2014 NFL Draft Class: Best, Worst and Most Surprising So Far
By Erik Lambert
Aug 7, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys guard Zack Martin during the first quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
The first half of their rookie season has come and gone. So who is the best, worst and most surprising of the 2014 NFL draft class?
Best: Zack Martin – OG – Dallas Cowboys
Offensive linemen never win awards in pro football, but Zack Martin deserves serious consideration for rookie of the year. The Dallas Cowboys should be thanking their lucky stars Jerry Jones was convinced to take him instead of Johnny Manziel. His addition up front has turned the Cowboys offensive line into one of the best in the league, especially when run blocking. DeMarco Murray is in commanding position to win the rushing title and Martin is a big part of it. His power, polish and nasty disposition have all had positive effects. As it stands he is the best of the 2014 class over midway through the season.
Worst: Jadeveon Clowney – OLB – Houston Texans
He’s the #1 pick in the 2014 NFL draft. Scouts believe him to be the most talented pass rusher in a decade. What does Jadeveon Clowney have to show for it? Seven games missed with a recurring knee problem and no sacks. Concerns about his health red flags, not to mention his fluid work ethic are already resurfacing and his rookie season is barely half over. The Houston Texans remain confident he will emerge eventually and he has the talent to do so, but Clowney is by far the biggest disappointment of the season.
Shocker: John Brown – WR – Arizona Cardinals
The moment wide receiver John Brown was selected late in the third round by the Arizona Cardinals, immediately everybody assumed he was a kick returner option. Not much more. Little did they know what Bruce Arians had in mind for the speedster. He has since become arguably the best deep threat in the entire league. Not only does he provide big plays, but they come at clutch moments when the Cardinals need them most. That makes him perhaps the biggest steal of his class so far.