2019 NFL Mock Draft (Draft Week)

Hey! This is my final mock draft for 2019, this one purely predictive (unlike my previous mocks), and I don't predict trades. I went 1/32 last year (Da'Ron Payne to Washington), so hopefully this year is an improvement!

 

1) ARI: Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma (5101 - 207 - DNP)

 

The Cardinals made an unconventional move when they hired the 39-year-old Kliff Kingsbury, a student of the Air Raid offense, to be their head coach, and it appears likely that they'll compound this hiring by giving Kliff the quarterback of his choice in the draft. Kyler Murray is a big-armed quarterback with good accuracy at all levels and plus athleticism. Air Raid concepts have NFL offenses in the past decade, so it is possible that Arizona dives in fully by a drafting Kyler Murray, who ran Oklahoma's Air Raid offense.

 

2) SFO: Nick Bosa, EDGE, Ohio St (6036 - 266 - 4.79)

 

The Niners traded for Dee Ford this offseaon, but they still have Solomon Thomas slated to start at the other defensive end spot, and San Fran may believe that Thomas is better suited for interior defensive line. Nick Bosa is a strong edge rusher with good bend and burst and a wide array of pass-rushing moves. By drafting Bosa, the Niners can shore up both edge rusher positions this offseason for the long-term and push Thomas to, perhaps, his more natural position of defensive tackle.

 

3) NYJ: Quinnen Williams, IDL, Alabama (6030 - 303 - 4.83)

 

If the Jets stay at pick three, they have a true philosophical decision to make -- they could take the supposed "best player available" to add to a unit of strength, or they could address a highly-valuable position that has been a need for over a decade by taking a comparable prospect. Quinnen Williams is the most technically-refined interior defensive lineman in this class, as his hand usage, mental processing, and stack-shed are very good, and his upper-body flexibility and first-step quickness give him some athletic upside. Rumors are swirling about what New York is prepared to do at three, but they may take the extreme position of heavily re-investing in the interior defensive line by adding Quinnen Williams to a unit which already includes Leonard Williams, Steve McLendon, Henry Anderson, and Nathan Shepherd.

 

4) OAK: Devin White, LB, LSU (6000 - 237 - 4.42)

 

Oakland did address linebacker this offseason by handing out one-year deals to Brandon Marshall and Vontaze Burfict, but they could stand to add a long-term piece at the position. Devin White is a hyper-athletic linebacker with good hips, range, strength, and zone-coverage abilities. The Raiders are in dire need of adding young playmakers to their defense in this draft, and Davin White could be the top player available on the Raiders' board if he falls to four.

 

5) TAM: Josh Allen, EDGE, Kentucky (6047 - 262 - 4.63)

 

The Bucs finished in the bottom half of the league for sacks last season, and there are legitimate questions about how edge rushers Jason Pierre-Paul and Carl Nassib will transition their games to a 3-4 defense. Josh Allen is a fast, bendy edge rusher who rips to his repertoire last year, with the result that he became the SEC defensive player of the year. Allen is a very solid fit for Todd Bowles' defense, as he can continue rushing from a stand as a linebacker in base packages, and he has the versatility to cover and play defensive end in nickel packages.

 

6) NYG: Ed Oliver, IDL, Houston (6017 - 287 - DNP)

 

The Giants lost Josh Mauro in free agency to Oakland, so bolstering the defensive line would be a great way for the NY to infuse youth into their defense. Ed Oliver has a legitimate claim as the best athlete in the entire draft class, as his linear flexibility, first step, and gap penetration are a tier above the rest of the interior defensive linemen in the class. The Giants would love to add a blue-chip player in this draft, and if Ed Oliver somehow falls to six, he certainly qualifies as such and would improve their defensive line on day one.

