2014 NFL Draft: 5 Players Rising Up Draft Boards
The 2014 NFL Draft is rapidly approaching, and as it does the draft rumor mill continues to heat up. No one knows for sure who the Houston Texans will take with the top pick in the draft, or if their real desire to to trade down.
We also have suspicions that the Atlanta Falcons and St. Louis Rams are interested in moving down and up, respectively, but how far or with who they’ll entertain trades, we still don’t know.
In a draft clearly draped in uncertainty, all we really know at the moment is that the stock of several players is fluctuating on a daily basis. Let’s take a look at five names that are seeing their stock improve by the day:
Tom Savage, QB, Pittsburgh
Boy, the NFL certainly does love size and arm strength when it comes to the quarterback position. True, Savage really does have ideal size and a cannon for an arm, but he also has major issues when it comes to accuracy and decision-making. Regardless, the Pittsburgh product is soaring up drafts boards as a project many teams don’t mind working with for 1-2 years.
Packaged with nice athleticism, as well, Savage is a potential steal in round two. The NFL team that drafts him will simply have to wait for him to reach his potential.
Jimmie Ward, S, Eastern Illinois
Ward’s stock is skyrocketing, as several teams are in need of a stud safety early in this year’s draft and before his name started heating up, there were really only two safeties projected to go in round one. He’s joining that potential first round club, though, due to his balance and play-making ability. He comes with some risk as a small school product, but he’s no longer a secret.
Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan
Lewan was already a stud offensive tackle that had first round written all over him, and that was last season. This year he was once again locked and loaded to go in the middle or bottom of round one, but even despite some extra off field issues, hit talent and need for the position is expected to push him up even further. Some draft analysts are going as far as to say he’s the best tackle in the draft. Suddenly, it wouldn’t be a shock to see him sneak into the top-10 picks.
Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
Blessed with great size and solid athleticism, Fuller sees himself rising up draft boards due to his physical nature and elite versatility. An exceptional tackler in the open field, Fuller is good in pass coverage and can also help in run support. He also can play either corner or safety, giving him that versatility coaches love in young defensive backs. Look for him to go somewhere near the bottom of round one.
Kony Ealy, DE/OLB, Missouri
Ealy was already a projected first round pick, but until very recently was simply seen as an ideal fit for a 3-4 system on the outside as a linebacker. However, buzz has been created that some teams like him so much that he could be considered for the inside of a 4-3 alignment if he can add weight and maintain his speed.
Blessed with an excellent combination of size, speed and versatility, Ealy can probably play any defensive position outside of cornerback or safety at the next level. This should have him going at the bottom of round one at the very worst, although it looks like he could go much higher.
Leave a Reply