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Justin Bales | Archive | Email |
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2019 NFL Mock Draft: Version 4.0
4/23/19; Updated: 4/24/19

Quinnen Williams

DL Quinnen Williams: If the Raiders stay put, they could get the best player in the draft at pick No.4.


Version 1.0 - 2/25/19
Version 2.0 - 3/25/19
Version 3.0 - 4/11/19


Predict the top ten picks of the NFL Draft for a chance to win FFToday prizes. Enter our NFL Draft Contest.

1. Arizona Cardinals - Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma

I don’t agree with this pick, but I have come to terms with the fact that it’s likely to happen. I don’t even fully know if I believe that Arizona will to take Kyler Murray or if they’re setting a smokescreen to drive up the price of this pick. All I know is that Murray is an unconventional quarterback, who has the potential to change the position in the NFL. There was a scout that said, “Imagine if your quarterback had the vision and speed of your running back or if your running back had the arm of your quarterback. That’s Kyler Murray.” There will be some that argue he’s too small, but I don’t fully buy into that. While I don’t necessarily believe he’s flawless, he has elite NFL upside if his team’s system is suited towards his strengths. For the record, I’m not entirely sure Arizona is the team that makes this pick, but Murray seems like a near lock to be taken first overall.

Previous Pick: Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma

2. San Francisco 49ers - Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State

The 49ers are the big winners of the Kyler Murray pick with the best player in the draft, Nick Bosa, falling in their lap. Bosa already features an NFL body, while possessing the ability to win with either speed or power rushing techniques. In his last full season at Ohio State, he posted 8.5 sacks and 16.0 tackles for a loss. He also recorded 4.0 sacks and 6.0 tackles for a loss in 2018 before ending his season with an injury. San Francisco has a need at edge, and this would be an ideal situation for them. They can stay put with the second overall pick, but still take the best player in the draft, who happens to fill a void in their defense.

Previous Pick: Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State

3. New York Jets - Josh Allen, EDGE, Kentucky

The Oakland Raiders are dying for potential pass rushers after trading Khalil Mack, meaning they could potential unload draft capital to trade up to this spot for Josh Allen. If they don’t, he’ll likely be the next New York Jet. He has progressively gotten better throughout his collegiate career, breaking out as a senior. In 2018, Allen recorded 17.0 sacks and 21.5 tackles for a loss in 13 games. He has elite burst off the edge, although he struggles at times with hand placement. His athleticism has been enough to get by, but the addition of finesse/power moves will only make him that much more dangerous. While Allen is known for his pass rushing abilities, he is more than capable of dropping into zone when needed. There are some scouts that believe Allen has the potential to slide over a position to middle linebacker, while others say he can add weight to become a 4-3 defensive end if needed. The most likely scenario is Allen stays standing as an edge rusher, but the versatility can’t hurt his stock. There is quite a bit of smoke that New York will select Quinnen Williams if he’s available here, but it’s tough to trust smoke when it’s known that that team wants to trade.

Previous Pick: Josh Allen, EDGE, Kentucky

4. Oakland Raiders - Quinnen Williams, DE, Alabama

This is an interesting situation. There are three players generally seen as better than the rest, and the Oakland Raiders would be getting the third with Arizona reaching for a quarterback. Williams is versatile, but he’ll likely play defensive end for Oakland rather than defensive tackle. He was outstanding against the run, but Oakland is in dire need of pass rushers. While Williams is far from a slouch in that department, he isn’t the most polished pass rusher in this class. He played 15 games for Alabama in 2018, recording 8.0 sacks and 19.5 tackles for a loss. He has also flashed quickness with great bullrush potential. Similarly to New York and Arizona, there are reports that Oakland is going to do something “surprising,” but there’s no true reason to believe that. The fact of the matter is, Oakland is getting one of three elite level prospects, and his somewhat limited pass rushing skills shouldn’t keep the Raiders from overlooking him.

Previous Pick: Quinnen Williams, DE, Alabama

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Devin White, LB, LSU


It’s rare that teams will look at middle linebackers this early in the draft, but White has the potential to be special. He’s is a sure tackler, who owns sideline-to-sideline speed. White also comes with strong play recognition and a good first step. He is an average defender in man coverage, while finding significantly more success in zone. Over the last two seasons, White owns 256 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and 25.5 tackles for a loss at LSU. The Buccaneers have plenty of holes throughout their team, but middle linebacker is one of the most glaring. I wanted to mock Ed Oliver here, but that feels more like an ideal dream than a reality. They could reach a bit on White here, but he can hold down their defense for the next decade.

