2019 NFL draft
The 2019 NFL Draft was the 84th annual player selection meeting held by the National Football League (NFL) franchises to choose eligible college athletes, taking place over three days from April 25 to 27 in Nashville, Tennessee—the first time the event was hosted there.[1] The draft consisted of seven rounds with 254 players ultimately selected, highlighted by the Arizona Cardinals choosing quarterback Kyler Murray from the University of Oklahoma as the first overall pick after trading up to acquire the selection.[2][3] Notable early selections included defensive end Nick Bosa from Ohio State (second overall, San Francisco 49ers), defensive tackle Quinnen Williams from Alabama (third overall, New York Jets), and linebacker Devin White from LSU (fifth overall, Tampa Bay Buccaneers).[3] The event shattered attendance records with more than 600,000 fans attending festivities around Nissan Stadium and downtown areas, underscoring Nashville's successful debut as host city.[4] It also featured an NFL-record 40 trades executed during the draft weekend, reflecting intense wheeling and dealing among teams to address roster needs.[5] The class was particularly deep at premium positions, producing standout pass rushers like Bosa and Josh Allen (seventh overall, Jacksonville Jaguars), dynamic wide receivers such as A.J. Brown (51st overall, Tennessee Titans) and Marquise Brown (25th overall, Baltimore Ravens), and a quarterback group headlined by Murray alongside Daniel Jones (sixth overall, New York Giants) and Dwayne Haskins (15th overall, Washington Redskins). Conference representation was dominated by the Southeastern Conference (SEC), which set a single-draft record with 64 players chosen.[6] Beyond the selections, the 2019 draft class has proven influential in the league, with multiple first-rounders earning accolades like Defensive Rookie of the Year (Bosa) and Offensive Rookie of the Year (Murray), while contributing to playoff runs and Super Bowl appearances for teams like the 49ers and Buccaneers in subsequent years.[7] The event's broadcast on networks including ESPN, ABC, and NFL Network drew massive viewership, cementing its role as a cornerstone of the NFL offseason.[8]Background and Preparation
Overview and Eligibility
The 2019 NFL Draft marked the 84th annual player selection meeting, conducted over three days from April 25 to 27 in Nashville, Tennessee.[9] This event allowed the league's 32 teams to select amateur players to fill their rosters, resulting in 254 total picks across seven rounds, including standard allocations and additional compensatory selections.[10] The draft served as a pivotal mechanism for roster replenishment, emphasizing the transition of college talent to professional football while adhering to longstanding league protocols. Eligibility for the draft required prospective players to be at least three years removed from high school graduation, ensuring a baseline level of maturity and development.[11] College seniors who had exhausted their eligibility were automatically qualified, but underclassmen—such as juniors or sophomores—needed to formally declare their intent by submitting applications for special eligibility to the NFL by January 14, 2019, thereby renouncing any remaining collegiate eligibility.[12] This process allowed talented younger players to enter the professional ranks earlier, provided they met the three-year rule. The 2019 cycle saw a record 135 players with remaining college eligibility declare as early entrants, including 103 underclassmen and 32 who had graduated but retained eligibility, surpassing the previous high and reflecting an influx of high-potential prospects.[13] Among them were standout quarterback Kyler Murray from Oklahoma and defensive end Nick Bosa from Ohio State, both of whom received special eligibility and became top selections.[12] This surge contributed to a deep talent pool, heightening competition and strategic planning for teams. To address imbalances from the prior year's unrestricted free agency period, the NFL awarded 32 compensatory picks distributed across rounds three through seven to 15 teams, calculated based on the net loss of qualifying free agents in terms of playing time, snaps, and postseason honors.[14] The New England Patriots received the most with four such picks, underscoring the system's role in promoting competitive equity.[14]Early Entrants
The underclassmen declaration deadline for the 2019 NFL Draft was January 14, 2019, after which a record 103 underclassmen (juniors, sophomores, and redshirt freshmen) were granted eligibility to enter, exceeding the previous year's total of 98. This influx reflected a growing trend of players opting to professionalize earlier, driven by strong scouting evaluations and the allure of immediate NFL opportunities. Among the underclassmen, offensive positions accounted for 47 players, while defensive positions dominated with 56, highlighting the draft class's depth on that side of the ball.[12] Prominent early declarants included Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray, widely projected as the No. 1 overall pick due to his dynamic arm talent and mobility; Ohio State defensive end Nick Bosa, regarded as the premier pass rusher in the class and a likely top-5 selection; and LSU linebacker Devin White, anticipated to go in the first round as one of the top defensive playmakers available.[15][16] These high-profile entries underscored the quality of the group, with many receiving feedback from the NFL's College Advisory Committee suggesting they were draft-ready.[12] The record number of early entrants enriched the overall talent pool, providing teams with more options across rounds, but it also amplified risks for the players involved, as they relinquished remaining college eligibility without guaranteed professional success. Some underclassmen faced late evaluations indicating they might benefit from another year of development, leading to withdrawals; for instance, Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown reversed his initial declaration and returned for his senior season, bolstering his stock for the 2020 draft.[17] This decision-making process highlighted the high stakes, with many entrants ultimately going undrafted or in later rounds despite their optimism.[18]Host City Bid Process
In February 2018, the NFL announced the five finalist cities bidding to host the 2019 or 2020 NFL Draft: Denver, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Nashville, and a joint bid from Cleveland and Canton.[19][20] These cities submitted detailed proposals outlining their capabilities to stage the event, which had evolved into a multi-day fan festival since relocating from New York City in 2015.[4] On May 23, 2018, during the NFL's Spring League Meeting in Atlanta, Commissioner Roger Goodell announced that Nashville had been selected to host the 2019 NFL Draft, with the Cleveland-Canton bid advancing as a finalist for 2020.[21][22] The Tennessee Titans, in partnership with local tourism officials, led Nashville's successful bid, emphasizing the city's "Music City" branding and vibrant entertainment district to create an immersive fan experience.[23] Key advantages included plans to leverage the existing Nissan Stadium—home of the Titans—for the main stage during rounds 1 through 3, alongside nearby Broadway for interactive fan zones, and the team's ongoing discussions for a new stadium to enhance long-term infrastructure.[24] The bid projected an economic impact of approximately $90 million through visitor spending on hotels, dining, and attractions, positioning Nashville as a destination that could amplify the event's national appeal.[24] The NFL's selection criteria for host cities focused on venue capacity to accommodate large crowds, fan accessibility via walkable urban layouts and public transportation, and robust security measures to ensure safety during the high-profile gathering.[25][26] Nashville's proposal highlighted Nissan Stadium's 65,000-seat capacity for the core draft proceedings, complemented by expansive outdoor spaces along the Cumberland River and downtown for up to 200,000 attendees daily, with easy access from Nashville International Airport and minimal traffic disruptions.[23] Security plans incorporated coordination with local law enforcement and the NFL's protocols, drawing on the city's experience hosting major events like the CMA Music Festival.[25] This selection marked a continuation of the NFL Draft's expansion beyond its traditional Northeast and Midwest roots, being only the second event held outside those regions since the 2015 shift to Chicago—following the 2018 draft in Dallas—and underscoring the league's strategy to rotate to dynamic Southern markets for broader fan engagement.[4][27]Draft Event and Logistics
Venue and Schedule
