1.Arizona Cardinals
Nick Bosa, Defensive End, Ohio State
I currently believe the Kyler Murray to the Cardinals talk is a smoke screen for the rest of the NFL. Arizona is hoping a team desperately in love with Murray will offer a can’t-resist package in order to move up to No. 1 and take Murray. If the Cardinals keep the pick, they’ll select Nick Bosa to help address a position of need. While I would love to see this pick be Murray, for that to happen, a team will need to give Arizona a sweet deal for second-year quarterback Josh Rosen. Other teams know the Cardinals would like to deal Rosen and are seeking fair compensation for a QB who was a Top 10 pick.
2. San Francisco 49ers
Josh Allen, Outside Linebacker, Kentucky
If Nick Bosa is the No. 1 pick, the 49ers MUST trade down. If that doesn’t happen, they’ll select Allen. Even though I see Allen working best in a 3-4 scheme, I think he has enough coverage skills to be effective in a 4-3 scheme. Drafting Allen will also give the 49ers some needed draft help at linebacker. Bottom line: I love the pick, hate the value.
3. New York Jets
Quinnen Williams, Defensive Tackle, Alabama
The Jets have plenty of holes they could fill with this pick, which is why I think it would be best to trade down (sense a theme here?). Failing that, I think New York will pick the best overall player in this draft. Quinnen Williams could easily be the second pick if Bosa does go to the Cardinals, but if the Jets are lucky, they’ll continue to build an elite defense. Teams will have to pick which Williams they want to double team – Quinnen or Leonard, a defensive end who is becoming a problem for O-lines.
4. Oakland Raiders
Greedy Williams, Cornerback, LSU
Oakland has added good pieces to the defense, but most aren’t long-term answers. Williams not only fills a big hole in the secondary but finally gives the Raiders a draft pick hit after whiffing on plenty of young DBs in recent drafts. Also, Oakland has to worry about defending Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes at least twice a year. Opposing quarterbacks last year had a QB rating of 38.7 when throwing in Williams’ territory.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Kyler Murray, Quarterback, Oklahoma
After all the smoke clears, Kyler Murray remains on the board and Bruce Arians can’t believe he gets to start his career as Buccaneers coach with a talented rookie quarterback. With Jameis Winston hanging on by a thread, I think it would be wise to take a talent like Murray if he’s available. Murray would be throwing to big targets like Mike Evans and O.J. Howard. Considering the accuracy the Heisman Trophy winner displayed last season at Oklahoma, Tampa Bay’s passing game could get potent fast.
6. New York Giants
Dwayne Haskins, Quarterback, Ohio State
And just like that, the top two quarterbacks are off the board. Luckily for the Giants, I believe their QB1 wasn’t the first quarterback taken, and New York can begin to finally build a Post-Eli roster. Haskins not only gives them a great prospect, but he’s a a New Jersey kid who should embrace being heir to the Manning throne. Haskins and running back Saquon Barkley, who had a marvelous rookie season, have known each other since high school. This pick is too easy to mess up.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars
Ed Oliver, Defensive Tackle, Houston
Now that the Jaguars have Nick Foles, they need to focus on the final touches of this roster. The release of Malik Jackson left a big hole on Jacksonville’s defensive line, but Oliver could easily fix that. Oliver will come into a defense that has talent all across the field, which will allow for him to have many opportunities to be one-on-one with his blocker. Advantage, Oliver.
8. Detroit Lions
Mack Wilson, Inside Linebacker, Alabama
Before signing defensive end Trey Flowers, I had the Lions selecting Clelin Ferrell to fill that void. Now, the Lions can address the middle of their defense. Wilson is a linebacker who will fly to the ball, but translates that speed in coverage as well, which would be perfect for a 4-3 defensive scheme.
9. Buffalo Bills
Jonah Williams, Offensive Tackle, Alabama
I seriously considered the Jets drafting Williams, but third overall for me is just too high for Williams. In this scenario Buffalo lucks out with the best offensive tackle in the class, and that should help give Josh Allen more time in the pocket. Williams is an NFL ready blocker, whether that inside at guard, or outside at tackle, and Buffalo should have no issues finding him a place in the starting line up.
10. Denver Broncos
Drew Lock, Quarterback, Missouri
The Broncos made one of the best steals of the off season in their trade for Joe Flacco. Not only is Flacco the quarterback Elway has been searching for, Flacco can be a mentor for a future franchise quarterback. View it positively or negatively, drafting Drew Lock gives the Broncos a chance to have everything they expected when they drafted Jay Cutler in 2006. This scenario works out great for both sides as Lock has tremendous upside but needs to work on being more consistent with his footwork and accuracy. Learning from Flacco for a year or two would be exactly what Lock needs.
11. Cincinnati Bengals
Devin White, Inside Linebacker, LSU
The Vontaze Burfict Era is over in Cincinnati, and new head coach Zac Taylor will be looking to find a new identity for his defense. Selecting White help fill the hole left by Burfict’s departure. In 2017, I had the Bengals selecting Reuben Foster in all seven of my mock drafts, but they selected wide receiver John Ross instead. Now Ross is on the trading block after getting looks at playing corner back. Selecting White could give them the chance to have a do over at the inside linebacker position.
