First Round
1. Arizona Cardinals: QB Kyler Murray, Oklahoma (RS JR)
Yes, they are stupid enough to do this and with the rumors surrounding Josh Rosen, this is the likely pick. Yes, Murray will fit better in Kliff’s Gameboy offense, but Rosen is still the better prospect in my eyes.
2. San Francisco 49ers: DE Nick Bosa, Ohio State (JR)
The 49ers win the lottery just as the Jets did a year ago (yes, Darnold is better than Baker). The best player in the draft falls to a team that seems to take D-line every year. With Arik Armstead on the last year of his deal, Bosa can and will be his clear successor to a defense poised to break out in 2019. Bosa has elite bend and if healthy, will be better than his brother.
3. New York Jets DL Quinnen Williams, Alabama (RS SO)
With Josh Allen still on the board, Williams is still a better fit for what New York needs. Big money was just shelled out to C.J Mosley, so I see DL as a bigger need for them. Williams really impressed me at the combine. The Jets would be fools not to pair Quinnen Williams with Leonard Williams.
4. Oakland Raiders: LB Josh Allen, Kentucky (SR)
The Raiders stole AB from the Steelers for a 3rd and 5th and adding Trent Brown in free agency was a home run. The Raiders now have a chance to solidify the linebacker position by adding the most explosive player in the draft. The void left by Khalil Mack is very apparent, and Allen has the opportunity to perfectly replace him. Allen is not as adept at rushing the passer as Mack, but he is a much better linebacker. Allen can cover in the pass game and registered 17 sacks in the SEC last season, making him the most complete player in this draft.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CB Greedy Williams, LSU (RS SO)
Tampa is in dire need of youth and speed at the CB position, and Greedy fits just that role. Greedy was a lockdown corner against the best talent in the SEC and his game will only flourish in the NFL. After no major splashes in free agency, this pick is almost a lock (given anyone above doesn’t fall ????).
6. New York Giants: QB Dwayne Haskins, Ohio State (RS SO)
The Odell trade sent shockwaves throughout the world. Signing Golden Tate won’t begin to fill the productivity lost by the Cleveland trade, but he will do fine in that offense. If I was the GM, I would take Jonah Williams from Alabama, but Eli has been a dumpster fire for too long and drafting a QB this year will ease tensions in the front office.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars: OL Jonah Williams, Alabama (JR)
The Jags giving Nick Foles a 4-year, $88 million dollar contract signals they will not use their first pick on a QB. What better way to protect your asset than to take the best offensive linemen available. Williams didn’t WOW at the combine, but with how good his film is, it doesn’t matter. Williams played both tackle positions very well at Alabama and now gets the chance to reunite with his former teammate, Cam Robinson, who is coming back from an ACL injury.
8. Detroit Lions: DL Clelin Ferrell, Clemson (RS JR)
Ziggy Ansah is gone from Detroit and Matt Patricia gets a chance to build his D-line in his image. A good first piece will be Ferrell, who was the most impressive of the Clemson brain trust. In the national championship game, he terrorized the Alabama offensive line, which includes the stud going one spot ahead of Ferrell. He will be a good/great starter in the NFL as a three down defensive linemen.
9. Buffalo Bills: WR D.K. Metcalf, Ole Miss (RS SO)
Josh Allen needs a lot of help on the offensive side of the ball, so pairing him with one of the youngest, most talented wide receiver in this year’s draft makes too much sense. D.K. destroyed the combine with a 4.33 40-yard dash while also measuring in at 6’4” and 228 pounds! While D.K. isn’t the most reliable receiver in this draft, he projects as a superstar if the Bills can develop him correctly. Giving Allen a huge target can and will help with his accuracy issues that plagued his rookie season.
10. Denver Broncos: CB Deandre Baker, Georgia (SR)
I could easily see Denver going offensive line here after the trade for Joe Flacco, but with glaring needs at cornerback as well, I see them addressing that here. Last season there were times where Deandre was the best CB not only in the SEC, but in all of college football. This pick is a major candidate for a trade as it would be wise for Elway to acquire multiple picks in 2019.
