Denver Broncos, Bradley Roby, Cornerback
With all the pre-draft stories surrounding Roby, it appeared as if he may not even be taken in the first round, but Denver was smart enough to not let that happen. Roby completes a very deep and talented Broncos cornerback list. Due to Chris Harris being more fit to play in the slot, Roby will take over as a starting cornerback. His speed, quickness, and tenacity will allow him to keep up with the best receivers that the NFL has to offer. Roby is a lockdown man coverage corner that will keep tight to the hip of any receiver. Even Keenan Allen, the AFC West’s best route runner, will struggle to keep Roby from shutting him down.
Though Harris will be the primary nickel corner, Roby has the versatility to play the slot and thrive there. Roby’s athletic traits and tackling ability will allow him to make plays from the slot. He may never need to be moved into the slot, but if the situation arises, Roby will be able to make the transition and continue to win.
Oakland Raiders, Khalil Mack, Outside Linebacker
Mack was one of the most versatile players to come out of the 2014 draft class. He has the ability to be productive at nearly every linebacker spot in both a 4-3 defense or a 3-4 defense. In Oakland’s 4-3, Mack is listed as the strong-side linebacker. Mack is not quite the same player as Von Miller, but expect Mack to be used in a similar role as a blitzing linebacker. Since there is no other dominant player on Oakland’s defense, Mack could be that player, even in year one. His agility, fluidity, violent hand usage, and bend will make him a terror for opposing offensive linemen.
Having Mack on the defense also opens up plenty of possibilities for scheme versatility. For example, Oakland could run a 2-4-5 with Mack and LaMarr Woodley, who formerly played outside linebacker in Pittsburgh, rushing from a stand-up position on the edge. Mack, like many other pieces on the defense, will allow Jason Tarver to change up his scheme and keep offenses on their toes.
San Diego Chargers, Jason Verrett, Cornerback
The Chargers cornerback play in 2013 was among the worst in the league. Verrett is Step One in fixing that problem. At 5’9”, Verrett is a bit undersized, but do not mistake height for length. They are two different terms that are often used interchangeably, but that should not be the case. Verrett is short, but his vertical is tremendous. He plays more like he is 6’0” with the way he is able to track the ball, leap into the air, and contest the catch at its highest point. Verrett succeeds much like Brent Grimes, who is also an undersized cornerback that plays with much more length than his height suggests. Along with his surprising length, Verrett’s hips are smooth and allow him to change directions to keep up with the craftiest route runners that the NFL has to offer. While Verrett also has the ability to play in the slot, San Diego will need him covering opponent’s top receiver all the time. Regardless of where he lines up, Verrett will be the most impressive rookie cornerback in the NFL.
Kansas City Chiefs, Dee Ford, Outside Linebacker
Justin Houston and Tamba Hali may still be on the roster, but that will not restrict Dee Ford from thriving when he is given the opportunity to do so. Ford was arguably the best speed rusher to come out of the 2014 draft class and he will back that up in the NFL. Considering he will only be used as a rotational rusher (barring injury), Ford will be able to stay fresh and continually use his burst. Rookie or not, Ford may be able to prove himself to be 2014’s best rotational edge rusher. His combination of speed, burst, and bend is a recipe for terror.
Off-season talk is to be taken lightly, but it appears as if Ford has transitioned quickly and well to the NFL. No other rookie has been receiving as much positive attention as Ford has. He has already been able to get in on 1st team reps.