Who Will Be the First Pick in the 2019 NFL Draft?

Greedy Williams, Cornerback, LSU

FanDuel Sportsbook Odds: +6000

In Patrick Peterson, the Cardinals are blessed to have one of the great shutdown corners of the modern NFL. Peterson allowed fewer than four receptions per game when targeted last season, for an average of 42.5 yards per game. However, the Cardinals have been without a partner for Peterson since pretty much the dawn of time. They had the eighth-highest Adjusted Defensive Passing NEP per play in the NFL last season with 0.06.

The Cardinals took Peterson out of Louisiana State with the fifth overall pick in 2011. So, why not go back to that well in 2019 and select corner Greedy Williams to pair with Peterson? Williams had 8 interceptions combined in 2017 and 2018, as well as 19 passes defended. Williams is the prototypical size of a modern NFL cornerback, and with Peterson to help tutor him, he could become part of a much feared secondary in the pass-happy NFC West.

There are weaknesses to his game, as one would expect. Lance Zierlein believes that he could stand to be stronger and competitive in run support, which he would need to be if the Cardinals don't improve greatly from last season when everyone could and did run on them. But he is one of the blue chippers at his position in this year's draft.

History tends to suggest that Williams will have to wait to hear his name called, however. The modern NFL has never seen a cornerback taken with the first overall selection. That is another reason why his odds are so long.