Boom (Good) Picks:
-Jarvis Jones
In college, Jarvis Jones was phenomenal. He produced 14.5 sacks and 24.5 tackles for loss, which was the best in the entire nation and broke school records. Not to mention he did it against the most competitive SEC conference. These are the stats that got him the SEC defensive player of the year award. He was also a finalist for the butkus award and even considered for the Heisman. These are the stats of a top ten, or even top five, pick. So, why did he fall so far in the draft? Because of a misdiagnosed spinal stenosis and a slow 4.92 40-yard dash. These two things don’t change what happened on the field though. He more than proved he is NFL ready and can play against top competition. Those stats do not lie and Jones should be a player in years to come.
-DeAndre Hopkins
Life has toughened DeAndre Hopkins like no other. With so many losses, including his father, uncle, cousin, almost his other cousin and mother, it’s unbelievable that he still finds the motivation to work hard for football and be the best player that he can be. All this adversity he has faced has prepared him for anything and everything his future may provide. Now, Hopkins may not be the fastest or biggest, but he plays with the heart of a lion and is one of the toughest in this draft. His route running abilities were what made him a first round pick and a perfect fit for the Texans. He should be a great receiver as Andre Johnson and him share the attention of the defense. This way, opponents can only shut down one receiver and not both. Hopkins has a lot to prove, but with his work ethic and thick skin, he should be able to adapt to anything thrown at him and find success.
-Tavon Austin
Tavon Austin was the most electrifying player in college last season. At only 5’8 he was the number one receiver at WVU and made up for size by being extremely fast. To prove it, he ran a blazing 4.34 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. Also, he produced amazing numbers in college with 114 receptions, 1289 yards, and 12 touchdowns. Whether he needed to blow past, juke out and avoid defenders, he always found a way to get the ball. Now, Austin is going to the Rams, where there is a lack of a great receiver and he should be able to prove himself worthy of all the hype. He is going to be a great receiver with his speed, quickness, and elusiveness.
Bust (Bad) Picks:
-Barkevious Mingo
Despite having a cool name, Barkevious Mingo was overhyped. He is a tall, lean, and quick defensive end who is the kind of athletic freak coaches gush over. He is 6’4 and ran a speedy 4.58 40-yard dash. He shows obvious talent using his speed to beat the tackle, but that was about it. If he doesn’t beat the offensive tackle using his initial step and quickness, then he is not getting the sack. In the NFL, tackles are quicker and Mingo is going to have to learn another trick if he wants to be successful. Another reason I believe he is overhyped is because of his production. Even though he was playing with one of the best defenses in the nation and having another great defensive end on the other side of him, he only managed to rack up 4.5 sacks. This is hardly impressive and his skill set was highly overlooked because of his athleticism. But, that won’t be able to carry him through his career. Mingo was not a great pick for the already struggling browns.
-Alec Ogletree
Alec Ogletree was an amazing athlete in college. It was obvious he was a mixture between a linebacker and a safety by looking at his speed and the way he flew to the ball. In other words, he provided the speed of a safety and the pop of a linebacker. Where ever the ball went, he was there. Unfortunately, Ogletree has some character issues that are worth worrying about. In his freshman year, he was suspended a game after being arrested for a misdemeanor theft. Then, this season he failed a drug test and was suspended again. Finally, this february, he was charged with a DUI and couldn’t participate in the NFL Combine. If he just had one suspension, his character wouldn’t be questioned so much. But, the fact that he chose to drink and drive right before the arguably most important test (Combine) of his career shows how he prioritizes football. Off field issues have always been problematic for the NFL and its managers. A recent example was LB Rolando McClain who got arrested and then decided to retire at the age of 23. Ogletree’s character will unfortunately overshadow his skills.
-Travis Frederick
This pick was not a good one for the Cowboys. Travis Frederick is a Center, which is already a position not highly regarded in the first round. Also, many did not see him as a first round talent. The cowboys had a strong need at the safety position, which they could have addressed in the first round instead of picking Frederick. In fact, the next center to be pick was pick all the way in the fourth round. That means the Cowboys could have waited a round or two until pulling the trigger. This was not a smart pick and had terrible value. Travis Frederick could be a great player for them, but imagine if they picked him as well as another player with first round value. This draft could have gone much better for the Cowboys.
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