Expectations are always high for rookies heading into training camp, especially for players drafted in the early rounds. When a player gets drafted in the first few rounds, they’re expected to come in with few to none flaws by the average football fan, like they’ll step in and succeed from the get go. This leads to players being seen as they aren’t, especially players that we’re drafted first at their position.
Quarterback: Blake Bortles, Jacksonville Jaguars
One would think that the first quarterback off the board, and a virtual lock to start opening weekend, would be “flawless” and ready to start. This isn’t the case with Bortles who was overrated throughout the draft process and continues to be overrated moving forward. He struggles in the pocket and often makes more decisions. He’ll struggle to elevate those around him early and that’ll show.
Running Back: Jeremy Hill, Cincinnati Bengals
A big back, Hill was selected before many more talented running backs, including another big back that many saw as better in Carlos Hyde. Hill was the second running back selected, and big things will be expected of him early, but he needs to compete with a fellow big back in BenJarvus Green-Ellis and compliment back Giovani Bernard for touches.
Wide Receiver: Kelvin Benjamin, Carolina Panthers
Benjamin steps in and will basically be the number one receiver for Cam Newton from the get to, for better, or worse, probably worse. Not only did the Panthers pass on many more talented receivers, they selected a receiver who struggles to catch the football. Most fans will see this physically impressive receiver and assume he’ll dominate, but a receiver that can’t catch, and one that is already 23, and expectations need to be brought to a grinding halt.
Tight End: Richard Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
Rogers moves into a situation where he’ll likely start for the Packers, which puts in him position to see a lot of playing time. With some impressively bad combine numbers, Rogers lacks great athleticism, and for the people who say that combine numbers aren’t everything, the guy lacked decent game tape as well. Not a player I’d get excited about right now.
Interior Offensive Line: Greg Robinson, St. Louis Rams
How can the second overall pick be overrated? Well when he’s seen as just that, it amounts a lot pressure, and for a man that won’t be playing his usual position, things can be get difficult and fast for the young man. A move inside could make him better, or could hurt his development at his future position of offensive tackle.
Offensive Tackle: Cyrus Kouandjio, Buffalo Bills
Kouandjio was a starter for what was one of the greatest college offensive lines in history. His transition from right tackle to left tackle the following season left much to be desired. He’s a very big tackle who struggled mightily versus faster and smaller rushers and this will get taken advantage of and early.
Defensive End: Kony Ealy, Carolina Panthers
Another Panther? Yes. Ealy played on a great defensive line at Missouri, but he was overrated there as it was. Now he’s stepping into a defense that already sports one of the best front sevens the league has to offer. He won’t see much playing time this year except for the scraps that Charles Johnson and Greg Hardy leave him.
Defensive Tackle: Ego Ferguson, Chicago Bears
Ferguson was the best defensive tackle at his school, but that wasn’t saying much. Ferguson is likely to see plenty of playing time early in Chicago, but he isn’t overly impressive, and he isn’t going to make those around him better, Chicago’s defensive line could continue to struggle on.
Outside Linebacker: Anthony Barr, Minnesota Vikings
Barr is a phenomenal athlete, but not much of a great defensive player yet. He has high sack numbers, and combine numbers, but he doesn’t have the experience yet. He’s likely to make a ton of mistakes early on due to him being fairly new to the defensive side of the ball in general. He’ll need to use him gifts if he’s going to show out, but the skill and experience just aren’t there yet.
Middle Linebacker: Chris Borland, San Francisco 49ers
How do you write about the unathletic white guy without saying “hard worker” or great “work ethic”? Borland has the mental ability, but is severely lacking athletically. He’ll see the field early on in the season as a stop gap for NaVorro Bowman and won’t see the field much afterwards. He lacks the sideline to sideline ability that make the 49ers linebackers so good.
Cornerback: Justin Gilbert, Cleveland Browns
Gilbert is a play maker, and should excel playing opposite Joe Haden but expecting him to be shut down is a mistake. The first defensive back selected in the draft, Gilbert has good ball skills, but his coverage skills are lacking and that’ll lead him to getting beat, he won’t be a weak link, but he won’t be a superstar.
Safety: Calvin Pryor, New York Jets
One of the most overrated players in the entire draft, Pryor was the first safety selected. Many believe Pryor to be valued in the third round area, and the Jets saw differently. Pryor takes very poor angles in the run game, which many assume is his strong suit, due to the fact that he’s an in the box type of safety. Pryor likely won’t play to his draft spot for years, if ever.