NFL Draft: Round 1 recap

1. The Cincinnati Bengals select: Joe Burrow, QB, LSU

Burrow has been the consensus first overall pick for months now. He’s the most pro-ready quarterback we’ve maybe ever seen; also drawing comparisons to the all-time great, Tom Brady. He won the Heisman, and lead Geaux Tigers to the 2019-2020 National Championship victory. Now he’ll have the chance to bring to the state of Ohio, their first-ever super bowl.

Cincinnati will be receiving the franchise centerpiece, that’ll bring this miserable Bengals team back on the map.

2019 College stats: 5,671 passing yards – 76.3 completion % – 60/6 touchdown/interception ratio

2. The Washington Redskins select: Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State

Young… has been the consensus second overall pick for months as well. He led all of college football in sacks and missed two games. He’s the most tenacious defensive lineman we’ve seen since Ja’deveon Clowney back in 2014. Young, was the safest pick in this draft class and will be a game wrecker on the Washington’s defensive line for years.

2019 College stats: 46 total tackles – 21 tackles for loss – 16.5 sacks

3. The Detroit Lions select: Jeff Okudah. CB, Ohio State

Detroit has selected another great corner to bring into a depleted secondary. After trading away Darius ‘Big Play’ Slay earlier this off-season, it was almost a guarantee they were going to take Okudah. He’s the most refined cornerback in this class, not recording a single pass interference all of last season. Matt Patricia has selected the league’s next lockdown cornerback.

2019 College stats: 34 total tackles – 1 tackle for loss – 3 interceptions – 9 pass deflections

4. The New York Giants select: Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia

The Giants have taken there team’s cornerstone for the next 10-15 years. Thomas will come in and instantly become the captain of the offensive line and help protect sophomore quarterback, Daniel Jones. The All-American offensive tackle should help New York end there playoff draught 

5. The Miami Dolphins select: Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama

Well, Miami completed the ‘Tank for Tua’ successfully. Tagovailoa will come to the NFL as the league’s biggest question mark. He had an incredible collegiate career, no one is debating that. The question will be his health. Will Tua be able to stay on the field, and live up to expectations? Will injuries cut his NFL career short? Only time will tell if this pick will pan out. 

2019 College stats: 2,840 passing yards – 71.4 completion % –  33/3 tocuhdown/interception ratio

6. The Los Angeles Chargers select: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon

After opting to stay for his senior year, Herbert once again proved why he was a top-10 pick. After losing Philip Rivers to free-agency, a quarterback at 6th overall was inevitable. The PAC-12 honorable mention will look to lead the new LA team back into the playoffs, with one of the most completed offenses at the top of the draft.

2019 College stats: 3,471 passing yards – 66.8 completion % – 32/6 touchdown/interception ratio 

7. The Carolina Panthers select: Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn

Matt Rhule looking to make an immediate impact on his defensive line with this pick. Brown was a menace upfront for Auburn last year, being named a unanimous All-American. He will team up with Gerald McCoy on the interior, making for one of the scariest duos in the NFL. Great start for the rookie coach, Rhule.

2019 College stats: 54 total tackles –  11.5 tackles for loss – 4 sacks – 2 forced fumbles

8. The Arizona Cardinals select: Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson

Undoubtedly, the most versatile defensive player in this class. Arizona managed to stay put, at 8th overall, and have picked the steal of the draft up until this point. Simmons will be joining the likes of Chandler Jones, Budda Baker, and Patrick Peterson making for one of the most dynamic defenses in the league. Simmons should help the Cardinals compete in a stacked NFC West.

2019 College stats: 105 total tackles – 16.5 tackles for loss – 8 sacks – 3 interceptions – 2 forced fumbles

9. The Jacksonville Jaguars select: CJ Henderson, CB, Florida

Henderson, will head to Jacksonville. Analyst had him falling down to Atlanta or Dallas, but the Jaguars got this one right. His elite press-man coverage, along with great reach, makes him one of the most overlooked players of this class, and would easily have been selected top-5 if Jeff Okudah didn’t exist

2019 College stats: 33 total tackles – 3 tackles for loss – 1 sack – 11 pass deflections

10. The Cleveland Browns select: Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama

The Browns offensive line didn’t do Baker Mayfield justice last season, allowing 40 sacks. They had a huge free-agency and now they’ve brought in a tackle prospect that will hopefully recreate what Joe Thomas did during his hall-of-fame tenure. A sneaky good pick by Cleveland.

11. The New York Jets select: Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville

The Giants selected an offensive tackle 4th overall. Now the Jets use that same philosophy. The big 6’7, 368lb tackle, Becton, will be heading to the ‘J-E-T-S, JETS, JETS, JETS’  and help protect the junior quarterback, Sam Darnold. Again, not a flashy pick for New York, but a necessary one.

