THIS MOCK DRAFT ISN'T PREDICTIVE
For this mock, I'll make picks as if I were the GM of each team. I'll take into account things like my prospect evaluations, my perceptions of team rosters and cap situations, and my positional value rankings. I'll be setting aside consensus big boards, PFF Grades, and whatever Skip Bayless thinks about anything. I'm not predicting trades, and I'm only doing a first-round mock.
This mock may be jarringly different from what you're used to. I plan on doing a second 2019 mock after the Combine and free agency. I tried to remove supposed leadership qualities and character concerns from my evaluations, since I'm not meeting with any of the prospects personally. For now, I'll just use the heights and weights that the schools themselves listed, and you can take them with a grain of salt. However, without further ado...
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1) ARI: Josh Allen, EDGE, Kentucky
Age Ht Wt
21 6'5" 260
If the Cardinals stay at #1 overall, they have a few options. They can take a quarterback for Kliff Kingsbury to develop, they can take a tackle to bolster their offensive line, they can take an interior defensive lineman to replace Robert Nkemdiche, or they can take an edge rusher to pair up with Chandler Jones. Due to team needs, the quality of the prospects available, and positional value, grabbing a stud pass rusher appears to be the most attractive choice of the bunch. Moreover, due to the switch to a 3-4 under new DC Vance Joseph, Josh Allen is the best fit here. Allen has experience standing up as a 3-4 OLB, and his flexibility and coverage skills are better than any other edge rushers in this class. Josh Allen turned a corner in 2018, bulking up and improving his pass rushing moves to make him a viable top 5 selection, and he had 17 sacks to show for it.
2) SFO: Nick Bosa, EDGE, Ohio St
Age Ht Wt
21 6'4" 263
Nick Bosa is an incredible talent, and if he falls to #2, the 49ers aught to pounce. Solomon Thomas has been a massive disappointment thus far, so they need someone to step up and generate pressure off the edge right away. Nick Bosa is the most pro-ready edge rusher who can come into the 49ers 4-3 front and likely notch double-digit sacks in his rookie season. Bosa’s pass rushing moves are his best trait, as he is absolutely lethal with the inside swim move and the chop, among others. Bosa’s bend will be more-than-enough to negotiate the angles that typically present themselves to 4-3 ends, and he plays with incredible power, so he’s the easy pick here.
3) NYJ: Rashan Gary, EDGE, Michigan
Age Ht Wt
21 6'5" 283
The Jets are transitioning to a 4-3 defense, and have had a weak front seven for years, so adding pass rushers this offseason is an absolute necessity. While his production doesn't quite match that of Allen or Bosa, Gary is as athletic, if not more athletic, than either of them. Gary would be taken in the top 5 because a team is enamored with his potential: Gary has very strong hands, but his timing and placement could stand to improve. Gary sets a firm edge in run defense, but his mental processing sometimes prevents him from making plays. Gary has good burst, and his flexibility is criminally underrated when considering his size. Gary may not be a popular pick right now due to his production being masked by his role in the Michigan defense, but after he runs a 40 in the low 4.6s and a 3-cone better than Harold Landry's at the Combine, he will begin to be seen as an elite edge defender. Gary's size, strength, and speed combo is an ideal fit for the Jets' new 4-3 front under Gregg Williams, and the experienced DC would surely be happy to get his hands on the extremely athletic defender.
4) OAK: Jachai Polite, EDGE, Miami
Age Ht Wt
21 6'2" 242
Four edge rushers in the first four picks? Four edge rushers in the first four picks. Oakland ranked dead last in the NFL with a mere 13 sacks in 2018, which was less than half than the next-worst team (Giants and Patriots tied for 30th-ranked at 30 sacks apiece). Even if Arden Key develops into a quality pass rusher, Oakland desperately needs another. First-and-foremost, while Jachai Polite may not be quite the run defender as are Bosa and Gary, he is very much amongst the best pass rushers in the class. Polite is very bendy, he can start and stop very nicely, and he has a number of quality pass rushing moves as well. A lack of power and bulk may be a bit of an issue at first, but Polite was a decent run defender in college as well. Polite could stand to add a bit of bulk, but he’s a lethal pass rusher and was already a 4-3 DE at Florida, which will help him in his expected roll in Oakland.
5) TAM: Ed Oliver, IDL, Houston
Age Ht Wt
21 6'3" 292
The Buccaneers can save $13 million by moving on from Gerald McCoy this offseason. McCoy had a decent year last year, but he seems to be on the decline, as he hit a 7-year low in tackles and tied a 6-year low in sacks, so moving on from him is a real possibility this offseason. The Bucs will need a replacement fairly soon, and given that Oliver is the best player available, he is the pick at #5. Ed Oliver is a different kind of human, as his linear flexibility, first step, and gap penetration are a tier above the rest of the class. Yes, there are suspicions that Oliver plays at less that 280 lbs, but a good Combine at a high weight should relax these concerns. Oliver could stand to increase his pass-rushing moves, but he has an absolutely violent punch, and as the best athlete in the class, he has tremendous upside and is a good pick at #5 overall to put next to Vita Vea.
6) NYG: Quinnen Williams, IDL, Alabama
Age Ht Wt
21 6'4" 295
The Giants have an aging defense which ranked 24th in the NFL in 2018. Because defensive end Josh Mauro is a free agent after this year, and because Mauro is mediocre at best, bolstering the defensive line would be a great way for the Giants to infuse youth into their defense. It just so happens that Quinnen Williams is the best player available. Quinnen is the most technically-refined interior defensive lineman in this class, as his hand usage is already at an NFL Pro Bowl level. His mental processing is very good, and his stack-shed is almost as good as Ed Oliver's. Quinnen is also a very good athlete, as his upper-body flexibility and first-step quickness give him a very nice upside. The Giants would love to add a blue-chip player in this draft, and if Quinnen Williams somehow falls to #6, he certainly qualifies as such and would improve their defensive line on day one.
7) JAC: Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio St
Age Ht Wt
21 6'3" 218
The Jaguars absolutely cannot go into the 2018 season starting either Blake Bortles or Cody Kessler. A tight cap situation, which arose in part due to Bortles’ contract, could forbid the Jags from pursuing a quarterback in free agency. Thus, Jacksonville takes Haskins at #7 overall. Haskins’ poise under pressure will grow over time, but he is otherwise quite pro ready. Haskins is a really good decision-maker when the pocket is clear, he makes anticipatory throws better and more frequently than anyone else in the class, and he places the ball really nicely on out-breaking routes. John DeFilippo would be thrilled to get to work with Haskins, as he generates plenty of torque on his ball which is useful in West Coast offenses, and because Haskins has the prototypical height and hand size that coaches look for.
8) DET: Charles Omenihu, EDGE, Texas
Age Ht Wt
21 6'6" 280
Ezekiel Ansah is an unrestricted free agent this offseason, but he could probably stand to be upgraded anyway. Omenihu has the bulk and strength to play either defensive end or defensive tackle on the Lions defensive front, but he'd likely primarily be an end for Detroit due to need at the position. He's got unusual upper-body flexibility for his size, which could theoretically enable him to play EDGE, and he's got a really nice first step. Omenihu's arms measured 36 4/8" at the Senior Bowl, which is particularly long, and he had 9.5 sacks in a productive senior season. Omenihu played all over the Texas defensive line, and Matt Patricia would surely know how to best use his versatility, size, strength, and burst.