The 2019 NFL Draft was held in Nashville, Tennessee, with the primary venue for Rounds 1 through 3 at Nissan Stadium along the Cumberland River.[28] The event spanned three days from April 25 to 27, featuring a main stage setup in the stadium's vicinity for the early rounds, including a draft theater and fan viewing areas. For Rounds 4 through 7, selections took place at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center's Selection Square, where team representatives announced picks from indoor tables, providing a controlled environment amid potential weather variability.[29] The schedule began on Thursday, April 25, with Round 1 starting at 8:00 p.m. ET and consisting of 32 picks, each allotted 10 minutes.[30] Rounds 2 and 3 followed on Friday, April 26, beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET, while Rounds 4 through 7 occurred on Saturday, April 27, starting at 12:00 p.m. ET and extending into the afternoon.[30] This structure allowed for a progressive flow, with early rounds drawing prime-time attention and later rounds accommodating a broader daytime audience. Ancillary fan experiences centered on the NFL Draft Experience, a free three-day festival in parking areas surrounding Nissan Stadium and along Lower Broadway, offering interactive exhibits such as autograph sessions with NFL players and legends, youth football clinics, and a Play 60 Zone for children.[31] Concerts enhanced the atmosphere, including a performance by Tim McGraw on Friday evening near the stadium.[32] The event attracted over 600,000 visitors across the weekend, setting an attendance record despite a forecast of rain on opening night that ultimately had minimal disruption due to contingency planning.[33][34][35]Media Coverage
The 2019 NFL Draft was televised on ESPN and ABC for Rounds 1 through 3, while the NFL Network provided coverage of all seven rounds, marking a collaborative broadcast effort to maximize reach. The first round averaged 11.01 million viewers across these networks, setting a then-record for the event and contributing to a cumulative unique audience of 47.5 million over the three days, an 11 percent increase from 2018. This viewership surge reflected growing interest in the draft as a major off-season spectacle, amplified by digital streaming on platforms like ESPN app and NFL.com. Promotional efforts centered on integrating Nashville's renowned music scene with football, branded as a celebration of "Music City" energy to draw fans. The NFL organized free concerts featuring country artists such as Dierks Bentley, Tim McGraw, and over 20 local acts performing on the Draft Main Stage along Lower Broadway, creating a festive atmosphere that blended live music with draft festivities. Social media platforms buzzed with hype surrounding Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray's anticipated selection as the No. 1 overall pick by the Arizona Cardinals, with widespread speculation, memes, and debates driving viral engagement in the weeks leading up to the event. Pre-draft analyst coverage highlighted the depth of the quarterback class, with ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay releasing dueling mock drafts that projected multiple signal-callers, including Murray, Dwayne Haskins, and Daniel Jones, in the top 10 selections. Their analyses emphasized the talent pool's potential to reshape franchises, fueling debates on team needs and trade possibilities. During the broadcast, highlights included the crowd's traditional booing of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell upon his stage appearances and several surprise trades that altered expectations, such as the Cardinals' move up the board. Post-event reviews, including draft grades from outlets like NFL.com and ESPN, dissected team strategies, praising acquisitions that addressed immediate roster gaps while critiquing reaches for developmental prospects.Draft Process and Selections
Round-by-Round Selections
The 2019 NFL Draft comprised 254 total selections across seven rounds, with teams selecting players to bolster their rosters in a process that emphasized both immediate starters and long-term depth.[7] Round 1 featured 32 picks focused on high-impact prospects, beginning with the Arizona Cardinals selecting quarterback Kyler Murray from Oklahoma at No. 1 overall, a choice that addressed their need for a franchise signal-caller after trading up to acquire the pick.[36] The round included several surprises, such as edge rusher Josh Allen from Kentucky falling to No. 7, where the Jacksonville Jaguars selected him to strengthen their defensive line.[3] Other notable selections included the Oakland Raiders taking defensive end Clelin Ferrell from Clemson at No. 4 overall, prioritizing pass-rush talent early.[7] The full Round 1 selections are detailed below:| Pick | Team | Player | Position | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arizona Cardinals | Kyler Murray | QB | Oklahoma |
| 2 | San Francisco 49ers | Nick Bosa | DE | Ohio State |
| 3 | New York Jets | Quinnen Williams | DT | Alabama |
