The 2013 NFL Draft and how it played out for Michigan & Michigan State

The NFL Draft was completed over the weekend and five players from Michigan and Michigan State were selected during the three-day event. Here are my thoughts on each of the players that got their name called.

Le’Veon Bell, 2^nd Round Pick (48) to Pittsburgh Steelers – This seems like a perfect fit for Bell, who is known more for being a physical back than a finesse player. The Steelers have question marks at running back, which opens the door for Bell to earn carries right away. Bell should earn the respect of the fan base, as the Steeler fans like their workhorse players.

Dion Sims, 4^th Round Pick (106) to Miami Dolphins – Sims went a little quicker than I expected, but Miami has really put a focus on getting faster as a team and is trying to reshape its offense. Sims will need to improve on his blocking ability, but he provides Miami with a tight end that is already physically ready for the NFL and has good hands and feet for a man of his size.

William Gholston, 4^th Round Pick (126) to Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Gholston is a player that could be a fourth-round gem, or he could amount to nothing. It all depends on what Gholston’s motivation and work ethic is. Gholston has the physical tools to be a great player, but he has been known to back down from a challenge. He will be challenged every day in practice and every Sunday in games. He is going to have to be physically and mentally better than his opponent instead of just rely on his natural talent.

Denard Robinson, 5^th Round Pick (135) to Jacksonville Jaguars – Robinson was one of the picks that everyone around the country was paying attention to. I personally thought he could be a good fit in Detroit, but the Jaguars scooped him up in the fifth round a few picks prior to the Lions being on the clock. Jacksonville is in need of playmakers to help quarterback Blaine Gabbert come along. Last year the team added Justin Blackmon and this year it should have a healthy Maurice Jones-Drew back in the mix. With Robinson, the offense has some options as he can take some carries out of the backfield or on a reverse, he can catch some passes and he can sometimes throw the ball. There is a history of success for former college quarterbacks at the receiver position and Robinson has the talent to have a good NFL career. His biggest challenge will be staying healthy when his small frame takes the big hits from NFL defenders.

Will Campbell, 6^th Round Pick (178) to New York Jets – This was a surprising pick for a few reasons. Campbell wasn’t really on the draft radar, and when he was picked, he was picked to play the offensive line instead of defensive tackle. Campbell has experience on the offensive line during the 2010 season at Michigan, but it was a bit of a shocker to see him drafted by the Jets to play guard. At 6-5, 318 pounds, Campbell has good size to compete for a spot on the line, but there will be some bumps in the road as he transitions to the other side of the ball.

Who will have the best NFL career?