Written by Jordan Stiers
1. Arizona Cardinals – QB, Kyler Murray, Oklahoma
The Arizona Cardinals should draft Quinnen Williams out of Alabama. Unfortunately their high draft pick (Josh Rosen) from a year ago doesn’t quite fit the new system they will be running on offense. Kyler Murray is a stud at the quarterback position and fits the scheme extremely well. The ball jumps out the kids hand and he has great accuracy at all levels of the field. He has elite running ability and speed, and he knows how to protect himself in the slide. Give your new coach the tools to succeed, that all starts with Murray.
2. San Francisco 49ers – Edge, Nick Bosa, Ohio State
The 49ers have been waiting for a player like Bosa ever since Aldon Smith forced himself out of the league. He is powerful, explosive, and has a veteran arsenal of pass rush moves. His combine numbers don’t explode off the board like some of the other pass rushers in this year’s class, but he is the most polished and fine tuned of the crop. Adding him to defensive line with Dee Ford and Deforest Buckner will be deadly.
3. New York Jets – Edge, Josh Allen, Kentucky
Josh Allen burst onto the scene this year ending with 17 sacks and 21.5 tackles for a loss, almost double of his career totals in both categories. He had a very good showing at the combine as well, proving he is an above average athlete at the highest level. He is still raw as a pass rusher and lacks depth in his pass rushing moves. If he’s putting up these high numbers on the field with the few moves he has, expect the Jets to be more than excited to get the chance to work with this kid.
4. Oakland Raiders – DT, Quinnen Williams, Alabama
The Raiders drafted two starting quality interior defensive linemen in last years draft. They will have a serious choice to make if Williams falls to them. He is most people number one prospect in the draft, and if that value falls to you at pick 4 you have to take it. He and Mo Hurst will form a dominating 1-2 punch on the inside, and they will still have two more firsts to try and fill the void of an edge defender.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – LB, Devin White, LSU
This pick has less to do with the absence of Kwon Alexander who left for San Francisco, and more to do with him being a top four prospect in this draft. The Buccaneers have holes across the board on defense. They need a sure fire hit, that is where Devin White comes into play. The running back converted linebacker already has incredible instincts and a nose for the ball. He has the ability to mirror any RB or TE in the game and also can lay an absolute devastating hit in the open field. My favorite player in the draft falls all the way to pick five due to positional value.
6. New York Giants – QB, Dwayne Haskins, Ohio State
The Giants are in the middle of rebuild… I think. They seem to be shedding any and all large contracts that aren’t tied to Eli Manning. Even with the delusional confidence they have in Eli, Haskins is a must pick prospect at pick six. He has a cannon for an arm, great accuracy, and impressed multiple teams during interviews at the combine. The biggest knock on Haskins is the fact he only played one year as a starter in college. Let him develop for a year watching from the sideline behind Eli and be their starter for years and years to come.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars – OT, Jawaan Taylor, Florida
The Jaguars don’t have that many holes to fill on the defensive side of the ball. I fully expect them to go offense heavy in this year’s draft. That all starts with protecting their new 88 million dollar man at QB. Cam Robinson looks like a stud at either tackle position. Drafting Taylor would solidify both tackle positions at decently low cost for at least the duration of the Foles deal. He is big, strong, long arms (which is an issue in this years draft class), and is very hard to get away from if he gets his hands on you. I prefer my lineman to be a little more versatile, but the hype on Taylor is real.
8. Detroit Lions – Edge, Montez Sweat, Mississippi State
Montez Sweat burst on the scene at the senior bowl. Anyone who followed the senior bowl knows he was the main headline almost every day. He has incredible speed (faster 40 yard dash than Odell Beckham) to get around tackles, and the power to bull rush or straight-arm the opposition. He is still very raw as a pass rusher, similar to Josh Allen. Unlike Josh Allen, his stats don’t pop off the screen in any category. Still, he put up solid numbers in college and has the athletic profile to be a freak off the edge. Matt Patricia would have a hard time passing on such a high caliber talent.
