The 2019 NFL Draft is becoming more real as the NFL playoff picture begins to take shape. See who your team is looking to add next spring.
Note: Draft order based on tankathon.com NFL draft order.
1. San Francisco 49ers: Nick Bosa, EDGE Ohio State
San Francisco has spent a lot of draft capital on their pass rush in recent years, but they still need to upgrade. Nick Bosa is an elite prospect like his brother Joey was. He should come in and immediately upgrade the 49ers defense. The addition of Bosa, the return of Jimmy Garoppolo, and maybe a free agent or two could be more than enough for the complete turnaround of a team that has been competitive all season despite their win total.
2. Arizona Cardinals: Jonah Williams, OT Alabama
“Greedy” Williams is very tempting for the Cardinals here with Patrick Peterson’s long-term future with the team in question but protecting their young quarterback in Josh Rosen is a more pressing need. Normally I would prefer to take the best player available, but looking around the league the most successful young quarterbacks are those who are put into a position to succeed by the teams they play for. The Cardinals would be wise to take their franchise left tackle while they have the opportunity.
3. Oakland Raiders: Justin Herbert, QB Oregon
Jon Gruden seems intent on building the Oakland Raiders into his team and that could mean drafting a quarterback that can be his guy. Derek Carr is not the worst quarterback in the NFL, but he hasn’t been able to keep the Raiders afloat this season. If the opportunity to select a player like Justin Herbert is there they can’t pass it up. Herbert has all the tools of a franchise quarterback and has risen up experts’ boards all season. He would provide Gruden with a fresh start and an opportunity to develop his own quarterback.
4. New York Jets: Greg Little, LT Mississippi
The New York Jets are another team that is looking to build around a young quarterback. They need to find playmakers for Sam Darnold to get the ball to, however none of the players available are worthy of a top-four pick. The Jets could use an upgrade at tackle and Greg Little could provide that. He is an excellent pass blocker at this stage in his career and could arguably be the best tackle in this class.