Matchmaker: Finding the perfect draft prospect for every NFL team
The 2019 NFL Draft is merely days away. While every team brings a different strategy to the table, landing the best player available while also plugging a roster hole is the perfect scenario. Let's play matchmaker for all 32 teams and identify one ideal pick for each club.
Arizona CardinalsKyler Murray, QB (Oklahoma)
The Cardinals don't appear sold on Josh Rosen as their quarterback of the future, so trading him and drafting Murray is the most logical way to select a new face of the franchise. The former Sooner is the top passer in this year's class and he's familiar with Kliff Kingsbury's offense. Murray can thrive running the new head coach's system.
Atlanta FalconsEd Oliver, DL (Houston)
Oliver may not be around when Atlanta is on the clock at No. 14, but a trade up to secure one of the draft's top prospects could be on the horizon. The dominant interior lineman would be the final piece of the puzzle, and he could push a young Falcons defense to elite status. Oliver is a perfect fit in Dan Quinn's defense.
Baltimore Ravens
Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyDeebo Samuel, WR (South Carolina)
The Ravens need to upgrade their receiving corps and give Lamar Jackson a chance to reach his full passing potential. Samuel is a strong fit for the offense Baltimore will build around its young quarterback because of his versatility and ability to make plays after the catch. He could be available in the third round, but the Ravens may have to trade up to get him since they don't have the benefit of a second-round selection.
Buffalo BillsD.K. Metcalf, WR (Ole Miss)
Whether it's with their early first-round pick, following a trade down from that spot, or perhaps even selecting him in the second round, the possibility of pairing Metcalf with Josh Allen should intrigue the Bills. He's a physical freak with a rare combination of size and speed, and Metcalf would be the perfect player to grow alongside Buffalo's young, big-armed quarterback.
Carolina PanthersRashan Gary, DL (Michigan)
The Panthers' pass rush mustered just 35 sacks last season - ranking 27th in the NFL. Ron Rivera will surely be searching for his Julius Peppers replacement on the edge and may not have to look further than Gary. The former Wolverine possesses tantalizing upside as a pass-rusher and run defender, and he'd fit Carolina's preference for big and long defensive ends.
Chicago BearsDarrell Henderson, RB (Memphis)
Chicago currently doesn't hold a pick until late in the third round (No. 87 overall), but that doesn't mean the Bears can't add another offensive playmaker. With Jordan Howard shipped to the Philadelphia Eagles, the explosive Henderson profiles as Tarik Cohen's ideal backfield companion.
Cincinnati Bengals
Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyDevin White, LB (LSU)
Cincinnati enters the draft with several holes to fill, none more glaring than at linebacker. White is a unique prospect, as off-ball linebackers aren't often drafted early in the first round. There are few players in this draft with his athletic upside, and he could be an every-down difference-maker in the middle for years to come.
Cleveland BrownsAmani Oruwariye, CB (Penn State)
After successfully rebuilding following numerous years in the basement, the Browns don't have many needs. Cornerback is one that stands out, though, as Cleveland should be seeking a long-term starter to pair with Denzel Ward. Oruwaryie's excellent size and athleticism make him a strong second-round target for Steve Wilks' zone-heavy defense.
Dallas CowboysDre'Mont Jones, DL (Ohio State)
The Cowboys' first selection will come near the end of the second round, having traded their first-round pick to the Oakland Raiders for Amari Cooper. Dallas will be targeting a one-gap interior rusher to complement DeMarcus Lawrence on the edge, and Jones is the perfect Day 2 prospect for that need.
Denver BroncosDrew Lock, QB (Missouri)
The Joe Flacco trade shouldn't stop Denver from taking another swing on a quarterback in this draft. Lock comes with question marks, but much like Broncos general manager John Elway in his playing days, he's an extremely talented passer who can make any throw. He could be groomed behind Flacco before taking over midseason or in 2020.
Detroit Lions
Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyByron Murphy, CB (Washington)
The Lions' secondary lacks stability opposite Darius Slay, and Murphy would be an instant upgrade over Teez Tabor and Rashaan Melvin. Having two outside corners who thrive in zone coverage would create a potentially dominant trio alongside Justin Coleman manning the slot.
Green Bay PackersA.J. Brown, WR (Ole Miss)
Brian Gutekunst drafted a trio of Day 3 receivers in 2018, but that shouldn't stop him from selecting one of the top pass-catchers in this year's draft. If Aaron Rodgers is given a crafty slot receiver who thrives in traffic and after the catch - similar to Randall Cobb early in his career - opposing defenses would have a tough time slowing him down. Brown is a perfect second-day target for the Packers.
Houston TexansAndre Dillard, OT (Washington State)
Addressing the offensive line is a must for Houston. Dillard might be the best pass-protector in this class, giving the Texans a relatively easy decision if he's still on the board at No. 23. Houston could even consider a trade up if a run on tackles starts early.
Indianapolis ColtsN'Keal Harry, WR (Arizona State)
Finding a No. 2 receiver should be a priority for the Colts, and Harry's ability to win with size and physicality makes him a strong complement to T.Y. Hilton. Indy may want to look elsewhere with its first-round pick, making the early second-rounder acquired from the Jets last year a great spot to scoop up the Arizona State star.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyT.J. Hockenson, TE (Iowa)
Hockenson is the rare tight end worthy of coming off the board at No. 7. He can impact the game both as a receiver and an in-line blocker, making him a cornerstone piece capable of filling a major need for Jacksonville's new-look offense.
