NFL Draft Round 1 takeaways: Giants pick Daniel Jones much too early, Broncos get Flacco weapon in Noah Fant



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The first round of the 2019 NFL Draft is in the books, and if you're looking for all 32 picks, you've come to the right place.

Below you can find the biggest takeaway from each pick, where do you go?

We are all in the process of preparing for the first time, and we are looking for more. And you'll be able to stream our live coverage right here on CBS Sports HQ (or download the CBS Sports app for free on your mobile or connected TV device) breaking down all the picks and everything you need to know during draft weekend.

On to my Round 1 takeaways.

N'Keal Harry surprisingly goes ahead of D.K. Metcalf, lands with WR-needy Pats

So it's N'Keal Harry, not Metcalf D.K., in Round 1 after all. Hmmm. Harry was my No. 4 WR in this class, just ahead of Metcalf and just behind JJ Arcega-Whiteside.

Harry is a power forward with awesome high-point skills, and he's deceptively agile after the wrestling. More, he's a load to bring to the turf. His speed downfield surprises corners too. The concerns with Harry are his ability to beat the line and separation. I do not think they're major, but they need to be ironed out at the next level.

The Patriots needed a big-bodied receiver after losing Rob Gronkowski this offseason, and they got one in Harry, who can do major damage on a "big slot" on Sundays.

Falcons trade back into Round 1 for athletic, inconsistent Kaleb McGary

Kaleb McGary at No. 30 overall. The Falcons.

I get the plot with McGary. He's tall, long, strong, and more athletic for the tackle position. He can be devastating in the game or when he faces a bull rush. However, it can be a lunging, waist-bender relatively often, which is scary when you're talking about a first-round tackle.

The right tackle is an obvious need for Atlanta, so that's the most sensitive aspect of this selection.

Giants trade up for Baker Deandre in back end of Round 1

Dave Gettleman needed another dip into the first-round pool and Deandre Baker still available.

My No. 2 corner, and a prospect I had a top 10 overall grade on, the Georgia star was everywhere for the Bulldogs the past few seasons. Did not matter the opponent or the coverage. My comparison for him is Tre'Davious White.

Not the fastest or biggest, Baker is super savvy in zone and a mirroring master in man coverage. Good pick for the GMen.

Seahawks make surprisingly fascinating pick in L.J. Collier

I'm surprised the Seahawks, a team with measured athleticism, picked him here. But his film speaks for itself.

Necklace is a squatty, powerful defensive lineman you can play anywhere, and he's going to win with good regularity. He's a lot more twitchier than his performance would indicate, and his pass-rush plans are brilliant. Bull-rush, swipe, move swim move, speed-to-power, Frank Clark.

Plus, the Seahawks were able to trade back and get him, which adds indirect value to this pick. However, the athleticism figures are concerning.

Jerry Tillery a monster steal for Chargers late in Round 1

Woooooo boy. The Chargers got a steal with Jerry Tillery at No. 28 overall. But for the sake of reason, we decided to go to the top of the game, so we made it to the next round.

At 6-6 and around 290 pounds, Tillery uses its length and hands so, there's no need to worry about the leverage battle on the inside. He's more athletic for the defensive tackle spot too, and he dispatches the blocks with ease, against the run and pass.

To get to know Melvin Ingram and Joey Bosa is outstanding for Los Angeles. Tillery is a big-time pass-rusher who can certainly hold his own on run plays too.

Raiders pick throwback Johnathan Abram safety with final first-rounder

Johnathan Abram is a tone-setter at safety, I'm just wondering if he's more of a throwback than a new-age coverage of well-suited for the pass-happiness of the modern NFL.

Abram flies around the field and is most comfortable in the box, where he could consistently make his presence felt stopping the run, either between the tackles or on outside runs. He has good twitchiness and high-end speed to get back to work in a hurry.

He's a bit clunky in coverage and does not have high-end ball skills. I recently wrote I would not be surprised if it was moved to a weak side linebacker in a few seasons.

Redskins find gold mine with Montez Sweat at No. 26 overall

The Redskins Wanted to the Team to Stop Climb Sweat's Fall in Round 1. After losing Preston Smith in this free service, this was an awesome selection for Washington.

Sweat is Jadeveon Clowney-like. Seriously. He had a better combination than Clowney and is right around the same size with longer arms. And I think Sweats enters the league as a more refined, versatile pass-rusher than Clowney was in the NFL out of South Carolina.

He can win with speed, decent bend, speed-to-power and a nice arsenal of initial moves and counter moves with his hands. Job well done here by Washington.