9) BUF: Greg Little, T, Ole Miss
Age Ht Wt
21 6'6" 325
The Bills currently have a hole at right tackle, as Jordan Mills is a free agent. Even if Mills were retained, the Bills could stand to add to their offensive line to protect their young investment in quarterback Josh Allen. Greg Little would go a long way towards remedying the Bills' offensive line issues. You can't teach length, and Little's got it in spades. Little is also a really explosive athlete with great size, nimble enough to keep up with even the fastest pass-rushing specialists. Greg Little is raw and needs to touch up his hand technique and to stop leaning into his blocks, but he's a 3-year starter at Ole Miss. With Little, the Bills add a raw athlete who has left-tackle potential due to his size, strength, and athleticism.
10) DEN: Drew Lock, QB, Missouri
Age Ht Wt
22 6'4" 225
Denver only has Case Keenum locked up for one more year, and because Keenum didn’t channel his 2017 magic last year, the Broncos are squarely in the quarterback market this offseason. Since the Broncos have plenty of young talent, it is likely that Denver won’t be picking this high for awhile, so it makes sense to pounce on a franchise quarterback now. Of all of the prospects, Drew Lock probably helped his case the most at the Senior Bowl. Though Daniel Jones won the MVP, Lock was better in drills and was more consistent overall, feeding his first-round hype. Drew Lock is a first-round caliber prospect because he has really good arm talent, he has an exceptionally-quick release, he has ideal size, and because he has a good pocket presence. Though his decision-making and placement could stand to improve somewhat, the up-and-coming Rich Scangarello would surely be ecstatic to get his hands on the talented and ultra-confident Drew Lock.
11) CIN: Tytus Howard, T, Alabama St
Age Ht Wt
22 6'6" 311
Zac Taylor is taking over in Cincy, but the Bengals' offensive line is significantly worse than the one he left behind in LA. Clint Boling isn't great, but he's the only viable tackle on Cincinnati's roster. Tytus Howard would help to bolster the Bengals' offensive line. Howard is a former tight end who is known to be a very good pass blocker, and with an arm length of 34 4/8" at Mobile, he’s got the requisite measureables to be an early pick. Howard’s performance at the Senior Bowl, coupled with his game against Auburn, eases some concern that he only looks good against weaker competition. Howard played right tackle for the Alabama State Hornets, but he was the blind-side protector because quarterback Darryl Pearson Jr. is a lefty. All-in-all, Howard’s pass protection footwork is among the best in the class, but he can function as a run-blocking mauler as well. Howard would be a good fit for the Bengals at right tackle in year one, and if Taylor desires, he will be perfectly capable of switching to the left side of the offensive line later in his career.
12) GNB: Noah Fant, TE, Iowa
Age Ht Wt
21 6'5" 241
The Packers can save $5.3 million by moving on from the disappointing 32-year-old Jimmy Graham this offseason and, as a 6.5-win-team that's paying their quarterback $26.5 mil next year, it would be favorable for them to do so. Noah Fant is an athletic monster who is all the Packers could've hoped for when they signed Graham last offseason. Fant is truly a receiver playing in a tight end's body, expected to run in the low 4.5s or even the 4.4s, running a diverse set of routes on the route tree. Fant's length is a major asset, both as a receiver and as a blocker. Fant's run blocking, which is negated by fans and analysts who want to push the "athletic freak who can't block" narrative, is actually rather impressive: he can usually find his target pretty quickly and stay on him with proper technique. If Noah Fant somehow falls to #12, Matt LaFleur would have a chance to give Aaron Rodgers an elite weapon who is a day one starter.
13) MIA: Jonah Williams, IOL, Alabama
Age Ht Wt
21 6'5" 301
Miami tied for the 5th-worst in sacks allowed in 2018, due in part to their pitiful offensive line. Right guard Jesse Davis was the weakest link of that offensive line, so replacing him is an absolute priority. Jonah Williams played left tackle for Alabama, but his best fit in the NFL might be at guard. Williams is an athletic run blocker who gets to his blocks quickly, and his lower-body strength and leverage gives him All-Pro potential on the inside. Williams' athleticism makes him a good puller, and his hand placement is superb. Williams struggles against long-armed pass rushers as a tackle, but this will be mitigated on the inside, where angles aren't as wide. Right guard is usually the most important guard position, and Jonah Williams' play strength projects him as a day-one upgrade on the inside for the desperate Dolphins.
14) ATL: Jeffery Simmons, IDL, Mississippi St
Age Ht Wt
21 6'4" 300
The Falcons had the 5th-worst defense in football in 2018, and they could certainly stand to upgrade their defensive line. Dan Quinn runs a 4-3, but aside from Grady Jarrett, all of last year's starters on the front four could easily be improved in the first round. Jeffery Simmons would be a great candidate to infuse youth into a defense that desperately needs more talent. Simmons is an athletic freak, his twitch and power jump off the screen, his leverage was improved in 2018, and his speed is elite for the interior defensive line. Dan Quinn is one of the greatest defensive minds on the planet, so he would certainly be glad to add an athletic talent like Simmons to his d-line. Jarrett would be perfectly capable of playing 1T in Atlanta's frequent under fronts, but since the Falcons run plenty of even four-man fronts anyway, the acquisition of Simmons would be unlikely to affect Jarrett too much.
15) WAS: Greedy Williams, CB, LSU
Age Ht Wt
21 6'3" 184
Josh Norman underperformed in 2018, and the Redskins can save $8.5 mil by cutting him this offseason. Greedy Williams is the freakiest corner to come out in years, as his length, fluidity, and press skills are really good. Straight up, there aren't many athletes Greedy's height that can run as fast as Greedy can, and moreover, Greedy gets to that top speed very quickly. Williams' hand quickness is the best in the class for defensive backs, and his good closing speed coupled with his length aides him greatly when playing the ball. As for weaknesses, Greedy understandably is only average at turning his hips due to his size, and he is on occasion in bad position in coverage due to mental processing. By moving on from Norman and drafting Williams, the Redskins can upgrade their cornerback position, save money, and get a player with tremendous upside.
16) CAR: Trayvon Mullen, CB, Clemson
Age Ht Wt
21 6'1" 195
Donte Jackson impressed this season as a round-2 rook at outside corner, but James Bradberry disappointed, giving up huge games to AJ Green, Alston Jeffery, Kenny Golladay, and others. There is room for improvement on the Carolina D, and Trayvon Mullen can come in right away and compete for a starting cornerback job. Mullen had a "down year" in 2018, yet he still had a good showing. Mullen has an excellent skill set, having great range as a zone corner and good closing speed on the ball. Mullen also improved his hand usage on the line of scrimmage in 2018, and his flexibility and fluidity have always been positive characteristics. Mullen just needs to use his skills more effectively, learning to consistently use his good hip flexibility instead of spinning. Due to his speed and recognition skills, Mullen is a really good fit for the Carolina defense, which emphasizes its zone corners.
