The first round of the NFL draft is in the books and boy was it crazy, last minute trade up’s and more. Here’s my breakdown of the top ten picks of the draft.
No. 1 Andrew Luck to the Indianapolis Colts
Everyone knew this was going to happen before the college football season was even over. Luck has been compared to legendary Peyton Manning and now he has the chance to prove his worth after the Colts released Manning. That’s a huge act to follow but Luck may be able to handle the pressure as he is the most polished quarterback of the draft. Luck threw for 3,517 yards and 37 touchdowns at Stanford breaking his school record of 32 in 2010 – and eclipsed Elway’s career record (77) at Stanford with 80 touchdowns passes in only three seasons. He finished with a 70 percent completion percentage and only nine interceptions without the benefit of an elite wide receiver in 2011 and was a runner up for the Heisman trophy. The Colts finished last season 2-14, I don’t expect to see a miraculous change but Luck fits in perfectly with the Colts offense.
No. 2 Robert Griffin III to the Washington Redskins
The Heisman trophy winner and biggest character of the NFL draft was no surprise either being selected No. 2 overall. I consider Griffin the better quarterback but being picked second was perfect. Luck fits better with the Colts offense as Griffin does with the Redskins. Griffin displays speed, agility, accuracy and vision that are bound to help the Redskins. There’s some controversy over mobile quarterbacks but Griffin is sure to impress. The Redskins had quite some trouble at the quarterback position struggling between Rex Grossman and John Beck. The Redskins gave up three first-round picks and a second-rounder to the St. Louis Rams in order to move up in the draft. They won’t be disappointed, Robert Griffin III racked up 4,567 yds passing and rushing, 36 touchdowns and 6 interceptions in his final year at Baylor.
No. 3 Trent Richardson to the Cleveland Browns
As part of the draft excitement the Cleveland Browns traded up at the last minute giving up their 4th, 5th and 7th round picks to the Minnesota Vikings in order to get the No. 3 overall pick in the draft. With the pick they chose running back Trent Richardson from the University of Alabama. During his three-year tenure, he helped lead Alabama to two BCS National Championships and a SEC Championship. He was a consensus All-American, Doak Walker Award winner and a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2011. It’s rare that a team goes for a running back right off the bat but Richardson is a special case he’s even been compared to Emmitt Smith and is bound to add something special to the Browns roster.
No. 4 Matt Kalil to the Minnesota Vikings
In a twist of events the Vikings traded down but were still able to get the guy they wanted, LT Matt Kalil of USC. At a size of 6 feet 7 and 300 pounds he’s perfect to be the blind slide blocker for quarterback Christian Ponder. Whether Ponder remains, as the quarterback is another discussion. Kalil is big, strong and has quickness that’s needed and highly sought after. He can effectively get the defenders off the ball and create space. The Vikings got their man.
No. 5 Justin Blackmon to the Jacksonville Jaguars
This is one of the more debated picks of the draft. The Jaguars traded up to get Justin Blackmon, the wide receiver from Oklahoma State. Blackmon is big, physical and fast all key qualities people look for in a WR but some analysts still aren’t sold on him. He will definitely provide a boost for the Jags offense, which was rated as worst in the NFL and provide help for quarterback Blaine Gabbert. At 6-foot-1 and 207-pounds, Blackmon caught 122 passes for 1,522 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. He had 111 receptions for 1,782 yards and 20 touchdowns the year before. Though some analysts aren’t sold on his ability to be a star, Blackmon brings with him a confident and competitive mindset, which is always good to have.
No. 6 Morris Claiborne to the Dallas Cowboys
In a shocking twist of events, the Dallas Cowboys traded up with the St. Louis Rams to get the sixth overall pick of the draft. With that pick they chose cornerback Morris Claiborne of LSU. Claiborne is said to be the best CB of the draft and is the perfect fit for an area the Cowboys were seriously lacking. Claiborne isn’t the best tackler in terms of technique but he’s definitely not afraid to get physical. He can jump routes and recover to stop short routes. He’s great at reading plays and is quick at adjusting. The Cowboys also added CB Brandon Carr; the two together will no doubt improve Rob Ryan and the Cowboys defense.
No. 7 Mark Barron to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Like Blackmon this pick was split amongst fans. Tampa Bay selected safety Mark Barron from Alabama. At a height of 6 feet 2 and weighing 218 pounds, Barron has the size to be a good safety. He’s a quick study, plays smart football and good tackler. Barron however has his drawbacks. His speed is lacking as well as the ability to tackle in the open field. Though Barron is a solid pick there may be some discrepancy about him being chosen so high in the draft.
No. 8 Ryan Tannehill to the Miami Dolphins
This is one of the most debated picks of the draft. With the eighth overall pick the Dolphins chose quarterback Ryan Tannehill from Texas A&M. The Dolphins have struggled at the quarterback position and for the first time since Dan Marino in 1983, they used their first-round pick on a QB. Tannehill rose fast amongst the draft picks but is quite a gamble as a starting quarterback in the NFL. Many analysts didn’t even have him going in the first round. Tannehill stands at 6’4” and 221 pounds. His mechanics aren’t ideal and deep passes sometimes come up short. His accuracy also lacks. Tannehill does however have good qualities; he is able to maneuver in the pocket as well as to throw while on the move. The Dolphins signed David Garrard who sat out last season with back problems, this coupled with how high Tannehill was drafted indicates that he will start.
No. 9 Luke Kuechly to the Carolina Panthers
This was a bit of a surprise as the Carolina Panthers chose linebacker Luke Kuechly from Boston College. Many analysts thought the Panthers would go with a defensive tackle, as there were many available but they chose to pass them up for Kuechly. In their defense Kuechly is a great tackler and bound to be a great addition to the Panthers defense. Kuechly will learn his role and make the plays he is supposed to make. He isn’t a major addition but his risks are low and he will fit right in.
No. 10 Stephon Gillmore to the Buffalo Bills
Looking to improve their defense the Buffalo Bills chose cornerback Stephon Gillmore from South Carolina. Standing at 6’0” and 193 pounds, Gillmore is said to be the most complete CB in the draft. Gillmore is fast and an explosive hitter. Gilmore finished with eight interceptions, including four last season, seven sacks and 15 tackles in 40 games, all starting. The Bills finished 6-10 last season and have been continuing to improve their defense including signing defensive end Mario Williams. Gillmore is expected to start right away.
For the rest of the first round picks click HERE
Shaina (@Shay_Marie)
