2019 Mock Draft by Chris Scott

By Chris Scott

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, NFL Christmas. On Thursday night (or Friday morning if you’re in the Europe) fans of every NFL team will eagerly watch to see what will be waiting under the tree this year…will you get what you want? Will it be a surprise? Will it be a disappointment? We find out when Commissioner Goodell steps to the podium.

Poorly thought out analogies aside, draft day in the NFL is special. It’s a look into the future of the league. Some of the names read out in Nashville will be in the Hall of Fame one day, others will be forgotten in a few years. It will be long time before we can say for sure who won or lost the draft and it’s impossible to know what any of the 32 teams are thinking right now…but why should that stop us from trying to guess.

Ladies and gentlemen, I present my one and only Mock Draft of 2019. That’s right Mel Kiper Jr…one. Not 365. One. I’m under no illusion that 75% plus of this will be completely wrong but it’s just a bit of fun. If you’re reading this after Thursday you can go ahead and laugh at my foolishness, I know I will.

01. ARIZONA CARDINALS
KYLER MURRAY – QB OKLAHOMA

This one seems to be fairly certain at this point. Maybe Arizona are bluffing, trying to get someone to move up, but I doubt it. There just doesn’t seem to be enough interest in Murray to warrant that. Kliff Kingsbury spoke very highly of Murray last season, after the Texas Tech Oklahoma game, which started this hype train. Murray is very athletic and a playmaker. He has a great arm but does struggle with his reads and decision making. Both of those can be taught. What can’t be is size. Murray is 5’10 207lbs…very undersized for his position. Because of this he often gets compared to, Seahawks quarterback, Russell Wilson. If he can duplicate Wilson’s success at the NFL level, this will be a great pick. If not it may end up costing a lot of people, including Kliff Kingsbury, their jobs.

02. TRADE: SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS TO OAKLAND RAIDERS

NICK BOSA – DE OHIO STATE

This is a bit of an outside bet but one I can see as a real possibility. Oakland have 4 picks in the first 35 and are looking to make bold moves ahead of their relocation to Las Vegas. The Raiders could send the 35^th overall pick across the bay in order to swap picks with the 49ers. They’d still be able to trade back with one of the later first round picks to replace the second, if they want. Here, they get a guy widely considered to be the best player available and someone who will help fans forget Khalil Mack. Bosa is a star in the making, he is very difficult to block and is very strong. He’s not as fluid as his older brother, Joey, but has very few weaknesses.

03. NEW YORK JETS

JOSH ALLEN – EDGE KENTUCKY

The Jets pick up a New Jersey native who has been compared to Anthony Barr, who the Jets tried to sign in Free Agency. He’s a hybrid linebacker who excels at rushing the passer but isn’t out of place in coverage. Gregg Williams is a very good defence mind and should be able to get the most out of Allen’s physical traits. The Jets should have their hands on a star pass rusher and that is vital when you play Tom Brady twice a season.

  04. OAKLAND RAIDERS TRADED TO SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

   QUINNEN WILLIAMS – DT ALABAMA

The 49ers will be delighted if the draft plays out like this. Not only will they add an additional 2^nd round pick but they still get one of the best players in this class. Williams has been compared to Ndamukong Suh by some (monumentaly high praise). He is very quick to win at the point of attack and can disrupt a teams run and pass game. His size is an issue but he excelled in the SEC, widely considered to be college football’s best conference. He has the chance to be an extremely good player and help elevate the 49ers in the battle for the NFC West with Seattle and LA.

  05. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS TRADED TO CINCINNATI BENGALS

   DWAYNE HASKINS – QB OHIO STATE

This would probably surprise a lot of people if it happens on Thursday, its my long shot prediction for the draft. The Bengals have an injury prone quarterback and just hired a coach based on his work with young quarterbacks. Dwayne Haskins is a big quarterback with a strong arm and went to Ohio State. This match seems to make a lot of sense but for it to happen, the Bengals would need to get ahead of the Giants. Despite rumours to the contrary, the G-men are still favourites to land Haskins if he falls to them. In Haskins, the Bengals get a quarterback with an outstanding arm with a gunslinger mentality. The biggest concern is his lack of experience at Ohio State. He only played in 22 games in his time in the Big 10. Going to a team like Cincinnati or the Giants would be the best thing for Haskins as he won’t be expected to start right away.

