Miami Dolphins pass on Wilkins in this 2019 NFL round 1 redraft
Pick #11, Cincinnati Bengals: Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
Left tackles are more important than defensive tackles; but not if they don’t play. Jonah Williams has only played 10 of a possible 32 games in his two years with the Bengals. Selecting Lawrence instead would have helped plug up a downright terrible Bengals run defense (ranked 25th and 31st in yards-per-attempt the last two years).
Actual Pick: Jonah Williams, G/T
Pick #12, Green Bay Packers: A.J. Brown, WR, Mississippi
It was a close call between Brown and D.J. Metcalf but, in the end, Brown had a better catch percentage, yards-per-reception, and touchdown catches. If Rodgers had a receiving combo of Devante Adams and Brown, do you think there would have been a big ruckus caused by passing on a WR for QB Jordan Love in 2020?
Actual Pick: Rashan Gary, DE/OLB, Michigan
Pick #13, Miami Dolphins: D.K. Metcalf, WR, Mississippi
Mississippi Rebel wide receivers go back-to-back in this redraft. Pairing Metcalf with Devante Parker would give the Dolphins a formidable 1-2 punch at wide receiver. Despite the slight statistical edge mentioned above, Metcalf is also a ‘monster’ on the field. This 2020 Pro Bowl WR is coming off an 83 catch,1303 yards season and hasn’t missed a game in two years. Compare that to the current often-injured pair of Jakeem Grant and Preston Williams.
Actual Pick: Christian Wilkins, DL, Clemson
Pick #14, Atlanta Falcons: Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama
This pick is sure to break the hearts of Raiders fans but the secret is out on Jacobs. While the Falcons have struggled to run the football (30th and 27th in rushing yards the past two seasons), jacobs has put up back-to-back 1000 yard rushing seasons and has bulldozed his way for 19 touchdowns.
Actual Pick: Chris Lindstrom, C/G, Boston College
Pick #15, Washington Football Team: Elgton Jenkins, C, Mississippi State
Centers that go this high have to be pretty special and, so far, Jenkins fits the bill. With 30 starts in two seasons, Jenkins has helped take Green Bay’s offense to the next level; and earned himself a Pro Bowl nod in 2020.
Actual Pick: Dwayne Haskins, QB
Pick #16, Carolina Panthers: T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa
With current tight end Greg Olson nearing the end of his career, the Panthers select the top TE on the board. Hockenson has been a reliable target for (now former) Lions’ QB Matthew Stafford and was voted to his first Pro Bowl in 2020. Sure, I think the team would rather have their original pick (Burns went 7th) but they made out pretty well here.
Actual Pick: Brian Burns, Edge
Pick #17, New York Giants: Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma
Seems fitting that the Giants use the pick acquired from the Odell Beckham Jr. trade to replenish their anemic wide receiver position. Brown provides the Giants with something they haven’t had in a long time; a WR capable of taking the ball for a touchdown on any play.
Actual Pick: Dexter Lawrence, DT
Pick #18, Minnesota Vikings: Jonah Williams, T, Alabama
While Reilly Rieff has the left tackle position locked down in Minnesota, the team could’ve used an upgrade on the right side. Williams is a mauler that would help improve both the passing and running game; if his injury woes are behind him.
Actual Pick: Garrett Bradbury, C
Pick #19, Tennessee Titans: Rashan Gary, Edge/LB, Michigan
If the Titans are missing one thing the most, it’s a player that can rush the passer. Why Gary’s snaps have been limited in Green Bay is uncertain but he’s contributed 7 sacks despite only starting four games.
Actual Pick: Jeffrey Simmons, DT, Mississipi State
Pick #20, Pittsburgh Steelers: Dalton Risner, T, Kansas State
The Steelers would gladly redo the trade that brought them Devin Bush Jr. but since this redraft doesn’t allow draft-day trades, the Steelers fortify their offensive line with Risner. With the capability to play both guard and tackle, maybe his presence stops QB Ben Roethlisberger from being knocked out only two games into the 2019 season.
Actual Pick (made by Denver): Noah Fant, TE