17) CLE: Devin White, LB, LSU
Age Ht Wt
21 6'1" 240
Joe Schobert is an elite MIKE linebacker, but Jamie Collins looks washed up at 29 years old, Christian Kirksey is a mediocre starter at best, and 5th rounder Genard Avery is perhaps a better fit at DE than at LB in the Browns' 4-3 D. Insert Devin White, who would become the fourth defender Cleveland will have drafted in the first round since 2016 (Denzel Ward, Myles Garrett, and Jabrill Peppers). White's range, instincts, and zone coverage abilities would allow him to play MIKE, but with Schobert already in that role for Cleveland, White could certainly fill in for Jamie Collins at SAM in year one. White has great speed and is a physical tackler. White's 40-time and arm length will certainly be of interest at the Combine, but as he is already a very good linebacker, a bad performance probably wouldn't damage his stock too much. The Browns are building a monster defense with some great, young pieces, and Devin White might just be the finishing touch to help Cleveland's D make a huge jump in 2019.
18) MIN: Cody Ford, IOL, Oklahoma
Age Ht Wt
21 6'5" 328
The Vikings have a major deficiency at guard. Tom Compton and Mike Remmers absolutely suck. The former is a UFA this coming year, whereas the Vikings have a $4.6 million incentive to move on from the latter. Cody Ford played right tackle for Oklahoma, but he fits very nicely as a guard in the NFL. Ford generates plenty of movement as a run blocker with both upper-body and lower-body strength, and he is knowledgeable of angles. His pass-protection footwork is raw, but if Ford were stuck inside, the footwork would be less of a problem. Ford has really good hand placement, as well. Minnesota took a huge gamble when they made an investment in Kirk Cousins in the 2017 offseason, and if they are fully committed to this investment, they must use an early draft pick on protecting their franchise QB. Cody Ford has the versatility to perhaps play any position along the offensive line, so he’d be a valued addition with the Vikings' o-line in such a state of flux.
19) TEN: Daniel Jones, QB, Duke
Age Ht Wt
21 6'5" 220
Quarterback Marcus Mariota has been in the NFL for 4 years, but he has yet to start a full season. Mariota is up for a contract extension at the conclusion of the 2019 season, but the Titans shouldn't commit to him for the long-term due to his mediocre play — he ranked 26th in the NFL in passing last year despite the efforts of offensive genius Matt LaFleur — and his injury concerns. Daniel Jones is a good alternative. At the Senior Bowl, Jones measured in at 6'5 2/8", 220 lbs, with 9 6/8" hands. He capped off his good Senior Bowl week with an 8-11, 115-yard performance, in which he was able to show off his pocket poise and mobility. Jones gets good torque on his ball, his accuracy in the middle third is the best in the class, he can throw with anticipation, and his lower-body and upper-body mechanics are both ideal. Jones can work on getting rid of the ball quicker, but as a Cutliffe prospect, he is probably polished enough in his progressions, anticipation, and decision-making to start in year one. With Mariota rostered in 2019, Jones can have an easy transition to the NFL sitting on the bench until taking over for Tennessee in 2020.
20) PIT: Joe Giles-Harris, LB, Duke
Age Ht Wt
21 6'4" 265
Pittsburgh has had a need at inside linebacker ever since Ryan Shazier went down, and while Jon Bostic and Vince Williams have played above expectations, the position remains a weakness for the Steelers. Pittsburgh barely missed out on Devin White to the rival Browns, but they get a great consolation prize in Joe Giles-Harris instead. Giles-Harris is a quick, long linebacker who tackles well. He appears very respondent to coaching, as Giles-Harris manages to diagnose plays quickly, take very good angles, and pursue the ball frequently. Giles-Harris should work on using his strength to shed blocks quicker. Giles-Harris' blend of size and speed would serve him well in the Steelers' 3-4, as he can both make an impact right away and promise plenty of long-term athletic upside.
21) SEA: Joejuan Williams, CB, Vanderbilt
Age Ht Wt
21 6'3" 210
The 2018 Seahawks' defense ranked Seattle's worst since 2010. Starting outside corners Shaquill Griffin and Tre Flowers are far cry from the Richard Sherman and Brandon Browner of old. Joejuan Williams is a young corner without the same physical limitations of Griffin and Flowers. Williams' speed and fluidity are more than adequate for his size, he is a major contributor in the run game, and he has great play strength at the line of scrimmage. Williams closes very well, and he uses his length ideally in playing the ball. Joejuan Williams has the size and physicality to be really effective as a "press zone" corner in Seattle, and pairing him with Bradley McDougald and Tedric Thompson could bring the Seahawks' secondary closer to the Legion of Boom of old.
22) BAL: N’Keal Harry, WR, Arizona St
Age Ht Wt
21 6'4" 213
With Lamar Jackson taking over at quarterback, it is finally time to address receiver in the early rounds. With Michael Crabtree underperforming at 31 years old and Willie Snead only measuring at 5'11", the Ravens need a true x-receiver to help develop Lamar Jackson. Enter N'Keal Harry, who's height, contested-catch ability, and hands project him as an XWR in the NFL. Though Harry is certainly tall, he also brings much more than that to the table. Harry has a really good start-stop ability and catch radius, and he can high point the ball very nicely as well. There are some concerns about Harry's long speed which will need to be addressed at the Combine, and he could work to expand his route tree a bit to add a dig and a post, but Harry does look like a good athlete for his size on tape. Taking Harry at #22 overall to help ease the burden on Lamar Jackson is a good investment.
23) HOU: Yodny Cajuste, T, West Virginia
Age Ht Wt
22 6'5" 321
Deshaun Watson tore his ACL in 2017 and was the most sacked quarterback in football in 2018. Most of this burden falls on the tackles, and specifically, right tackle Kendall Lamm. Yodny Cajuste has the length and light feet to keep up with elite speed rushers, and he's bulky with great leverage. Cajuste also has elite play strength with really good hand timing and placement. The Texans absolutely cannot allow opponents to have the edge at will if they expect to develop Deshaun Watson, and Yodny Cajuste brings the physical skills needed to be a very good tackle.
24) OAK via CHI: Tyree Jackson, QB, Buffalo
Age Ht Wt
21 6'7" 245
Since coming in during the 2017 offseason, Jon Gruden has initiated a rebuild in Oakland. He drafted raw players with upside early last year including Kolton Miller, Brandon Parker, and Arden Key. He traded Khalil Mack and Amari Cooper this past year, netting three first-round picks over the next two years. These, coupled with their own picks totals five first-round picks that the Raiders have in 2019 and 2020 combined. Because Gruden clearly has long-term job security, it makes sense to give him a new quarterback and truly initiate a full-scale rebuild. Derek Carr is a decent quarterback, but other teams have enjoyed success with young quarterbacks on rookie contracts. Jon Gruden will want to develop his own quarterback for the long-term, while Derek Carr can certainly still start in the short run. As for Jackson, he measured at 6-foot 7-inches at the Senior Bowl, and he got to show off his absolute cannon of an arm. Now yes, Jackson could improve his accuracy in the short game, and his upper-body and lower-body mechanics are both somewhat of a concern, but Jackson’s ability to generate torque and his ability to deal with pressure in the pocket are stellar. Since Jackson projects to be playable by the time that the Raiders are in Vegas, and since the Raiders probably have a year before they are true contenders, the Raiders could pair Jon Gruden with Jackson and groom him to be their quarterback of the future.