Ravens get Lamar Jackson much-needed speed threat in Marquise Brown

We waited long enough for a receiver to go off the board, and Marquise Brown became the first. He and Lamar Jackson on the field together are expected to be responsible for defensive coordinators and secondary members in the NFL not currently employed by the Baltimore Ravens.

Brown is tiny. But he's a game-breaking speedster who showcased nuanced road-running skills and insane acceleration with the ball in his hands. If he can stay healthy at the next level, he can be the ideal companion to Baltimore's run-heavy offense.

Raiders make pick we'd been expecting in Josh Jacobs

The Raiders had a glitch at the Marshawn Lynch Retirement News, and even before that, Oakland needed to get younger at the position.

I'd be hard pressed to pick up a running back in the first round, and this was near the end of it. However, Jacobs, a powerful, linear runner with one-cut ability was my RB5 in this class. Of course, he was the consensus top back, so with the Raiders clearly having their eye on him, they need to pick him up in the first round to be guaranteed he'd be on the roster.

Jacobs' ability is enticing, and he can run through some tackles. I did not see first-round caliber jump cuts or lateral agility on a consistent basis, and while he can not do it, I thought he went down on first contact too often.

Texans overdraft Alabama State's Howard Tytus out of necessity

Tytus Howard was probably picked a day too early, but the Texans had a clear-cut need to tackle and choose to address a high-upside, project-type from Alabama State.

Howard has vice grips for hands, he's just not always accurate in getting his hands inside. But when you watch him, you see a fluid athlete who flies backward comfortably in his footsteps.

Speaking of which, his lower half needs more weight. He battles hard but will get bull-rushed by NFL edge rushers until he can anchor more effectively. And it will be possible to take a step back to the next level.

Eagles find Jason Peters' heir apparent in Andre Dillard

Man, the Eagles did the dirty Texans. One pick away from Houston grabbing Andre Dillard, the most athletic, cleanest pass-blocking tackle in the class, Philadelphia traded up to take him.

And this is vintage Howie Roseman. Planning ahead. Jason Peters is still on the roster, but he's probably playing in his final season at the Eagles. Dillard has very limited experience in blocking, which is why I think he has a bit in this draft, but for Dillard, being able to learn the nuances of the position from Peters for a season will be monumentally important.

He does not need to play extensively in 2018, and unless it is likely he will not.

Boom-or-bust safety Another Savage Savage Packers

Darnell Savage is a fun watch on film. Until he's not. You're going to be able to come back to the top of the field when he lays the lumber. But for many impressive tackles, he is on his way. That's a little concerning for a first-round Pick Packers traded up to get.

His range is not limited to Savage is best in a robber role, but it can be used in the field, but it can sink into the depths of the field. The Packers are clearly prioritizing the secondary, which I do not hate. This just seems too early for Savage, a compact, hard-hitting, rangy safety with plenty of misses on film.

Broncos give Joe Flacco his new best friend in Noah Fant

Joe Flacco loved using his tight ends in Baltimore, so John Elway and the Broncos went out and grabbed the second-best tight end in this class after acquiring extra picks by trading back from No. 10 overall.

Solid work. Fantasy is not a make-it-you-miss tight end in space, but it creates space before the fight with its explosiveness off the ball and ability to sustain speed down the field. He proved to be the most athletic tight end in this class.

Now with Fant, Courtland Sutton, and DaeSean Hamilton, Flacco has a young and intriguing collection of pass catchers in Denver. Maybe it was a tad early for Fant, but I understand the positional need for the Broncos.

Titans get elite talent in Jeffery Simmons at No. 18

Knee ligament-ligament tears are viewed in the negative, but such an anterior injury in the overall picture.

And listen, ACL tears are not impossible to recover from. In fact, the majority of NFL players have no problem returning to form after them. My comparison for Simmons is Ndamukong Suh. And while he is not a strong trainer of Nebraska superstar, Simmons is a heavy-handed, supremely gifted athlete who will wreak havoc on the interior of the defensive line and can play it out.

He has a fast first step, developed pass-rushing moves and huge power. Even if he can not play until October or November, this is a shrewd pick for Jon Robinson and the Titans.

Vikings add necessity in ultra-athletic center Garrett Bradbury

The Vikings were one of the few teams in the field, and they got to, the best center in Bradbury.

Had him had 2 2 2 2 2 2 had had had had had had Brad Brad Brad Brad Brad Brad Brad Brad Brad Brad Brad Brad Brad Brad Brad Brad Brad Brad Brad Brad Brad Brad Brad Brad Brad Brad Brad Brad Brad Brad Brad Brad Brad Brad Brad Brad Brad Brad Brad Brad Brad. Probably since Travis Frederick in 2013.

