11 draft picks in one draft means that Florida State fans have a lot of guys to try and keep track of in the upcoming NFL season. While the connection might be lessened because they don’t play for the school anymore, many of these players still hold a spot in the hearts of fans who saw them compete. Some of these guys had amazing personal stories that made it easy to root for them, while others dazzled on the field in ways that will hopefully transfer on to the next level.
Florida State has made their mark on the next level with 12 Pro Bowl selections in the last eight years and overall 61 players in the league. Whether they’re busts or superstars or anything in between, it’s impossible to deny that the Seminoles have been one of the most influential schools in the past few years. Next year seems to be no different with the recent selections ranging from the early (1st pick overall) to the late (226th pick overall) selectees.
Position differences mean that certain players will naturally be more impactful than others. With this in mind, it is important to try and give context to each situation a rookie finds himself in. This means that while some positions are more valuable than others, it is necessary to look at what each player is expected to do in the upcoming year. For example, a starting tight end will be more impactful than a third string quarterback simply because he is probably going to see the field more. So while some of these guys will get their reps in due time, they won’t be listed very high for next season.
Jameis Winston became the highest player ever from Florida State ever selected in April. (USATSI)
1. Jameis Winston (QB – Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
It seems like a bit of a cop-out for the first overall pick to automatically be the one with the most impact, but it’s simply the truth in Winston’s case. The Buccaneers have not made the playoffs since 2007 and have had an impressive array of disappointing quarterbacks since then. Josh Freeman looked to be the answer after a stellar 2010 season…but then he experienced a huge drop-off and was actually out of the league in 2014. He showed signs of life in 2012 but then various issues led to him being benched after the first four games of the 2013 season.
Winston is expected to see the field this year and change the Buccaneers’ fate of inefficient quarterback play which has plagued them for years. While there might be a battle for the starting position with Mike Glennon, it is largely expected that Winston will win it and take over the reigns of the offense. Barring anything catastrophic, he is expected to see the field and at least show his potential to the team that invested so much into him.
The pressure will be on Winston…but when has it not? He’s shown exceptional poise in almost every crucial situation of the past two years with FSU. The Bucs are hoping that he can continue such poise.
Eddie Goldman adds a big body to the interior of the Chicago defense. (Matthew Emmons/USA TODAY Sports)
2. Eddie Goldman (DT – Chicago Bears)
Chicago needed to make some serious upgrades at the defensive line positions after the unit was ranked as the worst in the league and they drafted Eddie Goldman to help. The defense is currently transitioning to a 3-4 base and is in need of a true nose tackle. Goldman hopes to be that nose tackle.
For a team with such storied defenses, Chicago needs to make serious strides if they want to regain the aura around them. This is why Goldman can’t just be a run-stuffer. He needs to impress as a pass-rusher also. The Bears’ line as a unit isn’t overly astounding and needs as much help as it can get. Recent picks Ego Ferguson and Will Sutton will be in the mix as well and hope to finally live up to the expectations set for them. If Goldman can make an impact on the inside, it makes their jobs so much easier to do.
Even though he’ll be coming in and out with veteran players like Jeremiah Ratliff, expect to see Goldman on the field a lot in order to maximize the defensive potential present.
May 8, 2015; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. (97) at rookie minicamp at the Raiders practice facility. (Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)
3. Mario Edwards Jr. (DE – Oakland Raiders)
In the previously linked piece, right below the Chicago Bears’ defensive line was the Oakland Raiders. They were instead chosen as the team with the worst 4-3 defensive line in the league. Many draft predictions had Edwards going a bit later than the second (mainly because of his lack of production) so the fact that the Raiders picked him in the second round means that they have some serious expectations for him.
Quite frankly, it seems that there is no reason Edwards can’t lock down a starting spot by the beginning of the season. He has pound-for-pound more potential than any current Raiders’ defensive lineman. Edwards will supposedly be tasked in a sort of dual role where he will rush from the outside while still seeing snaps on the inside against less athletic offensive guards. If this is true, it’s the absolute best way to maximize Edwards’ ability and will help him quickly become a favorite with the Oakland coaches as a versatile play-maker. This may also cause him to struggle a bit in learning different assignments, but the Raiders are hoping that it doesn’t become too big of an issue.
Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Cameron Erving blocks during practice at NFL football training camp in Berea, Ohio, Friday, May 8, 2015. (AP Photo/David Richard)
4. Cameron Erving (G/T – Cleveland Browns)
The multi-faceted center from FSU heads to Cleveland in the hopes of bolstering what is an already solid Browns’ offensive line. While it wasn’t a pressing need for Cleveland, the Browns picked up one of the more versatile offensive linemen in the draft.
Erving will likely be starting on the right side for the Browns and replacing either guard John Greco or tackle Mitchell Schwartz. Some local writers have also speculated that Erving could be in line to take over at center if Alex Mack leaves Cleveland, as he can opt out of his contract next season. The more one looks at the current situation, the more it looks like a perfect situation for Erving.
