While hundreds of young players’ dreams are made each NFL Draft, a number of familiar faces are one step closer to the door as the young bucks push them all the way for a starting spot. Here we take a look at the rookies who will be pushing veterans all the way for a starting spot in 2014.
Philadelphia Eagles: Jordan Matthews Vs. Jeremy Maclin - Wide Receivers
The enigma that is DeSean Jackson is now out of town leaving a receiving corps without a number-one target. Maclin is a proven commodity who caught 284 passes in four years before a torn ACL in July prematurely ended his 2013. Bouncing back from injuries is never easy and Matthews will feel he can push Maclin to be Nick Foles’ favorite wide-out.
Philadelphia Eagles: Jaylen Watkins Vs. Cary Williams - Cornerbacks
Since 2008 the Eagles have signed two big-name free agent cornerbacks as well as trading for another. Neither option worked so now it is time to turn to the draft. Watkins is a tremendous man-cover corner with excellent technique that could see him develop into a shutdown corner. Williams, on the other hand, is a wise, feisty veteran who will not go down without a fight. His three interceptions and 67 tackles proves he can do it all.
Dallas Cowboys: Demarcus Lawrence Vs. George Selvie - Defensive Ends
DeMarcus Ware is now a Bronco, leaving the Cowboys to find their next edge threat. Taken with the 34th-overall pick, Lawrence has all the tools to fill that avoid if he can continue to improve his pass-rush skills. Selvie is a four-year veteran who bounced around before finding a home in Arlington. With a seven-sack 2013 campaign under his belt, he will understandably be full of confidence heading into his second season in Texas.
Washington Redskins: Morgan Moses Vs. Tyler Polumbus - Offensive Tackles
Polumbus has been a great servant for the Redskins since joining from the Seahawks in 2011, starting all but one game over the past two seasons. Nevertheless, Moses was selected in the second round for a reason and the man-mountain will be eager to prove he should have been a first-round pick. Possessing a seven-foot wing span, Moses is stiff with technical issues that need cleaning up but swallows defenders and can be completely dominant.
New York Giants: Odell Beckham Jr. Vs. Rueben Randle - Wide Receivers
Now, hear me out on this one. Beckham Jr was a favorite amongst draft experts and clearly the Giants when they selected him 12th overall. However, a starting spot is not a given right and it must be earned. Randle flashed potential as the third receiver in 2013 behind Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks with 41 catches and six touchdowns. Beckham Jr is certainly expected to win the role but Randle will be no pushover.
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