Previous Pick: Devin White, LB, LSU

6. New York Giants - Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State

Personal feelings aside, this is likely the right pick for the Giants. They have rode a terrible Eli Manning for years now, and they need to find his successor. Haskins has only started one season at the collegiate level, but he found plenty of success, throwing for 4,831 yards and 50 touchdowns, while recording only eight interceptions. He also completed 70% of his passes in 14 games. He’s a pocket passer with a solid combination of accuracy and arm strength. Haskins is also a solid decision-maker when throwing from a clean pocket. That may be an issue with New York, as they are in desperate need of help along the offensive line. Jonah Williams would be my first pick here, but New York will likely overdraft a quarterback after selecting a running back over a potential franchise quarterback with the second pick of last season’s draft.

There have been reports that the Giants aren’t even looking into Haskins, which seem like a smokescreen to stop other teams from jumping them. Similarly to the Murray situation, only time will tell.

Previous Pick: Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State

7. Jacksonville Jaguars - Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida

The Jaguars are one of the more difficult teams to project. This is likely a bit of a reach for Jawaan Taylor, but they simply don’t have many pressing needs like other teams. They recently signed Nick Foles to a major deal, and they’ll likely want to keep their new investment healthy. More importantly, they are likely going to continue to focus heavily on their rushing attack, while letting Foles simply not lose the game. Taylor would be an immediate upgrade at right tackle, and he’s known as a dominant run blocker. He has flashed good hands with a quick burst off the line. He could potentially turn into a left tackle down the road, but for now, he would solidify what already projects as an above average offensive line.

Previous Pick: Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida

8. Detroit Lions - Brian Burns, EDGE, Florida State

WRashan Gary is an interesting option here, but I’m swerving with Brian Burns. Many scouts have stated that Burns comes with the highest upside of any edge rusher in this draft, which is extremely high praise. He should naturally play as a 3-4 outside linebacker, but there will likely be no issues changing him to a 4-3 defensive end with his frame. He needed only 33 games at Florida State to contribute 38.5 tackles for a loss and 23.0 sacks. I’d expect the Lions to try to trade out of this pick, as cornerback is a more pressing need, but if they can’t, they can at least take a player with elite upside.

Previous Pick: Greedy Williams, CB, LSU

9. Buffalo Bills - Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama

The Bills selected their franchise quarterback (Josh Allen) last year, and now they need to protect their investment. They have multiple holes along the offensive line, and Williams is a player that can play either tackle or guard. He’ll immediately slot into the starting lineup and likely upgrade any position he takes over. He’s an extremely technical tackle, who has quick and impressive hands. Williams has also shown the ability to get to the second level, while potentially moving on to other players after his initial block. Williams has some of the most uncertain value in this draft, but it’s likely he works his way into the top-10 on draft night. There are some people that would argue OT Jawaan Taylor would be the best pick here, and I may be one of them, but the versatility of Williams could be what Buffalo is looking for.

Previous Pick: Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama

10. Denver Broncos - Drew Lock, QB, Missouri

Lock is a big quarterback, who owns a cannon for an arm and has no business being selected in the top-10 of this draft. That’s the exact reason John Elway will pull the trigger on him. Elway loves quarterbacks with size and powerful arms. He tends to ignore the red flags, such as a career 56.9% completion percentage at Missouri. The Broncos recently traded for Joe Flacco, but he simply isn’t the long term answer. While he may be a one or two year starter to allow Denver to wait until a better quarterback class, that seems somewhat unlikely. Quarterbacks are generally overdrafted, even in weak classes. Lock has the exact profile Elway tends to look for in a quarterback, and there have already been reports that this pick is a near “lock.” Keep in mind, even though Lock comes with substantial risk, he also comes with quite a bit of upside if he can reach his ceiling.

Previous Pick: Drew Lock, QB, Missouri

11. Cincinnati Bengals - Devin Bush, LB, Michigan

As noted in my last mock, the Bengals need help at middle linebacker. I mocked Devin White to them, but he has since moved up in value. Bush is another athletic middle linebacker, who can play from sideline-to-sideline. He has a few similarities to White, making this pick rather easy. In two full seasons with Michigan, Bush posted 161 tackles, including 10.0 sacks and 18.5 tackles for a loss. Bush likely won’t end up being the difference maker that White will be, but he can be a solid starter for years to come.

