REDRAFTING THE 2019 NFL DRAFT
1. Arizona Cardinals: Kyler Murray, QB
Original Pick: Kyler Murray, QB
This draft is so hard to analyze, as the sample size for every player is minimal. When Arizona hired Kliff Kingsbury as coach, it was a clear indicator they were going in a new direction with a new quarterback leading the way. Kyler Murray was the only option. This was not revered as and has proven to not be a robust quarterback class; Drew Lock, Daniel Jones, Gardner Minshew and Dwayne Haskins have all had varying degrees of NFL success, but Murray is on another level. He leads the class in every meaningful quarterback category and already has a Pro Bowl appearance.
As for the other potential options, Nick Bosa is the only other compelling player. Bosa, more on him in a minute, was a can't-miss prospect who has also lived up to the hype. Arizona always needs help in the trenches, so a Bosa choice here would've been somewhat justifiable.
Photo Credit: Sporting News
2. San Francisco 49ers: Nick Bosa, DE
Original Pick: Nick Bosa, DE
In a class rich with defensive linemen, Nick Bosa has been the best of the bunch. The defensive front was the deepest group in this class with ample talent at tackle and edge. Bosa exploded onto the scene during his rookie season to the tune of 47 tackles, 25 QB hits and most importantly, nine sacks. He is one of only eight non-special teamers to make the Pro Bowl, and the only defensive lineman to achieve the feat, so far.
Bosa missed almost all of the 2020 season, thus allowing some of his classmates to catch up to his stats. A healthy and refreshed Bosa should be a menace for offensive lines to battle.
Photo Credit: ESPN
3. New York Jets: Quinnen Williams, DT
Original Pick: Quinnen Williams, DT
While football fans, and probably NFL scouts, were adroitly aware of Nick Bosa heading into the 2018 college football season, almost nobody knew who Quinnen Williams was. Williams waited his turn on the rich Alabama depth chart, but when he got his turn to shine, he was like a supernova. Williams rapidly rose up draft boards. An impressive athlete at 300 pounds, Williams was and is a special combination of size and quickness.
Williams primarily works inside on the Jets defensive line, but he has still collected the eighth most sacks in the class and third amongst DTs in tackles. Williams is the quintessential modern defensive tackle and can be the foundation for a revamped Jets defense.
Photo Credit: New York Post
4. Oakland Raiders: Montez Sweat, DE
Original Pick: Clelin Ferrell, DE
Some guys just look like they play with a different degree of ferocity; Montez Sweat is one of those guys. Watch any Washington game and Sweat jumps off the screen. He is tall, long yet devastatingly fast. He is third in the class in sacks with 16 and has started every game for Washington since being drafted.
For Oakland, a defensive line pick was the right move in 2019. They desperately needed more quarterback pressure, a reward Sweat could deliver in spades
Photo Credit: NFL
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Devin White, LB
Original Pick: Devin White, LB
The most versatile defender in the class, Devin White has fast become a premiere linebacker in the league. He leads the class in tackles and is fifth in sacks after two seasons. In an era where middle linebackers seem to be less coveted than their edge-rushing peers, Allen stands out as a throwback to the days of Ray Lewis and Brian Urlacher. He's a supreme athlete already leading one of the league's best defensive units.
The Buccaneers needed Tom Brady to get them to the promised land, but it was low-key moves and draft picks along the way that set them up for success. For several consecutive years they've made stellar draft choices that put them in a position to win; Allen is the quintessential example.
Photo Credit: USA Today
6. New York Giants: Dexter Lawrence, DL
Original Pick: Daniel Jones, QB
The third of the Clemson trio to be taken in 2019, Lawrence soars into the top 10 here. Lawrence was most known for his behemoth size--6'4" and 342 pounds. Lawrence is the definition of a monster, but he is also a high-motor guy whose wonderfully consistent. He has started all 32 games for the Giants, thus far. With his size, he is almost guaranteed to draw double teams every play. Even so, he gets the job done or frees up space for his teammates to get after the offense.
The Giants originally took Lawrence with the 17th pick, so this counts as somewhat of a perfect pick. He was a smart choice and clearly fills a need. While Daniel Jones has shown some promise, Lawrence is the safer pick.
