Mock Draft O.T.Y.
Round 1
- Arizona Cardinals: Kyler Murray
Kyler Murray is the best player in the draft. Let's not overthink this thing ... He's a perfect fit for that offense.
- San Francisco 49ers: Nick Bosa
I see Bosa as a ready-made star. The 49ers have met with him at least four times, so perhaps they’re not as convinced. Offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey only needed a 15-minute sitdown at the combine to win them over for last year’s top pick.
- New York Jets: Quinnen Williams
Despite having just a single season of headline production, his instincts, quickness and athleticism are projectable play traits that should allow for continued production against both the run and pass on the next level. Williams is an instant starter with Pro Bowl potential.
- Oakland Raiders: Ed Oliver
The Raiders can at least fill out a two-deep after late free-agency signings, but they won’t head into the regular season with Arden Key, Benson Mayowa, Alex Barrett and Josh Mauro. That crew won’t intimidate many. Adding one of the early draft picks could add a fear factor, especially if one comes at No. 4, in a small trade down from there or trade up from two picks in the 20s. Let’s be honest here -- the Raiders could use two edge rushers ready to contribute right away.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jonah Williams
If, on the other hand, the Bucs don't target a QB early in the draft, Williams would be a fine selection as a long-needed upgrade at left tackle. The top prospect at the position in this class, Williams should step in and start on Day 1.
- New York Giants: Drew Lock
If the Giants still prioritize games started at a Power-5 school (for Lock, in the best conference -- the SEC), frame (6-foot-4, 228 pounds), and arm talent, he will be their target. Giants head coach Pat Shurmur could view Lock as a ball of clay that he can't wait to coach and introduce to his offensive scheme.
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Andre Dillard
The Jags re-signed right guard A.J. Cann this month, but the veteran is a player who hasn’t really made a lot of improvement since being drafted in 2015. Considering that, if the opportunity presents itself, the Jags should look to add some competition at the position early.
- Detroit Lions: Josh Allen
Ideal for the Lions, Allen is the perfect weapon for Patricia’s 3-4, giving him that outside disruptive force to pressure the quarterback.
- Buffalo Bills: Jawaan Taylor
Perhaps the ideal succession plan for the Bills would be to draft a guy like Alabama’s Jonah Williams and start him out at guard with Nsekhe at the right tackle spot and move Williams to tackle down the road. They will also be in position to take a guy like Washington State’s Andre Dillard — who is believed to be the best pass protecting tackle in the draft (that would be huge for Allen) — or Jawaan Taylor, Florida’s right tackle who plays with a mean streak.
- Denver Broncos: T.J. Hockenson
This might be the Broncos biggest need entering the draft. They did re-sign Jeff Heuerman, but he’s nothing more than a depth piece really. Jake Butt is recovering from his third ACL tear and really can’t be counted on at this point and Troy Fumagalli is basically a rookie for the Broncos. So a starter/impact player is needed here, especially in this offense.
- Cincinnati Bengals: Devin White
White is one of the most dynamic players in the draft. He's a sideline-to-sideline beast who would immediately solidify the middle of the defense, making life easier for both the front four and the secondary. White is sometimes a split-second slow to diagnose what's happening in front of him but has the first-step athleticism to make up for it.
- Green Bay Packers: Rashan Gary
The Packers have a solid starting group that includes Kenny Clark, Mike Daniels and Dean Lowry. But Daniels is entering a contract year and this is one of the strongest drafts for defensive linemen in years. If a player like Michigan defensive end Rashan Gary (6-4, 277) was available at No. 12, Gutekunst would be hard pressed to pass him up.
- Miami Dolphins: Montez Sweat
The Dolphins have to find a pass rusher this year, which could mean a first-round pick on the position is in order. The Dolphins current defensive end group includes Tank Carradine, Charles Harris, Jeremiah Valoaga, and Jonathan Woodard, who have a combined 10.5 career sacks. Add in the recently signed linebacker Jarone Elliott, who led the short-lived Alliance of American Football in sacks, and that numbers increases to 14.5 career NFL sacks.
- Atlanta Falcons: Brian Burns
The position with the most obvious need, EDGE is practically a wasteland for the Falcons in 2019—especially with Vic Beasley a near lock to be cut. Takk has shown flashes of ability as a #2 pass rusher, but he can’t do it alone. Brooks Reed is purely a rotational player at this point, though he’s a solid fourth guy that can play the run and the pass.
- Washington Redskins: Daniel Jones
Daniel Jones is an ideal fit for Jay Gruden’s timing-based system. He gets through his progressions quickly and throws with good timing and proper mechanics. But if the rumors are true, and Dwayne Haskins is sliding down draft boards, then you can move him to the top of the list. Those edge rushers will temp Washington, but quarterback has to be the priority.
- Carolina Panthers: Greedy Williams
This is hardly a consensus. Equally strong arguments are made for Deandre Baker of Georgia and Byron Murphy of Washington. But Williams gets the nod here because of his exceptional coverage ability. “He might be one of the best cover guys in the draft,” former NFL scout and Western New York native Greg Gabriel writes for the Pro Football Weekly Draft Guide. “But his tackling skills and inability to consistently shed blocks will hurt him in the eyes of some clubs.”
- New York Giants: Byron Murphy
Washington’s Byron Murphy might have the most well-rounded game of the corners in this draft class, boasting easy change of direction ability, the ability to cover in man and zone, and quality ball skills. The New York Giants don’t have much in the way of proven long-term answers at the cornerback position. And while Murphy might not fit the Giants’ physical archetypes for a defender, his skill set should put him in consideration for a high pick.
