The first major pre-NFL Draft event is behind us with the combine closing last weekend. With all the measurables now in hand, here is how SportsfanRadio 1330’s Jordan Goethe sees the draft fleshing out.
1) Ari: QB Kyler Murray Oklahoma
The biggest rumor coming out of the 2019 NFL Combine has been Kyler Murray now going No. 1 overall to the Cardinals. A few people around the NFL community speculate that QB Josh Rosen is on his way out of Arizona because Murray is a better fit for new Head Coach Kliff Kingsbury’s system. At first I didn’t buy this, but after looking into it more. I can believe this will be the case on draft night.
2) SF: DE Nick Bosa Ohio State
The 49ers would be ecstatic if they can get Nick Bosa at No. 2.
3) NYJ: DL Quinnen Williams Alabama
4) OAK: DE Montez Sweat Miss State
Edge rusher Josh Allen might be the second-best pass rusher in this draft class, but I believe he would underutilized as a defensive end in a 4-3 scheme compared to an outside linebacker in a 3-4. That’s why I think Sweat, after an incredible combine last week, moves into the top 5 and would be a perfect speed edge rusher for the Raiders.
5) TB: OLB Josh Allen Kentucky
6) NYG: QB Dwayne Haskins Ohio State
7) JAX: WR DK Metcalf Ole Miss
More news came out last week that free agent QB Nick Foles and the Jaguars have mutual interest and could agree to terms on a multiyear contract when the free agency period officially opens. With that being said, I believe the Jaguars have to focus on their offense, whether it’s the offensive line, a new QB or a playmaker like Metcalf. Now Metcalf didn’t have great numbers in college due to injuries, but his combine numbers were out of this world. He ran a 4.33 in the 40-yard dash while also benching 225 pounds 27 times.
8) DET: DE Rashan Gary Michigan
9) BUF: OT Andre Dillard Washington State
10) DEN: LB Devin White LSU
11) CIN: OT Jawaan Taylor Florida
12) GB: OLB Brian Burns Florida State
Burns’ draft stock really rose this past weekend after putting together a nice combine. And with Sweat, Gary and Allen all likely to go in the top 10, Burns, Clelin Ferrell of Clemson or Ed Oliver from Houston might be the best remaining bets for a Packers team that needs an edge rusher. Burns might be the best fit for Green Bay, a nice piece who can come off the edge in a hurry and replace the beloved Clay Mathews. Burns burst onto the scene his freshman year at FSU and continued to be productive over the next two seasons, racking up over 23 sacks, 38.5 tackles for loss and seven forced fumbles. This guy has a nose for the football, knows how to get to the QB in a hurry, and is a disrupter for opposing offenses.
13) MIA: OL Jonah Williams Alabama
14) ATL: DL Ed Oliver Houston
15) WSH: CB Greedy Williams LSU
News broke on Thursday that the Redskins have traded for veteran QB Case Keenum. That tells me the Redskins are still committed to Alex Smith and Case Keenum will be the bridge until Smith can fully recover from his devastating leg injury. Now the focus can shift to another position of need, like defensive back. Josh Norman could be a cap causality soon, so the Redskins might want to look to get younger in the back end of their defense. Williams would be a steal here.
16) CAR: DE Clelin Ferrell Clemson
17) CLE: OT Cody Ford Oklahoma
18) MIN: OL Garrett Bradbury NC State
I’m sure the Vikings would love to upgrade their offensive tackle position, and with Cody Ford being selected right in front of them, Minnesota should not reach and take the next available tackle. Instead take the best offensive linemen, which in this case would be Bradbury.
19) TEN: DT Christian Wilkins Clemson
20) PIT: CB Byron Murphy Washington
21) SEA: S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson Florida
22) BAL: OG Chris Lindstrom Boston College
23) HOU: OT Dalton Risner Kansas State
24) OAK: TE TJ Hockenson Iowa
There is a strong chance Hockenson won’t still be around at 24. His draft stock is rising quickly, along with his college teammate Noah Fant. If the Raiders are fully committed to build around Derek Carr, then get him some protection and more playmakers on the offense.
25) PHI: RB Josh Jacobs Alabama
26) IND: WR N’Keal Harry Arizona State
27) OAK: LB Devin Bush Michigan
28) LAC: DT Dexter Lawrence Clemson
29) KC: CB DeAndre Baker Georgia
30) GB: TE Noah Fant Iowa
31) LAR: OL Erik McCoy Texas A&M
32) NE: TE Irv Smith Jr. Alabama
After collecting another Super Bowl ring, TE Rob Gronkowski could potentially ride off into the sunset leaving a big hole for the Patriots to fill. New England also released backup TE Dwayne Allen, so why not go out and get younger at the position in a guy like Smith.
— Jordan Goethe, Sportsfan 1330