The Saxy Lady is the one with the beer Before I get to the 2019 NFL Draft I've been remiss in a recap of the first (somewhat annual?) GO JUMBO March Madness First Round visit. Every once in a while on the GO JUMBO trip we discuss how the second busiest day in Vegas is the opening round of March Madness and how fun it might be to attend.
Well, this year, Berg jumped on it. He was going. He spent the next few months trying to berate us into coming. Woz was an early yes but everyone else was passing. I was back and forth depending on what was going on at work. Ultimately, I was able to make a last minute decision to attend.
Berg brought his son, Son of a Berg. Mild mannered, well mannered and articulate he is nothing like his father or any Hole member for that matter. Not that we try. They are attributes we know to be out of our reach. There's a hard cap on our virtue.
Of course there are the usual type of stories. Woz made a Pete bet. He bet the over on the Big Ten victories at 10.5 By Saturday they were at 7. Things were looking good until he realized he had bet the under.
On Sunday Woz and I bet Liberty to cover vs Va Tech. Woz was getting 8.5 while, by waiting a day, I got Liberty +9.5. When the game ended, Va Tech had won by 9. I gave my condolences only to find out I had bet on Va Tech giving 9.5. We had both lost by the hook.
There was the guy at the Roulette table who was extremely drunk. Worse than we were at the Festival Daze. He kept asking who Woz was and I would tell him that he was a friend from college. "Your son?" Nope a friend. Then he would turn to Woz and ask if he was my son. This went on for a good half an hour.
Typical GO JUMBO type times. Glad I went. It was fun. Not quite as fun as GO JUMBO. Whether it was attendance or the programming it just wasn't quite the same. We decided that we shouldn't be annually but not sporadically either. It would also be a good chance to try out new venues as sports gambling spreads across our fruited plain. Atlantic City and DC were top choices.
Well, this year, Berg jumped on it. He was going. He spent the next few months trying to berate us into coming. Woz was an early yes but everyone else was passing. I was back and forth depending on what was going on at work. Ultimately, I was able to make a last minute decision to attend.
Berg brought his son, Son of a Berg. Mild mannered, well mannered and articulate he is nothing like his father or any Hole member for that matter. Not that we try. They are attributes we know to be out of our reach. There's a hard cap on our virtue.
Of course there are the usual type of stories. Woz made a Pete bet. He bet the over on the Big Ten victories at 10.5 By Saturday they were at 7. Things were looking good until he realized he had bet the under.
On Sunday Woz and I bet Liberty to cover vs Va Tech. Woz was getting 8.5 while, by waiting a day, I got Liberty +9.5. When the game ended, Va Tech had won by 9. I gave my condolences only to find out I had bet on Va Tech giving 9.5. We had both lost by the hook.
There was the guy at the Roulette table who was extremely drunk. Worse than we were at the Festival Daze. He kept asking who Woz was and I would tell him that he was a friend from college. "Your son?" Nope a friend. Then he would turn to Woz and ask if he was my son. This went on for a good half an hour.
Typical GO JUMBO type times. Glad I went. It was fun. Not quite as fun as GO JUMBO. Whether it was attendance or the programming it just wasn't quite the same. We decided that we shouldn't be annually but not sporadically either. It would also be a good chance to try out new venues as sports gambling spreads across our fruited plain. Atlantic City and DC were top choices.
The NFL is trying to make the draft a Super Bowl lite. Cities are bidding against each other to host the NCAA's graduation ceremony. Nashville landed it this year and did a fantastic job. The sight of Broadway avenue filled with thousands of football fans was a somthing to behold. In amongst the draftniks was the Saxy Lady. She stayed long enough to watch Goodell get booed and announce the first pick. She then left for a drier venue with full kegs.
The rest of the first round went as usual, full of reaches, steals and WTF were the Lions thinking.
The rest of the first round went as usual, full of reaches, steals and WTF were the Lions thinking.
