By Darin In April 2019, the NFL descended upon Nashville, Tennessee, for a three-day celebration that shattered attendance records and forever changed how we evaluate professional potential. With over 600,000 fans flooding Broadway, the atmosphere was more “rock concert” than “talent selection,” setting a vibrant stage for a draft defined by philosophical gambles and an unprecedented glut of defensive talent.
Draft Storyline
The 2019 NFL Draft was a fascinating blend of “sure things” and massive gambles that fundamentally reshaped several franchises. Held in the heart of Nashville, the event was defined by a shift in how teams valued height at the quarterback position and a legendary class of defensive linemen.
The Kyler Murray Gamble
The headlining story was the Arizona Cardinals’ decision to select Kyler Murray first overall. Only a year prior, the Cardinals had traded up for Josh Rosen, but the arrival of new head coach Kliff Kingsbury signaled a total philosophy shift. Murray was a true dual-threat anomaly: he was the first player ever to be a first-round pick in both the NFL and MLB (Oakland Athletics), and at just 5’10”, he became the shortest quarterback ever taken at No. 1. His selection validated the “Air Raid” era in the NFL, proving that playmaking ability had officially overtaken traditional physical prototypes.
The “Big Men” Dominance
While Murray took the headlines, the 2019 draft was widely considered one of the best defensive line classes in a generation. The top five was a “who’s who” of elite disruptors:
- Nick Bosa (No. 2, 49ers): Following in the footsteps of his brother Joey, Nick was the “polished” pass rusher who immediately transformed the San Francisco defense.
- Quinnen Williams (No. 3, Jets): An interior force from Alabama who combined massive strength with surprising twitch.
- Clelin Ferrell (No. 4, Raiders): A surprising “reach” by Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden that sent shockwaves through the draft floor.
Boos and “Full Blooms” in New York
Perhaps the most dramatic moment came at pick No. 6, when the New York Giants selected Duke’s Daniel Jones. The Nashville crowd—and the internet—erupted in shock. Giants fans, hoping for a defensive star or a more “flashy” passer like Dwayne Haskins, were stunned by GM Dave Gettleman’s conviction that Jones was the heir to Eli Manning. Gettleman famously claimed he fell in “full bloom love” with Jones at the Senior Bowl, a quote that would follow Jones for years.
The Value Find: Wide Receivers
In hindsight, the true “story” of 2019 might be the second round. While Marquise “Hollywood” Brown and N’Keal Harry were the only first-round receivers, the second round produced a trio of superstars: Deebo Samuel, A.J. Brown, and DK Metcalf. Metcalf’s slide to the end of the second round (No. 64) became a major talking point after his legendary Combine performance, proving that sometimes the biggest stories in the draft aren’t about who goes first, but who gets passed over.
Conclusion
The 2019 NFL Draft proved that the league was entering a new era of evaluation. From the validation of sub-6-foot quarterbacks like Kyler Murray to the mid-round “steals” that redefined the wide receiver position, the impact of these three days in Nashville continues to ripple through the league. Whether it was Gettleman’s “full bloom” faith or the defensive line’s historic dominance, 2019 remains a masterclass in why we never miss a moment of the gridiron’s greatest offseason event.
Complete List of Players Selected in the 2019 NFL Draft
Special thanks to Pro-Football-Reference.com for the above information.
