No trades in this one, which I realize is extremely unrealistic. Maybe next time, friends. Hopefully I picked a position or prospect for your team that you hate. To the picks!
1. Arizona Cardinals
Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State
The Cardinals need just about everything. While their top priority should be to protect Josh Rosen, they can’t pass on the drafts’ top prospect at such a premium position. Pairing Bosa with Chandler Jones could give Arizona one of the best DE tandems in the league.
2. San Francisco 49ers
Josh Allen, Edge, Kentucky
After spending what seems like the last 10 years drafting defensive linemen in the top 10, the 49ers finally get an impact edge defender. The 6’5, 260 pound Allen has put up very impressive numbers over his last 2 seasons at Kentucky and is a nice consolation prize after missing out on Nick Bosa.
3. New York Jets
Quinnen Williams, DL, Alabama
Just like Arizona, the Jets biggest priority should be to protect their young QB. However, Williams is too good of a prospect to pass on at pick 3. The breakout star DT for the Tide is an incredibly powerful interior run defender with an equally impressive ability to rush the passer. Pairing him with Leonard Williams seems unfair.
4. Oakland Raiders
Rashan Gary, DE, Michigan
After trading away the team’s best players on offense and defense for first round draft picks, Gruden has to find their replacements. Gary is a versatile defensive lineman that primarily played the edge for the Wolverines, but has the size (6’4, 281) to play the interior. His lack of numbers at Michigan does not reflect the talent that Gary possesses.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama
The Bucs are sticking with Jameis Winston for better or worse (worse). Bruce Arians likes to air it out on long developing plays and seven step drops. Hence, the pick of the Williams here. His blend of technique, athleticism and power makes him the safest offensive tackle in this class.
6. New York Giants
Byron Murphy, CB, Washington
David Gettleman is stupid. Last year, despite having the #2 overall pick and a continually regressing 37 year old Eli Manning, the Giants took a RB. A fucking RB. In this mock, Gettleman again stupidly sticks with an even older Eli and passes on the draft’s top QB despite him falling into the Giants’ lap. New York does need help at CB though and Murphy is the top safety in this year’s class in my opinion. While his size is not ideal at 6’0 175, Murphy is a sticky and fluid corner with great ball skills that can play both man and zone at a high level.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars
Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State
After hiring John Defilippo as their offensive coordinator, it seems very likely that the Jacksonville Jaguars will make a play for the extremely well-endowed SB MVP Nick Foles. They will still need a QB of the future, however. Haskins is the safest pick at QB this year. He has shown that he can read a defense and throws accurately with anticipation. Learning from a legend will only further his development.
8. Detroit Lions
Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson
The Lions need defensive line help, especially if they lose Ziggy Ansah in the offseason. Clelin Ferrell is a 3-down DE who could start day one for Matt Patricia. Elite technique and hand usage, along with ability to set the edge, make Ferrell an easy choice for Detroit.
9. Buffalo Bills
Jeffery Simmons, DL, Mississippi State
I keep saying that these teams with young QBs and bad offensive lines need to protect their investments, but the defensive line talent in this draft is just too good to pass on. Enter Jeffery Simmons. There will be much vetting of Simmons and the HS incident in which he beat up a girl, but by all accounts he has been a model citizen at Mississippi State. On talent alone, he is likely a top 5 pick even in this extremely talented defensive line class.
10. Denver Broncos
Drew Lock, QB, Missouri
Case Keenum is the interim starter in Denver, but Elway knows he’s not the long term solution and he’s desperate to finally hit on a franchise QB. He’s had a front row seat watching Drew Lock impress at Senior Bowl practices this week. Lock has by far the best arm in this year’s draft and is a pure pocket passer with a little mobility. While he needs to work on his accuracy and consistency, he has all the tools to become a franchise QB.
11. Cincinnati Bengals
Devin White, LB, LSU
The Bengals need a leader in the middle of their defense. If White falls into lap here, it seems like a perfect fit. White has the speed to go sideline to sideline and is a sound tackler.
12. Green Bay Packers
Jachai Polite, Edge, Florida
Clay Mathews isn’t getting any younger and the Packers could use an edge rusher like Polite. He has elite burst and could make life difficult for opposing offensive tackles. I believe he is best suited as an OLB in a 3-4 due to his size, but he has shown an ability to set the edge.
