2019 NFL Mock Draft #2

We’re all set and excited for the Super Bowl this weekend, but fans of 30 teams are now preparing for the annual roster reconstruction that takes place in the offseason. Free agency is just over a month away, with the NFL draft slowly approaching also. The Senior Bowl took place this past week, and the NFL combine is around the corner. So with all of this going on, let’s take a look at another mock draft:

The Sports Guys 2019 NFL Mock Draft

First Round (Second Edition):

1. Arizona Cardinals select: Nick Bosa (Edge, Ohio State)

1st Mock (trade with Oakland): Nick Bosa (Edge, Ohio State)

Last mock I had Oakland trading up for Bosa, and I still think this pick could be traded… just not to Oakland, and not for Bosa. I now believe somebody may trade up for a QB. They would either pick Haskins or Kyler Murray, who officially declared for the NFL Draft. As of right now though, both players carry too much risk. Strong showings throughout the pre-draft process may make my suspicion a reality.

2. San Francisco 49ers select: Josh Allen (Edge, Kentucky)

1st Mock: Greedy Williams (CB, LSU)

As I stated above with Arizona, this pick could ultimately be traded. San Francisco will likely be aggressive in free agency filling their needs, which makes this pick more valuable as a trade chip than a rookie player. But it’s still unknown which team is all in on the top QBs this year. So for the fourth straight year, I have the 49ers taking a defensive lineman. Neither Thomas nor Armstead is creating consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Enter Josh Allen, fresh off a 17 sack season in the SEC. He’d give Buckner some needed help in the trenches.

3. New York Jets select: Quinnen Williams (DT, Alabama)

1st Mock: Josh Allen (Edge, Kentucky)

Williams fell lower than anticipated in my first mock, but not this time. He’s a legit top 5 player. The Jets would love to have him here, unless a big trade falls into their laps (see what I said about #1 and #2 overall as well). With a new coach (Adam Gase) and DC (Gregg Williams) coming in, a shift to a 4-3 defense is expected. New personnel up front is essential. Williams is a perfect fit inside and would be an immediate starter.

4. Denver Broncos (via trade with Oakland) select: Dwayne Haskins (QB, Ohio State)

1st Mock (trade with Arizona): Jonah Williams (OT, Alabama)

With the top three defensive linemen off the board, Oakland is in a prime position to move down and make a trade with a QB-needy team wanting to pick ahead at the Giants at #6 (and potentially the Bucs at #5). Acquiring more assets is something the Raider front office has been doing a lot of this year, so trading back helps them do that. Denver desires to be contenders again, but they can’t do that with Case Keenum as their quarterback. Despite the talk surrounding Kyler Murray, Haskins is the better quarterback for the NFL, and doesn’t carry the risk of leaving to play baseball.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select: Jonah Williams (OT, Alabama)

1st Mock: Clelin Ferrell (Edge, Clemson)

While the defense could use a major facelift, tackle is a massive need for the Bucs. It seems they’ll roll with Winston at quarterback for one more year, and Williams can help him succeed a little bit more consistency. Not only would Williams provide more time in the pocket, but he could also help kickstart a running game that’s nearly non-existent.

6. New York Giants select: Drew Lock (QB, Missouri)

1st Mock: Dwayne Haskins (QB, Ohio State)

The Giants should be desperate for a new quarterback, but they continue to act like Eli Manning is still good enough to start. It sounds like the could actually play him for yet another season. But whether they do that or not, it would be wise for them to look towards the future at the QB position. Lock was clearly better than Jones at the Senior Bowl and solidified his first round status and potentially secured a top ten pick. Hyped prospect Kyler Murray is too risky at this point due to his baseball ties. I’m sure they’d also love Williams (picked at #5) and Greedy Williams makes sense as well since they traded Eli Apple this past season.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars select: Rashan Gary (Edge, Michigan)

1st Mock (trade with Oakland): Devin White (LB, LSU)

This pick is made under the assumption Jacksonville solves their quarterback problems in free agency. My guess is they land Nick Foles, as they’ve already expressed considerable interest. I think they’d love Jonah Williams here, but he’s off the board already in this mock. So instead they’ll take a pass rusher in Gary, who would help provide a spark off the edge after they traded Fowler away midseason to the Rams.

