Last week we looked at 2015 rookies with the most to prove in 2016. But most of those guys can afford another down year without losing the wheels completely. That’s not the case for key players who have yet to emerge from the 2014 class. These soon-to-be-third-year players are running out of time. In fact, the 2016 campaign could make or break their careers.
Houston Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney: The 2014 No. 1 overall pick simply has to put in a complete season. But simply staying healthy won’t be enough to satisfy Texans fans. Clowney has just 4.5 sacks in 17 career games. That number will have to triple in 2016.
Los Angeles Rams offensive tackle Greg Robinson: Yes, the top two picks from 2014 risk becoming busts. Robinson has remained relatively healthy, but he hasn’t been productive. The 23-year-old Auburn product was graded by Pro Football Focus as the third-worst regular left tackle in football last season.
Cleveland Browns cornerback Justin Gilbert: The eighth overall pick has started just three games in two seasons. He has one career interceptions and 29 tackles. A lot of folks have already labelled Gilbert a bust, so the pressure is on big-time for the 24-year-old in 2016.
Detroit Lions tight end Eric Ebron: He caught a solid 67 percent of the passes thrown his way while increasing his numbers across the board, but they still need more than 537 receiving yards and five touchdowns from a top-10 pick at that position. With Calvin Johnson gone, Ebron will be expected to step it up in a major way.
Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Taylor Lewan: It isn’t a good sign that Tennessee spent a top-10 pick this year on another offensive tackle, and Lewan — who didn’t play much as a rookie and gave up too many sacks as a sophomore — is already making it clear he doesn’t want to move to the right side. If the 11th overall pick doesn’t start shining in 2016, he might not have a choice.
