Last night we watched a thrilling first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. There were surprises, trades, reaches, and tremendous picks throughout the entire first round. It also sets us up for a great weekend completion to the draft. As for our thoughts, we'll share our first round thoughts today, with full draft grades coming next week.
First Round Recap/Reaction
1. Houston takes Clowney - Like it. He was the best player in the draft, so we obviously approve.
2. St. Louis takes Robinson - Like it. We expected this, and it makes sense given their running style. They suddenly have a great offensive line.
3. Jacksonville takes Bortles - Dislike it. We saw the next two QB's fall into the 20's, so better value was out there. They have so many other holes to fill, yet they wasted this draft spot.
4. Buffalo takes Watkins via trade - Dislike it. Don't get us wrong, we love the player. But they gave up a ton for him, including a first round pick next year. So the value simply didn't match up with the pick.
5. Oakland takes Mack - Like it. This was a great player that fell into their laps. Raiders fans can be proud of their first round pick for the first time in a while. Lol.
6. Atlanta takes Matthews - Like it. Just like Oakland, a great player fell to them, and it fills a need. Matthews will be an instant starter and give some protection to their franchise QB.
7. Tampa Bay takes Evans - Like it. They filled a need at WR and gave McCown two big receivers like he had in Chicago last season. Makes so much sense for this football team.
8. Cleveland takes Gilbert - Like and Dislike it. Gilbert was a slight reach and they unnecessarily gave up a fifth rounder to grab him, but many believed he was the best CB in the draft, which they needed. The way the first round played out, it looks awfully good now.
9. Minnesota takes Barr - Dislike it. We know Zimmer loves linebacker, but Barr was a reach. They did add a pick though by moving down, which made it better. And like the Browns, they made up for it later...
10. Detroit takes Ebron - Dislike it. This didn't fill a need, wasn't great value, and really didn't make sense given the players available that could have helped them (like in the secondary).
11. Tennessee takes Lewan - Like it. This wasn't a big need in our opinion, but it was solid value and gave them an instant starter.
12. New York (Giants) take Beckham Jr. - Like it. The Giants needed a playmaker and pulled one in without having to move up. He will be a big help to Eli.
13. St. Louis takes Donald - Like it. Similar to Tennessee's pick, this wasn't a big need. But this was great value and gives the Rams the best young defensive line in football.
14. Chicago takes Fuller - Like and Dislike it. We are torn here because Fuller is good and the Bears needed to draft a corner. But with the glaring need at safety, it was tough to see them pass on the top guys.
15. Pittsburgh takes Steelers - Dislike it. Solid player and eventually contributor, but not great value.
16. Dallas takes Martin - Like it. They resisted the Manziel urge and picked up a great player that will contribute right now.
17. Baltimore takes Mosley - Like it. This was great value for a great player that will help them. This was classic drafting by Baltimore.
18. New York (Jets) take Pryor - Like it. Pryor fits with the Jets so well, and he'll help cover up any other deficiencies on defense. Could have gone WR, but round 2 still a good spot for one.
19. Miami takes James - Dislike it. They know what they need, but they reached for it. Could have moved back (Saints spot) and gotten the same player. Reminds us though of Kyle Long to the Bears last year, and he was a pro-bowler...
20. New Orleans takes Cook - Like it. Need, value, fit. Worth trading up for.
21. Green Bay takes Clinton-Dix - Like it. In fact, love it. We would have been okay with this guy going tenth to Detroit, so 21 is tremendous value, and fills a big hole at the back of the defense.
22. Cleveland takes Manziel - Like it. This capped off a great first round for the Browns. They got a QB we both love at a great spot. Gamble of not reaching early paid off.
23. Kansas City takes Ford - Dislike it. We didn't understand why they reached for a player they didn't need when there were so many other options out there... Do they not realize that they have no offense outside Charles?
24. Cincinnati takes Dennard - Like it. This one is like Green Bay's pick, an absolute home run.
25. San Diego takes Verrett - Like it. This is one we pretty much expected. The Chargers know what they needed and they filled the void.
26. Philadelphia takes Smith - Dislike it. Total reach. In fact, he would have likely been there for them in second round, without even moving up. The good news is at least since they traded down they have an extra pick.
27. Arizona takes Bucannon - Like it. They moved down and still got a player that can contribute. They have a dynamic secondary, up there with the best in the league.
28. Carolina takes Benjamin - Dislike it. This could end up being a good pick, but Benjamin has a lot of red flags and is therefore a risk. It was a big need though.
29. New England takes Easley - Dislike it. What I just said about Carolina applies here. Shocked they didn't look to trade down for him.
30. San Francisco takes Ward - Dislike it. While Ward is a decent player, they have much more pressing needs at CB and WR. They were rumored in the last week to be moving up, but they failed and then didn't even fill one of those needs here.
31. Denver takes Roby - Like and Dislike it. We saw cornerback as a need, but Roby does have some off-the-field issues to worry about. Overall though, this could work out really well.
32. Minnesota takes Bridgewater - Like it. We loved them jumping ahead of Houston to grab the old #1 prospect. Makes their first round a winner for sure.
What's/Who's Next
- We figure the second tier QB's could be targeted in this round, starting with Houston at #33. Oakland, Tampa Bay, Tennessee, Arizona, or others could be looking at that position here as well.
- Lots of help on the line: Some of the best remaining prospects are on the defensive and offensive line. These include Morgan Moses, Xavier Su'a-Filo, Cyrus Kouandjio, Louis Nix III, Timmy Jernigan, Ra'Shede Hageman, etc.
- Trades will continue: Because of the talent in this draft and the depth it provides, we think the trading will continue. I think quarterbacks could be some of the players targeted.
- Teams first picks: Washington and Indianapolis were without first round picks and are awaiting their first selections. Seattle traded back so they too will make their first pick today. The fan-bases are eager for sure.
- Run on wide receivers: Many thought we'd see even more wide receiver action in the first round. But the second round offers a ton of value. Marqise Lee heads the list, followed by Cody Latimore, Jordan Matthews, Davonte Adams, Allen Robinson, Jarvis Landry, and Bruce Ellington. All of these guys could go in this round.
- When will a RB be taken? Carlos Hyde is the top prospect, but we mocked that Sankey would go first. When will these selections occur... second round? Third round?
The draft continues with the second and third round tonight, with the rest taking place tomorrow. Enjoy!
By: The Sports Guys
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