| 4 | Oakland Raiders | Clelin Ferrell | DE | Clemson |
| 5 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Devin White | LB | LSU |
| 6 | New York Giants | Daniel Jones | QB | Duke |
| 7 | Jacksonville Jaguars | Josh Allen | DE | Kentucky |
| 8 | Detroit Lions | T. J. Hockenson | TE | Iowa |
| 9 | Buffalo Bills | Ed Oliver | DT | Houston |
| 10 | Pittsburgh Steelers | Devin Bush | LB | Michigan |
| 11 | Cincinnati Bengals | Jonah Williams | OT | Alabama |
| 12 | Green Bay Packers | Rashan Gary | DE | Michigan |
| 13 | Miami Dolphins | Christian Wilkins | DT | Clemson |
| 14 | Atlanta Falcons | Chris Lindstrom | OG | Boston College |
| 15 | Washington Redskins | Dwayne Haskins | QB | Ohio State |
| 16 | Carolina Panthers | Brian Burns | DE | Florida State |
| 17 | New York Giants | Dexter Lawrence | DT | Clemson |
| 18 | Minnesota Vikings | Garrett Bradbury | C | NC State |
| 19 | Tennessee Titans | Jeffery Simmons | DT | Mississippi State |
| 20 | Denver Broncos | Noah Fant | TE | Iowa |
| 21 | Green Bay Packers | Darnell Savage | S | Maryland |
| 22 | Philadelphia Eagles | Andre Dillard | OT | Washington State |
| 23 | Houston Texans | Tytus Howard | G | Alabama State |
| 24 | Oakland Raiders | Josh Jacobs | RB | Alabama |
| 25 | Baltimore Ravens | Marquise Brown | WR | Oklahoma |
| 26 | Washington Redskins | Montez Sweat | DE | Mississippi State |
| 27 | Oakland Raiders | Johnathan Abram | S | West Virginia |
| 28 | Los Angeles Chargers | Jerry Tillery | DT | Notre Dame |
| 29 | Seattle Seahawks | L. J. Collier | DE | TCU |
| 30 | New York Giants | DeAndre Baker | CB | Georgia |
| 31 | Atlanta Falcons | Kaleb McGary | OT | West Virginia |
| 32 | New England Patriots | N'Keal Harry | WR | Arizona State |
Top Prospects and Picks
The 2019 NFL Draft featured a consensus group of elite prospects at the top, headlined by quarterback Kyler Murray from Oklahoma, defensive end Nick Bosa from Ohio State, and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams from Alabama. Murray, the 2018 Heisman Trophy winner, generated significant pre-draft buzz after forgoing a lucrative minor league baseball contract with the Oakland Athletics to fully commit to football, positioning him as the clear top quarterback prospect and eventual No. 1 overall pick by the Arizona Cardinals. Bosa, widely regarded as the top overall talent in many mock drafts despite missing the latter half of his senior season due to a core muscle injury requiring surgery, showcased his recovery at the NFL Combine with impressive athletic testing, leading to his selection at No. 2 overall by the San Francisco 49ers after they traded up from the 28th pick. Williams, a dominant interior force with exceptional quickness and power, rounded out the top three as the New York Jets selected him at No. 3, fulfilling his status as a near-unanimous top-five prospect across major scouting services. The first round underscored the draft's emphasis on defensive talent, particularly along the line, with a record 13 defensive linemen selected—surpassing the previous high of 12 from 1985—and seven of the top 10 picks coming on that side of the ball, highlighting the class's depth and quality in addressing NFL needs for pass-rush and run-stopping prowess. This defensive-heavy theme was evident early, as the first four picks after Murray included three edge rushers and one tackle: Clelin Ferrell (DE, Oakland Raiders, No. 4) and Josh Allen (DE, Jacksonville Jaguars, No. 7), complementing Bosa and Williams in fortifying front sevens. Quarterback selections also created notable runs, with the New York Giants using their No. 6 pick to draft Daniel Jones from Duke amid speculation of a deeper QB class, followed by Dwayne Haskins (Washington Redskins, No. 15) later in the round. Among the top picks, rookie performances validated much of the pre-draft hype, particularly for Bosa, who exploded for 9.0 sacks, 16 tackles for loss, and a league-high 25 quarterback hits en route to earning the Associated Press NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award, anchoring the 49ers' top-ranked defense. Murray, meanwhile, threw for 3,722 yards and 20 touchdowns in leading the Cardinals to a 5-10-1 record, earning offensive rookie honors in franchise history while adapting to his dual-threat style in Kliff Kingsbury's offense. Williams contributed 5.0 sacks and 9 quarterback hits for the Jets, solidifying his role as a disruptive interior presence despite the team's 7-9 finish.Trades