12. Green Bay Packers
Rashan Gary, Defensive Lineman, Michigan
The Packers spent a lot of free agent money on their defensive line this off-season, but that unit still could use help. Gary’s athletic ability gives Green Bay depth along the entire defensive line, as he is versatile enough to play inside or outside. Gary could learn behind a player like Mike Daniels, who only has one year left on his contract, while rotating a fresh defensive line for most of the game.
13. Miami Dolphins
D.K. Metcalf, Wide Receiver, Ole Miss
The signing of Ryan Fitzpatrick has delayed the first-round selection of a quarterback for Miami in this draft. I believe they will look to either sign a quarterback, or build a roster a little more quarterback-friendly before looking for their guy in the draft. A great way to do that is select the freak of the NFL Combine, D.K. Metcalf. Though Metcalf is my second-ranked wide receiver in this draft, I believe the lure of his athletic ability could lead him to be the first receiver selected.
14. Atlanta Falcons
Josh Jacobs, Running Back, Alabama
The Falcons don’t have any glaring holes on their roster, but drafting Jacobs could be one of the best upgrades they could make at this point in the draft. I don’t have Jacobs as my top-rated running back, but he could be a perfect replacement for Tevin Coleman, the previous backup running back who left as a free agent. Jacobs will provide pass catching, blocking, and even a possible way to create cap space if Devonta Freeman is unable to stay healthy long term.
15. Washington Redskins
N’Keal Harry, Wide Receiver, Arizona State
With Drew Lock getting selected to the Broncos, that leaves the Redskins in the same boat as Miami. I personally think N’Keal Harry is the best receiver prospect in this draft. Luckily for Washington, that leaves them with a 6’4 wide out with amazing after the catch ability, and a great weapon for the young quarterback the Redskins eventually draft.
16. Carolina Panthers
Clelin Ferrell, Defensive End, Clemson
The Panthers probably should go offensive line here, but I believe if Ferrell is available at No. 16, they have to take him. Ferrell is one of the most NFL-ready prospects in this class, and already is a giant name in the Carolinas. The Panthers have seen greats like Julius Peppers, and Charles Johnson finally wrap it up, and signed another veteran off the edge in Bruce Irvin. Now is the time for them to grab a young stud to follow in the footsteps of Peppers and Co.
17. New York Giants (CLE)
Montez Sweat, Defensive End, Miss. State
Montez Sweat killed the combine, and flew up many mock drafts and draft boards, but I tried to not let his 40 time blind me. Cody Ford would be a smart pick, but the Giants (using a pick acquired from Cleveland) are looking for “the best player available” with their picks That makes it hard to pass up a talent like Sweat.
18. Minnesota Vikings
Cody Ford, Offensive Guard, Oklahoma
If you are going to have the highest paid quarterback of all time on your payroll, you better protect him with everything you can get. The Vikings are continuing to try and plug their offensive line holes, and drafting a prospect like Ford makes their job even easier. Cody has shown the ability to play right tackle or guard if you want to play him inside at the next level, places that the VIkings could use help in. Ford also is one of the nastiest run blocking linemen in this class, which will do wonders for a back like Dalvin Cook for the future.
19. Tennessee Titans
T.J Hockenson, Tight End, Iowa
Delanie Walker is coming off a terrible ankle injury, and heading into his 14th season of his career. T.J. Hockenson is an amazing talent, and easily could be gone by this pick, which makes this too good for the Titans to pass up in this mock draft. Hockenson is a great blocker, giving the Titans the ability to use him and Walker in twin tight end sets for the few seasons Walker wants to continuing playing.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers
DeAndre Baker, Cornerback, Georgia
Suddenly, the Steelers have to revamp a once dreaded roster. Bell and Brown aren’t the only ones gone, as they also let go of starting tackle Marcus Gilbert, and Morgan Burnett. The Steelers haven’t had a feared corner since Ike Taylor, and it is time for them to finally hit on the position again. Baker hasn’t allowed a touchdown catch in the past two seasons (28 games) and has faced names like Calvin Ridley, Marquese Brown, and Jerry Jeudy. Deandre Baker is a humble competitor which should be huge considering an off season focused on reclaiming the “Steeler’s Way”.
21. Seattle Seahawks
Dexter Lawrence, Defensive Tackle, Clemson
After releasing their 2017 2nd round pick, Malik McDowell, the Seahawks are left still trying to plug up the middle of their defense. Lawrence will do just that, and plenty more if Seattle gets the chance to draft him. Similarly to Ed Oliver earlier, Lawrence is too much of a monster to play one on one. Picking between Frank Clark, and Dexter Lawrence, while still having to worry about a Bobby Wagner blitz will be trouble in the NFC.
