The SPECTRUM

Volume 31

The SPECTRUM

The SPECTRUM

NFL Draft Recap

Some of college football’s biggest names all came together in Nashville, TN for the 2019 NFL Draft on Apr. 25. This draft was filled with surprises and many high-level prospects; this article will analyze the top 10 picks and show how each player will fit into each team’s systems.

Pick 1: Arizona Cardinals: Kyler Murray QB Oklahoma

Overall, Murray was one of the most well rounded players to enter the NFL draft. His career at Oklahoma University ended with an explosive season which led his team into last year’s College Football Playoff. Arizona was in dire need of a new QB after a 3-13 last place finish in the NFC West division in 2018. Murray will surely provide a much needed boost to Arizona’s offense with his explosive playmaking ability and leadership role off the field.

Pick 2: San Francisco 49ers: Nick Bosa DE Ohio State

In this years draft the 49ers looked to add a big name player to their already formidable defensive line. After being plagued with injuries at nearly every big position last year, San Francisco needed a player that could give life to a struggling secondary. With Bosa’s fast hands and quickness off the ball, he will be able to make plays in a big way for this 49ers defense. Look for him to fit in well with 49ers defensive coordinator; Robert Saleh’s, fast style of play and be a great pair to Solomon Thomas (DE) on the defensive line next year.

Pick 3: New York Jets: Quinnen Williams DT Alabama

After the Jets fell short of last year’s expectations, they found themselves looking for a player that could improve their weak defensive line. Williams is known to have a quick first step and enormous strength, making him a great run defender. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and 303 pounds, he was a terror to many quarterbacks in the NCAA and we will most likely continue to see him show his power as the Jets look to make a much needed playoff run next year.

Pick 4: Oakland Raiders: Clelin Ferrell DE Clemson

Raiders head coach Jon Gruden was in desperate need of a new defensive end after trading away all-star Khalil Mack to the Chicago Bears. Oakland was dead last in the league with only 13 sacks last season. Ferrell brings elite speed off the edge, making him difficult to block for any offensive lineman. While Ferrell might have been projected to go a little later in the draft, we will have to wait and see how Gruden uses him in their defensive scheme.

Pick 5: Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Devin White ILB LSU

Devin White is known for his hustle and and his high level football instincts. Tampa Bay just hired a new defensive coordinator, and with many big player departures, White will be a perfect leader for their new defense. White’s athleticism combined with his top-end speed make him the perfect pick to reboot Tampa Bay’s defense.

Pick 6: New York Giants: Daniel Jones QB Duke

The Giants pick was by far one of the most shocking selections of the draft this year. Nobody saw Jones going anywhere until late in the first first round, definitely not at sixth overall. However, with Eli Manning’s days in the league numbered, the Giants were in need a successor at QB. We will just have to wait and see whether or not this risky pick will pay off for New York.

Pick 7: Jacksonville Jaguars: Josh Allen OLB Kentucky

After the Giants passed up on Allen, he fell right into the hands of the Jaguars who saw him as a way to increase their productivity on the defensive side of the ball. At linebacker, he has the option to play both pass and run defense effectively. His top speed and ability to create turnovers made him a perfect fit for the Jaguars already productive defense.

Pick 8 Detroit Lions: T.J Hockenson TE Iowa

Hockenson is one of the few TE’s in the game who is both an amazing blocker and receiver at the same time. His huge size and weight make him a dangerous weapon on all parts of the field. The Lions struggled offensively last year, and Hockenson may be the perfect way to boost both their running and passing game at the same time.

Pick 9: Buffalo Bills: Ed Oliver DT Houston

Oliver has tremendous potential when it comes to being an inside rusher. Although he may be undersized for his position, he makes up for it in his first step quickness and violent hands. Buffalo runs a three man front most of the time which will allow for Oliver to fit in nicely. He will make good progress in Buffalo’s defense as a threat to the run game in the nose tackle position next year.

Pick 10 Pittsburgh Steelers: Devin Bush ILB Michigan
What Bush lacks in height, he makes up for in athleticism, speed and strength. Pittsburgh traded up to pick tenth in order to draft Bush for his superb man-to-man coverage skills. He will play a key role next year as a starter in the Steelers defense with his explosive pass rushing abilities and natural football intelligence.

Leave a Comment
More to Discover
Donate to The SPECTRUM
$0
$500
Contributed
Our Goal

Comments (0)

All comments will be approved by a student editor. Comments containing inappropriate language will not be approved.
All SPECTRUM Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *