When you get drafted higher in the NFL Draft, you get more money. It is that simple for these prospects. Money is an important thing to everyone entering the draft because most prospects are coming from less fortunate areas. The first round of the draft was a fun one and it was full of surprises. Let's take a look at some winners of Day 1 of the draft.
Cleveland Browns: Although they haven't been competent in years, the Cleveland Browns had one heck of a draft last night. They moved spots a total of three times and they brought in a franchise quarterback and a 2015 first-round pick in the process. After the first round, the Browns filled two big needs in cornerback and quarterback. Justin Gilbert and Johnny Manziel will give this team a shot in the arm.
Minnesota Vikings: In my opinion, the best move of the entire night was at the end when the Minnesota Vikings traded back into the first round to nab Teddy Bridgewater just a pick before the Houston Texans were on the clock. The Vikings also drafted Anthony Barr, who, if he can add on some weight, can become a double-digit sack artist. It was good first draft for Mike Zimmer.
St. Louis Rams: Greg Robinson and Aaron Donald are both arguably top-five talents in this draft and the St. Louis Rams were able to grab both of them. The Rams have one of the best defensive lines in the NFL and it got even better with the addition of Donald. On the offensive side of the ball, Robinson will play left guard. Expect Zac Stacy to have a big, big season.
Brandin Cooks: When I saw the New Orleans Saints trade up, I knew there was one player on their mind. That player is Brandin Cooks out of Oregon State. The Saints traded Darren Sproles in the offseason because he demanded too much money. Sproles had an intriguing role in this offense as an offensive weapon. Cooks will take over that role with ease and he will cost much less money. It should be noted that Cooks was the best player at the NFL Combine.
Marcus Smith: In my opinion, there wasn't one player that was more over-drafted than Marcus Smith. The Louisville product is undersized and he is still extremely raw. Smith was a third-round talent in my book and it will take him a few years to develop. Smith has long arms, which is a good indicator of success for pass rushers in the NFL.
Matt Ryan: The Atlanta Falcons have perhaps the best wide receiver group in the NFL in Julio Jones, Roddy White, and Harry Douglas. The problem last season was that Matt Ryan never had time to throw the football. By adding Jake Matthews out of Texas A&M, the Falcons get a guy who can hold down Ryan's blindside.
Josh McCown: There was some chatter in Tampa Bay saying the Buccaneers could very well take Johnny Manziel if he was on the board. Well he was, and the Bucs elected to draft Manziel's best receiver at Texas A&M in Mike Evans. He has drawn comparisons to Vincent Jackson for his combination of size and speed, and he will be playing across from him in 2014. Josh McCown is a big winner here because he had two giants on the outside with the Chicago Bears last year with Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery. The combination of Jackson and Evans will make McCown feel like he is playing in Chicago.
Jadeveon Clowney: Ever since the college football season, there hasn't been a more maligned player than South Carolina's Jadeveon Clowney. Although he has the potential to be the best pass rusher of all-time, many were scared to pick Clowney because of his work ethic. The Houston Texans did not get this message because they drafted him instead of drafting one of the top quarterbacks in the draft. Clowney will succeed with J.J. Watt across from him.