It is draft day and the 84th annual event is merely hours away from commencing. With rumors swirling around the country, it is difficult to differentiate between what is truth and what is simply smoke and mirrors. This is a pure chess match among the 32 teams (only 27 contain a first round pick) jockeying to determine who each franchise will select to become the newest prodigy of their respective team. No pick is safe. No player-to-team scenario has been deemed a certainty. A lot of chaos is about to begin, and it should frankly be exciting for football fans around the world. The Arizona Cardinals are now on the clock….
MT indicates a mock trade
Teams without a first round pick: Cleveland Browns, Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints
- ARIZONA CARDINALS- Kyler Murray QB OKLAHOMA
Any talk of the Cards having doubts about picking the reigning Heisman winner with the first pick is merely smoke and mirrors in order to drive up the stock of Rosen or even make a team desperate enough to give up the farm in order to get the young signal caller. Kliff Kingsbury and co. would not have allowed the rumors of trading their 2018 first rounder to get out of hand if they did not want the information to get out themselves. Nevertheless, the organization gives their new coach the guy he wants, and now will begin the process of turning one of the most historically dismal teams back into contention. Time will only tell if this gamble pays off.
2. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS- Nick Bosa DE OHIO STATE
The 49ers are in a flux in terms of position need. The team needs to improve on their so-so pass defense, which accumulated only 37 sacks (tied- 8th fewest) and allowed the highest opposing quarterback rating (105.4). A few free agent additions will go a long way towards improvement, but you will need to take the best player on your board, which is likely the younger Bosa. The move will likely kick Armstead inside, while turning Solomon Thomas into a situational rusher and give San Fran one of the most formidable fronts in the NFC. Trading down makes sense here, but the team can use their next few picks to bolster their putrid secondary and wide receiver units.
3. WASHINGTON REDSKINS (MT w/ NYJ)- Dwayne Haskins QB OHIO STATE
TRADE – This is where the draft starts to get interesting. The Jets have long desired to trade down to gain more assets, and though no one would fault them for taking their favorite among the remaining crop of talent, the ‘Skins may just be desperate enough to pull the trigger on this deal. With all the back and forth among quarterback-needy teams in the top 15, Washington seems most frantic to draft one with the talent they currently roster. Alex Smith and Colt McCoy are both coming off of broken legs, while the former’s is serious enough to warrant a lost 2019 season. The team addressed the issue to an extent by trading for NFL journeyman Case Keenum, however the 31 year-old finished 26th among all signal callers according to Pro Football Focus. The Redskins have been strongly connected to Haskins throughout this process, which could result in owner Dan Snyder leaping in front of teams who could snag him up such as Denver, Cincy, Miami, and division-rival New York. Don’t be surprised if the compensation is shocking, and while the price may not be as steep as the RGIII debacle in 2012 (3 first rounders and a second round pick), there is not much to lose among this organization.
4. OAKLAND RAIDERS- Ed Oliver DL HOUSTON
The Silver and Black have made it clear they could pull off a shocker, and while the name could very well Dwayne Haskins should he fall, there is a lot of noise that the name is that fastest rising prospect in Ed Oliver. The case for the Houston Cougar is a good one. He could be the most versatile player in the draft with the ability to play anywhere along the defensive line. Oliver’s stock was seeming to dip a bit due to his size and issues with coaches during his tenure at Houston, however a mesmerizing performance at his Pro Day had the defensive lineman vault right back into the discussion for a top 10 pick. The Raiders frantically need to improve the pass rush, which finished with a blasphemous 13 sacks last season (17 below the second worst in the league), and while edge rusher Josh Allen does make a lot of sense, the Raiders end up going with the higher upside.
5. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS- Devin White LB LSU
One of the more consensus picks among many mock drafts is White to the Bucs, and I am not any different. The team’s defense as a whole is bad and it will go a long ways by picking one of the best linebacker prospects in the last half decade. White’s ability to make an immediate impact can be shown evidence by 2018 draft picks Darius Leonard and Leighton Vander Esch, who were neck and neck for DROY last season. The LSU prospect has an ability to fly all over the field like no other and will use his lightening quickness and stocky frame to be a factor for years to come.
