X

Have feedback / suggestions? Let us know!

NFL

2014 NFL Draft Rookie Update: Picks 43 Through 47

By @rickstavig

2014 NFL Draft

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Now that we’re three-quarters of the way through the current football season, we’re starting to get a better idea whether or not the rookies 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? After already looking at the first rounders and the first ten picks of the second round, we’ll take a look at picks 43 through 47.

The New York Giants made C Weston Richburg the 43rd overall pick of the draft. Despite playing center in college, the Giants moved him to LG with Geoff Schwartz battling injuries in the early part of the year, and he hasn’t looked too bad, particularly the first half of the season. He needs to continue working on his consistency week in and week out but it’s looking like Richburg will have a home on the interior of the Giants offensive line for years to come.

OT Cyrus Kouandjio was picked 44th overall by the Buffalo Bills. At one time, this guy was thought to be a top-10 pick but many teams were scared off by a shaky diagnosis of his knee during medical testing. After failing to beat out fellow rookie Seantrel Henderson for the starting RT spot, Kouandjio was buried on the depth chart and didn’t play. Now he’s been practicing at OG where the Bills have major problems, and Kouandjio could potentially be the solution. He’s a very athletic prospect who still has major upside despite taking more time than anticipated getting on the field.

WR Paul Richardson was picked 45th overall by the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. Richardson hasn’t seen a dramatic uptick in numbers after the team traded perennially disgruntled Percy Harvin, which must come as a disappointment to the team, but he still has a high ceiling. Of the 338 snaps he’s played he’s caught 14 balls on 21 targets for 102 yards and no TD’s.

The Pittsburgh Steelers continued adding to their front seven when they picked DE Stephon Tuitt 46th overall. Tuitt came into a nice situation where he didn’t need to produce right away so the Steelers are taking their time with him and monitoring his snaps. He’s primarily backed up Cameron Heyward this year, and has been decent against the pass but inconsistent against the run (surprisingly). Huge upside with this guy who should make a big leap from year one to year two.

The Washington Redskins once again didn’t have a first round pick due to the Bob Griffin trade of 2012, so their first pick of the draft was at no. 47, when they selected OLB Trent Murphy. I thought this was a little high for Murphy and that assessment looked accurate for most of the year but he’s really come on strong the past few weeks, getting decent pressure on the QB and remaining stout against the run. If it wasn’t certain before, it is now, Brian Orakpo has officially lost his role on the team.

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

Share Tweet
Trending Now on