Previous Pick: Devin Bush, LB, Michigan

12. Green Bay Packers - T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa

Tight ends tend to go overlooked in the NFL Draft, which is a reason I have T.J. Hockenson falling to the Packers here. They are in dire need of a replacement for Jimmy Graham, and Hockenson is seen as close to a lock of a tight end as there can be. He totaled 49 receptions for 760 yards and six touchdowns at Iowa last season, taking over the top role from Noah Fant. He’s an extremely sure-handed tight end, who will add consistency in the intermediate passing game for Green Bay. He’s also an elite run blocker, and will immediately help their running back duo. This is a perfect fit, as Hockenson may be the best player available, but he also fills a massive void in the Green Bay roster.

Previous Pick: T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa

13. Miami Dolphins - Rashan Gary, DE, Michigan

The Dolphins lost two pass rushers in Cameron Wake and Robert Quinn, and they will need to replace that production. They’re a team that can sit on a high upside option, such as Rashan Gary, who other teams are a bit more hesitant to take because of their openness to losing games next season. Gary recorded 9.0 sacks and 18.0 tackles for a loss over 22 games at Michigan, but he was never truly seen as an elite option in college. He’s more or less being drafted solely on potential; as he could eventually play three downs for Miami, while defending the run and rushing the passer at the same high level. The Dolphins will be looking for a high pick to draft their quarterback of the future next year, and taking a developmental project like Gary makes quite a bit of sense here.

Previous Pick: Brian Burns, EDGE, Florida State

14. Atlanta Falcons - Ed Oliver, DT, Houston

The Falcons are a team that has a clear need along the interior defense line. Ed Oliver arguably has the talent to be a top-five draft pick, but that may not happen after an injury-riddled season. Through 32 career games, Oliver posted 13.5 sacks and 53.0 tackles for a loss. He’s a small defensive tackle, but uses his speed and athleticism to make up for his lack of size. He also owns an elite motor, displaying the ability to chase plays down from the back side. Through his time at Houston, Oliver flashed the ability to be a difference-maker in both the run and pass game. If he isn’t getting to the quarterback, he’s getting his hands in the passing lanes. We’ve seen undersized defensive tackles find success in the NFL before, and Oliver could be next.

Previous Pick: Ed Oliver, DT, Houston

15. Washington Redskins - Daniel Jones, QB, Duke

Someone is going to reach on a quarterback, and it seems like at least four will be taken in the first round. Daniel Jones would likely be the fourth, as he has been compared to Peyton Manning at times throughout the draft process. While that comparison is a bit odd to most of us, it only takes one team that believes that for him to get drafted on Thursday night. The Redskins currently have Case Keenum and Colt McCoy battling for their starting job this morning. Alex Smith looked promising with the team, but there’s very little confidence that he’ll come back 100% for them. Jones threw for 8,201 yards and 52 touchdowns over three seasons at Duke. He also added 1,323 yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground. Many scouts believe Jones is the safest quarterback in this class, although he doesn’t come with a ton of upside. That may be what the Redskins need at this point.

Previous Pick: Rashan Gary, DE, Michigan

16. Carolina Panthers - Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State

The Panthers are a team that relies heavily on the health of Cam Newton. While his playing style leads him to plenty of hits, they don’t need him taking unnecessary hits from a lack of pass protection, which was the case last season. Andre Dillard played in Washington State’s pass heavy offense, and he is arguably the best pass blocking tackle in this draft. He will need to work on his run blocking, but Carolina is specifically in dire need to players, specifically a left tackle, that can pass block. There’s a chance he’s off the board by now, but this is a match made in Heaven.

Previous Pick: Montez Sweat, DE, Mississippi State

17. New York Giants - Montez Sweat, DE, Mississippi State

There have been rumblings that Montez Sweat’s medicals could keep him out of the first round, but similarly to the quarterbacks, it only takes one team to take a chance on him for him to end up getting drafted on Thursday. At this pick, Sweat is a great value, and that may be too much for the New York Giants to pass up. Sweat posted elite measurables at the NFL Combine, and a player with his athleticism doesn’t come around often. He has elite acceleration, utilizing his speed on pass rush moves. He has also learned how to use his length to his advantage. He posted 30.0 tackles for a loss and 22.5 sacks over his final two seasons at Mississippi State, and if there weren’t questions about his heart, Sweat could have potentially been a top-10 pick in this draft.

Previous Pick: D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss

18. Minnesota Vikings - Garrett Bradbury, OG/C, NC State

This may be a little high for Garrett Bradbury at first glance, but it makes sense. The Vikings need help across their offensive line, and there aren’t any tackles left to take with this pick. Instead, they’ll get a versatile lineman, who has the potential to play center or either guard position. That will help him get on the field from Day One and immediately upgrade their biggest problem last season. A trade out of this pick to take a tackle that could go later also makes sense, but as it stands, Bradbury is an immediate upgrade along the offensive line for the Vikings.