The 2019 NFL Draft featured a record 40 trades, surpassing the previous high of 37 set in 2017 and contributing to an unprecedented level of activity across all seven rounds.[37] These exchanges involved a mix of teams moving up to secure targeted prospects and others trading down to accumulate additional selections, often guided by established trade value charts that assign approximate point values to draft picks to facilitate negotiations. For instance, under the widely referenced Jimmy Johnson trade value chart, the No. 1 overall pick is valued at 3,000 points, while later selections like the No. 32 pick drop to around 590 points, allowing teams to balance immediate needs against future assets.[38] Among the notable strategies, the Arizona Cardinals executed multiple trades in the third round to move down and acquire extra picks, starting from No. 81 and successively trading to No. 88 with the Detroit Lions, then No. 92 with the New England Patriots, and finally No. 93, ultimately selecting players like offensive tackle Josh Miles and safety Jalen Thompson while bolstering depth.[37] The Green Bay Packers adopted an aggressive approach in Rounds 2 and 3, including a significant first-round move up to No. 21 from the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for their No. 30 pick plus third- and fourth-round selections (Nos. 114 and 118), where they drafted safety Darnell Savage to address secondary needs; they further maneuvered in later rounds to add offensive line help with selections like guard Elgton Jenkins at No. 75.[39] A prominent example of a high-stakes trade was the Pittsburgh Steelers moving up from No. 20 to No. 10 with the Denver Broncos, surrendering their 20th pick, a second-rounder (No. 52), and a 2020 third-round pick to select linebacker Devin Bush, emphasizing their priority on defensive reinforcements.[38] The volume of trades, particularly the nine first-round deals that reshuffled the top 32 selections, heightened the draft's unpredictability, forcing teams to adapt in real time and often leading to surprise outcomes in prospect acquisitions.[38] This fluidity not only accelerated the pace of decision-making but also underscored evolving front-office philosophies toward flexibility in building rosters.Forfeited Picks
In the 2019 NFL draft, two picks were forfeited due to teams' selections in the previous year's supplemental draft, a process governed by league rules requiring the forfeiture of an equivalent pick in the following regular draft. The New York Giants lost their third-round selection (No. 70 overall) after drafting cornerback Sam Beal from Western Michigan in the 2018 supplemental draft; Beal, who had left school early to play in the now-defunct Alliance of American Football, signed with the Giants but suffered an injury that sidelined him for the season. Likewise, the Washington Redskins (now Washington Commanders) forfeited their sixth-round pick (No. 186 overall) following their selection of cornerback Adonis Alexander from Virginia Tech in the same supplemental draft; Alexander, also a former Alliance player, briefly joined the team before being released without playing a regular-season game.[40] The NFL announced these forfeitures well in advance of the draft, adjusting the overall selection order accordingly, with no compensatory picks provided to the affected teams or any redistribution to others. This mechanism ensures accountability for early departures from college eligibility, as the supplemental draft serves as an alternative pathway for players ineligible for the standard draft, but it comes at a direct cost to the selecting team's future assets. Unlike trades, which allow teams to maneuver voluntarily, these punitive losses highlight the league's structure for maintaining competitive balance without replacements. Forfeited picks remain uncommon in NFL draft history, with only a handful occurring annually across all rounds, often tied to specific violations like the supplemental process, tampering, or performance-enhancing drug infractions. Since 1980, at least 18 such penalties have been imposed on nine teams, reflecting the NFL's increasing emphasis on enforcement to deter misconduct and preserve draft integrity, though supplemental-related forfeits like those in 2019 are among the least punitive in nature.[41]Post-Draft Outcomes
Notable Undrafted Players
