The combine acted as a springboard for many of the nations top prospects, turning a seemingly uninteresting draft, into an exciting and deep first round. Without further ado, let’s just jump right into it.
1. Arizona Cardinals: Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma
Disclaimer: I don’t agree with a lot of picks that are mocked. I simply mock what I think is going to happen, and this first pick is a prime example. I’ve been a supporter of Josh Rosen for a while, and I think it’s totally idiotic to replace a QB after one season for someone who we’ve seen start 14 games at the collegiate level. I’m a firm believer that QB’s make the biggest jump between years one and two. Rosen deserves that chance. Nevertheless, it seems more likely by the day that Murray is the pick.
2. San Francisco 49ers: Nick Bosa, EDGE, Ohio State
This is a dream scenario for the Niners. In three of the past five drafts the 49ers have drafted defensive lineman, but none have been the pure edge-rusher that Bosa is. He’s the best player in this draft and would immediately improve the San Francisco defense. Bosa can step in as the guy from day one, drawing double-teams and taking pressure of those aforementioned former first-round picks.
3. TRADE: New York Giants via New York Jets: Dwayne Haskins QB Ohio State
Back-to-back Buckeyes, but it’s the trade that’s the story here. It’s no secret that the Jets want to trade back, and with Murray off the board the Giants have to jump in to make sure they get their guy. In this trade, I see the Giants sending over picks No. 6, 37, and 132 to get to No. 3. Haskins is the best passer in this class and will answer every question, both on the field and in the busy NY lockeroom, as Eli heads for retirement.
4. Oakland Raiders: Josh Allen, EDGE, Kentucky
Another team benefits from the QB-driven nature of the draft, as Oakland gets the guy they hope can fill Khalil Mack’s void. Allen had a more productive campaign than his fellow draftees which reached it’s climax during the Citrus Bowl, where he had three sacks in his final game. While it feels like this was ages ago, I promise you that scouts haven’t forgot that Allen is as good as advertised. This is a great value for the fourth pick.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jonah Williams, T, Alabama
In every draft their are a few picks that could go in a number of directions and really dictate where the first round goes. Tampa happens to be the first one of those picks, as they have needs all over the defensive side, yet are also committed to improving the protection for Jameis Winston. Here they go with the latter, taking the best tackle in the draft. And, I say tackle with the intention that this is what he’ll play in the NFL. Others have seen him as a better guard or possibly center.
6. TRADE: New York Jets via New York Giants: Quinnen Williams, DL, Alabama
The Jets drop down three spots to draft a guy who would’ve been in the running at pick the third pick. This is eerily similar to 2014 where Leonard Williams, a top player, but not necessarily the sexiest position to draft high, fell to the Jets at six. The Jets, once again, will gladly scoop the best interior pass rusher, while adding two picks down the line in the process.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars: D.K. Metcalf, WR, Mississippi
Metcalf’s freak-show combine gets him all the way up to seventh, where Jacksonville fills the void left by Allen Robinson that was never addressed. With Nick Foles likely coming to town, Metcalf will be the second-option opposite Dede Westbrook, as he jumps the mediocre Jaguars WR depth chart. At 6’3″, 228 pounds, with 4.33 speed, Metcalf is a create-a-player living in reality who’ll help Jacksonville make strides back to the postseason.
8. Detroit Lions: Rashan Gary, EDGE, Michigan
I’ve seen countless people say Detroit should go TE here, but that feels like more of a luxury pick to me. Instead, the Lions pick up the former top high school recruit to fill an immediate need, as Ziggy Ansah appears to be headed out the door. The Lions were actually ranked 11th in 2018 with 43 sacks, but no one had more than 7.5. With Gary joining A’Shawn Robinson and Damon Harrison, those other complimentary players will become more valuable, giving the Detroit defense a brand new identity.
9. Buffalo Bills: Ed Oliver, DT, Houston
For all the concerns that Oliver has (size, strength, level of competition), he still ends up in the top-10. Oliver’s tape is what sets him apart, as he consistently beats double-teams to find his way into the opponent’s backfield on all three downs. Buffalo can use all the help it can get up front. Oliver is a day one starter who immediately replaces the recently retired Kyle Williams. They’d hope that his college production will carry over right into the NFL.