   06. NEW YORK GIANTS

      MONTEZ SWEAT – EDGE MISSISSIPPI STATE

With Haskins off the board, it’s possible the Giants will reach for a quarterback here. However, I don’t think they will. Maybe if they didn’t have the 17^th overall pick from the Odell Beckham trade, it would have been a possibility. Instead, I have them picking up a pass rusher. The Giants Superbowl wins came from their strong defence and ability to get to the QB. Sweat will give them a tall, agile edge rusher. There was concern at the combine when Sweat was diagnosed with a heart condition. This could cause him to fall but, given he was still allowed to participate in the combine, it doesn’t appear to be as serious as some are concerned.

  07. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

    JAWAAN TAYLOR – OT FLORIDA

The Jags need help on the offensive line, so they will be delighted to see the best lineman on the board fall to them at 7. Taylor is a strong tackle who plays nasty. He can help out in the pass and run game, great news for Nick Foles and Leonard Fournette. He has had issues with false starts but that is something a good coach can teach.

  08. DETROIT LIONS

     ED OLIVER – DT HOUSTON

The Lions signed Trey Flowers from New England in the offseason and have Ziggy Ansah under the franchise tag, so edge rusher isn’t a priority here. Oliver is a very talented lineman who has been compared to Aaron Donald. Oliver is a little undersized but has the talent to succeed at the next level.

  09. BUFFALO BILLS 

    ANDRE DILLARD – OT WASHINGTON STATE

The Bills drafted their QB of the future last year when they selected Wyoming’s Josh Allen, this year they look to protect him. Dillard was a four year starter at WSU in a very good offence. He would be an instant upgrade for the Bills and would be the next step in this well thought out rebuild.

   10. DENVER BRONCOS

    T.J. HOCKENSON – TE IOWA

T.J. Hockenson has been compared, by some, to Chiefs TE Travis Kelce. That is a huge compliment but one he should be able to live up to. He would provide the Broncos with a big receiving threat, replacing Demaryius Thomas. He needs to add a bit of ass to his tall frame but I would pick Denver as a playoff dark horse (pun intended) should they draft Hockenson here.

   11. CINCINNATI BENGALS TRADED TO TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

    DEVIN WHITE – LB LOUISIANA STATE

If the trade for the 5^th overall pick doesn’t happen, I have the Bucs taking Devin White. So this might be the best case scenario for Tampa. The first pick of the Bruce Arians era is a high impact linebacker with tremendous upside. He developed quickly after converting from RB when he joined LSU. As Arians looks to rebuild the Bucs, this would be a great starting piece.

   12. GREEN BAY PACKERS

   DEVIN BUSH – LB MICHIGAN

The Packers have a lot of holes to fill on both sides of the ball as they look to get back on competitive terms with the Bears and Vikings in a very strong NFC North. Here they start with defence. Devin Bush is undersized but makes up for it with speed and cover skills. He projects as a strong Will backer who should play better than his size.

   13. MIAMI DOLPHINS TRADED TO MINNESOTA VIKINGS

  JONAH WILLIAMS – OT ALABAMA

The Dolphins appear to be targeting a QB in the stacked 2020 draft and, therefore, will be looking to trade back in order to add draft stock for moving up next year. The Vikings need offensive line help and might make the jump in order to get above Washington and Carolina who could also use help on the line. Jonah Williams played LT at Alabama, and was a big part of the Crimson Tide’s dominant running game, but may project better as a guard at the next level.

    14. ATLANTA FALCONS

   ANDRAEZ “GREEDY” WILLIAMS – CB LOUISIANA STATE

Greedy Williams was a ball hawking corner at LSU and certainly lived up to his moniker. In 2 years starting with the Tigers he recorded 8 interceptions and was rarely, if ever, out of position. He has the ability to play a number of different coverages and his presence would be a nice upgrade for a Falcons secondary in need of one.

    15. WASHINGTON D.C. FOOTBALL TEAM

    RASHAN GARY – DE MICHIGAN

Quarterback would certainly be a consideration for Washington here but with Case Keenum in as a short term starter, the Skins can afford to wait on their next signal caller and go with the best player available. Gary hasn’t developed as much as you’d hope in his time at Michigan but there is no denying the raw, physical traits that made him a 5 star recruit coming out of High School. With the right coaching, Gary could develop into a very strong edge rusher.

