2014 NFL Draft: Hits and Misses From Day 3
By Erik Lambert
The final day of action is complete for the 2014 NFL draft. Which teams struck gold in the late rounds and which whiffed?
Hits
Chicago Bears – Ka’Deem Carey
People are quick to jump on his off-the-field issues at Arizona but he showed in 2013 he’d moved past them and became one of the best running backs in college football. He’s strong, tough, instinctive and runs with an attitude. He’s also versatile with pass blocking and receiving. A great fit for the Chicago Bears behind Matt Forte.
New York Jets – Dakota Dozier
He made a name for himself in college but most experts agree Dakota Dozier has a future coming out of the 2014 NFL draft as a guard. He certainly has the physical tools from the size and strength to the nastiness and footwork. If the trend continues its upward swing, the New York Jets got a big steal for their front.
Jacksonville Jaguars – Telvin Smith
Never mind all the talk about the fact that Telvin Smith is just 218 lbs and should switch to safety. Jack Lambert was the same weight and look how he did. Smith is a fiery leader on the field who can fly to the football, deliver a hit and also drop back into coverage. The Jacksonville Jaguars will love his speed and energy.
Washington Redskins – Lache Seastrunk
Versatility is not his game but running the football is. Lache Seastrunk could become the perfect compliment to Alfred Morris. In addition to running hard and tough, he also boasts acceleration and speed. He can punch through small holes and turn a 5-yard gain into an 80-yard touchdown.
Oakland Raiders – Jonathan Dowling
Late rounds are about taking chances and the Oakland Raiders took a smart one on Jonathan Dowling. He’s way too inexperienced and raw to play right away, but the young safety has the size, speed and physicality to become a starter down the road.
Misses
Philadelphia Eagles – Jaylen Watkins
I don’t mind the pick of the player so much as who the Philadelphia Eagles passed on in favor of Jaylen Watkins. With Keith McGill of Utah and Bashaud Breeland of Clemson still on the board, they went with Watkins who projects as a slot corner at best in the pros due to his limited quickness and burst.
Dallas Cowboys – Anthony Hitchens
The proof isn’t always in the production. Anthony Hitchens compiled big numbers at Iowa but his lack of size and limited ability in coverage make him a bit of reach where the Dallas Cowboys chose to take him in the 4th round.
Atlanta Falcons – Marquis Spruill
He has the stink of a workout wonder. Marquis Spruill did really well at his pro day but showed his lack of size, stiffness and strength on the field. There are leadership qualities to consider but that isn’t enough to warrant this reach in the 5th round for the Atlanta Falcons.
New York Jets – Tajh Boyd
His success at Clemson carried the day but Tajh Boyd is no different from Geno Smith and Michael Vick. He’s tough, mobile and can chuck the rock but like the other two he suffers from sporadic accuracy, bad decision-making and relies too much on his legs.
Indianapolis Colts – Ulrick John
I completely agree with the position of the Indianapolis Colts taking a tackle but with Seantrel Henderson, Charles Leno and James Hurst still available they went with Ulrick John who comes from a small program and weighs just 280 lbs. He’s athletic but I feel he was an easy free agent get for them if they waited after the 2014 NFL draf