro
Like what my Dolphins did by picking two OT's and a WR. More help needed for Tannehill which will be good. Still can't believe Bortles went to Jags at 3. I will be watching him this season to see if he get's any snaps particularly with no Blackmon and their two WR picks
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
I was working from home, so I had gamepass on all day. Great way to pass time.
james
Guest
I'll give my Panthers a C+ grade. was unhappy originally but I can see what they are planning. also what an event. heard that 32million tuned in for the first day of the draft. that is 12 million more then last year I believe. crazy.
Ian Whitchurch
Guest
I dont like the Carr pick at all - his accuracy goes to crap when he is either blitzed or moved off his spot, and that will happen a lot to him playing for the Raiders. Lines first, then quarterback. Cleveland dominated the top end of the draft - effectively trading the best receiver for the best corner, a top three QB in Manziel and a 2014 Bills pick. Bridgewater at 32 was absolute theft by the Vikings. Lots of big corners picked up early. These people should donate a chunk of their next contract to Earl Thomas' favorite charity, as he made the Seattle press/man coverage possible. Sam's pick made perfect sense for St Louis. He was defensive captain at the next-door University of Missouri, who won SEC Defensive Player of the Year from his ridiculous ability to get after the quarterbacks and anything else in the backfield. He also had an utterly appalling combine, testing in the bottom 10% of just about every stat important to defensive ends. Yeah, you spend a seventh on a player like that, and you send him in occassionally to spell Quinn or Long. He's a guy that should average 1 sack and 2 pressures per 15 plays. Personally, I think if he's cut by the Rams, he will be picked up by some 4-3 team or other that needs a pass-rushing end (hi Bears !).