Over 100 days of visits, workouts, and speculation just for this moment. If you’re looking for a mock that goes more in depth to the fits than just who the prospects are, you’ve come to the right place.
1. Arizona Cardinals: Nick Bosa, EDGE, Ohio State
Have we been lied to all along? I honestly believe that Arizona isn’t playing anyone and legitimately is still unsure. With that being said, I don’t think that Kliff Kingsbury was hired with the intention of drafting Kyler Murray. He’s here to help the guy that was drafted last year, drafted by the same GM and the same owner, who I think simply have more say in this situation.
In that case, they draft who many believe is the #1 prospect in the nation. He’s the better Bosa, in my opinion, and is a deserved #1 pick. Many forgot how good he was because of this past season, but make no mistake, he has superstar potential in Arizona.
2. San Francisco 49ers: Quinnen Williams, DL, Alabama
With Bosa off the board, this pick is practically made for the Niners. They get Williams (who’s my #1 player) to join what’s becoming a stacked D-Line. Who do you double team with Williams, Dee Ford (13 sacks in 2018), and DeForrest Buckner (12 sacks in 2018)? I guess the better question is, who do you leave to one guy?
Williams would be an absolute nightmare for opposing offensive lineman. He had more run stops and more pressures than any other lineman in the country. He can beat doubles, find his way into the backfield, and finish plays. Williams is the complete package.
3. New York Jets: Josh Allen, EDGE, Kentucky
The second that Anthony Barr backed out of his deal with the Jets this pick seemed like a perfect fit. Allen would provide Gang Green with a true edge-rusher to compliment the strength that this defense has up the middle. The biggest concern with Allen is whether he can overpower tackles at the next level. However, with 17 sacks and 28 QB hurries as a senior in the SEC, Allen has let his play do the talking. I think he’s an immediate starter and would provide the Jets with another interesting piece as they make a run at the wildcard in 2019.
4. Oakland Raiders: Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma
For nearly the entire draft season, no one has thought about what happens if the Cardinals pass on Kyler. It’s almost been a foregone conclusion. But with Bosa, Williams, and Allen off the board, I think it’s a very interesting position for Oakland to be in. Gruden would be foolish to not consider grabbing a potential franchise QB before the team heads to Vegas after this season.
Unless things drastically change, Derek Carr isn’t the QB that’s going to turn this franchise around. With Kyler’s mobility, arm strength, and accuracy from the pocket, he has franchise-altering potential. And, franchise-altering potential from a QB merits a high pick.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Devin White, LB, LSU
There’s always one or two players who many experts slot to go in the mid-teens to the early-twenties that jump into the top-10. Last year, it was Mike McGlinchey. The year before it was Corey Davis. The list goes on.
Coming into the season, Devin White was widely regarded as a top-10 pick, but I believe the media slowly pushed him down boards on their own. It appears he’s climbing back up again, and I think Tampa is a perfect fit. Without Kwon Alexander, there’s a gaping hole in the middle of this defense. White is an all-around linebacker who excels in coverage and as a pass rusher, recording four sacks in back-to-back seasons.
6. New York Giants: Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State
After Russell Wilson signed his sizable extension this past week, this HAS TO BE the pick. I’ve been a big advocate for the Giants hitting the reset button for quite some time, and I firmly believe that Haskins is all that. He’s sharp in the pocket, gets the ball out quickly, and rarely turns it over. He’s not outspoken, but he’s a proven leader and will be a fresh of breath air in what has been a busy Giants offseason.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jawaan Taylor, T, Florida
I’ve gone back and fourth switching between Taylor and Alabama’s Jonah Williams but ultimately decided on the former Gator for one reason. The Jags are content with Cam Robinson as their left tackle of the future, and if the rumors are true that they want another tackle, it makes more sense to take a guy who played on the right side in college. Taylor is a mauler who has no weakness in the run or pass game. His only concern was the fact that he was penalized 12 times last year for Florida, but I still firmly believe he is a top-10 player in this draft.
8. TRADE: Atlanta Falcons via Detroit Lions: Ed Oliver, DT, Houston
Detroit could benefit from adding another pass rusher, but I think they could benefit from moving back a few spots and still nabbing an enticing prospect. There are various reports that teams who want Ed Oliver believe that they have to get in front of Buffalo, and many have connected Atlanta as one of those teams.
Oliver would slide right into Atlanta’s 4-3 defense where he can focus on rushing the quarterback, while lining up next to Grady Jarrett, one of the game’s best interior rushers. It might be wishful thinking, but Jarrett and Oliver could be one of the games best pass rushing duos.