 

7) JAC: Jawaan Taylor, T, Florida (6050 - 312 - DNP)

 

Jacksonville is currently projected to start Will Richardson at right tackle next year across from Cam Robinson, but considering their new investment in Nick Foles, the Jags may be prone to an attempt to upgrade their offensive line in the draft. Jawaan Taylor is a long tackle with a pretty easy kickslide. In addition to protecting Foles, the Jags could see taking Jawaan Taylor as an opportunity to boost Leonard Fournette's production as well, as Taylor is a nice fit for Doug Marrone's power-blocking scheme.

 

8) DET: Rashan Gary, EDGE, Michigan (6043 - 277 - 4.58)

 

The Lions signed Trey Flowers this offseason, but they still have a hole at edge rusher across from him. Rashan Gary has the twitch, capacity to bend, core strength, hand heaviness, and length that are ideal on the edge, and he is deadly with his rip and speed-to-power moves. Matt Patricia, formerly the defensive coordinator of the Patriots, is the perfect coach to take advantage of Rashan Gary's versatility at the pro level, as Gary's athletic skillset projects to translate as a stand-up rusher, as a defensive end in nickel, and even as an interior rusher in some packages.

 

9) BUF: DK Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss (6033 - 228 - 4.33)

 

Buffalo traded up to draft Josh Allen last year, but he didn't have enough weapons with which to work. DK Metcalf is a quintessential x-receiver with impressive size, speed, and hand usage at the line of scrimmage. The Bills would be wise to pair Josh Allen with a top receiver for the long term, and DK Metcalf could be seen as the best receiver in the class.

 

10) DEN: Noah Fant, TE, Iowa (6041 - 249 - 4.50)

 

Denver retained Jeff Heuerman on a cheap 2-year deal, but he isn't a dangerous receiving threat, so the Broncos could be on the lookout for another tight end. Noah Fant is a long tight end with blazing speed, a diverse route tree, and good run blocking. The Broncos have been projected to take a quarterback this year, but John Elway seems rather content starting Joe Flacco for the foreseeable future, and Noah Fant is an explosive player with athletic upside who addresses an immediate need.

 

11) CIN: Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio St (6033 - 231 - 5.04)

 

Zac Taylor was on the Rams' staff who turned Jared Goff from a potential bust into a Pro Bowl quarterback, so he may want his own shot at developing a new quarterback in Cincy. Dwayne 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. Andy Dalton is a fine starting quarterback, but his contract only extends through the 2020 season, so Zac Taylor would be well-situated to draft Dalton's eventual replacement and develop him from the bench if Haskins were to fall to 11.

 

12) GNB: Devin Bush, LB, Michigan (5110 - 234 - 4.43)

 

The Packers lost Jake Ryan this offseason, which opened up a bit of a hole at inside linebacker across from Blake Martinez. Devin Bush is a speedy linebacker who can slip around blocks, cover in man and zone, and tackle nicely. Green Bay heavily upgraded its secondary in the draft last season, and they addressed their pass rush with the signings of Preston Smith and Za'Darius Smith, and this pick is a chance to add youth to their linebacking corps by taking, perhaps, the best player available.

 

13) MIA: Jonah Williams, IOL, Alabama (6044 - 302 - 5.12)

 

Miami gave up the fifth-most sacks in football last year, and they neglected the offensive line in free agency. Jonah Williams is an athletic run blocker who gets to his blocks quickly, and his lower-body strength, hand placement, and leverage give him inside versatility. The Dolphins lost Ja'Wuan James and didn't really manage to replace him, and Miami's guards are not really starting-caliber either, so the Fins could add to their offensive line by drafting Jonah to help Ryan Fitzpatrick succeed this season.

 

14) ATL: Brian Burns, EDGE, Florida St (6046 - 249 - 4.53)

 

The Falcons are once again slated to start Vic Beasley at edge rusher, so needless to say, they'll eying pass rushing talent. Brian Burns is a bendy edge rusher with speed and good outside counters. Atlanta tied for 8th-least sacks last season, so Burns could provide some much-needed help off the edge for 2019 and beyond.