1. Kyler Murray QB Oklahoma - Kliff Kingsbury was brought in to fix the NFL's worst offense. He knows it starts at QB. Kingsbury had Mahomes at Texas Tech. That's working out pretty good. He recruited Murray to Texas Tech but lost him to Oklahoma. Good eye for talent there. Now he wants him to lead his Desert Air Raid offense. Last year's first round pic, Josh Rosen just didn't fit the bill.
The idea is that Murray will be another Mahomes or Wilson. Maybe, but they are bigger and can survive the pounding he is about to get. Expect Murray to be electric and then take a season ending hit and the fun in the sun ends.
The idea is that Murray will be another Mahomes or Wilson. Maybe, but they are bigger and can survive the pounding he is about to get. Expect Murray to be electric and then take a season ending hit and the fun in the sun ends.
2. Nick Bosa DE Ohio State - The Niners pass rush was a joke last year. The 35 pass TDs allowed vs just 2 picks set an NFL record for futility. With the Cardinals going with a 1st round QB pick for the second year in a row, the path was open to pick between the two highest rated DLs in this year draft. They had a choice between the more talented DT vs the more productive edge rusher. They went with the guy with the better bloodlines in Bosa.
With the addition of Dee Ford, as long as Bosa's groin injury is healed, the Niners pass rush gets a significant upgrade.
With the addition of Dee Ford, as long as Bosa's groin injury is healed, the Niners pass rush gets a significant upgrade.
3. Quinnen Williams DT Alabama - The Jets are reportedly sticking with the 3-4 defense and the most talented player in the draft is a nose tackle. Match made in heaven. They didn't trade down as was rumored and got the guy they needed.
What does divisional rival Tom Brady hate the most? Pressure up the middle. Who had the best interior best pass rushing grade ever? Quinnen Williams. In a couple of years, this could end up being graded the best pick of the draft.
What does divisional rival Tom Brady hate the most? Pressure up the middle. Who had the best interior best pass rushing grade ever? Quinnen Williams. In a couple of years, this could end up being graded the best pick of the draft.
4. Clelin Ferrel DE Clemson - There's a huge difference between being a commentator on the draft and actually making the picks. The Lions learned the hard way with Matt Millen. Now it's Oakland's turn with Mike Mayock.
This is probably the biggest gaffe of the draft. No doubt Ferrell has talent and is worth a first round pick. But the Raiders had three in the first round and could have had him later on. By taking him at four the in essence passed on the next twenty picks. If any of them become a superstar (say Josh Allen or Ed Oliver), the talk won't be about how good Ferrel is but how they missed on the star. Good pick. He'll immediately improve the DL with the fewest sacks, by far, last year, Just the wrong spot.
This is probably the biggest gaffe of the draft. No doubt Ferrell has talent and is worth a first round pick. But the Raiders had three in the first round and could have had him later on. By taking him at four the in essence passed on the next twenty picks. If any of them become a superstar (say Josh Allen or Ed Oliver), the talk won't be about how good Ferrel is but how they missed on the star. Good pick. He'll immediately improve the DL with the fewest sacks, by far, last year, Just the wrong spot.
5. Devin White LB LSU - And there goes the guy I was hoping the Lions would land. earlier prohjections had him available at 8 but as the draft got closer he moved up. Crap. He has exactly what the Lions needed, ability to cover, rush the passer, great leader and positive effect on the locker room.
The Bucs' defense allowed the highest completion percentage in the NFL last season. White will be an immediate upgrade. Tampa Bay got a good one.
The Bucs' defense allowed the highest completion percentage in the NFL last season. White will be an immediate upgrade. Tampa Bay got a good one.
6. Daniel Jones QB Duke - Teams behind the Giants can't believe their luck. Two whiffs mean better pickings. Sure they Giants need an heir apparent for Eli but Jones isn't it.. He may be smart but he's not that accurate and doesn't have a great arm either. He's Manning lite. Not a good thing.
