Chargers' rookie class among NFL's best; Dolphins' gang lacking From Gil Brandt Link http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap20...s-among-least?campaign=Twitter_writers_brandt Last April, 32 teams gathered in New York for the 2013 NFL Draft. After -- and, in some cases, even before -- the event was over, grades were handed out and winners and losers were declared. Future franchise saviors were anointed, while potential busts were circled in red ink -- though each and every rookie had yet to play a single NFL snap. Why do you love football? Share your story and you could win a VIP Super Bowl XLVIII trip. Six months later, it remains difficult to say which teams came away from the draft with the best and worst classes. Half a season, after all, does not make for much of a sample size. Still, most of the rookies have had at least seven games to either make their mark or fade into the background. With that in mind, I took a stab at identifying the most and least impactful draft classes of 2013. Of course, the results do not necessarily reflect how I think these draft classes will shake out when it's all said and done -- we likely won't know that for years. For the purposes of this piece, I was concerned only with this season, picking out the draft classes that have made serious contributions to successful teams and the classes that have all but disappeared at this early juncture. But remember: The book is far from written on the 2013 draft class. Some promising players could yet fizzle, while some of the "disappointments" -- perhaps tripped up by injuries or other factors outside their control -- could yet turn into top-notch pros. That said, here are the most and least impactful draft classes of 2013 as I see them: MAKING THEIR MARK 1) San Diego Chargers The Chargers drafted three players who have made serious contributions as rookies, beginning with offensive tackle D.J. Fluker (drafted in the first round, 11th overall). From Day 1, Fluker has started for an offensive line that has been much better than it was prior to his arrival, leading to a stronger ground game and increased protection for Philip Rivers. In a resurgent season, San Diego's quarterback has been sacked just 11 times through seven games; that projects to 25 sacks on the season, which would be about half as many as Rivers endured in 2012 (49). Thanks to a foot injury, Manti Te'o (second round, 38th overall) got off to somewhat of a slow start. However, since making his first appearance in Week 4, the linebacker has added something to San Diego's run defense, showing he can play in space. And as for first-year pros helping Rivers, Fluker isn't the only one: Keenan Allen (third round, 76th overall) has 399 receiving yards, third-most among rookies. Allen has come on especially strong lately, leading all receivers with 107 yards in the Bolts' big Week 7 win over Indianapolis. 2) Detroit Lions On NFL Network NFL Replay will re-air the Detroit Lions' 31-30 win over the Dallas Cowboys from Week 8 on Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 9 p.m. ET. » NFL Network schedule Fifth overall pick Ziggy Ansah has three sacks and 19 tackles in six starts for the Lions. The notoriously green defensive end is having the kind of impact on the pass rush that many more experienced guys can only dream of making. Offensive guard Larry Warford (third round, 65th overall), meanwhile, has started every game for a line that has allowed Matthew Stafford to be sacked just 10 times. Jim Schwartz told me after the draft that Warford's lack of speed -- one of the things the player was knocked for as a prospect -- would not be relevant to the team's plans; I'd say the Lions coach has been proved 110 percent right. And cornerback Darius Slay (second round, 36th overall) has helped in the secondary. There's one more promising Lions draftee who might slip under the radar by virtue of his position: punter Sam Martin (fifth round, 165th overall). The Appalachian State product is averaging 48.5 yards per kick -- 7 yards better than Detroit's punter averaged last season -- and already has had 10 punts downed inside the 20. I think Martin has been one of the factors behind the Lions' improved play in 2013. 