     16. CAROLINA PANTHERS

     CODY FORD – OT OKLAHOMA

The Panthers get an inexperienced but talented lineman with the 16^th overall pick. Ford is very raw but his ceiling is tremendous. He isn’t ready to start at tackle in the NFL but could see time at guard whilst line coach, John Matsko, develops him.

     17. NEW YORK GIANTS (via CLEVELAND BROWNS)

     DANIEL JONES – QB DUKE

After missing out on Haskins at 6, the Giants take their second choice here at 17 in Duke’s Daniel Jones. Jones has very good mechanics for a college quarterback but lacks the elite arm strength to make him a sure fire franchise guy. His completion percentage in college was poor but that was, at least partly, down to his receivers failing to get open or flat out dropping passes. In the right system he could lead a team to some success but may struggle if asked to carry a team. Luckily, he’ll have a top class reciever in Odell Beck…oh wait.

     18. MINNESOTA VIKINGS TRADED TO MIAMI DOLPHINS        CHRISTIAN WILKINS – DT CLEMSON

The Dolphins plan this year is to build from the trenches out and, after trading back, use this pick on a versatile defensive lineman from the National Champions. Wilkins would be an ideal fit for Miami, providing both an athletic, productive lineman with experience at both tackle and end, as well as a positive locker room presence that will be a great addition to a team in need of leaders. He’s not perfect though, Brian Flores and co will need to work on his strength and ability to get off blocks when dealing with longer offensive lineman. However, put next to the underrated Davon Godchaux and Vincent Taylor in a 3-4 front, he has the ability contribute early for Miami.

     19. TENNESSEE TITANS

    CLELIN FERRELL – DE CLEMSON

The Titans signed Cameron Wake in the off-season but will still need to add to their pass rushing arsenal. Ferrell is a prototypical end with tremendous ability to anticipate snaps. He is quick with his initial burst but lacks that same burst when finishing plays. He would need developing but the potential is there for a very good pass rushing prospect.

     20. PITTSBURGH STEELERS

   BYRON MURPHY – CB WASHINGTON

A lot has been made of the Steelers’ offseason. Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown have left and burned their bridges on the way out. However, James Conner proved to be an effective replacement for Bell last season and JuJu Smith-Schuster is ready to take on the mantle of primary receiver. The Steelers’ biggest area of concern is defence. Here they get a ball hawking, man coverage corner who makes up for his smaller size by playing tough and having incredible instincts for the game. He is quick in small areas but lacks the speed to catch up if a receiver gets by him. His potential is very good though and the Steelers would be very happy to get him here.

     21. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

    D.K. METCALF – WR MISSISSIPPI

Now that Seattle has given Russell Wilson the huge extension he was looking for, it’s time to get him some help. Metcalf made headlines at the combine with his incredible physique. He looks like a linebacker and is practically begging to be “randomly” drug tested. His combination of size and speed make him an intriguing deep threat, especially when you pair him with a great deep ball thrower like Wilson. He’ll need time to develop but Seattle might be the perfect place for him to become a star.

     22. BALTIMORE RAVENS
   BRIAN BURNS – EDGE FLORIDA STATE

This, potentially, could be the steal of the draft. Burns is long and fast, with a variety of pass rushing techniques. His slender frame is the reason I think he’ll fall but in the right place (Baltimore for example) he could develop into a serious pass rushing threat. With Suggs now in Arizona, the Ravens are looking for just that and would be delighted if Burns was to fall to them. Some would say it makes more sense to add weapons to help Lamar Jackson but those can be picked up in later rounds.

     23. HOUSTON TEXANS

   CHRIS LINDSTROM – G BOSTON COLLEGE

I wouldn’t be surprised if the Texans were to move up in order to target the likes of Williams, Dillard or Taylor but being so far back in the first round makes it hard for me to see an obvious partner. Miami at 13 would make sense but a team like the Vikings could make the Dolphins a better offer just by matching Houston and not forcing them to drop back as far. So, we find the Texans stuck at 23 and still in desperate need of line help.  The good news is they can still pick up Lindstrom, a very athletic interior lineman. Houston saw, first hand, the difference Quinton Nelson made to Indianapolis last season. They could see the same effect with Lindstrom in their line up

     24. OAKLAND RAIDERS (via CHICAGO BEARS)

   DEANDRE BAKER – CB GEORGIA

I said earlier that the Raiders could, potentially, look to replenish their lost draft capital by trading back here. However, I think they’d decide against that and use these two upcoming picks on injecting some much needed talent to their roster. This is the pick they got in the Khalil Mack trade and they need to get it right to erase fans memories of that unpopular move. Baker is an excellent press coverage corner with good man-on-man coverage skills. He may struggle against bigger NFL wide receivers, but he thrived in a very tough SEC.

