Joe Smeltzer's 2019 Mock Draft
1. Arizona— Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma
Regardless of whether he’s the best player
in the draft, it’s looking like Murray is the number one pick. Arizona wants
him, and nothing can stop the Cards from taking him.
2. San Fran— Nick Bosa, DE Ohio State
Aside from Murray, the top guy taken off
the board is likely to be a defensive lineman. As good as Alabama defensive
tackle Quinnen Williams is, edge rusher is a more valuable position, and Bosa
is the most celebrated one in the country. So for me, it’s between him and Josh
Allen at number two, and of those guys, Bosa is the “safe” pick.
3. New York Jets— Quinnen Williams, DT Alabama
As alluded to above, Williams is a beast. He
was quite possibly the most dominant player in college football on either side,
and he’d fill massive need for the Jets.
4. Oakland Raiders— Josh Allen, DE Kentucky
One could make an argument for the
less-celebrated, three-star recruit being taken over Joey Bosa’s brother. Since
the younger Bosa is thought of the be the safer pick, we’ll slide Allen to
four. John Gruden has been clamoring for a pass rusher since trading Kahlil Mack,
and Allen would be a good one.
5. Miami Dolphins (From Tampa Bay Buccaneers)—
Dwayne Haskins, QB Ohio State
My only trade in the first round. Since
there’s a high chance of the Giants taking Haskins, it’s realistic for Miami to
take away that opportunity by trading up.
6. New York Giants— Ed Oliver, DT Houston
With another pick coming later in the first
round, the Giants draft is still in good shape without Haskins. Oliver’s junior
year didn’t go as planned, as injuries and a poor attitude marred his season.
Nonetheless, he’s a top five talent, and if he falls to six, New York will be
happy to take him.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars— Jawann Taylor, T Florida
Described as a “grizzly bear” by SB Nation,
Taylor is the highest rated line prospect in the draft. With the Nick Foles
signing eliminating an immediate need for quarterback, the Jags should shift
their focus to protecting their $45 million dollar man.
8. Detroit Lions— Devin White, LB LSU
White is a top 10 talent, the Lions need
help on defense, so here you go.
9. Buffalo Bills— Andre Dillard, OT Washington
State
Mike Leach is known for his ability to recruit
skill players, but he has a pretty good lineman in Dillard as well. As a 310
pounder who is swift with reach and a lot of upside, it would make sense for
Buffalo to take Dillard to protect young John Allen.
10. Denver Broncos— Devin Bush, LB Michigan
My gut man. Going by my gut. Denver is all
about defense, and Bush is the best linebacker available for them at 10.
11. Cincinnati Bengals— Rashan Gary, DE
Michigan
Another edge rusher. In a lot of years,
Gary would go in the top five, but because of Allen and Bosa, and with Devin
Bush off the board, Cincy has a shot to get Bush’s teammate, Rashan Gary. While
Gary’s recent injury could be a setback, I still think he’s well regarded
enough to be drafted high.
12. Green Bay Packers— T.J. Hockenson, TE Iowa
Jimmy Graham hasn’t quite gone according to
plan, and isn’t getting any younger. Aaron Rodgers could use a big target, and the
6’5 Hockenson fits the mold.
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers— Montez Sweat, OLB
Miss State
After trading out of the top five, the Bucs
can still make out well. Sweat had a great combine and is part of an excellent
Bulldogs defense. He’s listed as a linebacker, but can dominate off the edge.
In many years, he’d be a top five or at least a top 10 talent. Luckily for
Tampa, he may be going 13.
14. Atlanta Falcons— Christian Wilkins, DT
Clemson
Clemson’s defensive line is pretty darn
good. It’s possible that Clelin Ferrell will be the first to go, but in any
case, Wilkins won’t be far behind if isn’t taken before his teammate. For me,
Wilkins will be the first to fall because he plays in the middle, not on the
edge. The Falcons need a presence at defensive tackle.
15. Washington
Redskins— Daniel Jones, QB Duke
It’s possible for the ‘Skins to trade up,
but I don’t see it happening. There won’t be a QB taken between Murray and
Haskins before pick #15, so Washington has no reason not to draft Jones or Drew
Locke.