9. Buffalo Bills – OL, Jonah Williams, Alabama
The Bills need ballers on the offensive side of the ball. After attacking the skill positions in free agency, they might look to the draft to strengthen the offensive line. Jonah Williams is the perfect piece for a team with multiple needs in the trenches. He can play all five positions on the O-line and play them at a very high level. The only knock on Williams is his wingspan, which makes him better suited for an interior role. However, in the modern NFL versatility is key, especially in the trenches. Draft Williams and sleep a little easier knowing your franchise QB is a little safer.
10. Denver Broncos – TE, TJ Hockenson, Iowa
The Denver Broncos have a number of issues to fix on both sides of the ball. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them go QB here. However, Elway needs to justify trading for Flacco. Hockenson will help mask how ineffective Flacco has become in recent years. He reminds me a lot of George Kittle, and it's not because they attended the same school. Well… maybe a little. TJ is a very good all around tight end. He is an above average run and pass blocker, and can be a very good safety net for a QB who lacks confidence. His speed makes him a threat up the seam, and will force teams to game plan around covering him. It’s a little high for tight end, but Elway can't afford too many risky picks.
11. Cincinnati Bengals - DL, Rashan Gary, Michigan
Rashan Gary is the project player of this draft. The guy’s explosion and overall athleticism is very apparent. He was able to showcase his ability at the combine. Unfortunately there isn’t much to look at past that. His career numbers don’t match what Josh Allen was able to accomplish in just his senior season alone. Having said that, he looks like he has all the tools to be an absolute force anywhere on the defensive front. He can shed weight and play the edge, or he can bulk up and play inside. His versatility makes him very attractive to a team like Cincinnati.
12. Green Bay Packers – OL, Cody Ford, Oklahoma
The Green Bay Packers could use playmakers on either side of the ball. However, with A Rodgers in his late thirties their main priority should be keeping him off the injury report. Cody Ford has the ability to plug and play at the right tackle position or either guard positions. He is very strong in the run game and can hold his own against most in the pass. It's not the sexiest pick in the draft but he is a high floor kind of player. That’s what they need to be looking for with an aging QB at the helm.
13. Miami Dolphins – Edge, Clelin Ferrell, Clemson
Ferrell to the Dolphins is one of my favorite pairings of the NFL draft. Whatever Ferrell lacks in traits, he makes up for with his high motor and burst. His numbers in college don’t do justice on what he brings to the table, in part because the other three guys on the line were also incredible players. He is a game changer. He reminds me a lot of Trey Flowers in Detroit, but with better length.
14. Atlanta Falcons – DL, Ed Oliver, Houston
Atlanta Falcons don’t have as many holes to fill as people think. Most of last years blunder was injury driven. Having said that, pass rush was a big issue for them last year. Ed Oliver would be a huge boost for the Falcons. He is another tweener like Gary, and can excel on the edge, or the interior of the line. His lack of collegiate production is mainly due to him facing double and triple teams seemingly every play.
15. Washington Redskins – QB, Drew Lock, Missouri
The Redskins were a healthy QB away from playoffs last year. Alex Smith had them running their way atop the NFC east before he snapped his leg. Sadly it doesn’t seem like Alex will be back this year, possibly even next year either. Drew Lock would be a great fit for the Redskins and Gruden’s offense. Lock is mostly known for have an absolute cannon for an arm, but not always having the best accuracy. He hasn’t been under consistent coaching at Missouri, and that can definitely impede a QB’s growth. Gruden will think he can transform this kid into a stud.
16. Carolina Panthers – Edge, Brian Burns, Florida State
If Brian Burns is available at 16, I don’t see the Panthers putting much thought into this pick. Burns has everything you want in a pass rusher. His 6’5” 250 pound frame will have the panthers brass excited to get to work. He has elite bend off the edge, and is a dynamic athlete. He already has all the right traits and looks to have the potential for some huge leaps in growth with the right coaching. He has a slightly lower floor than some of the other pass rushers in this year draft, but definitely has one of the highest ceilings.
