NFL Draft: Re-drafting the star-studded 2014 NFL Draft
By Cory Kinnan
. OG. Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Zack Martin. 8. player. 53
Original Pick: Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State Cowboys
The first round of the 2014 NFL Draft was one that has left a black eye on the Cleveland Browns’ organization. It started when they traded back from the No. 4 overall pick in a deal with the Buffalo Bills, as they went on to select cornerback Justin Gilbert at No. 8 out of Oklahoma State.
While it was a weak cornerback class, and many thought that Gilbert was the best in the class, he lasted only two seasons in Cleveland. Gilbert played an additional season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but has been out of the league since 2016.
In this same draft, the Browns took guard Joel Bitonio in the second round. Bitonio is a Pro Bowl guard and a team captain in Cleveland, but due to the prowess of Zack Martin with the Dallas Cowboys, they would use the No. 8 overall pick to take him instead.
Martin has made the Pro Bowl in every year of his career. He has been named an All-Pro in three of his five professional seasons. Not to mention, Martin has only missed two games in his five-year NFL career for the Cowboys and is a symbol of durability in Dallas.
By displaying that he is the best offensive guard in the NFL, the Cowboys compensated him as such, as both sides agreed to a six-year, $84 million contract extension through 2025, with $40 million guaranteed.