2019 NFL Draft: Live Fantasy Analysis (Round 1)

2019 NFL Draft: Live Fantasy Analysis (Round 1)

After months of mock drafts and analysis, the 2019 NFL Draft is finally here. So, what does it mean for your favorite team and your fantasy football club? Read below, as this roll up will include rapid reaction from our fantasy writers as well as the reactions of the media in general.

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No. 1 – Arizona Cardinals – Kyler Murray (QB)

Murray goes to the Cardinals just one year after they drafted Josh Rosen. Rosen is now almost certain to be traded at some point during the draft, possibly even before the first round is over. The Cardinals and their new coaching staff have a lot of work to do in order to rebuild (they drafted first overall for a reason) their roster, but Murray will step right in and have David Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, and Christian Kirk as playmakers on the offensive side of the ball.

No. 2 – San Francisco 49ers – Nick Bosa (DE)

Defensive line was a huge need for the 49ers this draft after the 2018 team registered the eighth-fewest sacks in the league. The Niners also acquired Dee Ford this off-season , which means last year’s weakness could potentially become a strength. The former Ohio State Buckeye is the brother of Chargers defensive lineman Joey Bosa.

No. 3 – New York Jets – Quinnen Williams (DT)

Williams wreaked havoc on opposing offenses while playing for the Crimson Tide, and he should make an immediate impact on the Jets’ defensive line. Even though he plays on the interior, he has a high motor, elite speed, and an uncanny ability to get into the backfield.

No. 4 – Oakland Raiders – Clelin Ferrell (DE)

In a surprise move, the Oakland Raiders selected Clelin Ferrell at fourth overall. While he is one of the best edge rushers in the draft, he was not on the radar this high for most. Ferrell fills a glaring need for the Raiders and projects as an immediate starter. He has enough talent to become an IDP force as a rookie.

No. 5 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Devin White (LB)

With the Raiders stunning everyone and taking Clemson defensive end Clelin Ferrell with the fourth overall pick, the Bucs were in an interesting position with Josh Allen, Ed Oliver, and Devin White still available. There were rumors that they might be looking to trade back with a team looking to move up for a quarterback, but they ultimately went with Devin White, a three-down linebacker who should instantly step in and help their defense.

No. 6 – New York Giants – Daniel Jones (QB)

This is a surprise. Not only did the Giants theoretically reach here, but they likely could’ve traded down and gotten him several picks later. Of course, Giants GM Dave Gettleman has famously never traded down before. Jones is close with Eli Manning so there likely won’t be much animosity here. Jones is now the quarterback of the future for the Odell Beckham-less Giants.

No. 7 – Jacksonville Jaguars – Josh Allen (LB)

Allen is one of the best edge rushers in this year’s draft class, and he was widely considered to be a top-5 talent. The Jaguars have more pressing needs (specifically on the offensive line and in the receiving game), but Allen was the best available pick and a steal at No. 7.

No. 8 – Detroit Lions – T.J. Hockenson (TE)

T.J. Hockenson is the most complete tight end prospect in years and represents a huge get for Matthew Stafford and the Lions. He is an excellent receiver, and projects as an immediate starter. Hockenson should be considered a TE1 candidate.

No. 9 – Buffalo Bills – Ed Oliver (DT)

Oliver is a true three-down defensive tackle with pass-rushing ability who should step in and start right away for the rebuilding and retooling Bills. He is a bit undersized but makes up for it with excellent athletic ability. While he is not as reliable against the run as he is rushing the passer, he should have plenty of early success in today’s NFL.

No. 10 – Pittsburgh Steelers (via Denver Broncos) – Devin Bush (LB)

In exchange for the 10th Pick, Pittsburgh is sending Denver picks 20, 52, and a 2020 third-rounder. Bush is a special linebacker prospect that has the ability to make plays both in the pass and run games. The former Michigan product will help replace Ryan Shazier in the middle of the Steelers’ defense.

