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Steals and Busts of First Round

Steals of the first round:

Shariff Floyd
Shariff Floyd, DT Drafted 23rd overall to Minnesota
Many believed Floyd would go 3rd overall to the Oakland Raiders. But, Floyd dropped like a stone. The Panthers didn't take a chance on him at 14 instead going with Utah's Star Lotulelei. It was clear the Vikings wanted a defensive linemen in this draft and they couldn't resist the talented Floyd. Floyd gives an interesting mix to Vikings' star Kevin Williams. Williams is more of a run stopper and is experienced and smart. Floyd is more of a pass rusher, not a run stopper, as he specializes in getting into the backfields of opposing teams. Floyd has the potential to be one of the most effective players in this draft.

Tyler Eifert, TE Drafted 21st overall to Cincinnati
The Bengals got a huge playmaker in former Notre Dame star Tyler Eifert, who many thought could job all the way into the top 10. Eifert has amazing hands, as he proved last year, catching inaccurate passes from freshman Everett Golson. He is also a big imposing threat that is very hard to take to the ground. Eifert should continue to help the still very young Andy Dalton develop. And, other than many first round play makers doesn't have any type of discipline issues and should be a consistent threat for years to come.

Bjoern Werner, DE Drafted 24th overall to Indianapolis
It was clear that the Colts really needed a pass rusher to help an inconsistent defense. Werner, a huge, athletic end who had a fantastic year for Florida State last season. Werner is a clear cut NFL end. He is six feet, three inches, 266 pounds and has the speed to rush opposing quarterbacks from the perimeter. He also has great finesse moves using his superior athleticism to sneak past linemen, that he proved in the ACC. He should be a big contributor from the beginning in Indianapolis.

Dee Milliner, CB Drafted 9th overall to New York Jets
It isn't every draft that you find a big, shutdown cornerback like Milliner, who, of course, is from Alabama. A few days after trading off their star Darrelle Revis to Tampa the Jets come back and draft Milliner. Milliner's size and strength will enable him to be a starter right from the opening snap of the season. With his ability to make plays on the defensive side as well Milliner should well be the best defensive back in this year's first round.

Busts of the first round:

E.J. Manuel, QB Drafted 16th overall to Buffalo
No, it wasn't Geno, Ryan Nassib or Matt Barkley who was the first QB taken. The Bills made Manuel their franchise quarterback with their 16th pick and fits the role of today's modern-day NFL QB: a massive, mobile, read-option ready player. Though, Manuel doesn't have enough playmakers around him to develop into his full potential. Manuel could end up being a bust or maybe the Bills made the pick of the first round.

Barkevious Mingo, DE Drafted 6th overall to Cleveland
Mingo has a ton of pure potential but their are some issues with his as well. Mingo can play both end and outside linebacker and has great speed coming off the edge. Though, this LSU talent could have some real issues adjusting to the talented offensive lines of the NFL.

Justin Pugh, OT Drafted 19th overall to New York Giants
I don't think I was the only one surprised when the Giants choose Pugh, an offensive tackle from Syracuse with the 19th pick. Sure Pugh is smart and productive and was one of the better tackles available at that point, but he has some issues as well. He has short arms which clearly isn't a good thing for a tackle, isn't very athletic and struggled against some pretty weak pass rushers in the Big East.



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