The NFL Draft is a crucial element of the offseason for a few reasons.
First, it allows teams to draft young players with upside, give them a small rookie contract and hope they turn out to be the next superstar. This helps teams focus on rebuilding their rosters with young talent rather than overpaying for a veteran player. It can sometimes be a message to veteran players that hundreds of college students out there are just waiting to take their jobs.
Second, it is a good way to fill a hole in the roster. For example, when a team loses a player due to free agency, they need to replace them. The draft is a cheap way to get players with upside to come in and give 100% every play.
With all this said, it is nearing the start of the 2014 season and countless rookies will be trying to show the world what they can do. Without any further ado, here are the top ten rookies to watch this NFL season.
[new page = 10. Khalil Mack, Oakland Raiders, OLB]
Mack is a highly talented linebacker from the University at Buffalo. Fortunately for his development, he will be playing alongside veteran Justin Tuck in Oakland. He is very explosive and has good instincts. He should be fun to watch with the much improved Oakland defense.
[new page = 9. Jordan Matthews, Philadelphia Eagles, WR]
Matthews was brought in to replace DeSean Jackson. Not an easy task. With that said he is a big and fast with good hands. He should be a solid deep threat with ability to stretch the field. If he can develop his route running he could have a great season.
[new page = 8. Odell Beckham Jr., New York Giants, WR]
One of the fastest rookies in the draft, the New York Giants effectively replaced Hakeem Nicks with basically another Victor Cruz. Beckham Jr. should fit in nicely with Eli Manning who hasn’t had a very good season since his last super bowl victory in the 2011-12 season. With that said, if Beckham Jr. is able to get through his first NFL game, he should be poised for a monster season.
[new page = 7. Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, WR]
Evans is a big receiver with the ability to stretch the field. Fortunately for him he was draft by the Buccaneers and is paired with Vincent Jackson. The two men are basically the same player. They will have a mismatch at wide receiver against nearly every opponent.
[new page = 6. Eric Ebron, Detroit Lions, TE]
Ebron was scouted as the best tight end in the draft. He is very athletic and good off the line of scrimmage. Paired with Calvin Johnson and Matt Stafford, he could be one of the best tight ends in football this season. He will be yet another big play threat for the Lions.
[new page = 5. Jadeveon Clowney, Houston Texans, DE]
Clowney was highly scouted out of college. He is an athletic freak and is now paired with J.J. Watt in Houston. The two could be a dynamic duo for years to come. Opposing quarterbacks will be worried when they face Houston.
[new page = 4. Brandin Cooks, New Orleans Saints, WR]
Cooks fortunately got drafted by the Saints. With Drew Brees at the helm, the Saints are one of the most pass heavy offensive teams in the league. Cooks is short and fast with great agility in open space. He will be a great slot weapon for the Saints with Jimmy Graham attracting most of the attention.
[new page = 3. Blake Bortles, Jacksonville Jaguars, QB]
Blake Bortles was scouted as a typical quarterback. With a similar build to Ben Roethlisberger, he will be strong in the pocket with a quick release. While he doesn’t have the best offensive line, he should be able to shake off a good number of tackles and stretch the play.
[new page = 2. Sammy Watkins, Buffalo Bills, WR]
Watkins is the most NFL ready wide receiver in the rookie class. If Bills second year quarterback, E.J. Manuel, can have a good season, Watkins will surely be a big reason for it. He is aggressive to the ball in the air and have terrific route running skills. He can come in day one and be a big impact player for Buffalo.
[new page = 1. Johnny Manziel, Cleveland Browns, QB]
Johnny Manziel, or Johnny Football, is probably the most famous rookie in the league today. He is a similar build to Drew Brees with better running ability. His downside will be his size and he will not adjust easily to taking hits in the NFL. With that said he has some of the biggest upside among all rookie players. If he can get comfortable in the pocket and better secure the ball when scrambling he will be an exciting player to watch this season.