2019 NFL Draft Day One Grades

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The 2019 NFL Draft is here, and it’s never too early to analyze the picks made by each respective franchise. This segment not only covers what we need to know about each selected prospect, but also provides grades for each pick based on the analysis of multiple correspondent’s with The Athletes Hub.

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1. Arizona Cardinals: QB Kyler Murray (Oklahoma)

What we need to know: After months of speculation, the Arizona Cardinals bit the bait on QB Kyler Murray and will likely move on from QB Josh Rosen. Murray will slide immediately into the starting slot, but will have an immense amount of weight on his shoulders.

The Athletes Hub Grade: C-

2. San Francisco 49ers: DE Nick Bosa (Ohio State)

What we need to know: Once presumed as the early favorite to land with Arizona in the 2019 NFL Draft, DE Nick Bosa now travels to San Francisco. As long as he stays healthy, Bosa has the potential to become a headache for opposing quarterbacks.

The Athletes Hub Grade: A-

3. New York Jets: DT Quinnen Williams (Alabama)

What we need to know: Listed as one of the safest prospects in the 2019 draft class, the New York Jets select DT Quinnen Williams. While the team has a long way to go before contending for the AFC East, Williams is a franchise player on the defensive side of the ball.

The Athletes Hub Grade: A-

4. Oakland Raiders: DE Clelin Ferrell (Clemson)

What we need to know: Although EDGE Josh Allen was the top available pass-rusher on the board, the Oakland Raiders pulled off a surprising move and took DE Clelin Ferrell instead. This move is shocking for most, and not in great fashion.

The Athletes Hub Grade: D

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: LB Devin White (LSU)

What we need to know: Devin White came into the NFL Draft as one of the highest-rated players available, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers made the most of their moment. Although Josh Allen continues to slip down the draft board, White is a smart selection.

The Athletes Hub Grade: B+

6. New York Giants: QB Daniel Jones (Duke)

What we need to know: The New York Giants were expected to select QB Dwayne Haskins, but instead rolled with QB Daniel Jones. The quarterback position was a need for this team, but Jones is one of the riskiest investments; especially at #6.

The Athletes Hub Grade: D-

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: EDGE Josh Allen (Kentucky)

What we need to know: EDGE Josh Allen was supposed to be drafted within the top 4, but somehow fell into the laps of the Jacksonville Jaguars. This was a pure example of selecting the best available prospect, as the Jaguars attempt to re-build their defense.

The Athletes Hub Grade: A

8. Detroit Lions: TE TJ Hockenson (Iowa)

What we need to know: The Detroit Lions are looking to produce their first efficient tight end since the departure of Eric Ebron. TE TJ Hockenson is a great blocker, and also poses as a threat downfield. The Lions also brought in TE Jesse James in the offseason, so this is a rather strange selection.

The Athletes Hub Grade: C+

9. Buffalo Bills: DT Ed Oliver (Houston)

What we need to know: With early comparisons to Aaron Donald, we find Ed Oliver land with the Buffalo Bills. This is a team that is slowly evolving their defense into a borderline elite unit, and Oliver only supports the team’s quest to the postseason.

The Athletes Hub Grade: A-

10. Pittsburgh Steelers (from Denver Broncos): LB Devin Bush (Michigan)

What we need to know: The Pittsburgh Steelers were the first team to execute a trade on Thursday night, and drafted LB Devin Bush in result. While there is some risk in Bush’s draft value, the Steelers are obviously confident in their top 10 selection.

The Athletes Hub Grade: C-

11. Cincinnati Bengals: OT Jonah Williams (Alabama)

What we need to know: After desperately needing help up front, the Cincinnati Bengals selected the top offensive lineman in OT Jonah Williams. Although it’s not a “flashy” selection, it will help the Bengals in the long-run.

The Athletes Hub Grade: B

12. Green Bay Packers: DT Rashan Gary (Michigan)

What we need to know: Even with the injury concerns and lack of production at the college level, the Green Bay Packers are willing to gamble on DT Rashan Gary. If he stays healthy and receives the correct treatment, this could be a selection that pans out.

The Athletes Hub Grade: C

13. Miami Dolphins: DT Christian Wilkins (Clemson)

What we need to know: One of multiple first-round prospects for the Clemson Tigers, Christian Wilkins has one of the highest ceilings among the 2019 draft class. The Miami Dolphins selected one of the top defensive tackles, so this was a worthwhile selection.

The Athletes Hub Grade: B-

14. Atlanta Falcons: OL Chris Lindstrom (Boston College)

What we need to know: In a family full of former NFL players, Chris Lindstrom is the next offensive lineman off the board. With the athletic ability to be successful, Lindstrom played 4 full seasons with the Boston College Eagles.

The Athletes Hub Grade: B-

15. Washington Redskins: QB Dwayne Haskins

What we need to know: At one point, the Washington Redskins were rumored to trade up into the top 5 and snag QB Dwayne Haskins from the New York Giants. Instead, the Redskins stayed put and found Haskins fall into their laps. This was a risk for Washington that clearly paid off.

The Athletes Hub Grade: A-

16. Carolina Panthers: DE Brian Burns (Florida State)

What we need to know: The Carolina Panthers added to their defensive unit by selecting DE Brian Burns. Even after bulking up, Burns is a speedy prospect that can make an impact behind the line of scrimmage.

The Athletes Hub Grade: B-

17. New York Giants: DT Dexter Lawrence (Clemson)

What we need to know: As if QB Daniel Jones wasn’t large enough of a risk, the New York Giants gambled once again by selecting DT Dexter Lawrence. While his production on the field is efficient, Lawrence has proven to be a headcase off the field in the past.

