Saturday, May 10, 2014

NFL Draft: Winners and Losers

With this year's draft coming to an end today, there have been many surprises. With Cleveland trading three times in the first round, grabbing Manziel, Patriots taking a quarterback in the second round, Michael Sam being drafted, all around there were many surprises that make people keep watching. With that, here are my winners and losers from this year's NFL Draft.
Winners:
Jacksonville Jaguars
     The Jaguars got their franchise quarterback with the third overall pick in Blake Bortles. They also got Wide Receivers Allen Robinson and Marqise Lee. Many thought Lee was first round talent as well, which gives the pick more upside. There defense was decent as well. Jacksonville definitely got the most out of this year's draft.
Oakland Raiders
     The Raiders got a huge upgrade grabbing Khalil Mack, who I believe was the second best prospect in the draft next to Clowney. They also got their quarterback of the future in Derek Carr, who Oakland did say they believed was the best quarterback in this year's class. Not to mention, they also got him in the second round. They also got some help on their offensive line in Gabe Jackson, who has amazing size. Oakland definitely looks like a much improved team when including their offseason acquisitions.
Michael Sam
     Sam is a good story. The first openly gay player was drafted in the seventh round by the St. Louis Rams. I thought he wouldn't get drafted just because of the media that would go along with the pick and him. For fourth round talent, I personally thought it would cause this guy to go undrafted. Good from Sam and the Rams though. The Rams showed that no bias could stand in the way of his openness, and a great story in the pick.
Losers
Washington Redskins
     The Redskins did not have a pick in the first round. Then they traded down with a divisional rival, making their first selection at pick 47. Then they take Trent Murphy, a guy that I have never heard of and most put him at mid-third round in mock drafts. Then they reach again for Spencer Long in the third round. I'm not really sure what Washington was thinking.
Philadelphia Eagles
     The Eagles had a sub-par pick in Linebacker Marcus Smith during the first round. Also, the Eagles had major secondary needs and they did not take a single player in the secondary. They took two wide receivers. When they took Matthews in the second round, there were far better receivers available, especially in Cody Latimer, who fits the system almost exactly. They definitely made some interesting picks.
Johnny Manziel
     The Cleveland Browns traded up to take Manziel with the 22nd pick. The Browns also took Brady Quinn and Brandon Weeden at the same pick, two major busts. Now Wide Receiver Josh Gordon is also going to face a suspension, probably the entire season. Burleson also has a broken arm. The Browns did not take a receiver either during the draft. Manziel's career might be over before it even starts...

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