As general managers and coaches prepare to make potentially franchise-altering decisions in the training camps, trimming their squads to 53-man rosters, we take a look at some of the 2014 rookies who didn’t impress much last NFL Betting Season, but are deserving of a second chance this year.
DE Jadeveon Clowney, Texans
After coming off first-overall in the 2014 draft, Clowney barely got a chance to prove his worth last season, as he featured in just four games starts and totaled 5 measly tackles, with zero sacks and no forced fumbles. It would, however, be unfair to judge Clowney as bust, considering he suffered a torn meniscus injury, which limited him from much playing time. With the DE now back from injury and ready to make his mark in Houston’s defense, the Texans should be ready to give him a chance and be patient with him, as he gets back to full fitness.CB Darqueze Dennard
As a 24th overall pick in 2014, Dennard was tipped as one of the rookies to watch out for in his class. Things, however, didn’t turn out as expected for the first round pick, as he only played 61 snaps on defense last season, with his 17 combined tackles and 1 sack coming mostly from his work with the special teams. Looking ahead into the new season, Dennard has made a number of offseason changes that have reportedly made him a better player, while rookie defensive coordinator admitted in February that the he intends to play the cornerback more often in 2015. With the player looking more explosive and motivated and more playing time guaranteed for him in the defense, there is a high likelihood that Dennard will be more efficient in 2015.
.@ttwentyman takes a look at where all 18 rookies stand heading into training camp: http://t.co/ADq3s0yeZZ pic.twitter.com/pwMu4qeqX4
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) July 10, 2015