3) New York Jets The Jets' had a very, very good draft, highlighted by defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson (first round, 13th overall). With his quickness, tenacity and athletic ability, the Missouri product looks just like Warren Sapp. In eight games (seven starts), Richardson has 37 tackles, 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble. And, of course, there's quarterback Geno Smith (second round, 39th overall). Yes, he's been inconsistent, but the bottom line is, he's performing better than anyone expected. Anytime you can get a viable starting quarterback in the second round, it's a good draft, even if your first pick -- cornerback Dee Milliner, taken ninth overall -- is struggling. New York also snapped up a couple of good complementary players in guard Brian Winters (third round, 72nd overall) and Tommy Bohanon (seventh round, 215th overall). Winters will be a good pass protector for the Jets for many years, while Bohanon has shown himself to be a good blocker and receiver. Others deserving mention: Eddie Lacy Green Bay Packers: They drafted both a starting offensive lineman in David Bakhtiari and a legitimate running back in Eddie Lacy. Cornerback Micah Hyde, meanwhile, has exceeded expectations. Dallas Cowboys: Center Travis Frederick has quieted the critics who doubted his selection in the first round, while Terrance Williams has proven he can be a big-play receiver in the NFL. Third-round pick J.J. Wilcox and undrafted free agent Jeff Heath have the potential to be long-term starters at safety. Buffalo Bills: They came out of this draft with a starting quarterback in EJ Manuel, a defensive terror in Kiko Alonso and two solid receivers in Robert Woods and Marquise Goodwin. If they were winning more games -- and if Manuel weren't hurt -- the Bills might have made the top three. WHERE DID THEY GO? BENGALS AT DOLPHINS • Thursday, Oct. 31, 8 p.m. ET • Watch on NFL Network and NFL.com/LIVE Watch on NFL Mobile with a Verizon premium subscription. Thursday Night Football Xtra Download Thursday Night Football Xtra for a second screen experience while you watch the game. Play TNF Challenge Pick the game score and the players from each matchup you think will score the most fantasy points. Compete with friends and experts. Win a trip to the Pro Bowl. 1) Miami Dolphins Hoping to boost their pass rush, the Dolphins traded up to snag Dion Jordan with the third overall pick, but he's had almost no impact thus far, collecting a single sack in seven games (no starts). His struggles are especially rough considering that Miami, currently in the midst of a four-game losing streak, could use the help. Many -- myself included -- thought highly of Jordan before the draft. In fact, at one time, I even thought he might have been the best talent available. Perhaps offseason surgery to repair a torn labrum set him back. Unfortunately for the Dolphins, they haven't had much more success with the rest of their first four picks, none of whom has made a start this season. Cornerback Jamar Taylor (second round, 54th overall) has one tackle in three games. Offensive lineman Dallas Thomas (third round, 77th overall) has yet to see the field. And cornerback Will Davis (third round, 93rd overall) has zero tackles in one game. 2) Oakland Raiders Three of Oakland's first four picks have faltered thus far. Cornerback DJ Hayden (first round, 12th overall) has one start, two passes defended and one pick through seven games active. On the Raiders' depth chart, Hayden is listed behind Mike Jenkins, who was cast aside this offseason by a Cowboys team that was in need of defensive help. Offensive lineman Menelik Watson (second round, 42nd overall -- the second of the two choices acquired from Miami in the Dion Jordan trade) has yet to play in a game, beset by injuries and surgery. Quarterback Tyler Wilson (fourth round, 112th overall) was cut before the season opener and subsequently signed to the practice squad. The one shining light for the Raiders has been linebacker Sio Moore (third round, 66th overall), who has really exceeded expectations. In six games (five starts), Moore has three sacks, including two in Oakland's win over the Steelers last Sunday. That figure ties him with Ansah for the third-most sacks among rookies. 3) Seattle Seahawks The Seahawks are a bit unique among the teams on this part of the list, as the amount of young talent already making an impact on their roster before the draft was always going to limit opportunities for the rookie class this season. That said, their top draft picks have been less than impressive. Running back Christine Michael (second round, 62nd overall), whom I thought was pretty good, has been a non-factor, running just nine times for 37 yards in two games. I know the Seahawks have two pretty good backs ahead of him in Marshawn Lynch and Robert Turbin, but you'd think there'd be room to give Michael more than nine carries. Defensive tackle Jordan Hill (third round, 87th overall), who has five tackles in two games, missed the first four weeks of the year with a biceps injury and has been inactive the past two weeks. Receiver Chris Harper (fourth round, 123rd overall) is with the Packers after failing to stick with either Seattle or San Francisco. Others deserving mention: The Washington Redskins (who had no first-round choice) and the New York Giants (Justin Pugh is starting, but second-round pick Johnathan Hankins is third on the depth chart). ******* A few weeks ago, we took the pulse of the rookie class on an individual level. Here's a quick look at some individual risers and sliders at the season's midpoint:
OVERACHIEVERS 1) Kyle Long, RG, Chicago Bears: Still speedy and mean as ever. 2) Hugh Thornton, LG, Indianapolis Colts: The guard has something that I think is an underrated -- if important -- indicator of future success as an offensive lineman in the NFL: a history as a successful high school wrestler. 3) Tyrann Mathieu, S, Arizona Cardinals: The tough-as-they-come third-round pick has exceeded expectations, showing outstanding coverage ability and good return skills. He just needs to get a bit stronger. UNDERACHIEVERS 1) Tavon Austin, WR, St. Louis Rams: Austin just does not look as quick as he did before the draft. Maybe the quicker, stronger and faster competition he's facing in the NFL is negating some of what we saw at West Virginia. 2) Sharrif Floyd, DT, Minnesota Vikings: Floyd did not lift at the NFL Scouting Combine, and his lack of strength has shown. The short-armed guy gets overpowered and has been relegated to backup status on a Vikings defensive line that is not very good. 3) Montee Ball, RB, Denver Broncos: Ball saw limited action against the Cowboys (one carry) and Jaguars (three), two teams that are not very good defensively. He's not really a move-the-pile-type guy. On the year, he has just 177 rushing yards total.
Thought Fluker would struggle a little more to acclimated to the NFL (especially pass blocking) but I was obviously wrong. Considering the scrub/quitter they had there originally, Chargers hit a franchise-altering home run at RT. === Keenan Allen & Hopkins were two WR I liked most entering the draft. No shot at Hopkins because he just couldn't get out of the 1st round. Passing on Allen in the 2nd made sense because one of the top QB prospects in this draft was still available. Passing on Allen in the 3rd round had me pissed initially. However, as time as elapsed, I'm so happy Winters is there to push King Ugly out of the starting lineup. Also, we are enjoying the brilliance of selecting Sheldon Richardson when NOBODY was pushing for him in the media or Jets draft forums. 1st Round - Dominating DL prospect 2nd Round - Solid QB prospect 3rd Round - Not solid yet but still an upgrade on starting RG (which was a weakness) 4th Round - I'm a big Ivory fan & still think it's a good trade. 7th Round - Starting FB. Not a difference maker but considering it's the 7th round, it's great production vs. draft slot. Thank goodness we have Idzik & didn't do the typical bullshit Tanny trade-ups where Jets walk out the draft once again with fewer prospects than everyone else. If Millner can turn it around, I'd feel confident saying Jets had the best draft class. == Also, Bills did great this draft & looks like they've gotten themselves some solid leadership after some really rocky years. Their fans should be very happy.
what's even more alarming than the gaffe in the milliner pick is that they acknowledged they wanted Austin before getting bounced by the rams. And he's terrible as well. Idzik hit on Richardson but that's about it... Milliner bad, goodson bad, ivory bad, Garrard bad, winslow bad, lowery bad, etc. Colon was a good pickup I guess. Still a lot more negatives than positives coming out of year 1 of the Idzik era... (this is not even mentioning the trade of the team's best player)
What's bad about Ivory in your opinion? Goodson was a good pick up, how was Idzik supposed to predict that he'd get in trouble with the law and then get a season ending injury? Winslow was a solid target for Geno before he was suspended. Garrard wasn't really expected to get significant playing time, just a mentor, if you will, for Geno or whoever was starting for us. Only one I'll give you no argument about is Milliner. He has been real bad thus far. However, he is still a rookie and only one half of this season has gone by. Way too early to write him off. I understand a good amount of his moves didn't pan out, but they didn't pan out due to (for the most part) unpredictable reasons.
He should be judged based upon the results, solely. That's all I'm saying. Right now, not great. To answer your question about Ivory, I think he's too slow and I don't like his vision. I expected more from him.. he looks much worse than Greene ever was. The fact that Idzik went out of his way to get RBs in the offseason and this team's best RB by far, Powell, is a hold over, is alarming to me.