8. Detroit Lions select: Clelin Ferrell (Edge, Clemson)

1st Mock: Ed Oliver (DT, Houston)

With Ziggy Ansah a potential free agent and with the Lions’ possessing little depth behind him anyways, edge rusher is the likely route with this selection. Ferrell has been a stud the last couple of seasons for the Tigers. He can get after the quarterback and stop the run effectively. Both Devin’s (White and Bush) are two linebackers to watch for here, along with corner Greedy Williams. The Lions needs some pass catchers also, but it’s too early for tight end or wide receiver this year.

9. Washington Redskins (via trade with Buffalo) select: Kyler Murray (QB, Oklahoma)

1st Mock (trade with Washington): Daniel Jones (QB, Duke)

For the second straight mock draft, I have Washington trading up to #9 to nab their quarterback of the future. Alex Smith will likely miss all of the 2019 season following his gruesome leg injury. Kyler Murray carries risk due to his size and baseball status, but his upside is immense. He may be the closest thing to Michael Vick we’ve seen since… well, Vick. If he truly wants to pursue football, some team will feel the need to pull the trigger on him early.

10. Oakland Raiders (via trade with Denver) select: Greedy Williams (CB, LSU)

1st Mock: Drew Lock (QB, Missouri)

Oakland needs help all over, corner being one such area. Williams is the top CB in this draft class, and could easily be selected in the top 5. He and his college teammate Devin White (linebacker) would actually both be steals here. In fact, if Oakland stays at #4 without trading down as they did in this mock, those two would be likely selections still.

11. Cincinnati Bengals select: Devin White (LB, LSU)

1st Mock: Quinnen Williams (DT, Alabama)

The Bengals’ defense was awful in 2018. The good news is that this draft is loaded with elite defensive talent. In both mocks, I’ve had them sit back and nab a potential top five pick. Devin White is an every down linebacker that would make life easier for both the defensive line and the secondary. Now they just have to hire a defensive coordinator to coach him up.

12. Green Bay Packers select: Ed Oliver (DT, Houston)

1st Mock: Rashan Gary (Edge, Michigan)

One way or another, the Packers must add talent to the front seven. Thankfully, this draft is loaded with such talent. Oliver is one of the most talented players in this draft class, and could be taken much higher than this. Green Bay would select him in a heartbeat and plug him in as a DE in their 3-4 scheme. He’d pair up with Kenny Clark and do some serious damage in the years to come.

13. Miami Dolphins select: Montez Sweat (Edge, Mississippi State)

1st Mock: Montez Sweat (Edge, Mississippi State)

This Senior Bowl standout is a great fit for the Dolphins, which is why he’s a repeat pick from last time. They’ve lost impact defensive lineman over the last couple years, which makes this an easy selection. In fact, with so many great defensive linemen available in the draft this year, they should be salivating over these prospects.

14. Atlanta Falcons select: Jeffrey Simmons (DL, Mississippi State)

1st Mock: Dexter Lawrence (DT, Clemson)

For second straight mock I have Atlanta addressing their porous defensive line. Overall, the defense took a step back this past season. Simmons, former teammate of Sweat at #13, can do a little bit of everything up front and would fill a big hole depending on decisions they make during free agency. He could also help free up other pass rushers like Vic Beasley, who is coming off a down season.

15. Buffalo Bills (via trade with Washington) select: Cody Ford (OL, Oklahoma)

1st Mock (trade with Buffalo): Cody Ford (OL, Oklahoma)

This versatile offensive lineman is a beast up front, and would immediately improve the Bills atrocious line. Buffalo ranked among one of the worse groups in both pass and run blocking, which makes Ford a no brainer at #15 for the second mock in a row. Get Josh Allen some protection people!

16. Carolina Panthers select: Greg Little (OT, Ole Miss)

1st Mock: Jaylon Ferguson (Edge, Louisiana Tech)

The Panthers will look to shore up the trenches as needs are evident there on both sides of the ball. Little is one of my favorites in this draft, as I think he can be a stud for years to come in the NFL. Not only will he help keep Cam Newton upright on a more regular basis, but he’ll provide nice run blocking for McCaffrey as well.