16. Carolina Panthers— Clelin Ferril, DE
Clemson
See two spots above. You can’t go wrong
with any of Clemson’s three stud D-Lineman.
17. New York Giants— Drew Lock, QB Missouri
With Haskins out of the picture, the Giants
still have a chance to grab a good quarterback in Lock. This man is experienced
and has put up big numbers in the mighty SEC. He’s also more mobile than
Haskins, so New York can still make out well if Haskins ends up going in the
top five.
18. Minnesota Vikings— Garrett Bradbury, C NC
State
No other center will be taken in the first
round. Minnesota needs to build its line, and there isn’t a better place to do
this than at center.
19. Tennessee Titans— Cody Ford, G Oklahoma
The best player on the best offensive line
in the country is a fit for Tennessee at #19.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers— Rock Ya-Sin
I don’t know man. I don’t see the Steelers
trading up, and apparently they are high on this guy. We’ll see.
21. Seattle Seahawks— Noah Fant, TE Iowa
Hockensen’s Iowa teammate is pretty good in
his own right. It’s time the Seahawks build around Russell Wilson, and they can
do that by giving him a tight end target.
22. Baltimore Ravens— Marquise Brown, WR
Oklahoma
“Hollywood” is going to the biggest rival
of the team that ridded itself of his toxic kin. Poetic.
23. Houston Texans— Greedy Williams, CB LSU
Every year, somebody falls further than we
expect them to. Williams is that guy this year. He’s the best corner in the
draft and one of the best overall talents, but my gut tells me this man is
slipping. If he does, the Texans know Jonathan Joseph isn’t getting any
younger, and they’ll grab Greedy with a bargain pick.
24. Oakland Raiders— DeAndre Baker, CB Georgia
Just like Williams, Baker could fall. Teams
don’t need corners as much as lineman, and because of that, the two best ones
in this draft will go towards the bottom end of the first.
25. Philadelphia Eagles— Josh Jacobs, RB
Alabama
The only first-round caliber running back. Philadelphia
has Jordan Howard, but can still use some depth in the backfield.
26. Indianapolis Colts— DK Metcalf, WR Ole Miss
This is probably a little lower than most
see “the physical specimen” going. Like defensive backs, teams don’t need
receivers as much as they have in previous year. Indy is built around offense
with a franchise quarterback. With Metcalf as a compliment to TY Hilton, big
things are possible.
The
best of the rest.
27. Oakland
Raiders— Byron Murphy, CB Washington
28. San
Diego Chargers— Jeffery Simmons, DL Miss State
29. Seattle
Seahawks— Chauncey Gardner— Johnson, CB Florida
30. Green
Bay Packers— Dalton Risner, OL Kansas State
31. LA
Rams— Dexter Lawrence, DT Clemson
32. New
England— A.J. Brown, WR Ole Miss
Donny Chedrick's 2019 NFL
Mock Draft
1.
Arizona (3-13) – Kyler Murray, QB (Oklahoma)
High-risk,
potentially high-reward by chasing the 2018 Heisman Trophy winner with the
number one pick. I think Kliff Kingsbury wants the QB of his choosing. Keep
your eye on Josh Rosen.
2.
San Francisco (4-12) – Nick Bosa, DE (Ohio State)
People
question his dedication to football because he left college before the season
was halfway over, but Bosa made that decision to get ready for this night. It’s
hard to say anyone is “can’t miss,” but if Nick is anything like his older
brother, San Fran will be happy.
3.
New York Jets (4-12) – Josh Allen, DE (Kentucky)
He’s
expected to be selected higher than the QB of the same name was a year ago. The
Jets could go for Quinnen Williams here, but the need for an edge guy is more
pressing.
4.
Oakland (4-12) – Devin White, LB (LSU)
This
could be considered a surprise, but Mike Mayock was arguably the best draft
analyst before he took the GM job in Oakland. He has a plan. While Jon Gruden
will likely love to hit on 2/3 defensive players in the first round and with a
DL heavy draft, that guy could be taken at 24, 27 or early second round.
5.
