2018 NFL Draft first round re-draft: What changes one year later?
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Fred Warner, LB, BYU
Original Pick: Billy Price
The Bengals are another team that had a lot of needs across their roster entering the 2018 NFL draft. They ended up selecting center Billy Price, who had a solid rookie season despite a couple of injuries. Price wasn’t quite impressive enough when on the field to warrant this selection, especially ahead of a player like Fred Warner.
Warner was actually a third round selection of the 49ers out of BYU. Even so, Warner made an immediate impact, starting all 16 games for San Francisco. He totaled 124 combined tackles, becoming a clear leader for the Niner defense with the drama surrounding linebacker Reuben Foster.
Warner makes a huge, two-round jump following an impressive rookie season. The Bengals had a decent season by their linebackers, but it was pretty much a linebacker-by-committee. Warner could step in as a true leader in the middle of the field and would provide some insurance with the drama that the Bengals had of their own with Vontaze Burfict.
22. Tennessee Titans: Vita Vea, DT, Washington
Original Pick: Rashaan Evans
Vita Vea falls from 12th overall to 22nd overall in this re-draft. Vea had to fight through injury in 2018, starting just eight games for Tampa Bay and playing 13. He was able to pick up three sacks and 28 combined tackles in his time on the field last season, showing a bit of the promise that is expected of a top 12 pick.
At this point in the draft, a chance can be taken on a player like Vea. He has the size, strength, and potential to make an impact in the near future. Putting Vea on a front line next to Jurrell Casey could be intimidating to offensive players everywhere.
Rashaan Evans started just seven games for the Titans in 2018, totaling just 53 combined tackles over the entirety of his rookie season. Although he showed flashes of potential at times throughout the year, Vea may have even more potential and fills a bigger need for the Titans defense.