17. Minnesota Vikings (via trade with Cleveland) select: Jawaan Taylor (OT, Florida)

1st Mock: Marquise Brown (WR, Oklahoma)

With offensive lineman going at #’s 15 and 16, the Vikings would be very antsy in this situation. That triggered the trade up one spot to nab Taylor. He’d step up immediately for Minnesota, a team in dire need of a better line in front of Kirk Cousins. Addressing that line is the top priority for the Vikings this offseason.

18. Cleveland Browns (via trade with Minnesota) select: Deandre Baker (CB, Georgia)

1st Mock: Greg Little (OT, Ole Miss)

A first round corner for the second year in a row? Yes. Elite secondary play is critical in today’s NFL, at least if you want a good defense. I understand Baker needs some help offensively, but they can’t ignore clear upgrades on defense this offseason. Baker is my second ranked cornerback prospect right now, and he honestly isn’t that far behind Greedy for my top spot. He’d be a great option opposite Denzel Ward, whom the Browns took last year at #4 overall.

19. Pittsburgh Steelers (via trade with Tennessee) select: Devin Bush (LB, Michigan)

1st Mock: Jachai Polite (Edge, Florida)

Another trade where a team moves up one spot. It costs them a mid-round pick, but worth it to nab a true difference maker. That’s what Bush would be for Pittsburgh. He’s a potential three down linebacker perfect for today’s NFL. He’s got athleticism and speed, which helps in all phases of the game. While he is not the same type of player as Shazier, he’d help fill the void left behind after Ryan’s injury.

20. Tennessee Titans (via trade with Pittsburgh) select: Jachai Polite (Edge, Florida)

1st Mock: Deandre Baker (CB, Georgia)

While the Titans need offensive playmakers, they could use defensive ones too. Polite can make plays, particularly getting after QB’s. He’s also a perfect fit as an OLB for a 3-4 defense such as Tennessee’s. Plus, I think their head coach would love to draft a linebacker...

21. Seattle Seahawks select: T.J. Hockenson (TE, Seattle)

1st Mock: Devin Bush (LB, Michigan)

For a playoff team, the Seahawks sure have a lot of needs. They are truly in dire need of talent all over the roster, even more so if they lose some of their marquee free agents such as Thomas, Clark, Fluker, and Sweezy. But to me, adding an elite pass catching tight end that is also a great run blocker makes too much sense for Seattle for it not to happen. Hockenson would help on every down and give Wilson the security blanket he needs.

22. Baltimore Ravens select: N’Keal Harry (WR, Arizona State)

1st Mock: Jeffrey Simmons (DL, Mississippi State)

The Ravens seem set on defense (if they can re-sign Eric Weddle) and they can clearly run the ball effectively. But their passing game is often stagnant, in large part due to a lack of weapons. Harry would be a solid selection as a target for Lamar Jackson. He’s a big bodied receiver that would make life easier for the inaccurate signal caller. And since the Ravens lack a second round pick due to their Lamar Jackson trade a year ago, they have to add talent on offense right now.

23. Houston Texans select: Josh Jacobs (RB, Alabama)

1st Mock: Noah Fant (TE, Iowa)

While there could be some gaps on defense after free agency ends, it was obvious in 2018 that the offense lacked explosion. If one of the previously drafted offensive linemen fall, the Texans would race to the podium. But with two second rounds picks (Seattle), they shouldn’t reach for a second-tier guy here. So Jacobs gets the nod over the tight ends I considered due to the relief he could bring to Watson. Handing the ball would make his job easier, especially if Jacobs could rip off some runs like he did in college. Miller and Blue could be gone, and Foreman can’t stay healthy. Jacobs would solve those problems.

24. Oakland Raiders (from Chicago) select: Christian Wilkins (DT, Clemson)

1st Mock: Deionte Thompson (S, Alabama)

It’s a close call picking between Wilkins and former Clemson teammate Lawrence, but I like Wilkins’ versatility a little more. He’s played everywhere on the defensive line and has played snaps in games and practices at other positions too on both sides of the ball. The Raiders need game changers in the worst way, which Wilkins definitely is.

25. Philadelphia Eagles select: Brian Burns (Edge, Florida State)

1st Mock: Trayvon Mullen (CB, Clemson)

What made the Eagles great when they won the Super Bowl was the defensive line and pressure they could put on quarterbacks. Due to age, free agency, and simply regression, the Eagles suddenly have a need on the edge once again. Burns would be a great addition, especially if they focus on other needs during free agency.