- Minnesota Vikings: Garrett Bradbury
The player development at NC State under Dave Doeren has been a key to sustained success, and Bradbury's potential first-round selection is yet another success story. Bradbury signed with the Wolfpack as a three-star tight end from a private in-state school and worked his way up to being one of the top offensive line prospects in the draft class.
- Tennessee Titans: Clelin Ferrell
Has an explosive first step and a high motor, and gets to the quarterback quickly. Ferrell also shows good change of direction for a big man, and his production backs it all up. He had 10 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss in 2018 after 9.5 sacks and 18 tackles for loss the season before.
- Pittsburgh Steelers: Johnathan Abram
Highly regarded for his instincts and hard-hitting style, Abram is the ideal nickel linebacker in a defense, as he can still hold his own effectively in coverage. However, he’s not as adept in coverage as others on this list and as such, it’s no surprise he struggles the further he is from the line of scrimmage.
- Seattle Seahawks: Christian Wilkins
Wilkins did not endure significant injuries with Clemson and has very unusual potential red flags. Wilkins was spotted “groping” an opponent during the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl. The incident was chalked up to on-field antics to “mess with” players on the field. Wilkins did apologize for the event and that he was “just being silly.” Wilkins also steamed up some controversy when he was filmed doing a striptease at a Clemson fundraising event.
- Baltimore Ravens: Jachai Polite
Za’Darius Smith and Terrell Suggs accounted for 36% of Baltimore’s 43 sacks last season, and both left in free agency. 2018 breakout OLB Matt Judon is entering a contract year, while 2017 third-round pick Tim Williams has struggled to earn playing time. GM Eric DeCosta should seriously consider drafting two or even three pass rushers. The Ravens need help on the outside and interior.
- Houston Texans: Yodny Cajuste
Extremely athletic with good feet, Cajuste was tasked with protecting Will Grier at West Virginia. When he locks on to pass rushers he doesn't let go. He also shows the ability to pull effectively in the running game, and while he's not a technician, Cajuste keeps his head up and his weight balanced. He has the quickness to beat defensive ends to the spot on speed rushes and shows the ability to combo-block and get to second level with ease.
- Oakland Raiders: D.K. Metcalf
Eats up cushion against cornerbacks and despite poor shuttle and 3-cone drills at the combine, routinely shows the ability to put the foot in the ground and get and out of breaks. He's good at creating separation with shoulder fakes and blazing speed (4.33 40). Also displays soft hands when hauling in long arcing throws, can high-point the ball on fade routes and has strong hands to fight off physical cornerbacks for the ball.
- Philadelphia Eagles: Dexter Lawrence
The Eagles have an excellent starting defensive tackle duo in Malik Jackson and Fletcher Cox, but not much depth outside of Treyvon Hester. Philadelphia likes to rotate among the defensive line, so the Eagles could use a No. 3 option that could spell Jackson and Cox in the regular season. In a historic defensive line class, the Eagles certainly could go defensive tackle in Round 1. This was previously the No. 3 "need" earlier this month, but the Eagles value the defensive line. Expect them to pick a defensive lineman with one of their first three picks.
- Indianapolis Colts: A.J. Brown
No matter who’s left on the board at this point, the Colts should be able to land a good player at a position of need. Wilkins would be the dream pick, but Brown has the potential to be the best receiver in this class and the same could be said of Murphy at corner.
- Oakland Raiders: Josh Jacobs
With so many top edge rushers off the board, the Raiders look away from their most glaring need and select a do-everything back seemingly tailor-made for Jon Gruden’s scheme. Jacobs joins Antonio Brown and Tyrell Williams on a new-look Raiders offense that should be explosive in 2019 behind quarterback Derek Carr.
- Los Angeles Chargers: Cody Ford
Power blocker who creates serious torque with faster-than-you'd-expect leg churn and has great feet for his size which allow him to mirror well. He's long enough to deal with small speed-rushers but they give him more problems than power rushers. May not have the explosiveness in his kick slide to play on the edge, yet still a fun, punishing offensive line prospect.
- Seattle Seahawks: Jeffery Simmons
Simmons regularly requires double-teams and even then is hard to stop. He has non-stop motor and that, coupled with linebacker-like sideline-to-sideline mobility, means he's never out of a play. He routinely splits blockers on stretch plays to make tackles in backfield, and he has the ability to disengage from blocks to make tackles too. One of the best athletes in the draft, Simmons is adept against the run and the pass who is best described as a disruptive backfield presence.
- Green Bay Packers: Marquise Brown
The team doubles up on big play WR's by snagging the ultra talented Brown at receiver, who is as undersized as he is explosive. It's frightening to think what Aaron Rodgers could do with a weapon like that.
- Los Angeles Rams: Erik McCoy
McCoy is likely to be selected late in the first round or early on Day 2, almost certainly within the first three rounds. The Rams need help on the offensive line with Rodger Saffold and John Sullivan gone, while Andrew Whitworth could retire after next season, too. He can play either center or guard, which is valuable at the NFL level.
- New England Patriots: Irv Smith
The Patriots need weapons for Tom Brady, and Smith will be a good, versatile piece for them. He’s not much of a blocker, but they just signed Austin Seferian-Jenkins for that role, and Smith can be an Aaron Hernandez type – at least on the field.