25) PHI: Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama
Age Ht Wt
21 5'10" 216
The two best runningbacks Philly has rostered are Wendell Smallwood and Corey Clement. Needless to say, the position is a weakness. Jacobs' patience and creativity as a runner warrant a first rounder alone, as he consistently gets additional yards with his vision. He’s a strong runner who is difficult to bring down, and his receiving skills are already top-15-runningback-caliber in the NFL today. While his top-spead is a question-mark that'll have to be addressed in Indianapolis, Jacobs possesses really nice burst and change of direction, and he picks up blitzes excellently, too. Jacobs is a jack of all trades back who has avoided putting up huge rush attempt numbers due to nagging injuries and crowded backfields, which is actually a plus for his long-term career. Philadelphia could probably get away with passing on a runningback, but if they pair an RB as dynamic as Jacobs with a QB as strong-armed and accurate as Carson Wentz and a top-ranked offensive line, dangerous things are bound to happen.
26) IND: DK Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss
Age Ht Wt
21 6'4" 230
TY Hilton is a very good receiver, but a taller outside receiver is needed opposite him. Dontrelle Inman isn't very good anyway, but as he's a free agent this year, the Colts will look to improve at the position. DK Metcalf's first-step quickness is a tier above the other receivers in the class, especially the ones that are Metcalf's size. Metcalf is a strong receiver who, though he is plenty raw, has shown an ability to come down with contested balls. Metcalf has more of a "route bush" than a route tree, as he's only really been asked to run curl-comeback routes and fly routes at Ole Miss. It would be of great benefit for DK Metcalf to have a good athletic performance at the Combine, because if his topspeed is as good as it looks on tape, Metcalf would have a really nice size-speed combination. The Colts had the 5th-ranked scoring offense in 2018, but given that the offensive line really came together in the second half of the season, if Indy acquires another weapon for Andrew Luck, their offense might truly contend to be the best in the league.
27) OAK via DAL: Nasir Adderley, S, Delaware
Age Ht Wt
21 6'0" 200
Reggie Nelson used to be a quality free safety with speed and ball skills, but the 35-year-old's athletic abilities really tapered on him in 2018. With Nelson as a UFA, Karl Joseph is the only viable starting safety on the team, so Oakland will have to address the position this offseason. Nasir Adderley is an athletic, instinctive safety with fluid hips. Adderley's range and closing speed are top-notch, and he is a dependable tackler as well with decent bulk. The Raiders' D ranked 26th in the NFL for 2018, so they'll be looking to add young talents like Adderley to improve for 2019. Adderley proved himself as a small-school guy at the Senior Bowl, and if he tears up the Combine as expected, it's safe to say that he would immediately improve the Raiders' defensive backfield.
28) LAC: Dexter Lawrence, IDL, Clemson
Age Ht Wt
21 6'4" 350
Brandon Mebane has been a staple on the Chargers D since 2016, but as a 34-year-old free agent, LA may have to look elsewhere for their interior defensive line. Dexter Lawrence certainly has the potential to be a worthwhile replacement, and if he falls to 28, he has to be seriously considered. Lawrence is a huge human being, but he's also agile enough to line up outside of guards on occasion, and he pursues gaps really nicely. Lawrence also uses his strength to affect the pass better than most 0Ts or 1Ts. The Chargers are an intriguing team who will likely attempt one or two deep playoff runs before Philip Rivers regresses, and Dexter Lawrence, at his monsterful size, can make an immediate impact in patching up a hole on LA's overall good defense.
29) KAN: Amani Oruwariye, CB, Penn St
Age Ht Wt
22 6'0" 193
The fact that the Chiefs had to frequently play Kendall Fuller on the outside is indicative of how bad their cornerback situation truly was. Fuller is under contract until 2020, but the other corner Steven Nelson is a free agent this offseason. Oruwariye has good length and play strength, and his speed should be above average for his size. Oruwariye gets to his longspeed fairly quickly, and his mirroring skills in man check out. As a result of his stature, physical skills, and athletic abilities, Oruwariye is a versatile corner. The Chiefs were the 31st ranked pass defense in 2018, and they really need two outside cornerbacks to send Kendall Fuller to the slot permanently, so Oruwariye could slide right in and provide some immediate help.
30) GNB via NOR: Chris Lindstrom, IOL, Boston College
Age Ht Wt
22 6'4" 310
The Packers have really good tackles in David Bakhtiari and Bryan Bulaga, but their guards are among the worst in football. Chris Lindstrom can come in right away and play right guard opposite LG Lane Taylor. Lindstrom is an athletic pass protector with light feet who does well in space. Lindstrom sustains his run blocks really nicely as well. On the next level, Lindstrom should work to make his leverage more consistent and to improve his hand placement. Lindstrom is a good fit for the zone blocking scheme that Matt LaFleur projects to run in Green Bay, so the Packers would benefit from taking him at this juncture.
31) NWE: Irv Smith, TE, Alabama
Age Ht Wt
20 6'4" 241
It seems like every year analysts prematurely project the regression of a Hall-of-Fame Patriot to mediocrity, and every year, these analysts are incorrect. However, for the 31st pick, this mock is gonna put itself at risk of making the same mistake. Of the seasons in which Rob Gronkowski has played double-digit games, 2018 was his lowest in yards and touchdowns. Irv Smith is no Rob Gronkowski, but the Pats are big on tight ends with versatility, and Smith is both a receiving threat capable of being flexed out wide and a blocker who is aware of angles and running lanes. Smith also projects to run a fast 40 and he runs crisp routes. Again, Smith is nowhere near the physical freak with the size and strength that Gronk has, but to be honest, Rob Gronkowski isn't the Rob Gronkowski of old, either. Smith would be another dangerous weapon that would help Brady play to and through the age of 45, so McDaniels and Co. would certainly be enticed by the 20-year-old tight end.
32) LAR: Deionte Thompson, S, Alabama
Age Ht Wt
22 6'2" 196
With CJ Anderson, Rodger Saffold, Dante Fowler, Ndamukong Suh, and Lamarcus Joyner as unrestricted free agents in 2019, the Rams will be forced to make some value judgements in the offseason. Lamarcus Joyner played under the franchise tag in 2018, and he was good but not great. Deionte Thompson would be a great piece for the Rams to add to restock for a deep 2019 postseason run. Thompson is very fluid and fast, which serves him well in cover two and in single high. Thompson lacks some bulk, but is aggressive in the run game nevertheless. The Rams' secondary is old, Lamarcus Joyner is an unrestricted free agent, and Deionte Thompson is a rangy, athletic free safety who can fill in right away if the Rams decide not to bring back Joyner.
