2019 Post NFL Draft HDL Rookie Draft
Let’s take a good look at what round 1 could shape out to be.
[Editor’s note: Troy’s projections were pre-NFL draft]
1.01 (Abaum) — Josh Jacobs
Troy’s Projection — Josh Jacobs
I agree with Troy and think Abaum goes with the best RB prospect here base completely off need, which would be Jacobs. Landing in Oakland really bolstered his stock. With the 7th pick, he could still easily nab a solid WR with the depth in this class at that position and the sheer lack of demand at the RB position.
Don’t sleep on … a trade. Could Abaum move the 1.01 and 2.09 to Marino for the 1.04, 1.09 and 2.12?
1.02 (Billy/Ryan) — N’Keal Harry
Troy’s Projection — Marquise Brown
I would be SHOCKED if Billy went Brown here. I think he takes the best player in the draft and I think that is Harry. I don’t think going to NE hurt his stock. Maybe even helped or firmed it up. But Harry is the best player and fortunately, Billy’s greatest need is probably WR.
Don’t sleep on … Josh Jacobs falling firmly into Billy’s lap. We all make a big deal of it at the draft. Billy doesn’t draft Jacobs and we all question his fandom for the next year.
1.03 (Sarlo/Hark) — Parris Campbell
Troy’s Projection — DK Metcalf
There are lovers and haters of Metcalf and I am not sure if Sharklo is a lover or hater. But I know they love their Colts receivers and may look to pair up the Luck/Campbell connection. If they weren’t already holding out hope on Corey Davis and his deadarm QB doing something this year, I could have seen them grabbing AJ Brown here. In reality, there are a ton of receivers Sharklo could draft here and unless they are in love with any specific one, I honestly see them pursuing…
Don’t sleep on … a trade back! This could be an ideal situation here. Marino could really use a RB and could trade up here to grab Sanders. Could the 1.03 for the 1.08 and 1.12 get it done?
1.04 (Marino) — Mile Sanders
Troy’s Projection — Hakeem Butler
If the trade above happens, and Marino grabs Sanders there, he could then use this pick to grab yet another RB in David Montgomery who a year ago was projected to be the number one RB off the board this year. In any case, I think this is a great selection for Marino, but really any guy he grabs here will make an immediate impact on his team.
Don’t sleep on … Marino grabbing Montgomery here over Sanders. The landing spot in Chicago might be more appealing than the current committee situation that Sanders is in (but has the potential to rid in a year).
1.05 (Ian/NewMike) — AJ Brown
Troy’s Projection — N’Keal Harry
They go best player here, which much like Billy/Ryan WR happens to be their greatest need. Although, I don’t love Brown’s landing spot, I think he is a terrific prospect and could rise above his lack of QB talent (kind of like the other AJ namesake did with Dalton many years ago). As for Troy’s projection, I would be SHOCKED if Harry fell this far at this point. If Ian/NewMike are a DK truther, they could grab him here too.
Don’t sleep on … whomever they select tearing their ACL preseason. The curse of Ian/NewMike will live on!
1.06 (Calhoun) — David Montgomery
Troy’s Projection — AJ Brown
If Marino pulls off that trade to take Sanders & Montgomery, then Calhoun likely will go with a WR because the RB class seems to drop off significantly after the top three. If that happens, Calhoun would like draft a guy like Marquise Brown since John Ross didn’t work out for him.
Don’t sleep on … Calhoun avoiding drafting a RB altogether. He hasn’t had much luck with RBs in the first two rounds. What RBs has he drafted in the first two rounds you ask?
2014 — Zac Stacy 2.08 (startup draft)
2016 — DeAndre Washington 2.03 & Wendell “TinyPine” Smallwood 2.10
1.07 (Abaum) — DK Metcalf
Troy’s Projection — Miles Sanders
With the seventh pick, why not take a physical freak that has some upside in an offense that lost its best WR. Personally, I think DK will be a bust and I am fully prepared to eat my words. But there comes a point when you can’t pass up on him. I think that point for Abaum will be here.
Don’t sleep on … Abaum trying to trade down here if he wasn’t able to trade down from the 1.01. Trading is an addiction and Abaum is the addict. Plus, he could definitely afford to rack up some more ping pong balls to increase his chances to grab a few guys that would bolster his lineup. Maybe he slides back two picks with Marino and picks up the 2.12 for his troubles.
1.08 (Marino) — Marquise Brown
Troy’s Projection — David Montgomery
Brown definitely has the NFL draft capital. I just don’t know if he is going to be a huge fantasy threat. Especially with a WR err QB that runs a lot but doesn’t pass well throwing to him.
Don’t sleep on … the homer pick of JJAW taken here. I mean, we all know he is going to be a future hall of famer anyway, right?
1.09 (Marino) — Mecole Hardman
Troy’s Projection — TJ Hockenson
A high upside player in a very dynamic offense. There is nothing but upside here. I do like the projection of Hockenson, but with Fant landing in such a good spot himself, I think Marino holds off because one of the two should fall to him at 1.12.
Don’t sleep on … a trade back! Could Marino send the 1.09 to Ian/NewMike for the 2.01 and 2.05 and try and grab more players? There isn’t much of a tier drop from here to the 2.01.
1.10 (Troy) — Hakeem Butler
Troy’s Projection — Devin Singletary
Despite falling into day three of the draft, Butler was considered a top 4 pick going into the draft. I think Troy recognizes the high upside in that air-raid offense and takes Butler. But what is more likely is…
Don’t sleep on … Troy trading up to the 1.08 when he sees Brown still on the board. Or even trying to trade up to grab one of the top three RBs in this class.
1.11 (Billy) — TJ Hockenson
Troy’s Projection — Parris Campbell
I think Fant has the higher upside in fantasy, but Billy goes safer with the higher floor player. And yes, this will be the 8th TE on his roster. But Ryan will make sure he cuts a few of those guys.
Don’t sleep on … Billy moving up to grab Hardman or even going Deebo Samuel here.
1.12 (Marino) — Noah Fant
Troy’s Projection — Noah Fant
Marino rounds out a great draft with grabbing, whom I believe, to be the best TE in this draft. This is like the OJ Howard / Evan Engram situation all over again.
Don’t sleep on … JJAW going here for the homer pick! I know, I said it a few picks ago, but it could happen!
