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2014 NFL Draft: Early Impact Players Found After Round 3 By Jaren Haser May 21, 2014 10:26 pm Said to be one of the deepest drafts in recent memory, there are plenty of players in the class of 2014 drafted outside of the top-three rounds that have a chance to make an early impact. This article examines a prospect from every team that could see the field (beyond special teams) early.NFC SOUTH
Atlanta Falcons — Rd. 4 (103) Devonta Freeman, RB, Florida StateThe Falcons didn’t get a whole lot of production out of Steven Jackson and Jacquizz Rodgers last season and will likely be open to bringing somebody else into the fold. While undersized and not a burner, Freeman gets up to speed quickly and is very agile as a runner. He is also a reliable pass catcher and fiery competitor who will leave it all on the field for his team. Certainly not an every-down back, but he could find a role within the committee of running backs they already have.Full draft results1 (6) — Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M2 (37) — Ra’Shede Hageman, DT, Minnesota3 (68) — Dez Southward, DB, Wisconsin4 (103) — Devonta Freeman, RB, Florida state5 (147) — Ricardo Allen, DB, Purdue5 (168) — Marquis Spruill, LB, Syracuse7 (253) — Yawin Smallwood, OLB, UConn7 (255) — Tyler Starr, LB, South DakotaCarolina Panthers — Rd. 5 (148) Bene Benwikere, CB, San Jose StateBenwikere lacks the speed you would like to see from an NFL corner and, though he doesn’t offer much help in run support, he makes up for it with great instincts and ball skills. He should be able to hold up well in coverage and earn himself a shot at cracking the Panthers’ thin cornerback lineup. Fourth-rounder Tre Boston will also likely get his opportunities at safety. He was a productive ball hawk at North Carolina.Full draft results1 (28) — Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Florida State2 (60) — Kony Ealy, DE, Missouri3 (92) — Trai Turner, OG, LSU4 (128) — Tre Boston, DB, North Carolina5 (148) — Bene Benwikere, CB, San Jose State6 (204) — Tyler Gaffney, RB, StanfordNew Orleans Saints — Rd. 5 (169) Ronald Powell, OLB, FloridaThe Saints were looking to add edge rushers and Powell fits that mold. He is not polished in this area, but if he shows enough progress and stays healthy he might be able to get on the field early as a situational pass rusher. He is stout in other areas as well, though, and could see his role increase as he continues to develop those skills. Fourth-rounder Khairi Fortt also has early-impact potential as a coverage linebacker.Full draft results1 (20) — Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State2 (58) — Stan Jean-Baptiste, CB, Nebraska4 (126) — Khairi Fortt, LB, California5 (167) — Vinnie Sunseri, S, Alabama5 (169) — Ronald Powell, OLB, Florida6 (202) — Tavon Rooks, OT, Kansas StateTampa Bay Buccaneers — Rd. 6 (185) Robert Herron, WR, WyomingThe Bucs did a great job of fortifying their receiving corps at the top of the draft, but got another potential early contributor in Herron with their final pick. He’s small, but very quick with solid top-end speed. Herron’s exceptional elusiveness also makes him a tough tackle after the catch and gives him homerun potential. He will drop balls on occasion, but his skill set is good enough to get him on the field early. Due to a glaring need at guard, fifth-round pick Kadeem Edwards will get his looks as well.Full draft results1 (7) — Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M2 (38) — Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE, Washington3 (69) — Charles Sims, RB, West Virginia5 (143) — Kadeem Edwards, OG, Tennessee State5 (149) — Kevin Pamphile, OT, Purdue6 (185) — Robert Herron, WR, WyomingFor the rest of the league.....http://www.footballnation.com/content/2014-nfl-draft-early-impact-players-found-after-round-3/29470/ -
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