How the 2019 1st Rd. Picks faired. 3, 7 & 9 tied together forever!!

[32EBoozer]

NFL Nation reporters assess how every first-round pick did in their first season and then project what 2020 will bring on this scale:

• He's a star

• On his way

• He's a starter

• Has lot to prove

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Kyler Murray won NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year after leading the Cardinals to five wins. AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin

1. Arizona Cardinals

Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma

Analysis: Murray lived up to the hype and expectations by winning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. His numbers weren't jaw-dropping (3,722 yards passing, 20 touchdowns, 12 interceptions), but he steadily improved. What stood out most was Murray's ability to learn and adapt. Instead of taking unnecessary sacks, he started to throw the ball away. When he was losing unnecessary yards, he just sat down. He showed a maturity beyond his years. Next season, Murray is expected to take the proverbial Year 2 leap. He'll have an even better command of the offense and how to handle the rigors of an NFL season. That could prove dangerous for the competition.

Rating: He's a star. -- Josh Weinfuss

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2. San Francisco 49ers

Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State

Analysis: Bosa was the difference-maker the Niners hoped he would be, transforming their defense by showing off the strength and technique that made him one of the most polished pass-rushing prospects to enter the draft in a long time. Bosa was named the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year after recording nine sacks and 60 quarterback pressures, second most among all NFL players. The key for Bosa has been and remains staying healthy, something he did in 2019. If he can do the same in 2020, he should only continue to improve, though he will have a bigger challenge without DeForest Buckner lining up next to him.

Rating: He's a star. -- Nick Wagoner

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3. New York Jets

Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama

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Analysis: It was a nondescript rookie year for Williams, who failed to live up to his collegiate reputation as a disruptive interior force. He finished with 2.5 sacks, six quarterback hits and four tackles for loss. He played only 47% of the defensive snaps, but that actually ranked second among the team's defensive linemen. It was a learning year for Williams, who has tremendous upside. Not many 300-pounders possess his quickness and athleticism, but he needs to get stronger and do a better job of reading blocking schemes. The physical talent is there; now it's on him to put it all together.

Rating: He's a starter. -- Rich Cimini

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4. Las Vegas Raiders

Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson

Analysis: Did the Raiders reach for Ferrell at No. 4 overall? Perhaps -- when you consider his relative lack of production, including 4.5 sacks, as compared to fourth-rounder Maxx Crosby's 10 sacks. But he would not have been available at No. 24, when the Raiders next picked, and Ferrell did so much more for the Raiders' D-line with his versatility than any stat sheet would show. In fact, he played much of the first half of the season out of position in the interior. With the free-agent acquisition of pass-rushing tackle Maliek Collins and further development by Maurice Hurst inside, Ferrell can focus solely on the edge going forward as a foundation piece.

Rating: He's a starter. -- Paul Gutierrez

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5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Devin White, ILB, LSU 

Analysis: Had it not been for a severe bout of tonsillitis that forced him to stay in the hospital overnight in Week 1 and a sprained MCL in Week 2, White could have been the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year. In Weeks 9 to 17, he recorded 2.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, an interception and two defensive touchdowns. He forced six turnovers over the final five games of the season. The Bucs are absolutely in love with White's work ethic and leadership, believing he can help change their losing culture. Few people possess the ability or will to run at 21.8 mph after Chris Carson for 50-plus yards to make a touchdown-saving tackle. White has it all, and he could have a Luke Kuechly-like impact on this franchise for many years to come.

Rating: He's a star. -- Jenna Laine

 

Daniel Jones threw 24 touchdown passes with 12 interceptions in 12 starts for the Giants. Al Bello/Getty Images

6. New York Giants

Daniel Jones, QB, Duke

Analysis: Here's what we know with certainty about Jones: He is at least an average starter. That is something considering that draft busts at quarterback, even in the first round, aren't uncommon. Jones flashed enough to provide hope he can become much more than an average starter. He threw 24 touchdown passes with 12 interceptions in 12 starts. It's simply a matter of whether Jones can cut down on the turnovers (23). Some of that can be attributed to rookie mistakes, but there are NFL talent evaluators who believe it's an innate trait and his weakness. He should only get better in Year 2.

Rating: He's a starter. -- Jordan Raanan

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7. Jacksonville Jaguars

Josh Allen, DE, Kentucky

Analysis: Allen led the Jaguars with 10.5 sacks and made the Pro Bowl. He slipped to No. 7, and the Jaguars subsequently altered their plan to take tight end T.J. Hockenson. Allen might be the Jaguars' most important defensive player in 2020 -- because the team traded defensive end Calais Campbell, and there's no guarantee defensive end Yannick Ngakoue will sign his franchise tender or even be on the team. Allen is going to have to carry the pass rush.

