This past week was the final chance for College players to pick whether they wanted to stay in school or leave. Over 85% of the teams have their draft pick secured. Some teams have very interesting situations and in a year where this year’s class is loaded with D-Lineman and is iffy on QB. It will certainly be a roller coaster ride the rest of the way. This Mock features 1 trade up that is a bit surprising, a team not so surprisingly not looking for a QB and some teams that find some gems later on in the first round.
#1 Arizona- EDGE Nick Bosa Ohio State
This is one of the more obvious pick that has been put to question within this past couple of weeks. With Kliff Kingsbury becoming the new HC and Kyler declaring for the pros, there was some buzz that Kyler could be number 1. But with a young QB and a offensive minded HC, Arizona reminds me a ton of Los Angeles two years ago. During Jared Goff’s first year, he had Jeff Fisher as his HC who wasn’t an offensive minded HC. Then Sean McVay came in and you know how well LA is doing now. This could be that same situation with Kliff and Josh Rosen. Arizona has bigger problems than QB and select a elite pass rusher that could be the anchor of this defense.
#2 Oakland- (Trade Via SF)- DL Ed Oliver Houston
San Francisco is a very interesting situation where they have their QB and spent quite a bit of picks in past along the defensive line. Oakland needs an instant impact and potential star. Oakland has a ton of picks for a reason and they feel like New York could swipe him at 3. They take a risk to trade up a few picks (2 1st in 2019 and a mid rounder later). They are hoping for a gem and that’s what they could be getting in Ed Oliver.
#3 New York (AFC)- OT Jonah Williams Alabama
It’s not a fashion statement pick and Oliver was just picked ahead. You’ve got a young QB and he needs an anchor on the outside to help him out. Jonah is the best OT in the class and helps Sam Darnold stay upright in the pocket.
#4 San Francisco- (Trade Via Oak)- CB DeAndre Baker Georgia
SF trades back and picks up a stud DB from the best conference in all of college football. SF has Sherman, but needs a bit of help out there. SF has options as Clelin Ferrell is still on the board, but SF switches things up and picks DeAndre Baker. Baker is a lockdown corner with slightly below average height, but great speed and 9 pass deflections in 2018. He might be the best Georgia DB prospect in quite some time.
#5 Tampa Bay- S Deionte Thompson Alabama
Tampa Bay missed out on the chance to get Minkah Fitzpatrick a year ago, but they end getting his teammate from the 2017 season as Tampa gets the highest rated safety in the class. Jameis Winston has been shaky and even got benched last year for Ryan Fitzpatrick. This is his final year of his contract and if he doesn’t live to his expectations, Winston could be hitting Free Agency. I don’t think Tampa looks for one this year, but in 2020, it is very likely.
#6 New York (NFC)- QB Dwayne Haskins Ohio State
The highest rated QB in this class had his stock rise in the Rose Bowl against Washington where he passed for 257 Yards and 3 Touchdowns. This is a dream scenario where New York could have Saquon Barkley , Odell Beckham, and Dwayne Haskins in 2019. This could also be a situation where Dwayne sits out in 2019 (similar to Kansas City in 2017) and “redshirts” Haskins this year. New York snags him and makes New York the most potent offense in 2019 if they do indeed play Haskins.
#7 Jacksonville- DE Clelin Ferrell Clemson
This might be a head scratching decision from most people, but hear me out. This year, not near as many teams need QB like there was an urgency for the position last year. Jacksonville has time to not take one early (I think they get Ryan Finley out of North Caolina State in the 2nd round). The class is top heavy with DE and Jacksonville goes and gets a really good one in Clelin Ferrell. In his senior year, Ferrell had 55 tackles, 20 TFL’s and 11.5 sacks, as well as forcing 3 fumbles and a touchdown.