11. Cincinnati Bengals: LB Devin White, LSU (JR)
Vontaze Burfict is gone and rightfully so. While having good years for the Bengals statistically, he was a constant distraction and definitely not good for a winning culture. White is a true leader and comes from the best school for defensive talent. White and Bush were pretty even at the combine, so I let film become the tie-breaker. This pick is a lock of happening I’m willing to put my first born name rights on it. If the Bengals take Bush, I will name my first son Chalupa Batman.
12. Green Bay Packers: EDGE Montez Sweat, Mississippi St. (SR)
The Packers needed to replace Clay Matthews two seasons ago, but chose to wait until 2019 to finally do it. When the Packers were good, Clay was playing at a DPOY level with over 11 sacks per season. Sweat (while maybe not his rookie season) can come in and play at that level. His combine was one for the record books as he ran a 4.42 40-yard dash! Sweat is a lengthy edge rusher with elite speed. Green Bay can turn things around if they can land Sweat and a solid O-lineman in round 1.
13. Miami Dolphins: DL Rashan Gary, Michigan (JR)
Miami has made its intentions on taking Tua in 2020 clear. Fitzmagic will serve valiantly next season, winning 3 games and locking in the future for Miami. In the meantime, the Dolphins would be wise to take the best player available in the draft at the time. If it’s Gary, take him. If anyone else on this list falls to them here, that will be the pick. If someone get desperate enough on a tier 2 QB, this pick will be the one that is traded.
14. Atlanta Falcons OT Andre Dillard, Washington State (RS SR)
Dillard will be one of those picks where he is so talented you’ll find a place for him to play. Dillard impressed me in the combine skills drills, and I fully believe his pass game is starter level in the NFL from day 1. The run game will be a transition for him coming from an Air Raid system, but I expect Dillard to make the transition. Expect him to start day one at right tackle, and maybe challenge Matthews for the blind side someday.
15. Arizona Cardinals: OL Jawaan Taylor, Florida (Junior)
Ding Ding Ding, we have our first trade of the night (in actuality, probably not the first trade) Josh Rosen and a third are headed to Washington for a first and a fifth!
Washington gets its QB of the future and Arizona pawns off a first-round blunder (in their opinion) from a year ago. My philosophy is if you want to build around a QB, you better get some young hogs to pair along with him. Taylor is a raw young tackle who has shown to be lock-down in the pass game, but struggles in the run at times. This will be perfect for Kliff’s offense as they air raid it down the field. The run stuff will come in time for Taylor, but he has the tools that will fit best in this new Kliff/Kyler offense.
16. Carolina Panthers: TE T.J. Hockenson, Iowa (RS SO)
Greg Olsen is getting worse and worse as time goes on. Yes injuries are 100% responsible, but age is the underlying issue behind what has ailed him for the past couple years. T.J. can both take the top off in the pass game and also be a solid run-blocker. He will get the chance to learn from one of the best receiving tight ends to play the game while helping improve the run game with Christian McCaffrey. Even if Cam is sidelined for a whole season, T.J. is the best move for Carolina.
17. New York Giants: DL Ed Oliver, Houston (JR)
The Giants did the unthinkable and moved Odell in his prime while incurring over $20 million in dead cap. I’m going to say it now, yes the Browns and Giants traded picks, but they also traded positions in the NFL hierarchy. The Browns will chase Super Bowls while the Giants will suck for 2+ more years at least, and that’s if Dwayne Haskins actually pans out.
With that said, the Giants also traded Snacks Harrison last season, leaving a Hulk sized hole to be filled. While Oliver isn’t the run stopper Harrison is, Oliver is a much more fluid pass-rusher, giving the Giants’ D-line a new factor they haven’t had in the past. Going into this season, many thought Oliver was a lock at number 1, but after character and injury concerns, he falls to the Big Apple. Giants take a chance on a talented prospect after locking up “their guy” at 6.
18. Minnesota Vikings: OG Greg Little, Ole Miss (JR)
The Viking O-line is terrible. Yes, Kirk Cousins massively underperformed, but I imagine running for his life had something to do with that. Little has basically been an All-American his whole time at Ole Miss, and I expect him to be a starter no matter where he goes in the NFL. I see Little as someone who starts 90% of his games over the next decade while maybe scratching a Pro Bowl here and there. This pick makes too much sense as Little is a consistent player and comes into one of the least consistent position groups in the league.
