2014 NFL Draft: Round 1 Reactions

Dec 31, 2013; El Paso, TX, USA; UCLA Bruins linebacker Anthony Barr (11) during the game against the Virginia Tech Hokies in the 2013 Sun Bowl at Sun Bowl Stadium. UCLA defeated Virginia Tech 42-12. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Teams I liked:

Minnesota– Vikings were able to get a defensive stud in Anthony Barr, and then trade back into the round and get a signal caller in Bridgewater. Even though they drafted a 1^st round pick in Ponder at QB a few years ago, they weren’t afraid to keep swinging to find a leader. Bridgewater will excel in the short, quick passing game, and that will help players like Jennings and Patterson.

Cleveland– The Browns got not only the QB of the future, but moved around several times to be able to get an extra 1^st round pick in 2015, and a starting corner opposite Joe Haden. They also fill seats and sell jerseys regardless of what happens.

Dallas-The Cowboys stayed the path and instead of jumping on Manziel, they got Zach Taylor who will be a mainstay in their offensive line.  If they want to get some Romo insurance, there’s a player named Jimmy Garapolo in round 2 that is similar to Tony Romo in his quick release and passing delivery.

Falcons-Atlanta was rumored to be trading up. They stayed put, and got the best offensive tackle in the draft. Jake Matthews will help that line immensely, and help take Matt Ryan’s career to another level by keeping him upright longer.

New York Jets– Despite all the rumors the Jets are sticking to a board that is great. They addressed the safety position with one of the only two safeties that can start in Calvin Pryor. I suspect round 2 will see another starter added in either Jace Amaro or Austin Seferian-Jenkins. The receiver everyone is craving won’t be drafted until round 3 or 4.

Teams I didn’t like:

Houston Texans– I’m not going to be popular for this but I don’t like Jadeveon Clowney. I think he’s an athlete that ran fast, hit Denard Robinson and popped his helmet off on one play, and became an instant “can’t miss” player.  John Abraham was a better pass rusher coming out of South Carolina when the Jets drafted him 13^th in 2000.  Clowney looks like an athlete impersonating a football player, and not really into it at that.  Time will tell, but I don’t think he’ll have the impact that even Abraham has had in his career.

Dolphins– I am a fan of Ja’Wuan James, but the Dolphins drafting him 19^th was a reach. He did start almost every game, but he’s not physically gifted like Matthews or Robinson. Dolphins may have done better drafting a guard, and taking a tackle in round 2.

Baltimore-The Ravens drafted Arthur Brown to be the MLB replacement for Ray Lewis last year. He got all of one season to get acclimated, and they’ve drafted his replacement at middle linebacker. With needs at corner and safety, drafting C.J. Mosley seems like overkill unless they plan to shift Brown outside.

Panthers– The Panthers lost four wide receivers and signed two in free agency.  They decided to go with Kelvin Benjamin?  Benjamin seems like he is 3 years away from being a reliable starting #1 receiver, and in the meantime there will be two more drafts before he gets there.  They could have/should have drafted Marqise Lee or Allen Robinson before taking such a risky chance on Benjamin who’s a bit of a one year wonder.