2019 NFL Draft Recap

2019 NFL Draft Recap – AFC West

Now that the NFL Draft has long seen its completion, it’s a great opportunity to dive in and analyse the potential. The AFC West was recently pegged as one of the best divisions in all of football, and after this offseason, it could once again be the case. With the Chiefs looking to repeat their dominance with the Chargers hanging around as a close second, the rest of this group will have something to prove. After what transpired in this NFL draft, we could be in for some great battles from the AFC West.

AFC WEST

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Round 2 (56): Mecole Hardman (WR) - Georgia

Round 2 (63): Juan Thornhill (S) - Virginia

Round 3 (84): Khalen Saunders (DL) - Western Illinois

Round 6 (201): Rashad Fenton (DB) - South Carolina

Round 6 (214): Darwin Thompson (RB) - Utah State

Round 7 (216): Nick Allegretti (OL) – Illinois

Undrafted Free Agents:

With all the turmoil surrounding the Chiefs this offseason with their star wide receiver Tyreek Hill, speculation was high if Kansas City would select a player to replace Hill. While not having many picks at their disposal in this draft, and many issues on the defensive side of the ball, they chose to select Hill’s potential replacement in Mecole Hardman.

Yet another Georgia Bulldog product, Hardman does mirror the talents of Hill. Being smaller in statue, his blazing speed does leave many to wonder if he could in fact become a plug-in replacement if Hill receives a suspension. The knock-on Hardman’s overall game is the lack of overall output. Even as Hardman could take some time to develop, the potential in this offense could bring him up to speed rather quickly.

Not having a first-round pick, they possibly hit a couple home runs on the defensive side. Having cut bait with home town favorite Eric Berry while signing Tyrann Mathieu to the squad, a glaring need to add depth at safety was apparent. Juan Thornhill has seen some very nice comparisons to his overall skillset to place him as a favorite to snag a starting job form day one. Showing great anticipation on the field teamed with superb ball skills, Thornhill could be a true difference maker.

While its clear that the Chiefs have their franchise quarterback in Patrick Mahomes, one player added to the roster via undrafted free agency does leave us intrigued. Signing Vanderbilt product Kyle Shurmur could become a steal. Kyle Shurmur, the son of Giants Coach Pat Shurmur, does have a decent level of ability and should do enough to make the team. Showing great progression in final two years of college does leave consideration that he could eventually find his way to become a hot commodity later in his career. Shurmur is definitely one to keep an eye on.

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

Round 1 (28): Jerry Tillery (DL) - Notre Dame

Round 2 (60): Nasir Adderley (DB) - Delaware

Round 3 (91): Trey Pipkins (T) - Sioux Falls

Round 4 (130): Drue Tranquill (LB) - Notre Dame

Round 5 (166): Easton Stick (QB) - North Dakota State

Round 6 (200): Emeke Egbule (LB) - Houston

Round 7 (242): Cortez Broughton (DL) – Cincinnati

Undrafted Free Agents:

Last season the Los Angeles Chargers finally found their stride to compete with some of the best in the NFL. While the year didn’t pan out as they had hoped, the offseason did come with some changeover. Looking to get younger and more explosive on the defensive side of the ball, the Chargers draft class was littered with defensive potential.

With defensive line and defensive back being the largest in terms of need, the Chargers wasted no time and pilfered perhaps two of the best players at their respective positions.

First with the selection of Jerry Tillery, the Chargers might have found a perfect compliment to Joey Bosa off the other edge. Tillery has fantastic size and speed to go along with great strength. Shoring up the defensive front was a top requirement, and in our books, it appears like they scored on this one.

It was no secret of our infatuation of last years top rookie for the Chargers in Derwin James, but is it possible that Los Angeles did it again with Nasir Adderley? Looking to create a formidable tandem with James, Adderley has all the tools to play that supportive role while making plays in the process. This back end will be one that will keep opposing quarterbacks worried the night before games.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

Round 1 (4): Clelin Ferrell (DL) - Clemson

Round 1 (24): Josh Jacobs (RB) - Alabama

Round 1 (27): Johnathan Abram (S) - Mississippi State

Round 2 (40): Trayvon Mullen (CB) - Clemson

Round 4 (106): Maxx Crosby (DL) - Eastern Michigan

Round 4 (129): Isaiah Johnson (CB) - Houston

Round 4 (137): Foster Moreau (TE) - LSU

Round 5 (149): Hunter Renfrow (WR) - Clemson

Round 7 (230): Quinton Bell (DL) - Prairie View A&M

Undrafted Free Agents:

The Oakland Raiders and first time General Manager (Mike Mayock) entered the 2019 NFL draft with the highest of expectations holding three first-round selections.

