With the NFL Draft less than a month away, it is now time to fully shift attention to the offseason’s highlight event.
Arizona Cardinals:
Kyler Murray, quarterback, Oklahoma
While the Cardinals could hesitate on the Josh Rosen situation, Kyler Murray would be a great option at number one if they decide to roll with the quarterback. Murray, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, was electric at Oklahoma, leading them to the College Football Playoffs in 2018.
San Francisco 49ers:
Nick Bosa, defensive end, Ohio State
Similar to his brother Joey, the younger Bosa brother posts an incredibly high floor for a pass rusher. Bosa should immediately make an impact for whichever team drafts him, and San Francisco could utilize an edge talent to complement their interior defensive line presences.
New York Jets:
Josh Allen, outside linebacker, Kentucky
Allen, the highest rated outside linebacker, would be a nice fit in the Jets’ system. After the defensive acquisition of C.J. Mosley, an edge rusher who can attack the quarterback is needed in the green side of East Rutherford, N.J.
Oakland Raiders:
Brian Burns, outside linebacker, Florida State
With Khalil Mack being traded last season, the Raiders have a glaring hole at pass rusher. Burns offers high upside and immense ability to get to the quarterback.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
Quinnen Williams, defensive tackle, Alabama
Despite utilizing their 2018 first-round pick on a defensive tackle, the Buccaneers would be remiss to not use this pick on Quinnen Williams. Williams is a systematically different player than 2018 first-round pick Vita Vea with his ability to rush the passer at the forefront compared to Vea’s appearance as a run stopper.
New York Giants:
Dwayne Haskins, quarterback, Ohio State
The Giants have been leaning towards a non-quarterback with this pick, but the selection of a quarterback could occur in order to find the proper replacement for Eli Manning. Haskins has an incredibly high ceiling as a thrower, which was sometimes tapped into in his career at Ohio State.
Jacksonville Jaguars:
Jawaan Taylor, offensive tackle, Florida
The Jags have a subpar offensive line, and the acquisition of Taylor would help protect the new golden goose of Nick Foles. While the Jags need help at any position on offense, a quality offensive line help would significantly increase the chances of the Jags returning to the playoffs after a one-year hiatus.
Detroit Lions:
Rashan Gary, defensive end, Michigan
Gary offers incredibly high upside as a pass rusher. While the Lions do have their run-stuffing God Damon Harrison, edge rusher has been neglected somewhat in recent years. The Lions could also roll with a tight end of this position, but Lions fans would quickly be reminded of Eric Ebron.
Buffalo Bills:
Jonah Williams, offensive tackle, Alabama
The Bills need help offensively. After the Antonio Brown trade debacle, the Bills may use the majority of their draft capital on improving the offense. With their first pick in the draft, they should pick the best player available or stick with Jonah Williams out of Alabama. The big tackle would be a welcome addition to protect quarterback Josh Allen.
Denver Broncos:
Devin White, inside linebacker, LSU
As perfect as you could come to a linebacker-head coach pair, White and new head coach Vic Fangio would work wonders in the center of the Denver defense. With White’s incredibly high ceiling and ability to make the spectacular play, Denver could restore their tremendous defense from the 2015 season. While White is by no means a perfect linebacker, the history of an elite defense in Denver along with the presence of a great locker room led by Von Miller should allow White to blossom into a star in Denver.
Cincinnati Bengals:
Drew Lock, quarterback, Missouri
If both Murray and Haskins are gone the Bengals could look for the next best option in Drew Lock. While the Bengals don’t have any glaring need for a quarterback, they could reach on one early in the draft based on Andy Dalton‘s recent injury history. The Bengals could also look to improve the defense or just add another receiver.
Green Bay Packers:
Greedy Williams, cornerback, LSU
The Packers did the once impossible task of signing free agents. With this revolutionary technique of being a better football team, the Packers might also draft a defensive player in the first round. If the Packers were to pull the trigger on Williams, the secondary would improve and the defense might be in good enough shape to help the Packers back into the playoffs.
Miami Dolphins:
Ed Oliver, defensive tackle, Houston
The former consensus number one pick in the draft, Oliver has dropped due to concerns about his size and his competition while playing at the University of Houston. Oliver has upside compared to the likes of Aaron Donald on the interior, but Oliver should be effective from the beginning of his career regardless of where he lands.
Atlanta Falcons:
Christian Wilkins, defensive tackle, Clemson
If the Falcons miss out on Ed Oliver, Christian Wilkins would be a nice replacement selection. Wilkins, a national champion at Clemson, would bolster the interior of the defensive line alongside Grady Jarrett. The Falcons would have an even stronger defensive line with the likes of Vic Beasley and Takkarist McKinley.
Washington Redskins:
Montez Sweat, outside linebacker, Mississippi State
While Sweat’s stock has declined slightly in the weeks following the NFL combine, he should still be one of the first 20 to 30 players selected in the draft. If the Redskins skip out on the quarterback (they probably should considering the recent addition of Case Keenum) they could look no further than the former Bulldog. Sweat would be adept at rushing the passer and getting to the likes of Carson Wentz, Dak Prescott, and Eli Manning’s corpse.
Carolina Panthers:
N’Keal Harry, wide receiver, Arizona State
While Harry may not be the number one receiver taken off the board, the Panthers do need a true number one wide receiver in their offense. Their only effective number one wide receiver currently is running back Christian McCaffrey. As talented as McCaffrey is, he cannot carry the entire offense of load for year after year. A number one wide receiver like the former Sun Devil would significantly help the Panthers offense moving forward.
