Sunday, February 10, 2019

2019 NFL Mock Draft - Post Super Bowl




Here is my Post Super Bowl 2019 NFL Mock Draft.

This is not a mock draft where I substitute my judgment for that of the teams. I try to research the opinions of those who most closely follow NFL teams like scouts, insiders, and beat writers from all of the NFL cities. I then try to make the most educated prediction as to which way each team will go in the draft based upon that information.

I start out by targeting each team's most obvious need, and then try to hone in on the most logical pick based upon value and need as roster cuts and free agency transpires.

My mock draft has been linked by DC Pro Sports ReportWalter Football, The Huddle Report, and EDS Football, in their Mock Draft Databases, so click their links to check out all of their draft related content!

1st Round

1. Arizona Cardinals - Nick Bosa, Edge, Ohio State:

Nick Bosa is the most complete defensive end prospect in this year's draft. Not only is he one of the best pass rushers at his position, but he also has the size to set the edge and be an asset against the run. The only question that remains is if he is a team player after seemingly quitting on his teammates at Ohio State last season in the middle of a National Championship hunt. 

2. San Francisco 49'ers - Josh Allen, Edge, Kentucky:

With a lightning quick first step, Josh Allen is probably the most explosive pass rusher to enter the NFL since Von Miller. He'd be a no brainer for a 49'ers team that needs speed and a playmaker off the edge. 

3. New York Jets - Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama: 

An edge rusher may be the bigger need, but Quinnen Williams of Alabama would represent the better value if both Nick Bosa and Josh Allen are off the board when the Jets pick at No. 3. 

4. Las Vegas Raiders - Clelin Ferrell, Edge, Clemson: 

The Raiders need an elite defensive end to add some juice to their pass rush after trading away Khalil Mack. Clelin Ferrell of Clemson not only projects to be a plus player as a pass rusher and against the run, but he's the type of teammate and leader that you can build around. 

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Greedy Williams, CB, LSU: 

Even if the Buccaneers end up changing defensive schemes, their biggest need will still be at cornerback. Greedy Williams of LSU has the length and playmaking ability to shut down opposing "X" receivers to be the anchor of a secondary that Tampa Bay needs. 

6. New York Giants - Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State: 


After passing on a quarterback with the No. 2 pick in last year's draft, the Giants cannot afford to have Eli Manning come back as their only option at that position for yet another season. Dwayne Haskins is raw in terms of his experience as starter at Ohio State, but is probably the best pure pocket passer coming out of college this year. 

7. Philadelphia Eagles (projected trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars) – Jeffery Simmons, DT, Mississippi State:

I look for the Jaguars to land Nick Foles either via a trade or as a free agent. If the Eagles are able to pull off franchise tag and trade of Foles, they could use the Jag's first round pick to obtain an elite interior defensive lineman like Jeffery Simmons of Mississippi State. 

8. Detroit Lions - Montez Sweat, Edge, Mississippi State:

The Lions need playmakers at edge rusher and cornerback. If Greedy Williams and the elite pass rushers are all gone when the Lions pick at No. 8,  they will either need to trade back or hope that Montez Sweat's performance at the Senior Bowl showed that he can succeed as a hybrid 3-4/4-3 edge rusher in Matt Patricia's defense. 

9. Buffalo Bills - Jonah Williams, T, Alabama:

The Bills have needs at nearly every position group. With a young franchise quarterback in Josh Allen, they need to start by addressing their offensive line, and Jonah Williams of Alabama is as strong and technically sound as they come. 

10. Denver Broncos Drew Lock, QB, Missouri:

The Denver Broncos need a quarterback. John Elway's goodwill as the GM in Denver seems to be running out, and he seems enamored with Drew Lock. You do the math. 

11. Cincinnati Bengals – Devin White, LB, LSU: 

While almost anyone would be an upgrade over Vontaze Burfict, Devin White is simply a sideline to sideline linebacker who makes big plays. By selecting White, the Bengals could turn a position of weakness into a strength.

12. Green Bay Packers – Jachai Polite, Edge, Florida:

The Packers have a major need for an edge rusher. Jachai Polite doesn't have the size to play defensive end in a 4-3 system, but he should fit in nicely as an outside linebacker in Green Bay's 3-4 heavy scheme. 

13. Miami Dolphins - Ed Oliver, DT, Houston:

If the Dolphins don't put themselves in position to draft a franchise quarterback, their need for help on the defensive line should align well with the strength of this draft class. Ed Oliver of Houston at one point looked like a possibility to be the No. 1 overall pick, but could fall due to concerns about his coachability and being a team player. 

14. Atlanta Falcons - Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson:

Even if the Falcons re-sign Grady Jarrett, they'll still have a huge hole next to him on the interior of their defensive line. Christian Wilkins of Clemson can play both the run and the pass, and has the character and leadership that teams look to build around. 

15. Washington Redskins
– Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma:

With Alex Smith's gruesome leg injury potentially triggering a potentially catastrophic salary cap hit if he were to be released, Washington is likely out of the market for any of the high profile veteran signal callers. If Kyler Murray of Oklahoma commits to football over baseball and shows scouts that he's closer to 5'10 than 5'8, his arm and athleticism could put him in the mix as a player for the Redskins to rebuild around. 