For this mock, I'll make picks as if I were the GM of each team. I'll take into account things like my prospect evaluations, my perceptions of team rosters and cap situations, and my positional value rankings. I'll be setting aside consensus big boards, PFF Grades, and whatever Skip Bayless thinks about anything. I'm not predicting trades, and I'm only doing a first-round mock.
This mock may be jarringly different from what you're used to. I plan on doing a second 2019 mock after the Combine and free agency. I tried to remove supposed leadership qualities and character concerns from my evaluations, since I'm not meeting with any of the prospects personally. For now, I'll just use the heights and weights that the schools themselves listed, and you can take them with a grain of salt. However, without further ado...
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1) ARI: Josh Allen, EDGE, Kentucky
Age Ht Wt
21 6'5" 260
If the Cardinals stay at #1 overall, they have a few options. They can take a quarterback for Kliff Kingsbury to develop, they can take a tackle to bolster their offensive line, they can take an interior defensive lineman to replace Robert Nkemdiche, or they can take an edge rusher to pair up with Chandler Jones. Due to team needs, the quality of the prospects available, and positional value, grabbing a stud pass rusher appears to be the most attractive choice of the bunch. Moreover, due to the switch to a 3-4 under new DC Vance Joseph, Josh Allen is the best fit here. Allen has experience standing up as a 3-4 OLB, and his flexibility and coverage skills are better than any other edge rushers in this class. Josh Allen turned a corner in 2018, bulking up and improving his pass rushing moves to make him a viable top 5 selection, and he had 17 sacks to show for it.
2) SFO: Nick Bosa, EDGE, Ohio St
Age Ht Wt
21 6'4" 263
Nick Bosa is an incredible talent, and if he falls to #2, the 49ers aught to pounce. Solomon Thomas has been a massive disappointment thus far, so they need someone to step up and generate pressure off the edge right away. Nick Bosa is the most pro-ready edge rusher who can come into the 49ers 4-3 front and likely notch double-digit sacks in his rookie season. Bosa’s pass rushing moves are his best trait, as he is absolutely lethal with the inside swim move and the chop, among others. Bosa’s bend will be more-than-enough to negotiate the angles that typically present themselves to 4-3 ends, and he plays with incredible power, so he’s the easy pick here.
3) NYJ: Rashan Gary, EDGE, Michigan
Age Ht Wt
21 6'5" 283
The Jets are transitioning to a 4-3 defense, and have had a weak front seven for years, so adding pass rushers this offseason is an absolute necessity. While his production doesn't quite match that of Allen or Bosa, Gary is as athletic, if not more athletic, than either of them. Gary would be taken in the top 5 because a team is enamored with his potential: Gary has very strong hands, but his timing and placement could stand to improve. Gary sets a firm edge in run defense, but his mental processing sometimes prevents him from making plays. Gary has good burst, and his flexibility is criminally underrated when considering his size. Gary may not be a popular pick right now due to his production being masked by his role in the Michigan defense, but after he runs a 40 in the low 4.6s and a 3-cone better than Harold Landry's at the Combine, he will begin to be seen as an elite edge defender. Gary's size, strength, and speed combo is an ideal fit for the Jets' new 4-3 front under Gregg Williams, and the experienced DC would surely be happy to get his hands on the extremely athletic defender.
4) OAK: Jachai Polite, EDGE, Miami
Age Ht Wt
21 6'2" 242
Four edge rushers in the first four picks? Four edge rushers in the first four picks. Oakland ranked dead last in the NFL with a mere 13 sacks in 2018, which was less than half than the next-worst team (Giants and Patriots tied for 30th-ranked at 30 sacks apiece). Even if Arden Key develops into a quality pass rusher, Oakland desperately needs another. First-and-foremost, while Jachai Polite may not be quite the run defender as are Bosa and Gary, he is very much amongst the best pass rushers in the class. Polite is very bendy, he can start and stop very nicely, and he has a number of quality pass rushing moves as well. A lack of power and bulk may be a bit of an issue at first, but Polite was a decent run defender in college as well. Polite could stand to add a bit of bulk, but he’s a lethal pass rusher and was already a 4-3 DE at Florida, which will help him in his expected roll in Oakland.
5) TAM: Ed Oliver, IDL, Houston
Age Ht Wt
21 6'3" 292
The Buccaneers can save $13 million by moving on from Gerald McCoy this offseason. McCoy had a decent year last year, but he seems to be on the decline, as he hit a 7-year low in tackles and tied a 6-year low in sacks, so moving on from him is a real possibility this offseason. The Bucs will need a replacement fairly soon, and given that Oliver is the best player available, he is the pick at #5. Ed Oliver is a different kind of human, as his linear flexibility, first step, and gap penetration are a tier above the rest of the class. Yes, there are suspicions that Oliver plays at less that 280 lbs, but a good Combine at a high weight should relax these concerns. Oliver could stand to increase his pass-rushing moves, but he has an absolutely violent punch, and as the best athlete in the class, he has tremendous upside and is a good pick at #5 overall to put next to Vita Vea.
6) NYG: Quinnen Williams, IDL, Alabama
Age Ht Wt
21 6'4" 295
The Giants have an aging defense which ranked 24th in the NFL in 2018. Because defensive end Josh Mauro is a free agent after this year, and because Mauro is mediocre at best, bolstering the defensive line would be a great way for the Giants to infuse youth into their defense. It just so happens that Quinnen Williams is the best player available. Quinnen is the most technically-refined interior defensive lineman in this class, as his hand usage is already at an NFL Pro Bowl level. His mental processing is very good, and his stack-shed is almost as good as Ed Oliver's. Quinnen is also a very good athlete, as his upper-body flexibility and first-step quickness give him a very nice upside. The Giants would love to add a blue-chip player in this draft, and if Quinnen Williams somehow falls to #6, he certainly qualifies as such and would improve their defensive line on day one.
7) JAC: Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio St
Age Ht Wt
21 6'3" 218
The Jaguars absolutely cannot go into the 2018 season starting either Blake Bortles or Cody Kessler. A tight cap situation, which arose in part due to Bortles’ contract, could forbid the Jags from pursuing a quarterback in free agency. Thus, Jacksonville takes Haskins at #7 overall. Haskins’ poise under pressure will grow over time, but he is otherwise quite pro ready. Haskins is a really good decision-maker when the pocket is clear, he makes anticipatory throws better and more frequently than anyone else in the class, and he places the ball really nicely on out-breaking routes. John DeFilippo would be thrilled to get to work with Haskins, as he generates plenty of torque on his ball which is useful in West Coast offenses, and because Haskins has the prototypical height and hand size that coaches look for.
8) DET: Charles Omenihu, EDGE, Texas
Age Ht Wt
21 6'6" 280
Ezekiel Ansah is an unrestricted free agent this offseason, but he could probably stand to be upgraded anyway. Omenihu has the bulk and strength to play either defensive end or defensive tackle on the Lions defensive front, but he'd likely primarily be an end for Detroit due to need at the position. He's got unusual upper-body flexibility for his size, which could theoretically enable him to play EDGE, and he's got a really nice first step. Omenihu's arms measured 36 4/8" at the Senior Bowl, which is particularly long, and he had 9.5 sacks in a productive senior season. Omenihu played all over the Texas defensive line, and Matt Patricia would surely know how to best use his versatility, size, strength, and burst.