Following the conclusion of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 27, hundreds of college players who went unselected signed undrafted free agent (UDFA) contracts with NFL teams, initiating a high-stakes period where prospects vied for roster spots based on guaranteed money, competition levels, and team needs.[42] This annual UDFA frenzy saw teams across the league, such as the Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns, aggressively targeting overlooked talent to bolster depth.[43] While most signings offered minimal guarantees—often $5,000 to $10,000—a few players emerged as standout successes, defying the odds in a process where opportunities are fleeting. Among the most prominent UDFAs was Jakobi Meyers, a wide receiver from NC State who signed with the New England Patriots. Meyers debuted in the 2019 preseason and earned a spot on the 53-man roster, evolving into a primary target for quarterbacks like Tom Brady and Mac Jones. Over his first five seasons (2019-2023), he recorded 306 receptions for 3,565 yards and 16 touchdowns, including 67 catches in 2022, before signing with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023. In 2024 with the Raiders, he had 87 receptions for 1,027 yards and 4 touchdowns. As of November 2025, Meyers has been traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he has recorded 36 receptions for 393 yards in the 2025 season.[44] His consistent production highlighted the value of versatile route-runners in crowded receiver rooms. Linebacker T.J. Edwards from Wisconsin signed with the Eagles post-draft and spent his rookie year on the practice squad. Edwards remained with the Eagles through 2022, becoming a rotational defender and special teams ace, starting 47 games over four seasons (2019-2022) and accumulating 389 tackles. He joined the Chicago Bears in 2023, where he started all 17 games with 155 tackles that year. In 2024, he signed a three-year extension with the Bears and started all 17 games with 129 tackles. As of November 2025, Edwards has started 5 games for the Bears with 31 tackles in the ongoing season, bringing his career totals to 704 tackles and 11.5 sacks.[45] Offensive lineman Nate Herbig from Stanford also joined the Eagles as a UDFA, making the practice squad in 2019 before debuting in 2020. Herbig transitioned to guard and center, starting 12 games with the Eagles in 2020, 5 in 2021, and 11 with the New York Jets in 2022, earning praise for his run-blocking tenacity. He started 2 games with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023 and additional games in 2024 before signing a two-year deal with the Washington Commanders in 2025. As of November 2025, Herbig has logged over 30 career starts across multiple franchises.[46] Quarterback David Blough from Purdue signed with the Browns and was traded to the Detroit Lions before the 2019 season. Thrust into action due to injuries, Blough started five games as a rookie, completing 54.0% of his passes for 984 yards, four touchdowns, and six interceptions, including a 334-yard, one-touchdown performance in his debut against the Chicago Bears. Though primarily a backup thereafter with the Lions (2019-2021, 2023), Vikings (2022), and Cardinals (2022), he started two more games in 2022. As of November 2025, Blough has transitioned to an assistant quarterbacks coach role with the Washington Commanders since 2024.[47] Despite these breakthroughs, the UDFA route remains arduous, with fewer than 10% of 2019 signees appearing in a regular-season game that year and even fewer securing long-term roles, as teams prioritize drafted players for development.[48] Success often hinges on special teams contributions or injuries creating openings, reinforcing the draft's role as the primary talent pipeline.Supplemental Draft
The NFL supplemental draft provides an opportunity for teams to select players who became eligible after the regular draft due to circumstances such as academic ineligibility, disciplinary issues, or other hardships that prevented their participation in April.[49] This process, conducted via email bidding among teams, requires the selecting team to forfeit a pick in the corresponding round of the following year's draft.[50] The 2019 supplemental draft took place on July 10, marking the first such event since 2015.[50] Only one selection occurred: the Arizona Cardinals chose safety Jalen Thompson from Washington State in the fifth round, surrendering their 2020 fifth-round pick in exchange.[51] Thompson, a standout defender with 191 tackles, 0 sacks, six interceptions, and 17 passes defensed over three college seasons, had entered the draft after Washington State announced he lost his final year of eligibility due to an NCAA rules violation stemming from the purchase of an over-the-counter supplement.[51][52][53] Four other eligible players—wide receivers Marcus Simms and Devonaire Clarington, defensive tackle Dalvon Stuckey, and tight end Josh Pederson—went undrafted and became free agents, with Simms signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars.