2019 NFL Draft Random Thoughts: Underrated Receivers, Kyler Murray & More

Welcome back to another draft year of “Random Thoughts.” For those of you unfamiliar, these posts usually consist of opinions and ideas not quite big enough for their own article. Let’s jump right into it...

• One of the most underrated receivers in this draft class is Stanford’s JJ Arcega-Whiteside. He’s a big, physical receiver that plays exactly like you want him to. Arcega-Whiteside uses his body to provide leverage and space to make contested catches. In the red zone, he boxes out defenders on jump balls to make difficult catches. The negative on him is his speed - he’s simply not that fast - but that shouldn’t negate all the other positives. Simply put, he’s just a really, really good receiver. He likely will not develop into a consistent deep threat, but as a short to intermediate route runner he is going to be an instant contributor. Some teams may be scared off, but he may turn out to be a Day 2 steal.
• Continuing on with receivers, N’Keal Harry from Arizona State may not be getting enough attention either. Everyone is too busy looking over DK Metcalf’s 40 time. Harry is another player where there just isn’t much to dislike. Arizona State used him frequently on slants and short throws, which is not a surprise given that he is a YAC monster. He isn’t that explosive coming off the LOS, but with the ball in his hands he certainly displays his speed and agility. He has enough speed to attack deep as well, combining that with a good leaping ability. His body control in the air allows him to make some highlight reel catches. You can line him up inside or out and be a matchup issue for defenses. He’s worth a late first round pick.
• Its easy to root for Kyler Murray going first overall to the Arizona Cardinals, simply to see him in Kliff Kingsbury’s offense. Maybe none of it will work out, but it would certainly be fun to watch. Murray can provide an instant offensive spark to any team.
• If the Cards do end up taking Murray and shopping Josh Rosen, a lot of teams should be interested. Rosen wasn’t good last year, but how much of that is on him remains up for debate. It will be interesting to see what sort of return he could net. If the cost is a second or third rounder, that is a small investment for a player that still has plenty of upside.
• Clemson’s defensive line boasts potentially three first round picks in Clelin Ferrell, Christian Wilkins and Dexter Lawrence. Wilkins has been a popular Titans mock draft pick and its easy to see why. In fact, while scouting Ferrell, you couldn’t help but notice Wilkins making a bunch of plays too. For an interior D-lineman he is surprisingly quick and nimble on his feet. He’ll whip around slow linemen and launch into the backfield. His selection may not come with a lot of fanfare, but he’s a solid high-floor player.