Teams Build on Defense in 2nd Round of NFL Draft
Quarterbacks typically dominate the headlines in the first round of the N.F.L. draft, and this year's edition was no different.
Blake Bortles, Johnny Manziel and Teddy Bridgewater made news on Thursday night, and teams wasted no time picking the best remaining quarterbacks on Friday. The first to go was Derek Carr of Fresno State, who was taken by the Oakland Raiders. Carr's older brother, David, has played for 11 seasons with the Houston Texans and the Giants among others.
Teams plugged other holes on their squads in the second and third rounds at Radio City Music Hall. One time-tested way of doing that has been to build a roster that mirrors that of the Super Bowl champion. This year, this means emulating the Seattle Seahawks and their top-ranked defense, and adding nimble receivers.
Four defensive linemen were drafted in the first half of the second round by the Dallas Cowboys, the Atlanta Falcons, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens. The St. Louis Rams took Lamarcus Joyner, a defensive back from Florida State.
Perhaps the most popular pick of second round - at least based on the cheers of the fans - was Marqise Lee, a highly rated wide receiver from Southern California chosen by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jordan Matthews of Vanderbilt, another top receiver, was taken by the Philadelphia Eagles a few picks later. The Seahawks later chose Paul Richardson, a receiver from Colorado.
Needing to strengthen their offensive line, the Giants chose Weston Richburg, a center from Colorado State, in the second round. The Jets added Jace Amaro, a tight end from Texas Tech.
This year, like last year, no running backs were taken in the first round, another sign of how dominant the passing game has become in the N.F.L. The drought continued until the Tennessee Titans chose Bishop Sankey from Washington with the 54th pick, the latest the first running back has ever been selected in the draft.
The pace was faster on Friday because teams had only seven minutes to make their picks in the second round and only five in the third round.
Seattle traded its first- and second-round picks to get more later in the draft, a formula that has worked well for the Seahawks.
Post a Comment for "Teams Build on Defense in 2nd Round of NFL Draft"