Givanni Damico & Mike Fanelli | March 20th, 2019
The 2019 NFL draft is just under six weeks away and with free agency mostly over, NFL teams can focus on upcoming pro days and the draft. With some teams filling their top needs and others having new needs to fill, mock drafts are starting to undergo serious changes.
In part one of a three-part series, Gio and myself split up the 32 teams and made picks for 16 each. There are hypothetical trades in this mock draft because what fun would it be without them. Please remember two things; we are not professional NFL general managers and we do hate your favorite team.
1) Arizona Cardinals- Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma
All the rumors point to the Cardinals take Murray first overall and trading Josh Rosen. With Kliff Kingsbury taking over as the head coach it is reasonable to expect him to want “his guy”. Kingsbury recruited and coached Murray at Texas Tech, and it will be interesting to see what the duo can do in the NFL. – Mike
2) San Francisco 49ers- Nick Bosa, EDGE, Ohio State
The 49ers partially filled their need at edge rusher by trading for Dee Ford. However, Ford is injury prone, so we don’t know how reliable he will be. You can never have too many edge rushers, especially if they’re as great as Bosa. He is a force to be reckoned with in the run game and as a pass rusher. He’s the number one player on my board. – Gio
** Jets trade pick #3 to the Bengals for picks #11, #42 and a 2020 first round pick **
3) Cincinnati Bengals (via Jets)- Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State
Haskins was a monster in college, throwing for 50 touchdowns in his first season as a starter. Andy Dalton’s time in Cincinnati is up. He has been consistently average and has failed to lead them past the first round in the playoffs. Haskins has great accuracy and his mechanics are pretty polished despite only one year as a starter. He tends to stay locked on his first read, but he will develop in this area once he gets to the NFL. – Gio
4) Oakland Raiders- Josh Allen, EDGE, Kentucky
“It’s hard to find great pass rushers”- a famous quote by John Gruden. It wouldn’t be so ironic except it came three weeks after the Raiders traded away Khalil Mack. Since they are so hard to find, Gruden better take one with this pick and hopefully learn from his mistake. After back-to-back seasons with seven sacks, Allen more than doubled that with 17 as a senior. – Mike
5) Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Quinnen Williams, DL, Alabama
While defensive tackle isn’t a need for the Buccaneers as they took Vea Vita in the first round last year, the team can save $13 million dollars against the cap by trading or releasing Gerald McCoy. If the team decides to make that move, passing on Williams, arguably the best player in the draft, at this spot would be a big mistake. – Mike
** Giants trade pick #6 to the Broncos for picks #10, #41 **
6) Denver Broncos (via Giants)- Drew Lock, QB, Missouri
Don’t let the Joe Flacco trade fool you into thinking the Broncos are out of the quarterback market. Hopefully, John Elway learned last year with Case Keenum that putting a band-aid on won’t stop a severed artery. Flacco’s done has no guaranteed money left on it, meaning the Broncos can release him with no penalty whenever they want. Elway has been rumored to love Lock and don’t be surprised if Lock is a Bronco come draft night; even if it means trading up for him. – Mike
7) Jacksonville Jaguars- Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida
Nick Foles‘ contract locks him in as the starter for at least three next three years so this pick won’t be a quarterback. Instead, the Jaguars give Foles the best right tackle in the draft and a day one starter. Last year’s starting right tackle, Jermey Parnell, was released to open up the cap space to sign Foles. Taylor is an upgrade over Parnell, and Foles needs as much protection as possible. – Mike
8) Detroit Lions- Devin White, LB, LSU
The Lions spent big money in free agency on their front four and in the secondary this offseason but have done nothing to upgrade at linebacker. White is considered by many to be the best linebacker in the draft and a top 10 lock. Pairing White with 2017 first round pick Jarrad Davis would give the Lions one of the best young duos at linebacker. – Mike
9) Buffalo Bills- Cody Ford, OL, Oklahoma
The Bills made some nice moves to solidify their wide receiving corps in free agency, making it not as much of a need in the draft. Despite signing a couple of free agent offensive linemen, I still think they’re missing a tone-setting guy on the line and Ford can be that. He can play either tackle or guard, but I’d like him to play guard. He is a great anchor in the run game as well as in the passing game. He’s a guy that everyone should want on their team. – Gio
10) New York Giants (via Broncos)- Jonah Williams, OL, Alabama
