All I care about is that the NY Giants pick a Quarterback….
The 2019 NFL draft has finally arrived, and it’s still unclear how the first round will unfold.
There are four quarterbacks who are expected to go in the first round, but figuring out which teams will take them is still tricky. There are rumors that Ohio State’s Dwayne Haskins is sliding. Missouri’s Drew Lock could go as early as 10th to the Denver Broncos, but team decision-maker John Elway might instead opt for a position player. There’s also the Josh Rosen trade option, as the Arizona Cardinals will likely be open to dealing him if they choose Kyler Murray at No. 1, meaning QB-needy teams might instead wait to see if they can land Rosen with a third-round pick.
Ahead of Thursday’s first round, here is a projection of all 32 picks:
1. Arizona Cardinals: Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma
After spending all this time believing the Cardinals would make Murray the first pick in the draft, could you imagine how much a Nick Bosa selection would throw off the first round? Still, from everything I’ve heard, the Cardinals have such a high grade on Murray that he will be the top pick. If so, the Cardinals will have to see what they can get in a trade for Josh Rosen.
2. San Francisco 49ers: Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State
The 49ers need a defensive end more than they do a tackle, so Bosa, who will pair well opposite Dee Ford, gets the nod over Quinnen Williams.
3. New York Jets: Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama
Even though the Jets need an edge rusher like Josh Allen for their 3-4 base defense, there are rumblings that the team might not be as high on Allen as we previously thought. General manager Mike Maccagnan has made safe picks each of the last two years with Jamal Adams and Sam Darnold, and Williams would represent the safest option here. Remember, the Jets will be listening to offers to trade back and add picks.
4. Oakland Raiders: Ed Oliver, DT, Houston
The Raiders could opt to take Josh Allen to improve their edge rush, but Oliver is too intriguing as an Aaron Donald-like disruptive force in the middle of their defensive line. It’s possible teams could be looking to trade up to this spot to get him.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Devin White, LB, LSU
White is coveted by many teams in the top 10, who are looking for a tackling machine and leader at inside linebacker. The Bucs could be tempted by the right trade offer, but if not, White gives them an anchor for their new 3-4 defense.
6. New York Giants: Josh Allen, OLB, Kentucky
The draft’s real drama could start with the Giants, who might take a quarterback at this spot, possibly Daniel Jones or Dwayne Haskins. But Allen would be a welcome gift if he falls here, providing the Giants with a much-needed edge rusher.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida
Taylor’s upside might give him the edge over Alabama’s Jonah Williams as the first offensive lineman drafted. Taylor could start off at right tackle for the Jaguars and develop into a long-term option on the left.
8. Detroit Lions: Rashan Gary, DL, Michigan
The Lions probably would prefer to get Ed Oliver or Devin White, but they don’t have the trade ammunition to move up in the first round. They will listen to trade offers and they might consider an offensive lineman, but in the end they could add Gary to pair with free agent signing Trey Flowers.
9. Buffalo Bills: Jonah Williams, OL, Alabama
An early run on defensive stars could lead the Bills to opt for Williams, who could replace Dion Dawkins at left tackle. The Bills are doing everything they can to surround second-year quarterback Josh Allen with talent on offense.
10. Denver Broncos: T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa
Devin White might be the perfect pick for Denver, but he’s gone in this scenario. Front office czar John Elway will consider quarterbacks Drew Lock or Daniel Jones here, but Hockenson gives them a complete tight end…..
Ah, ?
17. New York Giants: Daniel Jones, QB, Duke
No, I haven’t forgotten about Dwayne Haskins. But the Giants might like Jones more, in part due to his connection to Duke Coach David Cutcliffe, who also tutored both Peyton and Eli Manning.