Rating: He's a star. -- Michael DiRocco

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8. Detroit Lions

T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa

Analysis: Hockenson was having a decent 2019 season (32 catches, 367 yards, two touchdowns) before going on injured reserve Dec. 2. They aren't big numbers, but the flashes of potential were there. There's reason to believe as long as he has recovered from his right ankle injury that he'll grow in Year 2. His receiving skills were obvious, and his blocking was coming along before he was hurt. As the team's likely No. 1 tight end, he'll need to be a big part of the offense in 2020 for it to be successful.

Rating: He's a starter. -- Michael Rothstein

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9. Buffalo Bills

Ed Oliver, DT, Houston 

Analysis: Oliver took a midseason demotion in stride and turned in the fifth-best pass rush win rate among all eligible defensive tackles last season. He should be the focal point of the Bills' defensive line next season, when teams will not only have to contain him but also new teammate Quinton Jefferson -- who owned the NFL's fourth-best pass rush win rate in 2019.

Rating: He's a star. -- Marcel Louis-Jacques

 

 

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28946190

[ljr]

think Cimini was a touch generous ... but there is no option between "he's a starter" and "he has a lot to prove" ... that gap is where Q should be

 

 

[PepPep]

Q is a starter with a lot to prove. And if he doesn't show that he is making strides, he will lose that 'starting' role. 

[hamat711]

I like Quinnen as a person and he was absolutely dominant at Alabama. I can't fault anybody for saying he was the best prospect in the draft.

Despite all of that, I still hate how Macc went about the 2019 draft.

1. Quinnen was drafted to replace Leonard. Once that pick happened, there was a 0% chance Leonard would get an extension. The 2019 Jets didn't have an abundance of talent, so the focus should have been on keeping as many good players as possible.

2. Drafting the BPA is important, but so is constructing a team. The Jets had good interior players and bad edge rushers before the draft and that didn't change after the draft besides for a 3rd round bust. Josh Allen was a perfect fit for the Jets. 

3. The Jet's have drafted many good players to play IDL over the years. Their production is limited because they never have a viable threat on the outside to push the QB up in the pocket. Leo isn't a bad player, and neither was Sheldon. 

 

[jetstream23]

2 hours ago, 32EBoozer said:

7. Jacksonville Jaguars

Josh Allen, DE, Kentucky

Analysis: Allen led the Jaguars with 10.5 sacks and made the Pro Bowl. He slipped to No. 7, and the Jaguars subsequently altered their plan to take tight end T.J. Hockenson. Allen might be the Jaguars' most important defensive player in 2020 -- because the team traded defensive end Calais Campbell, and there's no guarantee defensive end Yannick Ngakoue will sign his franchise tender or even be on the team. Allen is going to have to carry the pass rush.

Rating: He's a star. -- Michael DiRocco

 

 

[GeorgeJetson]

I’m willing to be a patient with Quinnen, but he needs to show a lot more this season. 
 

My concern with him as a prospect was that he only had one year of production. 

[Philc1]

14 minutes ago, hamat711 said:

I like Quinnen as a person and he was absolutely dominant at Alabama. I can't fault anybody for saying he was the best prospect in the draft.

Despite all of that, I still hate how Macc went about the 2019 draft.

1. Quinnen was drafted to replace Leonard. Once that pick happened, there was a 0% chance Leonard would get an extension. The 2019 Jets didn't have an abundance of talent, so the focus should have been on keeping as many good players as possible.

2. Drafting the BPA is important, but so is constructing a team. The Jets had good interior players and bad edge rushers before the draft and that didn't change after the draft besides for a 3rd round bust. Josh Allen was a perfect fit for the Jets. Macc had

3. The Jet's have drafted many good players to play IDL over the years. Their production is limited because they never have a viable threat on the outside to push the QB up in the pocket. Leo isn't a bad player, and neither was Sheldon. 

 

The mistake was not trading Leo before the 2019 draft to get at least a 2nd

[Beerfish]

5 minutes ago, GeorgeJetson said:

I’m willing to be a patient with Quinnen, but he needs to show a lot more this season. 
 

My concern with him as a prospect was that he only had one year of production. 

One year of production and totally disappeared in the biggest game of the year when Clemson beat Bama up and down the field.

Awful pick especially considering this teams needs.