6. NEW YORK GIANTS- Quinnen Williams DT ALABAMA
Rumors are that the Giants are smitten with Duke QB Daniel Jones, so they seem to be leaning to picking the best available player and boy do they have a goliath of a pick fall into their hands at 6. Many believe Williams could be the best player in this draft, and Big Blue could fill a huge (literally) void along the defensive line with the ‘Bama product. The Giants are in the driver’s seat to begin rebuilding the team back into relevancy. However, until the organization is finally able to de-reign the baby Manning, the Giants will continue to struggle offensively, even with all-world back Saquon Barkley at the helm.
7. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS- T.J. Hockenson TE IOWA
The Jags cannot go wrong by taking the top offensive lineman with this pick, but I cannot see any prospect making more of an immediate impact with the team than the first of two stud Hawkeye tight ends. Hockenson is the most complete tight end in this draft and every Eagles fan knows how much former Super Bowl MVP quarterback Nick Foles loves his tight ends. And with all due respect, Geoff Swaim is not going to be the answer. The former Longhorn has 35 career receptions over his first four years, which shows the glaring need for a starter after losing Austin Seferian-Jenkins. The combo of Hockenson and Swaim will allow the Jaguars to use two tight end sets with quality blockers on the edge, which could pay dividends for 2017 first round pick Leonard Fournette having a career year.
8. DETROIT LIONS- Josh Allen EDGE KENTUCKY
The Lions have be attempting to trade down from this pick, however the team could develop second thoughts should Allen fall in their laps. Allen is known as the best pass rusher not named Nick Bosa, with a knack for getting to the quarterback. The Wildcat was a unanimous All-American last year, producing a phenomenal 17 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss in only 13 games. Fit could be a concern with Allen, seeing as though he was a 3-4 pass rusher throughout his collegiate career, while the Lions run a 4-3, but HC Matt Patricia could find himself salivating with Allen at the helm.
9. BUFFALO BILLS- Jawaan Taylor OT UF
The Bills get a massive upgrade at tackle with the addition of the Florida Gator. Taylor is considered among many to be the best at his position in the draft and Buffalo can do no wrong at selecting him here. While he will likely stay on the right side, he could provide huge dividends by protecting sophomore quarterback Josh Allen, who was being chased all season last year and in large part led to an up and down year. Even if Taylor is not on the board at this point, do not expect Buffalo to shy away from taking the next man up in terms of offensive lineman.
10. DENVER BRONCOS- Drew Lock QB MISSOURI
The Broncos have been difficult to read throughout the draft process. And while the team traded for Joe Flacco in February, the long term answer could be taken in the top 10. Lock has a great arm and has shown flashes, however consistency issues were present last year as a Tiger, which means he may need to hold a clipboard for a year before he debuts. John Elway has been rumored to be most enamored with Lock in this relatively thin quarterback class, which could have the team addressing the position early. Linebacker could also been in play, especially if White somehow is able to fall to the tenth pick.
11. CINCINNATI BENGALS- Andre Dillard OT FLORIDA
Cincinnati could also go in multiple areas with this pick, and could potentially be a trade down candidate after the first three quarterbacks were taken off the board before them. Dillard is a great option to upgrade from Cordy Glenn to protect Dalton’s blindside. The Bengals are in a flux among the AFC by being talented enough to compete every week, but could be a bad start away from completely starting over. If the latter takes place, a small upside will having a formidable line for the successor to Andy Dalton already in place. Addressing any area of the bottom-tier defense could be in the cards as well, which could result in stronger value should the team be picking in the late teens or early twenties.
12. GREEN BAY PACKERS- Devin Bush LB MICHIGAN
The Packers continue their attempt to revamp their defense by taking a Wolverine. Bush may be undersized, but he is the prototypical modern day linebacker with elite quickness and athleticism with an ability to play in coverage, while also flying all over the field to make plays. The consensus All-American could be the cherry on top to a defense that has become very young this off-season. Offensive line could be a target, but because the tackle position is essentially set, look for Green Bay to address the inside with their 2nd first rounder or even waiting until Friday.
