Top Ten 2019 First Round Draft Picks Under the Most Pressure Going Into the 2022 NFL Season
Every NFL first round in the draft has some studs and duds. In the case of these players, their upcoming fourth season will determine whether they are counted among the best or worst of the draft. Here, we are looking at the top ten 2019 first round draft picks under the most pressure going into the 2022 NFL season.
It feels like Daniel Jones has been under pressure for years. As the sixth overall pick in 2019, many considered the pick a reach. Now, he's on his third head coach in four years. This time, it's a young offensive mind in Brian Daboll.
If Daboll can't help Jones become the Giants' franchise quarterback, it's safe to say that Jones was a bust.
After a promising rookie season, Devin Bush tore his ACL in 2020 and missed most of that season. In 2021, his play was nothing like his rookie year, and he became more of a liability than anything.
This upcoming season is critical for him to prove that he can return to his rookie form.
I would just add that any team can bring pressure whenever they want by bringing more people than you can block. But that creates holes elsewhere that can be exploited by good offensive coordinators.
When the defense can simply dial up big pressure by coming right up the middle with just one extra defender, it creates huge problems. They reach the quarterback quickly, forcing hurried and often inaccurate throws.
With a pocket passer like Cousins, it's tough watching games end against even moderate defenses because we all know what's coming, yet can't counter it. Until the Vikings can fix this glaring weakness, it's going to be more of the same.
Bradbury is an outstanding zone run blocker, though.
Clelin Ferrell was already a reach as the fourth overall pick. Going into his fourth season, that seems all but confirmed.
His draft mate, Maxx Crosby, has become an elite pass rusher and signed a big extension, while Ferrell has only 7.5 sacks to his name. Ferrell has mostly become an afterthought.
Johnathan Abram's career has been plagued with injuries and inconsistent play. Although he started 14 games in 2021, he hasn't been great. Like the other two Raiders first-rounders, his fifth-year option was also declined.
While his Falcons first-round counterpart Chris Lindstrom has found his place on the offensive line, Kaleb McGary has struggled throughout his career. He is replaceable as the Falcons' starting right tackle.
Out of all the 2019 first-rounders, L.J. Collier is probably the most forgotten. At the time, no one knew who Collier was, and the pick was definitely a reach. He was a healthy scratch for half of last season and makes little impact when he does play.
Jerry Tillery has become an afterthought on the Chargers. On a crowded defense, he won't have many opportunities to prove himself. At this point, he probably won't.
Tytus Howard has moved around the Texans' offensive line and will likely play right tackle this season. His fifth-year option was picked up, so there isn't too much pressure. However, he needs a standout season to show he was worth the first-round selection.
It was a bit surprising to see the Raiders decline Josh Jacobs' fifth-year option. He has been a pretty good runner when on the field but has struggled with injuries and didn't reach 1,000 rushing yards in 2021.
He's a good player, but the Raiders put the pressure on him by not picking up his fifth-year option.