#8 Detroit- OLB/EDGE Josh Allen Kentucky
Detroit isn’t in dire need of a LB, but with Allen’s intagibles and speed, don’t be surprised if he doesn’t stay on the board much longer. At 6-5, 230 lbs, Allen has the ability to do both. He finished his 2018 season with 88 tackles, 21.5 TFL’s and lead the SEC and is #2 in NCAA with 17 sacks. He needs to add a bit more weight if they want him to be a full time DE, but Allen is versatile and can be elite.
#9 Buffalo- Quinnen Williams DT Alabama
A guy that is projected to be a top 5 pick slides down due to teams with different needs come in front. Oakland had a chance at 2, but went with the more versatile prospect in Oliver. Buffalo picked Josh Allen last year and found a stud along the D-Line to help out Kyle Williams, Jerry Hughes, and Shaq Lawson.
#10 Denver- Drew Lock QB Missouri
After having 4 QB’s taken in the top 10 in 2018, the 2nd one is taken off the board in 2019 at number 10. Lock was considered by many to be a first round pick heading into the year and he backed that up in 2018. Missouri isn’t a great team and Lock had to carry the team at times and that showed with their average record, even with a good offense. Lock might be a project and may have some struggles in year 1, but has a big time arm and can sling the rock. Accuracy is an issue, but Lock could be an upgrade over Keenum, especially how poor Keenum played last year (18 TD’s, 15 INT’s).
#11 Cincinnati- ILB Devin White LSU
Devin White is the heart and soul of the LSU defense. With Vontaze Burfict in trouble and in and out of the lineup, Cincinnati has had to rely on unproven and young players like Rookie Jordan Evans and Hardy Nickerson. Devin White is a do it all linebacker with the ability to stop the run, get to the QB, and play solid coverage. In his junior year, White had 123 tacles (had 133 in 2017 as well), 12 TFL’s, 3 sacks, and 6 pass deflections to go along with 3 forced fumbles. There’s quite a bit of issues with Cincy, but Devin White can be a difference maker on defense.
#12 Green Bay- Montez Sweat EDGE Mississippi State
Green Bay has been building a blueprint to improve this defense with taking quite a few DB’s in the past couple of seasons. But their pass rush is lacking. And with Clay Matthews hitting free agency, that certainly won’t help. Sweat has had two extremely productive seasons where he totaled 22.5 sacks and 30 TFL’s in those years. At 6-6 245, he has the perfect size to be a menace for opposing tackles in the upcoming seasons
#13 Miami- QB Kyler Murray Oklahoma
Ever since he declared, The Heisman Trophy winner has gotten a lot of buzz and some even say, he could be the #1 pick. I don’t but the hype about him being #1. However, I do think he grades out as a first rounder and Miami needs an answer. Tannehill is not the answers in Miami and they will be looking for a flashy pick that could rejuvenate this organization. Miami could look defense and get DT Rashan Gary out of Michigan. But Miami has some young pieces to work with and QB play is the most important thing in the NFL. Miami gives the undersized speedster a chance and picks Kyler at 13.
#14 Atlanta- DT Rashan Gary Michigan
Miami doesn’t select Gary, so Atlanta takes him with the very next pick. Atlanta had to deal with what seemed like a roster full of injuries, especially along the defensive side. Grady Jarrett is going to free agency, but they could pair Gary with the monster that has been Vic Beasley. Atlanta is one of those teams that has a really food roster, but just underachieved in 2018. Gary gives ATL a guy in the trenches in replace Jarrett.
#15 Washington- QB Will Grier West Virginia
Even with a average QB class, Grier still gets taken in the top 15. Washington has had injury and age issues with Alex Smith and Colt McCoy is not a NFL starting QB. Grier excelled at Florida and when he transferred to WV, he put up monster numbers in the Big 12. Grier does have an issue in that the WV WR’s were among the best in the nation with David Sills V and Gary Jennings leading the way. Washington has Josh Doctson (who has inconsistent hands) and who else? Grier may be a project like Lock, but is more prepared and NFL ready than Lock. He won’t start day 1, but expect him to start sometime before the season ends.