10. TRADE Miami Dolphins via Denver Broncos: Drew Lock, QB, Missouri
Miami could realistically stay at 13 and make this pick, but in the past two years every QB, outside of Baker Mayfield, taken in the first round, was traded up for. Assuming Denver doesn’t want Lock themselves, Miami has the shortest distance to go among QB-needy teams and should only figure to give up pick No. 78 in the process. Lock is the designated raw, big arm, of the group who’ll hope to be more of a Patrick Mahomes than a Paxton Lynch in Chad O’shea’s offense.
11. Cincinnati Bengals: Jawaan Taylor, T, Flordia
Whether it’s Dalton he’s protecting or not, Taylor will be a decade-long starter at tackle.
12. Green Bay Packers: Montez Sweat, EDGE, Mississippi State
Sweat is the bendy, athletic edge that Green Bay has lacked for a while.
13. TRADE: Denver Broncos via Miami Dolphins: Greedy Williams, CB, LSU
Elway takes the best available player, hoping to fill a void that’s existed since Aqib Talib was traded.
14. Atlanta Falcons: Brian Burns, EDGE, Florida State
Atlanta needs a number one pass-rusher, and Burns has the ceiling to merit being drafted 14th.
15. Washington Redskins: Devin White, LB, LSU
Washington backs off of Daniel Jones to get the QB of their defense and best player available.
16. Carolina Panthers: Cody Ford, T, Oklahoma
Everyone in Carolina knows they have to protect Cam Newton if they want to keep their jobs.
17. Cleveland Browns: Andre Dillard, T, Washington State
Dillard is mean and athletic enough to step right in as a left tackle and solidify this entire offense.
18. Minnesota Vikings: Garrett Bradbury, C, NC State
Bradbury fits the heavy zone-run of Minnesota at center, letting Pat Elflein move over to guard.
19. Tennessee Titans: T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa
Delanie Walker is going to be 35 and coming off a broken ankle. Hockenson can do everything that he did for that offense.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Byron Murphy, CB, Washington
Murphy joins a troubling CB room to start on his first day opposite Joe Haden.
21. Seattle Seahawks: Clellin Ferrell, EDGE, Clemson
Clemson pass-rushers have a negative stigma in the NFL right now, but Seattle needs help and knows how to maximize their talent.
22. TRADE Oakland Raiders (from DAL) via Baltimore Ravens: Devin Bush, LB, Michigan
Oakland moves up to get the leader on defense. Bush plays sideline to sideline and will fit right in as the Mike.
23. Houston Texans: Yodney Cajuste, T, West Virginia
Deshaun Watson can’t get hurt anymore, and Cajuste is perfect to play either tackle spot.
24. Oakland Raiders (from CHI): Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama
Mike Mayock has never been shy about RBs in the first round. Here he goes ahead to take the top RB in this draft class.
25. Philadelphia Eagles: Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson
In typical Philly fashion, they bolster an already deep defensive line. It’s a formula we’ve seen work before.
26. Indianapolis Colts: Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia
Indy pairs Baker with breakout star Kenny Moore to compete with the pass heavy teams of the AFC.
27. TRADE Baltimore Ravens via Oakland Raiders (from DAL): Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma
Baltimore trades down to take their top WR, hoping to build an offense with more speed than defenses can handle.
28. Los Angeles Chargers: Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
After Bill Belichick exposed the Chargers run defense, they go and get an all-around tackle who fits well in their 4-3.
29. Kansas City Chiefs: Nasir Adderley, S, Delaware
KC needs help on the back end, and Adderley is the perfect center fielder to track footballs and get the ball back to Mahomes.
30. Green Bay Packers (from NO): Noah Fant, TE, Iowa
Green Bay can’t ignore how bad their offense was last year. Fant will provide a winning match-up against most defensive looks.
31. Los Angeles: Jeffrey Simmons, DT, Mississippi State
LA is in win now mode, but they can’t lose sight of the future. Everyone can’t be paid forever, and Simmons will be solid once he’s healthy.
32. New England Patriots: Julian Love, CB, Notre Dame
Bill is smart enough to overlook the slow 40 and take a fluid cover corner who’ll provide the secondary with some youth.
Think I got it wrong? Have your own thoughts? Hit me up on Twitter or Instagram @MS_PerSources.