Photo Credit: Yahoo Sports
Photo Credit: 247 Sports
7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Josh Allen, LB/DE
Original Pick: Josh Allen, DE/LB
Take a little bit of Nick Bosa and a little bit of Devin White and you have Josh Allen. The Kentucky alum did not start much as a rookie, but he made the most of his time on the field, amassing 10.5 sacks during his inaugural campaign. Only five other players in the class have more than 10.5 sacks after two seasons. One of the few bright spots for a rebuilding Jaguars franchise, Allen has been elite when on the field. He even made the Pro Bowl after his rookie season.
Health has been the only limiting factor, as Allen missed half of 2020 with an injury. If he returns at full strength for 2021, expect Allen to be among the league leaders in sacks again.
8. Detroit Lions: A.J. Brown, WR
Original Pick: T.J. Hockenson, TE
Detroit needed weapons. Detroit always seems to need weapons. Even so, it feels risky to ever give the Lions a top-10 wide receiver. However, A.J. Brown has been outstanding in two seasons. He leads the class in receiving touchdowns and is second in receiving yards. He has also been to the Pro Bowl once.
The best debate is between Brown and his Ole Miss teammate D.K. Metcalf. The latter has been a bigger star, so, and leads in receptions and yards, but this projection anticipates a longer sustained run of success for Brown. T.J. Hockenson has been good and took a great leap forward in 2020, but Brown is simply a better option for a franchise in need of playmakers.
Photo Credit: NBC Sports
9. Buffalo Bills: Ed Oliver, DT
Original Pick: Ed Oliver, DT
Ed Oliver is big, nasty and a tremendously gifted football player. Long viewed as a top prospect, Oliver was once in the debate with guys like Bosa and Williams to be the first defensive player taken. While he did slide a bit, being selected ninth overall is nothing to scoff at. Oliver is just scratching the surface of his greatness. He's not the biggest player in the world nor an elite pass-rusher, but Oliver is technically sound, physical and a stout presence who can fill the middle.
The Bills have been building an overpowering defensive front for years, and Ed Oliver fits their vision perfectly.
Photo Credit: USA Today
10. Denver Broncos: T.J Hockenson, TE
Original Pick: Devin Bush Jr., LB (to Steelers)
The debate over the premiere Iowa Hawkeye tight end in this class is just as relevant today as it was two years ago. Noah Fant and T.J. Hockenson were the latest products of Kirk Ferentz's tight end factory, and it was a coin flip over who would be taken first.
Coincidentally, it was Fant who wound up going to Denver with the 20th pick. When staying in the 10 slot, they end up with Hockenson, whose arguably the bigger bodied, better red zone threat. In their nascent careers, Fant has more yards and receptions, but Hockenson has more touchdowns. For a Denver team with plenty of speed and outside threats, getting the robust Hockenson to work the middle is the better move.
Photo Credit: Sporting News
11. Cincinnati Bengals: Elgton Jenkins, OL
Original Pick: Jonah Williams, OL
Cincinnati has been working with a ramshackle line for many years, and that glaring hole was just as evident in 2019. They absolutely needed to address the various offensive line positions, and they would have an anchor in Elgton Jenkins. The Mississippi State product was a bit of a sleeper, going in the second round to the Packers. However, he is the only lineman from this class to make the Pro Bowl, thus far.
As the center of the future, Jenkins would have been the perfect complement to Joe Burrow at quarterback; the two would have formed a brilliant brain trust for the Bengals. As the best lineman in the class, Jenkins should rightfully be the first off the board.
Photo Credit: Yahoo Sports
12. Green Bay Packers: Darnell Savage, Jr., S
Original Pick: Rashan Gary, LB
The Packers really crushed their first three picks in this class. Elgton Jenkins, Darnell Savage and Rashan Gary have all shown flashes of brilliance, and with Jenkins off the board, we move to the second prospect they coveted--Darnell Savage, Jr.
A two-year starter already for the green and gold, Savage quickly stepped to the head of the defensive back class. He has collected 11 interceptions, most in the class, and the eighth most tackles. He was the first defensive back taken in 2019 and maintains that lofty spot here.