This will turn out to be the among the biggest busts of the draft.
This will turn out to be the among the biggest busts of the draft.
7. Josh Allen DE Kentucky - Christmas came early for the Jags. Allen could have gone as high as third and no one would have blinked. Jacksonville sprinted to the podium with their pick when Allen was available here.
The SEC defensive player of the year is a great addition to an already solid defense. He'll start out in passing situations before becoming a three down LB. Great pick
The SEC defensive player of the year is a great addition to an already solid defense. He'll start out in passing situations before becoming a three down LB. Great pick
8. T.J. Hockenson TE Iowa - Flashback. Lions fans were having flashbacks to the 2014 draft when they went with Eric Ebron and passing on Aaron Donald. Maybe, but Hockenson is much better the Drops Ebron and there are no Aaron Donalds further back though some will flash that type of brilliance.
What it does show is that the Lions still don't know how to read the draft. No teams were likely to take a TE for several selections. And DL was a position of need for the Lions and other teams. What the Lions needed to do was put the word out they were going to go with Oliver or Bush and let the auction for their pick begin. They could have easily picked up another late second or third round selection and still gotten Hockenson. It would have been what the Patriots would have done.
Safe pick, he is a definite upgrade at the position and will start for several years, but they could have had more.
What it does show is that the Lions still don't know how to read the draft. No teams were likely to take a TE for several selections. And DL was a position of need for the Lions and other teams. What the Lions needed to do was put the word out they were going to go with Oliver or Bush and let the auction for their pick begin. They could have easily picked up another late second or third round selection and still gotten Hockenson. It would have been what the Patriots would have done.
Safe pick, he is a definite upgrade at the position and will start for several years, but they could have had more.
9. Ed Oliver DT Houston - If the draft indeed plays out like 2014, this is the next Aaron Donald. He'll be another stor of the draft with his quick first step and ability to pressure up the middle. Buffalo was willing to trade up to get him and yet fell right into their laps (thank you Detroit and Oakland)
He's been destroying offenses for a long time. He was a 5 star recruit coming out of HS who eschewed Bama to stay home in Houston. He was the Outland trophy winner as a sophomore. Now he will be an All Pro in the near future.
He's been destroying offenses for a long time. He was a 5 star recruit coming out of HS who eschewed Bama to stay home in Houston. He was the Outland trophy winner as a sophomore. Now he will be an All Pro in the near future.
10. Devin Bush LB Michigan - If Bush was such a "three-down linebacker with outstanding quickness, athleticism and speed" how did scUM let up 103 points in their last two games mainly by giving up quick slant passes over the middle.
He's the typical overrated Wolverine. The Steelers have been looking for the replacement for Ryan Shazier. The will still be looking.
He's the typical overrated Wolverine. The Steelers have been looking for the replacement for Ryan Shazier. The will still be looking.
11. Jonah Williams, OT/G, Alabama - And the first OL goes off the board. He was graded the highest but there are still concerns. He' not quite long enough to play tackle yet not quite strong enough to play guard.
In 2017, he replaced one of the all time busts Cam Robinson as LT for the Tide. He won't be that bad. He'll likely play RT and become an average OL for several years. Not exactly what you want out of the 11th pick.
In 2017, he replaced one of the all time busts Cam Robinson as LT for the Tide. He won't be that bad. He'll likely play RT and become an average OL for several years. Not exactly what you want out of the 11th pick.
12. Rashan Gary DE/DT, Michigan - Hahahahahaha The Packers are idiots. But not as dumb as Gary. He scored a 9 on the Wonderlic test. You get a seven for just spelling your name right. Obviously not the sharpest tool in the shed. So how did he maintain a 3.0 at Michigan? So much for the brightest and the best.