9. Buffalo Bills: Jonah Williams, T, Alabama
Buffalo has to make it their number one priority to address the offensive line. This is not only to keep Josh Allen healthy but also to keep him in the pocket where he can throw rockets. Williams can play any spot that isn’t center and is probably the safest player in the draft because of his versatility. I think Williams fits best as a tackle and could play on either side, but it’ll be up to Buffalo to find a combination that works. Regardless, with Williams, they’ll be getting a phenomenal pass blocker who allowed a mere 12 pressures all season.
10. Denver Broncos: Devin Bush, LB, Michigan
No QB here. They have bigger needs to address. In that case, they move to their biggest need: linebacker. Bush is one of my favorite players in this class and might be the best cover linebacker I’ve seen in years. He’d be the perfect compliment to Todd Davis, who’s a run thumper, where both could help mask the others’ weaknesses.
Not only is he an outstanding fit, but new Broncos coach Vic Fangio was the defensive coordinator for Jim Harbaugh (Bush’s college coach) back when Harbaugh coached the 49ers. That was a team led by Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman, so I think it’s safe to say Fangio knows the importance of great linebacking.
11. Cincinnati Bengals: Drew Lock, QB, Missouri
The Bengals have been oddly quiet in terms of what’s coming out of their camp this draft season. No big rumors, no big connections, which leads me to believe they’re either A.) Totally unsure of what the hell they’re going to do, or B.) Keeping a big secret.
The biggest overlap between those two would be the sentiment of drafting a QB, and Lock is only QB available who’s worth taking. He’d provide the spark that’s simply lacking with Andy Dalton. After diving into more of his film, I don’t necessarily view Lock as just a big arm. I think he’s very gifted physically but was surrounded by an average supporting cast at Mizzou. I think in Cincy that will change.
12. Green Bay Packers: T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa
The Packers have to realize that their offense was the problem last year. Aaron Rodgers is Aaron Rodgers, the line was fine, but it’s the weapons around him that need to improve. I’d say the combination of Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams will suffice at RB, while the collection of young wideouts along with Davante Adams don’t need another name in their crowded WR room.
This leaves TE, as Jimmy Graham was outright awful last season as the “red-zone threat,” only bringing in two TDs. Hockenson is arguably the best receiving tight end in addition to being the best blocker of the group. He’s the total package and should actually help this offense in the red-zone.
13. Miami Dolphins: Andre Dillard, T, Washington State
Instead of drafting their QB of the future, Miami elects to build a safe environment for one down the line. Dillard is as good as it gets as a pass blocker and can step right in for Ja’Wuan James who left this past March for Denver. He allowed only one sack and 11 total pressures on an astronomical 722 passing snaps. Nobody throws the ball in college football more than Washington State, and for Dillard, to have that kind of success with defenses knowing the pass is coming is why he has the chance to be great in the NFL.
14. TRADE: Detroit Lions via Atlanta Falcons: Montez Sweat, EDGE, Mississippi State
Detroit has been connected to a pass-rusher throughout this entire draft process, but instead of taking one at eight, they get one six picks later. Sweat is a superb athlete, seen in his 4.41 forty at the combine, and has shown legitimate production with 24 sacks over his past two years. He’d fit right into Detroit’s deep rotation of pass rushers, as Matt Patricia tries to build a championship defense starting from the front.
The biggest concern that’s been a little overlooked is the fact that Sweat was diagnosed with a heart condition at the combine. It was deemed a “low-risk” condition, but those issues can be the deciding factors. Remember teams are drafting with 10-20 years in mind. I think that’ll push him just outside the top-10.
15. Washington Redskins: D.K. Metcalf, WR, Mississippi
The buzz following Metcalf’s internet-breaking combine has died down a little, and with it so has the former Mississippi wideout’s draft stock. Metcalf still goes in the top half of the draft here, though. With Murray, Lock, and Haskins off the board, as well as Arizona now holding onto Rosen, Washington should just take the best need available.
Their WR depth chart is depleted, and a prospect like Metcalf would go a long way. We all know the story with D.K. No man should be blessed with his combination of size and speed, but he is. And, as a result, he’s going to be the first WR off the board and a legitimate #1 for the Redskins offense.
16. Carolina Panthers: Cody Ford, T/G, Oklahoma
It’s no secret at all, not in the slightest, that the Panthers want and need to protect Cam Newton. No statistic can show it, but he takes more of a beating than any other QB I’ve ever seen. Things just need to be better. Ford isn’t the best run blocker, by any stretch, but he’d have a very seamless transition from Oklahoma to Carolina. Both offenses love to get the ball out quick and find ways to get their stars the ball in space with blockers in front of them. I’m sure Cam Newton and Christian McCaffrey would welcome him with open arms.
