Revisiting the First Round from the 2014 NFL Draft
January 10, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (13) reacts after catching a touchdown pass against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half in the 2014 NFC Divisional playoff football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Picks 25-28
25. San Diego Chargers – Jason Verrett, CB
What could’ve been for the Chargers and Verrett. Jason Verrett paired with Brandon Flowers to give the Chargers one of the most lethal cornerback duos in the entire NFL. He was phenomenal in pass coverage while not being a weakness in the run game.
Unfortunately Verrett had to undergo season ending shoulder surgery after Week Eight. The Chargers are hoping that Verrett is able to recover and get back to full strength; he was playing extremely well before the injury.
26. Philadelphia Eagles – Marcus Smith, LB
A lot of analysts saw this pick to be a reach in the first round and it looks like they were right based off his rookie season. Marcus Smith failed to register one stat throughout his rookie season. No sacks, no interceptions, not even a single tackle. Smith made no impact at all in his rookie season and it was shocking to see that he failed to get on the field, even after Trent Cole’s injury.
The Eagles might need to take a look at linebackers in the upcoming draft, just in case Smith doesn’t pan out.
27. Arizona Cardinals – Deone Bucannon, S
Deone Buchanon had a rocky rookie year, but there were some positive notes. He didn’t record an interception but was solid against the pass.
He really struggled in defending the run, even though he posted a high tackle number (81). Bucannon has the potential to be a solid contributor on an already talented Cardinals secondary.
28. Carolina Panthers – Kelvin Benjamin, WR
Cam Newton needed help in his receiving corp, and Kelvin Benjamin was exactly what the doctor ordered. Benjamin was another star in the making for this incredible rookie receiving class. He was able to post 1,008 yards with 9 touchdowns on 73 receptions throughout his rookie campaign.
If he can continue to improve his hands and route running ability, he looks like he could develop into a superstar for the Panthers.