The 2019 NFL Draft will kick off tomorrow, adding some of the final pieces to the 53’s across the League. The draft process is fundamentally vulnerable to bias, over-confidence and group-think, particularly dependent upon the position. Oftentimes prior decision making by front offices can be used as guidance, either by emulation or avoidance.
While each draft class is dignified with its own intricacies and characteristics, the 2019 draft gives us an opportunity to revisit last year with circumspection, looking at some of the best decisions made by front offices:
Baker Mayfield, CLE, First overall
Baker had an epic debut in game three against the Jets, the ferocity of which would set the pace for his performance in 2018. He’s a true competitor and brought everything he had last season on the field and in the locker room. He averaged over 250 yards per game, which is great for a rookie adjusting to the NFL, particularly coming from the loathed Big 12 conference, and had 27 total touchdowns (Tom Brady had 29 in the regular season, for reference). There is no doubt that Baker was a perfect fit for a Browns organization desperate to navigate a new course, and now, pose a real threat in the AFC North.
Saquon Barkley, NYG, Second overall
There is a lot of criticism when it comes to taking a running back in the first round, and rightly so. It’s an easily filled position that injures quickly and has a short career span. But Saquon is a Hall-of-Famer in the making, so evaluating New York’s decision is difficult.
Did they need help in other, perhaps more important offensive positions? Of course. However, you rarely ever hear about a rookie immediately becoming a locker room leader of an organization, paired with a 1,300 yard season and 15 touchdowns.
The only reconciliation to be had with this decision is that the highly-deserving praise Saquon has earned as an individual ought not be attributed to a poorly managed New York front office. This year is a crucial opportunity to provide Saquon the offensive support he needs to enjoy sustained success.
Bradley Chubb, DEN, Fifth overall
Broncos fans should be elated to pair Chubb’s talent with Vic Fangio’s defensive expertise in the upcoming season. But even last year, Chubb played in every single game, and had 12 sacks, 41 solo tackles and 19 assists. Perhaps most importantly, he racked up 21 QB hits in one season. He was also named to the 2018 All-Rookie team.
Chubb’s an absolute animal, and under the mentorship of Von Miller, Derek Wolfe, and Shelby Harris, there is no doubt that he will continue to develop beyond the credible threat that he was last year.
Quenton Nelson, IND, Sixth overall
The guard position is inherently humble within an offensive scheme. However, in his rookie year, Nelson was selected to the Pro Bowl and named first-team All-Pro, and even made an appearance in two playoff games.
The Colts’ offense felt remarkably different last year, and the excitement is undoubtedly in part attributable to Nelson’s presence and chemistry with Andrew Luck. Nelson put up some serious stops to interior pressure across the League. Paired with Luck, he should make any AFC South defense uneasy going forward.
Roquon Smith, CHI, Eighth overall
Smith was already donned as a remarkable player when he drew an actual smile from Bill Belichick during his Pro Day workout. With the addition of Smith, the Bears had one of the most complete and threatening defenses in the League last year.
He played an integral part in getting the Bears to the postseason. Smith picked off Jared Goff in game thirteen, leading to an eventual defeat of the Super Bowl contenders in a defensive heavy game, 15-6. He also sent Tom Brady into the fetal position in game six. With 89 solo tackles, Smith is a big asset to an already defensive heavy roster.
Derwin James, LAC, Seventeenth overall
James had 3 interceptions, 85 solo tackles and 7 QB hits his rookie season, which should worry offenses in the AFC West as he continues to develop and refine his skills. The heat-seeking strong safety was selected to the Pro Bowl named first-team All-Pro, and undoubtedly helped contain the opposing offenses, continually giving Rivers another shot on the field.
He absolutely terrorized Patrick Mahomes and Baker Mayfield, as well as highly-productive receivers across the League. He is one major reason Chargers fans should be optimistic going forward.
Leighton Vander Esch, DAL, Nineteenth overall
111 total solo tackles and 2 interceptions for 58 total yards made Leighton Vander Esch a standout on Dallas’ defense. Vander Esch is incredibly gifted at reading the field and cutting short offensive productivity. He brought down receivers so efficiently that he was deservedly named to the 2018 All-Rookie team, was the week 10 NFC defensive player of the week, LEAD the League in regular season solo tackles at 102, AND combined tackles at 140, in addition to being selected to the 2018 Pro Bowl.
He is a serious game changer for the Cowboys franchise, and will be very exciting to watch as he continues to develop.
Lamar Jackson, BAL, Thirty-Second overall
It’s no surprise that the last pick of the first round was slept on his rookie year. Jackson came in to a convoluted situation with Joe Flacco starting at QB, but he still fought tooth-and-nail to help his team and do his job. Eventually Jackson was noticed by his teammates as a true competitor and leader.
After Flacco suffered a hip injury in week 9, Jackson was the next man up, and won six of the seven games started after Flacco was out. Most impressive about Jackson was his ability to so quickly step up to what was asked of him. So much so that he was the only rookie quarterback out of an impressive group to take his team to the playoffs.
There’s no doubt that Jackson has a chip on his shoulder after his diverse skills led many analysts to doubt his capabilities at QB. Head coach John Harbaugh is confident in his ability, and now that Jackson is QB1, 2019 should give Jackson ample opportunity to show out.
