Written by Cody Manning
It’s Mock Draft Monday! Plus, we are in the legal tampering period so that means while you are reading this my mock has been ripped to shreds! Free agency can change everything because teams will address needs and there could be potential trades that shake everything up. We all have seen mock drafts where the Cardinals select Kyler Murray, Nick Bosa, or Quinnen Williams so since this one will be irrelevant at some point, I decided to buy into the reports of Jon Gruden’s fascination of Kyler Murray. Enjoy!!!!
Trade: Raiders send #4, #27, and 2020 3rd round pick to the Cardinals for the #1 pick
1. Oakland Raiders (via Cardinals) – QB, Kyler Murray, Oklahoma
Everyone has seen mock draft after mock draft with the Cardinals selecting either Murray, Bosa, or Williams. I wanted to change things up with some recent reports coming out of Oakland. The word on the street is that Jon Gruden loves Murray and the Raiders’ ideal plan is to enter the season with a triplet set of Antonio Brown, Le’Veon Bell, and Murray. If they go this route, then they could recoup some picks by dealing Derek Carr to a new team. Step 1 is complete. We will see if step 2 happens this week and if it does, don’t be surprised if more rumors swirl of Gruden trying to get his “guy”.
2. San Francisco 49ers – Edge Rusher, Nick Bosa, Ohio St.
The 49ers luck out in any situation that involves Murray going #1 as they land what most draft analysts consider the best player in this class. Bosa gives them a premium edge rusher who will help fill a need that can help improve their defensive front. In a division that features the high-powered Rams he will give them a player that can disrupt a quarterback’s gameflow.
3. New York Jets – Defensive Tackle, Quinnen Williams, Alabama
Death, taxes, and the Jets drafting a defensive lineman in the 1st round. New York does have a need for an edge so depending on what happens in free agency could determine which direction they want to take on draft night. There can be a case made for Williams as the best player in the draft over Bosa. This would also allow the Jets to move on from Leonard Williams and explore trade options.
4. Arizona Cardinals (via Raiders) – Wide Receiver, D.K. Metcalf, Ole Miss
The Cardinals offense needs more weapons that can help stretch out the field for Josh Rosen. Metcalf is a freak athlete that has a high ceiling that could make him one of the best wide receivers in the NFL by his third season. The combination of Larry Fitzgerald, Christian Kirk, and Metcalf would be a nice trio for Kliff Kingsbury to get in his offense. I said he would go Top 5 if he ran below a 4.38 on a recent ‘hot take’ episode of the Blitz Breakdown so I had to back that up in my first mock of draft season.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Edge Rusher, Josh Allen, Kentucky
The Bucs defense needs an overall improvement to their defense. After betting on himself by returning to college it paid off for Allen as he has put himself in talks of going Top 5 by most draft analysts. The defensive front featuring Allen, Jason Pierre-Paul, Gerald McCoy, and Vita Vea would make one deadly combination of players for an offensive line to deal with. Allen offers Tampa’s defense a player that can make an impact his rookie year.
6. New York Giants – Quarterback, Dwayne Haskins, Ohio St.
It has been time for the Giants to find Eli Manning’s replacement for a while. They have attempted at players in the mid-rounds, it just hasn’t worked out. Haskins is your NFL prototypical quarterback that some teams will fall in love with because of his size, arm, and knowledge of the game. He would have a chance to sit behind a player that has seen it all and it could help him develop until he is ready to hit the field. New York takes their shot at finding life after Eli.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars – Offensive Tackle, Jawaan Taylor, Florida
If the Nick Foles to Jacksonville signing happens, then that allows the Jags to sit put and select the best player on their board. To create cap space the team cut starting right tackle Jeremy Parnell, so they leave a starting spot up for grabs. Taylor can fill a need and give Jacksonville a offensive lineman with a demeanor that can help them return to their nasty ground game.
8. Detroit Lions – Linebacker, Devin White, LSU
Matt Patricia will be looking to add a key piece to his defense that he can rely upon on the unit he takes pride in. White has All-Pro potential and could be Patricia’s prize possession if he is able to tap into his abilities. This selection will give a major boost to a linebacker room that needs some improvement.
9. Buffalo Bills – Offensive Tackle, Jonah Williams, Alabama
The Bills invested to go up and grab Josh Allen in last year’s draft. It is on Buffalo to do everything they can to protect their franchise quarterback. Williams has the ability and should play tackle at the next level. Regardless, he can even slide inside to guard or center, if need be. Williams would give the Bills a player they can depend on every week.