     25. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

   ABDURRAHMAN “ROCK” YA-SIN – CB TEMPLE

The Eagles pick up a big, tall corner with a lot of potential. He’s far from the finished article and could work on his press skills but the Eagles are in position to develop him. His abilities in run support make him a versatile defender, one the Eagles brain trust would be able to find a place for.

     26.  INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 

    DEXTER LAWRENCE – DT CLEMSON

The Colts continue to build a winner with Cemson’s other defensive tackle. Lawrence is bigger, and stronger than Williams (who the Dolphins took earlier) but hasn’t developed as much since his freshman year. Which one of the two you prefer is probably dependant on what you’re looking for in an interior lineman. Lawrence gives the Colts a tremendous run stuffer who can play in a 3-4 or a 4-3.

     27. OAKLAND RAIDERS (via DALLAS COWBOYS)

    DREW LOCK – QB MISSOURI

This is the pick the Raiders got from Dallas in the Amari Cooper trade during last season. I’d be shocked if at this point Jon Gruden wasn’t banging the table, demanding they take Lock. There is a real chance that Lock goes top 10, so having him fall this far would be a dream come true for Oakland. Lock has the prototypical size for a modern NFL QB with a strong arm, however he lacks accuracy and makes a lot of bad throws. If he can improve his accuracy, he has the potential to be the best quarterback in this class, if not he could be a huge bust. In terms of Quarterbacks who fell he could be anywhere from Marino/Rodgers to Quinn/Manziel.

     28. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS 

    GARRETT BRADBURY – C NORTH CAROLINA STATE

The Chargers had the second best record in the AFC last year and this team is chocked full of talent. There isn’t really a glaring hole so the bolts can just go with the best player available. In this case, I see that as NC State centre Garrett Bradbury. There’s a chance they might go WR here but Bradbury provides a long term replacement for injury prone and aging Mike Pouncey. They may even start together in the short-term, with one moving to guard.

     29. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

   JOHNATHAN ABRAM – S MISSISSIPPI STATE

For a team that made the AFC Championship game in January, the Chiefs have a lot of holes to fill. Most of these holes are on defence. The Chiefs did pick up Tyrann Mathieu in free agency and I still have them taking Abram here. Abram is a very good run defender but needs to work on his coverage skills. Andy Reid and Steve Spagnuolo are the perfect guys to develop him into a more rounded talent.

     30. GREEN BAY PACKERS (via NEW ORLEANS SAINTS)
   A.J. BROWN – WR MISSISSIPPI

Having used their earlier pick on defence, the Packers use this pick (acquired from the Saints when they moved up last season) to get some receiving help for Aaron Rodgers. A.J. Brown had the better career at Ole Miss than the more talked about Metcalf but lacks the raw speed that Metcalf possess. Brown is still quick and strong. He has the ideal build for a slot receiver and should provide Aaron Rodgers, and his eventual successor, with a reliable receiving option.

     31. LOS ANGELES RAMS
   JOSH JACOBS – RB ALABAMA

With Todd Gurley being diagnosed with arthritis in the offseason, the Rams look to get his long term replacement and someone who can carry a portion of the load tin the meantime. Jacobs is not only a talented runner but can catch passes out the back field or even line up in the slot. Sean McVay will be able to find numerous ways to get Jacobs the ball. Much like Sony Michel in New England last year, he may be the under the radar pick of this draft if he winds up in LA.

     32. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
    NOAH FANT – TE IOWA

With Rob Gronkowski retiring this offseason, the Champs waste no time in finding his replacement with the very talented Iowa TE. Fant has the potential to be a matchup nightmare for teams and will likely slide, in part, because his teammate T.J. Hockenson gets a lot of the attention in the media. Fant would have huge shoes to fill in Foxboro but he has the skillset to do it.

So, there are my picks. Feel free to call me an idiot and explain why I’m utterly wrong.