1.Eric Fisher- Kansas City Chiefs
While offensive linemen are normally not the stars in football, Eric Fisher is a star. He was the number one pick in the 2013 NFL draft which is an accomplishment in itself. Fisher will protect newly acquired quarterback Alex Smith for a team that is looking to put together a lot of key pieces.
2. Dee Milliner- New York Jets
It looks like the Jets have found Darrelle Revis’ replacement. The young Alabama player was the Jets first choice in the draft and it is clear what people expect from him. Either fill Revis’ huge shoes or fail. While these are very big expectations, Milliner is a true talent that can possibly be a shutdown corner in the NFL. It is definitely clear that this pick was influenced by Rex Ryan who loves gifted defensive players.
3. Manti Te’o- San Diego Chargers
The linebacker who got a taste of scandal before ever getting drafted. People were so invested in this guy’s personal drama that they almost forgot he is a pretty good linebacker. While many have criticized his average 40 yard dash time at the NFL Combine, a lot of great players have had slower times than Te’o. San Diego should be a good fit for Te’o who are looking for a defensive star after the departure, and then retirement, of Shawn Merriman. For a team that has been mediocre at best, Te’o can really help revitalize this team.
4. Geno Smith- New York Jets
Add another quarterback to the Jets roster! Geno, who was projected to be a top 10 pick, slipped into the second round and right into the Jets lap. While he definitely has the most upside, the Jets already have way too many below average quarterbacks on their roster. Smith’s arrival could finally end the Sanchez era in New York, along with the Tebow era. Hopefully, they don’t ruin this guy’s potential and not give him a start at least one week this season.
5. Matt Barkley- Philadelphia Eagles
Another team that has more quarterbacks than they know what to do with, the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles had an incredibly awful year last year and look like they are unsure which direction they want to go in. They still have the veteran Michael Vick who, when protected, can be an elite quarterback, but he had a problem with turnovers last year. They also have Nick Foles on their roster who played in Vick’s place last year and showed he has potential. However, I expect the Eagles to trade Foles and let Matt Barkley learn from Vick. The Andy Reid era in Philadelphia is over and Chip Kelly can rebuild with Barkley.
6. Ryan Nassib- New York Giants
This pick is a very surprising, but very smart move by the Giants. They obviously do not need a quarterback for a few years with Eli Manning in his prime, but Nassib can learn from one of the best in today’s game. Manning and offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride can help Nassib grow into a great quarterback, similar to Brett Farve and Aaron Rodgers. If not, they could always use him as trade bait in the future.
7. Tyrann Mathieu- Arizona Cardinals
This troubled player has finally proven all of his critics wrong and made it to the NFL! Honey Badger had become more synonymous with failed drug tests than shutting down his side of the field in the last year. However, the Cardinals have decided to give him a chance and he has the skills to deserve it. Mathieu is incredibly athletic and as long as he has a great support team around him, he should be able to stay clean. Everyone in Arizona should embrace him.
