2011 Second-Round Picks On Contract Years: Defense

Not everyone from the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft received a contract extension. Only the first-round picks get the fifth-year option, while less than half of the players in the second round received a contract extension. Some of the draftees have been disappointing thus far, while others have played to expectations but have yet to be resigned. This draft was filled with a lot of talent, including a deep group of linebackers. Four linebackers in the second round alone, though, have yet to be resigned. 

Jabaal Sheard, Browns Linebacker 
Draft Position: 37th Overall

Jabaal Sheard was impressive in his rookie season, recording 8.5 sacks as a 4-3 defensive end, but dropped off a little in his sophomore year. He played as a 3-4 outside linebacker in 2013, and sacked opposing quarterbacks 5.5 times in 13 games. Sheard has shown the speed and power to be a consistent threat, and he could step up and be that player in 2014. Sheard and the Browns have already talked about contract extensions, but if Sheard waits until after this season, he could be in for a big bonus. The second-round pick will surely find a team if the Browns do not give him the money he wants.

Akeem Ayers, Titans Linebacker
Draft Position: 39th Overall

Akeem Ayers has a lot of potential, especially in the Titans\' new defensive scheme. Ayers played very well as a 4-3 linebacker, but he has the ability to be a great 3-4 edge rusher. With good pass rushing potential - six sacks in 2012 - he may be in for a breakout season. At 6-foot-5 with good lateral agility, he has the physical traits to record double-digit sacks. The Titans defense, as a whole, has a lot of potential, and it will be in their best interest to resign Ayers.

Bruce Carter, Cowboys Linebacker
Draft Position: 40th Overall

Between all of the linebackers taken in the second round of the draft, Bruce Carter is the most athletic. He is not a good pass rush like the others, though, but that is not too bad in the Cowboys\' 4-3 scheme. Carter started most of the last two years, but has been average at best. With so much athleticism, he has so much potential, but he and Justin Durant will be relied on to step up in place of Sean Lee. Carter will be in for a rough season, but it is almost certain that a team will sign him after this year.

Jarvis Jenkins, Redskins Defensive End
Draft Position: 41th Overall

Jarvis Jenkins has been decent throughout his career, but he will look to improve this year. The Redskins\' defense got much better after signing Jason Hatcher. Jenkins will look to start opposite of Hatcher, and he will have to compete with Stephen Bowen and Kedric Golston. Bowen started ten games and Golston started eight, while Jenkins only started two. Jenkins has shown plenty of promise, plenty more than two nine-year veterans. Jenkins has potential, so even if he does not start, another team will give him a shot next year.

Brooks Reed, Texans Linebacker
Draft Position: 42th Overall

Brooks Reed has proven to be a decent pass rusher, but he has yet to top his rookie total of six sacks. With Jadeveon Clowney now on the team, and Whitney Mercilus set to start on the left side, Reed is projected to move inside. Reed has been decent, but whether or not the Texans resign him will certainly depend on how well he deals with the position change in 2014.

Rahim Moore, Broncos Safety
Draft Position: 45th Overall

Besides the play that (sort of) lost the Conference Championships for the Broncos back in 2012, Rahim Moore has been a solid player. Moore missed a lot of last season, though, and the Broncos want to see him play as good, if not better, than before. With great players around him in the secondary, it looks like he will fare well. The Broncos are very likely to resign Moore after this season.

Marcus Gilchrist, Chargers Safety
Draft Position: 50th Overall

Marcus Gilchrist came out of college as a cornerback, but has successfully transitioned to a pro-caliber safety. Gilchrist may be a little small, 5-foot-10 and 198 pounds, but he has played well. The Chargers\' secondary looks to be much better this year, and Gilchrist will be a big part of that. Unless Gilchrist takes a step back in 2014, it is almost certain that the Chargers will resign him.


Da\'Quan Bowers, Buccaneers Defensive End
Draft Position: 51st Overall

Unlike the last few draftees that have been middle-of-the-road players, Da\'Quan Bowers has been a bit of a disappointment. As a 4-3 defensive end, Bowers has recorded a measly 5.5 sacks. While he has actually played better than his first-round counterpart, Adrian Clayborn, he has seen much less time and production. Michael Johnson has the right spot on lock down, so Bowers will have to compete with Clayborn for playing time on the left. Unless Bowers tops his career sack total in 2014, it is unlikely that the Buccaneers resign him, but it is also unlikely that he will remain unsigned through the free agency period.

Stephen Paea, Bears Defensive Tackle
Draft Position: 53th Overall

The workout warrior has not quite lived up to expectations, but he has played well at times. Run stopping defensive tackles are not expected to record gaudy stats, but that is the problem; Stephen Paea is just a two-down player. The Bears picked up rookies Ego Ferguson and Will Sutton on the second day of the 2014 draft and Jeremiah Ratliff in free agency. With all three players expected to get extensive playing time, and are signed for 2+ years, it is highly unlikely that the Bears resign Paea. It would not be surprising if another team picked him up in free agency, though, as his strength is elite.

Brandon Harris, Texans Cornerback
Draft Position: 60th Overall

The second-round pick has yet to start a game or record an interception. Stuck behind Johnathan Joseph and Kareem Jackson in 2014, it is unlikely that he will start, but he may record his first interception. It seems a bit too early to truly call Brandon Harris a bust, but he has done very little over his three year career. Some people look at Harris as a lost cause. If he does not impress this year, it may be it for him.