9) BUF: Greg Little, T, Ole Miss
Age Ht Wt
21 6'6" 325
The Bills currently have a hole at right tackle, as Jordan Mills is a free agent. Even if Mills were retained, the Bills could stand to add to their offensive line to protect their young investment in quarterback Josh Allen. Greg Little would go a long way towards remedying the Bills' offensive line issues. You can't teach length, and Little's got it in spades. Little is also a really explosive athlete with great size, nimble enough to keep up with even the fastest pass-rushing specialists. Greg Little is raw and needs to touch up his hand technique and to stop leaning into his blocks, but he's a 3-year starter at Ole Miss. With Little, the Bills add a raw athlete who has left-tackle potential due to his size, strength, and athleticism.
10) DEN: Drew Lock, QB, Missouri
Age Ht Wt
22 6'4" 225
Denver only has Case Keenum locked up for one more year, and because Keenum didn’t channel his 2017 magic last year, the Broncos are squarely in the quarterback market this offseason. Since the Broncos have plenty of young talent, it is likely that Denver won’t be picking this high for awhile, so it makes sense to pounce on a franchise quarterback now. Of all of the prospects, Drew Lock probably helped his case the most at the Senior Bowl. Though Daniel Jones won the MVP, Lock was better in drills and was more consistent overall, feeding his first-round hype. Drew Lock is a first-round caliber prospect because he has really good arm talent, he has an exceptionally-quick release, he has ideal size, and because he has a good pocket presence. Though his decision-making and placement could stand to improve somewhat, the up-and-coming Rich Scangarello would surely be ecstatic to get his hands on the talented and ultra-confident Drew Lock.
11) CIN: Tytus Howard, T, Alabama St
Age Ht Wt
22 6'6" 311
Zac Taylor is taking over in Cincy, but the Bengals' offensive line is significantly worse than the one he left behind in LA. Clint Boling isn't great, but he's the only viable tackle on Cincinnati's roster. Tytus Howard would help to bolster the Bengals' offensive line. Howard is a former tight end who is known to be a very good pass blocker, and with an arm length of 34 4/8" at Mobile, he’s got the requisite measureables to be an early pick. Howard’s performance at the Senior Bowl, coupled with his game against Auburn, eases some concern that he only looks good against weaker competition. Howard played right tackle for the Alabama State Hornets, but he was the blind-side protector because quarterback Darryl Pearson Jr. is a lefty. All-in-all, Howard’s pass protection footwork is among the best in the class, but he can function as a run-blocking mauler as well. Howard would be a good fit for the Bengals at right tackle in year one, and if Taylor desires, he will be perfectly capable of switching to the left side of the offensive line later in his career.
12) GNB: Noah Fant, TE, Iowa
Age Ht Wt
21 6'5" 241
The Packers can save $5.3 million by moving on from the disappointing 32-year-old Jimmy Graham this offseason and, as a 6.5-win-team that's paying their quarterback $26.5 mil next year, it would be favorable for them to do so. Noah Fant is an athletic monster who is all the Packers could've hoped for when they signed Graham last offseason. Fant is truly a receiver playing in a tight end's body, expected to run in the low 4.5s or even the 4.4s, running a diverse set of routes on the route tree. Fant's length is a major asset, both as a receiver and as a blocker. Fant's run blocking, which is negated by fans and analysts who want to push the "athletic freak who can't block" narrative, is actually rather impressive: he can usually find his target pretty quickly and stay on him with proper technique. If Noah Fant somehow falls to #12, Matt LaFleur would have a chance to give Aaron Rodgers an elite weapon who is a day one starter.
13) MIA: Jonah Williams, IOL, Alabama
Age Ht Wt
21 6'5" 301
Miami tied for the 5th-worst in sacks allowed in 2018, due in part to their pitiful offensive line. Right guard Jesse Davis was the weakest link of that offensive line, so replacing him is an absolute priority. Jonah Williams played left tackle for Alabama, but his best fit in the NFL might be at guard. Williams is an athletic run blocker who gets to his blocks quickly, and his lower-body strength and leverage gives him All-Pro potential on the inside. Williams' athleticism makes him a good puller, and his hand placement is superb. Williams struggles against long-armed pass rushers as a tackle, but this will be mitigated on the inside, where angles aren't as wide. Right guard is usually the most important guard position, and Jonah Williams' play strength projects him as a day-one upgrade on the inside for the desperate Dolphins.
14) ATL: Jeffery Simmons, IDL, Mississippi St
Age Ht Wt
21 6'4" 300
The Falcons had the 5th-worst defense in football in 2018, and they could certainly stand to upgrade their defensive line. Dan Quinn runs a 4-3, but aside from Grady Jarrett, all of last year's starters on the front four could easily be improved in the first round. Jeffery Simmons would be a great candidate to infuse youth into a defense that desperately needs more talent. Simmons is an athletic freak, his twitch and power jump off the screen, his leverage was improved in 2018, and his speed is elite for the interior defensive line. Dan Quinn is one of the greatest defensive minds on the planet, so he would certainly be glad to add an athletic talent like Simmons to his d-line. Jarrett would be perfectly capable of playing 1T in Atlanta's frequent under fronts, but since the Falcons run plenty of even four-man fronts anyway, the acquisition of Simmons would be unlikely to affect Jarrett too much.
15) WAS: Greedy Williams, CB, LSU
Age Ht Wt
21 6'3" 184
Josh Norman underperformed in 2018, and the Redskins can save $8.5 mil by cutting him this offseason. Greedy Williams is the freakiest corner to come out in years, as his length, fluidity, and press skills are really good. Straight up, there aren't many athletes Greedy's height that can run as fast as Greedy can, and moreover, Greedy gets to that top speed very quickly. Williams' hand quickness is the best in the class for defensive backs, and his good closing speed coupled with his length aides him greatly when playing the ball. As for weaknesses, Greedy understandably is only average at turning his hips due to his size, and he is on occasion in bad position in coverage due to mental processing. By moving on from Norman and drafting Williams, the Redskins can upgrade their cornerback position, save money, and get a player with tremendous upside.
16) CAR: Trayvon Mullen, CB, Clemson
Age Ht Wt
21 6'1" 195
Donte Jackson impressed this season as a round-2 rook at outside corner, but James Bradberry disappointed, giving up huge games to AJ Green, Alston Jeffery, Kenny Golladay, and others. There is room for improvement on the Carolina D, and Trayvon Mullen can come in right away and compete for a starting cornerback job. Mullen had a "down year" in 2018, yet he still had a good showing. Mullen has an excellent skill set, having great range as a zone corner and good closing speed on the ball. Mullen also improved his hand usage on the line of scrimmage in 2018, and his flexibility and fluidity have always been positive characteristics. Mullen just needs to use his skills more effectively, learning to consistently use his good hip flexibility instead of spinning. Due to his speed and recognition skills, Mullen is a really good fit for the Carolina defense, which emphasizes its zone corners.
