Possible 2014 NFL Draft Surprises Fans Can Expect
By Erik Lambert
Apr 20, 2013; Notre Dame, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish nose tackle Louis Nix (1) gestures before a two-point conversion attempt in the fourth quarter of the Blue-Gold Game at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Every year surprises will happen. That is why the hype building towards the 2014 NFL draft is so heated. What are some shocker fans can expect in May?
The Detroit Lions trading up for Sammy Watkins
It’s not crazy to think every report from “sources” prior to a draft can be considered a smokescreen, but in the case of the Detroit Lions having interest in Sammy Watkins, it’s safe to assume it’s very real. The sheer idea of putting the fast, dynamic Clemson star opposite the best receiver in football in Calvin Johnson has to make the mouth of new Lions head coach Jim Caldwell water. It would make life so much easier for quarterback Matthew Stafford and perhaps make Detroit an instant favorite for the NFC North in 2014. It’s such an enticing idea that despite not have extra picks to spend the Lions could make an aggressive move up the board to get Watkins.
The Chicago Bears taking a quarterback in the third round
It’s all about the defense, defense, defense for the Chicago Bears in the 2014 NFL draft. That isn’t a big surprise considering they finished last or near last in every meaningful category last season. However, it must be remember that this team is under an offensive head coach in Marc Trestman, a man who could lose his dependable backup quarterback to free agency, leaving the team dangerously thin at the position behind Jay Cutler. That could motivate the front office to consider a quarterback in the draft, and not just a late round project either. Trestman is renowned for his ability to teach the position. So if the opportunity arises, don’t be surprised if the Bears pounce on a young arm as early as the third round.
Louis Nix falling into the second round (or lower)
In terms of what he can do for a defense, scouts are convinced nose tackle Louis Nix is a definite first round talent. He reminds many of Patriots great Vince Wilfork who has dominated the interior of their defensive line for years. Certainly one team will recognize what Nix can do and find a place for him, right? Sure, that is if he were healthy. One sour truth about the 2014 NFL draft and those before it is that injuries can wreck havoc on draft stock, especially lower extremity injuries on big me. At 330+ lbs Nix is a massive human being which is great for the job he does but after suffering a knee injury last season teams are extremely wary of how effective he can be. Big guys tend to not handle knee or leg injuries as well in the long term as other positions. That doesn’t bode well for Nix, especially after a rather quiet scouting combine. He could very well fall to the second round, or even later.
A team will take Kirby Van Der Kamp before the fifth round
Punters are people too. NFL Network analyst Rich Eisen always likes to say that and it’s true. It’s just that the position isn’t really paid much attention to until the late rounds and undrafted free agency. That won’t be the case for IowaState standout Kirby Van Der Kamp. The young man is as cool and collected as any punter to come out of the draft in years. His tall frame belies how smooth and quickly he gets the kick off, and his heady play also allowed him to convert 7-of-7 4th downs for his team. He averaged 42.7 yards per punt in college and does his best work in inclement weather. Every kick goes exactly where he wants it to. Don’t be surprised if a team defies draft credo and takes him before the fifth round.