Previous Pick: Greg Little, OT, Ole Miss

19. Tennessee Titans - Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson

Ferrell is a player that is seemingly dropping down draft boards because of question marks about his athletic abilities. He was recently seen as a top-10 pick though, and this would be a relatively large drop off. He was a major part of Clemson’s national championship teams, while recording 21.0 sacks and 38.0 tackles for a loss over his last 29 games. He has displayed multiple pass rush moves throughout his career, specifically using great acceleration. Ferrell will need to continue to develop as a run stopper, but he can take over as a 3-4 OLB for the Tennessee Titans.

Previous Pick: Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson

20. Pittsburgh Steelers - Byron Murphy, CB, Washington

The Steelers feature a few needs early in this draft, but only cornerback truly sticks out here, as there are no edge rushers or linebackers truly worth this pick. Murphy is a versatile cornerback, who has the potential to play outside or in the slot. He also has flashed the ability to play in press or off coverage. If that isn’t enough versatility, Murphy has found success in both man and zone coverage during his time at Washington. He recorded four interceptions and 13 pass deflections in his final season in college, and he possesses CB1 upside. There’s potential for Murphy to become a premier cornerback in the NFL, who can shadow opposing WR1s. For that reasons, it’s impossible for the Steelers to pass on him here.

Previous Pick: Byron Murphy, CB, Washington

21. Seattle Seahawks - Greedy Williams, CB, LSU

It’s tough to know exactly what to do with the cornerbacks in this draft, as their rankings range from nearly top-five picks to second rounders. There are also plenty of question marks about which cornerback is the best and so on among the top four options. Greedy Williams has the potential to be a CB1 throughout his career, and that’s something the Seahawks have lacked in recent seasons. Williams is extremely athletic, while also possessing tremendous size. He has flashed the ability to play in both press and off coverage, and the only true knock on him is his effort in run support. I expect Williams to fall a bit on draft day, but being the second cornerback taken in this draft will be far from a disappointment.

Previous Pick: Deionte Thompson, S, Alabama

22. Baltimore Ravens - D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss

The Ravens are a near lock to draft a wide receiver, but it remains to be seen which one they will take. D.K. Metcalf has largely been deemed the WR1 of this class because of his pure upside. Baltimore could use a big-bodied receiver, who owns tremendous speed to pair with Lamar Jackson. At the NFL Combine, Metcalf posted Julio Jones-type numbers, and that is more than enough to get him potentially drafted in the first round. He lacks refinement in his routes, as he wasn’t asked to run a full route tree at Ole Miss. With that being said, he recorded 65 receptions for 1,215 yards and 14 touchdowns in only 19 games without being the WR1 for his team. He comes with as much risk as any receiver in this class, but he also comes with as much upside, and that’s something the Ravens would be wise to draft.

Previous Pick: Kelvin Harmon, WR, NC State

23. Houston Texans - Cody Ford, OG, Oklahoma

Deshaun Watson was under pressure as much as any quarterback in the NFL last season, and the Texans are going to need to address that in this draft. Ford is a player that seemingly brings a high floor and an even higher ceiling into the equation. He can immediately slide into their starting lineup as a guard, while cross-training his skills as a tackle. He doesn’t necessarily have elite size for the outside, but he owns a great first step combined with tremendous power. Ford also uses his hands extremely well, which is why he projects to play tackle in the long run. He also features the athleticism that can help him get down the field to the second level after his initial blocks. This isn’t necessarily a sexy pick, but it’s the most logical for Houston.

Previous Pick: Cody Ford, OG, Oklahoma

24. Oakland Raiders - Noah Fant, TE, Iowa

The Raiders are a team looking to ooze upside. They also need help at the tight end position, as Jared Cook looks primed to sign with the New Orleans Saints. Oakland has added multiple pass catchers for Derek Carr, and adding a tight end is the next step for their offense. He needed only 39 receptions last season at Iowa to post seven touchdowns, and he can immediately make a difference in the red zone for Oakland. Fant will also create mismatches for a team that has Antonio Brown to draw double-coverage. Fant needs to improve in the run game, but Oakland will likely be leaning heavily on the pass this season.

Previous Pick: Noah Fant, TE, Iowa

25. Philadelphia Eagles - Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma

One rumor spreading at the moment is that Marquise Brown is locked into the first round. Teams get enamored with speed receivers, and Brown fits the bill. His nickname is Hollywood for a reason. Through only 25 games at Oklahoma, he recorded 132 receptions for 2,413 yards and 17 touchdowns. He was a consistent deep threat for Oklahoma, and he can fill that role in the NFL. The Eagles added DeSean Jackson to their team this offseason, and Brown could learn from one of the better deep threats in recent NFL memory. He likely won’t ever turn into a WR1, but he can be a game-changer for years to come, which is something Philadelphia has lacked recently.

