Free Agency is fast approaching, which means so is the NFL Draft. With the Draft of course comes mocks, so here is my first mock of the 2019 NFL Draft Season.
Arizona Cardinals– Kyler Murray (QB) Oklahoma- It is incredible to see how much Murray to the Cardinals looks more and more like reality with each passing day. Kliff Kingsbury clearly has an infatuation with the former Heisman winner, and the rumor mill has churned out that he wants him at #1. This, of course, means they will have to trade Josh Rosen (more on that later in the draft), but they should be able to net a decent return from the sophomore pro. Of all picks in the draft, this may be the safest of the bunch.
San Francisco 49ers-Nick Bosa (DE) Ohio State- Nick Bosa somehow might have been a better prospect coming out of OSU than his brother was, which is quite the compliment. Bosa is a flat out monster off the edge and can be a very transcendent player. His injury history is a bit of a scare, but I think the risk is worth the reward. The need for the 9ers is not necessarily there, but you can’t pass on a player with Bosa’s upside.
New York Jets- Quinnen Williams (DT) Alabama- Quinnen Williams is probably my favorite player in the draft. He is an athletic freak for the DT position and is an absolute game wrecker. Trying to watch tape of Alabama defensive players is honestly a challenge, due to the fact Williams is always making an impact on the play. The Jets really need a defensive star, and Williams can help New York take the next level on that side of the ball.
Oakland Raiders- Josh Allen (DE/OLB) Kentucky- The irony in this selection is unreal. Jon Gruden will select an edge rusher in this year’s draft, just a year after trading his generational monster at the position in Khalil Mack. Nonetheless, Josh Allen fits the trend as an athletic pass rusher that is needed in today’s NFL. His reaction time is absolutely ridiculous, and his football IQ is really off the charts. Not to mention, he has great power for someone his build. The Raiders could not get to the QB whatsoever last year, so this should be an instant impact type of player.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Rashan Gary (DL) Michigan- Gary is great at wreaking havoc up front, and can be what the Buccaneers need on the defensive side of the ball. Gary and JPP could make an intriguing tandem, and with solid all-around NFC South QB play, a pass rush is extremely needed. I think the Buccaneers could realistically trade this pick, and move down to select LSU corner Greedy Williams, but with no real basis to go off beside a hunch, I will keep the Bucs at #5 for the time being.
New York Giants-Dwayne Haskins (QB) The Ohio State University- Before Kyler Murray was an option to be drafted, Dwayne Haskins was the only Quarterback worthy of a top 10 selection. Although not very athletic, Haskins as an incredible cannon and can sling the ball from anywhere. His deep ball is his best trait, and he is able to feel the rush pretty consistently. He, of course, is a bit of a project and can sit behind Eli Manning for the 2019 season, but Haskins should be a viable starting QB at the next level.
Buffalo Bills (Trade with Jacksonville Jaguars)- DK Metcalf (WR) Ole Miss- In recent years teams really have valued combine numbers. John Ross had a blazing 40 time, and that alone made his draft value of a late first round, or a mid second round pick into that of someone who was selected in the top 10. DK Metcalf stole the show at this years combine, with his impressive physique and ridiculous athleticism. The Bills have no real threats on the outside, and giving Josh Allen an elite player to throw the ball too is imperative. I think the Bills trade up here to try to create the NFL’s next best young duo in Orchard Park.
Detroit Lions- Jonah Williams (OL) Alabama- Jonah Williams is a top 5 pick in most drafts, but the talent this year is too vast at important positions. Teams simply are more likely to take an impact player with a game breaker ceiling, rather than waste it on the non-sexy offensive lineman. Surely offensive lineman can change the culture of a team (look at the Indianapolis Colts) but the point still stands. I think Williams falls a bit here, and the Lions get a great value spot at 8.
Jacksonville Jaguars (Trade with Buffalo Bills)- T.J Hockenson(TE) Iowa- The Jaguars move down here to select someone they would have gotten at 7, and add some picks/a player in the process. Noah Fant has garnered much attention lately due to his crazy athletic ability. He is a great blend of size and speed and fits the mold of the 2019 Tight End. He is compared to a young Jimmy Graham, and with Nick Foles most likely on his way to Duval County, the Jaguars would love to have that kind of player.
Denver Broncos- Drew Lock (QB) Mizzou- John Elway just can’t get this QB thing right. Peyton Manning was lured in by Elway, but besides that, the Broncos GM has had a real “whos whos” at the position. The Broncos have reportedly had a fascination for Mizzou QB Drew Lock, and I see them taking him here. It is a good scheme fit and he can gain valuable experience behind Joe Flacco.
Cincinnati Bengals- Montez Sweat (OLB/DT) Mississippi State- Sweat might be the prospect that has had his draft stock improved the most since his last actual collegiate game. His speed for his size is just ridiculous, and he has all the pass rushing ability to back it up. Sweat should be an easy choice for Cincinnati here at 11.
Green Bay Packers- Clelin Ferrel (DE/OLB) Clemson- Green Bay has had a mixed bag of pass rush ability over the past few seasons. They are very inconsistent, and they could really use another good piece upfront. Ferrel can line up alongside Kenny Clark and Mike Daniels to wreak havoc on the NFC North.
Washington Redskins (Trade with Miami Dolphins)- Devin White (LB) LSU- White is one of my favorite prospects in this year’s draft. He flys over the field and his speed can help bail him out when he gets over aggressive. This is the kind of talent Washington needs and would be the focal point of a younger Redskins D.
