With the NFL Combine now behind us. Nate with We Know Fantasy put together his NFL Mock Draft 3.0. As the NFL Draft process continues to develop, we have more of a clear cut picture of how the draft will shape up. We're just over a month-and-a-half away from the NFL Draft.
1. Arizona Cardinals - Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma - Well, here we are. Kyler Murray is going to be the first overall selection of the 2019 NFL Draft. Who would have thought. Speculation, and near certainty, across the league is that the Arizona Cardinals will seek a trade partner for 2018 first round selection Josh Rosen to land the electrifying Murray. Murray was arguably the biggest winner of the NFL Combine. It wasn’t for a quick 40 time or an impressive slew of passing drills. It was due to his official height and weight measurements. At over 5-foot-10 and weighing in at 207 pounds, Murray is officially larger than Russell Wilson was at the combine. Now the question shifts to, where will Rosen go?
Previous pick: Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State
2. San Francisco 49ers - Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State - The 49ers are ecstatic if the Cardinals call Murray’s name first come draft day. They get their guy at number two. There is no doubt that the 49ers need pass rushing help and they could get the best in the draft at number two. There is concern with Bosa’s injury history but at 6-foot-4 and 266 pounds, Bosa went under 4.8 in the 40. You can’t pass up on that type of explosiveness.
Previous pick: Josh Allen, EDGE, Kentucky
3. New York Jets - Josh Allen, EDGE, Kentucky - The dominoes continue to fall in place for teams picking behind the Cardinals if Murray is truly the first overall selection. Allen is exactly what the Jets need coming off the edge. Allen ran a 4.63 40 at the combine at 262 pounds. He’s an absolute freak athlete with the length to be a big problem for opposing teams coming off the edge for many years to come.
Previous pick: Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama
4. Oakland Raiders - Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama - I really want to mock Dwayne Haskins to the Raiders here but I don’t think they’re in love with him like they are Kyler Murray, and rightfully so. With that being said, the Raiders go best player available at four and what a player that is. Williams could arguably be the best overall player in this draft. Let's be honest here, the Raiders could draft any position and it would be seen as a position of need.
Previous pick: Rashan Gary, DE/DT, Michigan
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Rashan Gary, EDGE, Michigan - I’ve had Greedy Williams mocked here for my previous two installments but can’t see the Bucs reaching for a corner with concerns of tackling at five. Luckily, the Bucs have holes across its team, mainly it’s defense. They could look to bring in the nation’s former number one recruit in Gary to play opposite Jason Pierre-Paul. That would form a quality duo that could cause havoc in the league.
Previous pick: Greedy Williams, CB, LSU
6. New York Giants - Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State - Three mocks down and three mocks having the Giants taking Haskins at six. At this point, it has to happen, right? There’s no question that the Giants are in need of a quarterback as Eli Manning continues to age and perform poorly. They used last year’s second overall selection to take Saquon Barkley, passing up on quarterbacks such as Sam Darnold, Josh Allen and Josh Rosen. Now they could be in the market to land Josh Rosen, but as it sits right now, pairing the likes of Haskins, OBJ and Barkley would be a great move.
Previous pick: Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State
7. Jacksonville Jaguars - Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida - The Jaguars have found their quarterback of the future, or so they think, in former Eagles’ Superbowl MVP Nick Foles. Well, it can’t be official yet but it will be. Now that the quarterback situation is answered, the Jaguars will look to protect their probable $20 million man with taking the best offensive lineman in the draft. Taylor has quietly surpassed Jonah Williams for that honor and will be a future staple on whatever line he’s drafted to.
Previous pick: Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma
8. Detroit Lions - Montez Sweat, EDGE, Mississippi State - I fall more in love with Sweat the further the process develops. The man went 4.41 in the 40-yard dash at the combine. That’s absolutely cruising for a man who stands 6-foot-6 and weighs 260 pounds. He has the arm length as well to be an absolute terror for years to come. The Lions need help across the defensive front seven for sure, and Sweat would be a great addition to any front seven in the league.
Previous pick: Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson
9. Buffalo Bills - Ed Oliver, DT, Houston - My second constant from my Mock 2.0 is Oliver finding himself in Buffalo. Oliver did himself justice by officially weighing in at the NFL Combine close to 290 pounds. He’s an absolute explosive defensive tackle who has the athleticism and skills to beat the best of the linemen. I hate to compare anyone to Aaron Donald because he’s simply the best defensive player in the league, but Oliver has a bit of what Donald does in his locker. Don’t be surprised if Oliver is an annual pro-bowl selection in the future.