13. Miami Dolphins
Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma
The Tannehill era finally comes to an end in Miami. The Dolphins could certainly use defensive line help and Ed Oliver, who was once thought of as a top 3 pick, is sitting here at 13. But finding a QB of the future takes precedence. Is Murray tall enough or big enough to succeed as an NFL QB? Taking a chance on the explosive Oklahoma QB by only using a single first round pick seems worth the gamble.
14. Atlanta Falcons
Ed Oliver, DL, Houston
The slide for Oliver is over. And pairing him with Grady Jarrett gives Atlanta a stout defensive line. While the comparisons to Aaron Donald are ridiculous, Oliver is a beast against the run and offers upside as a pass rusher.
15. Washington Redskins
Greedy Williams, CB, LSU
The Redskins were in the bottom half of the league in both passing yards and passing TDs allowed in 2018. Josh Norman isn’t getting any younger (or better) and the team traded away promising youngster Kendall Fuller when they acquired Alex Smith from the Chiefs. While the team is high on Fabian Moreau, you can never have too many talented corners and they can’t pass on Williams here. Many consider Greedy to be the best CB in this class. He possesses ideal length and is a fluid athlete. This is would be somewhat of a slide for the talented CB and a nice get for the Redskins.
Note: I think a trade up to steal Drew Lock from the Broncos is possible, but I decided to not do any trades for this particular mock.
16. Carolina Panthers
Cody Ford, OT, Oklahoma
Probably my favorite offensive lineman in this draft, Ford is powerful and extremely athletic for a big man. He can be a starter from day one at tackle or guard. Probably better suited for RT over LT. The Panthers can use help along the entire line and Ford would immediately upgrade whichever position he plays.
17. Cleveland Browns
D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss
Metcalf is just scratching the surface of how good he can be. A rare blend of size and speed, he is a fit for any system and will be a handful for any corner covering him. He’s 6’3 225 pounds, has an explosive release off the line of scrimmage, and has enough speed to stretch the field vertically. Metcalf shows the ability to be a good route runner even though his route tree was somewhat limited at Mississippi. The Browns give Baker Mayfield a huge weapon on the outside to pair with Jarvis Landry.
18. Minnesota Vikings
Yodny Cajuste, OT, West Virginia
It’s no surprise that the Vikings are in desperate need of offensive line help. They could opt to dip into the fantastic defensive line talent of this draft to bolster an aging unit, but realize that Cousins really isn’t that good and he really only thrives off of effective play action. Cajuste is a plug and play LT who displays powerful hands and a high IQ for the position. He will help Minnesota in both the run and pass.
19. Tennessee Titans
Brian Burns, Edge, Florida State
One of the best pure pass rushers falls into Tennessee’s lap at pick 19. And the Titans need someone opposite of Harold Landry to get after the QB. Burns is an explosive defensive end with exceptional bend and a bevy of pass rush moves and counters. He’ll need to put on some weight and show he can play the run, but his pass rush ability is top notch.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers
Devin Bush, LB, Michigan
Too perfect of a fit not to mock Bush to the Steelers here. Pittsburgh’s defense hasn’t been the same since the loss of Ryan Shazier and Bush has the necessary speed to play inside linebacker. While undersized, what sets Bush apart from his peers at the position is his gap-shooting ability. The Steelers like to bring pressure on the QB through the blitz and Bush fits the bill.
21. Seattle Seahawks
Montez Sweat, DE, Mississippi State
The Seahawks could certainly decide to address their mediocre offensive line, but that seems unlikely in round one. Montez Sweat is a polished defensive end with long arms to stack blockers. He has impressed in Senior Bowl practices so far. He also measured in at 6’6, 252 with 35 5/8” arms. He is limited athletically, but his quick release and use of hands makes him a promising NFL 4-3 defensive end.
22. Baltimore Ravens
Deionte Thompson, S, Alabama
Ozzie Newsome is no longer the Ravens GM, but the team goes back to the Alabama well anyway. Baltimore is in need of a safety and Thompson possesses the necessary range to man the back end of the Raven’s secondary. Thompson is also a big hitter when the opportunity presents itself.