Williams is one of the most pro-ready players in the draft and he can play anywhere on the offensive line. The only question with him is, what is his ceiling. The Giants are in serious need of offensive help. There are reports that they aren’t very interested in Dwayne Haskins but that could be a smokescreen. Either way, they would probably have to move up from pick six to secure him, but instead, they move down and add picks. It is unlikely that the Giants take a quarterback in the first round because Dave Gettleman is in love with Eli Manning. – Gio
11) New York Jets (via Bengals)- Brian Burns, EDGE, Florida State
After trading down and adding some picks, the Jets still get a day one starter with this selection. Burns blew up the combine and looked like the perfect 3-4 OLB prospect. With Anthony Barr deciding to stay in Minnesota, the Jets’ need to add a pass rusher is only more pressing. – Mike
12) Green Bay Packers- Ed Oliver, DL, Houston
The Packers signed two pass rushers and a safety in free agency so they have plugged their two biggest needs on defense. However, they could upgrade the defensive line. Last year’s starting defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson is coming off an injury and is a free agent. Replacing him with Oliver would give the Packers a great trio up front along with Kenny Clark and Mike Daniels. – Mike
** Dolphins trade pick #13 to the Chiefs for picks #29, #92 and their 2020 second round pick **
13) Kansas City Chiefs (via Dolphins)- Greedy Williams, CB, LSU
With their sights on the 2020 draft, the Dolphins trade down to add more picks next year as they #TankForTua. The Chiefs have a huge need at cornerback and pay the price to trade up for Williams. He’s the best corner in the draft but can be lazy in coverage at times. I think Chiefs are a good scheme fit for him. – Gio
14) Atlanta Falcons- Montez Sweat, EDGE, Mississippi State
This pick was made before the reports that Sweat has a heart condition. The condition is believed not to be very serious at all so I don’t think he should fall. He is one of the most athletic players in the draft and would be a perfect scheme fit in Atlanta. – Gio
** Redskins trade pick #15 to the Texans for picks #23, #55 **
15) Houston Texans (via Redskins)- Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State
Deshaun Watson was the most sacked quarterback last season and given how poor his offensive line is, it’s amazing they only gave up 62 sacks. The Texans haven’t signed an offensive lineman in free agency and must take one in the first round. Dillard might be the best pass blocking left tackle in the draft and with the Panthers needing a left tackle at pick 16, the Texans needed to trade up to secure Dillard’s services. – Mike
16) Carolina Panthers- Dalton Risner, OL, Kansas State
After releasing Matt Kalil and with the injury history of Daryl Williams, Risner would be the perfect pick here. He could play guard and kick Taylor Moton outside to offensive tackle or Dalton could play tackle and leave Moton at guard. The Panthers need to protect Cam Newton better than they did last season and Risner would be a great addition to the offensive line. – Gio
17) New York Giants (via Browns)- Byron Murphy, CB, Washington
The cornerback position for the Giants is really thin. Other than Janoris Jenkins and Sam Beal, the team lacks good options at the position. As the Giants continue to ignore the quarterback position, I think Murphy would be the best value pick here. Cornerback is, in my opinion, the third worst position on the Giants so the addition of Murphy could solidify their cornerback group. – Gio
18) Minnesota Vikings- Garrett Bradbury, IOL, N.C. State
The Vikings would love to get their hands on one of the top tackle prospects, but they are all likely to be gone before the Vikings are on the clock at pick 18. Instead, they can grab arguably the best interior offensive lineman in Bradbury. Last year’s starting right guard Mike Remmers was released and the Vikings could slide Pat Elflein over to guard and start Bradbury at center from day one. – Mike
19) Tennessee Titans- T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa
Delanie Walker is coming off a season-ending injury and is one year closer to retirement. Meanwhile, Jonnu Smith isn’t the Titan’s long term starting tight end. It would be surprising to me if Hockenson was still available at this point so the Titans should jump on the opportunity to land the best tight end in the draft class if it presents itself. – Gio
20) Pittsburgh Steelers- D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss
Antonio who? The Steelers are in need of a wide receiver with the loss of Antonio Brown. Donte Moncrief and James Washington shouldn’t be relied on as starters, but Metcalf would slide in very nicely. Metcalf very well could be off the board at this point in the draft, but if he isn’t the Steelers will sprint to the podium with their selection. – Gio
21) Seattle Seahawks- Chris Lindstrom, IOL, Boston College