17. New York Giants (from CLE) Browns: Brian Burns, EDGE, Florida State
I’ll admit, I don’t envision Burns dropping to this point, but it’s where the chips fell. The Giants will gladly run their card up to the podium as they nab a quality QB and a high-ceiling edge.
Burns is a pass-rush specialist (see his nation-leading 68 total pressures) that the Giants can let loose just about every play to attack the QB. He isn’t an excellent run defender, but he can hold his own. I think, early on, the Giants can utilize him on third downs until he adds more weight to his frame. If things pan out, Burns may join the long lineage of great G-Men sack artists.
18. Minnesota Vikings: Garrett Bradbury, C/G, NC State
Minnesota has one mission on Day 1, and it’s to find a starting offensive lineman that’ll help them become a playoff team next season. In my opinion, their starting center, Pat Elflein, was the weakest link last season. Competition should be brought in immediately.
Bradbury played both guard and center in his three years as a starter at NC State and can either start alongside Elflein or replace him. He’d unquestionably be one of the top five linemen in Minnesota, and with his positional flexibility, that’s all that matters.
19. Tennessee Titans: Rashan Gary, EDGE, Michigan
This is where the slide for the former #1 high school recruit ends. I don’t get the Gary hype at all. Maybe this is a little biased, but I just don’t see a team looking at Gary side-by-side with Sweat or Burns and viewing him as the better prospect.
With that being said, Gary still has a decent amount to offer to the Titans. Tennessee needs to get younger on the outside, with Cameron Wake (37) and Brian Orakpo (32) figuring to be two of their top three edge rushers along with last year’s second rounder Harold Landry. Gary would immediately solve that issue while also being a very productive run stopper, despite his lack of pass-rush production.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Byron Murphy, CB, Washington
This pick was tough to make because, while I do believe that Pittsburgh will go corner, there’s no consensus #1. I probably have switched it 10 times at this point, but I think Murphy is the best fit.
The biggest concern facing Murphy is if he can succeed in man coverage due to his lack of speed. He ran a 4.55 forty at the scouting combine, which was the slowest among the potential first-round CBs. This can be masked, however, in Pittsburgh’s heavy zone defense, similar to what he succeeded in at Washington. Murphy won’t be tasked with having to cover one-on-one where his quickness could be exposed. Instead, he’d be playing in a very similar system that made him a first rounder.
21. Seattle Seahawks: Clelin Ferrell, EDGE, Clemson
After trading Frank Clark, this pick is a no-brainer. Seattle is a team who very, very often drafts up front in the early rounds. After going RB in the first last year, I expect a return to this trend. This strategy has led to seven straight winning seasons, and it’s one I don’t expect them to abandon.
I’m not the biggest fan of the Clemson pass rushers. I think they all benefited off of each other rather than one being the standout. However, I’d be stupid to ignore that there’s talent there. Ferrell had eight sacks as a junior, followed by 13 as a senior, and if any staff can continue that level of production in the NFL it’s Pete Carroll’s. Over the past seven years, they’ve had five different guys get 10+ sacks. Ferrell could very quickly become the sixth.
22. Baltimore Ravens: Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma
This was a pick I made in my first mock, except, last time, I had Baltimore trading back. It seems that Brown’s injuries are going to have no bearing on his draft stock, which means Baltimore, who desperately needs help at WR, should just stay put.
Brown would add to the overall speed of the Ravens offense, while also stepping in as arguably the most talented wideout on the roster. His biggest strength is as a deep threat, but if Lamar Jackson continues to develop in his second year, we might see Brown become one of the game’s most electrifying players.
23. Houston Texans: Dalton Risner, T, Kansas State
This might be a little high for former Wildcat, Dalton Risner, but the Texans’ need for a tackle is too big to not address. Risner isn’t viewed as an elite athlete in comparison to the other top tackles in this class, but he proved at K-State that he can move all over the line, which is a big plus for a Houston team that isn’t committed to any starter up front.
Risner only allowed five total pressure this season at right tackle and was equally efficient as a run blocker as well. On film, you’ll see a guy who’s not afraid to get his hands dirty and who makes up for his lack of quickness with full commitment to his blocks.
24. Oakland Raiders (from CHI): Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama
Not only is Jacobs one of my favorite players, but this is one of my favorite fits in the draft. As far as I’m concerned, Jacobs is among the top 10-15 players in this class, and I wouldn’t be shocked if Mike Mayock had to move up to get his guy. In that link above, I broke down some film of exactly why Jacobs is so talented.
He turns one-yard runs into three-yard runs, three-yard runs into 10-yard runs, and 10-yard runs into 40-yard runs. He rarely goes down after first contact and is one of the most elusive backs in the country.
In Oakland, he’d be an immediate three-down back, despite people sleeping on him as a pass-catcher. He’s not quite the prospect that Gurley, Fournette, Zeke, or Barkley were, but he’s in that next group right behind them.
