Chicago Bears
Shea McClellin, ILB: I'm taking a shot in the dark here. McClellin is switching positions for the third time in four years, and I think this one will work out for him. He has not lived up to his 1st round status as of yet, but last year he was exponentially better than his first two seasons. He played well against the run, and that is what they will need him for in 2015. The Bears run defense was atrocious last season, and they have little depth at inside linebacker once again. McClellin will most likely be relied on to play a big role for these Bears, and I think he can step up. I'm not expecting Shea McClellin to become a star, but I think he can be a good player and an everyday starter, which is breaking out compared to what he has been these past few years.
Green Bay Packers
Davante Adams, WR: All of these don't have to be bold picks right? Even though Davante Adams is the obvious choice, he is the right one. It seems as though he is almost destined to breakout in 2015, as he is in an incredible position on Green Bay's offense. Adams had an up and down season last year, with some incredible highs (Patriots game) and also some lows (Last 4 games of the season, combined 4 catches). Adams has incredible talent, especially after the catch, and it seems as though he gained Rodgers trust throughout the season. Adams will be an outside WR opposite Nelson, and will be treated as the 3rd option behind Nelson and Cobb. He has the talent to be a top wide receiver in the NFL, and will be treated as the 3rd receiver on this team by opposing defenses. Just based off of that, he's in for a big year. Oh yeah, and he has Aaron Rodgers throwing to him who is a pretty good QB. Explosive offense, explosive player, it just fits. I'm predicting 1,000 yards and 8 touchdowns for the young star in 2015.
Minnesota Vikings
Teddy Bridgewater, QB: Once again, I couldn't pick just one player. What screams volumes about how good Mike Zimmer is and how successful the 2014 draft was, these players were his two first round picks that he drafted with Rick Spielman. Bridgewater had a very good rookie season, and he will only get better. Last seasons supporting cast was downright bad. He had a struggling offensive line, Matt Asiata as his running back, and inconsistencies at wide receiver. In 2015, he has Adrian Freaking Peterson back. No matter what your personal opinions about All Day are, he is one of the best running backs in the NFL, and will make a huge difference for Bridgwater. They also replaced Greg Jennings with Mike Wallace, which should be an upgrade. They also have 4 rookie offensive lineman to add depth to an O-line that was very inconsistent in 2014. Just speaking of Bridgewater, he has the touch, vision, anticipation and pocket presence to be a very good QB in the NFL, and next season he will take a huge step forward. I'm predicting 4,000 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions which is a great season.
Anthony Barr, OLB: I might have a bit of a man crush on Anthony Barr. He is an extremely talented player, and he needed more press after his solid rookie season. Credit Mike Zimmer, because Barr was supposed to be very raw coming out of college, but he played very well in year one. He is now playing in a very, very good, young defense, and now will be playing alongside his former UCLA teammate Eric Kendricks. I believe that the Minnesota's defense can be lead by Harrison Smith and Anthony Barr. AB is in a position to utilize his strengths at weak side linebacker in the 4-3 defense, and he will most likely be asked to rush the passer more, and play more in the opponents backfield too. I'm expecting 8 sacks from Barr, 12 tackles for loss, 100 total tackles, a few forced fumbles, and also an interception or two. He is Minnesota's not-so-secret weapon on defense, and will do a little bit of everything for them.
Detroit Lions
Travis Swanson, C: Swanson struggled in his rookie season after being thrust into a starting role due to injury. Is he still my favourite center from the 2014 draft? Yup. Do I think he's going to have a good career? Hell yes. Swanson is a very talented player, and he will get a shot to be the starting center. Often times a player will make a huge jump after their rookie season (especially at a position like center where the player needs to know how to read a D-line and help their QB), and Swanson is talented and smart enough to do just that. The Lions have beefed up their offensive line, which will take some pressure off of Swanson too. Swanson started 50 games in college, is very durable, and probably needed a year to put on some muscle and get used to the NFL. Swanson will establish himself as a very good NFL center next season on a Detroit Lions line that will bounce back from a rough season in 2014.
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