2019 NFL Draft tracker: Instant grades and reaction

<h3><strong>Grade: A-</strong></h3><p>New head coach Kliff Kingsbury inherited the worst offense in the league from a year ago and is banking on a young quarterback who he is very familiar with. Arizona’s offensive unit produced only 24 touchdowns a year ago.  Murray’s foot speed is a big plus, especially if the Cardinals’ offensive line isn’t any better than it was in 2018.</p>. QB. Arizona Cardinals. Kyler Murray. 1. player. 32

Nick Bosa. 2. player. 42. <h3><strong>Grade: A</strong></h3><p>For the fourth time in five years, the Niners opt for a defensive linemen. General manager John Lynch was looking for a playmaker on defense. The 49ers set NFL records for fewest interceptions (2) and takeaways (7) in a season this past season. Bosa can bring the heat from the outside, something this defense needs in a big way.</p>. DE. San Francisco 49ers

New York Jets. Quinnen Williams. 3. player. 30. <h3><strong>Grade: A</strong></h3><p>Adam Gase takes over as head coach for a team that hasn’t been to the playoffs since 2010. The Jets’ defense has dropped off badly in recent seasons. This past year, the Green and White finished 25th in the NFL in total yards allowed and only six teams in the league allowed more rushing yards per game. Williams fills a big need for a club looking to revive this side of the football.</p>. NT

28. <h3><strong>Grade: A-</strong></h3><p>It’s the first of what could be three first-round selections for the Silver and Black. The Raiders managed a league-low 13 sacks this past season. But the club was also 30th vs. the run. Jon Gruden appears determined to rebuild their defensive line via the draft and used three picks on that area a year ago. Ferrell is a solid performer who should be a sound fit In Paul Guenther’s scheme.</p>. DE. Oakland Raiders. Clelin Ferrell. 4. player

5. player. 48. <h3><strong>Grade: A</strong></h3><p>Last offseason, general manager Jason Licht spent a lot of time and money on trying to improve the Buccaneers’ pass rush. But this past season, the defense in general had its issues and new coordinator Todd Bowles takes over a unit that was 24th in the league vs. the run. White is a nice fit inside in Tampa’s new 3-4 alignment.</p><p> </p>. ILB. Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Devin White

31. <h3><strong>Grade: B</strong></h3><p>The first real surprise of the evening comes courtesy of general manager Dave Gettleman. The franchise takes a quarterback in the first round for the first time since 2004 (Philip Rivers), which of course turned into Eli Manning. Speaking of the veteran signal-caller, the club is hoping they have found his eventual successor. But would he have been around at No. 17?</p>. QB. New York Giants. Daniel Jones. 6. player

player. 52. <h3><strong>Grade: A+</strong></h3><p>While the Jacksonville offense got their share of the blame for a disappointing 2018, the defense went from 55 to 37 sacks. And Doug Marrone’s club came away with only 17 takeaways, this after forcing 33 turnovers in their AFC South title season of ’17. Allen was too good for this team to pass up after falling a bit and qualifies as steal here.</p>. DE. Jacksonville Jaguars. Josh Allen. 7

50. <h3><strong>Grade: B+</strong></h3><p>Back in 2014, the franchise used the 10th overall pick on Eric Ebron. He was a disappointment in four seasons in the Motor City but came into his own a year ago at Indianapolis. General manager Bob Quinn certainly knows the importance of the position and he should be a major asset to veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford. But did this 6-10 team from a year ago have other more pressing needs?</p>. TE. Detroit Lions. T.J. Hockenson. 8. player

<h3><strong>Grade: A</strong></h3><p>There were few teams busier this offseason during free agency, with an onus on the offensive line. Meanwhile, the Bills’ run defense has had its issues for any number of years. And the team totaled only 36 sacks a season ago. The University of Houston product could help solve both issues for Sean McDermott’s team. Oliver figures to make an immediate impact for this club.</p>. DT. Buffalo Bills. Ed Oliver. 9. player. 16

