2014 NFL Draft Report: Kyle Fuller Headlines NFC North
By Erik Lambert
Sep 14, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Chicago Bears Kyle Fuller (23) runs after intercepting San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) (not pictured) in the fourth quarter of their NFL football game at Levis Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports
The first quarter of the season is almost complete and the 2014 NFL draft class is making their presence felt. How are things in the NFC North?
Biggest Boom: Kyle Fuller – Chicago Bears
Expected to learn behind Charles Tillman and Tim Jennings, Chicago Bears rookie corner Kyle Fuller was forced onto the field in just his second week after Tillman tore his triceps. The Virginia Tech product has gone on a tear since, snagging three interceptions, two forced fumbles and 19 tackles. He is in the running for Rookie of the Year, if not the odds on favorite at this point.
Biggest Bust: Eric Ebron – Detroit Lions
Tight end wasn’t the most pressing need for the Detroit Lions when they took Eric Ebron and in hindsight they shouldn’t have. The North Carolina standout has had little impact on the offense in both team wins this season and is clearly struggling. Meanwhile the secondary, the area most draft experts thought Detroit should focus in April, continues to struggle despite being covered up by the outstanding play of their defensive line.
Biggest Surprise: Silence of the Green Bay Packers class
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, the 1st round safety has made a few impact plays for the Green Bay Packers but the bigger story is how quiet the rest of their 2014 NFL draft class has been. Sitting at 1-2, the Packers are struggling and a big part of it is not getting a needed boost from their rookies. Davante Adams isn’t finding chances on offense, nor is tight end Richard Rodgers. Corey Linsley was forced into the starting lineup at center but hasn’t looked very good. All around it’s a class lacking impact ability and it threatens to cost a Packers team that is dealing with injuries.
Name To Watch: Teddy Bridgewater – Minnesota Vikings
Matt Cassel is done for the season after fracturing several bones in his foot. That means the Teddy Bridgewater era can officially begin for the Minnesota Vikings. The rookie came in with a lot of promise about his ability to conduct a pro style offense and he’ll get his chance. It won’t be easy though without two key offensive pieces in Adrian Peterson and Kyle Rudolph.