The 2019 NFL Draft kicks off in Nashville, Tennessee in under a month.
So with the NFL Combine done and dusted and the college’s pro days coming to a close, let’s take a look at how April’s Draft may play out.
- Arizona Cardinals
Kyler Murray – QB – Oklahoma
With sweeping coaching changes in place, the table is set for this potential franchise shifting move. Let’s not forget GM Steve Keim is very much on the hot seat right now, so this move ticks all the boxes of a desperate boardroom looking to save their jobs. The Josh Rosen experience comes to a spluttering halt, as the Heisman winner touches down in AZ.
- San Francisco 49ers
Nick Bosa – Edge – Ohio State
The 49ers staff on the ground in Nashville can not submit this selection quick enough. Brother of LA Chargers’ Joey Bosa, the blueprints have been laid out for a dominant, ferocious, nightmare inducing talent. Also, his great-grandfather was once Al Capone’s bodyguard – what more could you possible want?
- New York Jets
Josh Allen – Edge – Kentucky
Defence needs addressing here and that’s exactly what happens as snatched from right underneath the Raiders’ noses, Josh Allen is taken by Gang Green. With his outstanding burst and bend skills, the Jets are acquiring a perfect tag team partner for DE Leonard Williams.
- Oakland Raiders
Rashan Gary – Edge – Michigan
The Silver and Black go to their plan B and may well end up with a better player. Possessing powerful hands and the ability generate big hits, it’s easy to imagine this guy being a double team target as his career progresses. One potential red flag is a mystery shoulder injury suffered last year.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Devin White – LB – LSU
With his playmaking abilities, this is a perfect match for Todd Bowles’ attack-minded defence. Expect this Junior out of LSU to initially line up as a blitzer – as his route anticipation and zone awareness is still a work in progress.
- New York Giants
Dwayne Haskins – QB – Ohio State
Big Blue seem to finally have their heir apparent to Eli Manning. With formidable arm strength already under his belt, a year on the bench will certainly will do no harm as the Giants begin to plan for life post Odell Beckham Jr.
- Jacksonville Jaguars
Jawaan Taylor – OT – Florida
Jags’ primary goal for this Draft is to find assistance to keep Nick Foles upright. They also have an eye on regenerating a power run game that lost its way during the 2018 failed campaign to return to the postseason. Taylor fulfils both of these needs with his powerful hands and smooth footwork.
- Detroit Lions
Quinnen Williams – DT – Alabama
Big steal here for the Lions – at #8 they get an instant impact starter. Teaming Williams with Snacks Harrison, we could see the creation of a crushing 1-2 punch defensive identity. Would certainly spice up an otherwise tame organisation.
- Buffalo Bills
Montez Sweat – Edge – Mississippi State
With most scouts expecting Bills to sure up the O-Line, the Buffalo front office snap up Sweat to bolster an already sneaky impressive D. Holding two 4th rounders and two 5th rounders in this year’s Draft, expect the Bills to be on the phone trading up to get new protection pieces for their sophomore QB.
- Denver Broncos
Devin Bush Jr. – LB – Michigan
Joe Flacco is apparently the answer at QB for Denver, for now. With this in mind, they address the other side of the ball by making Bush a Bronco. A physical linebacker who has lined up both inside and outside for Michigan.
- Cincinnati Bengals
Jonah Williams – OT – Alabama
A five-star recruit out of Alabama certainly ticks all the right boxes on paper. Williams faced some of the best pass rushes in college football, the Bengals hope this pedigree and experience translates to the NFL.
- Washington Redskins (PROJECTED TRADE WITH PACKERS)
Daniel Jones – QB – Duke
The first trade of the Draft sees the ‘skins make a move for their QB of the future. With Case Keenum already in the building, now with his fourth team in as many years and crucially only one year remaining on his current contract, watch Jones make more of an impact late in the season – or perhaps even 2020.
- Miami Dolphins
Andre Dillard – OT – Washington State
Word on the street is Miami are entering an organic tanking phase. Simply put, they are satisfied with riding as Ryan Fitzpatrick as their undisputed QB1 for 2019, with eyes on the 2020 draft for the QB answer. Dillard is a developmental piece that suitably fits this franchise’s current aspirations.
- Atlanta Falcons
Christian Wilkins – DT – Clemson
Here’s a guy who plays with non-stop energy and eagerness, complimented with a desire to play hard on every snap. Will fit in perfectly with the Falcons culture of ‘rising up’ and chasing that Championship that slipped from their grasp two seasons ago.
- Green Bay Packers
Noah Fant – TE – Iowa
It’s no big secret A-Rod needs more weapons around him. With Fant, they land themselves the best receiver in the Draft. With the speed and explosiveness he possesses, expect him to appear absolutely anywhere across the line of scrimmage causing defensive mis-matches.