This all falls on Chris Johnson for not firing mac when he changed coaches

[Jetsfan80]

3 hours ago, 32EBoozer said:

7. Jacksonville Jaguars

Josh Allen, DE, Kentucky

Analysis: Allen led the Jaguars with 10.5 sacks and made the Pro Bowl. He slipped to No. 7, and the Jaguars subsequently altered their plan to take tight end T.J. Hockenson. Allen might be the Jaguars' most important defensive player in 2020 -- because the team traded defensive end Calais Campbell, and there's no guarantee defensive end Yannick Ngakoue will sign his franchise tender or even be on the team. Allen is going to have to carry the pass rush.

Rating: He's a star. -- Michael DiRocco

 

1 hour ago, jetstream23 said:

 

 

 

@New York Mick

[Jetsfan80]

3 hours ago, 32EBoozer said:

7. Jacksonville Jaguars

Josh Allen, DE, Kentucky

Analysis: Allen led the Jaguars with 10.5 sacks and made the Pro Bowl. He slipped to No. 7, and the Jaguars subsequently altered their plan to take tight end T.J. Hockenson. Allen might be the Jaguars' most important defensive player in 2020 -- because the team traded defensive end Calais Campbell, and there's no guarantee defensive end Yannick Ngakoue will sign his franchise tender or even be on the team. Allen is going to have to carry the pass rush.

Rating: He's a star. -- Michael DiRocco

 

1 hour ago, jetstream23 said:

 

 

 

Yes.  And also:

 

3 hours ago, 32EBoozer said:

9. Buffalo Bills

Ed Oliver, DT, Houston 

Analysis: Oliver took a midseason demotion in stride and turned in the fifth-best pass rush win rate among all eligible defensive tackles last season. He should be the focal point of the Bills' defensive line next season, when teams will not only have to contain him but also new teammate Quinton Jefferson -- who owned the NFL's fourth-best pass rush win rate in 2019.

Rating: He's a star. -- Marcel Louis-Jacques

 

[New York Mick]

27 minutes ago, Jetsfan80 said:

 

 

@New York Mick

I still would of drafted OL. DEs that only play half the game aren’t as important. 

[BurnleyJet]

Where’s the “he’s a bust” option?

[Jetster]

What were Warren Sapps 1st year numbers? How old was Sapp when he was drafted? Quinnen pick was idiotic with Josh Allen there for the pickings for a team that hasn't had a legitimate pass rusher since John Abraham BUT...Williams could still turn out to be a beast. 

Many, many, many draft picks don't tear up the NFL in their 1st years. Hell, there's guys that were available in free agency who signed huge contracts that did SH*T in their 1st year out of college. 

The worst thing that happened to the Jets was Eli McGuire, bumbling, stumbling, tripping into the endzone in Buffalo. Nick Bosa on this team last year might have led to 2 more wins? Macc would have had to take Bosa, but instead because of that win he had a CHOICE. Macc always made the wrong choice. 

[FidelioJet]

3 hours ago, BurnleyJet said:

Where’s the “he’s a bust” option?

He’ll be a starter so not officially a bust - but he’s also the kind of play we can find in the 5th and 6th round.

My concern is that he really didn’t even flash - sure he made a few plays but I can’t recall one play where I said to myself “wow” he can be great....I so no real explosiveness from him..and that’s simply not something you can teach,

[nico002]

Lmao the only “star” is Bosa.

I THINK Murray will be a a top 10 QB for a while, I really like his game- my only knock is that he plays it a little too safe at times. 
 

Allen and Oliver are so overrated here is laughable 

[Embrace the Suck]

Glad the Jets won their yearly meaningless motivational wins once again and missed out on Bosa then went with the best value pick. ???

[GeorgeJetson]

Are fans really giving up on Q after one year?

[Welp]

Ed Oliver is a starter at this point not even close to a star. Pretty delusional eval from the site’s Bills writer.

[Jetsfan80]

On 3/29/2020 at 12:41 AM, New York Mick said:

I still would of drafted OL. DEs that only play half the game aren’t as important. 

Macc should have traded down, for sure.  Even for 50-75 cents on the dollar.

[Jetsfan80]

16 hours ago, Welp said:

Ed Oliver is a starter at this point not even close to a star. Pretty delusional eval from the site’s Bills writer.

If Cimini is gonna call Q a "star", Oliver absolutely qualifies as well.

[New York Mick]

5 minutes ago, Jetsfan80 said:

Macc should have traded down, for sure.  Even for 50-75 cents on the dollar.

Completely agree