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
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