13. HOUSTON TEXANS (MT w/ MIA)- Jonah Williams OL ALABAMA
TRADE – After the Pack passes on the offensive line, the Texans have no choice but to trade up into the top half of the draft to take one of the top prospects. There is a slew of teams in the teens that would love to get their hands on a lineman, but no team is more desperate than the Texans, who allowed the most sacks last season. Williams is a stud and while experts are torn on the position he will play at the next level, none are denying that he will not have immediate success. The man has allowed merely one sack in two years. Yes, that is in the SEC. In 30 games, that is a phenomenal feat. Miami finds themselves looking to trade down after landing Josh Rosen for a second rounder, and it will not be long to find a dancing partner. Jonah to Houston will go a long way in keeping DeShaun Watson upright.
14. ATLANTA FALCONS- Christian Wilkins DT CLEM
The Falcons apparently love Wilkins and it is easy to see why. The Clemson Tigers had a dominant defensive line over the last few seasons and Christian was the man who led them all. The two-time first team All-American and last season’s consensus All-American has a passion for the game that is tough to match. Grady Jarrett being only under contract for an additional season leaves a whole in the middle of the line that the team will need to fill, regardless of if Jarrett is able to be re-signed or not. A top ten prospect is able to fall to 14 based on other team’s needs and the Dirty Bird’s will be ecstatic to land the two-time National Champion.
15. NEW YORK JETS (MT w/ WAS)- Rashan Gary DL MICHIGAN
TRADE – The Big Apple should be celebrating should they land not only Gary, but more picks in the process. The athleticism and upside of the Michigan prospect is undeniable with the only knock being a questionable lack of production during his tenure at the college. However even taking that into account, Gary was thought of by many to be a top 10 pick. A shoulder injury has given some team’s reasonable concern. Nevertheless, the Jets should be jumping for joy for landing the versatile defensive lineman.
16. CAROLINA PANTHERS- Cody Ford OT OKLAHOMA
The Panthers need an upgrade at tackle with the loss of Kalil and their right tackle Daryl Williams coming off a torn ACL. Ford was a mauler as a Sooner and could be a perfect fit. Cam Newton is starting to feel the bumps and bruises from over the years and protecting their franchise leader must be a priority, after the season ended, there was concern he may have to skip the 2019 season due to a shoulder injury. Carolina may need to trade up to land a lineman they most desire, but could luck into one falling should they stand pat.
17. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (MT w/ NYG via CLE)- Noah Fant TE IOWA
TRADE – The Super Bowl champs make a big splash, trading into the middle of the first round to trade for perhaps the most elite pass catching prospect in the draft. Fant has been projected all over the place in the first round, but there is one team that needs him most, especially after the retirement of Gronk. Tight ends normally struggle to make an immediate impact as rookies, however the Hawkeye could find himself becoming an integral part of the offense after the Patriots lost multiple weapons this off-season.
18. MINNESOTA VIKINGS- Garrett Bradbury C NC STATE
The Vikes do not have many significant needs other than to address the interior offensive line, and there is no prospect greater for that need than Bradbury. Centers do not normally get picked this early, but the talent on the line dips significantly after the Wolfpack prospect, which is plenty of reason to slightly reach on him. Bradbury could even be flexible enough to kick to guard, even though I believe he is better suited at center. This pick could become a trade up candidate to falling prospects, should the Skol deem this selection too early.
19. TENNESSEE TITANS- Brian Burns EDGE Florida State
The Titans could suddenly find themselves with a plethora of options among pass rushers, but in the end go with the Seminole. Burns is a speed rusher who can be a solid replacement for recent retiree Brian Orakpo. He was highly productive at Florida State and could find himself as a quality piece on the next level. Not to mention, the man just turned 21, which leaves plenty of room to grow and add to his playing weight. His stock has been rising fast, which could result in the edge rusher to not even be here at this selection, but should he be, the Titans would be silly to pass on the prospect.