55. <h3><strong>Grade: A+</strong></h3><p>Aggressive general manager Kevin Colbert moved up 10 spots in the first round to get a much-needed performer for the middle of Keith Butler’s defensive unit. The team has struggled in recent seasons when it comes to matching up against running backs and especially tight ends in the passing game. The Steelers are hoping Bush can be the playmaker Ryan Shazier was for this club.</p>. ILB. Pittsburgh Steelers (from Denver Broncos). Devin Bush. 10. player

Cincinnati Bengals. Jonah Williams. 11. player. 56. <h3><strong>Grade: A</strong></h3><p>The Bengals’ offensive line has been in flux ever since the team watched free agents Andrew Whitworth and Kevin Zeitler leave via free agency in 2017. The team used a first-round pick on center Billy King a year ago and traded for veteran left tackle Cordy Glenn. Williams was a three-year starter for the Crimson Tide and is obviously very battle-tested.</p>. T

<h3><strong>Grade: B-</strong></h3><p>Second-year general manager Brian Gutekunst and the organization uncharacteristically opened up the checkbook during free agency and added defenders such as outside linebackers Preston Smith and Za’Darius Smith and safety Adrian Amos. Now the team adds Gary to Mike Pettine’s front seven. But can Gary make an immediate impact on a defense that has disappointed for too many years? He certainly has the physical tools.</p>. OLB. Green Bay Packers. Rashan Gary. 12. player. 49

player. 59. <h3><strong>Grade: A-</strong></h3><p>Only the Arizona Cardinals allowed more rushing yards per game than the Dolphins this past season. He figures as an immediate starter for a team now under the guidance of defensive-minded Brian Flores.</p>. DT. Miami Dolphins. Christian Wilkins. 13

G. Atlanta Falcons. Chris Lindstrom. 14. player. 44. <h3><strong>Grade: B+</strong></h3><p>This offseason, the team has done a lot of work in retooling its offensive front. They added guards James Carpenter and Jamon Brown in free agency and parted ways with right tackle Ryan Schraeder, who lost his job late in the season. Lindstrom is an intriguing addition and arguably the best player at his position in this draft. But the team certainly has some needs on defense.</p>

DE. Carolina Panthers. Brian Burns. 16. player. 87. <h3><strong>Grade: A-</strong></h3><p>A look at the final rankings for the Panthers’ defense this past season shows a unit that was mediocre. But this was a problem-plagued group that has fallen off dramatically since that Super Bowl 50 appearance in 2015. The aggressive Burns should provide Ron Rivera’s club with some heat from the outside.</p>

<h3><strong>Grade: B+</strong></h3><p>Big Blue used the sixth overall pick on what they hope will be their quarterback of the future. And 11 selections later, they made Lawrence the third Clemson defensive lineman selected in the first round of this draft. The Giants’ defense is on the mend and the versatile performer should be a sound addition to James Bettcher’s group.</p>. DT. New York Giants (from Cleveland Browns). Dexter Lawrence. 17. player. 31

Minnesota Vikings. Garrett Bradbury. 18. player. 60. <h3><strong>Grade: A-</strong></h3><p>Only two teams in the league gained fewer yards on the ground this past season. And quarterback Kirk Cousins spent the season under duress. The Vikings’ offensive front was dismal in 2018 and Bradbury is a big step in the right direction.</p>. C

<h3><strong>Grade: B-</strong></h3><p>The Titans’ defense was up and down this past year and finished a disappointing 18th in the league against the run. One year earlier, the club allowed the fourth-fewest yards in the NFL on the ground. Dean Pees’ front seven will look a bit different this season. But is Simmons capable of making an immediate impact?</p>. DT. Tennessee Titans. Jeffery Simmons. 19. player. 35

20. player. 45. <h3><strong>Grade: B+</strong></h3><p>Quarterback Joe Flacco has one of the strongest arms in the league and is known for his big-play prowess. But he was also very effective when he had the likes of Dennis Pitta at his disposal. The talented Fant is the second University of Iowa tight end picked in this first round and a positive addition to the Denver offense.</p>. TE. Denver Broncos (from Pittsburgh Steelers). Noah Fant

