2019 NFL Mock Draft – Wild Card Weekend

2019 NFL Draft, 2019 NFL Mock Draft, NFL, NFL Draft, NFL Mock Draft, Uncategorized

2019 NFL Mock Draft – Wild Card Weekend

January 5, 2019

10–15 minutes

The top 20 picks are set.

Make sure to follow the most recent 2019 NFL Draft Early Entrants page. In this draft I am including the players on that list, as well as probable declarations from the Clemson Tigers and Alabama Crimson Tide.

#	Player	H/W	Hometown	Position	School	18-19 Stats

1. Arizona Cardinals (3-13)	Nick Bosa, Jr	6’4, 263 lbs	Fort Lauderdale, FL	DE	Ohio State	14 tackles, 6 sacks
The Cardinals have to love the fact that this is such a weak quarterback class. Dwayne Haskins is the only first round prospect to me, so teams could be knocking down the door to trade for this pick. If Arizona keeps it, Nick Bosa is the most talented player in a very weak draft. He may not be a perfect fit for Arizona’s current defense, but, like JaDeveon Clowney and Joey Bosa before him, the Cardinals will take him and figure out how to use him later.


2. San Francisco 49ers (4-12)	Clelin Ferrell, Jr	6’5, 260 lbs	Richmond, VA	DE	Clemson	51 tackles, 11.5 sacks
Solomon Thomas has been a huge bust through two years in the league. He is still quite young, but the 49ers may not be able to afford to pass on Clelin Ferrell here. This draft is absolutely loaded with defensive line prospects, and Ferrell may be the most productive. Experienced, talented and strong, he should be an annual 10 sack per season end in the NFL.


3. New York Jets (4-12)	Ed Oliver, Jr	6’3, 292 lbs	Houston, TX	DT	Houston	54 tackles, 3 sacks
Scouts are saying that Ed Oliver is a bit too small, and the Aaron Donald comparisons were never fair, but he is still perhaps the most talented player in college football. Despite constant double teams, he has lived in opponents backfield. Scouts are not overly concerned about his nagging injuries. Simply put, this is a weak draft, and Oliver is one of the top talents available. The Jets need pass rushing help, no matter where it might come from.


4. Oakland Raiders (4-12)	Dwayne Haskins, So	6’3, 220 lbs	Potomac, MD	QB	Ohio State	373-533, 4831 yards, 50 TD, 8 INT
This is the weakest quarterback group in years. I have had Dwayne Haskins as my quarterback 1 for months, and it looks like the rest of the draft community has finally gotten on board. There are worries about his strength, but quarterbacks go very high, and with Justin Gilbert returning to school, someone has to take the mantle. With three first round picks, Oakland has a great opportunity to hit the reset button on the entire roster, especially quarterback.


5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-11)	Josh Allen, Sr	6’5, 260 lbs	Montclair, NJ	OLB	Kentucky	88 tackles, 17 sacks
What a year for Josh Allen. The Wildcat racked up multiple post season awards, thanks to an NCAA leading 17 sacks. The Buccaneers defense was an absolute mess last year, and Allen has the all around game to really help out. Expect him to log most of his snaps at end, though he has plenty of linebacker experience as well.


6. New York Giants (5-11)	Quinnen Williams, So	6’4, 289 lbs	Birmingham, AL	DT	Alabama	67 tackles, 8 sacks
For the first time in seemingly years, the Crimson Tide defense is not loaded with immediate draft prospects. The best of the bunch has been redshirt sophomore Quinnen Williams. Able to play any position on the line, his quickness and strength combination is second to none, as evidenced by a high sack count. He would be an absolute perfect fit at end in the Giants 3-4.


7. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11)	Jonah Williams, Jr	6’5, 301	Folsom, CA	OT	Alabama	N/A
I cannot see Jacksonville reaching for another quarterback after so many draft failures. Expect them to go after a stopgap solution like Joe Flacco or Derek Carr. Jacksonville needs to remian healthy more than anything. If Cam Robinson can bounce back and the team can add another piece like Jonah Williams, this should be a team that can run the ball with great effectiveness. That is, of course, if Leonard Fournette can ever stay healthy.


8. Detroit Lions (6-10)	Rashan Gary, Jr	6’5, 283 lbs	Plainfield, NJ	DE	Michigan	38 tackles, 3.5 sacks
Defense was a major issue in Detroit this year, especially perhaps the worst defensive line in the NFL, and Rashan Gary is the most talented defender available. Injuries have made this season a bit of a wash, but he offers tantalizing talent and versatility as an all around defensive lineman.


9. Buffalo Bills (6-10)	Greg Little, Jr	6’6, 325 lbs	Allen, TX	OT	Ole’ Miss	N/A
I was not a fan of the Josh Allen pick in 2018, but he looks like he has a bright future in Buffalo. Keeping him upright (and creating running lanes) should be priority number one. Like former Rebels tackle Laremy Tunsil, Greg Little is his own worst enemy, as constant effort seems to be a criticism. He is as talented as any offensive lineman in this draft, and should be a top ten pick.