12. The Las Vegas Raiders select: Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama

Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock did it again. Going against everything analyst say, and selecting the guy they like. Ruggs was the second-best Alabama receiver heading into draft night (according to every other team, not called the Raiders). Yes, he ran a 4.27u 40-yard dash, but I’m not convinced this was right Crimson Tide receiver to be picked 12th overall. I guess we’ll see if another stunner pick works out for Oak– I mean Las Vegas.

2019 College stats: 40 receptions – 746 receiving yards – 8 touchdowns

13. (Trade – SF) The Tampa Bay Buccaneers select: Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa

Tampa Bay has already had the greatest off-season in NFL history, and now they are just rubbing it in. The Bucs trade up and get Wirfs to protect Tom Brady. Tampa has addressed all of there team needs and looks like early super bowl contenders, with one of the greatest offenses (on paper) in NFL history. 

14. (Trade – TB) The San Francisco 49ers select: Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina

San Francisco traded back a spot and selected who they wanted all along. They swiftly replaced Deforest Buckner with another elite interior defender; Javon Kinlaw. Not only does Kinlaw have a heartwarming story, but he’s an incredible football player with passion and the willingness to work. Great pick up by the 2019-2020 NFC Superbowl reps.

2019 College stats: 35 total tackles – 6 tackles for loss –  6 sacks 

15. The Denver Broncos select: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama

Welp, John Elway just got arguably the best receiver in the class 15th overall, Jeudy, who’s regarded as the best route runner coming out of the draft… ever. The Broncos will pair him with Courtland Sutton, and 2nd-year gunslinger Drew Lock. Denver might’ve just solidified a core strong enough to punch them a ticket back to the SuperBowl.

2019 College stats: 77 receptions –  1,163 receiving yards – 10 touchdowns

16. The Atlanta Falcons select: AJ Terrell, CB, Clemson

As a Falcons fan… I have no words. What are were we thinking? All this talk of a potential trade up, to settle for a day 2 cornerback in Terrell, at 16. Fair, they addressed the team’s biggest need in the secondary, but this was the reach of the draft. This will either be a boom, or a massive bust for Atlanta. At least the staff seems high on his potential.

2019 College stats: 34 total tackles – 2 interceptions – 3 pass defelection 

17. The Dallas Cowboys select: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma

Jerry Jones did it again. He stole his divisions rivals dream selection while adding another weapon for Dak Prescott. Lamb, argued as the top receiver in this class, has the ability to make any pass he catches, into a touchdown. What a steal for Dallas…

2019 College stats: 62 receptions – 1,327 receiving yards – 15 touchdowns

18. The Miami Dolphins select: Austin Jackson, OT, USC

The Dolphins grab a QB 5th overall with Tua, and now select the guy that’ll protect him 18th overall with Jackson. While he’s a raw tackle prospect at the young age of 20, there’s a lot of upside. Jackson and Tagovailoa will look to change the perception of Miami Dolphin football.

19. The Las Vegas Raider select: Damon Arnette, CB, Ohio State

After Atlanta selected Terrell 16th overall, this selection doesn’t look nearly as bad. Arnette played opposite of Okudah last year for the Buckeyes. While he didn’t match the play of Okudah, his play was still phenomenal, and good enough to get the nod in round one by Mayock.

2019 College stats: 35 total tackles – 1 tackle for loss – 1 interception – 8 pass deflections

20. The Jacksonville Jaguars select: K’lavon Chaisson, LB, LSU

Jacksonville is all in on defense this draft, selecting a pass rusher to play opposite of Josh Allen. Chaisson is another very raw player but has a high upside. He’s a confident player which intrigued a lot of scouts. During interviews, he called himself “Bilingual” referencing his versatility, with the ability to rush the passer, cover tight ends, and play in the run game. This was another really solid pick for the Jaguars, trying to rebuild their defense.

2019 College stats: 60 tackles – 13.5 tackles for loss – 6.5 sacks – 1 forced fumbles

21. The Philidelphia Eagles select: Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU

The Eagles tried something similar a few years back with Nelson Agholor. That didn’t work, but you know what they say… If it doesn’t work once, try, try again. Reagor is a shorter, athletic receiver that makes runningback-like plays. He’s definitely got better hands than Agholor did coming into the league. This pick will either prove to be a huge hit or a huge miss.

2019 College stats: 43 receptions – 611 receiving yards – 5 touchdowns

22. The Minnesota Vikings select: Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU

Jefferson was Joe Burrow’s favorite target last season, wracking up over 100 catches. He’s got glue stick for hands and a big frame to go up and get the ball. He has a variety of ways to make plays and isn’t your typical one-trick poney receiver. This was a great pick up for Minnesota, especially after trading Stephon Diggs.