No. 11 – Cincinnati Bengals – Jonah Williams (OL)

Williams is one of the best blockers in this year’s draft, and he fills a desperate need for a poor Bengals’ offensive line. He brings durability and versatility to the NFL, as he didn’t miss any of his 44 games with Alabama in three years of action and can play on both sides of the offensive line. Amazingly, he didn’t give up a single sack in 2018.

No. 12 – Green Bay Packers – Rashan Gary (DT)

The Packers hit a home run with this pick. Rashan Gary is one of the most talented players in this entire draft class. He recorded the best 40 time ever for someone 275+ lbs, and tested as an elite athlete at the NFL Combine. Gary can play anywhere on the defensive line, an ability the Packers are sure to use to their advantage. Gary has immense talent and should become a terror when his motor is running hot.

No. 13 – Miami Dolphins – Christian Wilkins (DT)

Wilkins is one of a number of Clemson defensive lineman expected to go early in this draft, with fellow interior lineman Dexter Lawrence expected to go and defense end Clelin Ferrell going fourth overall to the Oakland Raiders. At 6-foot-3, 315 pounds, Wilkins has ideal size for the position, and his quickness at the point of attack is considered to be his strength.

No. 14 – Atlanta Falcons – Chris Lindstrom (OL)

As a senior for Boston College Lindstrom allowed zero sacks and just three quarterback hurries. He also registered elite NFL combine results (4.91 forty and 25 bench press reps) and will help protect Matt Ryan in Atlanta for the foreseeable future.

No. 15 – Washington Redskins – Dwayne Haskins (QB)

Shockingly, the Redskins did not have to trade up to snag their future franchise QB, and the team has got to be thrilled to get Haskins at such a bargain. In his final year at Ohio State, Haskins threw for 4,831 yards and an incredible 50/8 TD/INT split while completing 70.0 percent of his passes. It is highly unlikely Alex Smith plays this season, and Haskins could push Case Keenum for an immediate starting role.

No. 16 – Carolina Panthers – Brian Burns (DE)

The Carolina Panthers have addressed their need on the edge. Brian Burns is an explosive speed rusher who quieted size concerns by weighing in 20 lbs., heavier than expected at the NFL Combine. Burns has great closing speed as evidenced by his 67 pressures in 2018, a mark that placed him third among defensive ends.

No. 17 – New York Giants (via Cleveland Browns) – Dexter Lawrence (DT)

Lawrence is a 342-pound defensive tackle who was frequently double-teamed while at Clemson. While he is not known for his quickness, he is a load to move in the run game and has the strength to collapse the pocket. With the Giants needing a number of pieces as they attempt to rebuild their defense and continue to their switch to a 3-4 front, Lawrence is an ideal DT who can play over the center.

No. 18 – Minnesota Vikings – Garrett Bradbury (OL)

Minnesota desperately needed help on the offensive line. Kirk Cousins was pressured 39% of the time last season, which was the fifth highest rate in the league. Bradbury will surely help Minnesota’s run and pass blocking this season. This is a Super Bowl contending roster outside of offensive line right now so it’s good to see the Vikings addressing that need.

No. 19 – Tennessee Titans – Jeffery Simmons (DL)

The Titans decided to take a chance on Simmons based on his incredible talent, despite some red flags. He was videotaped assaulting a woman in 2016, and he tore his ACL in February. Simmons is unlikely to play in 2019, but Tennessee clearly has faith in his longterm value.

No. 20 – Denver Broncos (via Pittsburgh Steelers) – Noah Fant (TE)

This is a big time get for the Denver Broncos. They likely could not justify reaching for Fant at 10th overall, but by trading down they were able to secure him as a value. Fant is a receiver in a tight ends body who should excel in an offense with a massive hole at the position. Joe Flacco is known to target his tight ends mercilessly, and should make Fant an instant fantasy star.

No. 21 – Green Bay Packers (via Seattle Seahawks) – Darnell Savage (DB)

The Packers traded the 30th overall pick in the first round (a pick they originally received from the New Orleans Saints), the 114th overall pick, and the 118th overall pick in return for the 21st overall pick. With the pick, they selected Savage, a safety who can help in both coverage and the run game and who has the ability to drop down into the slot if needed. He is a bit undersized for the position, but he makes up for it with his football IQ and his athleticism.

