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.
Previous Pick: Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State
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: Quinnen Williams, DE, Alabama
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.
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. 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: Rashan Gary, DE, Michigan
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. They could reach
a bit on White here, but he can hold down their defense for the
next decade.
Previous Pick: Ed Oliver, DT, Houston
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.
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: T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa
8. Detroit Lions - Greedy Williams,
CB, LSU
Williams has all the makings of an elite CB1 if he hits his ceiling.
He’s an athletic corner with plenty of size. He has flashed tremendous
press potential, while also displaying the ability to play off
of his receiver. His only true knock is his effort in run support,
which could change in time. Williams seemingly has the potential
to shadow opposing teams WR1’s, which is relatively rare for cornerbacks
coming out of college. The Lions need plenty of cornerback help
outside of Darius
Slay, and even he struggled at times in 2018. Williams is
a potential playmaker, who would immediately add value to a position
that should be at the top of Detroit’s list in this draft.
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 White, LB, LSU
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: Montez Sweat, DE, Mississippi State
13. Miami Dolphins - Brian Burns,
EDGE, Florida State
If the Miami Dolphins can’t get their quarterback of the future
in this draft, they’ll need to fill other major voids. One of
those voids is defensive end with Cameron
Wake and Robert
Quinn out of the picture. Burns may be best suited as a 3-4
outside linebacker, but he also has the potential put his hand
down as a 4-3 defensive end. There are some that believe Burns
has the most upside of any edge rusher in this draft, and it’s
difficult to argue. Through 33 games at Florida State, he owns
38.5 tackles for a loss and 23.0 sacks. Burns isn’t the safest
option on the board, but Miami won’t be looking for safe at this
point in the draft.
Previous Pick: Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma
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: Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson
15. Washington Redskins - Rashan Gary,
DE, Michigan
The Redskins won’t be able to get their quarterback of the
future with this pick, meaning they’ll have to look to fill
another void. Rashan Gary could go as high as fourth overall,
and he would be a steal here. He isn’t a safe prospect,
but he comes with as much upside as any player in this draft.
He recorded 9.0 sacks and 18.0 tackles for a loss over his last
22 games at Michigan, and he was seen as a bit of a disappointment
in college. Gary has the potential to become a high-level three-down
player, who can defend the run and rush the passer with the same
elite potential. The Redskins need to replace some of the pass
rushing they lost in free agency, and they have proven in the
past that they feel comfortable taking high risk, high reward
players in the draft.
Previous Pick: D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss
16. Carolina Panthers - Montez Sweat,
DE, Mississippi State
Luckily for the Panthers, this draft is filled with pass rushing
potential. They have a massive void in that department, and will
be forced to address that on draft night. Montez Sweat blew up
the NFL Combine, and posted measurables that simply cannot be
replicated. He’s known for his acceleration and athleticism,
and that was only solidified at the Combine. He has also learned
how to use his length well when rushing the passer, while displaying
multiple pass rushing moves, specifically utilizing his speed.
Over his final two seasons at Mississippi State, Sweat posted
30.0 tackles for a loss and 22.5 sacks. He has a minor heart condition
that could drop his down boards a bit on draft night, but that
shouldn’t be a huge concern. He’ll immediately help
Carolina’s pass rush attack from the time he’s drafted.
Previous Pick: Deionte Thompson, S, Alabama
17. New York Giants - D.K. Metcalf,
WR, Ole Miss
The Giants traded Odell
Beckham Jr. for this pick, and it makes sense that they could
replace him early in the first round. Metcalf is a player that
features a WR1 body, while also possessing elite speed and solid
hands for his size. He has solid route running, but will need
to continue to develop in that category. Metcalf totaled 65 receptions
for 1,215 yards and 14 touchdowns in 19 total games without ever
truly being the WR1 for his team. Metcalf posted Julio
Jones-type numbers at the NFL Combine, and he comes with as
much upside as any receiver in this draft. The Giants have multiple
receivers, who can play near the line, and Metcalf will be able
to stretch the field, while taking pressure off of them.
