Why second chance might work for these players
First-round draft picks enter the NFL with promise and potential but, for a variety of reasons, it doesn’t always work out with their original teams. A few recent ones are getting fresh starts with new clubs.
❚ Marcus Peters
Why it didn’t work out with the Chiefs: He became one of the most productive corners in the NFL, picking off 19 passes in three seasons — more than any other player since he entered the league. His issues were run-ins with assistants and character issues, such as when he took himself out of one game (thinking he’d been ejected) for throwing a penalty flag into the stands.
Why it could work out with the Rams: Joining coordinator Wade Phillips’ scheme should only maximize Peters’ value. Pairing him with Aqib Talib creates a dangerous tandem. Phillips also has a history of getting players with character concerns to buy in.
❚ Alec Ogletree
Why it didn’t work out with the Rams: After moving to middle linebacker in 2016, he had 136 tackles. But Ogletree didn’t fit well in Phillips’ 3-4 front.
Why it could work out with the Giants: Under contract for the next four seasons, Ogletree gives New York a leader and three-down linebacker who can call out plays and adjustments before the snap.
❚ Danny Shelton
Why it didn’t work out with the Browns: A space-eating lineman, he played under three defensive coordinators in three seasons with Cleveland. But when the Browns switched to a 4-3 base scheme, Shelton’s value dipped.
Why it could work out with the Patriots: His run-clogging skill set should again be a source of appreciation.
❚ Damarious Randall
Why it didn’t work out with the Packers: He entered the league as a free safety, but Green Bay moved Randall to slot corner. He was also benched for a game last season and sent to the locker room after an argument with coaches.
Why it could work out with the Browns: Randall is expected to revert to safety in Cleveland and could instantly become an impact player given his instincts.
❚ Sammy Watkins
Why it didn’t work out with the Bills or Rams: Injuries, drops, concentration lapses and a need to learn multiple systems all led to promise unfulfilled.
Why it could work out with the Chiefs: Watkins, only 24, has undeniable talent and athleticism to blossom into a No. 1 receiver. Eight touchdown grabs in 39 receptions last year point to his big-play potential. And with secondyear quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ deep-ball proficiency, Watkins could be in line for some explosive plays.
❚ Teddy Bridgewater
Why it didn’t work out with the Vikings: If not for a dislocated knee and torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered just before the 2016 season, Bridgewater still might be Minnesota’s quarterback.
Why it could work out with the Jets: Bridgewater was a Pro Bowler in
2015, when he led the Vikings to the NFC North crown. He has 28 NFL starts, the ability to read defenses and the accuracy to work in coordinator Jeremy Bates’ system. It all comes down to whether that knee can hold up.
❚ Eric Ebron
Why it didn’t work out with the Lions: Also plagued by drops, he often made mistakes such as lining up incorrectly — a constant source of frustration with the coaching staff.
Why it could work out with the Colts: Assuming Andrew Luck is healthy, a red-zone target with Ebron’s size (6-4, 253 pounds) and athleticism could have a breakout season.
❚ Justin Pugh
Why it didn’t work out with the Giants: Although he flashed potential as a guard early in his career, when coaches opted to play him at tackle, Pugh’s play suffered. A recurring back injury didn’t help, either.
Why it could work out with the Cardinals: Arizona is set at tackle, so Pugh should return to his natural spot at right guard.
❚ Sheldon Richardson
Why it didn’t work out with the Jets or the Seahawks: Appearing poised for stardom after being named defensive rookie of the year in 2013, his production instead fell off. Exacerbated by off-field issues and character flags, the Jets traded Richardson to Seattle.
Why it could work out with the Vikings: He will have a good opportunity to flourish on a star-studded defensive line that includes Danielle Hunter, Everson Griffen and Linval Joseph.
❚ Star Lotulelei
Why it didn’t work out with the Panthers: A steady, if unspectacular, presence in the middle of the defensive line, his major drawback was that his price tag (five years, $50 million) might far exceed his forecasted production in the future.
Why it could work out with the Bills: While Lotulelei might not fill up the box score, his ability to clog rush lanes should greatly help a defense that ranked 29th against the run in the 2017 season.