2014 NFL Draft Recap: 10 Gems Snagged on Day 3
The 2014 NFL Draft is finally a thing of the past, which can allow us all to rest easy until things really start picking up again in late June. However, before we put an end to one of the longest and most insane draft seasons in NFL history, let’s reflect on the final day of the draft, where we saw some quality players slide and become major steals through the final four rounds.
There were some guys that were going to have value as they slid into round four, but beyond the big names there were actually several guys that could end up being hidden gems we didn’t expect.
Let’s take a look 10 10 guys that could go down as some of the best gems of the final day of the 2014 NFL Draft, based off of talent, team fit and where they were taken:
Jaylen Watkins, CB, Florida (Round 4 – Eagles)
Philly picked up a corner beyond his value last year in Brandon Boykins not too long ago and they do it again here with Watkins. Watkins is a day two talent at the very worst and offers excellent depth.
Ka’Deem Carey, RB, Arizona (Round 4 – Bears)
Chicago lands a solid backup for Matt Forte and might just have a franchise back for the future, as well. Carey brings a nice blend of size and speed to the table, and is a real bargain in the fourth round.
Carl Bradford, ILB, Arizona State (Round 4 – Packers)
The third-rated inside linebacker by most draft experts, Bradford has the size and skill-set to be perfect in the middle of Green Bay’s 3-4 defensive system. A solid athlete with good instincts, Bradford was a fantastic need pick in round four.
Tom Savage, QB, Pittsburgh (Round 4 – Texans)
The Texans badly needed a quarterback and they got one in the raw but supremely talented Savage. He has a ways to go with accuracy and decision-making, but has major upside thanks to great size, arm strength and solid athleticism.
David Yankey, OG, Stanford (Round 5 – Vikings)
One of the more versatile and all-around solid offensive linemen in the draft, Yankey took a surprising dive to round five due to just average athleticism. Minnesota landed a very solid depth piece here, and a possible future starter.
Cyril Richardson, OG, Baylor (Round 5 – Bills)
Sticking at guard, Richardson isn’t quite as versatile as Richardson, but is probably the better pure talent. If Richardson can just keep his fluctuating weight under control, he could end up being a superb steal for the Bills.
Zach Mettenberger, QB, LSU (Round 6 – Titans)
Tennessee needed legit competition at quarterback for Jake Locker and they got it in the big-armed Mettenberger. The LSU product certainly has health concerns (back and knee) but stands tall in the pocket and has the prototypical size and skill-set NFL teams look for in franchise passers. Landing a talent like him in round six is just unbelievable.
Lache Seastrunk, RB, Baylor (Round 6 – Redskins)
While undersized, Seastrunk displays great vision, speed and cutting ability. He’s an interesting add to a crowded Redskins backfield, but certainly offers high upside and quality talent.
Jeff Janis, WR, Saginaw Valley (Round 7 – Packers)
Janis faced no competition at Saginaw Valley, but he put up huge numbers and brings excellent size and speed to the table. He’s a classic Ted Thompson shot in the dark that could pay off.
Trevor Reilly, DE/OLB, Utah (Round 7 – Jets)
Quite honestly one of the bigger shockers was seeing Reilly slide all the way to round seven. While not an elite athlete, Reilly has an excellent skill-set as a pass rusher and also has the smarts and versatility to play with his hand in the dirt or as a rush linebacker in a 3-4. New York will make him into a sack machine.
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