It’s 2019 NFL mock draft update time! It’s our second update since the NFL Draft night invitees list was announced. It’s all starting to fit into place now with the Scouting Combine, free agency, pro days all behind us. We made a few more more changes this week, and the big night in Nashville will soon be upon us.
In order to get ready for this big night you can Click Here For Best LaMelo Ball Cards by GCA. Have issues with the picks? Of course you do. Many often bones to pick, so have at it in the comments section.
The draft can be both nerve racking and exciting. It can totally change the direction of your favorite team and your favorite players life can change depending where the NFL picks him to go in the draft
In regards to comments, just try to keep it classy and professional, please. Take a moment to think about where you are in life when you’re actually personally insulting the author of a NFL mock draft.
1. Arizona, Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma
Be bold ARZ! In the words of retro R&B group Shalamar: “make that move, you got to make that move.” Murray didn’t do much at the combine except get measured, and answer a few boring questions with yearbook style answers, but the simple recording of his height was apparently enough to be deemed one of the most important things on Twitter for most of the day.
There was a lot of talk on Monday that this might not happen, and that the likelihood of this was decreasing. Maybe it’s true- maybe they are not ready to give up on Josh Rosen yet. Or maybe it’s typical of all the crapola fake news and b.s. that’s get planted in the media this time of year. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.
2. San Francisco, Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State
Bosa is elite all around just like his brother (Joey, picked 3rd overall by the Chargers in 2016) and he might end up being even better someday given his elite skill set. In the 2010s, Ohio State has become a true destination for NFL caliber DLs, and quite a few now have gone on to become very high draft picks recently.
“He’s a force,” said Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Luke Timian.
“He’s a technician at what he does,” added teammate Dre’Mont Jones.
Bosa made the right call to leave school early to work on his injury rehabilitation/combine preparations. There is no question about that. Anyone who thinks otherwise, is a socially regressive meathead. In the future we should expect more players to follow suit. For more on the four OSU players who might be first round draft picks, go to this link
3. New York Jets, Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama
“Q probably has made as much progress as any player in our program because of his work ethic and the things that he’s done to try to improve himself,” said Saban of this year’s Outland Trophy winner (nation’s best interior lineman).
“He was an undersized guy that worked hard to get bigger and stronger. Always was a good athlete and had good quickness.”
4. Oakland, Josh Allen, LB/DE, Kentucky
Ted Hendricks Award finalist shooting up the draft boards right now. Good fit for any team and great way to address a team need, whatever it may be because Allen is so versatile.
He can play just about anywhere in the front seven, as he possess the abilities to both rush the passer off the edge and drop back into pass coverage.
5. Tampa Bay, Devin White, LB, LSU
White is a terrific run stopper with excellent range, who can also potentially cover the flats on passing downs. He’s got the versatility and the measurables, and that’s why he seems to be jumping up the boards lately. He’s also a good scheme fit for what the Bucs want to do.
6. New York Giants, Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State
“What jumps out is his poise, his accuracy and his understanding of the offense,” Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald said of Haskins as the Big Ten title game approached. “He does a phenomenal job of taking what the defense gives him. If I had a Heisman Trophy ballot, I would vote for him. I’ve already voted him the Big Ten (Offensive) Player of the Year. He is a phenomenal, phenomenal football player. He uses all of his weapons.”
Haskins entered championship week fifth nationally in pass efficiency rating, third in yards per game and first in touchdown passes with 42, versus just seven interceptions. He also broke the Big Ten season records for passing yards and TDs. Both records had belonged to former Purdue QBs.
The aforementioned 42 TDs surpassed Drew Brees’ 39, accomplished in 1998, and his 4,081 yards passing eclipsed Curtis Painter’s 3,985, set in 2006. For more on the four OSU players who might be first round draft picks, go to this link
7. Jacksonville, Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama
Looking at what Bama has done this season, then focusing on Williams in particular, his NFL draft stock is really soaring right now.
“Jonah has started every game I think since he’s been there with us, and he’s a bright guy and really pays attention to detail,” said Saban at the playoff press conference, “and it shows in his play because he’s a very, very consistent performer.”
8. Detroit, Rashan Gary, DE/DT, Michigan
Even with the addition of Trey Flowers from New England, they still need to improve the DL/pass rush. One of the most blue chip recruits Harbaugh landed, we all knew Gary had pro potential since high school, given his off-the-charts athleticism, measurables, essentially the whole package.
Ahead of league media day, the Big Ten released its preseason honorees — five players representing each division, and Gary was Michigan’s only honoree. The junior was first-team All-Big Ten by the coaches last season as a sophomore.
He had 66 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and six sacks in 2017. Go here for more on Gary.
9. Buffalo, D.K. Metcalf, WR, Mississippi
Some had given Metcalf a second round grade heading into the combine, but no one did better in Indy than this guy, now he’s a top 10 lock, and the first WR off the boards.
It would certainly be something remarkable to see Ole Miss land two WRs in the first round.