[51] Unlike earlier supplemental drafts that occasionally featured high selections, such as first-round picks for players like Bernie Kosar in 1985 or Rob Moore in 1990, the 2019 edition reflected the event's modern rarity and lower profile, with no bids above the fifth round.[54] Thompson integrated quickly with the Cardinals, appearing in 15 games during his rookie season and recording 57 tackles (45 solo) along with one interception and one fumble recovery, contributing as a rotational safety behind starters Budda Baker and D.J. Swearinger.[55] As of November 2025, Thompson remains with the Cardinals, having signed a three-year extension in 2023 and accumulating 480 career tackles.Analysis and Legacy
Summary Statistics
The 2019 NFL Draft featured a total of 254 selections across seven rounds, including 222 regular picks and 32 compensatory picks awarded to 15 teams based on net free-agent losses from the previous offseason.[14] The New England Patriots and New York Giants led all teams with 12 picks each, while the Chicago Bears and Seattle Seahawks had the fewest with 5 apiece.[56] The draft class showed a heavy emphasis on skill positions and defensive fronts, with wide receivers leading all positions. The full breakdown by position is as follows:| Position | Number of Picks |
|---|---|
| Quarterback | 6 |
| Running Back | 22 |
| Wide Receiver | 27 |
| Tight End | 13 |
| Offensive Line | 44 |
| Defensive Line | 35 |
| Linebacker | 39 |
| Defensive Back | 53 |
| Special Teams | 4 |
Selections by Position and Conference
The 2019 NFL Draft showcased a balanced distribution across positions, with a total of 254 selections reflecting the needs of NFL teams. Defensive backs were the most selected group with 53 picks (including 32 cornerbacks and 21 safeties), underscoring the emphasis on secondary talent, while linebackers followed closely with 39. Quarterbacks totaled 6, headlined by Kyler Murray selected first overall by the Arizona Cardinals from Oklahoma. Defensive ends numbered 19, including high-profile choices like Nick Bosa (second overall, San Francisco 49ers from Ohio State) and [Clelin Ferrell](/page/Clelin Ferrell) (fourth overall, Oakland Raiders from Clemson). Other notable groups included wide receivers (27 selections) and offensive linemen (44 across tackles, guards, and centers), highlighting a deep class at skill positions and the trenches.[7][3] The draft demonstrated near parity between offensive and defensive selections, with 128 offensive players chosen compared to 126 defensive, plus a handful of specialists such as punters and kickers. This balance contrasted with previous years' heavier leans toward one side, allowing teams flexibility in addressing roster gaps. Offensive picks were spread across quarterbacks, running backs (22 total), tight ends (13), and wide receivers, while defensive selections emphasized edge rushers and coverage specialists.[7] College conferences played a pivotal role, with the Southeastern Conference (SEC) dominating by producing a record 64 selections, surpassing the previous high of 62 set in 2013. This marked the seventh straight year the SEC led in draft picks, fueled by powerhouse programs within the league. The Big 12 Conference contributed 26 picks, led by Oklahoma's 8 selections, including Murray and wide receiver Marquise "Hollywood" Brown (25th overall, Baltimore Ravens). Other conferences included the Big Ten with 40, ACC with 28, and Pac-12 with 33, illustrating the broad talent pool from major programs.[6] Several schools had multiple selections, with Alabama topping the list at 10 players drafted, the most from any institution that year. Notable Alabama picks included defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (third overall, New York Jets) and tight end Irv Smith Jr. (62nd overall, Minnesota Vikings), spanning all seven rounds and showcasing the Crimson Tide's depth. Ohio State followed with 9 picks, distributed across rounds and positions, such as Bosa in the first round and wide receiver Terry McLaurin (75th overall, Washington Redskins) in the third. Other multi-pick schools included Oklahoma (8), Washington (8), Georgia (7), and Texas A&M (7), emphasizing recruiting successes from these programs. LSU contributed 3 picks from the SEC, including linebacker Devin White (fifth overall, Tampa Bay Buccaneers).[6][57][58]| Conference | Total Picks | Top School Examples |
|---|---|---|
| SEC | 64 | Alabama (10), Georgia (7), Texas A&M (7) |
| Big Ten | 40 | Ohio State (9) |
| Big 12 | 26 | Oklahoma (8) |
| ACC | 28 | Clemson (6) |
| Pac-12 | 33 | Washington (8) |