Revisiting the First Round from the 2014 NFL Draft
December 21, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Khalil Mack (52) rushes against Buffalo Bills tight end Scott Chandler (84) during the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Bills 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Picks 5-8
5. Oakland Raiders – Khalil Mack, OLB
The Raiders finally got one right! For the past decade the Raiders have been unbelievably terrible at drafting in the first round. Their track record has been laughable at best and its remarkable they haven’t really hit on any of their first rounders.
That changed with Khalil Mack. Mack was a force for the Raiders defense, playing like one of the top linebackers in the entire league. He dominated opposing run games and had a bigger presence in the pass rush than his sack number indicates.
Oakland found a cornerstone for their defense for the next 10-15 years. Finally.
6. Atlanta Falcons – Jake Matthews, OT
Jake Matthews had high expectations for his rookie season not only because of where he was selected, but because of his rich NFL bloodlines. Well, the season didn’t turn out so well for Matthews and he really struggled after being forced to play left tackle due to Sam Baker’s injury.
It was really ugly at times and he surrendered a tremendous amount pressure while getting dominated in the run game. Matthews was nursing an injury throughout the season, but he really needs step up in his sophomore campaign and live up to his lofty draft pick.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Mike Evans, WR
Mike Evans was one of the headliners of a rookie receiver class that really turned heads during the season. Even though Tampa Bay suffered from subpar quarterback play, he posted 68 catches for 1051 yards and 12 touchdowns. His rookie campaign also had a three game stretch where he totaled a ridiculous 21 catches for 458 yards and 5 touchdowns.
Evans will be a tremendous weapon to whichever quarterbackTampa Bay decides to draft in the upcoming draft.
8. Cleveland Browns – Justin Gilbert, CB
Justin Gilbert was drafted to give Cleveland another top-flight cornerback to go along with Joe Haden. Gilbert had an up and down rookie season on the field, but a turbulent one off the field. He was suspended by the Browns late in the season and his work ethic was questioned by some his teammates. Before Gilbert was suspended, his snap count had been dwindling in recent weeks due to poor play.
Gilbert, like another one of his rookie teammates, needs to understand the opportunity he has been given, because he has the skill set to be a great corner in this league.