19. Tennessee Titans: TE Noah Fant, Iowa (JR)
The Titans’ offense needs a vertical threat at tight-end desperately. Walker has been really good, but too injury prone, while Jonnu Smith is a clear backup. Fant gets the opportunity to learn from these two while helping in the pass game right away. Fant wowed me in the athletic part of the combine, while slightly disappointing me with his dropped balls (hence why T.J. is higher now). Fant is raw, but can explode onto the scene his rookie year in Tennessee.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: WR Marquise Brown, Oklahoma (JR)
Antonio Brown was sold for pennies on the dollar, and Bell signed a nice deal with the Jets. At one time the scariest offense in the NFL, this offense is now in need of an infusion of speed, youth, and talent. Brown marks all three of those boxes while also filling the kick return role sometimes held by AB. With how Brown plays, he will be a great number 2 to JuJu while also being able to offer production in other ways like the run game/special teams. While Brown is small, he is just what Big Ben will need to keep this offense at the top.
21. Seattle Seahawks: CB Byron Murphy, Washington (RS SO)
Frank Clark getting the franchise tag mean the Seahawks get to shift gear to another glaring whole: defensive back. Murphy is a young and uber talented prospect who embodies what the Legion of Boom was in their hay day. From the big hits to the big play potential, Seattle would be dumb to pass up Murphy at 21.
22. Baltimore Ravens: EDGE Brian Burns, Florida St (JR)
Terrell Suggs’ departure signals the Ravens are ready to draft their new war daddy of the future. If Burns can beef up in the NFL, he has the opportunity to be even better than Suggs. Burns has huge upside, but also has bust potential. But, with his skill set he could be a third down assassin for them next season.
23. Houston Texans: S Johnathan Abram, Mississippi St. (SR)
With a blazing 40-yard dash and impressive broad jump, Abram validated what I saw on film. The Honey Badger was an amazing one-year band aid that needs to be addressed now. Abram not only addresses that need, but gives them the piece to finish this run stopping behemoth.
24. Oakland Raiders: LB Devin Bush, Michigan (JR)
Devin Bush solidified himself as the second linebacker in this draft at the combine. From the combine alone, it looks as if Bush and Devin White were neck and neck, but the film tells a different story. Remember how the Raiders were enamored with Roquan Smith? Well, the need was never really filled, which allows Bush to come in and fill it.
25. Philadelphia Eagles: DT Dexter Lawrence, Clemson (JR)
The Eagles capitalize on a draft day slide by the Clemson defensive lineman and fill a need. Michael Bennett has been dealt to the Patriots, freeing up a spot next to Fletcher Cox. Lawrence and Cox’s pass rush could help out a struggling secondary and really make the Eagles a contender. I don’t see them going O-line with Jason Peters committing to another year.
26. Indianapolis Colts: DL Christian Wilkins, Clemson (SR)
Wilkins played all over the defensive line in college and wreaked havoc every second he was on the field. I was glad to see him come back win another national championship in his senior year. In other drafts, a player like this would get much more attention, but with two other first round guys on his own D-line, this just shows the strength of this class at the position.
27. Oakland Raiders: RB Josh Jacobs, Alabama (JR)
Marshawn Lynch had a fun two-year stint, but the Raiders need to get serious about their run game. Jalen Richard is the only running back they have worth mentioning, and he is clearly a backup. Jacobs is a work horse who took over the Bama stable of backs mid-way through last year. His YPC is insane and he didn’t receive a huge beating in college. The Raiders get a young workhorse to put behind one of the newest elite O-lines in the NFL (if they do what I say and draft Williams). Someone needs to take the ball out of Carr’s hand and Jacobs is the type of back that can do just that.
28. Los Angeles Charges: QB Will Grier, West Virginia (RS SR)
Grier fell in earlier mocks for not performing at the Heisman level many of us thought he would in 2018. However, with a good performance at the combine and an even better one at his pro day, the buzz around Grier is back. The more I watch tape, the more obvious it becomes that Grier has the potential to unseat Phillip Rivers sooner than Drew Lock. If Grier does come in for an injured Rivers, we will never look back in 2019.