Photo Credit: USA Today
13. Miami Dolphins: Maxx Crosby, DE
Original Pick: Christian Wilkins, DL
Oakland drafted two defensive ends in the 2019 draft class with two very different sets of expectations. First, Clelin Ferrell went fourth overall, the second defensive end taken in a class loaded with them. And then there's Maxx Crosby, an unknown prospect out of Eastern Michigan who fell to the fourth round. All he's done is lead the class in sacks with 17 and establish himself as the Raiders' chief pass-rusher.
Crosby feels like a quintessential Raider-- a big, nasty mauler who fights through hardship and hindrance. He's the kind of player who would make Howie Long and Ted Hendricks proud.
Photo Credit: Yahoo Sports
14. Atlanta Falcons: Kaleb McGary OL
Original Pick: Chris Lindstrom, OL
A simple flip of the offensive linemen here for the Falcons. In 2019 they took Lindstrom at 14 and McGary at 31. We often talk about how the Falcons should always draft defense, but eventually that dynamic offense was going to need some help. Both players are worthy starters and the offensive line needed a reload, but McGary has been the superior player, thus far.
He's played and started in more games, and has been a more stalwart blocker.
Photo Credit: Yahoo Sports
15. Washington Football Team: Brian Burns, DE
Original Pick: Dwayne Haskins, QB
Brian Burns felt like an outlier on draft day in 2019. Despite playing at Florida State and putting together a strong college career, he didn't feel like a lauded prospect in the same league as Bosa, Williams, Sweat or any of the Clemson trio. Carolina struck gold when they took him with the 16th pick, and with the Panthers on deck in the redraft, their neighbors to the north swoop in and take Brian Burns here.
Burns has been masterful through two seasons. He took his time as a rookie, only starting five games but amassing 7.5 sacks. He exploded in his sophomore outing, notching nine sacks and 58 total tackles. Burns looks like the prototypical defensive end.
Photo Credit: USA Today
16. Carolina Panthers: Chase Winovich, DE
Original Pick: Brian Burns, DE
And now with no Brian Burns, the Panthers look elsewhere for a do-it-all edge player. Chase Winovich was a stud at Michigan, but for some reason teams overlooked him in favor of his Wolverine teammates Rashan Gary and Devin Bush; all three should have been first rounders, but Winovich fell to the third round where the Patriots, of course, got a huge steal.
With the ability to play linebacker or end, Winovich is versatile and has been a revelation in New England. Much like Burns, he posted a quiet first year, but erupted for the Patriots in season two. He is sixth in the class in sacks and has made a habit of ruining the day of opposing quarterbacks.
Photo Credit: USA Today
17. New York Giants: Sean Murphy-Bunting, CB
Original Pick: Dexter Lawrence, DE
Tampa Bay's run to the Super Bowl behind Tom Brady was often painted as a miracle where the golden boy took the lowly Buccaneers to the promised land. However, upon closer inspection it is clear that the Buccaneers built a talented roster through savvy picks for years. Exhibit A--Sean Murphy-Bunting.
A little-heralded cornerback out of Central Michigan, Murphy-Bunting went 39th overall to Tampa. But he immediately made an impact. He is tied for second in the class with four INTs and is third amongst cornerbacks in tackles. He is well on his way to being in the top tier of NFL cornerbacks.
Photo Credit: USA Today
18. Minnesota Vikings: Garrett Bradbury, OL
Original Pick: Garrett Bradbury, OL
Who is Garrett Bradbury? If you don't know, that means he's doing his job. A sturdy, steadfast center, Bradbury is the latest in a long line of talented offensive line picks by the Vikings. The dominance of Dalvin Cook as a running back is partially due to the work of Bradbury and Co. in the trenches.
In the redraft, the Vikings look his way again and get a day-one starter who can be the brains of the offensive line.
Photo Credit: USA Today
19. Tennessee Titans: D.K. Metcalf, WR
Original Pick: Jeffrey Simmons, DL
Back in 2019 the Titans went with D.K. Metcalf's running mate, A.J. Brown, to fill the titanic hole they had at wide receiver. In this redraft, it's Metcalf who winds up in Tennessee as both former Rebels go in the top 20, rather than falling to the second round.
D.K. Metcalf is an absolute specimen who looks like a "create-a-wrestler" from a WWE video game. He was panned for being a workout warrior and only having combine skills, not actual in-game talent. He quickly put those rumors to bed in Seattle and not only has a Pro Bowl to his name, but is also the class leader in receiving yards, while also standing among the top three in receptions and tocuhdowns. Metcalf is an superstar in the making.