Well considering how much the picks ahead of him have struggles, it's hard to just single Milliner out. No doubt he's underachieved, but so has pretty much every player ahead of him. I mean look at fisher. And Joeckel was struggling before his injury.
No offense, but this is poor reasoning. You always evaluate a decision based on the logic behind making that decision, not because of the results that follow it. How was Idzik supposed to know Goodson would tear an ACL injury and Winslow would get suspended 4 games? In the one game Goodson played, he looked like an excellent pick up (which was why he was brought in). Winslow was signed for nothing with the depleted TE corp we had and again, was effective in the time he played.
Idzik had a great off season. Anyone who says otherwise is a SOJF or is just being ridiculous. He got a starting (possible franchise, definitely best QB in the draft) QB in the second round. Got arguably the best player in the draft so far in Richardson at 13. Got a long term starter in Winters in the third. Got another starter in the 7th. Three definite starters, including two potential franchise players is nothing to scoff at. If Milliner turns it around, this has the potential to be up there with our best drafts ever. As far as trades/FA moves go- I wasn't a huge fan of the Ivory pick. In the fourth at our pick, we could've gotten someone like Franklin or Lattimore. I understand why he got Ivory though. FAs were great. Barnes was a great move, and he got hurt. Ditto Goodson. Winslow was also a great pick-up, and he got suspended. Nothing Idzik could really do. That being said, none are really long-term pieces, so none have any negative long-term effects. This year was about laying the foundation, and we did just that.
Some people are just determined to have a negative view. Potential Defensive rookie of the year, potential offensive rookie of the year, motherload of cap space coming up .... Idzik sucks. Where are there the results?
such sane and realistic analysis only serves to get SOJFs riled up like rabid ferrets.... all Jet draft picks are BUSTS all FA and waiver pickups are FAILURES it must be one miserable way to go through life, frankly
Try to understand that our OL this year has a rookie OG and a new FA OG playing on it plus a rookie FB! That means inconsistency. Ivory et al need holes to run through. That will come in time and then you will change your opinion and jump on the bandwagon. Goodson was looking like a spark with his speed. He was hurt and you are critical of IDZIK. MILLINER needs time to develop. I am sure that you knew that SABAN does NOT teach NFL-style of play to his CBs. They do not know how to back peddle well when they leave Alabama. It will take time for his technique to develop. Then what will you be critical of? We got three drafted rookies starting on OFFENSE. We have COLON playing well. David Nelson is playing well. Winslow was playing very well too. Richardson is awesome. We drafted OLmen that have stayed on the roster all year so far, Yet all you can do is be critical of IDZIK. I think you have an agenda and are totally wrong! BUT you conveniently forgot to say that all the experts had the Jets as the 32nd rated team in the NFL capable of winning two games! We have won 4 nad could finish 8 and 8 or 9 and 7 and that is with a rookie QB drafted by Idzik. Go ahead and be critical of IDZIK. We need a good laugh on this board and you are it!
You can't evaluate the Jets off-season moves in terms of the free agents they signed. Every free agent they signed with the possible exception of Goodson was a 1 year stopgap move until the deep draft in 2014. The draft is looking ok so far. The Jets got 5 guys who are starting for them including 2 big contributors in Geno and Richardson. Milliner, Winters and Bohannon will likely contribute at a higher level moving forward. The Jets have had seasons recently where they couldn't be bothered to draft 5 guys.
Only the Jets. Even back in the 60's the Jets paid a boat load of money for a QB with bad knees who only had one good season. Geez. /sarcasm
If Millner progresses and Geno Smith becomes a better QB in the near future, this could be one of the best draft classes in Jets History.
no-one has the slightest idea what we have with Milliner as yet, he is a rookie CB which is easily the hardest defensive position to play as a rookie. as for his other pick-ups, we had one of the worst cap positions of any team this year, who exactly were you expecting him to be able to pick up through trade or free agency with that little $$ to play with?
