The first round of the 2019 NFL draft was loaded with big trades, surprise picks, and tons of chaos all around.
There were steals and reaches all over the place, but here are our picks forthe biggest winners and losers from Thursday night’s action:
LOSERS
Oakland Raiders
When I see a team has three picks in the first round of the NFL draft, I would expect to put them on the winning side of the ledger. Unfortunately, the Raiders took two players from positions that should be high on the organizational hierarchy (wide receiver Amari Cooper, pass rusher Khalil Mack) for two positions that are likely lowest on the organizational priority list (running back Josh Jacobs, safety Johnathan Abram).
New York Giants
Both teams with multiple picks on the night did very little to improve their situations in my opinion. Daniel Jones was considered one of the biggest reaches of the first round, Deandre Baker is only an average athlete, and Dexter Lawrence is a nose tackle. General manager Dave Gettleman and company have left little reason to be optimistic for this roster in 2019.
Tennessee Titans
Organizational clarity and understanding of your roster construction are very important. Unfortunately, I think like the Titans feel like their roster is better than it really is. Jeffery Simmons (DL) was a luxury pick for some team and has the talent to be the top player in this draft. Furthermore, Simmons won’t be able to contribute to the team until very late in the 2019 season or maybe even 2020.
Falling Prospects
There were quite a few surprises among the top 32 picks, and just as puzzling were some of the names that weren’t called Thursday night. Missouri quarterback Drew Lock, Ole Miss wide receiver D.K. Metcalf, Washington cornerback Byron Murphy, Florida offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor and LSU cornerback Greedy Williams were all expected to come off the board before Day 2. They’ll be entering the league with a chip on their shoulder, wanting to prove every team wrong for passing on them in the first round.
WINNERS
Detroit Lions
T.J. Hockenson is a 2-for-1 special. The Iowa tight end improves the run blocking of the offensive line and gives franchise quarterback, Matthew Stafford, a weapon in the intermediately level of the field.
Washington Redskins
Washington pulled off a rare move, waiting at No. 15 overall to land the best quarterback in the class. While many projected they would have to move up for Ohio State’s Dwayne Haskins, they stayed put and still ended up with their franchise passer. They followed it up by trading back into the latter part of the first round for Montez Sweat, a rare athlete who gives them an immediate impact player on the edge.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The first trade of the 2019 NFL draft was a significant one. Not only do the Steelers immediately upgrade at a position of need with the selection of Devin Bush, but they also jumped right ahead of a division rival, Cincinnati Bengals. Bush immediately upgrades the Steelers defensive unit and provides a vocal leader for the second level of their defense.
New England Patriots
The Patriots needed to upgrade their pass-catching group, and Harry is the type of prospect you want in the locker room. Good size, speed, excellent pedigree coming out of high school, a well above average athlete, and production from the day he stepped foot on the field at Arizona State. The Patriots’ run of drafting bad receivers looks to be over.
Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks came into Day 1 of the NFL Draft with little draft capital. Two draft-night trade-downs later, and Seattle has replenished their war chest of draft picks and are ready to take the rest of the draft by storm.