Green Bay Packers (from Seattle Seahawks). Darnell Savage. 21. player. 49. <h3><strong>Grade: B+</strong></h3><p>Savage was one of the fast risers in recent weeks when it came to this draft. And general manager Brian Gutekunst continues to add talent to a defense that was mediocre at best this past season (18th in total yards allowed) and surrendered 30 touchdown passes.</p>. S

Philadelphia Eagles (from Baltimore Ravens. Andre Dillard. 22. player. 54. <h3><strong>Grade: C+</strong></h3><p>The Birds moved up three spots and some felt they would address the cornerback position. But general manager Howie Roseman may be looking for the eventual successor to Jason Peters, who’s preparing for his 16th NFL season. Dillard is an intriguing selection but doesn’t necessarily fill an immediate need.</p>. T

player. 10. <h3><strong>Grade: B-</strong></h3><p>You knew the reigning AFC South champions would address an offensive line that surrendered a whopping 62 sacks this past season. The team tried to fix it via free agency in 2018 but to no avail. Howard is another one of those fast risers who may still be learning his craft. But he’s an imposing prospect.</p>. T. Houston Texans. Tytus Howard. 23

Oakland Raiders (from Chicago Bears). Josh Jacobs. 24. player. 28. <h3><strong>Grade: A-</strong></h3><p>A power ground game is an asset to any quarterback and every defense. The former University of Alabama standout was part of a crowded backfield with the Crimson Tide, meaning he brings fresh legs to a team that has finished 25th in the NFL in rushing yards each of the past two seasons. Solid addition to the Silver and Black.</p>. RB

Baltimore Ravens (from Philadelphia Eagles). Marquise Brown. 25. player. 26. <h3><strong>Grade: B+</strong></h3><p>The reigning AFC North champions lost their top deep threat this offseason when speedy John Brown signed with the Buffalo Bills. The former Oklahoma Sooner does have some injury concerns. But the first wide receiver selected in 2019 could stretch the field for John Harbaugh’s attack.</p>. WR

27. player. 28. <h3><strong>Grade: B</strong></h3><p>There has been a common theme for Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock in this draft. And the team did indeed use all three first-round picks in entered tonight’s draft with. Abram is a versatile defender who gives the Raiders a lot of options in a secondary that has been sub-par for far too long.</p>. S. Oakland Raiders (from Dallas Cowboys). Johnathan Abram

28. player. 13. <h3><strong>Grade: B-</strong></h3><p>The Bolts made progress on defense this past year after giving up the second-most rushing yards in the league in 2017. But Gus Bradley’s unit could still use more help up front and Brandon Mebane is getting ready for his 13th NFL campaign. Consistency may be the only knock on the former Golden Domer.</p>. DT. Los Angeles Chargers. Jerry Tillery

player. 36. <h3><strong>Grade: C</strong></h3><p>A few days after dealing defensive end Frank Clark to the Chiefs, the Seahawks looked to rebuild their pass rush. But did they reach a bit for Collier? Some had him rated as a day three selection.</p>. DE. Seattle Seahawks (from Kansas City Chiefs). L.J. Collier. 29

<h3><strong>Grade: A</strong></h3><p>It’s pretty stunning that the best cornerback in the draft in many people’s eyes lasted this long. So kudos to Dave Gettleman, who went back into the first round and now has the former Georgia Bulldog. Outstanding selection and a major value at this point.</p>. CB. New York Giants (from New Orleans Saints through Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks). Deandre Baker. 30. player. 31

player. 44. <h3><strong>Grade: B-</strong></h3><p>General manager Thomas Dimitroff moved back into the first round and added more offensive line help. Could McGary be the team’s starting right tackle this season? He could provide Ty Sambrailo with a training camp challenge.</p>. T. Atlanta Falcons (from Los Angeles Rams). Kaleb McGary. 31

WR. New England Patriots. N’Keal Harry. 32. player. 47. <h3><strong>Grade: B</strong></h3><p>The defending Super Bowl champions saw their share of offseason departures and perhaps none was bigger than the retirement of tight end Rob Gronkowski. The versatile Neal gives Tom Brady a big target and one that showed a little versatility while at Arizona State.</p>