Atlanta Falcons- Ed Oliver (DT) Houston- At one point last year, Ed Oliver was the consensus #1 overall pick in this year’s draft. Some attitude issues and inconsistent play stopped that talk, but Oliver is still a top prospect. Ed and Grady Jarrett could easily make one of the best interior DL duos in the league.
Miami Dolphins (Trade with Washington Redskins)- Daniel Jones (QB) Duke- The Dolphins are looking to rebuild (tank) next season, and that will start when they deal QB Ryan Tannehill. This means in 2019 they will almost certainly have a bridge at the position for the time being. That allows Jones to sit back and learn and get the reigns turned over to him at the end of the season, or in 2020.
Carolina Panthers– Jawaan Taylor (OT) Florida The Panthers had a ton of issues last season due to their terrible offensive line play. With Cam Newtons status up in the air for 2019, it would make sense to play this draft safe. Next season they would presumably have a top 10 pick and can be a bit more aggressive then.
Cleveland Browns– A.J Brown (WR) Ole Miss- It is incredible that two players from the same positional group on a fairly mediocre team will both go in the top 20 in the draft. A.J Brown may not have the ceiling of his running mate D.K Metcalf, but he does have the higher floor. Brown is a good wideout and can really make a great trio with Baker Mayfield and Jarvis Landry.
Houston Texans (Trade with Minnesota Vikings)- Greedy Williams (CB) LSU- This could potentially be like the move the Chargers made last year when drafting Derwin James. They get a player with top 10 talent all over him, at a position, a lot of teams just don’t necessarily need before them in the draft. Houston is in dire need of a lockdown corner, and Williams can hopefully provide that in the years to come.
Tennessee Titans- Marquise “Hollywood” Brown (WR) Oklahoma- Now this would get the Nashville crowd pumped up. Brown is a speedster and can stretch the field in a hurry, something the Titans are sorely lacking. Tennessee hopes they land the next Brandin Cooks in a slight reach here at 19.
Pittsburgh Steelers- Byron Murphy (CB) Washington- Scouts have been all in on Murphy after an amazing showing at the Combine, and rightfully so. He is very athletic and has phenomenal ball skills. The Steelers lack the position quite a bit, and Murphy is a slight steal at 20.
Seattle Seahawks- Noah Fant (TE) Iowa- Hockerson to Seattle would be one of the best plugin system fits imaginable when drafting a player. Wilson does like to use his Tight Ends and getting a consistent one should be a necessity for the franchise. He is one of the most well rounded TE’s to come out in a while, and can also help in the run game. Great pick here for Seattle.
Baltimore Ravens- Brian Burns (DE) Florida State- Of all the pass rushers to fall, I think Burns is the most likely. He was great at FSU, but many question his ceiling. He can get to the passer fast though, and the Ravens boost their defense early.
Minnesota Vikings (Trade with Houston Texans)- Andre Dillard (OL) Washington State- Dillard is another “All-Combine Team” members, and really helped his draft stock. The Vikings slide back here and really take someone that they would have at their original spot.
Oakland Raiders- Devin Bush (LB) Michigan- Bush is an absolute stud. He is quick to the ball, can play all 3 downs and really was the leader of the excellent Michigan defense. The Raiders need practically every position, and Bush is the best prospect on the board.
Green Bay Packers (Trade with Philidelphia Eagles)- N’Keal Harry (WR) Arizona State- The Packers are in a new era, so why not give their young offensive coach another toy? Wide Reciever is not really a need for the Packers, but this allows Packers management to make up no more excuses for Aaron Rodgers. Harry and Adams could be one of the best leagues tandems with a future HOF quarterback at the helm.
Indianapolis Colts- Christian Wilkins (DL) Clemson- At the tail end of the season, the Colts defense really played great football. They don’t have a ton of top tier talent, however, and can still improve in many areas. Wilkins should bolster the pass rush, and help create a dynamic Colts front 7.
Oakland Raiders- Cody Ford (OG) Oklahoma- With Jon Gruden overhauling the team, Kelechi Osmele is likely done with the silver and black. Ford is an instant plug and play guard and should be at worst a decent starter at the next level.
Los Angelas Chargers- Dalton Risner (OL) Kansas State- Risner played well at KSU during his tenure, and can really do it all. He is a well-rounded player that will be able to play anywhere on the line. Good value for LA at 28.
Kansas City Chiefs- Garret Bradbury (C) N.C State- Chief center Mitch Morse is set to hit Free Agency and draw significant interest. I can’t see the Chiefs re-signing him, so instead, they get his replacement in the draft. Bradbury is a top offensive lineman in the class and should make an early contribution.
Philidelphia Eagles (Trade with Green Bay Packers)- Josh Jacobs (RB) Alabama- Eagles fans really want Le’Veon Bell, but the team’s cap situation makes that nearly impossible. Jacobs is the best back in the class and can really be something special. The Eagles trade back to stock up on picks and get a position of need.
Los Angelas Rams- Dexter Lawrence (DE) Clemson- Lawrence and Donald on the same front? Don’t mind if we do. Dante Fowler Jr. and Ndamukong Suh are extremely unlikely to return to the team, but Lawrence at 31 could ensure the Rams continue to have an elite pass rush outside of Aaron Donald.
Arizona Cardinals (Trade with New England Patriots)- Hakeem Butler (WR) Iowa State- Yes, I indirectly suggest the New England Patriots trade for Josh Rosen. Call me crazy, but I think it is a real possibility. Regardless, the Cardinals need to give Kyler Murray some targets to feed the ball too. Butler has great size and speed, and would be a great fit in Kliff Kingsbury’s “air raid” offense.