Kansas City ChiefsGreedy Williams, CB (LSU)
Kansas City should be looking to bolster its secondary early in this draft, making Williams an ideal first-round target. The LSU product's size, speed, and coverage versatility would be key for a Chiefs defense likely to utilize both man and zone concepts under new coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
Los Angeles ChargersJerry Tillery, DL (Notre Dame)
The Chargers already have one of the league's premier pass-rushing duos with Melvin Ingram and Joey Bosa on the edge. Tillery can bring the missing element of interior pressure. If he turns his flashes of brilliance into consistent production, the Chargers will be nearly impossible for opposing offenses to plan against.
Los Angeles RamsDexter Lawrence, DL (Clemson)
Lawrence is a perfect replacement for the likely departing Ndamukong Suh in the middle of an aggressive Rams defense. The mammoth defensive tackle can occupy multiple offensive linemen, giving Aaron Donald, Michael Brockers, and Los Angeles' dynamic linebackers more opportunities to make plays in the backfield.
Miami Dolphins
Frederick Breedon / Getty Images Sport / GettyJawaan Taylor, OT (Florida)
If the Dolphins are waiting until 2020 to draft a franchise quarterback, resources should be allocated to solidifying the offensive line beforehand. Taylor is a dominant run-blocker who can also shut down the edge in pass protection, making him an immediate-impact starter at right tackle.
Minnesota VikingsJonah Williams, OT (Alabama)
Minnesota hasn't added a starting-caliber offensive lineman this offseason, and Williams is arguably the top blocker available in this year's draft. Whether it's at offensive tackle or guard, the former Crimson Tide lineman projects as a Week 1 starter and an instant upgrade for a depleted unit.
New England PatriotsHakeem Butler, WR (Iowa State)
A boundary receiver to play alongside the Patriots' several slot-specific pass-catchers should be among the team's top priorities. Butler is a massive big-play target who can produce at all levels of the field, and he would open things up for others underneath.
New Orleans SaintsChristian Miller, Edge (Alabama)
The Saints are in a good spot entering the draft, even without a first-round pick. With few weaknesses on the roster, New Orleans can improve its pass rush with the team's only Day 2 selection. Miller has intriguing potential and could be an impact third-down pass-rusher behind Cameron Jordan and Marcus Davenport.
New York Giants
Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyDwayne Haskins, QB (Ohio State)
Dave Gettleman may still be enamored with Eli Manning, but the opportunity to secure the veteran's successor is staring him in the face. Haskins fits Pat Schurmur's offense to a tee, and he would immediately boost his surrounding talent. If a quarterback is indeed New York's primary target, the former Buckeye is the ideal match.
New York JetsJosh Allen, Edge (Kentucky)
Allen landing with the Jets would be one of the more sensible fits atop this year's draft. New York has long passed up much-needed opportunities to fill a void on the edge, and the Jets fell short again this offseason when Anthony Barr backed out of a free-agent deal. Allen's pass-rushing prowess would complement Leonard Williams on the interior.
Oakland RaidersClelin Ferrell, Edge (Clemson)
The Raiders have to come out of this draft with a top edge talent. Ferrell is a quality choice because of his length, bulk, and advanced technique. His skill set fits the mold of the pass-rusher Oakland will likely be targeting.
Philadelphia EaglesJeffery Simmons, DL (Mississippi State)
Is there a better fit for Simmons than in Jim Schwartz's defense? The talented defensive tackle is likely to miss most, if not all, of his rookie campaign after tearing his ACL in February. But there aren't many other holes on the Eagles' roster, and they can afford to be patient. Long term, Simmons would form an unstoppable tandem with Fletcher Cox.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Joe Robbins / Getty Images Sport / GettyDevin Bush, LB (Michigan)
It seems unlikely that one of the top linebackers is available at No. 20, so perhaps a trade up would be in order to make this happen. Either way, this is the dream scenario for the Steelers. Bush is the ideal modern linebacker prospect who enters the NFL with sideline-to-sideline range and an ability to drop into coverage and make an impact on passing downs.
San Francisco 49ersNick Bosa, Edge (Ohio State)
Bosa to the 49ers is perfect for both parties. The Ohio State product would lead a talented front four opposite Dee Ford in an aggressive defense. With Bosa on the edge, San Francisco could line up 2017 first-rounder Solomon Thomas at defensive tackle more often, which is where he thrives in passing situations.
Seattle SeahawksNasir Adderley, S (Delaware)
Earl Thomas has officially departed Seattle, so why not target his replacement early in the 2019 draft? Though not as polished as Thomas, Adderley is an instinctual safety with blazing speed and excellent ball skills. The Legion of Boom may have disbanded, but there's no reason the Seahawks' defense can't return to dominant form with Adderley as a key piece.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyQuinnen Williams, DL (Alabama)
Williams dropping to No. 5 doesn't appear to be the likeliest scenario as the draft approaches, but he'd be an excellent fit in Todd Bowles' defense. Dominant in every phase of the game, the Outland Trophy winner would form a dynamic duo with last year's first-rounder Vita Vea as a 3-technique interior rusher, especially if Tampa Bay moves on from Gerald McCoy.
Tennessee TitansNoah Fant, TE (Iowa)
The Titans' passing game was among the league's worst last year, but it really doesn't seem that far away from being competitive. After building the receiving corps with recent draft picks and this year's free-agent signing of Adam Humphries, a dynamic pass-catcher like Fant, who'd work in tandem with Delanie Walker before taking over as the lead tight end, could be a matchup nightmare, moving all over the field and truly opening up the offense.
Washington RedskinsBrian Burns, Edge (Florida State)
With the Redskins losing Preston Smith in free agency, Burns would be an excellent bookend to Ryan Kerrigan if the team opts against taking a first-round quarterback (or trades for Josh Rosen). Joining Kerrigan, Jonathan Allen, Da'Ron Payne, Matt Ioannidis, and Reuben Foster, Burns would help form a potentially dominant front seven while wreaking havoc on opposing blockers.
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