And it's not like he lit it up on the field either. For all the supposed athleticism he underproduced on the field. If he couldn't produce while scUM was getting torched what makes you think he'll suddenly produce in the NFL? The Packers are drafting their way to the bottom of the NFC Norse. They are one injury to Aaron from getting a top 5 pick next year.
And it's not like he lit it up on the field either. For all the supposed athleticism he underproduced on the field. If he couldn't produce while scUM was getting torched what makes you think he'll suddenly produce in the NFL? The Packers are drafting their way to the bottom of the NFC Norse. They are one injury to Aaron from getting a top 5 pick next year.
13. Christian Wilkins DT Clemson - It was the Dolphins laughing the hardest at Packers pick. While Green Bay went with the McFly of the draft - a real slacker - Miami went with the ultraproductive, high character, team captain.
Miami had the 31st worst rush defense. He's the replacement the Fins have been looking for since Suh left. Oh, and his former DL coach at Clemson is now in Miami. Great pick
Miami had the 31st worst rush defense. He's the replacement the Fins have been looking for since Suh left. Oh, and his former DL coach at Clemson is now in Miami. Great pick
14. Chris Lindstrom G Boston College - The Falcons weren't taking any chances. Once Wilkins went off the board, they could have tried to trade back and hope Lindstrom was still there in the 20's. But Matty Ice was sacked 42 times last year. The 2nd most in his career. With six players starting at guard, he needs help and Lindstrom was the guy.
It was the safe pick. The merry-go-round in the ATL at guard stops.
It was the safe pick. The merry-go-round in the ATL at guard stops.
15. Dwayne Haskins QB Ohio State - I was wondering who was going to take this bust in the making. Projections had him going in the top 10 which would have made it all timer of a bust. When State was preparing to play tOSU the word was that he has no mobility and if he feels pressure he makes poor throws. It's exactly what happened.
If he can't handle college pressure he sure isn't ready for what he is about to face. The Redskins are desperate for a QB after Cousins left and Smith went down. Haskins is not the answer.
If he can't handle college pressure he sure isn't ready for what he is about to face. The Redskins are desperate for a QB after Cousins left and Smith went down. Haskins is not the answer.
16. Brian Burns DE/OLB Florida State - It was a good value pick. Burns rated higher with his athleticism in the pass rush and ability to cover. The Panthers are moving to a 3-4 so they will need help off the edge and Julius Peppers retiring.
He'll get to learn from the best in Kuechly too. Solid pick.
He'll get to learn from the best in Kuechly too. Solid pick.
17. Dexter Lawrence NT Clemson - The run on Clemson DL continues. The Giants needed help up the middle after losing Snacks Harrison to the Lions. Lawrence fits the bill He a mountain for a man with some quickness too. He'll fit in nicely with the GMen's base 3-4 defense.
He'll always been unfairly tagged with being the pick in return for trading Odell to the Browns. He'll never live up to that standard but he will anchor the defense and be a success in his own right.
He'll always been unfairly tagged with being the pick in return for trading Odell to the Browns. He'll never live up to that standard but he will anchor the defense and be a success in his own right.
18. Garrett Bradbury C NC State - The Vikings went with a need pick and they definitely needed an upgrade at center. Bradbury is considered one of the better center prospects to come down the pike in a long time. He won the Rimington award this year as the nations's best center.
He's athletic, tough and technically sound. Cousins and Dalvin Cook are smiling in the Twin Cities
He's athletic, tough and technically sound. Cousins and Dalvin Cook are smiling in the Twin Cities
19. Jeffery Simmons DT Mississippi State - Simmons was dominating in the interior then he blew out his ACL prepping for the combine. If it weren't for the injury he would have gone in the Top 5. That and a little scuffle with the law back in 2016. It's behind him.
If the ACL heals right he should be a good one but the Titans need help now in Mariota's last year of his contract.
In essence, Tennessee stockpiles a second first round pick for next year.