26. Indianapolis Colts select: Dexter Lawrence (DT, Clemson)

1st Mock: N’Keal Harry (WR, Arizona State)

The third Clemson d-linemen in this draft could end up being the best. He missed the National Championship game which is a red flag, but his play on the field this past season was magnificent. He’d be a mainstay on a defensive line and could use him in a couple spots. I believe wide receiver is the largest need they have, but they have plenty of cap space and two second round picks to solve that problem.

27. Oakland Raiders (from Dallas) select: Marquise Brown (WR, Oklahoma)

1st Mock (trade with Arizona): D.K. Metcalf (WR, Mississippi)

The consensus top wideout prospect in the draft would be a welcome pick for the Raiders. Derek Carr got awful production from his receivers, and Brown would be a terrific producer for him or whoever replaces Carr long term. This is a key draft for Oakland, and they’d be wise to stack up on talent. Brown certainly qualifies.

28. Los Angeles Chargers select: Dre’Mont Jones (DT, Ohio State)

1st Mock: Derrick Brown (DT, Auburn)

Rivers has plenty of weapons and the defense has playmakers. This is a pretty complete team. But they could use some beef up the middle on both sides of the ball. They seem to have struck gold with a current d-lineman from OSU (Bosa), so it would be a good bet to try again.

29. Kansas City Chiefs select: Byron Murphy (CB, Washington)

1st Mock: Byron Murphy (CB, Washington)

The Chiefs must address the defense. They were horrid this year, at least compared to their offense. Jones and Ford get the job done up front, but the others levels on D are pretty void of talent (not counting Berry who was injured most of the season). Murphy is one of the top corners in the draft, one whom many believe could end up being the best of the bunch.

30. Green Bay Packers (from New Orleans) select: Irv Smith Jr. (TE, Alabama)

1st Mock (trade with San Francisco): Mack Wilson (LB, Alabama)

Here’s a prediction… Jimmy Graham’s time in Green Bay is done. He was a massive disappointment this past season, especially for those who drafted him in fantasy drafts (like me). There are some great tight end prospects this year and Green Bay should take advantage. If Cobb moves on this offseason, Rodgers will need some weapons. Smith Jr. barely gets the nod over Fant here as I think he’ll be a slightly better blocker.

31. Arizona Cardinals (via trade with Los Angeles Rams) select: Noah Fant (TE, Iowa)

1st Mock: Brian Burns (Edge, Florida State)

This trade makes too much sense not to happen. The Rams don’t have a pick after this until the end of the fourth round. Trading down and picking up additional picks would be helpful. The Cardinals just hired a young offensive coach but the team lacks weapons. Moving up a few spots and grabbing the third and final elite tight end prospect would help Rosen and the offense immensely. With Fitzgerald coming back for one more season, they can add a wide receiver (or two) with a later pick(s).

32. Miami Dolphins (via trade with New England) select: Daniel Jones (QB, Duke)

1st Mock: Christian Wilkins (DT, Clemson)

New England trading back… yep. They already own an extra second round pick due to a trade back with Chicago last year. This will help them load up on day two. Miami trading up is a bold move, but a necessary one for the Dolphins, who must look beyond Tannehill. They missed out on the top end quarterbacks earlier in round 1, so they must be aggressive to nab one they like. Jones didn’t shine at the Senior Bowl, but he won MVP of the game and has some first round traits. May be worth the risk for a desperate team. And yes, Miami is desperate. Just look at their offseason firing of Gase and new coaching hire (downgrade)...

That wraps up the first round once again. As the draft approaches, we’ll add a second round mock as well, and potentially a third. Enjoy the Super Bowl!

By: The Sports Guys

2019 NFL Mock Draft #1

The 2018 regular season has ended, the calendar now says 2019, and the playoffs are about the begin. All of this adds up to a new mock draft. While the entire draft order isn’t set (won’t be until after the Super Bowl), the top twenty picks are locked in. There are some definite surprises this season, which have altered the franchise mindsets considerably. Other teams are on the expected track most would have predicted. Let’s take a look at the next step in team development, the draft:

The Sports Guys 2019 NFL Mock Draft

First Round (First Edition):

1. Oakland Raiders (via trade with Arizona) select: Nick Bosa (Edge, Ohio State)

Let’s start off with a bang… a trade! The Raiders are flush with draft capital and have a massive need on the edge with Mack now playing in Chicago. Gruden mentioned this in seemingly every post-game press conference this past season. Bosa represents the best player and talent in the draft this year and could be a building block in Oakland for years to come. With this being a “defensive draft” at the top, Arizona will consider moving down the board since they don’t have as many needs up front. In this scenario they move back to #4, add #25, and shuffle some middle round picks around to complete the deal.

