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The NFL draft has come to a close! Now that we know where all the top prospects are headed, lets predict which one’s will have the best campaigns in 2019!
Rushing Yards Leader- Justice Hill, RB Ravens
Justice Hill, the fastest running back in this draft class, should get plenty of opportunities to light up the field in Baltimore. As the second rusher on the depth chart, coincidentally behind Mark Ingram, Hill should play an Alvin Kamara-type in the ravens run-heavy offense. With the additions of receivers Marquise Brown and Myles Boykin, opposing defenses should have trouble covering the already-dynamic Ravens offense. This will open up the field for Hill, and let him do what he does best: Use his blazing fast speed to run past the defense. Note: Hill averaged a stellar 5.9 ypc in 2018 with the Sooners.
Receiving Yards Leader- Noah Fant, TE Broncos
Fant was the best pass-catcher in the NFL draft, and he’s heading to a Denver offense that desperately needs one. Behind only 32-year-old Emmanuel Sanders and the still-developing Courtland Sutton, Fant will soak up a TON of targets from Joe Flacco/ Drew Lock. And there’s no doubt he’ll capitalize on them. Fant averaged 13.9 yards-per-reception over his career at Iowa, and he will flourish in Denver’s system.
Passing Yards Leader- Kyler Murray, QB Cardinals
As the only rookie quarterback expected to start week one, it’s hard not to choose Murray. He’s entering a revamped Arizona offense that should help him thrive from the get-go. Along with HOFer Larry Fitzgerald, Murray will throw passes to the young trio of Hakeem Butler, Andy Isabella, and Christian Kirk. And don’t RB David Johnson, who is one of the best pass-catching backs in the league. Offensive-Minded head coach Kliff Kingsbury will make sure Murray shines in his rookie campaign.
Sack Leader- Brian Burns, DE Panthers
Burns was one of the most athletic prospects in the entire draft, and, with expert coaching from the Panthers defensive staff, he will rack up sacks in his rookie season. Behind only 32-year-olds Bruce Irvin and Mario Addison, Burns should be an immediate starter in Carolina, or at least a strong member of their rotation. Burns was a high upside pick, and I bet it’ll pay-off huge for the pass-rush-needy Panthers. He may end up as the steal of the draft.
Offensive Rookie Of The Year- Josh Jacobs, RB Raiders
Three of the last four OROTYs have been running backs, and that trend should continue with Jacobs. As the best RB in the draft, Jacobs will walk into a starting role in Oakland. And Oakland is not a bad place to running in 2019. The formidable duo of Antonio Brown and Tyrell Williams will stretch the field, leaving holes for Jacobs to operate. I have no doubt that head coach Gruden will try to pound the ground as much as possible, and Jacobs will capitalize as the sole rushing option on that squad.
Defensive Rookie Of The Year- Quinnen Williams, DT Jets
Debatably the the best overall prospect in the draft, Williams will hit the ground running in year one with the Jets. We all know he has the talent to succeed. He has the size to succeed. He had insane production last year in ‘Bama with eight sacks and 19.5 (!) tackles for loss. On top of all that, the Jets have no starting caliber DTs other than Williams. There’s really no reason he won’t succeed in his rookie campaign, and immense production should earn him this high honor come next year. Best of all, Williams is still getting better.
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