If the ACL heals right he should be a good one but the Titans need help now in Mariota's last year of his contract.
In essence, Tennessee stockpiles a second first round pick for next year.
20. Noah Fant TE Iowa - They wanted Batman but ended up with Robin. When the Lions took Hockinson, the Broncos wisely traded back knowing the could get Fant later on.
He's more of a beefed up slot receiver that true TE. He'll stretch defenses in the passing game but won't be much help in the run game. If he can connect with Flacco for a few years it should be an OK pick.
He's more of a beefed up slot receiver that true TE. He'll stretch defenses in the passing game but won't be much help in the run game. If he can connect with Flacco for a few years it should be an OK pick.
21. Darnell Savage S Maryland - And the Packers whiff again. Was there a cold snap that caused a brain freeze in the brain trust? Savage would have been OK if they took him in the 2nd round where he was projected so why trade up to get him.
He's fast but under sized. His coverage ability compliments SS Amos who's more of a thumper. He should pan out but the Pack gave up too much value to get him
He's fast but under sized. His coverage ability compliments SS Amos who's more of a thumper. He should pan out but the Pack gave up too much value to get him
22. Andre Dillard OT Washington State - When Jonah Willims slid to the Bengals Dillard kept sliding back. THe Eagles waited and then pounced trading up three slots to grab Jason Peter's replacement.
He has good size and athletic but has shorter arms. He didn't put his arm on the ground under Mike Leach air raid offense so there's a question whether he can adapt to the pro game.
He should and help protect Carson Wentz in the next Eagle playoff run.
He has good size and athletic but has shorter arms. He didn't put his arm on the ground under Mike Leach air raid offense so there's a question whether he can adapt to the pro game.
He should and help protect Carson Wentz in the next Eagle playoff run.
23. Tytus Howard OT Alabama State - When the Eagles snuck ahead of the Texans and nabbed Dillard, Houston panicked. Grabbing Howard was a huge reach. He was projected in the third round. late second at the earliest.
The Texans desperately needed pass projection. They let up 116 sacks over the last two years, 12 more than everyone else. Deshaun Watson is getting killed out there. Howard is another gigantic human being and should help. It was a need pick but this was far too early.
The Texans desperately needed pass projection. They let up 116 sacks over the last two years, 12 more than everyone else. Deshaun Watson is getting killed out there. Howard is another gigantic human being and should help. It was a need pick but this was far too early.
24. Josh Jacobs RB Alabama - Mike Mayock continues to blow the draft. Jacobs never emerged as the full time starter at Bama and you take him in the first round? This isn't the 70's. Today's league only takes RBs in the first round if they are elite like Fournette. Jacobs is no Fournette.
It was a need pick with Marshawn Lynch retiring but this was way too early. Mayock is looking more like Millen as the night goes on.
It was a need pick with Marshawn Lynch retiring but this was way too early. Mayock is looking more like Millen as the night goes on.
25. Marquise Brown WR Oklahoma - Mayock could leanr from Baltimore on how to play the draft. The Ravens targeted Brown but rather reach they traded back and still got their guy.
One of fastest WR's as far as game speed to play in a long time, Ultraquick with the ability to track the ball, he will get a ton of YAC. Not very big, in fact he is tiny by NFL standards, he won't be a fade threat in the end zone. But he will rack up the yards. He'll make Lamar Jackosn start looking good.
One of fastest WR's as far as game speed to play in a long time, Ultraquick with the ability to track the ball, he will get a ton of YAC. Not very big, in fact he is tiny by NFL standards, he won't be a fade threat in the end zone. But he will rack up the yards. He'll make Lamar Jackosn start looking good.
26. Montez Sweat DE/OLB Mississippi State - Needing DL help, when the Ravens tabbed Brown, the Redskins decided to pounce. They traded 2 2nd round picks to grab Sweat before he fell any further.
