Maybe we expected a little too much from them. Odell Beckham Jr, Kelvin Benjamin, Jarvis Landry, Aaron Donald, Mike Evans, and Khalil Mack were just some of the stars from the 2014 NFL Draft who have already earned their keeps. It was a tough act to follow.
I’m not saying that the Class of 2015 is a disaster by any means. Todd Gurley and Amari Cooper have emerged as forces to be reckoned with. Unfortunately, they seem to be the odd men out as far as the first-round selections are concerned.
Stefon Diggs, Jamison Crowder, Karlos Williams, and Kwon Alexander have all stood out this season, and they all have something in common—none of them were picked before the fourth round of the draft.
The first-rounders have been forgettable for lack of a better term. Remember when Leonard Williams was touted the most talented player coming out of college? Well, the sixth-overall selection by the New York Jets is sitting on 33 tackles and an embarrassing half a sack. Vic Beasley, the eight-overall pick set to save the Atlanta Falcons from their defensive woes? Two sacks and one interception.
Shane Ray, Arik Armstead, Bud Dupree, all taken in the first round, all less than impressive through Week 10. They aren’t the only ones either: No. 3 Dante Fowler, No. 11 Trae Wayne, No. 12 Danny Shelton, No. 13 Andrus Peat, and No. 24 D.J. Humphries have all failed to have a positive impact on their teams so far this season. Some like Fowler and Humphries haven’t even played a snap yet due to injury.
Then, of course, there’s Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota, who are either doing really well or completely flopping depending on who you talk to.
Regardless of the top two selections, a good portion of the other 30 needs to step it up. I’m not calling anyone a bust; it’s way too early for that. All I’m saying is if they don’t get it together soon, they’re well on their way to that dreaded label.