20.PITTSBURGH STEELERS- Rock Ya-Sin CB TEMPLE
Most of the noise surrounding the Steelers have them going with linebacker or defensive back. While the two Devin’s are gone in the top 12, the Steelers snag the first corner in the draft. This may not be the sexy pick amongst the position, however this is the only corner that does not have legitimate concerns. Ya-Sin’s stock has risen high as a quality coverage corner who is willing to tackle. The Black and Yellow need to address the secondary, seeing as though they struggled to create turnovers last year, even while leading the league in sacks.
21. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS- Montez Sweat DE MISS STATE
No prospect’s stock has gone on more of a roller coaster ride than the defensive end from Mississippi State. Thought by many to be a late first/early second, Sweat rose all the way to a top 10 prospect after perhaps the best combine performance among the 2019 draft class, setting records in the process. His stock has dropped in recent weeks after it was revealed that he has a heart condition. And while he has been cleared by doctors, it has concerned some teams enough to completely take him off their draft board. After the Seahawks traded pass rusher Frank Clark to the Chiefs for multiple picks, the team suddenly has a glaring need at the position, which will in turn allow them to use their first pick on Sweat. It is a typical Seahawks move that could result in a young defense returning to among the league’s best in the near future.
22. BALTIMORE RAVENS- Marquise Brown WR OKLAHOMA
After drawing the short straw in terms of pass rushers, Baltimore elects to address their wide receiver corps. Currently, the Ravens have no one in terms of guys who have had quality production in the NFL outside of Willie Snead, who might only be the third best receiver on most teams. Thus, the team opts to draft the highest receiver on their board. I am concerned with the fit, seeing as though Lamar Jackson is not known for his deep ball, a feat that made “Hollywood” Brown famous at Oklahoma. However, I do not view many receivers worthy of a first round selection, which could lead to the Ravens trading down.
23. MIAMI DOLPHINS (MT w/ HOU)- Clelin Ferrell DE CLEMSON
TRADE – The Dolphins find themselves picking a quality defensive talent that gets lost among the draft’s biggest names. It would be fairly surprising to find Ferrell fall this far, but the biggest thing for Ferrell is finding a good fit for the 4-3 defensive end. The Tiger is said to have a high IQ, along with a unique burst that will allow him to immediately become a day one starter. Miami fans should rejoice by getting their future quarterback Rosen in a trade, by offering their second round pick, while accumulating a second rounder themselves from Houston by trading down. Two major needs for a team that looks to rebuild quickly.
24. OAKLAND RAIDERS (from CHI)- Byron Murphy CB WASHINGTON
The Raiders land a quality corner with their second of three first rounder’s. Murphy expresses a unique blend of skills, showing enough versatility that can allow him to succeed within multiple schemes. The Husky will bring much needed length to a secondary looking to revamp in a rather high flying division in reference to the Chargers and Chiefs. He could be the best cover corner in the draft, though he does struggle in terms of tackling.
25. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES- Greedy Williams CB LSU
After the plethora of injuries suffered by the Eagles’ secondary last season, it is easy to see why they would like to solidify the back end. Sidney Jones and Jalen Mills both struggled and while that may be due in large part to not playing a full season, the duo was having trouble throughout the year, offering little reason for optimism. Williams is a solid prospect that will improve that area. He is long and lengthy and showed plenty of flash at LSU, even with a relatively down year during the 2018 season. His inconsistencies must be addressed, however his ceiling could turn relatively high quality starter for years to come.
26. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS- Jeffery Simmons DT MISS STATE
The Colts do have one of the youngest rosters in the league, and while they could use some help in the secondary, this could be a perfect spot to steal one of the top talents of the draft. Simmons was universally recognized as a top 10 pick until he tore his ACL training for the combine. Though he may not play during the 2019 season, this could be a huge get for a team that continues to draft well and accumulate young talent. As long as Simmons keeps his off the field issues to a minimum, there is little reason to believe he will not turn into an impact player very early on.