23. Houston Texans
Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida
Houston might have the worst offensive line in the NFL, which could get Deshaun Watson killed if the team fails to address it this offseason. Taylor was a right tackle for the Gators and might even project better as a guard in the NFL. But he is a powerful blocker who moves smoothly and displays heavy hands.
24. Oakland Raiders
Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia
Can’t have a first round mock with general manager Mike Mayock having 3 picks and not have him take a cornerback. It’s what he was likely best at for years as a draft analyst. Baker is a physical and sticky corner that should excel in press coverage. His long speed is a question mark, however, and he may be best suited in a cover 2 scheme that alleviates these speed concerns.
25. Philadelphia
Christian Wilkins, DL, Clemson
Boner Jams. I really don’t see how Wilkins slides this far, but here he is. The versatile defensive lineman lined up both inside and out along the Tiger’s front four. He is best suited as a true 3T with his quickness off the line. What he lacks in length, he makes up for with hand usage, flexibility, and motor. Philadelphia needs another DT as either a rotational lineman or as a starter if they decide to move on from Timmy Jernigan. Pairing the talented Wilkins with Fletcher Cox seems almost unfair.
26. Indianapolis Colts
N’Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State
Andre Luck needs more weapons. The emergence of Eric Ebron was a nice surprise for the Colts’ offense and TY Hilton is a playmaker. However, the team needs a big sideline target opposite Hilton. That’s exactly what they get in Harry. Standing at 6’3, Harry possesses fantastic hands and has shown the ability to win off the line of scrimmage. His knack for making the contested catch would give Frank Reich his Alshon Jeffery.
27. Oakland Raiders
Kelvin Harmon, WR, NC State
The Raiders acquired this pick from the Cowboys by trading them wideout Amari Cooper. They decide to replace Cooper with Harmon, who possesses many similar traits. Cooper may have the speed edge, but Harmon has a fantastic release, is a precise route runner, and has better hands. He is also already very adept at catching back shoulder throws, which has become increasingly important in today’s game.
28. Los Angeles Chargers
Mack Wilson, LB, Alabama
The Chargers need a LB that can cover. Maybe then they can stop with their silly 7 defensive back defense. Mack Wilson is an undersized LB that can fly. He played both the run and pass well at Alabama and would give the Chargers a rangy playmaker in the middle of their defense.
29. Green Bay Packers
T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa
The Packers acquire this pick from crybaby Sean Payton and the crybaby Saints. Many consider Hockenson’s Iowa teammate Noah Fant the draft’s best TE. Fant is probably the more gifted athlete of the two, but Hockenson is the better all-around TE. He is a tenacious blocker and has the ability to make plays in the passing game all over the field. Jimmy Graham has been a disappointment for his past 2 teams and the overrated Aaron Rodgers needs a reliable TE to get the ball to.
30. Kansas City Chiefs
Nasir Adderley, S, Delaware
The Chiefs need secondary help pretty much across the board. They could very go cornerback (namely Clemson’s Trayvon Mullen or Penn State’s Amani Oruwariye), but I have them taking one of the most intriguing players in this draft. Adderley was all over the field at Delaware. He has great range to play deep safety and as a former cornerback, he possesses the cover skills to play closer to the line of scrimmage. Adderley could also contribute immediately on special teams.
31. New England Patriots
Charles Omenihu, DE, Texas
A versatile defensive end that can line up all over a defensive front, Omenihu is explosive out of a 3-point stance. Couple that with his 6’6, 275 pound frame and you have a defensive lineman that’s extremely tough to handle one on one in both the run game and rushing the passer. New England needs a pass rusher to compliment Trey Flowers and Omenihu fits the bill.
32. Los Angeles Rams
Amani Oruwariye, CB, Penn State
There were a couple edge rushers I considered here for the Rams, but chose to go with one of the better corner prospects in this draft. Aqib Talib isn’t getting any younger and Marcus Peters isn’t becoming any less of a spaz. Oruwariye possesses a fantastic combination of size, technique, fluidity, and ball skills to succeed in any scheme. He has a high awareness for the position allowing him to anticipate routes and could become a playmaker for the Rams.
DCS
Dallas Sucks