NFL Draft: Former 1st Round Picks Who May Finally Break Through

Nov 30, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams wide receiver Tavon Austin (11) celebrates a touchdown during the first half against the Oakland Raiders at the Edward Jones Dome. St. Louis defeated Oakland 52-0. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Not every top pick that comes out of the NFL draft is a success. We call them busts. However, there are also those players who take a little longer than others to blossom into what they’re supposed to become. For every Andrew Luck there is also a Terry Bradshaw. With that in mind, who are some former 1st round picks that are in line to finally reach their potential in 2015?

Nick Fairley (13th Overall, 2011)

The possibilities seemed endless when the Detroit Lions took Nick Fairley in 2011. They were going to pair the big, athletic defensive tackle with Ndamukong Suh and turn their defensive front into the envy of pro football. Over the next four seasons, all they got instead was flashes of brilliance interlaced with bouts of injury and immaturity. He has never played a full season as a pro and only produced six sacks in one season.

Figure those problems are set to end. He joins yet another loaded from in St. Louis alongside Aaron Donald, Robert Quinn and Chris Long. More importantly Jeff Fisher will be his head coach, a man who has shown he’s able to get the best from sometimes questionable personalities like Albert Haynesworth.

Shea McClellin (19th Overall, 2012)

The bust label is out in full force among Chicago Bears fans, who all feel this is the last season they’ll see Shea McClellin in navy blue on Sundays. Once viewed as the answer to their pass rush concern, the former Boise State product has shifted between defensive end and outside linebacker and two different defensive coordinators without success.

His last remaining hope is Vic Fangio, the veteran coach with a long track record of great defense to his credit. On top of that McClellin is moving to inside linebacker, the position he played and thrived at in college. Maybe, just maybe it will be enough to bring out that natural athletic talent he flashed before the draft in 2012.

Tavon Austin (8th Overall, 2013)

The scramble by teams to get in position to draft Tavon Austin two years ago was quite a spectacle. Understandable given the ridiculous series of highlights he provided at West Virginia. The kid was quick, agile and lightning fast. A true home run threat. Such things are in high demand more than ever in the NFL draft.

The St. Louis Rams won that golden ticket, but soon found out that Austin had a number of issues. Most notable was his inconsistent hands. He did find a niche as a punt returner, but has had a quarterback who can fully utilize his greatest strength which is that speed. That is no longer a problem with the arrival of Nick Foles, who brings with him a Pro Bowl and a big arm from Philadelphia. If he gets good protection up front, Austin may finally have his coming out party.

Tyler Eifert (21st Overall, 2013)

Expectations were very high when Tyler Eifert entered the draft. He was considered the latest and arguably best of a string of strong tight ends to come out of Notre Dame. His of size, athleticism, speed and hands were evident in every game and workout he had. There was no question for the Cincinnati Bengals to take him when he somehow fell to them at #21. Getting the chance to put him in an offense with A.J. Green was too easy.

So far though their investment has not paid off as expected. He had a rather quiet rookie season (39 receptions, 445 yards, 2 TDs) and then missed most of 2014 with injury. Still, the Bengals took a huge leap of faith on him by allowing veteran and two-time Pro Bowler Jermaine Gresham to walk in free agency. Maybe they know something nobody else does.

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