The round or pick that a particular player was drafted doesn't mean a thing when it comes to performance on the football field.
Sammy Watkins was selected as the 4th overall selection in the 1st round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills. His college friend and fellow wide receiver at Clemson University, Martavis Bryant, had to wait 114 picks later in the 4th round until his name was called by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Seems like night and day in terms of expectations on a player in their rookie season, but although Watkins has the first round tag on him, it could be Bryant that has the last laugh.
Physically, there isn't much difference between the two receivers. The two wide outs had nearly the same 40-yard dash times at the NFL Combine with Watkins running a 4.39 and Bryant a 4.41, but Bryant has the size advantage over Watkins standing at 6'4".
The main cut on Bryant coming out of Clemson was his raw receiving ability and immaturity. Outside of those factors, Bryant has the physical attributes to be a top round selection.
This week Bryant will have an opportunity to show the Steelers that they got a steal in the 4th round, by going catch for catch with his former college teammate. The Buffalo Bills and Watkins will be in Latrobe, PA practicing with the Steelers Wednesday and Thursday as a lead up to the second preseason game on Saturday night.
Bryant had all the looks of a nervous rookie in his first preseason game last Saturday against the New York Giants where he muffed two punts, had two drops and fumbled the ball in the Steelers' final drive. With those jitters out of his system, look for Bryant to grow more comfortable in an NFL jersey and start to blossom.
All eyes might be fixed on Watkins, but it might be Bryant that steals the show.