2014 Draft: First Round Slips
In every draft there are a few players sure to be disappointed when there projections turn out to be higher than what reality holds. Geno Smith did not appear to be in a particularly great mood when he spent all of the first day of the 2013 draft waiting for his name to be called and it never happened. Here are some of this year’s prospects who may face a similar situation next Thursday:
WR Kelvin Benjamin (FSU)
Benjamin’s surge of production late in the season (212 yards and 3 touchdowns against rival Florida in the last game of the regular season, 119 yards and 2 touchdowns against Duke in the ACC Championship, and catching the game-winning touchdown against Auburn in the BCS National Championship) and his size (6’ 5”, 240 lbs.) had many pegging him as sure 1st round selection in the 2014 draft.
But Benjamin does not possess elite speed and he has more than his share of drops. It does not help his stock that this draft is stacked with talented receivers. Look for Sammy Watkins, Mike Evans, Odell Beckham, Brandon Cooks, Marquise Lee, and Allen Robinson to all be selected before Benjamin.
QB Derek Carr (Fresno State)
Carr’s best attributes, his arm strength and mobility, have him projected as a late 1st round pick, most likely to the Cardinals or Browns. But his worst attribute may outweigh his best; he does not handle the blitz well, rushing throws when he sees the pass rush coming. This will lead to costly interception in the NFL, and should scare teams from touching him, so he may drop to the 2nd round or even further.
QB Blake Bortles (UCF)
It wasn’t too long ago when Bortles was projected by many as a likely candidate for the Texans to pick with the first overall selection. These analysts have come to their senses more recently; now, it is hard to find a mock without Jadeveon Clowney going to the Texans.
Bortles has the prototypical frame (6’ 5”, 230 lbs.) you want in a quarterback, and he throws well under pressure. But his technique is still very raw. He does not throw his receivers open with anticipation, rather he has to wait until a receiver is open before he throws. He also sometimes stares down his receivers, leading to interceptions. Bortles is more of a project player than Bridgewater or Manziel, and most teams are looking to get plug-in starters out of their 1st round picks.
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