#16 Carolina- OT Greg Little Ole Miss
Greg had some off the field issues early in his career at Ole Miss, but cleaned it up and is the #2 rated OT in this class. With his 6’6 325 frame, he is the biggest OT in the draft and should give this old Carolina O-Line a big boost.
#17 Cleveland- DT Christian Wilkins Clemson
This is unfamiliar territory for the Browns. For the first time in it seems like forever, Cleveland isn’t in a rush to get a QB, (or get a QB in general). Cleveland addressed a lot last season and decides to improve the D-Line with the 2nd Clemson player taken in the first round. Wilkins was a 4 year starter with 40.5 TFL’s and 16 sacks in his 4 year career. He is a true run stopper that will be able to plug running lanes in Cleveland.
#18 Minnesota- OC Dalton Risner Kansas State
Minnesota had a ton of hype coming into the 2018 season with a playoff run the year before and signing the best QB in the free agency in Kirk Cousins. But this season just didn’t live up to the expectation with poor offensive line play and Kirk Cousin’s inconsistency. Risner hasn’t given up a sack in a game since 2016 and is the best center in the draft, hands down.
#19 Tennessee- CB Byron Murphy Washington
Murphy didn’t put up huge stats his sophomore year, but Murphy was a lockdown corner and had the highest CB grade on the season from the Pac 12. The Sophomore finished with 58 tackles, 4 interceptions, and a touchdown. Tennessee has Adoree Jackson, but Murphy can provide more of a lockdown corner, unlike Jackson is more of speedy DB that can work the nickel corner position.
#20 Pittsburgh- CB Greedy Williams LSU
Greedy is among one of the best lockdown corners in the class, but slips a little bit due to his playmaking ability lacks and didn’t have a ton of tackles. Williams had just 33 tackles and 2 interceptions, but had 9 pass deflections and Pittsburgh whiffed with their last DB pick in the first round. Pittsburgh is deep on offense at most positions and needs help in the back end. Williams will be able to help out.
#21 Seattle- OT David Edwards Wisconsin
There are some more talented players on the board at different positions, but Seattle desperately needs an offensive line to keep Russell Wilson upright. They traded for Duane Brown last season, but needs more help and Edwards is the guy they need for this pick to fill the need if they don’t in free agency.
#22 Baltimore- WR N’Keal Harry Arizona State
In my first mock draft, I had Baltimore picking N’Keal in the Top 15. Baltimore and more specifically Lamar Jackson, exceeded expectations and led his team to the playoffs. Lamar still needs some help around him and a spark plug with great hands in Harry is what Baltimore gets. He may be a bit undersized, but has great speed and hands. Don’t believe me? Watch this:
#23 Houston- Noah Fant TE Iowa
Houston is in a bit of a hole with no first round level O-Lineman at this point in the draft. Houston could trade this pick away, but for the purpose of this mock, getting some more playmakers will help a young Deshaun Watson and Fant is that. Fant has 1,012 Yards and 18 Touchdowns in his previous 2 seasons and at 6-5 241, He is the best vertical threat in this class.
#24 San Francisco (Trade Via Oak)- S Taylor Rapp Washington
SF traded away their #2 to get the #4, #24, and a 3rd round pick. San Francisco gets their 2nd DB of the class and Taylor Rapp is a very good one. The 2nd Washington DB in the previous 5 picks had 58 tackles, 4 sacks, and 2 INT’s to go along with 4 pass deflections and 3 fumbles recovered. Rapp is always around the field and for a safety, does a good job of applying pressure to the QB when he is needed. SF is building up the secondary and has done a great job so far.
#25 Philadelphia- HB David Montgomery Iowa State
Philly had a good run going with Nick Foles and it will be interesting to see if they stay with him. But for now, I’m assuming the starting job will go back to Carson Wentz. Jay Ajayi was missed throughout the season when pressure needed to be taken off of Foles. Montgomery has been one of the best running backs in the Big 12, including a 1,216 yard and 13 touchdown season his senior year. Montgomery became the load for Iowa State and has been one of the best NFL prospect the Cyclones have had in about a decade (debate for Allen Lazard and the man picked next). Montgomery would be a splash get for Philly and give them a consistent ground game.