Photo Credit: Yahoo Sports
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Germaine Pratt, LB
Original Pick: Noah Fant, TE (to Broncos)
Perhaps the most unknown player on the list to this point, Germaine Pratt was a third-round pick in 2019 when Cincinnati snagged him from North Carolina State. Pratt began his Bengal career as an outside linebacker before moving inside and finding his true groove. Pratt's main move is simple--seek, tackle, repeat. His 105 solo tackles are sixth best in the class and he looks like the type of player who could patrol the middle of the field for a decade.
For the Steelers, they originally traded up to get Devin Bush. While Bush has performed well so far, Pratt has been the more complete sideline-to-sideline tackler.
Photo Credit: USA Today
21. Seattle Seahawks: Erik McCoy, OL
Original Pick: Darnell Savage, Jr., S (to Packers)
Seattle has long gotten by on Russell Wilson's playmaking abilities and Pete Carroll's defensive accumen. Part of that playmaking included Wilson running for his life on seemingly every play because the line couldn't hold up. Instead of trying to outthink the room and go for a supposedly hidden gem, the Seahawks opt for the safe and smart pick in Erik McCoy.
McCoy originally fell to the middle of the second round, but with linemen at such a premium in this shallow class, the Seahawks can't afford to wait anymore. McCoy is a polished center who has barely missed a snap in the NFL. He is type of player who could anchor an offensive line for years and has all the tools to develop into a perennial Pro Bowler.
Photo Credit: NFL
22. Baltimore Ravens: Terry McLaurin, WR
Original Pick: Andre Dillard, T (to Eagles)
The 2019 receiver class is a strange brew. Nobody really felt like a franchise changer but lots of franchises went shopping for sterling second options in the middle rounds. After two years, most of these picks look like mistakes. But then there's Terry McLaurin. The Ohio State alum slid to the third round and entered the league to little fanfare.
However, playing for the middling Washington franchise gave McLaurin a chance to shine immediately. He quickly established himself as the go-to receiver and after two seasons he stands top five in every major receiving category. McLaurin isn't as flashy as Metcalf or Brown, but he is just as reliable and gives WFT a true weapon on the outside.
Photo Credit: CBS Sports
23. Houston Texans: Dalton Risner, OL
Original Pick: Tytus Howard, T
A sign of consistency and versatility, Dalton Risner came into the league after a long and productive career at Kansas State. A prototype of size and skills, Risner inexplicably fell into the middle of the second round. He's barely missed a snap for the Broncos and is making a case for best non-center amongst the offensive linemen in the class.
For the Texans, this draft was all about building an offense around Deshaun Watson. They had gaping holes all over the line and they addressed several in this draft; Risner would have been a bigger boon for Houston and its maligned line.
Photo Credit: USA Today
24. Oakland Raiders: Josh Jacobs, RB
Original Pick: Josh Jacobs, RB
Hands down the best running back in this class was Josh Jacobs. NFL teams clearly knew this, with Jacobs being the only back taken in the top 50. The pick has proven a wise move for the Raiders, as Jacobs currently leads in rushing yards, attempts and touchdowns. He looks every bit a feature back and belongs in the "best back" conversation. He is the only running back in the clas to make the Pro Bowl.
Oakland had four picks in the top 40 of 2019, and Jacobs has arguably been the top performer.
Photo Credit: Yahoo Sports
25. Philadelphia Eagles: David Montgomery, RB
Original Pick: Hollywood Brown, WR (to Ravens)
If there's any back in the same neighborhood as Jacobs, it's David Montgomery. The former Iowa State Cyclone was the fourth back off the board and produced what could be considered a disappointing rookie season. However, he erupted for 1,070 yards and 8 touchdowns in 2020 and now trails only Jacobs in the major rushing categories. He is also second among backs in receving yards.
The Eagles were coming off a winning yet mediocre 2018; they were clearly looking for new blood on offense, investing their first picks on that side of the ball. Montgomery would have been a shot in the arm and has outplayed both of the skill players they drafted early in 2019.