Despite having a good season as a unit last year, the Seahawks need to improve their offensive line. Lindstrom is one of the best offensive linemen in the draft that isn’t getting any hype. He does a great anchoring in both the run and pass game. He would start day one in Seattle. – Gio
22) Baltimore Ravens- Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma
Even after suffering a lisfranc injury, the Ravens should still pull the trigger on Brown with this pick. After releasing Michael Crabtree and losing John Brown in free agency, the current projected starters at wide receiver are Willie Snead and Jordan Lasley. Clearly Brown would be an upgrade over both players and wide receiver is the Ravens’ biggest need without a doubt. – Gio
23) Washington Redskins (via Texans)- Clelin Ferrell, EDGE, Clemson
Even after trading down, the Redskins can still fill their top position of need. With Preston Smith leaving in free agency, the Redskins have a huge hole at outside linebacker opposite of Ryan Kerrigan. 2017 second round pick Ryan Anderson will have the first crack at taking over as the starter but the Redskins must add a pass rusher early in the draft. – Mike
24) Oakland Raiders (via Bears)- Noah Fant, TE, Iowa
Currently, Jared Cook is still a free agent and isn’t expected to return to re-sign with the Raiders. Even if he does, the Raiders need to give Derek Carr as many weapons as possible to see if he is the franchise quarterback. After adding Antonio Brown and Tyrell Williams in free agency, giving Carr an athletic playmaking tight end is a smart move. – Mike
25) Philadelphia Eagles- Devin Bush, LB, Michigan
The Eagles lost Jordan Hicks in free agency and that means Kamu Grugier-Hill is currently projected to be the starting middle linebacker. However, Grugier-Hill shouldn’t be a starter and instead, stick with his role as a good special teamer. Bush is very young and very athletic. Although some may think he has some character flaws, these issues should be worked out of his as he matures. – Gio
26) Indianapolis Colts- Christian Wilkins, DL, Clemson
Many Colt fans will want a wide receiver with this pick, but unless D.K. Metcalf slides to this pick, the Colts are likely to wait till day two to add a wide receiver. Instead, picking Wilkins will give the Colts a great three-man rotation at defensive tackle, along with Margus Hunt and Denico Autry. Wilkins is praised for his leadership and maturity; two things the Colts really value. – Mike
27) Oakland Raiders (via Cowboys)- Josh Jacobs, RB, Oakland
Remember a few picks ago when I said the Raiders need to give Derek Carr plenty of weapons? Well, add another one to the wish list. Many view Jacobs as the best running back in this draft class and his ability to impact the passing game will play a big role in the Raiders’ offense next season. With Antonio Brown demanding a double team, Jacobs’ isn’t likely to see too many stacked boxes in Oakland. – Mike
28) Los Angeles Chargers- Rashan Gary, EDGE, Michigan
Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram are one of the best pass rusher duos in the league but the depth behind them is disappointing. In addition, both Bosa and Ingram are free agents after the 2020 season and Ingram isn’t likely to be re-signed. Gary is a tweener between a defensive end and defensive tackle but the Chargers won’t care; just go get the quarterback. – Mike
29) Miami Dolphins (via Chiefs)- Dexter Lawrence, DL, Clemson
The Dolphins need someone to slide in and play next to Davon Godchaux. The could also look to take an edge defender with Cameron Wake leaving in free agency, but take the best player on the board. Lawrence is a big run stopper and he while does have some red flags, he is a steal at this point. – Gio
** Packers trade pick #30 to the 49ers for picks #36, #104 **
30) San Francisco 49ers (via Packers, Saints)- Kelvin Harmon, WR, N.C. State
The 49ers trade up here to get a wide receiver to play alongside Dante Pettis. With Trent Taylor lining up in the slot, Harmon could be the final piece for the 49ers’ young trio at wide receiver. Harmon is a big wide receiver with good body control and will compliment Pettis nicely. – Gio
31) Los Angeles Rams- Erik McCoy, IOL, Texas A&M
After losing both their starting center, John Sullivan, and guard, Rodger Saffold, in free agency, the Rams are in desperate need to improve their interior offensive line. McCoy could easily be a week one starter at center and can create holes in the running game for Todd Gurley while keeping Jared Goff upright. – Gio
32) New England Patriots- Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia
Even with Jason McCourty re-signing to a two-year deal, the Patriots still need to add an outside cornerback. Baker is projected by many to be a top 20 pick but the Patriots will happily take him at pick 32. Stephon Gilmore is coming off a great season but the Patriots can get out of his contract after the 2019 season if he regresses. Adding Baker would provide them an insurance policy if that happens. – Mike
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