Cleveland, OH (92.3 The Fan) – For the first time in what feels like a decade NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell did not open the 2019 NFL Draft with the words, “the Cleveland Browns are on the clock.”
That honor went to the Arizona Cardinals, who surprised no one by selecting Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray with the No. 1 overall pick, effectively putting last year’s 10th overall pick Josh Rosen on the trading block.
Murray’s selection marks the first time in NFL history that back-to-back Heisman Trophy winners from the same school were picked first overall in back-to-back years.
Coincidently, Baker Mayfield and the Browns travel to Arizona to face Murray and the Cardinals Dec. 15.
Mayfield tweeted his congratulations to Murray moments after his selection. “BACK TO BACK!!!!! CONGRATS K1!!!! Well deserved my brotha!!! @TheKylerMurray”
Ohio State defensive end Nick Bosa followed Murray off the board, going to the San Francisco 49ers with the second pick and the New York Jets, whom the Browns will face in week two on Monday night football, selected Alabama defensive end Quinnen Williams fourth.
The Raiders pulled off the first surprise of the draft by selecting Clemson defensive end Clelin Ferrell with the fourth pick. Earlier in the day rumors of Oakland having interest in Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins surfaced but clearly was a smokescreen to try and cultivate trade interest.
Tampa Bay rounded out the top five of the draft by selecting LSU linebacker Devin White before Giants GM Dave Gettleman surprised a few by taking Duke quarterback Daniel Jones over Ohio State’s Dwayne Haskins with the sixth overall pick to be Eli Manning’s heir.
Haskins was taken 15th overall by Washington.