Sweat was potentially misdiagnosed with a heart condition causing teams to pass. Without the heart condition, Sweat would have gone in the top 10. He has great speed, good upper body strength and change of direction to get tackles off kilter. Teaming up with Ryan Kerrigan, this is going to be the steal of the draft.
Sweat was potentially misdiagnosed with a heart condition causing teams to pass. Without the heart condition, Sweat would have gone in the top 10. He has great speed, good upper body strength and change of direction to get tackles off kilter. Teaming up with Ryan Kerrigan, this is going to be the steal of the draft.
27. Johnathan Abram, S, Mississippi State - And Mayock gets smoked again. He was going to go for Sweat and the Redskins leapt in front of him to get the guy he wanted.
But at least they didn't panic this time. They took arguably the best safety in the class. Abram is a hitter and has the size to match up with TEs in passing routes. Mayock finally got one somewhat right.
But at least they didn't panic this time. They took arguably the best safety in the class. Abram is a hitter and has the size to match up with TEs in passing routes. Mayock finally got one somewhat right.
28. Jerry Tillery DE/DT Notre Dame - if scUM players are the most overrated year in and year out, ND isn't usually too far behind. Tillery had great measurables at the combine but the production on the field was hit and miss. He would disappear for long stretches.
The Chargers need help up front after the Patriots abused them in the playoffs but unless Tillery gets his head in the game on a consistent basis, Charger fans are going to be pretty disappointed.
The Chargers need help up front after the Patriots abused them in the playoffs but unless Tillery gets his head in the game on a consistent basis, Charger fans are going to be pretty disappointed.
29. L.J. Collier DE TCU - With all the good DL's n the draft this year, the Seahawks kept trading back. By the time they were on the clock all the good ones were gone. Collier is OK. He's much like Frank Clark who they traded to the Chiefs to get the pick. More of a power type run defensing DE rather than a quick pass rusher.
He had a slow time at the combine (4.91) and only started one year at TCU. Seattle played the trade down strategy one too many times.
He had a slow time at the combine (4.91) and only started one year at TCU. Seattle played the trade down strategy one too many times.
30. DeAndre Baker CB Georgia - The Saxy Lady was long gone, off to a dry place to have some adult beverages, by the time one of her Dawgs got selected. It took a couple of pitchers but it was worth the wait.
There's no question Baker is one of the better CBs available. He's can read receivers and routes with above average length and ball skills.
The only question was did the Giants need to trade back up into the first round to get him. New York wasn't going to take a chance. Janoris Jenkins is 30 and they were swimming with 2nd round picks. Good choice.
There's no question Baker is one of the better CBs available. He's can read receivers and routes with above average length and ball skills.
The only question was did the Giants need to trade back up into the first round to get him. New York wasn't going to take a chance. Janoris Jenkins is 30 and they were swimming with 2nd round picks. Good choice.
31. Kaleb McGary OT Washington - The Falcons must really want OL help. McGary is a tall strong OT with very short arms. Projections had him going in the mid 2nd round and slotted to be a RT with those stubby arms.
He'll push for a starting position but there was no need to trade into the 1st round for him. The Falcons would have been better off getting some more help on defense here. Still plenty of good CBs left
He'll push for a starting position but there was no need to trade into the 1st round for him. The Falcons would have been better off getting some more help on defense here. Still plenty of good CBs left
32. N'Keal Harry WR Arizona State - And there goes the player I was hoping would drop to the Lions in the 2nd round. He may not have that elite second gear but he is tall, strong and with his good body control, he gets an unfair share of 50/50 balls.
He's no Gronk but he will look similar to when the Pats would put Gronk on the outside in certain situations. As soon as he earns Brady's trust he will become another weapon for the Pats.
He's no Gronk but he will look similar to when the Pats would put Gronk on the outside in certain situations. As soon as he earns Brady's trust he will become another weapon for the Pats.
Remember the 2019 GO JUMBO trip is Oct 26 at the Westgate