29. Kansas City Chiefs: EDGE Jachai Polite, Florida (JR)
Polite stunk up the combine both on the field and off. 4.84 40 yard for an edge rusher is awful, especially for someone a little undersized at 6’3”. Along with the poor 40 time, Polite bombed the interviews and pulled himself from the rest of the drills. Even with that said, the Chiefs can afford to take a risk on him with this pick. Polite seemed much faster on tape and recorded 11 sacks this past season. The Chiefs just released Justin Houston and traded Dee Ford, so pass rush will be their number one concern in this draft.
30. Green Bay Packers: TE Irv Smith Jr., Alabama (JR)
Jimmy Graham had a disappointing start to his tenure in Green Bay, but he did end on solid footing at the end of the season. His service will be needed for one more season as they transition to the future at that position. Smith is a balanced tight end who is not only a threat in the red zone, but all over the field. When I watch his film, he is an athletic big body at 6’4” and 241 lbs who is a nightmare in one-on-one matchups or in zone. Smith is one of the most slept on prospects in this draft, but that is mainly because of the Iowa wonder children tight ends in this class.
31. Los Angeles Rams: OT Dalton Risner, Kansas St. (RS SR)
The Rams O-line was the most consistent line of 2018, but Rodger Saffold left for the Titans in free agency, leaving a void along the line. Dalton Risner can fill that void immediately in 2019 and then shift back to tackle to replace Andrew Whitworth when he eventually hangs it up after next season. There is a chance the Rams go D-line here if Suh doesn’t re-sign.
32. New England Patriots: QB Drew Lock, Missouri (SR)
Lock is an exciting prospect that lit it up on the stat sheet while in college. I initially had him as high as ten to the Broncos, but the combine showed me there are other QBs more ready to play right away. The Patriots would benefit from stashing a highly talented guy to learn behind a seasoned pro. I see the Patriots taking a page out of the Chiefs playbook and developing an Air Raid QB to light up the league down the road.
Second Round
33. Arizona Cardinals: WR A.J. Brown, Ole Miss (JR)
Kyler will need some fun new toys to play with, and Brown fits in with what Arizona needs. Fitz, Kirk, and Brown would be a lethal trio in the pass game, not to mention David Johnson, who has been utilized as a receiver in the past.
34. Indianapolis Colts: S Nasir Adderley, Delaware (SR)
Adderley was the most impressive player at the FCS level last season. Not only was Adderley an aid in the run game, he racked up double digit interceptions at the safety position! The Colts struck gold with Lennard in the second round last year. Anticipate a repeat performance in this draft too.
35. Oakland Raiders: WR Riley Ridley, Georgia (JR)
Antonio Brown will need a running mate in 2019 and Ridley is that guy. I see a recreated situation in Oakland as we saw when Brown had JuJu in Pittsburgh if they go with Ridley. Ridley falls this far due to unfair comparisons to his brother. Riley will flourish more alongside Brown than Calvin is next to Julio.
36. San Francisco 49ers: S Deionte Thompson, Alabama (JR)
This pick will help shore up a secondary that needs some help. Between Bosa and Thomas, that defense will be drastically better in 2019.
37. New York Giants: WR N’Keal Harry, Arizona St. (JR)
Harry has fallen a bit after other receivers impressed much more at the combine. His tape is still solid, so he could be a diamond in the rough. With losing Odell, the Giants need to start taking swings at the next star at WR, and Harry does have the potential to be really, really good.
38. Jacksonville Jaguars: OG Cody Ford, Oklahoma (RS JR)
Two picks at O-line in the Top 40 signals how committed the Jags are to making use of Foles’ time under contract. This offense will be young upfront for years to come, making it easy to shift the direction of the team if need be. The Jags will remind me of that 2017 Cowboys team, where Dak was a game manager, and the games were won with Zeke and the offensive line.
39. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: C Erik McCoy, Texas A&M (RS JR)
Tampa needs help all over the offensive line. Although tackle is more pressing, the availability of McCoy makes this the better pick. McCoy is a solid starter who could play guard, but I like him full time at center.
40. Buffalo Bills: EDGE Oshane Ximines, Old Dominion (RS SR)
Oshane will be the first player ever to be drafted from Old Dominion, and rightfully so. Coming off an 11.5 sack and 18 TFL season, Oshane is poised to wreck NFL offensive lines. Don’t let the small school tag turn you off, this dude’s the real deal.
41. Denver Broncos: QB Daniel Jones, Duke (RS JR)
Daniel Jones has what it takes to be an elite backup in the NFL. I know you think I say this jokingly, but I mean it wholeheartedly. I’m not the biggest fan of Jones’ game, but he can be brought in to add immediate ability to a situation. His arm is below average, but his decision-making ability is above average. The same team that trades for Flacco is the same team who drafts Jones here.
42. Pittsburgh Steelers: LB Mack Wilson, Alabama (JR)
The Bengals own this pick and trade it for someone on the Steelers offensive line. Bengals locked up their LB in the first round and pawn the pick off for a veteran in the second. The Steelers still need to replace Ryan Shazier and Wilson can and will do that. Wilson is arguably a first-round talent. Getting him this late would be a steal.
43. Detroit Lions: CB Rock Ya-Sin, Temple (SR)
Ya-Sin was an FCS standout who transferred as a grad student to Temple for his senior season. He balled out in his one year at Temple, making us wonder “what if” he landed in a power-five conference out of high school. With that said, Ya-sin is crazy talented and though Detroit has two studs at CB already, he is so talented they will get him and figure out where he plays later.
44. Green Bay Packers: S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Florida (JR)
HaHa Clinton-Dix was traded to the Redskins last season, opening up a spot for Johnson to start right away. If Green Bay can develop this very young secondary, we may be looking at one of the best DB units 2 years from now.
45. Atlanta Falcons: DL Jerry Tillery, Notre Dame (SR)
Tillery, Jarrett, and McKinley will be a hard group to block. None of these three will be stars, but together will form a unit that will be top in the NFL. Having Tillery allows for more rotations and more packages that can be used.
46. Washington Redskins: WR Hakeem Butler, Iowa St. (RS JR)
Butler comes into one of the worst WR cores in the NFL. If they trade their round one pick to get Rosen, getting a new weapon for him to use will be necessary. We saw how Rosen did last year with a subpar cast.
47. Carolina Panthers: C Garrett Bradbury, NC State (RS SR)
Ryan Khalil, who recently retired, is a Hall of Fame offensive linemen and he will be missed along the Panthers’ offensive line. Bradbury is a leader and a technician, which is what the Panthers will need with Cam being out for an extended period of time.
48. Miami Dolphins: WR Parris Campbell, Ohio State (RS JR)
The Dolphins would be smart to stock the cupboards for the arrival of Tua next season. Campbell will need some time to develop to compete in the NFL. He will get one throwaway season to get up to speed for when the offense gets kicked into overdrive in 2020.
49. Cleveland Browns: CB Amani Oruwariye, Penn State (SR)
Denzel Ward proved that the Browns did their research and didn’t reach with the 4th pick last year. The Browns would be wise to get him a suitable partner for the other corner spot.
50. Minnesota Vikings: S Taylor Rapp, Washington (JR)
Rapp and Harrison would make it difficult to not only run the ball, but throw the ball down the field. The Vikings defense took a slight step back last year, so look for them to shore it up after addressing their offensive line.
51. Tennessee Titans: WR Kelvin Harmon, NC State (JR)
The Titans are all in on Marcus Mariota in 2019 and seeing what he can do with weapons around him. Harmon will come into that wide receiver room and compete right away.
52. Los Angeles Rams: DL Jeffery Simmons, Mississippi St. (JR)
Rams trade up, Steelers acquire Rams’ 2019 4th & 2020 2nd
Jeffery Simmons is a top talent who has lost a ton of stock since the season ended, but is a true wardaddy on tape. Even if Suh comes back next year, it will be a short-term deal. This allows Simmons time to develop behind two of the best defensive tackles in the game. Simmons’ game as a true run stopper gives the Rams more depth in the amount of packages Wade Phillips can deploy.