2. San Francisco 49ers select: Greedy Williams (CB, LSU)

While I think Josh Allen (the edge rusher from Kentucky, not the Bills starting QB) is the next best player, the 49ers have taken so many defensive lineman recently at the top it’s time to move in a different direction. When an aging Richard Sherman is your best corner, some additional talent at the position is needed. The 49ers take Williams here, which will help them better match up with the division favorite Rams, along with helping them slow down the duo of Lockett/Baldwin in Seattle. We’ve seen elite corners get drafted in the top 10 recently and pay huge dividends early on (Lattimore in 2017, Ward in 2018).

3. New York Jets select: Josh Allen (Edge, Kentucky)

The Jets are getting a new head coach which may or may not mean a new defensive scheme. Either way, when you can acquire an edge rusher as talented as Allen, you do it. After his dominating season that ended with a bowl win on New Year’s Day, he stated that he thinks he deserves to go #1 overall. He just might.

4. Arizona Cardinals (via trade with Oakland) select: Jonah Williams (OT, Alabama)

The Cardinals drafted Josh Rosen to be their quarterback of the future. This offseason will be about getting him help. Since it’s too high for a wide receiver, the Cardinals should look to the top offensive lineman in the draft. Williams was a dominant tackle in college, and he could be dominant at a variety of positions along the offensive line in the NFL.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select: Clelin Ferrell (Edge, Clemson)

We will see Ferrell’s talent on display in the National Championship Game this week, which will be a great way to prove he’s worth a top ten pick. Tampa Bay’s defense was atrocious this year and I would anticipate plenty of change on that side of the ball. Acquiring an elite edge rusher is near the top of the list. While they would hope for Bosa or Allen, Ferrell is a nice consolation prize.

6. New York Giants select: Dwayne Haskins (QB, Ohio State)

Haskins is the second Buckeye selected in the top 6, and the first quarterback taken in this draft. It seems that he is competing with Daniel Jones (Duke) for the honor of top QB in the 2019 draft. While Haskins has limited college starting experience, he has elite tools and it led to a fantastic season. We saw Mitch Trubisky go #2 overall after his lone season as a college starter. Obviously, his lack of starting experience won’t be much of a factor. The Giants will likely bring back Eli Manning for one more season, which would allow Haskins to develop a tad longer.

7. Oakland Raiders (via trade with Jacksonville) select: Devin White (LB, LSU)

This is now the second LSU player taken in the top 7 and also the second pick made by the Oakland Raiders. I have the Raiders acquiring this pick by trading away Derek Carr. The trade will be Carr and a late pick in exchange for Blake Bortles and a 1st and 2nd round pick. Jacksonville gets a quality QB in order to win now and return to the playoffs. Oakland takes on the bad contract of Bortles and trades away Carr in order to acquire two top picks and continue to tank. It pays off with some elite talent here, and will land them one of the elite 2020 quarterbacks a year from now. White fills a need at linebacker for Oakland, and his elite physical tools will allow him to stand out for the silver and black.

8. Detroit Lions select: Ed Oliver (DT, Houston)

While the Lions have a larger need on the edge, Oliver would be tough to pass on here. At one point this season, he was in the discussion for the #1 overall pick. Getting him this late is tremendous value. While the Lions need to improve on offense, the defense has to load up in order to win in the tough NFC North.

9. Washington Redskins (via trade with Buffalo) select: Daniel Jones (QB, Duke)

This largely depends on Alex Smith’s recovery, but there is talk about his playing career being over after a devastating leg injury. If that’s the case, the Redskins have no plan at quarterback in the present or future. The buzz around Jones has been building as many are making Carson Wentz comparisons. We’ll see how high he continues to climb throughout the draft process, but Washington won’t mess around when it comes to acquiring a signal caller to compete with… Josh Johnson... for QB duties moving forward. That’s why they’ll trade a second round pick to move up and nab one of the few first round QB prospects.