17. New York Giants – CB, Greedy Williams, LSU
The New York Giants scooped up their quarterback of the next 12-15 years at pick 6. Now they can focus on rebuilding that deteriorating defense. Greedy Williams is an absolute game changer and has the ability to close off half the field by himself. He has a long (6’2”) frame and has the ability to mirror any burner in the game with his 4.37 speed. He isn’t the strongest tackler, but rarely finds himself needing to make them because he’s shutting down the opposition. He can be a cornerstone for a young and rebuilding defense for years to come.
18. Minnesota Vikings – OT, Andre Dillard, Washington State
The Minnesota Vikings come into 2019 with very little holes to fill. One thing that should be a priority is the trenches. Dillard is a plug and play prospect at either tackle position. He is one of the best pure pass blockers in this year’s class, but is still pretty raw as a run blocker. At the end of the day, truly dominant pass blockers are becoming increasingly rare in the modern NFL. If your team has a shot to snag one, it’s a no brainer.
19. Tennessee Titans – WR, DK Metcalf, Ole Miss
The Tennessee Titans are stuck in the middle of the pack. Mariota continues to struggle to develop but the Titans seem all in on him still. A player like Metcalf would be a huge boost for Mariota and the entire offense. Metcalf would help open up lanes for Corey Davis as well and the duo would form one of the more physically imposing duos at the position in recent memory. His impressive straight line speed and freakish physique will make it easy for a team like the Titans to ignore his lack of lateral quickness and route running ability. His potential is limitless, but his floor is lower than many prospects in this year’s class at the position.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers – CB, Byron Murphy, Washington
The Steelers have multiple needs on either side of the ball. Taking Devin Bush here makes a ton of sense. The Mark Barron signing lowered the real need at that position for them this offseason though. As a team looking to reload, they should grabbing high floor players to fill holes. Byron Murphy is the most technically sound corner of the draft. If it weren’t for his smaller frame he would be the top CB In this draft. He has a nose for the ball and seems to be one of the more physical corners in the draft.
21. Seattle Seahawks – S, Taylor Rapp, Washington
Seattle needs to rebuild what made them special, the secondary. Taylor Rapp is the perfect replacement for Earl Thomas on the back of the defense not only as a player but also as a leader. He is extremely versatile and can play multiple positions on the back of the defense. He reminds me of the honey badger, with more ability to lay the boom stick on the opposition. Seattle finds a perfect pairing late in the first round and can start focusing on the front seven with the rest of the draft.
22. Baltimore Ravens – LB, Devin Bush, Michigan
Baltimore hits the jackpot here. Devin Bush sliding all the way to Baltimore at 22 is an absolute blessing for the Ravens. They immediately fill the void left by Mosley leaving in free agency. Devin Bush is a three down linebacker with the ability to be a thumper in the run game and a mirror on tight ends and running backs on passing downs. He is extremely tough in contact and even shows ability to rush the passer on his few chances he was given. He can play any of the linebacker positions in Baltimore. They find the next great Baltimore linebacker for the next decade.
23. Houston Texans – OL, Dalton Risner, Kansas State
Dalton Risner is one of my favorite prospects on the offensive line this year. People think he will be better suited inside. I agree he has the ability to play inside, but the Texans should be looking to use him on the edges at tackle. The guy is a steamroller in the run game, using aggression and power to drive defenders down field. In pass protection he is an anchor, only showing weakness against the speed rushers on occasion. He should be a huge upgrade for the Texans wherever they decide to play him.
24. Oakland Raiders – RB, Josh Jacobs, Alabama
The Oakland Raiders need to stick with getting playmakers. Josh Jacobs would be a huge boost to that new look offense. Ignore his uneventful 40 times. The guy is a maniac. He has plenty of game speed, and has an aggressive run style similar to that of Marshawn Lynch. My favorite thing about Jacobs is his balance through contact. The guy can blast through a wall and somehow finish on his feet moving forward. He is a playmaker and a three down back. His light workload in college should only help his stock for such a violent position. The Raiders get a steal here with another high floor stud from ‘Bama.