10. Denver Broncos (6-10)	Daniel Jones, Jr	6’5, 220 lbs	Charlotte, NC	QB	Duke	237-392, 2674 yards, 22 TD, 9 INT
I really do not like Daniel Jones as a first round prospect, but teams are desperate. No one is more desperate than John Elway. He has had a miserable time replacing Peyton Manning. Jones has good size and arm strength, and his three years of starting experience should help him transition to the NFL, though his upside is not all that high.


11. Cincinnati Bengals (6-10)	Jawaan Taylor, Jr	6’5, 334 lbs	Cocoa, FL	OT	Florida	N/A
After sixteen years, the Bengals will finally move on from Marvin Lewis. Unfortunately, they still have the same cheap owner who will not resign his own players or any free agents. I am not sure what direction Cincinnati will go in, but adding a tough, road grading tackle/guard like Jawaan Taylor could help really jump start the running game and shore up a huge need area.


12. Green Bay Packers (6-9-1)	AJ Brown, Jr	6’1, 230 lbs	Starkville, MS	WR	Ole’ Miss	85 rec, 1320 yards, 6 TD
After a miserable year, the Packers have entered “best player available” territory. Davante Adams is a legit WR1, but Randall Cobb’s contract money could be better spent elsewhere, and the 2018 draft picks are more backup types. AJ Brown reminds me of a young Dez Bryant. Extremely physical, he would be a great intermediate threat next to Adams.


13. Miami Dolphins (7-9)	Greedy Williams, Jr	6’3, 184 lbs	Shreveport, LA	CB	LSU	33 tackles, 2 INT
You name it and the Dolphins need it. Greedy Williams is extremely talented, but still needs to gain strength and experience. He has CB1 traits, however, and could help shore up an area that has been an issue in Miami for a long time. With Williams and Xavien Howard, cornerback will be one spot the Dolphins can set and forget.


14. Atlanta Falcons (7-9)	Dexter Lawrence, Jr	6’4, 540 lbs	Wake Forest, NC	DT	Clemson	35 tackles, 1.5 sacks
I was convinced that Dexter Lawrence was a future number one overall pick after an amazing freshman season. He is still an elite prospect, but like a lot of players who are bigger, stronger and better than most everyone else, he seems to disappear for long stretches at a time. Lawrence can be better than a Dontari Poe like run stopper, but it will be up to him. Now, of course, he will have to answer questions as to why he was suspended for an illegal substance. In theory, he is just what the Falcons defense needs, but lets see if he can live up to the hype.


15. Washington Redskins (7-9)	Deandre Baker, Sr	5’11, 185 lbs	Miami, FL	CB	Georgia	40 tackles, 2 INT
Before quarterback injuries decimated the team, Washington was on it’s way to a playoff berth. The roster is not terrible, but the team will lose multiple starters in the secondary. Deandre Baker is not an elite athlete, but he is an analytical fan’s dream. Teams simply do not throw his way. He would be a great, safe selection here.


16. Carolina Panthers (7-9)	Jachai Polite, Jr	6’2, 260 lbs	Daytona Beach, FL	DE/OLB	Florida	43 tackles, 11 sacks
A terrible late season slide revealed a serious lack of talent on the Panthers roster. The team needs upgrades at virtually every position except quarterback, running back and defensive tackle. Jachai Polite is built like a rock and has been a very good all around defender this year, with six forced fumbles and a boat load of sacks.


17. Cleveland Browns (7-8-1)	Jeffery Simmons, Jr	6’4, 300 lbs	Macon, MS	DT	Mississippi State	62 tackles, 2 sacks
What a difference a head coaching change made in Cleveland. Browns fans have reason to be excited for the first time in many many years. The Browns still have needs on both the offensive and defensive lines. Jeffery Simmons has some off the field stuff he must address, but he is as talented as any defensive tackle in the class and could be a steal here.


18. Minnesota Vikings (8-7-1)	David Edwards, Jr	6’7, 315 lbs	Downers Grove, IL	OT	Wisconsin	N/A
A terrible offensive line was the main reason the Vikings underachieved so badly. David Edwards is probably a right tackle only and more of a second round prospect, but he has nice size, skills and experience to be a long time starter on that side.


19. Tennessee Titans (9-7)	Marquise Brown, Jr	5’10, 168 lbs	Hollywood, FL	WR	Oklahoma	75 rec, 1318 yards, 10 TD
Corey Davis has slowly started to come around, but the rest of the receiver group in Tennessee is vastly mediocre. Marquise Brown’s frame will scare a lot of people, but he is an absolute burner who would give Marcus Mariota a seriously dangerous downfield threat.


20. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-6-1)	Amani Oruwariye, Sr	6’1, 203 lbs	Tampa, FL	CB	Penn State	50 tackles, 3 INT
Pittsburgh really needs to dedicate all it’s draft picks to the defensive side of the ball. On top of the list is a legitimate cornerback, as Artie Burns has been a major flop. Amani Oruwariye has prototypical size and a ton of experience.