Previous Pick: Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida
18. Minnesota Vikings - Greg Little,
OT, Ole Miss
The Vikings were considered one of the favorites to win the Super
Bowl prior to the start of last season, but a struggling offensive
line quickly ended their hopes. They have a relatively complete
roster, but will need to upgrade their offensive line if they
want to make a run this season. Little is a versatile player,
who has the potential to play their tackle position, while also
being able to kick into guard. He has the quickness to keep up
with speed rushers, while he has enough power to slow down bull-rushers,
although he has struggled more with the latter. Little will likely
slide into the left tackle position for Minnesota, giving Kirk
Cousins a bit more blindside protection.
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: Montez Sweat, DE, Mississippi State
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.
I’m not overly sold that Deionte Thompson would be the safety
taken here, as the position is wide open. The Seahawks have a
glaring need in their secondary and Thompson is an extremely high
upside option. He’s versatile, as he displayed the ability
to play deep in center field or move into the box if necessary.
He also flashed solid ball skills, posting two interceptions and
six pass deflections last season. Thompson has shown a willingness
as a tackler, but he needs to become more consistent in that department.
Seattle could go a number of ways at safety here, as one player
has not established themselves as the best in the class, but Thompson
would add versatility to a weak secondary group in Seattle.
Previous Pick: Byron Murphy, CB, Washington
22. Baltimore Ravens - Kelvin Harmon,
WR, NC State
The Ravens are expected to select a receiver with this pick, but
there are a multitude of options for them to consider. N’Keal
Harry and A.J. Brown may be the two most likely with D.K. Metcalf
off the board, but I’m slotting Harmon into this spot. He has
been climbing up the draft boards throughout the season, totaling
81 receptions for 1,186 yards and seven touchdowns in 12 games
at North Carolina State. He has a WR1 body with tremendous hands.
He won’t necessarily take the top off of defenses every play,
but he does come with some deep threat potential. He’ll more or
less be a safe intermediate receiver for Lamar
Jackson to continue to develop. While Harry and Brown both
come with more upside than Harmon, he’s the safer pick, who will
immediately add to this offense.
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: A.J. Brown, WR, Ole Miss
25. Philadelphia Eagles - Andre Dillard,
OT, Washington State
Dillard is a player that has as many pass blocking reps as anyone
in the draft class. He played for a pass heavy Washington State
offense, which has allowed him to nearly perfect his craft. He’s
arguably the best pass blocker in this class, but he’ll
need coaching to improve on his run blocking. Still, Dillard has
all of the makings of a left tackle, and Philadelphia could be
the perfect situation. He could sit behind Jason Peters and Lane
Johnson at both tackle positions, learning from two of the best
in the NFL. Peters is nearing the end of his career, and this
would allow Philly to slide in someone that feels comfortable
in their offense.
Previous Pick: Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
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: N’Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State
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 - Nasir Adderley,
S, Delaware
Adderley is a smaller school prospect, who comes with tremendous
upside. He’s a safety that has the ability to play center field,
taking away opposing deep threats with his ball-hawking potential.
He can also move up in the box and help with run support. As if
that isn’t enough, Adderley has the potential to slide over to
corner with very little issues. The Chargers could certainly use
another safety to lean on, and Adderley makes their elite secondary
that much better. This is a defense filled with chess pieces,
and Adderley will fit right in a potential game-changing role.
Previous Pick: Nasir Adderley, S, Delaware
29. Kansas City Chiefs - 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: N’Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State
31. Los Angeles Rams - Garrett Bradbury,
OG/C, NC State
This is another pick that lines up perfectly. The Rams have a
small need at the interior offensive line, and they’ll be
getting a versatile player, who can play center or either guard
position. Bradbury’s interior versatility isn’t seen
as much of an advantage as someone who could potentially play
tackle, but Los Angeles is a team that loves the multiple position
versatility. He could immediately fill a void at the end of the
draft.
Previous Pick: Dre’Mont Jones, DT, Ohio 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.
