LogFAQs > #973075998

First Round

Bills DE Dean Lowery (7th overall) - For a team that has spent a lot of resources on high-end defensive players, the defense hasn't really come together despite some great individual seasons, including a co-MVP from MLB Paul Worrilow. With the caveat that Madden-generated era DEs tend to not be as complete players as those from the import era, I like the potential of Lowery having an impact on a largely stout front seven with questionable starting DEs. Historically the best rushing division of the past 10 or so seasons, the AFC East might be more in the middle this upcoming season, so this could be a good starting point for Lowery as he hopes to help the Bills get over the hump and compete for a Wild Card spot.

Cowboys HB Phillip Lindsay (14th overall) - I mentioned this in the doc where I made every pick in the first round, but the lack of playoff appearances for the Cowboys in recent seasons is strongly linked to how poorly they have been in the running game. Time is running out for their DL and QB Cam Newton. HB Devonta Freeman has played in 17 of 32 games in his two seasons with Dallas. While HBs tend to have slow starts to their career in terms of effectiveness and efficiency, it isn't impossible by any means to have a high-impact rookie season at the position. Should Freeman get injured yet again, I have more faith Lindsay making impact than most rookie HBs. Even if a playoff appearance doesn't come to fruition this season, the only other HB the team took in the first round went on to make the Hall of Fame.

Bengals WR Kenny Golladay (17th overall) - This offense has been elite the past two seasons. With the retirement of Josh Briscoe, the #1 WR job is wide open. I'm assuming that Golladay's rating will be high enough to trigger a battle for the #1 spot. If it is, and he wins, he could thrive as a mere rookie and eventually find himself as one of the best WRs in the league at some point in his career.

Honorable Mention
Browns OLB Andrew Van Ginkel (8th overall)