10. Denver Broncos select: Drew Lock (QB, Missouri)

While I think this is too high for Lock, QB’s continuously get drafted too high year after year. He’ll have a chance to cement his first round status at the Senior Bowl among other places. Why the Broncos? Case Keenum has just one year left on his current contract, so now is the perfect time to select a potential replacement, especially since Keenum was disappointing this year.

11. Cincinnati Bengals select: Quinnen Williams (DT, Alabama)

While the Bengals possess larger needs than a defensive lineman, Williams is a legit top five player in this draft and presents unreal value at #11. He’s a plug-and-play starter for years to come in a division that features potent running attacks with the Ravens, Steelers, and Browns. Williams not only shuts down the run but applies tremendous quarterback pressure up the gut, the best place to hurt opposing offenses.

12. Green Bay Packers select: Rashan Gary (Edge, Michigan)

There could be a lot of changes in Green Bay this offseason. We know the coaching staff is undergoing changes which could lead to new schemes and player personnel. Regardless of all of that, edge rusher is going to be a need this offseason. Gary was a highly touted player out of high school and played extremely well at Michigan against the pass and run. He’s different than Clay Matthews but could be the guy that replaces him in 2019.

13. Miami Dolphins select: Montez Sweat (Edge, Mississippi State)

Last offseason, the team lost Suh, and this offseason they could lose Wake (a free agent). Luckily, there are plenty of great players along the defensive line in this draft. Sweat is a pure pass rusher. He may struggle against the run, but he can get after the quarterback (11 sacks this year). He’d be a great addition on the edge.

14. Atlanta Falcons select: Dexter Lawrence (DT, Clemson)

Another stud you can watch play in the National Championship Game, Lawrence would help improve a terrible run defense. Seeing as the Falcons play the Saints and Panthers twice a year, that’s an important part of the team to beef up.

15. Buffalo Bills (via trade with Washington) select: Cody Ford (OT, Oklahoma)

The Bills lost a lot of pieces along their offensive line the last couple of seasons. It shows! Ford would help improve the unit at either tackle or guard. This would kickstart their running game and protect Josh Allen a bit more. With an extra second round pick due to this trade, they can then address wide receiver to give their new QB some improved weaponry.

16. Carolina Panthers select: Jaylon Ferguson (Edge, Louisiana Tech)

There are plenty of options for Carolina with this pick, but getting younger on the edge is of the utmost importance. Ferguson may be a tad raw, but you can’t argue with his production. Not only did he amass 15 sacks this season, but he’s up to 42.5 for his career. And while I like Polite from Florida a tad more, Ferguson fits a 4-3 scheme much better.

17. Cleveland Browns select: Marquise Brown (WR, Oklahoma)

The Browns are a team on the rise with a legit chance at the playoffs next season. There are still some holes to be filled, but none bigger in my opinion than wide receiver. Coleman was a busted pick a couple years ago and Gordon is gone. So I have them selecting Brown, who would provide explosive plays while Jarvis Landry could remain a reliable chain mover. I chose Brown on N’Keal Harry based on that speed, but also because he played with Baker Mayfield, the Cleveland QB, in college for the Sooners.

18. Minnesota Vikings select: Greg Little (OT, Ole Miss)

Obviously, the Vikings failed to meet expectations this year. Kirk Cousins was not as good as his contract demands. Part of that was the woeful offensive line in front of him. Little has the size and tools to be a force at the next level. This pick was a no brainer.

19. Tennessee Titans select: Jachai Polite (Edge, Florida)

Tennessee must improve offensively, but they have holes to fill on defense as well. Orakpo and Morgan will be free agents this year, so finding another outside linebacker that can get after the quarterback is important. Polite is a perfect fit opposite Harold Landry (a 2018 draft pick) whose job will be to go sack quarterbacks such as divisional players Deshaun Watson and Andrew Luck.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers select: Deandre Baker (CB, Georgia)

A lot of this depends on the Antonio Brown situation. A huge need at wide receiver could appear if Brown ends up leaving the Steelers. But if he stays, the Steelers will continue stockpiling defensive talent. Baker received the Jim Thorpe Award as the best defensive back in college football this year. He’d be a great selection for a team trying to win now.