Previous pick: Ed Oliver, DT, Houston
10. Denver Broncos - Drew Lock, QB, Missouri - This just seems like a match made in heaven. The Broncos went out and traded for Joe Flacco for the short term. Now, they can get their long term guy in Lock at ten. Broncos’ General Manager John Elway seems to be in love with Lock. He was constantly around him at the Senior Bowl. The only thing is, if Elway thinks you’re a good quarterback, you’re probably not. Lock’s hands measured just nine inches, which could be seen as a problem. However, he has an absolute cannon for an arm, much like a Josh Allen of the Bills.
Previous pick: Drew Lock, QB, Missouri
11. Cincinnati Bengals - Devin White, LB, LSU - The Bengals could go offensive line here, but with the likes of Devin White still on the board, they’d love to add him. White is the prototype current NFL linebaker. He posted a 4.42 40 at the Combine. He has sideline-to-sideline speed. He can drop back into coverage just as well as he can get forward. He’s a great anchor piece to any NFL defense.
Previous pick: Devin White, LB, LSU
12. Green Bay Packers - Brian Burns, EDGE, Florida State - Brian Burns reminds me a lot of Aldon Smith when he came into the league in 2011. He’s 6-foot-5, 259 pounds with 4.5 speed and the arm length to get it done. He’s going to be a name rocketing up draft boards as the process progresses. Look for Burns to record a lot of sacks in the NFL.
Previous pick: Montez Sweat, EDGE, Mississippi State
13. Miami Dolphins - Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson - This one is such a hard one to project. The Dolphins obviously need a quarterback but it’s well known that they want to make their attempt at drafting one next year, opposed to this year. Dolphins have a few holes to fill and newly hired Head Coach Brian Flores could take the best available defender to help bolster the poor defense. Ferrell is a pro ready end who could be the first piece in Flores’ future defense.
Previous pick: Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson
14. Atlanta Falcons - Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson - The Falcons allowed just shy of 5 yards per carry to opposing running backs last season. That’s tied for the worst in the league. They could look in the draft to add a big body in the center of the defensive line to help lower that number. Wilkins could be the most pro-ready defensive lineman in the draft.
Previous pick: Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson
15. Washington Redskins - Deionte Thompson, S, Alabama - The Redskins are the favorites to land Josh Rosen from the Arizona Cardinals. They parted ways with D.J. Swearinger Jr. late last season and Ha Ha Clinton Dix, who they traded for last season, is a free agent. Thompson is the top safety in the draft, although he could eventually be passed by Nasir Adderley of Delaware.
Previous pick: Daniel Jones, QB, Duke
16. Carolina Panthers - Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama - I’ve projected an edge rusher to the Panthers here in my past two mocks. However, with most of the talent off the board by 16, the Panthers could look to fill their second biggest hole, and that’s protecting Cam Newton. Cam Newton isn’t the Cam new used to be. He’s tattered and worn. He needs protection more than ever to deliver the ball. Grabbing the talent of Williams in the first round would go along way in keeping Newton healthy longer.
Previous pick: Brian Burns, EDGE, Florida State
17. Cleveland Browns - D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss - The Browns could use an upgrade on the offensive line but adding a weapon such as the monster of a man that is Metcalf via the draft can’t be passed up. Metcalf is the talk of the internet. He’s 6-foot-3, 228 pounds and ran a 4.33 40. That’s not it, he also put up 27 bench reps. His agility is in question with his poor 3-cone drill and 20-yard shuttle run though. There’s a chance he could be a top 10 selection so grabbing him at 17 would be a steal.
Previous pick: Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama
18. Minnesota Vikings - Cody Ford, OT, Oklahoma - The Vikings need to look to improve it’s offensive line in the draft. Cody Ford is an extremely athletic lineman. He has the ability to play both tackle and guard at the next level and could even play center, which many experts expect to be his preferred position at the next level. Anyhow, the Vikings need help across the entire line so adding a guy who can play multiple positions is a good look.
Previous pick: Cody Ford, OT, Oklahoma
19. Tennessee Titans - T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa - I’ve previously projected the Titans to select offensive line with this selection. I’ve also thought about wide receiver here. But with Hockenson on the board, it seems like the ideal fit. Delaine Walker has been a big part of the Titans offense for years, but the man can’t stay on the field. Hockenson is an elite talent and will instantly become one of the best tight ends in the game. This gives Marcus Mariota a big time target to pass to.