The reach blocks that he pulls off, most centers would not even try. He's an exquisite option as he has a stretch on the run, and his flexible hips, ankles, and dynamic feet allow him to stop penetrating defensive tackles in their tracks with great regularity. Kirk Cousins ​​and Dalvin Cook should be happy with this selection. The Vikings got a good one in Bradbury. But the strength issue must be addressed quickly.

Giants understandably add to their D-line with Huge Dexter Lawrence

Dave Gettleman does not care about Hog Mollies up front on the defensive line, and he picked up a gargantuan one in Dexter Lawrence.

Despite having a tall, nose tackle body type, Lawrence is far from stationary, and he is not someone who will simply eat blockers at the next level or only thrive against the run.

He has a developed pass-rush move arsenal and, to me, has the most powerful rush in the entire draft class. This is a replacement for the Damon Harrison and a player who can give the Giants push up the middle. Daniel Jones at No. 6 overall for the Giants.

Panthers get good value in Burns, who needs to get stronger

The Carolina Panthers took a rusher edge in Burns with All-Pro potential. Seriously. He just needs to get stronger and gain weight at the next level. And if these are your biggest needs as a young rusher, you're in business.

Burns has a ridiculously fast first step, can bend / dip around the corner and has a nice collection of pass-rushing moves, including an inside counter that should be given to the outside world.

He has long arms, and he's lanky, even at 249 pounds. Burns must play in the 250-260 range to be able to handle the force generated by NFL tackles on a weekly basis. And, with more mass and power, his pass-rushing moves that worked wonders in most occasions in the ACC will be effective in the pros. Big need filled with a prospect that represents good value at No. 16 overall.

Dwayne Haskins Redskins

As long as the Redskins take a methodical approach with Dwayne Haskins and do not rush him on the field, I'll be OK with this pick for Washington.

Haskins was my No. 3 QB in this class and a second-round talent … but that comes with a monstrous caveat. He only played one season at Ohio State and made some flawless pocket-passing ability. So there's an abundance of talent to work with.

I just worry about trying to drift into the pocket, lack of downfield – and at times intermediate – accuracy. Moving through his reads? No problem. He can be lightning fast in that look. Huge more. His anticipatory skills could be better, and he would have a better understanding of the game. He processes quickly. And as a short-passing, get-it-out-quick-quarterback, Haskins fits in Jay Gruden's West Coast system. Just give him time, Washington. Please.

Most probably not worth a top 15 pick, Falcons get my No. 1 guard in Lindstrom

While I had Chris Lindstrom just in my second round of prospects, he entered the draft of my No. 1 guard, so I do not like that for Atlanta, especially if the Falcons front office identified as a huge need.

Lindstrom is a loose-hipped, powerful guard who played at Boston College until his senior season. Because he does not have NFL to deal with, he makes the right decision kicking inside, and he absolutely dominated.

Lindstrom has been in the process of protecting and storing the glue to the bottom line. To protect Matt Ryan from inside, this is a sensitive pick. And because of his superior athletic talents, I love Lindstrom in Atlanta's zone-blocking scheme. A little early. But getting the No. 1 guard at this point of the draft is solid.

Wilkins gives Dolphins a versatile, high-floor, high-defensive lineman

The Dolphins, with their head coach Brian Flores, want to be better in Miami, and they have a high-profile star in Wilkins at No. 13 overall.

He's been on the NFL radar since an excellent sophomore season in 2016, and after a down 2017, Wilkins surprised everyone by returning to school then he really took a step forward as a rusher pass during Clemson's national title campaign in 2018.

With Wilkins, the Dolphins are getting a wide, physically imposing, high floor defensive tackle who can carry out multiple responsibilities from a variety of positions up front does not appear to be someone ready to erupt a double-digit sack player anytime soon . He just does not have the speed and athleticism to be that type. I had Wilkins as my No. 12 overall player in this class, so the value is nearly perfect for Miami.

The Dolphins know what they're getting with him, understand he's going to be a reliable, multi-faceted player, and he'll be a major positive force in the locker room. I like it.

Packers reach by selecting freakishly athletic project Rashan Gary at No. 12

The first non-QB reach in Round 1 belongs to the Green Bay Packers with their selection of Rashan Gary. But I kind of get it.

Mike Pettine likely envisions utilizing Gary as a stand up outside linebacker at the end of the line in other situations. And versatility is a good thing in today's NFL.

