2014 NFL Draft Veteran Winners and Losers: Day Two

Ryan McDowell Posted On May 10, 2014

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Day two of the NFL Draft gave us double the picks and at least double the impact on NFL veterans thanks to some surprising draft picks and shocking off-the-field news.

Here’s a look at some of the veteran winners and losers from day one of the NFL Draft.

The Pick: Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE TB (2.06)

Tight end has been a need for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for years and they have finally invested a high pick into the position as they made former Washington big man Austin Seferian-Jenkins their second round selection. Seferian-Jenkins had some off field issues over the past year and then struggled during his final college season. Then, he dealt with another injury, which cost him the chance to work out at the NFL Combine and his pro day. Regardless, the Bucs felt comfortable taking the chance on him.

The Winner: Josh McCown, QB TB

I mentioned veteran Buccaneers quarterback Josh McCown as one of the winners in yesterday’s column following the selection of wide receiver Mike Evans. Now, Tampa has added another huge red zone target at the tight end position. Again, McCown may only last one season as the team’s starter, but it should be a very productive year and McCown still offers great value for quarterback needy teams.

The Loser: Tim Wright, TE TB

Rookie tight end Tim Wright was a favorite of former Tampa head coach Greg Schiano as they spent time together at Rutgers. Wright came out of nowhere to amass over 500 receiving yards and score five touchdowns and managed to finish just outside the top twelve tight ends. Despite all of that, he never was well respected by most dynasty owners and now with Seferian-Jenkins in town, his value takes a big hit. Don’t expect him to just go away though as there were rumors throughout the season that he could be moved to wide receiver and even with the addition of Evans, there is still a need there.

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The Picks: Marqise Lee, WR JAX (2.07) and Allen Robinson, WR JAX (2.29)

The Jacksonville Jaguars surprised with their first round selection of quarterback Blake Bortles and in the second round, the team added a pair of weapons in Marqise Lee and Allen Robinson. The Jags clearly had a need as the future of Justin Blackmon is up in the air and their best returning wideout is Cecil Shorts III, who is only under contract for one more season.

The Loser: Justin Blackmon, WR JAX

This is obviously a difficult situation for the Jacksonville Jaguars, dynasty owners and most importantly Justin Blackmon. From all reports, Blackmon continues to struggle with substance abuse, which far outweighs anything fantasy football related. In the end though, dynasty owners do have a decision to make and it’s pretty clear based on recent reports and these draft picks that the Jaguars have made their difficult decision. Don’t expect Blackmon to ever suit up for the Jaguars and certainly not this season. I suggest dynasty owners begin to move on as well.

The Pick: Jordan Matthews, WR PHI (2.10)

Once the Philadelphia Eagles cut the cord on wide receiver DeSean Jackson, it was obvious they would be investing a pick in a rookie wideout. In fact, most expected that pick to come on the opening day of the draft, but the Eagles opted for defense instead. They were able to select former Vanderbilt wide receiver Jordan Matthews in the second round, though. With Jackson now in Washington, the opportunity for Matthews is wide open for the Eagles.

The Winner: Nick Foles, QB PHI

Thanks to the outstanding offense of Eagles head coach Chip Kelly, there weren’t many concerns about the effect of losing Jackson, but it seemed only fair to question the pass catchers, which include Jeremy Maclin coming off injury, Riley Cooper coming off a breakout season and Zach Ertz and his predicted breakout season. It was clear another weapon was needed and quarterback Nick Foles gets that in Matthews. Expect Foles to sling the ball all over the field yet again and maintain his high dynasty value.

The Pick: Jace Amaro, TE NYJ (2.17)

The New York Jets had so many holes on the offensive side of the ball, especially when it comes to their receiving corps. The team was expected to add a wide receiver in the first round, yet they didn’t take a receiver in the top three rounds. Instead, they added a tight end in Jace Amaro, which was an equally significant need. Amaro should have a shot to step in a start immediately and is a solid second round rookie pick in dynasty drafts.

The Winner: Geno Smith, QB NYJ

To be fair, the starting quarterback job for the Jets is not yet decided since the team added veteran Michael Vick. I’m going with the assumption second year man Geno Smith will earn the gig and if he does, Amaro should be a big consistent target for him in the passing game – that is something Smith did not have as a rookie, which contributed to his disappointing season.

The Pick: Troy Niklas, TE ARI (2.20)

The Arizona Cardinals added a huge target of their own in tight end Troy Niklas, who was a surprise early entrant to the draft. Niklas is considered raw, but has the size that can’t be taught. The Cardinals have failed to find a tight end who offered upside and instead, they’ve shuffled through retreads and veteran castoffs.

The Loser: Rob Housler, TE ARI

It’s difficult to remember, but last off-season, there were a pair of tight ends who were getting tons of hype as they were expected to take over the position for their teams. One of those was Jordan Cameron of the Browns and the other was Arizona’s Rob Housler. We know how that worked out. I’m not sure I expect Niklas to come in and take over the position, but this is a clear sign the team has given up on Housler making the leap.

The Pick: Carlos Hyde, RB SF (2.25)

Every year it seems that the San Francisco 49ers are set at the running back position and every year they draft another running back. This year, it’s former Ohio State Buckeye Carlos Hyde, whom many had rated as the top back in the draft. The 49ers have shown they do not rush their rookies into the lineup, so don’t be surprised if he doesn’t see much action this year.

The Losers: Kendall Hunter, Marcus Lattimore, LaMichael James, RBs SF

The 49ers already had some very nice depth at the running back position, though there have been some reports this off-season, specifically surrounding Marcus Lattimore and LaMichael James. Reportedly, Lattimore has said he still does feel like he’s all the way back from his horrific knee injury and that he lacks the ability to cut like he did before. Meanwhile, the 49ers have been shopping James, but have found no takers. The addition of Hyde muddies the water and hurts the value of each of these backups.

The Pick: Donte Moncrief, WR IND (3.26)

One of the most disappointing prospects throughout the college football season was Ole Miss wide receiver Donte Moncrief, but once the off-season began, his stock improved as his measurables impressed draftniks and the dynasty community. That was not enough to be selected in the first or second round, though, as he barely snuck into the end of day two, chosen by the Indianapolis Colts to add to a crowded depth chart.

The Loser: Da’Rick Rogers, WR IND

If we’ve learned anything the past few days, it’s how dangerous it can be to gamble on and rely on players with a history of off field issues, which is the case for Colts wide receiver Da’Rick Rogers. Rogers is another who has the measuables that makes everyone think he could be a success in the NFL, but he must stay out of trouble. He’s done that so far in his short tenure in the league, but he’s also with his second team already and now just one part of a crowded depth chart. Like I mentioned earlier, I would not be giving up on Rogers by any means, but the addition of Moncrief makes for a difficult situation and less of a chance that Rogers will break out.

Check back tomorrow when we cover the veteran winners and losers from the final day of the NFL Draft.

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Ryan McDowell

Contributor at Dynasty League Football

In addition to his senior leadership role here at DLF, Ryan is also a husband, father of three and PE teacher. Ryan is the commissioner of multiple dynasty leagues, most notably the Kitchen Sink Dynasty Leagues. Here at DLF, Ryan’s focus is on identifying, monitoring and analyzing player value.