 

15) WAS: Greedy Williams, CB, LSU (6017 - 185 - 4.37)

 

Josh Norman is 31 years old, and he began to look like it last year. Greedy Williams is the freakiest corner to come out in years, as his length, fluidity, and press skills are really good. If Williams falls to 15, he may qualify as the best player available, and Washington would be in good position to upgrade corner for the long-term.

 

16) CAR: Garrett Bradbury, IOL, NC St (6027 - 306 - 4.92)

 

The Panthers acquired Matt Paradis this offseason, but they still have a weakness at guard. Garrett Bradbury is a functionally strong lineman, he is a great athlete for his size, and he has good footwork to match up with inside pressure. Carolina needs to shore up Cam Newton's offensive line, and drafting Bradbury along with the previous signing of Matt Paradis could allow for the unit to be much improved.

 

17) NYG: Andre Dillard, T, Washington St (6050 - 315 - 4.96)

 

Chad Wheeler is currently slated to start at tackle across from Nate Solder, so the Giants could stand to add an immediate upgrade to their offensive line. Andre Dillard is an athletic tackle and is seen as the best pass blocker in the class. Dillard's athletic profile projects as a solid fit for Pat Shurmur's hybrid run-blocking scheme, so he could be the pick if he falls to 17.

 

18) MIN: TJ Hockenson, TE, Iowa (6046 - 251 - 4.70)

 

The Vikings ran a lot of 2-TE packages last year, and Kyle Rudolph is a free agent next offseason, so Minnesota is well-situated to invest in another tight end if the value is appropriate. TJ Hockenson is a complete, all-around tight end whose blocking ability is rare for modern times. Hockenson had a lot of production last year when paired with Noah Fant, so perhaps being paired with Rudolph in Minnesota could have a similar effect for the Vikings in 2019.

 

19) TEN: Christian Wilkins, IDL, Clemson (6032 - 315 - 5.04)

 

Aside from Jurrell Casey, the Titans are somewhat barren on their defensive line. Christian Wilkins has strong hands to shed blockers quickly and good get-off at the snap. Mike Vrabel is a defensive-line-guy at heart, so if the fluid and versatile Christian Wilkins falls to 19, the Titans could pounce.

 

20) PIT: Chase Winovich, EDGE, Michigan (6026 - 256 - 4.59)

 

The Steelers have Bud Dupree on his 5th-year option, but they could look to improve their pass rush this offseason anyway. Chase Winovich is an edge rusher with nice burst, quality short-area quickness, and good gap integrity in the run game. Winovich is a nice fit as a 3-4 outside linebacker, and Pittsburgh may fall in love with his athletic profile at 20 overall.

 

21) SEA: Nasir Adderley, S, Delaware (5116 - 206 - DNP)

 

Seattle lost Earl Thomas this offseason, and in Carroll's cover 3 scheme, a rangy free safety is almost mandatory. Adderley is a rangy, fluid defensive back who proved that his game would translate against upper-level competition in the Senior Bowl. There are a number of other players that Seattle could opt for at 21, even including some other safeties, but Seattle could be prone to falling in love with Adderley's ball skills and explosiveness late in the first.

 

22) BAL: Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma (5093 - 166 - DNP)

 

Lamar Jackson's receiving arsenal consists of Willie Snead, Chris Moore, and Seth Roberts, which is quite uninspiring. Marquise Brown is a fast receiver who runs routes well and has solid hands. Though they have other needs, the Ravens could look to take a risk on Marquise Brown if he falls, because he could aid Lamar Jackson's development as a pocket passer.

 

23) HOU: Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama (5110 - 220 DNP)

 

Houston has Lamar Miller and D'Onta Freeman in their backfield, but coming off an 11-5 season, they have certainly earned a luxury pick at the end of round one if the value is there. Josh Jacobs is an elusive back with good burst, balance, and vision. Houston had the 15th-ranked offense in football last year, but adding a playmaker like Jacobs might elevate the Texans into the top 10.