**Miami (7-9) from TB – Dwayne Haskins, QB (Ohio State)
Projecting
a trade here because like we’ve seen in the draft for the last handful of years
– if a team is going to take a QB, it tends to trade up instead of hoping he
falls into their lap. Miami needs a guy in the pocket that could potentially
play right away, and Haskins is that guy.
6.
New York (N) (5-11) – Quinnen Williams, DT (Alabama)
If Williams
falls to this point, I wouldn’t expect the Giants to pass up the opportunity to
get arguably the best pure DT in the draft. The need for a QB is looming, but NYG
will have another chance to fill that need a little later in the opening round.
7.
Jacksonville (5-11) – Jawaan Taylor, OT (Florida)
The
Jaguars picked up a shiny, new QB in free agency (Nick Foles) and could help his
cause by giving him a shiny, new offensive linemen. That is what I think
Jacksonville can do at #7 – take advantage of getting your pick of the litter
and take Jawaan Taylor.
8.
Detroit (6-10) – Ed Oliver, DT (Houston)
Oliver
has been all over the place in terms of where he could end up. Draft boards
have projected hum between #3 and #15, in some cases even further down. Oliver
provides versatility on the defensive line to move about from a 3-technique to
a 5-technique when necessary.
9.
**Washington (7-9) from Buf. – Drew Lock, QB (Missouri)
Once
the Lions land Oliver, the Bills could be taking calls for the number nine
pick, and it would likely be from a team interested in a QB. One of those teams
is Washington, who grabbed Case Keenum this off-season, but lacks a stable
backup. Lock would would provide that.
10. Denver (6-10) – Montez
Sweat, Edge (Mississippi State)
The
man that could benefit from the news of a Rashan Gary shoulder injury. If
Denver is worried about said injury, the explosive Montez Sweat could receive a
phone call. He can sit behind Von Miller and Bradley Chubb, but also step into
the lineup at defensive end spots if called upon.
11. Cincinnati (6-10)
– Devin Bush, LB (Michigan)
Bush has climbed up draft boards since the
combine after putting together a stellar weekend in Indianapolis. The Bengals
fired Marvin Lewis and got rid of defensive distraction Vontaze Burfict. Here’s
a possible opening day replacement. The only thing against this is Zac Taylor
having an offensive mind.
12. Green Bay (6-9-1)
– DK Metcalf, WR (Ole Miss)
Metcalf
could and should be the first WR taken in the draft. A lack of games at the
collegiate level, but a freak athlete and an even more freakish frame. He also
has a dream of opening a restaurant centered around cheese – that’s almost too
good to be true.
13. **Tampa Bay (5-11)
from Mia. – Rashan Gary, DE (Michigan)
News
broke this week that Gary is dealing with a somewhat significant shoulder
injury, which could be a reason why he isn’t a top ten selection. If he isn’t,
based on my mock trade, Tampa Bay could still score a pass rusher at #13.
14. Atlanta (7-9) – Jonah
Williams, G (Alabama)
The
Falcons like to get flashy in the draft and take a WR or a big-name pass
rusher, but they need to build some stability on the offensive line. Williams
is someone who can be plugged in at guard or tackle. Versatility is valuable.
15. **Buffalo (6-10)
from Was. – TJ Hockenson, TE (Iowa)
The
Bills signed free agent TE Tyler Croft in the off-season, but if either TE from
Iowa is available when it comes to their pick (based on my mock trade with
Washington), that guy’s name could be called. The top one is Hockenson.
16. Carolina (7-9) – Andre
Dillard, OT (Washington State)
The
offensive line has been a target for Carolina in the last few years, but its
spent it on just one pick in the last three draft classes (Taylor Moton, Rd. 2,
2017). The Panthers need to help Cam Newton stay healthy after injuries ended
his 2018 early and keep their multi-talented RB Christian McCaffrey on the
field.
17. New York (N) (5-11)
from Cle. – Daniel Jones, QB (Duke)
Here
it is. The answer to some prayers. The heir to the Eli Manning throne. If a QB
isn’t selected at sixth overall, the pick at 17 must help the future of the
franchise.
18. Minnesota (8-7-1)
– Christian Wilkins, DT (Clemson)
The
first of a few Clemson DLs taken in the opening round starts with Wilkins in
the middle. This man can help the Vikings replace the loss of Sheldon
Richardson and make an immediate impact.