27. OAKLAND RAIDERS (from DAL)- Josh Jacobs RB ALABAMA
This is one of the more predictable latter picks of the round. It was fairly evident the Raiders would look to upgrade at the running back position, before Marshawn Lynch announced his retirement earlier this week, and now it seems even more evident. In a class with only one back worthy of a first round grade, it is no secret the Raiders have ties to him, and it would be un-Raider-like to not attempt to splash with a “sexy pick” such as Jacobs. While many have a concern with the lack of carries he had as a member of the Cremson Tide, this is the one position to think differently at. Alabama has always used a committee approach, which allows a fresh back to continue to pound away at the defense. The lack of punishment Jacobs endured in college will allow him to immediately step in as a 1-2 punch with Jalen Richard.
28. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS- Dexter Lawrence DT CLEMSON
The third Clemson Tiger defensive lineman selected in the first round goes to a Chargers team with a glaring need in the middle of their line after letting Corey Liuget walk. Posting the highest number of reps on the bench at the combine (36), the 340 pound 21 year-old possesses strength and size to make an instant impact as a run stopping defensive tackle. Though he was suspended for the National Championship game, it has raised few red flags among NFL scouts, seeing as though it was thought to be an incidental occurrence. Lawrence will happily join a Super Bowl contender as an immediate starter.
29. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (from KC)- Johnathan Abram S MISS STATE
The Seahawks continues to replenish their defensive unit by replacing long-time safety Earl Thomas with the likes of Abram. The Mississippi State product is a hard-nosed box safety that thrives in the run game. He will actually become the new Kam Chancellor for Seattle who will set the tone with his high motor. Abram struggles in coverage, which could cause his stock to dip due to his lack of overall game. Nasir Adderly’s name could find his name off the board if they prefer to go with more of a ball hawk. Regardless, the organization should be happy with their two picks.
30. GREEN BAY PACKERS (from NO)- A.J. Brown WR OLE MISS
The Packers should be very happy if either one of the Brown wide outs (Marquise or A.J.) is able to fall to number 30. They are very different receivers, but Green Bay drastically needs a 2nd playmaker after losing Randall Cobb. Aaron Rodgers found himself flustered throwing to his inconsistent targets, other than Pro Bowler Davante Adams, which would imply the quarterback would like to add a reliable threat. A.J. Brown offered consistent production at Ole Miss and has the versatility to play outside or from the slot, a feat that Randall Cobb was able to thrive in during his tenure in the Green and Yellow when healthy. Brown can step in and instantly develop chemistry with number 12, en route to making a case for offensive rookie of the year in the process.
31. LOS ANGELES RAMS- Jerry Tillery DT NOTRE DAME
The Rams need to address the loss of Ndamukong Suh, and while Jerry Tillery will not fill the same void, he can bring an element to make the Rams one of the most feared pass rushing units in the league. The interior lineman grew immensely as a player from 2017 to 2018, becoming a force inside as a rusher with his quickness and length. He is a player that is raw and may need time to develop to becoming an every down player, but being a rotational piece for contender could result in huge strides from the Fighting Irish prospect. Look for the Rams to trade down if they cannot find an immediate impact player they deem as a great fit.
32. NEW YORK GIANTS (MT w/ NE)- Daniel Jones QB DUKE
TRADE – The Giants have been most tied with Jones compared to other quarterback prospects, and while there is rumor that he could be chosen by Big Blue with the 6th or 17th, that is way too much of a reach to draft a guy who is not getting much buzz elsewhere. This could be the perfect spot to pick him after trading down from 17, while gaining picks in the process. Jones compares to Eli Manning in many ways, however may not have the ceiling the Giants may think. While they should be the team most interested in Josh Rosen, the organization could essentially settle on a guy who might not even be worthy of a first round pick. Look for a chorus of boos if this is the pick, especially if he is shockingly selected earlier than this.
Trades:
WAS receives: 3rd overall pick, 2020 6th round pick
NYJ receives: 15th overall pick, 2020 1st round pick, 2020 3rd round pick
HOU receives: 13th overall pick
MIA receives: 23rd overall pick, 2nd round pick (via SEA), 2020 3rd round pick
NE receives: 17th overall pick
NYG receives: 32nd overall pick, 2nd round pick, 3rd round pick (compensatory)
MIA receives: Josh Rosen
ARI receives: 2020 2nd round pick
https://www.prosportstransactions.com/
This Just In 