Look, Gary is a freaky dude. To run under 4.60 at 277 pounds is flat-out stupid. The rest of his workout was awesome too. But he has very minimal pass-rushing moves. No real plan when attacking beyond trying to win with speed or bull-rushing power.

And the Packers just signed Za'Darius Smith and Preston Smith, two other hybrid defenders, in free agency. So that makes the pick even more puzzling. But, a redshirt-type of season for Gary would be the best race of action for the Packers. Keep him on a low-ish snap count while he tries to learn pass-rushing moves.

Bengals go safe with Jonah Williams, build the offensive line for the future

Cincinnati could've taken a quarterback at No. 11 by picking Dwayne Haskins. They made the right decision with Jonah Williams, the best offensive linemen in this class.

Williams is a tackle at the NFL level. He showed he can lock down SEC pass rushers – and Clemson pass rushers for the most part – in his three seasons with the Crimson Tide. He is a master technician, plenty strong enough, and just as capable as a pass protector as he is paving lanes for the run.

Williams will definitely help Andy Dalton possibly return to form in 2019, but this pick seems like a future, in the future. Love it. Outstanding value.

Pittsburgh trades up for LB who plays like classic Steelers defender

The Steelers addressed the devin bush, another incredibly fast, ultra-twitched second-level defender who plays with style that fits with Pittsburgh's nasty tradition on that side of the ball.

He will be running back to the corner. Regularly. While it's not super fast running and running in coverage, with sub 4.50 speed, it can run with every tight end and 90% of ball carriers.

Bush will also lay the lumber. Often. He recognizes the direction of running plays quickly, which gives him another step, which is downright unfair. I do not worry about being overly physical when it comes to taking on blocks. Bush is more apt to unload on a lead blocker – thus taking it out of the play – than utilizing his hands to effectively get to the football.

The trade up that has a second year and a third in 2020, which makes it a little more difficult for this to be considered an amazing pick. Then again, the Steelers have a closing Super Bowl window.

Bush will significantly improve Pittsburgh's run defense, and while he is in the foreground, he has the physical tools to eventually be stellar on pass plays.

Bills hit a home run with Ed Oliver at No. 9 overall.

Buffalo's war room must be ecstatic right now. Heck, just before the draft, rumblings surfaced that Buffalo was exploring a trade up to nab Oliver. Brandon Beane and Co. stayed at Kyle Williams at the play-making three-technical position.

Oliver is the most athletic gifted defensive tackle to enter the NFL since Aaron Donald, and while he's not refined as a rusher as the Rams superstar, he's an incredibly disruptive player on the inside because of his first step, sustained speed, awesome leverage, otherworldly lateral agility, and surprising power.

He has been an excellent run-stopper since the time he was on his college football field, and in his final season at Houston, Oliver improved his pass-rush thanks to more effective pass-rushing maneuvers. Love this pick for Buffalo. Ideal match of value and need.

Lions get complete, dynamic Hockenson TE, but value is not there

I love T.J. Hockenson as much as the next guy. Well, maybe not that much, and it's not because of the player. It's becoming of the position he plays.

Hockenson is my No. 1 tight end in this class because he can do it all. Stretch the seam with more explosiveness. High-point on inaccurate throws. Accumulate big yards after the wrestling. And block better than anyone at his position in this draft.

But Eric Ebron (2014), Vernon Davis (2006) and Kellen Winslow II (2004). All good players. Did any of them totally change their respective offenses? Nope. It's just hard for a tight end to that day. If the Lions want to force feed Hockenson the ball and keep him on the field for 70-80% off the snaps, I'm more OK with this selection.

And Lions head coach Matt Patricia knows how vital and elite tight end can be after his time in New England. Of course, I do not think Hock is the next Rob Gronkowski. The Iowa tight end is a squeaky clean prospect. The value is not there at tight end inside the top 10.

Josh Allen sensitive pick for edge-needy Jags, but hand work must improve

After moving Dante Fowler at the trade deadline a year ago, the Jaguars clearly needed to address the rusher position in the offseason.

Josh Allen at No. 7 overall. Allen had 17 sacks as a senior, and proved to be a fluid athlete in coverage after bulking up to over 260 pounds. The Kentucky star can win against NFL offensive tackles with sheer speed and huge power on the outside. I really believe that. He's that fast around the corner. And he can bend it.

But his pass-rushing move arsenal is not fantastic. It needs a fair amount of work. That's my main concern with him as a top-level prospect, and the reason.

Giants set unfairly high expectations for clearly flawed QB Daniel Jones

We did it, it did not happen. GM Giants Dave Gettleman really picked Jones at No. 6 overall. Man.

