2019 NFL Draft's Top 10: A Retrospective Look At Their Success

David

3 min read

Post on Jun 13, 2025

4.9

Share

2019 NFL Draft's Top 10: A Retrospective Look at Their Success (and Struggles)

The 2019 NFL Draft is now firmly in the rearview mirror, offering a fascinating opportunity to analyze the careers of its top ten picks and assess their impact on the league. Did these highly touted prospects live up to the hype? Let's delve into a retrospective look at their successes, setbacks, and overall contributions to their respective franchises.

Kyler Murray (No. 1 Overall, Arizona Cardinals): Murray's selection was a bold move, and while he's shown undeniable talent and dynamism, inconsistency has plagued his career. His rushing ability is electrifying, but improving his passing accuracy and decision-making remain crucial for sustained success. He's a captivating player to watch, but the jury's still out on whether he can consistently elevate the Cardinals to a Super Bowl contender.

Nick Bosa (No. 2 Overall, San Francisco 49ers): Bosa's career has been a resounding success. He's already established himself as one of the league's premier pass rushers, earning Defensive Player of the Year accolades and consistently terrorizing opposing quarterbacks. His impact on the 49ers defense is undeniable, making him a cornerstone of their franchise.

Quinnen Williams (No. 3 Overall, New York Jets): Williams' early career has been a mixed bag. While he possesses immense potential, injuries and inconsistent performance have hindered his progress. He needs to show greater consistency to fully realize his considerable talent and live up to his high draft position. The Jets' defensive line needs a dominant force, and Williams has the potential to be that.

Josh Allen (No. 4 Overall, Jacksonville Jaguars): Allen hasn't quite reached the heights expected of a top-five pick. Although he possesses immense physical gifts, consistency and injury concerns have hampered his development. His time in Jacksonville was ultimately cut short, highlighting the volatility of early-round draft selections.

Jonah Williams (No. 11 Overall, Cincinnati Bengals): Initially picked 11th, Williams' career arc is different from most in the Top 10. While he's been a relatively consistent starter, he hasn't quite become the franchise left tackle many anticipated. This is a reminder that offensive line success isn't always immediately apparent, and long-term evaluation is often needed.

Brian Burns (No. 16 Overall, Carolina Panthers): Though not in the initial Top 10, Burns deserves mention, as he's consistently ranked highly among edge rushers. His speed and pass-rushing prowess have made him a key player for the Panthers. This highlights that drafting well later in the first round can sometimes yield players who outperform early-round picks.

Analyzing the Success Factors:

Several factors contribute to the varying degrees of success among these players:

• Scheme Fit: A player's success is heavily influenced by the offensive or defensive scheme they play within. A mismatch can significantly hinder their potential.
• Coaching: Effective coaching and development are crucial for maximizing a player's talent.
• Injuries: Injuries are an unavoidable reality in football, and they can derail even the most promising careers.
• Team Support: Surrounding talent and overall team performance significantly impact a player's individual success.

Conclusion:

The 2019 NFL Draft offered a diverse range of outcomes, reminding us of the inherent uncertainties in predicting a player's long-term success. While some, like Nick Bosa, have exceeded expectations, others are still striving to reach their full potential. The journey of these top picks underscores the complexities of the NFL and the need for patience and context when evaluating draft success.

What are your thoughts on the 2019 draft class? Share your opinions in the comments below!