I have decided to put a list together of five early-round players who will likely disappoint in the 2016-2017 season. I'm not saying these guys won't be valuable starters down the line, but they may require some time to get customary with NFL talent.
Corey Coleman, WR, Cleveland Browns
Draft: Round 1, no. 15 overall
While Coleman’s videogame-type numbers and explosiveness are undeniable, the probability of the Baylor-product having immediate success in Cleveland is highly unlikely. His limited route tree and minimal supporting cast on the offensive side of the ball will do nothing but restrict his growth. On top of that, Robert Griffin III has not proven to be a stable quarterback in the past, and probably will not be much more effective as a Brown. I’m not saying Coleman won’t be a good player eventually, but we may have to wait a year or two for him to blossom.
Germain Ifedi, OT, Seattle Seahawks
Draft: Round 1, no. 31 overall
Ifedi has the NFL-caliber talent to become a valuable right tackle or guard down the road. He is going to be given the opportunity to start for the Seahawks day one (and he probably will), but it won’t be an easy year. In addition to having to face NFC West defensive lines, the transition from a spread-based college system is more difficult. Ifedi should be a viable asset at guard or tackle in Seattle.
Xavien Howard, CB, Miami Dolphins
Draft: Round 2, no. 38 overall
Pick no. 38 is way too rich for me. Howard’s 32 passes defended and nine interceptions speak for his aggressiveness, but the suspect long-speed and grabby tendencies are hard to look past. He was flagged an astonishing 14 times for pass interference and five times for holding. He seems to get panicked when he thinks he will get beat. It will take him some time to acclimate to NFL rules and players.
Artie Burns, CB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Draft: Round 1, no. 25 overall
Burns is athletically gifted and a raw talent, but I don’t see use in spending a first-round pick on a prospect whose tape is very disappointing. The Steelers see a foundation they can build on, but Burns is at least two years away from being a NFL-ready player.
Eli Apple, CB, New York Giants
Draft: Round 1, no. 10 overall
Apple is a tough one to put on this list because of the Giants’ drastically improved defense, but I’m not sure he’ll live up to the top-10 pick hype. He possesses outstanding size and physicality, but he may need time to accustomed to covering for longer periods of time due to his dominant defensive line at Ohio State. Apple will need to trust his feet more, but his ability to match in man coverage will make the transition to the next level easier.