2019 NFL Draft
Winners and Losers
By: Alex Khvatov
WINNERS
Buffalo Bills
DT Ed Oliver (Houston) fell to the Bills in the first round. He was our second-ranked player overall on our board. He will be a big-time difference maker for the Bills defense. He is a disruptive pass rusher with an elite first step quickness, non-stop motor and terrific strength. Second rounder OL Cody Ford (Oklahoma) was a steal. He was projected as a first rounder. He has the versatility to play RT, but projects best as a guard at the next level. Third rounder RB Devin Singletary (FAU) should turn into a good change of pace back. Another third rounder TE Dawson Knox (Ole Miss) is still pretty raw, but he has great upside. He is an outstanding athlete with great speed. LB Vosean Joseph (Florida) was good value in the fifth round. He is a fast LB with terrific athleticism. He is a good run defender with potential. Seventh rounder Darryl Johnson Jr. (North Carolina A&T) is an intriguing developmental edge rusher.
Tennessee Titans
First round pick DT Jeffery Simmons (Mississippi State) was a top five player in this draft before he tore his ACL during training. He will most likely miss the entire rookie season, but will be considered a steal once he gets on the field. WR A.J. Brown (Ole Miss) is a solid pick in the second round. He is a bigger slot receiver who should develop into a reliable target especially on third downs. Third rounder OG Nate Davis (Charlotte) is a great run defender. He displays good power and quickness. Georgia LB D’Andre Walker is a steal in the fifth round. He is jack of all trades. Sixth round LB David Long Jr. (West Virginia) was my favorite linebacker in this draft. He is an all-around player with great instincts.
LOSERS
Houston Texans
Protecting QB Deshaun Watson was a major priority for the team, and the Texans needed to come away with a few OL in this draft. OT Tytus Howard (Alabama State) was a reach in the first round. Second rounder CB Lonnie Johnson (Kentucky) is an athletic player with very good size, long arms and good speed. However, he needs to improve his instincts, has average COD and lacks ball skills. OT Max Scharping (Northern Illinois) might have been the Texans best selection in the second round. He should solidify the RT spot. Third rounder TE Kahale Warring (San Diego State) is a developmental player with some intriguing physical tools.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers traded up in order to select Michigan LB Devin Bush with the 10th pick in the first round. This was their best pick of the night. He has great speed and athleticism. He is a physical LB and a great blitzer. He is a perfect fit as a 3-4 ILB. Third rounder WR Diontae Johnson (Toledo) was a reach. He is a dangerous deep threat and a good route runner. However, he displays inconsistent hands. Another third-round selection CB Justin Layne (Michigan State) is a tall corner who excels in press coverage. But he has average COD and needs to continue to develop his technique. I wasn’t too excited about the Steelers third day picks. Sixth rounder Isaiah Buggs (Alabama) should develop into a good rotational player as a five-technique.
