Revisiting the First Round from the 2014 NFL Draft
Dec 28, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Sammy Watkins (14) runs the ball against the New England Patriots during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
The 2014 season is almost in the books, so it’s time to evaluate the impact the first round rookies had on their respective teams.
Picks 1-4
1. Houston Texans – Jadeveon Clowney, DE/LB
Clowney came into the league with as much hype as any prospect in recent memory. After dominating for the majority of playing time at South Carolina, he was expected to come in and made an immediate impact rushing across from All-World defensive lineman J.J. Watt.
After showing some serious flashes in the preseason (particularly against the Atlanta Falcons), he was ready to set the league on fire. However a knee injury in Week One of the regular season impeded his progress. He only played in four games throughout the regular season registering 7 tackles in the process.
The jury is still out on Clowney, but if he can healthy he should be a force in this league.
2. St. Louis Rams – Greg Robinson, OT/OG
Robinson was drafted to be the left tackle of the future for the Rams, but those predictions might have to be tampered for mean time.
He really struggled after being moved to left tackle halfway through the season. Robinson gave up immense pressure on the quarterback and didn’t gain much movement in the run game either. Like Clowney, Robinson is an elite athlete for his position so he has the skill set to improve. Hopefully he can play up to his potential in his second year.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars – Blake Bortles, QB
Blake Bortles certainly looked the part of a franchise quarterback in the preseason, but those flashes failed to translate over to the regular season. He improved towards the end of the season, but overall it wasn’t pretty as Jacksonville finished a terrible 3-13, again.
Bortles threw for 2,908 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions on a 58.9% completion percentage. Luckily for Bortles, it looks like Justin Blackmon might get reinstated into the league giving Bortles one of the top receivers in the league in his disposal, and a rookie wide receiver corp that all played very well in their first season.
4. Buffalo Bills – Sammy Watkins, WR
The Bills traded their 2015 first round pick to get Sammy Watkins, a move they might regret. For now, its undeniable that Watkins played well in his rookie season. He really flourished after Kyle Orton took over the starting job in Week Five.
Watkins dealt with some injury issues but showed toughness and played through them. If he can stay healthy, Watkins has shown that he has the ability to be a star in this league.