There were nine players drafted from the University of Washington, the University of Oregon and Washington State University in this NFL draft. I have picked four of them that I think will play well in their first year.
Vita Vea, DT Washington- Tampa Bay Bucs, 1st round 12th pick
Vea is an absolute monster on the defensive line. His strength is hard to match and he will have some success with his bull rush as a pro as a rookie. Vea really shows his special ability by how quick he is, he is a smooth athlete even at more than 330 pounds. I believe his first step will still be enough to gain leverage against other linemen in the NFL and I think he could get 5 or 6 sacks his year. He was a First-Team Pac-12 player this year, and won two more Pac-12 defensive linemen awards as well. The Bucs believe in his playmaking ability too, they proved how highly they thought of him by picking him 12th overall. There is no chance for a defensive lineman to go that early unless he can get to the quarterback.
Royce Freeman, RB Oregon- Denver Broncos, 3rd round 7th pick
The Broncos grabbed one of the most dynamic and consistent playmakers at the running back position in the third round with Freeman. His nickname of “Rolls Royce” shows how smooth he can look as he is making plays with the ball in his hands. Did I mention he has more rushing touchdowns in his career than anyone else in Pac-12 history, and is in the top ten all time rushers in the NCAA? C.J. Andersen is no longer the lead running back in Denver so the door is open for Freeman to snag the starting spot over the inconsistent Devontae Booker.
Cole Madison, OG Washington State- Green Bay Packers, 5th round 1st pick
Madison’s number one trait is his athleticism, he moves better than most people his size and even people smaller than him. The Packers have Aaron Rodgers running the show so the offensive line benefits from hi mobility and quick release, this could help Madison make an impact if given the chance early on. Things are unsettled on the right side of Green Bay’s o-line and Madison could be a guy that impresses in training camp and gets the starting gig.
Tyrell Cosby, OG Oregon- Detroit Lions, 5th round 16th pick
Cosby was a First Team Pac-12 player this past season and according to Pro Football Focus did not allow a single sack or quarterback hit in 2017. Many people see his run blocking as his strength and he is very good at it but pass blocking will get him a job in the NFL. The Lions have not had a great o-line in a long time and this is another attempt to bolster it by finding the last piece. I can’t believe Crosby was still on the board in the middle of the fifth round, so he was a bit of a steal in my book. I think he could play tackle or guard for them as a fill in guy this year.
