The first round of the 2019 NFL draft is in the books. The Kansas City Chiefs were left without a selection on Thursday night after dealing the pick to Seattle for edge rusher Frank Clark. Let’s take a look at how the rest of the AFC West fared and some names Chiefs fans be hearing on Sundays this fall.
Oakland Raiders
Pick No. 4: Clemson DE Clelin Ferrell
The Raiders definitely need help on the edge, and they may get that with Ferrell. This was considered to be a reach at pick No. 4 by fans across the league. The safer pick here would have been Ed Oliver, who ended up going to Buffalo. If Ferrell can shake the inconsistencies that came with his game at Clemson, he can take some pressure off the Oakland secondary.
Pick No. 24: Alabama RB Josh Jacobs
Oakland is getting a real player here in Jacobs, so I can’t criticize them for taking a running back in the first round, especially since it was relatively late. Jacobs is a quality pass blocker and aggressive when he has the ball. He averaged 5.9 yards per carry throughout his college career and saw his heaviest workload in 2018 where he found the end zone 11 times. Jacobs will be an immediate contributor to the Raiders offense and somebody the Chiefs will have to account for.
Pick No. 27: Mississippi State S Johnathan Abram
Oakland is getting a physical safety with some attitude in Abram. They grabbed an edge rusher early in the first round, and use their third first rounder on the back end. The intent here is to grab a tone-setter, and he may succeed in bringing some grit to the Raiders secondary. He’s a player who should see some playing time during his rookie year.
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Denver Broncos
The Broncos had the 10th overall pick and dealt that selection to Pittsburgh for picks No. 20 and No. 52, and a third-rounder in 2020.
Pick No. 20: Iowa TE Noah Fant
The Broncos surprised me here by taking Fant. Fant is a fine option at tight end and should have a good career, but I really thought taking Drew Lock would have been in their best interest. Sitting behind veteran Joe Flacco would have given Lock his best chance to succeed long-term. That being said, Fant will find the field. Flacco is at his best when he has a good tight end in the fold, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Fant becomes a staple of the Denver offense.
Los Angeles Chargers
Pick No. 28: Notre Dame DT Jerry Tillery
Tillery is big, tough and hard to move. He should start right away for the Chargers. Getting him at No. 28 is quality value for Los Angeles. Kansas City will have their hands full lining up across from this kid and trying to block him. There’s very little not to like about this pick for the Chargers.
Overall, five talented young players were thrown into the AFC West mix Thursday night. Kansas City will get their chance today to show their hand and unveil their draft plan. We will see how Brett Veach’s plan stacks up against AFC West foes.
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