25. Philadelphia Eagles – CB, Deandre Baker, Georgia
The Eagles would have loved to see Josh Jacobs fall here, but there is plenty of talent at RB in later rounds. They can add some talent to that defense that is only a couple pieces away from being great. Deandre Baker plays bigger than his 5’11 frame. What he lacks in straight-line speed, he makes up for with technique and lateral quickness. Unlike most corners, Bakers isn’t afraid to tackle. In fact, he’s one of the better run-supporting corners in this draft. He would be a huge upgrade for the Eagles and should start day one.
26. Indianapolis Colts – WR, AJ Brown, Ole Miss
The Colts want to build through the draft. Yes they brought in Funchess on a pretty pricey contract but it is only one year. They still want to build that offense with youthful and cost effective pieces. AJ Brown is a stud player and would be the short-term answer in the slot and the long-term answer on the outside across from TY Hilton. He has very impressive route running skills, and the frame to fight off jams at the line of scrimmage. The addition of Brown on that offense would immediately vault them into top 5 in the league.
27. Oakland Raiders – DE, Jaylon Ferguson, Louisiana Tech
The Oakland Raiders round out the first round by upgrading the pass rush on the defense. They have had a huge need there ever since the departure of Khalil Mack. Ferguson is nowhere need Mack, but that shouldn’t be the expectations for a player at the end of the first. Ferguson is however, a high motor player with record setting stats in college. He has great technique and shows room to improve an already impressive arsenal of pass rushing moves. The Raiders should be excited for the front seven of that defense moving forward.
28. Los Angeles Chargers – DL, Christian Wilkins, Clemson
The Chargers can go any number of ways with the pick here. They don’t have too many dire needs on either side of the ball. They just need to start getting younger and adding depth behind certain positions. Christian Wilkins is a great fit for the Chargers. He is a high character, high motor guy. He is dominant as an interior pass rusher. With Bosa and Ingram closing the edges off, expect Wilkins to put up impressive numbers from the interior right out of the gate.
29. Kansas City Chiefs – CB, Rock Ya-Sin, Temple
The Chiefs had to shed a lot of salaries this offseason. Leaving them with multiple holes to fill on the defensive side of the ball. Corner isn’t the biggest issue on the defense, but with the high number of pass rushers taken before them they are forced to look elsewhere. Rock Ya-Sin is an extremely physical corner. His length and technique allow him to bully the opposition at the line. His speed isn’t great in tights, but he has plenty of game speed. He has all the traits of the great corners in today's game. KC comes away with potentially an absolute steal at the tail end of the first round.
30. Green Bay Packers – S, Johnathan Abram, Mississippi State
The Green Bay Packers look to add yet another piece to that already impressive defensive unit. People mistake Abram as purely a box safety. That is mainly because his highlight film is him just laying the boom-stick on anyone and everyone. The truth is, he is very capable in pass coverage. He is a very impressive blend of strength and speed, and has all the traits of an elite strong safety. Abram should slot in as a day one starter and lead the back end of that defense for Green Bay.
31. Los Angeles Rams – S, Nassir Adderley, Delaware
Adderly to the Rams is another dream matchmaker scenario. The Rams just lost starting free safety L Joyner to the Oakland Raiders in free agency. Adderly has a very similar skill set to Joyner. He is versatile in the secondary, something the rams lack. He should start right away at free safety with the ability to come in and cover the slot if necessary. Adderly wasn’t well known up until the senior bowl. Since then his draft stock has been on a steady rise, landing him at the back end of the first round on a loaded roster ready to make a championship push.
32. New England Patriots – TE, Noah Fant, Iowa
The New England Patriots drafting Noah Fant just makes too much sense. The retirement of Gronk leaves a hole for a playmaker in that offense. Fant is the perfect answer. Fant is a problem for defensive coordinators. His impressive blend of size and speed (6’4” 249lb, 4.50 40yd) make him a mismatch no matter who is covering him. Bellicheck will be licking his chops to start scheming for such a threat. He will be the perfect safety net for Brady’s last couple seasons in the league.