10. Denver Broncos – Cornerback, Greedy Williams, LSU
After acquiring Joe Flacco and not restructuring his contract I believe that the Broncos are ok if they don’t address the quarterback position until Day 2 or 3. With Bradley Roby more than likely signing elsewhere in free agency the Broncos need to find a corner to team up with Chris Harris. Williams offers Denver a long and athletic corner that can battle on the outside on the next level. John Elway decides to try to get back to having one of the better defenses in the league for 2019.
11. Cincinnati Bengals – Defensive Tackle, Ed Oliver, Houston
The Bengals defense just needs upgrades across the board. Oliver can offer a defensive unit a player that they could line up anywhere on their front and let him disrupt plays. The combination of Oliver and Geno Atkins would give guards and centers fits to deal with throughout the game. The Bengals could end up with a player who some thought at one point could be the best in this class.
12. Green Bay Packers – Edge Rusher, Clelin Ferrell, Clemson
The Packers can’t afford to waste any more of Aaron Rodgers’ years. They need to get a defense that can help when he is off and that can help slow down some of the other high-powered offenses. Green Bay needs an edge rusher and Ferrell offers them an impact guy that can come in and start right away. His championship pedigree can help make an immediate improvement to the unit.
13. Miami Dolphins – Edge Rusher, Rashan Gary, Michigan
Gary is an interesting prospect because his measurables are out of this world, but his tape doesn’t scream that he can be a great player. He does have a high ceiling and if a coach can find a way to not only tap into his talent but also incorporate Gary’s abilities within his defense then this can be a homerun pick. New coach Brian Flores has time to play with this moldable piece and he can afford the risk in his first draft for Miami.
14. Atlanta Falcons – Edge Rusher, Brian Burns, Florida St.
Vic Beasley hasn’t been the answer that the Falcons were hoping he could be. Atlanta finds themselves in a lucky situation because of the depth of pass rushers in this class. Burns can get to the quarterback on a consistent basis which the Falcons defense needs. He can give a much-needed boost to their defensive front.
15. Washington Redskins – Edge Rusher, Montez Sweat, Mississippi St.
If you can’t tell already, this class is loaded with players that can help teams chase down the quarterback. Sweat offers a little different skill set than the other edge rushers but he uses his strength to his advantage and just showed off his athletic ability at the combine. Sweat could give Washington one of the best fronts in the NFL featuring himself, Ryan Kerrigan, Jonathan Allen, and Da’Ron Payne.
16. Carolina Panthers – Offensive Tackle, Andre Dillard, Washington St.
The Panthers must address their offensive line this offseason because of the beating that Cam Newton took in 2018. Dillard is one of the best pass protectors in this class and he could help protect Newton’s blindside for the rest of his career. After the run on the edge rushers this could be an ideal situation for Carolina.
17. Cleveland Browns – Cornerback, Bryon Murphy, Washington
The Browns need to find a running mate across their top pick from 2018 in Denzel Ward. The two smaller corners could offer feisty players on both sides of the ball that aren’t afraid to hit or go after the ball to make a play. Murphy could help solidify the back end of Cleveland’s defense if everyone develops over the offseason.
18. Minnesota Vikings – Offensive Tackle/Guard, Cody Ford, Oklahoma
The Vikings failed to protect their fully guaranteed franchise quarterback this past season. They must invest into making sure Kirk Cousins is standing upright in 2019. Cody Ford can give their line that bully attitude that it needs. He also offers the versatility where they can play him at guard or tackle.
19. Tennessee Titans – Tight End, T.J. Hockenson, Iowa
Delanie Walker isn’t getting any younger and is coming off an injury. Hockenson can give Marcus Mariota another reliable target across the middle, in the red zone, and help improve their running game. Tennessee’s front office, coaching staff, and players already feature former Patriots, so he also can give them their Rob Gronkowski at the tight end position.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers – Linebacker, Devin Bush, Michigan
After having the glamour offense over the recent years, it is time for the Steelers to reinvent their defense and go back to their hard-nosed ways. Bush will bring that thud that Pittsburgh needs and can help improve their ability to stop the run. He could be on that long list of linebackers that the Steelers are known for.