22. Baltimore Ravens
Devin Bush, Inside Linebacker, Michigan
Baltimore went through a major overhaul on the defensive side of the ball, including their All-Pro inside linebacker, C.J. Mosley. While the biggest need for the Ravens might be on the EDGE, Bush’s skill set out matched any defensive ends, or outside linebacker on the board. The former Wolverine might be a tad bit undersized, but plays with 4.4 speed and isn’t afraid to get into a wreck with you on the field.
23. Houston Texans
Greg Little, Offensive Tackle, Ole Miss
DeShaun Watson is an elite quarterback in the making, but Houston must keep him upright for him to do his damage a full 16+ games. Houston has rotated through the left tackle position for as long as I can remember, making it impossible for any form of QB growth. Selecting Little gives the Texan’s a chance to grab their Watson protector of the future.
24. Oakland Raiders (CHI)
Deionte Thompson, Safety, Alabama
Call me crazy, but I think it is a terrible idea for the Raiders to select a defensive end with the pick they got from Chicago (Khalil Mack). Heading into the NFL is already immense pressure, try being the replacement to one of the best defensive players in the NFL, in their prime. That is why I have them selecting Deionte Thompson. Thompson is my best rated safety in this class, and to draft him at 24th could be considered the steal of the draft come April.
25. Philadelphia Eagles
Garrett Bradbury, Center, N.C. State
Philadelphia could take a cornerback here, but it would be smart to give Wentz a certified impact blocker at the center position. We saw just how crucial it was for the Colts selecting Quenton Nelson last April, and I believe Bradbury could bring the same for the Eagles. Bradbury comes from a zone blocking offense, but I believe will fit right in with the Eagles hybrid power blocking offense. The N.C. State product has shown that he will be able to step in immediately and produce at the NFL level, and looks to be a solid starter for many years to come.
26. Indianapolis Colts
Brian Burns, Defensive End, Florida State
The Colts had a great off season surrounded by the signing of Justin Houston from the Chiefs. Signing Houston won’t solve their need for an edge rusher for long though, and Indianapolis should look to fix that with this pick. Burns had added weight at the combine, but still needs to build his frame for the NFL, which he can do behind Houston. The Colts also have former pass rushing great Robert Mathis as a pass rushing consultant which I think would be a great positive for Burns moving forward.
27. Oakland Raiders (DAL)
Jeffrey Simmons, Defensive Tackle, Miss. State
Simmons was one of the best players coming out of high school, but an off the field incident nearly ruined his playing career. After a few seasons at Mississippi State, Simmons was looked at as a Top 10 pick in the draft, but hit yet another obstacle chasing his NFL dream. He tore his ACL while training for the NFL Combine in February. If the Raiders are smart, they snag this talent with a late 1st round pick, maintaining the 5th year option, and spark the rebirth of the Raiders defense.
28. Los Angeles Chargers
Christian Wilkins, Defensive Tackle, Clemson
The fact that Wilkins fell down this far blows my mind but works out perfectly for the Chargers. Christian Wilkins can add to the already lethal pass rush, and won’t take long to get adjusted to the NFL. The Chargers last piece of the puzzle is a dominant defensive tackle, and Wilkins will be able to take pressure off of Bosa and Ingram from day one.
29. Kansas City Chiefs
Byron Murphy, Cornerback, Washington
The Chiefs are loaded on the offensive side of the ball, but won’t go anywhere deep unless they fix their defense. Byron is a ball hawking cornerback that could end up making the Chiefs offense even busier with his takeaways. Letting Dee Ford and Eric Berry leave in free agency makes them hit a major reset, but selecting Murphy is great in a conference with quarterbacks like Rivers, Flacco and Carr. When its all said and done, the Chiefs must leave the 1st round with a new playmaker on defense, and Murphy gives them just that.
30. Green Bay Packers (NOLA)
A.J. Brown, Wide Receiver, Ole Miss
The Packers were in the running to land Antonio Brown, but that doesn’t mean they still won’t have an A. Brown at receiver next season. Randall Cobb is now a Cowboy, but the Packers must continue to surround Aaron Rodgers with talented weapons while they still have him. A.J. Brown is a wideout that can line up anywhere you would like him to, and could fill the slot role left by Cobb immediately. If the Packers can make it out the first round with Rashan Gary, and A.J. Brown, they will for sure be talked about as a team that won this draft.
31. Los Angeles Rams
Jawaan Taylor, Offensive Tackle, Florida
Andrew Whitworth is coming back for 2019 and that honestly surprised quite a few people. With that being said, LA needs to take advantage of that and select the heir to their left tackle position this year. Jawaan Taylor is a great pass blocking tackle, and could use his year behind Whitworth to become more a more consistent blocker.
32. New England Patriots
Noah Fant, Tight End, Iowa
Isn’t it nice being a New England Patriots fan? Rob Gronkowski has finally hung up the cleats and retired from the NFL. Of course though, the Patriots have their replacement fall right into their laps with one of the most athletic tight ends I can remember in the draft process. Noah Fant isn’t a great blocker, but doesn’t need to be since he will probably in the slot a lot of the time. If Noah Fant is able to fall to the 32nd pick, the Patriots will practically be able to continue right where they left off with Gronkowski.