10. Denver, Andraez (Greedy) Williams, CB, LSU
With the Broncos going “elite” in the veteran market to get a QB, we no longer mock a QB to them (but we do mock their decision making in regards to who they went out and got to play quarterback). Now we mock a value pick.
At 6-foot-2, 182 pounds Williams has the length which is ideal for the NFL. He’s also got speed for days. Since 2007, LSU is tops in the nation in defensive backs draft. 18 DBs have been selected out of Baton Rouge, six in the first round with Williams poised to add to this legacy. Indeed Louisiana State is DBU right now.
11. Cincinnati, Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson
Obviously, this is not the Bengals first priority of position need, but given how their once mighty defense is now a laughing stock, Cincy should go best defensive player available. DL in general is a weakness for Cincinnati, and Ferrell will immediately improve the entire position group.
He had another spectacular season with 17 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks. He has a versatile skill set that makes him a potentially every down player at the next level. Probably could have left school last year, but definitely drove up the price of his stock by playing another year of Clemson football.
“Defensively, I think you obviously start with the defensive front. You probably have three guys there that could be top 50, top 60 players in all of college football,” said Kelly.
For more on the four Clemson players who might be first round draft picks, go to this link.
12. Green Bay, Montez Sweat, DE, Mississippi State
Major major combine winner, shooting his stock up, but it was revealed afterward that he has a heart condition. As it was not a condition serious enough to prevent him from playing and/or participating in the combine, it remains to be seen how much this could affect his draft stock; if at all.
It’s a flag to be sure, but not a true “red flag” at this point.
13. Miami, Daniel Jones, QB, Duke
Oh Tannehill, oh Tannehill, you have worn out your welcome. Ryan Fitzpatrick is not the answer either. Unless the question is “who will be a stop gap solution until the Phins find a quarterback of the future?”
With Jones, his size, measurables and overall potential will more than compensate for his drawbacks. “I see a big strong guy, good quarterback,” said Northwestern DL Jordan Thompson of Jones, ahead of their matchup in September.
Added Wildcats linebacker Blake Gallagher: “He’s a big physical guy, and he’s not afraid to take a hit, he doesn’t really slide, not afraid to take a hit.”
14. Atlanta, Ed Oliver, DT, Houston
With a penchant for getting into opposing backfields, Oliver is an intriguing prospect, despite the lackluster combine. Some believe his stock peaked in the preseason; others are buying the idea that he could go #3 or #4 overall. It’s a very, very deep class on the DL and that is certainly illustrated by the fact that Oliver is definitely a wild card; tough to make a call on.
He’s extremely talented and promising, and a sure fire first rounder…but where? Is the Jets and Raiders talk for real, or a smokescreen?
15. Washington, Drew Lock, QB, Mizzou
Skins QB is like the cabinet positions in the White House, they just can’t get the quality, competent people to come to Washington and take the job. And when they do, they just don’t last.
16. Carolina, Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida
A good value pick at this point, but he also fills the team’s top need.
17. New York Giants via Cleveland, Brian Burns, DE/OLB, Florida State
There are, or maybe now were, a ton of concerns about Burns’ size (or lack there of), but he added more than 20 pounds to his frame and came into the combine at 249. He does a lot with it too, as he scored the second fastest 40 yard dash among DLs in Indianapolis.
And you cannot argue with his production, when you take a look at how he’s worked his way up the FSU sack charts. Brian Burns began the year listed at 235, and in order to become a true tour de force at the next level, he needs to be in the 250s-260s range by the time he begins his career next fall.
For more on Burns, go to this link
18. Minnesota, Andre Dillard, OL, Washington State
If I’m the Minnesota Vikings, I go best OL available this draft. Dillard is a guy we’ve seen mocked all over the place- Miami, Carolina, New Orleans and more. The 6-5 blue chip prospect is seeing his stock increase right now.
19. Tennessee, Noah Fant, TE, Iowa
Had a very nice combine all around, leading all the tight ends in the 40 yard dash (4.5), vertical jump (39 1/2), three-cone drill (6.89) and broad jump (10-7). Titans can pair him with their new QB they just got from Miami.
20. Pittsburgh, DeAndre Baker, CB, Georgia
Will likely fight it out with Williams to be the first corner off the boards.
Wild Card Round Losers
21. Seattle, Christian Wilkins, DE, Clemson
Wilkins was perhaps ready to jump in 2018, but since he stayed in school longer, his stock may be higher when he enters the process this spring. His ability to play any position on the DL makes his stock high. He’s crazy athletic and wicked fast too. At 6’4″, 315 he’s actually lined up at running back for Clemson; not fullback but tailback.
His rushing TD at Florida State this season complements the receiving TD he had in 2016.
He’s a prospect that knows how to split through gaps and create pressure on opposing back fields. Wilkins also won the academic Heisman this year, so expect him to ace the interviewing portion of the combine.