25. Philadelphia Eagles: Jeffrey Simmons, DT, Mississippi State
Without injury, Simmons is probably one of the first 15 players taken off the board, but unfortunately, he’s likely to miss the entire 2019-20 season with a torn ACL. Philly, however, likes to build depth up front and would have no problem waiting a year for a potentially great player.
In the meantime, the Eagles can rely on Fletcher Cox and the recently signed Malik Jackson before Simmons joins them in 2020. When he does, he should excel playing next to either one of those guys, impacting the game as a pass-rusher as he often did in college. If he can return to full strength, Philly might have a deeper group of defensive lineman than they did the year they won the Super Bowl.
26. Indianapolis Colts: Greedy Williams, CB, LSU
Indy could go wide receiver here, but they need to realize that their offense is not what’s holding them back. They should draft on defense instead. The Colts will catch the falling Williams just as they did with Malik Hooker back in 2017.
With Williams, not only do they get another youngster in their cornerback room, but they’re getting a pure physical specimen. He struggled at times in 2018 and furthermore at the combine, but the fact that he’s 6’2″ and can run a 4.37 forty should get him into the first round. The Colts should have no problem working him into their rotation.
27. Oakland Raiders (from DAL): Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia
Last time I plug this article I swear. After reports came out from the combine that Baker wasn’t overly impressive in his interviews, it seemed many teams were sliding him down their boards. I never saw the Raiders as a team who cared about the character of a player, for better or worse, and I really don’t see them as a team who would pass on him twice in the 20’s.
Baker is my #1 corner (if you clicked that link you’d see why), and I believe he’d be a big factor in getting Oakland back to the playoffs. He might not be a workout warrior, or even the best person, but his film is too good to not draft.
28. LA Chargers: Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson
The Chargers were heavily associated with Wilkins last year before he decided to return to Clemson for his senior season. This time around they’re not in as great of a spot to get him, but in this scenario, we see guys like Dalton Risner and Jeffery Simmons push him down the board.
They’re getting a versatile defensive tackle who’s just as adept in the run game as he is as a pass-rusher. With eight sacks this past season, Wilkins is ready to be a three-down player at the next level. In my opinion, Wilkins is the most talented of the Clemson lineman and is more than worth the 28th pick.
29. TRADE: Denver Broncos via Seattle Seahawks (from KC): Daniel Jones, QB, Duke
John Elway is back at it again, calling up the exact same team that traded the pick, that turned into Paxton Lynch. Everyone sees them taking Drew Lock, but at 6’3″ he’s too small to be an Elway QB. Instead, it’s the 6’5″ Jones who can sit behind Joe Flacco for a season.
Jones is an above-average athlete who is much better outside the pocket than in it. He has a decent touch, with a lot of his touchdowns coming down the middle, but he needs to develop his ability to push the ball beyond the hashes. Elway’s QB track record isn’t great, but the jury is still out on this one.
30. Green Bay Packers (from NO): Chris Lindstrom, G, Boston College
I do believe that Green Bay will just go with the best available player, and many are slotting Lindstrom to be a first-round pick. He’s exactly the kind of athlete that the Packers could use at either guard spot.
Lindstrom is the best pass-blocking guard in this class and can help Aaron Rodgers get back to dancing around the pocket, which we rarely saw in 2018. It’s not a flashy pick or an heir to Aaron Rodgers, but as I said, he’s the best player on the board and could easily start on Day 1.
31. Los Angeles Rams: Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
Without Ndamukong Suh, the Rams are in need of a nose tackle to play next to Aaron Donald. At 342 pounds, Lawrence is the perfect fit as a big-bodied run-stopper. The only issue with that is that Lawrence isn’t just a run-stopper.
After his freshman season (seven sacks) he quickly showed that he has a rare athletic ability, for his size, to get to the QB. While he’s slowed down since (six sacks in two years), and his draft stock has fallen, he still deserves to be a first round pick just based on the raw potential that he has, and the fact that he’d get a chance to work with the best.
32. New England Patriots: Noah Fant, TE, Iowa
Another Iowa TE goes off the board, except instead of replacing Jimmy Graham, Fant will be tasked with something much greater. Without Gronk, the Patriots aren’t only missing Tom’s first option, but they’re missing a big part of their run game.
Fant is not only a great athlete in the open field, but he’s also someone who hits hard at the point of attack when blocking. He’s not as good of a prospect as his teammate Hockenson, but he’s the next best TE without a doubt. He just needs to get more consistent, but, in my opinion, he has the best coach for tight ends (and just in general for that matter) in the NFL. They’ll get their QB (my pick is Grier) later on.
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