21. Philadelphia Eagles select: Trayvon Mullen (CB, Clemson)

Philly has struggled at corner the last few seasons and their top corner, Ronald Darby, will be a free agent coming off a serious injury. Mullen would give the team better depth and a potential replacement depending on how things turn out.

22. Indianapolis Colts select: N’Keal Harry (WR, Arizona State)

As much as a love T.Y. Hilton, I equally dislike the rest of this team’s wide receivers. They clearly need a number two option. Harry not only has some elite skills, he has a massive frame, which gives them a nice complement to the smaller, speedier Hilton. This would also make their starting quarterback very, very happy.

23. Seattle Seahawks select: Devin Bush (LB, Michigan)

Seattle is in the playoffs, but is a roster that I think is full of holes. Due to that, I think they go best available in the draft. Bush is a top ten talent that simply fell in this mock due to fit and need. Pete Carroll would gladly take him as he loves versatile linebackers.

24. Baltimore Ravens select: Jeffrey Simmons (DL, Mississippi State)

The Ravens possess the #1 defense in the NFL, but Simmons is the best player available here by a long shot, and the Ravens always draft based on their big board. He can play in a variety of schemes, including fitting in with Baltimore’s defensive front.

25. Arizona Cardinals (via trade with Oakland from Dallas) select: D.K. Metcalf (WR, Mississippi)

In this mock, I had Arizona adding this pick via trade with Oakland in exchange for the first pick. Arizona selected an offensive tackle earlier to better protect Josh Rosen. Now they add Metcalf to give him another weapon. The team may add a receiver no matter what, but especially if Larry Fitzgerald really does retire. Noah Fant (tight end) is another option here.

26. Houston Texans select: Noah Fant (TE, Iowa)

While the Texans could use help in the secondary and offensive line, they must continue to support Watson. Jordan Thomas has been pretty good for them during the second half of the season, but Fant is a rare tight end talent that would be a big upgrade for most teams in the NFL, including Houston.

27. Oakland Raiders (from Chicago) select: Deionte Thompson (S, Alabama)

The rebuild in Oakland may be long, so they must rely on taking quality players at each and every pick. In this mock, I already have them addressing the first two levels of their defense. This addresses the third. Thompson is clearly the top safety in this year’s draft. He did a little bit of everything at Alabama. The Raiders have a poor secondary but he would help improve it.

28. Los Angeles Chargers select: Derrick Brown (DT, Auburn)

A behemoth inside on the defensive line, which would make for a perfect compliment to Joey Bosa on the outside for LA. He broke onto the scene this year and was very disruptive up front. The arrow is still pointing up, so by the time the draft rolls around, he could be taken much higher.

29. New England Patriots select: Christian Wilkins (DT, Clemson)

In case you are counting, this is the third Clemson defensive lineman off the board and the fourth player overall from the team. Wilkins is scheme-versatile and can play multiple positions. I had him pegged in the first round a year ago before he decided to return to school. Let’s just say that he’s the real deal.

30. Los Angeles Rams select: Brian Burns (Edge, Florida State)

As good as the defensive line should be for the Rams, they lacked consistent pressure outside of Donald. Linebacker still may be a bigger need, but edge rusher makes a bigger impact. Burns has Pro Bowl potential and would give the Rams some better options up front. LA went all-in this year and may be faced with some interesting decisions if they come up short in the playoffs.

31. Kansas City Chiefs select: Byron Murphy (CB, Washington)

The Chiefs possessed an all-world offense this year, but the defense was really bad. After trading away Peters last year, corner is a massive need. Murphy is the best one available and would likely be an instant starter for this team. Finding a long-term guy to replace Justin Houston is another offseason task.

32. San Francisco 49ers (via trade with Green Bay from New Orleans) select: Mack Wilson (LB, Alabama)

Josh McDaniels is the favorite to fill the Packers head coaching vacancy. If he gets it, would he follow the Patriots way and trade out of the end of the first round? Without top quarterback options, that may be harder to do, but Mack Wilson may be worth it for the 49ers. He not only fills a void left open by Reuben Foster, but the value at #32 is terrific for a player of his caliber. Wide receiver is another need for San Francisco, but look for that need to be addressed aggressively in free agency or via trade. They’ve already expressed interest in OBJ...

That wraps up the first round. As the draft approaches, we’ll add a second round mock as well, and potentially a third. Enjoy the playoffs!

By: The Sports Guys