2014 NFL Draft Recap: Top 5 Biggest Winners

2014 NFL Picks and Predictions: 5 Teams that Should Benefit from Easy Schedules: The 2014 NFL Draft is in the books, and while time will ultimately tell which trams really had the best haul, there are certainly some teams that already stand out above the rest based on the expected performance of their picks, along with how well they filled their biggest needs. As quickly as franchises turn things around and become relevant in the NFL today, a great draft can quickly put a team over the hump. With that in mind, here is a closer look at the biggest winners from the 2014 NFL Draft.

1. St. Louis Rams

Granted, it helps that St. Louis had two picks in the first round, but the Rams managed to bolster their lines on both sides of the ball with those picks. No. 2 overall pick, offensive tackle Greg Robinson, will immediately upgrade the team’s power running game, and he has the athleticism to become one of the best in the game. Meanwhile, the 13th pick, defensive tackle, Aaron Donald, will bolster the interior of an already-elite defensive front. Second-round pick Lamarcus Joyner is a hard-hitting playmaker in the secondary, and third-round pick Tre Mason will make an impact on the running game. Finally, three more defensive backs were added in the later rounds to provide a little depth to the secondary. At the end of the day, St. Louis is going to be better able to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball thanks to this draft class, giving them a shot at getting over the hump and grabbing a playoff spot despite playing in the loaded NFC West.

2. San Francisco 49ers 

It was a case of the rich getting richer as San Francisco added a nice mix of players that can make an immediate impact as well as some future starters. First-round pick, safety Jimmie Ward, flat out makes big plays. Meanwhile, the 49ers added the best running back in the draft, Carlos Hyde, late in the second round, and Hyde’s physical style is a perfect fit for San Francisco’s offense. Armed with three picks in the third round, the 49ers added a reliable linebacker in Chris Borland, who can help spell NaVorro Bowman as he returns from injury, and two starting-caliber offensive linemen in Marcus Martin and Brandon Thomas. Perhaps most importantly, San Francisco upgraded its receiving corps by snagging Bruce Ellington in the fourth round and trading another fourth-round pick for veteran Stevie Johnson. The 49ers didn’t enter the draft with many weaknesses, but by adding a couple of targets in the passing game and further bolstering the power running game that has been their bread and butter in recent years, they are a better team. San Francisco is a Super Bowl-caliber team yet again.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers 

The Steelers have managed to stay relevant despite a roster that is aging on both sides of the ball, and they should be poised to make a run at the playoffs next year after adding some much-needed speed and athleticism in the draft. Pittsburgh used its first-round pick to select athletic linebacker Ryan Shazier, and his edge-rushing ability should help him replace LaMarr Woodley. Second-round pick Stephon Tuitt should start immediately on the defensive line and is a great fit for Pittsburgh 3-4 base defense. The Steelers then provided the offense with some much-needed firepower by grabbing speedy running back Dri Archer and a tall, physical receiver in Martavis Bryant. Even fifth-round pick Shaquille Richardson could see some time as a nickel corner as a rookie. Overall, the Steelers got younger and more athletic at key positions.

4. Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota made several solid moves during the draft, and it started with a decision to trade down one spot from No. 8 to No. 9. Minnesota scooped up Anthony Barr with its first pick, and while he is raw, he has a ton of upside and should still be a dangerous pass-rusher while he refines his game. Meanwhile, the extra pick allowed the Vikings to trade back into the first round and grab quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, and while his ceiling has been questioned, the fact that he played in a pro-style offense and is as NFL ready as any QB in this draft makes him a great fit for a Minnesota team that has an aging Adrian Peterson as its workhorse. In addition, third-round pick Scott Crichton should make a quick impact on the defensive line, and fifth-round pick David Yankey projects to be a reliable starter on the offensive line. Plus, Minnesota’s fourth-round selection of Jerick McKinnon gives them a little insurance at the running back spot in case Peterson does go down. Minnesota’s window for being competitive is likely going to close for a bit after Peterson hangs it up, but with this draft, the Vikings gave themselves a chance to make the most of his final few seasons.

5. Baltimore Ravens

A defensive-minded philosophy has brought the Ravens a pair of Super Bowl titles, and general manager Ozzie Newsome is quickly rebuilding a unit that has lost the likes of Ray Lewis and Ed Reed in recent years. Baltimore stole middle linebacker C.J. Mosley with the 17th pick, and thanks to some off-the-field questions, the Ravens got a first-round talent in defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan in the second round. Baltimore capped off its defensive-focused draft by nabbing hard-hitting safety Terrence Brooks in the third round. By pairing this latest crop with guys like Terrell Suggs, Elvis Dumervil, Matt Elam and Courtney Upshaw, Baltimore should remain a consistent factor in the AFC for the foreseeable future.

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