Jones looks the part. No doubt about that. And he can get the ball out quickly. He can be an impressive runner too. He also puts the ball in precarious situations too often, throws off balance frequently, and lacks downfield accuracy.

He does not have a great arm to really drive football. Inside the pocket, Jones is pretty good. He can work through his progressions quickly and the ability to drift away from pressure. But this is a work-in-progress quarterback who should have gone away in Round 2 but is now a top 10 pick up Eli Manning's heir apparent. In the absolute best case scenario, I think Jones can be Eli-like. Should not the Giants have a higher target at the quarterback spot?

Buccaneers needed a young, LB speedy, and they got one in Devin White

After losing Kwon Alexander in free agency, the Buccaneers had to address the linebacker spot, and they got a stud in Devin White.

Devin Bush seemsingly made in the first linebacker taken, but White is a better prospect. After a 2017 in the face of a lot of tackles and was decent in coverage, the LSU star ends and running backs.

In the NFC South, a conference with stellar quarterback play, having an awesome blitzing linebacker – which is most likely to be a gigantic luxury. The Buccaneers have that with White, and he'll pair wonderfully with Lavonte David.

Do not worry Raiders Fans, Ferrell is a great pick at No. 4 overall

We should have seen you, the first major surprise of the night came via Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock. I like Clelin Ferrell. I really do. Had him in the middle of the first round of my Big Board. Ahead of Josh Allen from Kentucky. Ahead of Brian Burns from Florida State.

Why? Because Ferrell can beat you in many ways. That's huge once you get to the NFL level. Allen's pass-rushing moves are lacking. Burns needs to add weight and strength.

Ferrell has legit NFL defensive end and multiple high-level production seasons at a major program. He has long arms, he is a stellar edge-setter against the run, and is really starting to show an advanced arsenal of pass-rushing moves in his final season at Clemson. My comparison for him is Chandler Jones.

As my No. 3 pure edge rusher in this class, I do not think this is too early, except if the Raiders would have been able to draft Ferrell at No. 24 overall, and there is no guarantee there.

Jets went best with Quinnen Williams, now dangerous in middle

The Jets are not going to be fun to block the middle. Leonard Williams and now Williams Quinnen at defensive tackle. Goodness. I'll get the only knock on Quinnen out of the way … he only had one year of high-level production at Alabama, and he played behind multiple future first-round picks on the Crimson Tide's defensive line.

New York is getting an interior defensive lineman as well-rounded as they come. Insane first step, quickness-to-power conversion, mastery hand-work, good lateral agility. He can two-gap to help free linebackers – like newcomer C.J. Mosley – or line up on the outside shoulder of the guard and attack the quarterback.

Not the biggest need for the Jets with Leonard Williams already on the roster, but New York went best player at No. 3 overall, and it's hard to criticize that philosophy.

With Nick Bosa, the defensive line 49ers is suddenly loaded

Bosa, the best prospect in this class, San Francisco has some major horses up front. By trading a 2020 second-round pick for Ford Dee, Bosa will not be the "alpha" pass rusher for the 49ers, and defensive tackle DeForest Bucker is already one of the most underrated players in the NFL.

While there were rumors about the 49ers shopping 2017 No. 3 overall pick Solomon Thomas, with Bosa in the mix, Thomas can now bump inside, his most natural position, where he mainly thrived in his final year at Stanford. In a division with Russell Wilson, and the high octane Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco can not have too many talented pass rushers, and now they have three scary defenders up front.

Bosa can win with speed, bend around the edge, power, and, most importantly, ridiculously polished hand work. In fact, Bosa has better than NFL outside rushers. No joke. Smart, easy pick for the 49ers.

Cardinals logically hitch their wagon to Murray

After crawling speculation the past few weeks that would not happen … it did. Kyler Murray is the newest member of the Arizona Cardinals, and Josh Rosen's days are numbered.

Was this absolutely necessary? No. Josh Rosen can be a quarterback franchise at the NFL level. And I assumes a trade involving will happen at some of the next few days. Or maybe hours. But with Kliff Kingsbury on the sidelines now in Arizona, picking Murray is super logical because of the lack of schematic learning curve.

Murray is an electric runner and a deft pocket passer. He flashed his insane pocket patience – simply standing in his face when he was trying to get away from it. and morphed into a back back prematurely when he should have tried to draft away from pressure.

In the end, Murray is the next generation of the wave of talented, Air Raid quarterbacks in a league that's becoming more welcoming to that offensive scheme, and he's landed with an air raid head coach. Perfect match.

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