21. Seattle Seahawks – Safety, Deionte Thompson, Alabama
The Seahawks are moving on from Earl Thomas and will be looking to replace the final member of the Legion of Boom. Thompson’s athletic ability offers Seattle a player that can help control the backend of a defense with his sideline to sideline ability. I also would imagine that Pete Carroll would love to have a Nick Saban coached defensive back in his secondary.
22. Baltimore Ravens – Center, Garrett Bradbury, NC State
If the Ravens are really going to commit to Lamar Jackson and the run game, then they need to improve the interior of their offensive line. Bradbury gives Jackson his center to pair with for the rest of his career and can help open running lanes in the middle of the field. He also should help Jackson have more time to scan the field so this would be the logical move for Baltimore to invest in protecting their offensive line.
23. Houston Texans – Offensive Tackle/Guard/Center, Dalton Risner, Kansas St.
The Texans let Deshaun Watson take a beating last year and if they don’t enhance the play of their offensive line then it could shorten their franchise quarterback’s shelf life. It is hard to project exactly where Risner will fit at the next level but his has the capabilities to line up across the board. Regardless, Houston would get a player that will get the job done and can be a starter for a long time.
24. Oakland Raiders – Safety, Nasir Adderley, Delaware
The Raiders defense needs to improve their play of the secondary which is very important in a division that features Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense. Adderley would offer Oakland some versatility that NFL teams are searching for in safeties to help slow down today’s passing attacks. It is also fitting because Adderley impressed Jon Gruden and his staff at the Senior Bowl so much that they slapped the Raiders logo on his helmet.
25. Philadelphia Eagles – Running Back, Josh Jacobs, Alabama
The Eagles are strapped with cap money, so I don’t expect them to land any quality backs in free agency. Jacobs can come in their backfield and dominate most of the touches from day one. He also will help take a load of Carson Wentz so he can put together a healthy 2019 season. This seems like a perfect match come April.
26. Indianapolis Colts – Deandre Baker, Cornerback, Georgia
The Colts need depth at the corner position and Baker can come in as an immediate contributor in Indy’s defense. He can be a perfect fit for Indianapolis’ defense because of his ability to play man or zone coverage. After being picked apart by Mahomes in the playoffs, Indy should be looking to improve their secondary if they don’t address it during free agency.
27. Arizona Cardinals (Via the Raiders) – Center/Guard Erik McCoy, Texas A&M
The Cardinals offensive line was dreadful last year. McCoy can come in right away and compete for an opening spot on the interior line. He would benefit Josh Rosen by giving him time to throw and create space for David Johnson to run throw. In this scenario, they help improve both areas of their offense that needs a lot of help.
28. Los Angeles Chargers – Defensive Tackle, Christian Wilkins, Clemson
The Chargers need some help within the trenches on both sides of the ball but with the top tier offensive lineman off the board they would have a chance to land a stud in Wilkins. He can come in and compete for most of the reps. Wilkins is also known for his high-character and could end up being a leader on that unit.
29. Kansas City Chiefs – Safety, Taylor Rapp, Washington
The Chiefs need to just stick to drafting for their defense in 2019 and it starts with their secondary. Rapp can help improve Kansas City’s defense because of his ability to control space and explode up the field to end plays. He would be a great addition to a defensive back group that needs all the help they can get.
30. Green Bay Packers – Safety, Jonathan Abram, Mississippi St.
As I alluded to earlier, the Packers just need to improve their defense because Rodgers can take care of the rest. Abram is another safety that teams will love because of his versatility of where you can line him up in the defense plus, he has great sideline to sideline play. The Packers would have a young but talented secondary heading into 2019 with this selection.
31. Los Angeles Rams – Defensive Tackle, Jeffery Simmons, Mississippi St.
The Rams have little holes to fill but Los Angeles has already addressed some needs with the signing of Eric Weddle and the resigning of Dante Fowler. They can afford the ‘luxury’ pick here and take the chance on Simmons on a 5-year contract. After tearing his ACL in pre-draft workouts, he saw his stock drop after seeming like he was destined for the top-10. If he can return late into the season, then he can help LA in a playoff push and would be deadly next to Aaron Donald.
32. New England Patriots – Tight End, Noah Fant, Iowa
Who knows where New England goes here? If Gronk does retire this does seem logical. Honestly, I am doing it because my good buddy here at Blitz, George Haraktsis, who is a Pats fan, was complaining about Fant is being mocked to the Patriots so that means it won’t happen. Well, let’s just keep this train rolling buddy!!!