21. Philadelphia Eagles (9-7)	Christian Wilkins, Sr	6’4, 300 lbs	Springfield, MA	DT	Clemson	47 tackles, 5.5 sacks
The Eagles have a ton of defensive lineman entering free agency in the next couple of seasons, so drafting some young depth would be a good move. Christian Wilkins is no Fletcher Cox (who is?) but is a solid all around tackle in his own right, and obviously has a lot of championship experience as the leader of Clemson’s dominant defensive line.


22. Indianapolis Colts (10-6)	Dre’Mont Jones, Jr	6’3, 286 lbs	Cleveland, OH	DT	Ohio State	43 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 1 INT
The Colts absolutely knocked the 2018 draft out of the park, selecting two immediate All Pros. Couple that with Andrew Luck’s miraculous comeback season, and things are looking up in Indianapolis. This team could still use talent upgrades pretty much anywhere, and should go after the best player available. Surprise, another defensive tackle. Dre’Mont Jones is a bit undersized, but if he can bulk up without losing his quickness, would be a very solid pass rusher as a 3-4 end.


23. Seattle Seahawks (10-6)	Connor McGovern, Jr	6’5, 323 lbs	Larksville, PA	OG	Penn State	N/A
Perhaps this is the year the Seahawks will actually address their offensive line woes. Connor McGovern was my favorite interior line prospect in college, and I think he is the classic “plug and play” offensive guard/center that you can start immediately and forget about for the next decade.


24. Baltimore Ravens (10-6)	N’Keal Harry, Jr	6’4, 213 lbs	Chandler, AZ	WR	Arizona State	73 rec, 1088 yards, 9 TD
N’Keal Harry gets the Alshon Jeffery comp from me. He has a huge frame and can really go up and get the ball. There are questions about his speed and athleticism, but a catch radius like his would be a good fit for Lamar Jackson and this new look Ravens offense.


25. Oakland Raiders (4-12) (from Cowboys)	Devin Bush, Jr	5’11, 233 lbs	Pembroke Pines, FL	MLB	Michigan	67 tackles, 5 sacks
The Raiders need to just go best player available from now until the end of time. Devin Bush is still quite raw but has dynamic playmaking ability, something you cannot say about any current Oakland Raiders defensive players.


26. Houston Texans (11-5)	Noah Fant, Jr	6’5, 241 lbs	Omaha, NE	TE	Iowa	39 rec, 519 yards, 7 TD
The Texans finished the season with an 11-2 record, thanks in large part to an offense firing on all cylinders. Imagine if they could add an inline target like Noah Fant to the fold. Fant is basically a glorified receiver, but is one of the best pass catchers in this class.


27. Oakland Raiders (4-12) (from Bears)	DK Metcalf, So	6’4, 230 lbs	Oxford, MS	WR	Ole’ Miss	26 rec, 569 yards, 5 TD
It would not be a stretch to say that DK Metcalf could be the most talented offensive player in this class. He is still quite raw but has absolutely elite size with blazing speed on top of it. With three first round picks and a long term plan in place, the Raiders can afford to gamble and be patient here.


28. Los Angeles Chargers (12-4)	Raekwon Davis, Jr	6’7, 316 lbs	Springfield, MA	DT	Alabama	53 tackles, 1.5 sacks
The Chargers have a strong, deep roster but could use depth on the defensive line. Preseason top ten pick Raekwon Davis was thorougly outplayed by teammate Quinnen Williams this year, but still should be a fringe first round pick if he declares based on pure upside. He absolutely looks the part, but needs coaching to reach his full potential.


29. New England Patriots (11-5)	Zach Allen, Sr	6’5, 285 lbs	New Canaan, CT	DE	Boston College	61 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 1 INT
Zach Allen is the type of versatile defensive lineman the Patriots love to employ. He has great size, and is a nice all around end, able to get after the quarterback and stop the run.


30. Los Angeles Rams (13-3)	Brian Burns, Jr	6’5, 235 lbs	Fort Lauderdale, FL	DE/OLB	Florida State	53 tackles, 10 sacks
One thing the very deep Rams could use is a situational pass rusher. Brian Burns size keeps him out of the top ten conversation, but he has a knack for getting after the quarterback, and would be very effective in small bursts.

31. Kansas City Chiefs (12-4)	Jerry Tillery, Sr	6’7, 305 lbs	Shreveport, LA	DT	Notre Dame	29 tackles, 8 sacks
One more defensive tackle for the road. The Chiefs need to add cornerbacks, but there are none worth a first round pick here. Jerry Tillery has a lot of experience and would be a versatile backup along the Chiefs defensive line.


32. Green Bay Packers (6-9-1) (from Saints)	Deionte Thompson, Jr	6’2, 196 lbs	Orange, TX	FS	Alabama	75 tackles, 2 INT
The Packers traded away Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, and will replace him with a safety from his alma mater. Deionte Thompson is not an elite athlete, but is a heady safety that can do a little bit of everything.