While we truly believed the Raiders would’ve went safe and selected the best players on the board, the threw us all for a spin with Clemson defensive end Clelin Ferrell as their top choice. Its not to suggest that Ferrell won’t turn into a top-notch player in the NFL, his strengths were highlighted more than once when reviewing his tape. Showing good levels of skill in getting to the quarterback, Ferrell has great ability in stopping plays for a loss. This pick could go either way.

With their second pick in the first round, this was perhaps the surest thing of any NFL draft. Having a gigantic need at the running back position, the Raiders made it clear that Alabama runner was their guy pre draft. Josh Jacobs isn’t our favorite running back to come out of this draft, but does have a good level of skill for what the Raiders expect from him. Our fear more than anything is simply due to playing for coach Saban and the Crimson Tide. The history isn’t good when discussion backs from their program and given the lack of production in his three years in college, we are slightly concerned. Jacobs could become a sound player in this offense with all the weapons added this offseason but we would like to see it on the field before we can endorse.

Completing their trio of picks in the first round, Oakland snagged one of our favorites at the safety position in Johnathan Abram. Abram has been compared to players like Keanu Neal of the Falcons which is rather high praise. Being regarded more as a thumper, Abram should have an instant role on this defense. His speed should allow him to dissect the opposition quickly while converging on plays. Abram may struggle in coverage from time-to-time, but we feel he could handle himself in that aspect as well.

With many other players added to this roster, one we are extremely curious about is yet another Clemson prospect in Hunter Renfrow. With the additions of Antonio Brown and Tyrell Williams to the receiving core, needing a true slot presence to round out this offense could be right up his wheel house. While our expectations remain in check at the moment, there is good potential for Renfrow to make people talk as the year moves forward.

DENVER BRONCOS

Round 1 (20): Noah Fant (TE) - Iowa

Round 2 (41): Dalton Risner (OL) - Kansas State

Round 2 (42): Drew Lock (QB) - Missouri

Round 3 (71): Dre’Mont Jones (DL) - Ohio State

Round 5 (156): Justin Hollins (LB) - Oregon

Round 6 (187): Juwann Winfree (WR) – Colorado

Undrafted Free Agents:

Whenever we discuss John Elway and his tenure as the General Manager of the Broncos, we tend to cringe quite a bit. Having missed on many prospects in the past, we feel with his first three picks in this year’s draft may have saved his job.

With the addition of former Ravens long time quarterback Joe Flacco, the need switched on offense to add more protection and more weapons. Drafting one of the best tight ends in the class, Denver found themselves lucky to grab Noah Fant. Fant has the makings of being a generational tight end with great size and speed. His supreme athletic ability will make him an instant mismatch on the field. However, we are concerned with his inability to block which could limit the amount of time on the field. If Fant can correct those inadequacies in his game, he could be a real threat in this offense.

It’s no secret that the Broncos have struggled with protecting their passers going as far back as the Peyton Manning days. Understanding that keeping the quarterback upright is the most important aspect on offense, Elway finally addressed the concern. Selecting highly rated tackle Dalton Risner out of Kansas State, Denver should see vast improvement in their protection this season. It’s been mentioned that Risner requires some refinement to his game with proof needed to hold down the best edge rushers in the game. it’s not out of the question to see him kick inside to play guard as well. Either way, this is a big piece which was desperately needed.

Perhaps out favorite pick for the Broncos came with their second pick in the second round with quarterback Drew Lock. Before the 2018 college season began, Lock was regarded as one of the best passers in this class, but began to lose steam as the process evolved. Even with the scouting pros placing shade on his game, we are great supporters of what Lock could become. He is highly accurate with his deep ball and follows his progressions from the pocket like a seasoned veteran. With that said, we do also identify the weaknesses in his foot work, but truly believe this can be coached up. Lock has the prototypical size and arm ability to make him a long term solution at the position for the Broncos.

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