 

24) OAK: Drew Lock, QB, Missouri (6036 - 228 - 4.69)

 

Jon Gruden's job is rather secure, so it's particularly possible that he may decide to tie his fate to a quarterback other than Derek Carr. Drew Lock is a fundamentally-sound QB who has amazing arm talent and who swiftly moves through progressions. Lock has the type of raw talent that Jon Gruden probably thinks he could mold into a franchise guy, so the Raiders could pull the trigger if he makes it to 24.

 

25) PHI: Amani Oruwariye, CB, Penn St (6015 - 205 - 4.47)

 

Philly did manage to lock up Ronald Darby in for another year this offseason, but given his injury history and the questions surrounding the team's corners not named Rasul Douglas, the Eagles could look to invest in the position once more. Amani Oruwariye is a long corner who is fluid for his size and who is versatile enough to play press-man, off-man, and zone. Jim Schwartz runs a lot of different coverages, and Amani Oruwariye, a local prospect, is a versatile corner, so he could be the pick at this juncture.

 

26) IND: Byron Murphy, CB, Washington (5106 - 190 - 4.55)

 

The Colts didn't upgrade Pierre Desir or Kenny Moore in free agency, so they could look to add a corner in the draft. Byron Murphy is a quick, high IQ zone cornerback. The Colts almost exclusively run zone coverage, so Murphy would be a good pick for scheme fit and positional need.

 

27) OAK: Montez Sweat, EDGE, Mississippi St (6056 - 260 - 4.41)

 

Oakland has a real need at edge rusher, as their 13 sacks last year were last in the NFL by a long shot. Montez Sweat has a freaky combination of size and speed, and he had 30 combined sacks to show for it over the past two seasons. Sweats' draft stock seems to have slipped a bit in wake of his reported heart condition, but with four top-35 picks to spare, the Raiders are a perfect candidate to take a chance on Sweat, especially given that they drafted Maurice Hurst last year.

 

28) LAC: Cody Ford, IOL, Oklahoma (6036 - 329 - 5.21)

 

The Chargers have question marks all over their offensive line, with left guard Dan Feeney and right tackle Sam Tevi being the most obvious holes. Cody Ford is a long offensive lineman with good body control and the versatility to play multiple positions at the next level. The Chargers are well-situated to make another Super Bowl run in 2019, so Cody Ford would step right in and shore up one of the holes on the LA offensive line.

 

29) SEA: Clelin Ferrell, EDGE, Clemson (6043 - 264 - DNP)

 

The Seahawks acquired this pick in the Frank Clark deal, so perhaps they'll spend the pick on a replacement on the edge. Clelin Ferrell is a broad edge rusher with some strength, refinement, and speed. Ferrell is not as freaky as Clark, by any means, but he could aspire to replace the departed player as a defensive end on the Seattle 4-man front.

 

30) GNB: Chris Lindstrom, IOL, Boston College (6036 - 308 - 4.91)

 

Lane Taylor is currently slated to start at left guard for Green Bay, but he could stand to be improved. Chris Lindstrom is an athletic pass protector with light feet who does well in space. 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) LAR: Dalton Risner, IOL, Kansas St (6046 - 312 - 5.30)

 

The Rams had a good offensive line last year, but they lost Rodger Saffold in free agency to the Titans. Dalton Risner played tackle for Kansas State, but his strength, length, and hand usage project really nicely to the inside. The Rams were very successful last season, but they may look to re-vamp their offensive line following Saffold's departure.

 

32) NWE: Jeffery Simmons, IDL, Mississippi St (DNP - DNP - DNP)

 

The Pats have spent two of their last four first-round picks on interior defensive linemen (Malcom Brown, Dominique Easley), but with neither on the roster any longer, coupled with the departure of Trey Flowers and the probable departure of Danny Shelton, New England may triple-dip at the position. Jeffery Simmons is an athletic freak, his twitch and power jump off the screen, his leverage was improved this season, and his speed is elite for the interior defensive line. With the defense currently in a state of flux, New England could look to add Jeffery Simmons to provide long-term stability on their defensive line.