Photo Credit: ESPN
26. Indianapolis Colts: Devin Bush, LB
Original Pick: Montez Sweat, DE (to Washington)
The Colts went sans first round pick in 2019, but here they stay in the first round and snag a running mate for Darius Leonard. They got an absolute steal with Leonard in 2018 and pairing him with Devin Bush would have created a Bobby Wagner-K.J. Wright style tandem.
Bush is slightly undersized as a linebacker, listed at 5' 11" and 234 pounds, but his football aptitude is making it clear why he was a top-10 pick. He erupted as a rookie, posting 72 solo tackles and two interceptions. Injuries have hampered him somewhat, but the sky is the limit for the former Michigan standout.
Photo Credit: USA Today
27. Oakland Raiders: Taylor Rapp, S
Original Pick: Johnathan Abram, S
The Raiders draft bonanza ends with the best coverman left on the board. Taylor Rapp wasn't remarkably touted in 2019, but leave it up to the Rams to find an unheralded star in the middle of the draft. Rapp has been as dangerous a dual threat as any safety, with Darnell Savage being the only one to top Rapp's numbers; he ranks in the top ten for tackles and interceptions.
The Raiders made a smart move by going safety in this draft. The team had talent all over the defense and even in the secondary, but an immediate-impact playmaker like Rapp at strong safety would have accelerated their rebuild.
Photo Credit: L.A. Times
28. Los Angeles Chargers: Christian Wilkins, DT
Original Pick: Jerry Tillery, DT
Christian Wilkins isn't the behemoth Dexter Lawrence is nor the speedy edge rusher Clelin Ferrell is, but he is an experienced, refined defensive lineman who knows his role. In two years with the Dolphins he has established himself a reliable starter and powerhouse along the defensive front.
Jerry Tillery is a nice starter for the Chargers, but if Wilkins were available, they couldn't afford to pass on him. He could be the middle man to help free up Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram off the edge.
Photo Credit: Yahoo Sports
29. Seattle Seahawks: Dre'Mont Jones, DL
Original Pick: L.J. Collier, DE
This class is known for defensive line talent and studs were found all over the draft. Case and point--Dre'Mont Jones. Originally drafted in the third round as a rotational lineman for the Broncos, Jones settled in as a playmaker at defensive end during his second season. Despite only starting eight games, he recorded 6.5 sacks and began turning heads around the league. His 10 sacks are tied for sixth in the class.
The Seahawks have struggled to find any true menaces off the edge for years. As great as the linebackers and secondary may be, the defensive line has not been as great in recent years. Jones could have been a long-term solution to this issue.
Photo Credit: Denver Post
30. Green Bay Packers: Dre Greenlaw, LB
Original Pick: Deandre Baker, CB (to Giants)
Dre Greenlaw went from fifth round, no-name linebacker to tackling machine in a few short months. Despite only being a partial starter, Greenlaw has risen to second in the class in solo tackles. He is all over the field and a classic high-motor guy with an impressive array of talents.
In the redraft, the Packers miss out on Rashan Gary but find an excellent replacement in Greenlaw.
Photo Credit: San Francisco Chronicle
31. Los Angeles Rams: Jawaan Taylor, OL
Original Pick: Kaleb McGary, OL (to Falcons)
Jawaan Taylor represents a rare commodity in this class--a brawling, mauling offensive tackle. This class is already lean on offensive line talent, and the top players are better suited as guards or centers. When a tackle the caliber of Taylor comes available, a team in need better move fast.
The Rams seem to hate drafting in the first round, but if they are forced to pick here, they best move is to address the offensive line. Andrew Whitworth was 13 years into his career in 2019; Jawaan Taylor could have been the understudy for a season or slide around the line until Whitworth was ready to ride off into the sunset.
Photo Credit: Forbes
32. New England Patriots: Noah Fant, TE
Original Pick: N'Keal Harry, WR
Bill Belichick loves Iowa Hawkeyes, Bill Belichick loves hyper-athletic tight ends; Noah Fant is both of those in one package. Fant leads all tight ends in receptions and yards, and ranks in the top eight of the class in both categories. A perfect tight end for the modern game--a leaner, faster player with talents more akin to a wideout--Fant possesses the athleticism to stretch defenses more than most at his position.
New England has struggled to replenish its weapons via the draft. With Fant, they would have an explosive target to move all over the field.