19. Tennessee (9-7) – Noah
Fant, TE (Iowa)
Delanie
Walker is aging and coming off a gruesome ankle injury at the beginning of last
season. The Titans can lock up the second-rated TE on the board by taking Fant to be part of their future.
20. Pittsburgh (9-6-1)
– Byron Murphy, CB (Washington)
Cornerback
hasn’t been the strongest position for Pittsburgh in the past, missing most
recently on 2016 first round pick, Artie Burns. This time the Steelers could
have their pick of a handful of first round talents at corner. From the outside
looking in, it seems like Murphy is their favorite, but we’ll see tonight.
21. *Seattle (10-6) – Brian
Burns, Edge (Washington State)
After
trading Frank Clark on Tuesday afternoon, the Seahawks acquired another late
first round pick and also opened the ability to quickly replace their former
defensive end.
22. ***Philadelphia
(9-7) from Bal. – Josh Jacobs, RB (Alabama)
The
Eagles traded for Jordan Howard in the off-season, but he has just one season
remaining on his contract. Other runners have had various injury concerns for
Philly, so taking the top runner in the draft in this projected trade would
make sense for the Super Bowl 52 champs.
23. *Houston (11-5) – Cody
Ford, G (Oklahoma)
Deshaun
Watson was sacked more than any other QB in the NFL last year. The offensive
line needs help, and Ford can do that right away.
24. Oakland (4-12)
from Chi. – Clelin Ferrell, DE (Clemson)
Gruden and Mayock continue building their
defense in the first round and help boost a pass rush last year that had the
least amount of sacks in the league. Ferrell is the second Clemson DL to come
off the board and may not be the last in the opening round.
25. ***Baltimore
(10-6) from Phi. – Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, WR (Oklahoma)
Lamar
Jackson struggled with accuracy in year one but made more of an impact that
anyone ever expected. While this pick won’t solve all his issues, Marquise
Brown is arguably the best WR in the draft, albeit he is undersized compared to
guys like DK Metcalf and AJ Brown.
26. *Indianapolis
(10-6) – AJ Brown, WR (Ole Miss)
Losing
Donte Moncrief isn’t a tremendous bump to the Colts roster, but he was a good
complement to a star like TY Hilton. Indy could certainly go in a different
direction in the first round, but the Colts have the chance to check off the WR
need on Thursday night, and I think they take that chance.
27. Oakland (4-12)
from Dal. – Deandre Baker, CB (Georgia)
If you
can’t tell, Oakland needs some work on the defensive side. After making some
offensive splashes this off-season, the Raiders have time with their five
remaining picks to fill those holes, but having a shot at a first round caliber
cornerback after helping out the pass rush with the first two picks wouldn’t
hurt.
28. *Los Angeles
Chargers (12-4) – Kaleb McGary, OT (Washington)
LAC
desperately needs to upgrade the tackle position, which can be quickly filled
by the big OT out of Washington, McGary. 6’7 and long arms will help keep an
aging Phillip Rivers in good health.
29. *Seattle (10-6)
from KC – Greedy Williams, CB (LSU)
I
think there’s a chance Seattle trades out of this spot for an earlier second or
third round pick, but continuing to improve the defense could be the route to
go.
30. ***Dallas (10-6)
from GB from NO – Jonathan Abram, S (Mississippi State)
Jerry
Jones has always been the king of trades in the NFL and he would love to get
his team back into the first round if possible. The Cowboys could also grab a
position of need by drafting the first safety off the board Thursday night.
George Iloka isn’t the long-term answer for Dallas, so Abram could end up
there.
31. *Los Angeles Rams
(13-3) – Dexter Lawrence, DT (Clemson)
The
third and final Clemson DL taken in the opening round of the draft can join the
best defensive player in the league in the form of Aaron Donald. With Ndamukong
Suh still on the open market, DT is a spot of need for the defending NFC champions.
32. *New England
(11-5) – Irv Smith, TE (Alabama)
Gronk
is retired. This could be a risk, but having another athlete on offense for Tom
Brady will never be a bad move.
* - Playoff Team
** - Projected Trade
