Three quarterbacks were selected in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, and an additional former first-round pick, 2018 draftee Josh Rosen, found a new team during the draft’s second night. So who were the biggest winners overall?
Quarterbacks were drafted, top talents fell out of the first round, and a few shocking decisions were made during the 2019 NFL Draft. But which teams were the biggest winners this year, and how many of them drafted a new franchise quarterback?
New York Jets
With Sam Darnold locked in as the New York Jets franchise quarterback, Mike Maccagnan just needed to focus on drafting the best players available. Quinnen Williams just might be the best overall prospect in this year’s class, so, from that vantage point, it’s mission accomplished for the Jets organization.
The Jets had holes on offense and pretty much addressed them by adding superstar running back Le’Veon Bell and underrated slot weapon Jamison Crowder in free agency. But they also needed to make some big moves on defense, even after signing former Baltimore Ravens every-down star CJ Mosley at linebacker.
Quinnen Williams, Leonard Williams, and Henry Anderson will form one of the best and most well-rounded starting defensive line trios in the NFL. That could greatly aid the Jets, especially with question marks on the edge. And perhaps those question marks at 3-4 outside linebacker will be answered by Jachai Polite, who was a great pick in the third round; Polite has as much upside as any edge defender in this year’s class.