17) CLE: Devin White, LB, LSU
Age Ht Wt
21 6'1" 240
Joe Schobert is an elite MIKE linebacker, but Jamie Collins looks washed up at 29 years old, Christian Kirksey is a mediocre starter at best, and 5th rounder Genard Avery is perhaps a better fit at DE than at LB in the Browns' 4-3 D. Insert Devin White, who would become the fourth defender Cleveland will have drafted in the first round since 2016 (Denzel Ward, Myles Garrett, and Jabrill Peppers). White's range, instincts, and zone coverage abilities would allow him to play MIKE, but with Schobert already in that role for Cleveland, White could certainly fill in for Jamie Collins at SAM in year one. White has great speed and is a physical tackler. White's 40-time and arm length will certainly be of interest at the Combine, but as he is already a very good linebacker, a bad performance probably wouldn't damage his stock too much. The Browns are building a monster defense with some great, young pieces, and Devin White might just be the finishing touch to help Cleveland's D make a huge jump in 2019.
18) MIN: Cody Ford, IOL, Oklahoma
Age Ht Wt
21 6'5" 328
The Vikings have a major deficiency at guard. Tom Compton and Mike Remmers absolutely suck. The former is a UFA this coming year, whereas the Vikings have a $4.6 million incentive to move on from the latter. Cody Ford played right tackle for Oklahoma, but he fits very nicely as a guard in the NFL. Ford generates plenty of movement as a run blocker with both upper-body and lower-body strength, and he is knowledgeable of angles. His pass-protection footwork is raw, but if Ford were stuck inside, the footwork would be less of a problem. Ford has really good hand placement, as well. Minnesota took a huge gamble when they made an investment in Kirk Cousins in the 2017 offseason, and if they are fully committed to this investment, they must use an early draft pick on protecting their franchise QB. Cody Ford has the versatility to perhaps play any position along the offensive line, so he’d be a valued addition with the Vikings' o-line in such a state of flux.
19) TEN: Daniel Jones, QB, Duke
Age Ht Wt
21 6'5" 220
Quarterback Marcus Mariota has been in the NFL for 4 years, but he has yet to start a full season. Mariota is up for a contract extension at the conclusion of the 2019 season, but the Titans shouldn't commit to him for the long-term due to his mediocre play — he ranked 26th in the NFL in passing last year despite the efforts of offensive genius Matt LaFleur — and his injury concerns. Daniel Jones is a good alternative. At the Senior Bowl, Jones measured in at 6'5 2/8", 220 lbs, with 9 6/8" hands. He capped off his good Senior Bowl week with an 8-11, 115-yard performance, in which he was able to show off his pocket poise and mobility. Jones gets good torque on his ball, his accuracy in the middle third is the best in the class, he can throw with anticipation, and his lower-body and upper-body mechanics are both ideal. Jones can work on getting rid of the ball quicker, but as a Cutliffe prospect, he is probably polished enough in his progressions, anticipation, and decision-making to start in year one. With Mariota rostered in 2019, Jones can have an easy transition to the NFL sitting on the bench until taking over for Tennessee in 2020.
20) PIT: Joe Giles-Harris, LB, Duke
Age Ht Wt
21 6'4" 265
Pittsburgh has had a need at inside linebacker ever since Ryan Shazier went down, and while Jon Bostic and Vince Williams have played above expectations, the position remains a weakness for the Steelers. Pittsburgh barely missed out on Devin White to the rival Browns, but they get a great consolation prize in Joe Giles-Harris instead. Giles-Harris is a quick, long linebacker who tackles well. He appears very respondent to coaching, as Giles-Harris manages to diagnose plays quickly, take very good angles, and pursue the ball frequently. Giles-Harris should work on using his strength to shed blocks quicker. Giles-Harris' blend of size and speed would serve him well in the Steelers' 3-4, as he can both make an impact right away and promise plenty of long-term athletic upside.
21) SEA: Joejuan Williams, CB, Vanderbilt
Age Ht Wt
21 6'3" 210
The 2018 Seahawks' defense ranked Seattle's worst since 2010. Starting outside corners Shaquill Griffin and Tre Flowers are far cry from the Richard Sherman and Brandon Browner of old. Joejuan Williams is a young corner without the same physical limitations of Griffin and Flowers. Williams' speed and fluidity are more than adequate for his size, he is a major contributor in the run game, and he has great play strength at the line of scrimmage. Williams closes very well, and he uses his length ideally in playing the ball. Joejuan Williams has the size and physicality to be really effective as a "press zone" corner in Seattle, and pairing him with Bradley McDougald and Tedric Thompson could bring the Seahawks' secondary closer to the Legion of Boom of old.
22) BAL: N’Keal Harry, WR, Arizona St
Age Ht Wt
21 6'4" 213
With Lamar Jackson taking over at quarterback, it is finally time to address receiver in the early rounds. With Michael Crabtree underperforming at 31 years old and Willie Snead only measuring at 5'11", the Ravens need a true x-receiver to help develop Lamar Jackson. Enter N'Keal Harry, who's height, contested-catch ability, and hands project him as an XWR in the NFL. Though Harry is certainly tall, he also brings much more than that to the table. Harry has a really good start-stop ability and catch radius, and he can high point the ball very nicely as well. There are some concerns about Harry's long speed which will need to be addressed at the Combine, and he could work to expand his route tree a bit to add a dig and a post, but Harry does look like a good athlete for his size on tape. Taking Harry at #22 overall to help ease the burden on Lamar Jackson is a good investment.
23) HOU: Yodny Cajuste, T, West Virginia
Age Ht Wt
22 6'5" 321
Deshaun Watson tore his ACL in 2017 and was the most sacked quarterback in football in 2018. Most of this burden falls on the tackles, and specifically, right tackle Kendall Lamm. Yodny Cajuste has the length and light feet to keep up with elite speed rushers, and he's bulky with great leverage. Cajuste also has elite play strength with really good hand timing and placement. The Texans absolutely cannot allow opponents to have the edge at will if they expect to develop Deshaun Watson, and Yodny Cajuste brings the physical skills needed to be a very good tackle.
24) OAK via CHI: Tyree Jackson, QB, Buffalo
Age Ht Wt
21 6'7" 245
Since coming in during the 2017 offseason, Jon Gruden has initiated a rebuild in Oakland. He drafted raw players with upside early last year including Kolton Miller, Brandon Parker, and Arden Key. He traded Khalil Mack and Amari Cooper this past year, netting three first-round picks over the next two years. These, coupled with their own picks totals five first-round picks that the Raiders have in 2019 and 2020 combined. Because Gruden clearly has long-term job security, it makes sense to give him a new quarterback and truly initiate a full-scale rebuild. Derek Carr is a decent quarterback, but other teams have enjoyed success with young quarterbacks on rookie contracts. Jon Gruden will want to develop his own quarterback for the long-term, while Derek Carr can certainly still start in the short run. As for Jackson, he measured at 6-foot 7-inches at the Senior Bowl, and he got to show off his absolute cannon of an arm. Now yes, Jackson could improve his accuracy in the short game, and his upper-body and lower-body mechanics are both somewhat of a concern, but Jackson’s ability to generate torque and his ability to deal with pressure in the pocket are stellar. Since Jackson projects to be playable by the time that the Raiders are in Vegas, and since the Raiders probably have a year before they are true contenders, the Raiders could pair Jon Gruden with Jackson and groom him to be their quarterback of the future.
