NFL

2014 NFL Draft Rookie Update: Picks 16 Through 20

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By @rickstavig

2014 NFL Draft

Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Now that we’re nearly three-quarters of the way through the current football season, we’re starting to get a better idea whether or not the 1st rounders from the 2014 NFL Draft class were worth the hype or not. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still early in their careers and you shouldn’t assume a prospect has reached the pinnacle of their development, but we at least have an idea. So how are the top dogs looking? We already looked at the top-5 (here), 6 through 10 (here) as well as 11 through 15 (here). Now we’ll take a look at picks 16 through 20.

OG/OT Zack Martin was picked 16th by the Dallas Cowboys and despite this not being a very sexy pick, it’s been a great addition for the offense. Martin has played exceptionally well so far, grading out as the third best OG in the NFL by one prominent stat site. He’s been equally strong in both drive blocking and pass pro (hasn’t given up a sack yet), and done a good job limiting penalties and mental mistakes. This guy is a big reason the ‘Boys have won 8 games in the first 12 weeks and have the second ranked rushing attack in the league.

The Baltimore Ravens picked MLB C.J. Mosley 17th overall, and he’s looked very impressive throughout the first 11 weeks. He’s been average in coverage so far (though still has 2 INT’s), but has been absolutely rock solid against the run, tallying 90 tackles, a FF and a FR. He’s also done a good job putting pressure on the QB with 10 hurries prior to week 12. He’s been graded as high as fifth amongst all middle linebackers in the NFL and second in the AFC. The Ravens may have finally found their long term replacement for Ray Lewis.

SS Calvin Pryor was picked 18th overall by the New York Jets. We knew he’d be strong against the run and that hasn’t been a problem, but he’s certainly seen his share of struggles in coverage, which most thought would be his problem area. Still, he’s not going to get any better riding the pine, which is exactly what happened two weeks ago when he was benched for constantly being late to meetings. He’s a very talented young player but still has a ways to go developmentally, both on and off the field.

The Miami Dolphins tabbed OT Ja’Wuan James with the 19th pick to help protect the edge of a rebuilt offensive line opposite free agent signee Branden Albert. Unlike Albert, James has struggled big time this year. He’s been slightly below average in drive blocking and has been very shaky in pass pro, giving up 9 QB hits and 20 hurries, but looked decent in week 12. James was considered a bit of a reach in the top-20, as he was viewed as somewhat of a project throughout the scouting process, but the overall upside and potential is still there. Plus, it’s relatively uncommon to see rookie linemen make smooth adjustments from the college game to the pro.

WR Brandin Cooks was picked 20th overall by the New Orleans Saints. Cooks was solid this year before breaking his thumb last week against the Cincinnati Bengals and consequently being placed on the injured reserve. Prior to the injury, the lightning-quick receiver was on pace for 85 receptions, 880 yards and 5 TD’s, decent numbers for a rookie, but instead will likely finish his first season with 53 for 550 and 3. He did a good job catching balls his way, hauling in 81.5% of his targets (4th in the NFL), but hasn’t made as many big plays after the catch as expected (3.2 YAC, 86th in the NFL). Still, he’s shown more than enough flashes of his potential to know his future is bright in the Big Easy.

Rick Stavig is an NFL Draft Columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @rickstavig or add him to your network on Google+.

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