Previous pick: Greg Little, OT, Ole Miss
20. Pittsburgh Steelers - Greedy Williams, CB, LSU - Williams was a player I had previously mocked in the top five. Since, speculations about his tackling ability and toughness has emerged. He still is a very talented cover corner. He also posted a 4.37 40 time at 6-foot-2. He has the speed and length to cover anyone. The Steelers were beat over the top many times last year. Adding Williams will prevent a bit more of that happening in 2019.
Previous pick: Byron Murphy, CB, Washington
21. Seattle Seahawks - Nasir Adderley, S, Delaware - There’s no question that Earl Thomas is on his way out of town. The Seahawks need to find his replacement. Adderley is a fantastic talent. He’s a ballhawking safety who hits hard. He can play anywhere on the defense as well. I believe he’s the perfect fit for the Seahawks to try and fill Earl Thomas’ roll.
Previous pick: T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa
22. Baltimore Ravens - Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma - Brown is getting the comparison to Tyreke Hill, who currently is in the works of signing the biggest contract for a receiver in league history. Although Brown was not able to partake in the combine due to a foot injury, he is reported to have run a 4.27 40. He has crazy speed. Would be perfect for Jackson to hit on screens, slants and over the top.
Previous pick: Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama
23. Houston Texans - Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State - This is simple. The Houston Texans have one of the worst offensive lines in the game. Dillard is the best offensive lineman available at twenty-three.
Previous pick: Yodny Cajuste, OT, West Virginia
24. Oakland Raiders via Chicago Bears - Byron Murphy, CB, Washington - I’m a big fan of Murphy’s athleticism. The Raiders took Quinnen Williams with their first of three first round selections. Now it’s time they address its secondary and take the best available, which in my opinion is Murphy. One could argue that Deandre Baker is the more pro-ready talent, but Murphy’s athleticism puts him over Baker for me.
Previous pick: Deionte Thompson, S, Alabama
25. Philadelphia Eagles - Greg Little, OT, Ole Miss - Jason Peters is 37 years old. The Eagles have an injury prone quarterback. They need to make the investment now to prepare Little for the future. I previously mocked Deandre Baker here but an investment in the offensive line outweighs their need in the secondary.
Previous pick: Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia
26. Indianapolis Colts - N’Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State - In three mocks I’ve made I’ve had three different receivers going to the Colts. It just seems appropriate that the organization looks to provide Andrew Luck with some weapons. Outside of T.Y. Hilton and the emergence of Eric Ebron, there is not much in terms for Luck to throw to. Harry would be the perfect compliment to Hilton as well.
Previous pick: Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma
27. Oakland Raiders - Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama - The Raiders ranked 25th last season in total rushing yards. They have limited weapons on their offense. They could very well go receiver here or add another piece to its defense like they had with their previous two picks in this mock. Jacobs is the top running back in this draft and would instantly become the starter for the Raiders.
Previous pick: Mack Wilson, LB, Alabama
28. Los Angeles Chargers - Dre’Mont Jones, DT, Ohio State - The Chargers have arguably the best defensive end duo in the league but do have a hole in the middle of the defensive line. They could use their first to draft Jones, who would plug in right away. The Chargers were slashed in the later part of the season by opposing running backs. They need to sure up the defensive line if they want to continue as Superbowl contenders.
Previous pick: Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
29. Kansas City Chiefs - Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia - There’s no doubt that the Kansas City defense was one of the worst in the league. They ranked second to only the Bengals in most passing yards allowed per game. Adding a pro ready talent such as Baker that can start day one will only help. If they can sure up the defense, especially the secondary, they’ll be Superbowl favorites.
Previous pick: Nasir Adderley, S, Delaware
30. Green Bay Packers - Jerry Tillery, DT, Notre Dame - The Packers went edge rusher with its first first round selection in Brian Burns. Now they look to sure up the interior of its defensive line. The Packers were bottom third in rushing yards allowed per game. Their offense is obviously fine with Aaron Rodgers at the helm. They’ll look to improve its defense with their two first round selections.
Previous pick: Dre’Mont Jones, DT, Ohio State
31. Los Angeles Rams - Jachai Polite, OLB, Florida - The Rams are in need of a pass rusher, especially with Dante Fowler hitting the open market. Polite is very talented, but his height and length are less than desirable in my opinion. However, the skills and explosiveness is there.
Previous pick: Jachai Polite, OLB, Florida
32. New England Patriots - Jeffery Simmons, DT, Mississippi State - If there’s an organization to wait on an injured player in the draft, or deal with a troubled past, it’s the Patriots. Simmons is a top 10 talent who tore his ACL in a workout and will miss his rookie year. The Patriots will take him, wait on him, and have another pro bowl talent on the defensive line, picking at 32.
Previous pick: Noah Fant, TE, Iowa
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