2014 NFL Draft Boom or Bust – First round Defensive players

NFL Draft (2)

1st Texans Jadeveon Clowney DE – With his physical ability Clowney should become a beast even at weakside linebacker. Forget about the work ethic noise, he will be a Big big Boom.

6th Raiders Khalil Mack OLB – Given the free agency bonanza the Raiders got this off season, Mack won’t be the only quality pass rusher. He has all the tool and a motor that has no off switch. Big Boom

8th Browns Justin Gilbert CB – Gilbert is a top cover corner but don’t expect him to tackle much. Bust alert!

9th Vikings Anthony Barr OLB – Barr has been a LB for 2 years. He needs a lot of work and tends to be standing beside the pile not at the bottom of it. Bust

13th Rams Aaron Donald DT – Perfect 3 technique DT that will provide inside rush for the Rams. Big Boom.

14th Bears Kyle Fuller CB – Fuller is the best all around CB that will support the run and cover. Best in 2 deep zone. Boom.

15th Steelers Ryan Shazier LB – Has the speed to cover and very good instincts. Will likely start day 1 inside. Boom.

17th Ratbirds C.J. Mosley ILB – Speed and instincts. Moseley will become a starting ILB. Boom unfortunately.

18th Jets Calvin Pryor FS – Jets gave up a lot of big plays last year. Pryor is a center fielder with an attitude. Boom

21st Packers Hasean Clinton-Dix FS – See the above. Clinton-Dix is solid and will start. Boom.

23rd Chiefs Dee Ford DE/OLB – Has never stood up or covered a back. Bust alert.

24th Bengals Darqueze Dennard CB – Good tackler but lacks the top speed. Should be OK.

25th Chargers Jason Verrett CB – Great cover guy but is short. Has the instincts to be fine.

26th Eagles Marcus Smith DE – They reached for a marginal pass rusher. He is productive but not the pass rusher that justifies a 1st round pick. Bust.

27th Cardinals Deone Bucannon SS – The Cards are looking for a partner for FS Tyrann Mathieu but this was a big reach. Bust alert.

29th Patriots Dominique Easley DT – If he had not been injured he would have been a top 10 pick. When he gets healthy he will be a Boom.

30th 49ers Jimmie Ward SS – Late riser that deserved the attention. Ward is a big hitter that can cover some. Boom.

31st Broncos Bradley Roby CB – Roby had a tough 2013 but is a solid CB prospect. He should be OK.

That is what I think. Tell us what you think.

NOTE: Check out the live News, Notes and Rumors show on Monday, Thursday and Friday at 6 PM Eastern on or https://fryingpansports.com/radio-show/. On Samantha Bunten of NBC Sports, former NFL scout Kelron Sykes and I talk NFL draft with just a little Indians and Cavs thrown in. The archive is available on https://fryingpansports.com/radio-show/. Please join us.

Bill Smith is a former coach of several semi-pro teams, has officiated both football and basketball, done color on radio for college football and basketball and has scouted talent. He edits https://fryingpansports.com. He has also published several novels on and a non-fiction work at http://www.merriam-press.com/. Follow him on twitter @NNRonDSN to get the schedule of Special News, Notes and Rumors broadcasts. You can hear the previous shows on https://fryingpansports.com/radio-show/ and the live show Mondays at 6 PM Eastern time on .

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