2019 NFL Draft: The Top 7
The 2019 NFL Draft has been hyped up for weeks because of the major talent that is expected to be drafted. Now that it has happened, the teams have their teams set and are ready to go for September.
Arizona Cardinals – Quarterback Kyler Murray from the University of Oklahoma
With the first overall pick in the draft, the Arizona Cardinals selected quarterback Kyler Murray, a junior out of Oklahoma who won the Heisman in 2018. Murray was chosen 9th overall in the 2018 MLB draft by the Oakland Athletics as well. He is the first athlete ever to be selected in the first round of two major North American sports. Even though he attended spring training with the A’s, he chose to focus on his football career, giving up baseball. Many analysts thought that Murray would not be a successful quarterback in the NFL because of his 5’10, 207 pound frame.
However, analysts also doubted Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson during the 2012 draft, who is also smaller like Murray, because of his 5’11, 206 pound frame. Wilson went on to be a Super Bowl champion and a franchise quarterback for Seattle, proving a player can be under 6ft and still be successful at the position. Murray has yet to prove that choosing football over baseball was a good decision for him.
The San Francisco 49ers – Defensive End Nick Bosa from Ohio State
With the second pick, the 49ers selected Nick Bosa, a DE out of Ohio State, who is said to be the best player in the draft. However, his draft class was predicted to drop due to his political beliefs and tweets, calling Colin Kaepernick a “clown” and expressing his support for President Trump. He later apologized for his tweets. Despite this, his draft class did not drop. Bosa injured his right groin during his final season at Ohio State; however, he got back to full health before the NFL combine.
New York Jets – Defensive Lineman Quinnen Williams from the University of Alabama
The New York Jets selected Quinnen Williams with the third pick, a defensive lineman out of Alabama. He is predicted to be a big star for the Jets, who have been making a lot of moves to beef up their team.
Oakland Raiders – Defensive End Clelin Ferrell from Clemson University
The Oakland Raiders selected Clelin Ferrell, a defensive end from Clemson with the fourth pick. Although Ferrell was projected to be drafted late in the first round and there were better players at his position such as Josh Allen, the Raiders felt he was the best fit for their team. Many believe they could have traded down for him and saved themselves some money and gotten another pick.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Linebacker Devin White from Louisiana State University
With the fifth pick, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Devin White, a linebacker from LSU. He has top end speed and shows great range in coverage. He was projected to be the fourth best player in the draft.
New York Giants – Quarterback Daniel Jones from Duke
With the sixth pick, the Giants selected QB Daniel Jones, who was ranked sixth among all QBs in the draft and 59th overall. He was not even projected to be a first round pick and there were many QBs better than him in the draft. However, the Giants feel that Jones is their guy and that they have the best chance for success with him. Like the Raiders, the Giants could have traded back for Jones if they really wanted him, to save themselves money and get an extra draft pick.
Jacksonville Jaguars – Edge Rusher Josh Allen from Kentucky
Edge rusher Josh Allen was drafted seventh overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars. With Jacksonville already having an elite defense, they added one more piece to it, and it will only make them better. Allen is ranked first at his position and fifth overall. By drafting Allen and signing Super Bowl champion quarterback Nick Foles, the Jags look to pick up where they left off in January 2018, just one win away from the Super Bowl.
Frankie is a freshman at LRHS and staff writer for The Lancer Ledger. Frankie plays baseball, is an avid sports fan, and found a knack for sports writing...