No. 22 – Philadelphia Eagles (via Baltimore Ravens) – Andre Dillard (OL)

The Washington State product slips to the 22nd pick here. He was coveted by the Texans at 23, which is what prompted the Eagles to trade up and get their guy. Dillard earned PFF College’s highest pass blocking grade as a senior last season.

No. 23 – Houston Texans – Tytus Howard (OL)

Howard’s draft stock has risen rapidly in the days and weeks immediately leading up to the draft, and he ultimately ends up a first round selection. The Texans get some help to shore up one of the worst offensive lines in football and give some much-needed protection to QB DeShaun Watson.

No. 24 – Oakland Raiders (via Chicago Bears) – Josh Jacobs (RB)

Josh Jacobs is heading to Oakland. With Marshawn Lynch retiring, the Raiders land their top rated running back. Jacobs’ raw totals do not standout, but his analytics are another story. Jacobs posted 4.07 yards after contact per attempt, and forced 0.26 missed tackles per attempt in 2018. The ultimate tape over production back, Jacobs was mired in an extremely talented Alabama backfield. Jacobs is in line for the lead back role, and should vie for high end RB2 value as a rookie.

No. 25 – Baltimore Ravens (via Philadelphia Eagles) – Marquise Brown (WR)

The Ravens traded back from the 22nd pick with the Eagles and received additional picks in the fourth round (No. 125 overall) and sixth round (No. 197 overall). With the 25th pick, they selected Brown, a speedy wide receiver to pair with quarterback Lamar Jackson. While he is a bit undersized, Brown is a playmaker who should step in on Day 1 and create matchup problems for opposing defenses and could be a first-round pick in rookie-only dynasty drafts.

No. 26 – Washington Redskins (via Indianapolis Colts) – Montez Sweat (DE)

Sweat is an athletic specimen who piled up 22 sacks in 25 games the past two years at Mississippi State. He also ran a 4.41 forty at 260 pounds. There were concerns over a possible heart issue for Sweat but it now appears as if he might’ve been misdiagnosed. If his health checks out this could wind up being a great pick for Washington.

No. 27 – Oakland Raiders (via Dallas Cowboys) – Johnathan Abram (DB)

After selecting Clelin Ferrell and Josh Jacobs with the No. 4 and No. 24 picks respectively, Oakland adds a playmaker to the secondary by selecting Abram with the team’s final pick in the first round. Abram adds an athletic and explosive element to the Raiders’ defense.

No. 28 – Los Angeles Chargers – Jerry Tillery (DT)

The Chargers hit the jackpot. A potential top ten talent in most draft classes, Tillery can single handedly take a game over. His motor runs hot and cold, but playing on such a talented line is sure to get his juices flowing. A power rusher who can get after the quarterback, Tillery is a name to remember for IDP owners.

No. 29 – Seattle Seahawks (via Kansas City Chiefs) – L.J. Collier (DE)

In the pick they received from trading Frank Clark to the Chiefs, the Seahawks went out and grabbed Collier, a player who should be able to come in and supply some of the much-needed pressure off the edge.

No. 30 – New York Giants (via Seattle Seahawks) – Deandre Baker (CB)

The Giants have a total of 12 picks in this year’s draft so they used some of that capital to trade up for Baker. The Georgia product is the first cornerback taken in the 2019 draft and will instantly help New York’s secondary.

No. 31 – Atlanta Falcons (via Los Angeles Rams) – Kaleb McGary (OL)

No. 32 – New England Patriots – N’Keal Harry (WR)

The Patriots have brought some stability to their passing attack. Harry is a talented receiver that can win at all four levels of the field. He is explosive after the catch, and is also a 50/50 ball winner. According to PFF College, Harry had 17 contested catches in 2018, good for seventh in the nation. He ranked eighth with 32 plays of over 20 yards. Harry is a WR2 who could become an elite fantasy weapon in this offense.

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