Revisiting the First Round from the 2014 NFL Draft
Dec 14, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) rolls out during the third quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Bengals beat the Browns 30-0. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Picks 21-24
21. Green Bay Packers – Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S
The Packers had a huge need in the back of their defensive secondary and Clinton-Dix was able to give them a stable presence at the safety position. He was solid in pass coverage all season long even though he only registered one interception during the regular season. However, Clinton-Dix ended the season on a strong note in the NFC Championship game picking off Russell Wilson twice.
If Clinton-Dix can build off his solid rookie campaign, he can be the impact safety the Packers have missed since Charles Woodson left the team.
22. Cleveland Browns – Johnny Manziel, QB
Here we go. After battling Brian Hoyer for the starting quarterback position in the preseason, he found himself on the bench for the majority of the season. When he finally got his chance to start in Week Fifteen, he was terrible. He looked unprepared and put on one of the worst performances of the season, if not NFL history. He was inaccurate the entire game and compiled just 80 yards on 18 attempts.
Manziel had another poor performance during their game against the Carolina Panthers before he was knocked out of the game with a hamstring injury. This injury caused him to miss the season finale against the Baltimore Ravens.
According to a scathing ESPN.com report, Johnny Manziel wasn’t fully committed to his first season, and partied as if he was still enrolled at Texas A&M. The Browns front office hasn’t been committed to him, for good reason. Manziel needs to make serious strides on and off the field to make the Browns look good for taking him in the first round.
Early returns aren’t looking good.
23. Kansas City Chiefs – Dee Ford, DE/OLB
The Chiefs took a luxury pick in Dee Ford. It was a curious choice in the first round as they already had Justin Houston and Tamba Hali at the outside linebacker position. Ford became more famous for running away from Frank Gore during their game versus the 49ers, than any real impact he made for the Chiefs defense.
He posted 7 tackles in 11 games and only 1.5 sacks. Not exactly the production you’re looking for out of your first round pick.
24. Cincinnati Bengals – Darqueze Dennard, CB
Darqueze Dennard only played 77 snaps over the regular season according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required) so there isn’t too much to analyze about his rookie year. Dennard needs to get healthy to show the Bengals what he can really do.