2014 NFL Draft Progress Report: A San Diego Steal
By Erik Lambert
Aug 7, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu (97) looks across the line at Dallas Cowboys quarterback Brandon Weeden (3) during the first quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
With two weeks gone in the season, it’s time for a progress report of the 2014 NFL draft class. Who is soaring early, who is sinking and who is surprising?
Flying High
Kyle Fuller – CB – Chicago Bears
It’s always a good sign when a rookie produces not one, but two crucial impact plays for his team on national television, on the road against a good opponent. That is what Kyle Fuller did for the Chicago Bears. His two interceptions were not only game-changers, they were executed as if done by a veteran. With Charles Tillman out for the year, Fuller will get the starting job moving forward, but he appears ready.
Jeremiah Attaochu – OLB – San Diego Chargers
Coaches learn to love players who bring a fire to their style of play and that was a big thing said about linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu coming out of college. In his very first game on Monday Night, that fire along with a great deal of ability created havoc with the opposing Arizona Cardinals. He had four tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and a blocked punt all in the same game. Safe to say he’s a playmaker the San Diego Chargers wisely traded up for.
Sinking Low
Marcus Smith – OLB – Philadelphia Eagles
It can’t be a good sign when the 1st round pick of a team is actually deactivated for a game, can it? Marcus Smith was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles to help bolster their pass rush. Initially the choice was questioned since Smith was a defensive end at Louisville and had never really played outside linebacker before. Considering the fact he failed to get a sack in the preseason and did not make any meaningful plays in the opener.
Greg Robinson – OT – St. Louis Rams
The buzz was insane around Auburn left tackle Greg Robinson during the 2014 NFL draft process. His amazing size-speed-athleticism combination was off the charts. It made perfect sense for the St. Louis Rams to make him the 2nd overall pick. Thus far the returns are not encouraging. Moved inside to guard, a position he isn’t used to, Robinson has struggled. So much in fact that he was benched in favor of veteran Davin Joseph.
Pleasant Surprises
John Brown – WR – Arizona Cardinals
Speed is the great equalizer in pro sports. In the hands of the right coach it can be a deadly weapon. Bruce Arians is proving that correct with Arizona Cardinals 3rd round pick John Brown. A 5’10” unknown out of tiny Pittsburgh State, he shot up boards when he ran a blistering 4.34/40 at the scouting combine. A few months later he caught the game-winning touchdown for Arizona in their opener against the Chargers.
Preston Brown – ILB – Buffalo Bills
After losing linebacker Kiko Alonso to injury, many thought the Buffalo Bills defense was dead in the water. In need of somebody to step up in his stead, rookie 3rd round pick Preston Brown has answered the bell. His 20 tackles on the season leads all rookie defenders and a major catalyst for why the Bills defense has been so effective through two weeks, and also why they are 2-0 and leading the AFC East.