The Athletes Hub Grade: C

18. Minnesota Vikings: C Garrett Bradbury (NC State)

What we need to know: C Garrett Bradbury stole one of the top linemen in the draft, and his 3.70 GPA at NC State is only a testament to his knowledge. While Bradbury also had a potential career in baseball, he now finds himself on the offensive front for the Minnesota Vikings.

The Athletes Hub Grade: B

19. Tennessee Titans: DT Jeffery Simmons (Mississippi State)

What we need to know: The Tennessee Titans decided to bulk up on their defensive front with the selection of DT Jeffery Simmons. After being highly-recruited in high school, his stock declined rapidly after an incident in 2016. As long as his mind stays on the right path, the Titans have a talented prospect on their hands.

The Athletes Hub Grade: C+

20. Denver Broncos (from Pittsburgh Steelers): TE Noah Fant (Iowa)

What we need to know: As the second tight end off the board, this also happens to be the second tight end from Iowa off the board (the other being TJ Hockenson to Detroit). Regardless, Fant has a bright future and provides potential to the Broncos offense.

The Athletes Hub Grade: B

21. Green Bay Packers (from Seattle Seahawks): S Darnell Savage (Maryland)

What we need to know: After securing an extra pick in the first round, the Green Bay Packers spent their pick on S Darnell Savage. While the Packers were in need for assistance in their secondary, this was somewhat of a reach.

The Athletes Hub Grade: C-

22. Philadelphia Eagles (from Baltimore Ravens): OT Andre Dillard (Washington State)

What we need to know: The Philadelphia Eagles gave up a 4th and 6th-round pick in order to move up and select OT Andre Dillard. Keeping Carson Wentz will become a priority for the Eagles, and Dillard is a huge piece to the puzzle. In result, Dillard became the first Washington State offensive lineman to be selected in the first round.

The Athletes Hub Grade: A-

23. Houston Texans: OT Tytus Howard (Alabama State)

What we need to know: After the Philadelphia Eagles jumped ahead of the Houston Texans in order to grab OT Andre Dillard, the former high school quarterback gets reached upon. As a natural athlete, this is someone who would have surely made it to day two.

The Athletes Hub Grade: F

24. Oakland Raiders: RB Josh Jacobs (Alabama)

What we need to know: The Oakland Raiders botched their earlier selection with Clelin Ferrell, the Raiders jumped on the chance to select RB Josh Jacobs. With the first running back off the board, this is a suitable replacement for recently-retired RB Marshawn Lynch.

The Athletes Hub Grade: B-

25. Baltimore Ravens (from Philadelphia Eagles): WR Marquise Brown (Oklahoma)

What we need to know: After swapping first-round picks with the Philadelphia Eagles, the Baltimore Ravens dropped back and selected WR Marquise “Hollywood” Brown. As the cousin of Oakland Raiders WR Antonio Brown, the 2019 rookie now needs to focus on staying healthy.

The Athletes Hub Grade: B

26. Washington Redskins (from Indianapolis Colts): EDGE Montez Sweat (Mississippi State)

What we need to know: After engaging in a trade with the Indianapolis Colts, EDGE Montez Sweat climbed up the draft boards after an impressive NFL Combine. With a distant history of off-the-field trouble, Sweat is a great bargain selection for the Redskins at #26.

The Athletes Hub Grade: B+

27. Oakland Raiders: DE Johnathan Abram (Mississippi State)

What we need to know: With back-to-back Mississippi State prospects off the board, the Oakland Raiders addressed their gap at the pass-rush with DE Johnathan Abram. Even in coverage, Abram has shown potential in covering select slot receivers.

The Athletes Hub Grade: B

28. Los Angeles Chargers: DT Jerry Tillery (Notre Dame)

What we need to know: Viewed as low-end first-round selection, this is a fair selection for DT Jerry Tillery. While Tillery is somewhat hot-headed at times, he still holds potential for the Los Angeles Chargers. This is a defensive front that was in desperate need for big bodies, so there should be no complaints here.

The Athletes Hub Grade: B

29. Seattle Seahawks (from Kansas City Chiefs): DE LJ Collier (TCU)

What we need to know: The Seattle Seahawks traded away their selections at #30, but took advantage at #29 and grabbed DE LJ Collier. While Collier isn’t one of the faster prospects in the first round, he holds the proper technique in order to see success for Seattle in a post-Frank Clark era.

The Athletes Hub Grade: B+

30. New York Giants (from Seattle Seahawks): CB Deandre Baker (Georgia)

What we need to know: Labeled as one of the more confident defensive backs in this particular draft class, CB Deandre Baker is a clean-cut tackler who will fit well with the New York Giants. Trading back into the first round was a smart move for New York, who took two separate gambles earlier in the round.

The Athletes Hub Grade: B

31. Atlanta Falcons (from Los Angeles Rams): OL Kaleb McGary (Washington)

What we need to know: With one of the more fascinating stories in the NFL Draft, OL Kaleb McGary has certainly earned his ticket into the league. While his size is a bit of a concern, McGary contains the strength and power to keep Matt Ryan safe.

The Athletes Hub Grade: C-

32. New England Patriots: WR N’Keal Harry (Arizona State)

What we need to know: Although it wasn’t DK Metcalf, WR N’Keal Harry is just as lethal. With 22 TD over the course of 3 seasons, Harry is an intelligent receiver who knows how to get open. With Tom Brady still under center, Harry should have no issue receiving targets through his rookie campaign.

The Athletes Hub Grade: B+

Featured Image: AL Images