Kansas City Chiefs: Insight into 2019 NFL Draft with Dane Brugler

Opinion of the 2019 draft class as a whole?

I think there are two “elite” prospects with Nick Bosa and Quinnen Williams followed by a drop off. There aren’t 10 true “top-10” picks in this draft.

However, I really like the depth in rounds 2-4 of this class. Like every year, the depth really depends on the position. Pass rusher is strong at the top. Corner isn’t. But pass rusher tails off some on day two while the cornerback class heats up.

A player you are higher on than perhaps the ‘draft media’

Hawaii LB Jahlani Tavai. He has been “out of sight, out of mind” due to a shoulder injury which sidelined him for the Senior Bowl, Combine and pro day. But I see a modern day NFL linebacker without inside-out versatility and three-down potential. He’ll surprise people when he is drafted in the top-75 picks.

Conversely, who do you believe goes later than perhaps the ‘draft media’

Hakeem Butler. It seems like a lot of people believe he is a 1st rounder and that would be a surprise. Rangy playmaker, but his routes aren’t a strength and he will need help separating vs. NFL corners.

Every year, at least one player slides on the First night, sometimes into round 2. What player could be due for a slide?

Georgia’s Deandre Baker

Do you believe the first 4-5 picks are basically decided?

I think the first two picks are set with Murray (AZ) and Bosa (SF), but then who knows. The Jets want out of that pick at No. 3 and the Raiders are a wild card with a first-year GM and Gruden. However, if we don’t see any trades, I think there is a good chance Murray, Bosa, Josh Allen, Quinnen Williams and Devin White being the first five picks.

A lot of teams are in need of quarterbacks. Who comes away with their quarterback in this draft?

Aside from the Cardinals at No. 1, it’s tough to nail down which franchises will spend a high pick on a quarterback. I don’t think the Broncos do. The Raiders are always a possibility. All signs point to the Dolphins waiting until 2020 draft.

The Redskins could be in the market, but I think they’re the frontrunners to land Rosen. The Giants likely don’t go quarterback at No. 6, but their No. 17 selection is certainly possible. Two teams later in round one to watch for are the Patriots and Chargers – we could see a small trade up if these QBs fall a little bit.

Who is your favorite player, regardless of position, in this draft? Nick Bosa and Quinnen Williams are the two best players in this draft?

I’m a huge fan of both. Devin Bush out of Michigan is a strong favorite of mine as well. His lack of ideal size will ding him on some boards, but his instincts, reaction quickness and competitive energy are all off the charts. A team in the 7-12 range is going to get a big-time player.

Player not likely to go in the first round but you believe will contribute?

D’Andre Walker from Georgia. Another “out of sight, out of mind” type of prospect who has been sidelined with a hernia injury. One-year starter as a senior, but he has juice off the edge and is an athlete who can drop in space. He’ll be a steal on day two of the draft.

What does draft night look like for you?

The good folks at the Cowboys are having me at their facility for all three nights of the draft where we’ll cover all 254 picks via steam on the Cowboys website. With the Cowboys not holding a 1st round pick, we’ll be treating it like ESPN or NFL Network and covering each pick. It should be a lot of fun.

You can find Dane Brugler’s work with the The Athletic  and you can follow him on Twitter at @dpbrugler.