Every May, each of the NFL’s 32 teams gather in New York City for the opportunity to draft college players that they hope will become impact players. While some teams mortgage their future for immediate value by trading for a higher draft pick, like the Buffalo Bills moving up to snag WR Sammy Watkins, other teams opt to trade down by stockpiling draft picks.
Kony Ealy
This 273 LB defensive end from Missouri entered the NFL draft with a first round grade; however, he fell to the Carolina Panthers with the 60th pick in the second round. Ealy has a quick first step and a strong upper body that should lead to a long and productive career.
AJ McCarron
After helping Alabama win three National Championships during his collegiate career, McCarron is an intelligent passer and a proven winner. McCarron was the 164th pick in the fifth round of the draft. Although McCarron is starting the year on the injury list and is behind Andy Dalton, the worst case scenario is that he will be an above average backup QB.
Marqise Lee
In addition to snagging their QB of the future, the Jacksonville Jaguars also secured a future Pro Bowl WR when they selected USC WR Marqise Lee with the 39th overall pick. After catching 118 passes for more than 1700 yards as a sophomore, Lee regressed in his final collegiate season and was hobbled by a knee injury. Now healthy, Lee has the speed and separation ability required to be an above average receiver.
Andre Williams
Built like a linebacker, Andre Williams may appear hefty at only 5’9″ tall and 230 LBS; however, he has the strength and deceptive speed to carve up NFL defenses. Stolen by the New York Giants with the 113th pick in the draft, Williams had an impressive career at Boston College. In his final season, Williams rushed for 2177 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Derek Carr
The Oakland Raiders are betting that QB Derek Carr will be better than his brother after drafting the pocket passer from Fresno State with the 36th pick in the second round. Already named the starter for week one, Carr has Raiders fans believing that their QB woes are over.