16. Carolina Panthers - Rashan Gary, DT/DE, Michigan:

While Rashan Gary was once the top high recruit in America, he never played at a particularly high level at Michigan. However, he still possesses the size and athleticism that would make him an intriguing replacement for Julius Peppers if the Panthers' coaching staff believes they can properly coach him up. 

17. Cleveland Browns – Dre'Mont Jones, DT, Ohio State:

Dre'Mont Jones of Ohio State was one of the most disruptive interior rushers in college football last season, and would be an ideal compliment playing next to Larry Ogunjobi. 

18. Minnesota Vikings – Dalton Risner, T/G, Kansas State: 

Minnesota's front office has said that they want to add an element of "attitude" to their team this offseason. Not only do they have needs along their offensive line, but Dalton Risner of Kansas State plays with the type of mean streak that the Vikings seem to be looking for. 

19. Tennessee Titans – Brian Burns, Edge, Florida State: 

With Brian Orakpo retiring, the Titans need another pass rusher to play the edge opposite Harold Landry. Brian Burns is a bit undersized, but should appeal to teams running a 3-4 system. 

20. Pittsburgh Steelers – Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia:  

Pittsburgh will likely be choosing between the best player available who can fill one of their immediate needs at cornerback or inside linebacker. If a top cover corner like Deandre Baker of Georgia is still on the board when the Steelers pick, he'd represent a better value than any of the  available interior linebackers, which can typically be found later in the draft. 

21. Seattle Seahawks - Zach Allen, DE, Boston College:

The Seahawks are looking for help at defensive end. Zach Allen of Boston College could set the edge against the run while providing some pass rush with his non-stop motor, he should be able to slide inside on passing downs. 

22. Baltimore Ravens - A.J. Brown, WR, Mississippi:

The Ravens need to build around Lamar Jackson, and aside from some talented young tight ends, he has no legitimate go to receivers or threats to stretch the field. A.J. Brown of Mississippi has the size and speed to do both. 

23. Houston Texans - Greg Little, T, Mississippi:

Left tackle has been an issue for the Texans since they traded Duane Brown to Seattle. Greg Little of Mississippi should immediately upgrade their line when it comes to both pass protection and run blocking. 

24. Las Vegas Raiders (from Chicago)
- Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma:

The Raiders need to add at least one starting receiver this off season. While Marquise Brown of Oklahoma may not be a true No. 1 or an "X", many teams are projecting him to be an explosive playmaker similar to Tyrique Hill in Kansas City. 

25. Philadelphia Eagles - Jaylon Ferguson, DE, La. Tech: 

If the Eagles can swing a trade for Nick Foles and use the pick they acquire for an interior defensive lineman, defensive end and corner will be their next highest priorities. Jaylon Ferguson of Louisiana Tech is a bit raw, but as the all time NCAA sack leader, he certainly has playmaker potential coming off the edge. 

26. Indianapolis Colts - N'Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State:

The Colts need to give Andrew Luck another weapon to throw to. N'Keal Harry of Arizona State is a big pass catcher who could compliment T.Y. Hilton with his ability to run inside routes and out muscle smaller defensive backs on 50/50 balls. 

27. Las Vegas Raiders (from Dallas) - Deionte Thompson, S, Alabama:

Even with two earlier picks in the first round, the Raiders will still have significant needs on both sides of the ball when they pick at No. 27. Deionte Thompson of Alabama would help solidify a secondary in need of speed and playmakers in what is a relatively weak draft class at his position. 

28. Los Angeles Chargers - Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson:

While the Chargers have a strong defensive front, they will need to find a replacement for defensive tackle Brandon Mebane sooner than later. Dexter Lawrence is a massive run stopper in the middle, but also is agile enough to disrupt the backfield on occasion. 

29. Kansas City Chiefs -
Byron Murphy, CB, Washington:

The Chiefs have needs across the board on defense. An elite cover corner like Byron Murphy of Washington would be a key piece in helping Kansas City's defense slow down opposing offenses, which would take some pressure off of quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

30. Green Bay Packers (from New Orleans) - Jawaan Taylor, T, Florida:

It's time for Green Bay to move on from Brian Bulaga at right tackle, both for salary cap and injury reasons. Jawaan Taylor of Florida not only has the size and power to move people as a run blocker, but also the length and agility to be effective in pass protection. 

31. Los Angeles Rams- Andre Dillard, T, Washington State:

The Rams may be looking for a new left tackle if Andrew Whitworth retires. Andre Dillard of Washington State may need some work as a run blocker, but he's the best pure pass protector at tackle in this draft class. 

32. New England Patriots - Daniel Jones, QB, Duke
:

No matter how many sketchy trainers Tom Brady meets up with, Father Time will eventually win. Daniel Jones of Duke has the size to succeed in the NFL, but more importantly, he has the cerebral game that will play well going forward if he can sit and learn to pro game under Brady for a season or two.