I was at the Boneyard in Mayfield with friends watching that draft. We were all stunned on the Gilbert pick because it was so random. Moving down from 4 to 9 seemed like a great move but then moving back up 1 slot to get... Justin Gilbert? We were all confused because we barely knew who that guy was.
I was nervous the rest of the night because I DID NOT want Manziel at any point in the draft. When they moved up to 22 I had a sinking feeling in my stomach that they were going to pick John Football. When they did, I stood up and screamed NOOOOOOO like Michael Scott as loud as I could.
I liked Bortles in that draft but knew we weren't going to get him at 4. I was on the Tank for Teddy Train early that season and still wanted him. I also liked Derek Carr. Basically anyone but Manziel.
I remember being disappointed when Greg Robinson went off the board at #2--I wanted him. I remember being a little disappointed with the trade down because Sammy Watkins, a generational WR prospect, was there--but I was okay with it because trading down is almost always the smart move.
Once Jake Matthews went off the board before us, I wasn't that thrilled with our options at 9. I was hoping to just get the stud guard safe pick (Zack Martin) or reach a bit and take who I felt was the #1 QB in the draft (Derek Carr).
When we took Gilbert, I talked myself into it. "Haden is lockdown as CB1, so you want that Antonio Cromartie style player as your #2. He doesn't have to be lockdown--you want the guy who can generate a ton of interceptions. If they're going to be throwing at him, find someone who can cause turnovers."
Well, Gilbert couldn't do any of that.
When we traded up to 22, I was convinced it was for Carr. My favorite position players available at that point were Darqueze Dennard and Deone Buchanon.
In the middle rounds of that draft, I loved Jarvis Landry (I had him ahead of OBJ). I really liked CJ Fiedorowicz as a tight end. I thought there was crazy offensive line talent with Gabe Jackson, Trai Turner, Billy Turner, Morgan Moses...
But the guy who I thought was an absolute steal and turned out to be the biggest bust was Jaylen Watkins, safety out of Florida. I thought he was that new model of NFL safety--someone who can play excellent free safety, as well as cover receivers at the line if you need him to. I thought his versatility was special and couldn't believe he fell to the top of the fourth round.
All in all, a terrible draft for me--Robinson and Watkins were total ass or totally injured. But at least I think Carr #1 QB in the class was correct--so I'll hang my hat on that... even though if you asked me earlier in the draft process, I would've said he was a lock to go in the top 10