2019 College stats: 111 receptions – 1,540 receiving yards – 18 touchdowns

23. (Trade – NE) The Los Angeles Chargers select: Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma

Los Angeles trade up and select the best inside linebacker in the class. Murray, was a force last year in the middle of the Sooners defense. He’s a true captain, that makes every tackle and has sideline to sideline speed. Great move by the Chargers to grab the best true linebacker of the class.

2019 College stats: 103 total tackles – 17 tackles for loss – 4 sacks 

24. The New Orleans Saints select: Cesar Ruiz, IOL, Michigan

New Orleans bolster their offensive line in a big way. Drew Brees isn’t getting any younger and with the likelihood of his retirement next year, they give Brees a little more protection with Ruiz. He will prove to be a huge addition for the Saints next season with his ability to move along the interior of the O-Line.

25. (Trade –  MIN) The San Francisco 49ers select: Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State

Kyle Shannahan looked to upgrade the wide receiver position and did it in a quietly big way. Aiyuk was in a run-heavy system at Arizona State, and still put up numbers. Now he’ll be joining a system that has yet to have a consistent passing game. He should help Jimmy Garrapolo and the 9er offense immensely, taking the role of a number one receiver.

2019 College stats: 65 receptions – 1,192 receiving yards – 8 touchdowns

26. (Trade – MIA) The Green Bay Packers select: Jordan Love, QB, Utah State

With comparisons to Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers only aging, Love was an obvious pick here. I absolutely ‘Love’ this selection. It’s the Packers way to not lose a step. They selected Rodgers to replace Brett Farve years back; now Matt Lefleur will follow that exact tradition. Love’s stats last season were misleading, due to the amount of returning starters. If you look at his sophomore film, he could’ve easily been a top-15 pick. Great pick by Green Bay here. I don’t care for the Rodger believers…

2019 College stats: 3,402 passing yards – 61.9 completion % – 20/17 touchdown/interception ratio

27. The Seattle Seahawks select: Jordyn Brooks, ILB, Texas Tech

Brooks was nothing but a tackling machine for the Red Raiders defense. He was a four-year starter that just made plays. He’s a bit undersized, but with his sub 4.5 speed, he should be just fine. He’s a perfect fit for Pete Carrol’s defense and will probably be Seattle’s next all-time inside linebacker.

2019 College stats: 108 tackles – 20 tackles for loss – 3 sacks – 1 forced fumble

28. The Baltimore Ravens select: Patrick Queen, LB, LSU

Someone please tell me; how does Baltimore always come away with these studs late in the first round? It just make no sense… They bring in the National Championship MVP, if Joe Burrow didn’t exist, Patrick Queen. He’s got speed to cover both tight end and running backs. He’s going to be one of the best open-field tacklers in the league for years to come.

2019 College stats: 85 total tackles – 12 tackles for loss – 3 sacks – 1 interceptions 

29. The Tennesse Titans select: Isaiah Wilson, OT, Georgia

That’s now two Bulldog tackles off the board in the first round. Obviously, Andrew Thomas is far more refined, but Wilson isn’t some slouch. He’s another big lineman, that just bullies opposing defensive ends. The Titans know it’s teams identity; running the football, and allowing Derrick Henry to control the game. Good pick, despite it being a reach.

30. The Miami Dolphins select: Noah Igbinghene, CB, Auburn

The Dolphins add to an already deep defensive back core with Igbinghene. He’s a speedy corner that is also very physical despite his size. It’s definitely an odd pick considering the amount of money they gave Byron Jones, earlier this off-season. Not sure if I agree with this pick, especially with pass rushers like AJ Espensa, and Zack Baun still on the board.

2019 College stats: 42 total tackles – 1 tackle for loss – 7 pass deflections 

31. The Minnesota Vikings select: Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU

This off-season, the Vikings defense exploded. Xavier Rhodes regressed in a bad way. Michael Pierce and Everson Griffen entered free-agency along with the remainder of their secondary; Including Mackensie Alexander and Trae Waynes. Gladney is a smaller, but feisty defensive back. He has a solid tape but still needs some refinement. He can get his hands stuck on the jersey of receivers. If he can clean that up, Minnesota got themselves a shutdown cornerback.

2019 College stats: 31 total tackles – 1.5 tackles for loss – 1 interception – 14 pass defelctions

32. The SUPERBOWL CHAMPION, Kansas City Chiefs select: Clyde Edwards-Helaire RB, LSU

Finally, the first round is over. What an absolute doozy its been. The Chiefs end of the night with a running back. This was a premium pick for Andy Reid. He gets his new version of Kareem Hunt, without the problems. They continue to add to an already high-powered Kansas City offense with Edwards-Helaire.

2019 College stats: 270 total touches – 1,867 total yards – 17 touchdowns