Revisiting the First Round from the 2014 NFL Draft
Nov 2, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys tackle Jermey Parnell (78) and guard Zack Martin (70) and quarterback Brandon Weeden (3) in game action against the Arizona Cardinalsat AT&T Stadium. Arizona beat Dallas 28-17. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Picks 13-16
13. St. Louis Rams – Aaron Donald, DT
The second first round pick for the Rams went much better than their selection of Greg Robinson. Donald was given the starting role in Week Five and never looked back. He was Pro Bowl selection and one of the most disruptive tackles in the league, posting 9 sacks in his rookie campaign.
For a player that was projected to struggle against the run, he held up extremely well in that fashion living in opponents backfields throughout the season. The Rams added an elite talent to an already dominant Rams defensive line. When Chris Long returns from injury, watch out.
14. Chicago Bears – Kyle Fuller, CB
Like most rookie corners, Fuller had his share of ups and downs. Early in the season, Fuller looked like he was well on his way to being one of the elite corners in this league. He totaled 3 interceptions in his first three games, but his play really tampered off after that. Calvin Johnson took advantage of him in two different game, and he struggled going against Aaron Rodgers as well.
Fuller had a few different injury problems in 2014 but if he can get healthy and return to his early season form, he should be a great asset for a rebuilding Bears defense.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers – Ryan Shazier, ILB
Shazier flashed dominance in the preseason, but the jury is still out on him as he missed times with various injuries. Shazier showed the potential to be a great linebacker in this league, he just needs to stay healthy. He totaled 36 tackles in 9 games this season.
16. Dallas Cowboys – Zack Martin, OG
Some Dallas Cowboy fans were clamoring for the team to select Texas A&M star quarterback Johnny Manziel. Boy were they wrong. Zack Martin wasn’t the sexiest pick, but he paid huge dividends for the Cowboys and was a key cog in the resurgence of their running game. He was one of the top guards in the league while being a force in run blocking and rock solid in pass protection.
The Cowboys have built one of the top offensive lines in the league and Zack Martin is an essential piece to that line.