For more on the four Clemson players who might be first round draft picks, go to this link.
22. Baltimore, Parris Campbell, WR, Ohio State
Ravens needed a WR, and now even more so with John Brown moving on to Buffalo. No doubt scrimmaging against a blue chipper like Denzel Ward everyday in practice last year helped prep this guy for the next level. Campbell has (insert every cliche about speed possible here.)
You’ll see him crush it at the combine, and then become an instant contributor in two phases, offense and special teams.
“One of the fastest people I have ever seen run, that’s what makes him elite,” said Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Luke Timian.
For more on the four OSU players who might be first round draft picks, go to this link
23. Houston, T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa
Two tight ends from Iowa going in the first round?????
Two tight ends from Iowa going in the first round!!!!!
24. Oakland via Chicago, Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama
Raiders have needs aplenty, WR being among the most critical, but they already addressed that in free agency. We see them going out and grabbing a running back here, and one who visited the team that Oakland acquired this pick from.
25. Philadelphia, A.J. Brown, WR, Ole Miss
Good hybrid of value and need for this slot, as the Eagles let Golden Tate go to the New York Giants. We should be pretty shocked if Brown fell out of the first round.
26. Indianapolis, Jerry Tillery, DT, Notre Dame
Former Notre Dame and current Pittsburgh Steelers DT Stephon Tuitt has been a common player comparison for Jerry Tillery, whose size and length has scouts very interested. Tillery played the final eight games of the season, and participated in the NFL Scouting combine despite a torn labrum in his shoulder.
After the combine, he had surgery to repair
When asked if the labrum tear, and subsequent surgery, is impacting how teams are evaluating him, he responded: “it’s not an issue.”
Go here for more on Tillery, his draft stock and the injury recovery.
27. Oakland via Dallas, Julian Love, CB, Notre Dame
For the Raiders, just one Pro Bowl player remains from their 2016 breakout season, quarterback Derek Carr. They are in full fire sale, blow it all up mode, and their team needs will be everything come April. Love has about as great a mentor as a college football player could hope for in ND defensive backs coach Todd Lyght, the fifth pick overall in the 1991 NFL Draft.
Lyght had three All-Pro seasons in the NFL and won a Super Bowl with the Rams in 1999.
“His mindset in terms of winning at the highest level is always from that, and he brings it to the table every single day,” Love said of Lyght.
“I know how he ticks and he knows how I tick, and I think that’s a special thing for sure. He’s helped me so much.”
What holds Love back from being the first corner selected next month in the NFL draft isn’t anything you can see on film, it’s his measurables. He ran a 4.54-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis earlier this month, but posted a 4.45 yesterday at Notre Dame Pro Day.
It’s just .09 of a second, but it can make a world of difference for a NFL corner.
Love is now solidly considered to be the third corner coming off the boards (although Washington’s Byron Murphy will be in the mix as well) next month behind LSU’s Greedy Williams and Georgia’s DeAndre Baker.
The Jim Thorpe award finalist was, many would argue, the best cover corner in college football this past season.
https://twitter.com/PaulMBanks/status/1108390684392910849
You can see that in just how much the trajectory of the Cotton Bowl semifinal against Clemson changed when he left the game due to injury.
Said Julian Love at Notre Dame Pro Day: “Just being a football player is what I am, I’m not a real big tester.” Go here for more on Love, his draft stock and much more.
28. L.A. Chargers, Zach Allen, DE, Boston College
LAC (that still looks like L.A. Clippers to me every time I see it, but ok, eventually I’ll probably get used to it) need to improve in the interior front.
29. Kansas City, Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
So much has been written about Lawrence, good and bad, so you know all about him. In case you don’t go to this link.
30. Green Bay via New Orleans, Cody Ford, T/G, Oklahoma
Good chance here for the Pack to beef up the line. The 6-4, 310 Louisiana native is well balanced with quick feet.
31. L.A. Rams, Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma
Not the biggest need for L.A. but we’re going best player available in this slot. “Hollywood” Brown is the cousin of Oakland Raiders wide receiver Antonio Brown, and an absolute burner with great hands.
Another option to consider at WR is Notre Dame’s Miles Boykin, who’s had a great draft process and testing period, and thus worked his way up to a day two prospect, should L.A. decide they want to wait a round to pick a receiver.
32. New England, Byron Murphy, CB, Washington
The Scottsdale, Arizona native has a player comparison of Brent Grimes, and he’s well regarded for his high football IQ and great instincts, which makes up for his somewhat under-developed profile and less than optimal experience level (he’s only played in 20 games).
This 2018 NFL mock draft is listed on several mock draft databases including Walter Football, DC Pro Sports Report, Mockout and Eat, Drink, Sleep Football.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, regularly appears as a guest pundit on WGN CLTV and co-hosts the “Let’s Get Weird, Sports” podcast on SB Nation.
He also contributes sociopolitical essays to Chicago Now. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram. The content of his cat’s Instagram account is unquestionably superior to his.