- Carolina Panthers
Clelin Ferrell – Edge – Clemson
The retirement of Julius Peppers makes a pass rusher the number one need for Carolina. In Ferrell they find an immediate three down player with strong hands as well as outright speed. An ACL tear suffered in 2014 is a minor red flag.
- New York Giants
Marquise Brown – WR – Oklahoma
The Giants offensive rebuild continues with the acquisition of Brown. With his incredible speed and burst, he’s already drawing Tyreek Hill comparisons which may lead him to ultimately being over-drafted here at #17 – not to mention the connection with cousin Antonio.
- Minnesota Vikings
T.J. Hockenson – TE – Iowa
Help at OL and in the receiving corps is needed here, Hockenson has the ability to provide both. An incredibly versatile talent that provides the Vikings with an immediate upgrade.
- Los Angeles Chargers (PROJECTED TRADE WITH TITANS)
Drew Lock – QB – Missouri
It’s the Bolts who make the move to secure Drew as their QB of the future. With the succession plan in place, the Chargers can now fully focus on calculating a winning formula, with an already talented group of players under their wing.
- Pittsburgh Steelers
D.K. Metcalf – WR – Mississippi
In case you haven’t heard, the Steelers are missing something at WR. Juju gets some help on the opposite line of scrimmage in the shape of the explosive D.K. Metcalf.
- Seattle Seahawks
Ed Oliver – DT – Houston
Owning only four picks in the 2019 Draft, it’s probable the Seahawks are prime candidates to trade back. However, adding Oliver to the defensive line provides Seattle with great depth, expect him to contribute in a rotational role straight away.
- Baltimore Ravens
N’Keal Harry – WR – Arizona State
Ravens current no.1 receiver? Willie Snead! An upgrade is desperately needed here. They are plenty of options to pluck out here, but Baltimore ultimately end up zeroing in on N’Keal Harry.
- Houston Texans
Cody Ford – OT – Oklahoma
A much needed instant starter here for an underwhelming OL in Houston. Deshaun Watson was sacked SIXTY-TWO times last season. That needs resurrecting ASAP, if the Texans want to progress beyond the wildcard round.
- Oakland Raiders
Josh Jacobs – RB – Alabama
With a clouded future concerning Marshawn Lynch and Oakland’s future status, they make a move at RB and land the best one in the Draft. Although lacking outright speed, Jacobs makes up for it with his strong ball security and decision-making skills.
- Philadelphia Eagles
Greedy Williams – CB – LSU
Williams will offer great versatility to the Eagles secondary. Known for his athleticism and size, Greedy plays best in Man Coverage, which is already a strength for Philly. He will begin life as a great complimentary piece before the reins are loosened.
- Indianapolis Colts
Jaylon Ferguson – Edge – Louisiana Tech
For all the praise the Colts were drawing for their late season burst, there are some gaping holes that need plugging – namely the Colts placed 29th in adjusted sack rate. By selecting Ferguson they directly address this need by getting the guy who got the most sacks in Division I college football history.
- Oakland Raiders
Byron Murphy – CB – Washington
Murphy will provide instant relief to the Raiders’ inabilities to create turnovers in the secondary. With his exceptional balance and quick feet, this is a guy who will stick like glue to his receiver.
- Tennessee Titans
Jachai Polite – Edge – Florida Tech
Adding this pass rusher out of Florida will give the Draft home crowd something to celebrate. After being made to wait after trading back a few spots, the Tennessee front office will be equally pleased with their work. Polite will contribute mostly on passing plays initially whilst his career develops.
- Kansas City Chiefs
Brian Burns – Edge – Florida State
KC have addressed their biggest need in free agency with the acquisition of Tyrann Mathieu on a three year/$42million deal. So with the #29 pick, they address the pass rush by making Burns their man.
- Green Bay Packers
Zach Allen – Edge – Boston College
With offense addressed at #15, Green Bay turns their attention to the D and land themselves the aggressive Allen. A proven effective pass rusher during his three years at BC, by the time he reaches year three in the NFL, he will be a solid reliable starter.
- Los Angeles Rams
Dexter Lawrence – DT – Clemson
No sign of Ndamukong Suh returning to the Rams, so they go via the Draft for Aaron Donald’s new play mate. Lawrence has shown incredible promise to be an outstanding run defender. Expect him to slot in as a true nose tackle.
- New England Patriots
Irv Smith Jr. – TE – Alabama
Now that Rob Gronkowski has hung up his cleats (for now), the Pats decide pick #32 is the perfect time to attempt to fill that void. Brady is facing a shortage of quality receivers now more than ever, Smith Jr. will offer major contributions as a receiving TE, as well as proving to be an excellent blocker when called upon.