It’s that time of year again. The 2014 NFL Draft; a ferocious feeding frenzy, where the NFL sharks circle the top college talent. For the propsects, it’s their ticket to stardom.
Many have been scouted extensively throughout the past year with their college teams. So who will make the grade?
Let’s have a look at the odds, provided by bettingsports.com, below.
Jadeveon Clowney
One such sure pick is defensive end Jadeveon Clowney who as a sophomore became college football’s biggest disruptive force, before declining in 2013 with just 3.5 sacks. He is a sure thing for the draft, being projected as number one overall by most of the scouts and experts. The Houston Texans are the odds-on favorite to land him as they have the top pick in the draft.
On the move: Jadeveon Clowney
Greg Robinson
Tipped as one of the best offensive tackles in college football, many believe he would be a natural fit for the St Louis Rams who need to get tougher at the line of scrimmage. Although a work in progress, Robinson is just scratching the surface in terms of his potential. With his prototypical frame, he’s a dominant run blocker with a unique spatial awareness that gives him an anticipatory edge on opponents.
Sammy Watkins
He could have just as easily been an all-American track star. A speed merchant, with rapid acceleration, Sammy Watkins would be a major asset for a hole host of teams. He has sharp footwork off the line of scrimmage, with awesome body control and coordination. A natural fit could be the Oakland Raiders, who are 75-1 to win the 2015 Superbowl, and if they don’t take a young quarterback, Watkins would make perfect sense.
Khalil Mack
Having played college football at a small program that is the Buffalo Bulls, Khalil Mack has still captured the attention of the big boys in the NFL. The Jacksonville Jaguars, who are rank outsiders at 100/1 to take the Vince Lombardi Trophy next season, are widely reported to be showing an interest. Mack currently holds the all-time NCAA record for forced fumbles and is also tied for career tackles for loss in the NCAA.
Johnny “football” Manziel
Rounding off what many experts believe will be a top five pick, is Johnny football. Better known as Johnny Manziel, the former is a nickname he picked up in college, and is now a registered trademark. How about the slogan, ‘football’s the name, football’s the game’? He has forgone his junior and senior years, in order to enter the 2014 draft, and is primed to pick up where he left off in college. The Cleveland Browns, who are 66-1 for the Super Bowl, have been touted as a good fit for Manziel, and are in need of top, young talent in the Quarterback department.
With draft day looming, the team representatives are readying themselves for what could be a pivotal moment in their season.