Previous Pick: Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State

26. Indianapolis Colts - Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson

The Colts aren’t a team that has a ton of needs, but the interior defensive line is one of them. Clemson’s players were three of the biggest “losers” in my new mock draft, as they fell quite a bit. Wilkins is a massive, NFL-ready player, who can slide into the starting line on day one. Some believe he can slide to defensive end if need be, but he’ll likely stay at defensive tackle for Indianapolis. Over his last three seasons, Wilkins has totaled 36.0 tackles for a loss and 14.0 sacks. He isn’t a sexy player, but he’ll make everyone along the defensive line better for the Colts.

Previous Pick: Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson

27. Oakland Raiders - Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia

This hasn’t been the Oakland Raiders M.O. in this draft, but with three picks, they don’t have to stick to one plan. Deandre Baker isn’t seen as a high upside prospect, but he is seen as one of the safest in this draft. He comes with relatively average size, and tremendous speed. He has the ability to play at the line or off coverage, but he has looked significantly better in man. That doesn’t necessarily mean he can’t play zone, though. He simply uses his speed better in man, which may end up with him generally guarding receivers that are looking to take the top off of defenses. Baker likely will never turn into a shadow cornerback, but he’ll be a starter in the NFL for years to come, which is something Oakland needs at this point.

Previous Pick: Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia

28. Los Angeles Chargers - Jerry Tillery, DT, Notre Dame

The Chargers are a team that has a few needs, but interior defensive line makes the most sense here. Jerry Tillery was recently given plus news about his recent surgery, which could help thrust him into the first round. He has continuously progressed throughout his time at Notre Dame, and he posted 17.5 tackles for a loss and 11.5 sacks over his last two seasons. Tillery can anchor the Los Angeles interior against the run, while also putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. He’s a potential game-changer in an already stout defense.

Previous Pick: Nasir Adderley, S, Delaware

29. Seattle Seahawks - Jeffery Simmons, DE, Mississippi State

Simmons was a lock to be selected inside the top-15 of this draft, but off-field issues, including a confrontation with a woman and a recent injury have hurt his stock. He was an elite player over his final 26 games at Mississippi State, totaling 30.0 tackles for a loss and 7.0 sacks over that span. He also added five pass deflections and three forced fumbles in those games for good measure. He’s a potential difference-maker on the defensive line, and the Chiefs are a team that need defensive help. They’re also a team that is focused heavily on offense, and will be willing to wait for Simmons to get healthy to incorporate him in their defense. They have also proven that they’re willing to take chances on players with shaky pasts, and Simmons is a steal at this pick from a talent perspective.

Previous Pick: Jeffery Simmons, DE, Mississippi State

30. Green Bay Packers - Dalton Risner, OT, Kansas State

The Packers recently signed Billy Turner as a versatile player, who will likely start at guard, but play backup right tackle, as well. They could use this draft pick on Dalton Risner, who has the potential to play either guard or tackle position in the NFL. He’s a powerful player, who can help in both the run and pass game. Bryan Bulaga likely won’t be in Green Bay too long, and they’ll now have multiple options to fill when he leaves. Risner’s best position will likely end up being right tackle in the NFL, making this the perfect selection

Previous Pick: Dalton Risner, OT, Kansas State

31. Los Angeles Rams - Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson

The Rams could use help at nose tackle, and this is the perfect fit. Dexter Lawrence was the unsung hero of the Clemson defense, as he is a massive defensive tackle, who continuously handled double-teams, while others were given one-on-one opportunities. He posted 18.0 tackles for a loss and 10.0 sacks over 38 games, which is far from impressive numbers. As we know, he is a player that contributes more than statistics. Lawrence will create a dynamic duo with Aaron Donald in the middle of the Los Angeles defensive line, and teams will be forced to guard one of the duo one-on-one. He has the potential to change the dynamic of this defense.

Previous Pick: Garrett Bradbury, OG/C, NC State

32. New England Patriots - N’Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State

There is a case to be made for N’Keal Harry being the best wide receiver in this class, but there are multiple receivers that could potentially take that role. He has never created elite separation, but he owns elite numbers in terms of contested catch percentage. Harry will need a confident quarterback, who is willing to throw him open. Insert Tom Brady. At Arizona State, Harry recorded 155 receptions for 2,230 yards and 17 touchdowns over two seasons. He would be one of the most talented receivers the Patriots have drafted in the Brady era.

Previous Pick: N’Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State