Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
As I sit recovering from knee surgery in my living room, I now have the time to look over all the draft picks from the 2014 NFL draft. What I came up with are three picks that I consider to be the biggest ‘steals of the draft.’
My third biggest steal goes to the Oakland Raiders with the fifth selection. Khalil Mack was on top of many draft boards and I thought the Buffalo Bills had moved up to the number four selection to get him. No team can be faulted for any of the first four selections, but the Raiders truly fell into a great linebacker at number five. I wonder how many offers the Raiders rightfully turned down to select him.
My second biggest steal goes to the Tennessee Titans. The Titans traded up with the Washington Redskins for pick 178 and took quarterback Zach Mettenberger. I have not hidden my feelings on Mettenberger, but even if you do not see the value in him personally, you have to see the value of a team like Tennessee grabbing him in the sixth round. Watching him at rookie camp zipping the ball through cross-winds was amazing, and he isn’t even at full strength yet. This is a great pick for the Titans and Mettenberger has every opportunity to be the starter for this team. The ball is definitely in his court.
My biggest steal of the draft belongs to the Buffalo Bills. This new regime is making a name for itself by giving second chances. Kiko Alonso was a high risk pick that paid great dividends. The trade for Mike Williams has that type of potential too. But the biggest steal of the 2014 draft should be Seantrel Henderson. With the 237th selection, the Bills may have found a gem. If Henderson can stay out of trouble and show he is committed, he could be an anchor for the offensive line for years to come.
Sometimes it is frustrating for those of us that work 9 to 5 to see someone with Henderson’s ability and opportunity just throw it all away. I hope Henderson sees how fortunate he is that Doug Marrone is willing to give him one more chance; not only for Henderson’s sake, but I think he makes the team much better. I will be cheering him on. If Henderson plays to his potential helping keep EJ Manuel upright, he is far and away the steal of the draft. First round talent picked in the seventh round. NOW THAT IS A STEAL!