25) PHI: Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama
Age Ht Wt
21 5'10" 216
The two best runningbacks Philly has rostered are Wendell Smallwood and Corey Clement. Needless to say, the position is a weakness. Jacobs' patience and creativity as a runner warrant a first rounder alone, as he consistently gets additional yards with his vision. He’s a strong runner who is difficult to bring down, and his receiving skills are already top-15-runningback-caliber in the NFL today. While his top-spead is a question-mark that'll have to be addressed in Indianapolis, Jacobs possesses really nice burst and change of direction, and he picks up blitzes excellently, too. Jacobs is a jack of all trades back who has avoided putting up huge rush attempt numbers due to nagging injuries and crowded backfields, which is actually a plus for his long-term career. Philadelphia could probably get away with passing on a runningback, but if they pair an RB as dynamic as Jacobs with a QB as strong-armed and accurate as Carson Wentz and a top-ranked offensive line, dangerous things are bound to happen.
26) IND: DK Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss
Age Ht Wt
21 6'4" 230
TY Hilton is a very good receiver, but a taller outside receiver is needed opposite him. Dontrelle Inman isn't very good anyway, but as he's a free agent this year, the Colts will look to improve at the position. DK Metcalf's first-step quickness is a tier above the other receivers in the class, especially the ones that are Metcalf's size. Metcalf is a strong receiver who, though he is plenty raw, has shown an ability to come down with contested balls. Metcalf has more of a "route bush" than a route tree, as he's only really been asked to run curl-comeback routes and fly routes at Ole Miss. It would be of great benefit for DK Metcalf to have a good athletic performance at the Combine, because if his topspeed is as good as it looks on tape, Metcalf would have a really nice size-speed combination. The Colts had the 5th-ranked scoring offense in 2018, but given that the offensive line really came together in the second half of the season, if Indy acquires another weapon for Andrew Luck, their offense might truly contend to be the best in the league.
27) OAK via DAL: Nasir Adderley, S, Delaware
Age Ht Wt
21 6'0" 200
Reggie Nelson used to be a quality free safety with speed and ball skills, but the 35-year-old's athletic abilities really tapered on him in 2018. With Nelson as a UFA, Karl Joseph is the only viable starting safety on the team, so Oakland will have to address the position this offseason. Nasir Adderley is an athletic, instinctive safety with fluid hips. Adderley's range and closing speed are top-notch, and he is a dependable tackler as well with decent bulk. The Raiders' D ranked 26th in the NFL for 2018, so they'll be looking to add young talents like Adderley to improve for 2019. Adderley proved himself as a small-school guy at the Senior Bowl, and if he tears up the Combine as expected, it's safe to say that he would immediately improve the Raiders' defensive backfield.
28) LAC: Dexter Lawrence, IDL, Clemson
Age Ht Wt
21 6'4" 350
Brandon Mebane has been a staple on the Chargers D since 2016, but as a 34-year-old free agent, LA may have to look elsewhere for their interior defensive line. Dexter Lawrence certainly has the potential to be a worthwhile replacement, and if he falls to 28, he has to be seriously considered. Lawrence is a huge human being, but he's also agile enough to line up outside of guards on occasion, and he pursues gaps really nicely. Lawrence also uses his strength to affect the pass better than most 0Ts or 1Ts. The Chargers are an intriguing team who will likely attempt one or two deep playoff runs before Philip Rivers regresses, and Dexter Lawrence, at his monsterful size, can make an immediate impact in patching up a hole on LA's overall good defense.
29) KAN: Amani Oruwariye, CB, Penn St
Age Ht Wt
22 6'0" 193
The fact that the Chiefs had to frequently play Kendall Fuller on the outside is indicative of how bad their cornerback situation truly was. Fuller is under contract until 2020, but the other corner Steven Nelson is a free agent this offseason. Oruwariye has good length and play strength, and his speed should be above average for his size. Oruwariye gets to his longspeed fairly quickly, and his mirroring skills in man check out. As a result of his stature, physical skills, and athletic abilities, Oruwariye is a versatile corner. The Chiefs were the 31st ranked pass defense in 2018, and they really need two outside cornerbacks to send Kendall Fuller to the slot permanently, so Oruwariye could slide right in and provide some immediate help.
30) GNB via NOR: Chris Lindstrom, IOL, Boston College
Age Ht Wt
22 6'4" 310
The Packers have really good tackles in David Bakhtiari and Bryan Bulaga, but their guards are among the worst in football. Chris Lindstrom can come in right away and play right guard opposite LG Lane Taylor. Lindstrom is an athletic pass protector with light feet who does well in space. Lindstrom sustains his run blocks really nicely as well. On the next level, Lindstrom should work to make his leverage more consistent and to improve his hand placement. Lindstrom is a good fit for the zone blocking scheme that Matt LaFleur projects to run in Green Bay, so the Packers would benefit from taking him at this juncture.
31) NWE: Irv Smith, TE, Alabama
Age Ht Wt
20 6'4" 241
It seems like every year analysts prematurely project the regression of a Hall-of-Fame Patriot to mediocrity, and every year, these analysts are incorrect. However, for the 31st pick, this mock is gonna put itself at risk of making the same mistake. Of the seasons in which Rob Gronkowski has played double-digit games, 2018 was his lowest in yards and touchdowns. Irv Smith is no Rob Gronkowski, but the Pats are big on tight ends with versatility, and Smith is both a receiving threat capable of being flexed out wide and a blocker who is aware of angles and running lanes. Smith also projects to run a fast 40 and he runs crisp routes. Again, Smith is nowhere near the physical freak with the size and strength that Gronk has, but to be honest, Rob Gronkowski isn't the Rob Gronkowski of old, either. Smith would be another dangerous weapon that would help Brady play to and through the age of 45, so McDaniels and Co. would certainly be enticed by the 20-year-old tight end.
32) LAR: Deionte Thompson, S, Alabama
Age Ht Wt
22 6'2" 196
With CJ Anderson, Rodger Saffold, Dante Fowler, Ndamukong Suh, and Lamarcus Joyner as unrestricted free agents in 2019, the Rams will be forced to make some value judgements in the offseason. Lamarcus Joyner played under the franchise tag in 2018, and he was good but not great. Deionte Thompson would be a great piece for the Rams to add to restock for a deep 2019 postseason run. Thompson is very fluid and fast, which serves him well in cover two and in single high. Thompson lacks some bulk, but is aggressive in the run game nevertheless. The Rams' secondary is old, Lamarcus Joyner is an unrestricted free agent, and Deionte Thompson is a rangy, athletic free safety who can fill in right away if the Rams decide not to bring back Joyner.