Revisiting the First Round from the 2014 NFL Draft
Dec 14, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) runs for a touchdown against Washington Redskins free safety Ryan Clark (25) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Picks 9-12
9. Minnesota Vikings – Anthony Barr, OLB
Anthony Barr had mixed reviews coming into the NFL, but he put them to rest with a very productive rookie season. Barr flashed signs of dominance in some games, and provided a consistent source of splash plays. Barr totaled 70 tackles, 4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries, one which went for an overtime touchdown to beat Tampa Bay.
Unfortunately, his rookie season was cut short with a knee injury that had him put on injured reserve in Week Thirteen. Barr could be an explosive playmaker in Minnesota for years to come, he is just scratching the surface of his potential.
10. Detriot Lions – Eric Ebron, TE
Eric Ebron didn’t have the most successful rookie year, but tight ends tend to struggle early in the league due to the high learning curve in the NFL, and increased responsibility in the run game.
Ebron totaled 25 catches for 248 yards and 1 touchdown in 13 games. He never really got going in 2014, but with another year under his belt he should be able to make a bigger impact in 2015 as a dynamic playmaker for quarterback Matt Stafford.
Ebron is entering 2015 with high expectations and hopefully he can meet them.
11. Tennessee Titans – Taylor Lewan, OT
Taylor Lewan was thrust into the lineup after a knee injury to Michael Roos, and he performed well. He played much better than the tackles selected before him. He had only one poor performance against the Eagles which happened to be his final game of the season. He missed the final four games with an ankle injury.
Lewan looks to be the left tackle of the future for the Titans and is a natural replacement for Michael Roos, who is an impending free agent.
12. New York Giants – Odell Beckham Jr., WR
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past six months, you’ve heard about the greatness that Odell Beckham Jr. displayed on a weekly basis. After missing the first four games of the season, he totaled a staggering 91 catches, 1305 yards, and 12 touchdowns. If you string those totals out for an entire 16 game slate you would get 121 catches, 1740 yards, and 16 touchdowns. Monster totals.
Beckham established himself as a legitimate top ten receiver in the NFL and will be a fixture on the Giants offense for years to come.