#26 Indianapolis- WR Hakeem Butler Iowa State
With a healthy Luck and a consistent defense, Indianapolis was fun and exciting to watch this year. T.Y Hilton had the best season of his career and led them to the divisional round of the playoffs. The perfect compliment to a player like T.Y is a huge red zone threat in 6’6 Hakeem Butler. After being the #2 behind Lazard in 2017, Butler bursted onto the scene and collected 1,318 yards and 9 touchdowns in 2018. Butler has hands and the size to become a starter immediately.
#27 Oakland (Via Cowboys)- WR Marquise “Hollywod” Brown Oklahoma
Oakland may address QB later, but a offensive playmaker is what Oakland needs. The fastest WR in all of CFB is still on the board and a guy that has burned every team he played against at OU is a true get. He is just 5’10 and weighs just 168 lbs. But he has speed that is on par with Tyreek Hill and has above average hands. In his 2 years, he had 2,413 yards and 17 TD’s with 2 Heisman Trophy QB’s. Brown is a take the top off the defense guy that is so lethal in space.
#28 Los Angeles (AFC)- Zach Allen DE Boston College
Allen is a guy that got a lot of praise at the beginning of the year. Widely by many to be considered a top 10 pick, slipped out of those spots, but still had a really good year. Other DE’s like Bosa, Oliver, Etc. just passed him up. Allen had 15 TFL’s and 6.5 Sacks. They already have Joey Bosa, but a 285 DE that has the speed to play OLB is extremely rare. LA gets a steal and a guy to pair up with Bosa.
#29 New England- QB Daniel Jones Duke
NE needs to find a replacement at QB. Tom isn’t getting any younger and needs a guy to groom up to. Ryan Finley is a guy that NE could look into, but Daniel has the better size and a slightly better upside with his arm talent. I wouldn’t be extremely surprising if NE passes up on one, but for now, Daniel Jones looks like a guy NE would be interested in.
#30 Kansas City- CB Trayvon Mullen Clemson
Kansas City had a dream season where they aren’t quite done yet. But after the playoffs, there isn’t a ton of needs for the Chiefs. Defensively, KC lacked in games early, especially against Los Angeles in that 54-51 Big 12 Shootout against Kansas City. In the secondary, they are going to need a talented player with championship pedigree. Enter in Trayvon Mullen. Mullen slightly underperformed in 2018, but still was a really good corner. At 6’2, he has great size and is all over the field. Julian Love is another candidate for this spot, but his 5’11 size doesn’t make him a first round grade to me. They are similar players, just different size.
#31 Los Angeles (NFC)- LB/DE Sutton Smith NIU
Los Angeles magical run continues and is exciting times in LA. But once it’s over, Los Angeles has to feel good about what spot they are in and the prospect left on the board. By far, the most slept on prospect in this entire draft has got to be Sutton Smith. Smith has some glaring negatives, but a ton of potential. The negative is he’s a 6’1 237 lbs. DE, he played in the MAC, and doesn’t play much coverage. The positive is he has elite speed and has 57.5 TFL’s and 30 sacks in the previous 2 seasons (both #1 in all of NCAA). Smith’s ceiling is extremely high.
#32 Green Bay (Via Saints)- DE Jaylon Ferguson Louisiana Tech
When I said this DE class is deep, there is no joking about it. Nearly half of Jaylen’s tackles are for loss and had 17.5 sacks this past year. It’s odd for a team to pick 2 DE’s In the first round, but Ferguson completely dominated the Sun Belt. They could go WR with this pick, but Ferguson is a best player available pick and gives Green Bay a legit pass rush with him and Sweat.
Image Credit: https://www.hogshaven.com/2019/1/17/18172117/dwayne-haskins-looks-to-be-the-top-qb-could-the-qb-desperate-redskins-reach-for-the-top