53. Philadelphia Eagles: OL Yodny Cajuste, West Virginia (SR)
Cajuste was a baller in college, starting in over 30 games and finishing the season as a co-Big Twelve Offensive Lineman of the Year award winner. With that said, he is a very raw prospect that needs some development in the pass game. I see him playing guard and backing up Peters in his final seasons. Overall though, a homerun pick for the Eagles.
54. Houston Texans: DT Renell Wren, Arizona St. (RS SR)
The Texans have been enamored with Renell throughout the draft process. Renell is powerful and will get a ton of one-on-one matchups with Watt and Clowney on the same defensive line. His role will mostly be to soak up blocks in the run game and allow Clowney to tee off on ball carries.
55. Houston Texans: RB Damien Harris, Alabama (SR)
Harris’ stock dropped this year as his fellow teammate’s, Josh Jacobs, rose. Harris still should be the better all-around back in the NFL, and he will get the chance to come into a team that’s been desperate for a good running back for years. If Foreman can ever be what some thought he could be, he and Harris could be a potent combo.
56. New England Patriots: WR/ATH Andy Isabella, UMASS (SR)
If the Pats get wind of Isabella being taken earlier in the second, watch them make a move to get him sooner. Andy’s play style is perfect for the Pats not only from the receiver position, but just as an offensive weapon. He can return kicks/punts, put up 1,700 receiving yards in his senior season, and played a year at running back. At 5-10 and 190lbs, he ran a 4.27 40-yard dash. He is the next great weapon for TB12.
57. Philadelphia Eagles: DE Zach Allen, Boston College (SR)
Allen will be a nice piece in this defense, but it will take him some time to crack the starting rotation. He isn’t very adept as a pass rusher (he posted a career high 6.5 sacks last season), but he did rack up 15 TFL in the last two seasons. Allen will be used primarily on first and second down while being absent from 3rd down until he improves as a pass rusher.
58. Dallas Cowboys: DT Charles Omenihu, Texas (SR)
Jerry Jones will do right by DeMarcus Lawrence and work out a long-term deal with him. He also could add someone next to him with a similar skill set. The Cowboys need to fix up their defensive line with David Irving and Randy Gregory absent for the foreseeable future.
59. Indianapolis Colts: EDGE D’Andre Walker, Georgia (SR)
The Colts need pass rushers any way they can get them. Walker put up two consistent years at Georgia and played a huge role in their postseason pushes.
60. Los Angeles Chargers: LB David Long, West Virginia (RS JR)
The Chargers need to shake up their linebacker group and drafting Long would do just that. If the Chargers can take care of the second level, they might have the best defense in 2019.
61. Kansas City Chiefs: RB Elijah Holyfield, Georgia (JR)
Kareem Hunt’s departure left a void in an explosive offense. Holyfield and Williams make a bruising duo who will put up monster numbers against defenses trying to contain Mahomes
62. New Orleans Saints: WR JJ Arcega-Whiteside, Stanford (SR)
Michael Thomas needs a number two to play alongside of him and many of us thought that would come in the form of Dez Bryant or Ted Ginn Jr. Sadly, they both didn’t do close to what we expected. If the Saints can find someone who can catch footballs, that players will do amazing things in Thomas’ shadow.
63. Kansas City Chiefs: C Elgton Jenkins, Mississippi St. (SR)
After losing their starting center to the Buffalo Bills in free agency, the Chiefs need to find a new stud to hand Mahomes the ball. Elgton was a brick wall in the SEC and will be a solid starter in the NFL.
64. New England Patriots: DE Chase Winovich, Michigan (RS SR)
The Pats are always in need of pass rushers and defensive line help. Winovich is a fun and electric guy who was a leader for Michigan’s defense as a 5th year senior. He has expertise and accolades to boot and is a perfect future Patriot. He will fill the void personality-wise that Gronk held while on the team. Winovich did play some TE at Michigan too, so who knows?
Kristian Megowan is a Writer for the Unwrapped Sports Network website. Follow him @Megowan75 on Twitter.