The reason he comes in at fourth is because Cleveland’s offensive line was already pretty good so his impact won’t be as big as the guys above him. The line certainly could improve, but it’s not like Erving came in and filled an absolute gaping hole for the Browns. He’ll probably be a starter by at least the end of the season.
Tre’ Jackson hopes to start next to former FSU teammate Bryan Stork. (Patriots.com)
5. Tre’ Jackson (G – New England Patriots)
Few teams draft better than the Patriots and their selection of Jackson in the fourth round is par for the course. Even Super Bowl teams have areas they could improve in and offensive guard was such an area for New England. Jackson could have gone as early as the second round, so for the Patriots to get a potential immediate starter that late in the draft is nothing short of outstanding value.
While he is competing with Shaq Mason for the starting left guard spot, most signs indicate that Jackson has grasped the playbook quickly and looks to be the starter for the upcoming year and will replace Dan Connolly. He’ll line up right next to former Seminole teammate Bryan Stork, who some might remember as yet another rookie that took over starting duties to help lead the Patriots to the ultimate victory for the fourth time.
The New Orleans Saints landed P.J. Williams in the third round of the NFL Draft. (Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports)
6. P.J. Williams (CB – New Orleans Saints)
It’s no secret that the Saints have had a pretty disappointing pass defense these past few years. Their management addressed this by signing free agents Brandon Browner and Kyle Wilson in the offseason to help out Keenan Lewis in the secondary and drafted both FSU’s P.J. Williams and Damian Swann out of Georgia.
The Saints need a nickel cornerback, which was the position Williams played in his first two seasons at FSU before the shift to outside. He has excellent tackling ability and is good in man-to-man coverage, but still seems to struggle in zone. That being said, he currently holds a slight lead in the camp battle according to various Saints reporters — though it is by no means a given. If Williams can capitalize on his potential, he can continue to be the exciting defender he was while at Florida State.
Jacksonville Jaguars rookie wide receiver holds the FSU career records for receptions (270), receiving yards (3,830) and consecutive games with at least one reception (43). (Gary McCullough/Fox Sports)
7. Rashad Greene (WR – Jacksonville Jaguars)
Initially, it would seem like Greene should be lower on the list considering the Jaguars’ wide receiver stable. Marqise Lee, Allen Hurns, and Ace Sanders are all currently on the roster and each has an incumbent advantage. However, Greene continues to impress in practice and it is important to remember that all receivers don’t have the same role.
The Jaguars didn’t have a true slot option last year and none of their current guys are really suited to do so. The addition of Julius Thomas certainly helps the passing game, but he’s still primarily a tight end. Greene is known for being an excellent route runner and can immediately contribute in the slot if he gets put into an advantageous situation with quarterback Blake Bortles. He still has to beat out Sanders for a spot, though some expect that it will not be hard for him to do. Either way, Greene will definitely see some playing time next year if everything works out.
Cornerback Ronald Darby was the first of three Seminoles selected by the Buffalo Bills in the 2015 NFL Draft. (BuffaloNews.com)
8. Ronald Darby (CB – Buffalo Bills)
Of the three FSU players that the Bills picked in the 2015 draft, Darby was the first one and also the one expected to make the most impact in 2015. While it’s unlikely that he will be a starter in any capacity next season, he still has the opportunity to be a rotational piece for the Bills’ defense.
The introduction of Rex Ryan has made the Bills turn to a “best talent available” method in the draft, which is why Darby was selected in the second round. Stephon Gilmore and Leodis McKelvin will almost certainly be the starters for the beginning of next season, but the depth at the position was lacking. Darby is known for being very coachable and willing to absorb whatever he is being taught. In fact, he seems to already be making an impression with the Bills and might just be good enough to push for extra playing time by season’s end.
Buffalo Bills tight end Nick O’Leary (84) takes part in drills during their NFL football rookie minicamp in Orchard Park, N.Y., Saturday, May 9, 2015. (AP Photo/Bill Wippert)
9. Nick O’Leary (TE – Buffalo Bills)
O’Leary was yet another value pick from FSU that the Bills hope to see some return on in the upcoming years. Because of this, it is unlikely he’ll make a big impact next year and will most likely be used as an H-Back in certain sets. Charles Clay is the projected tight end starter in Buffalo and that doesn’t look to change.
10. Karlos Williams (RB – Buffalo Bills)
In a backfield with LeSean McCoy, Fred Jackson, and Anthony Dixon, it’s going to be difficult for Williams to make any sort of impact this upcoming season. Thankfully, there is some good news for Williams — the Bills’ offensive coordinator Greg Roman is apparently impressed with the running back’s ability to adapt and learn the schemes being used. If he can continue to impress, expect Williams to be around with the Bills for a while.
Bobby Hart was the last FSU player taken in this year’s draft. (Bill Kostroun/Associated Press )
11. Bobby Hart (G – New York Giants)
The last pick for the Seminoles in the draft is also the one expected to make the least impact in 2015. When you’re drafting in the seventh round, all you’re looking for is someone to fill a camp spot. Hart has the measurements to be a guard in the NFL, though how much he can actually improve on is still up in the air. Hopefully, he can remain on the team’s roster by the start of the season and become a valuable backup.
