Joe and Don take on the draft

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