We’re nearly a week away from the 2019 NFL draft, and top prospects are wrapping up their final team visits in preparation for the homestretch.
The Arizona Cardinals still hold the wild-card at No. 1 overall, with rumors and reports flying in every direction about their potential intentions. Cards general manager Steve Keim maintains the team has yet to make a decision on the pick, with Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray, Ohio State pass rusher Nick Bosa, and Alabama defensive lineman Quinnen Williams all in the conversation.
With the uncertainty at the top of the draft, the varying opinions on this year’s top quarterback prospects, and the depth of the defensive line talent in this class, the first round of the 2019 draft should be filled with chaos and entertainment.
Let’s take another stab at projecting how the first 32 picks could shake out next Thursday, if they went down without any trades:
1. Arizona Cardinals | Kyler Murray | QB | Oklahoma
Ultimately, I expect the Cardinals to find a willing trade partner for Josh Rosen, last year’s No. 10 overall pick, clearing the way for them to spend this pick on the Heisman Trophy winner. Murray is a dynamic playmaker who gets plenty of credit for his speed and athleticism, but not nearly enough for his ability to make quality, consistent throws from the pocket. If anyone doubts his ability to succeed at the next level because of his lack of ideal height, check out the contract Russell Wilson just got and get back to me.
2. San Francisco 49ers | Nick Bosa | EDGE | Ohio State
The 49ers have to be hoping with all their might that the division-rival Cardinals leave Bosa on the board for them here. A complete prospect who can get after opposing quarterbacks in multiple ways, Bosa exactly what San Francisco’s defensive front is missing. Widely regarded as the best overall prospect in this draft, Bosa would be a steal anywhere after the No. 1 pick.
3. New York Jets | Quinnen Williams | DL | Alabama
This scenario puts the Jets in a tough spot, but it’s not a bad problem to have, picking between two elite defenders. What New York will have to do here is balance overall value and talent with their biggest needs. They need an edge rusher more than an interior defender, so Kentucky’s Josh Allen might get the nod in that situation. But if they want to go purely with the best available player, Williams is the easy call.
4. Oakland Raiders | Josh Allen | EDGE | Kentucky
This is a fantastic scenario for the Raiders, who need to land one of this year’s top edge rushers after trading away Khalil Mack last season. While Williams would be a fantastic consolation prize if the Jets were to opt for Allen instead, landing him here would be a perfect start to a first round that currently features a trio of picks for Oakland. Allen is a well-rounded defender who racked up a ridiculous 17 sacks last season.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Ed Oliver | DL | Houston
LSU linebacker Devin White is the popular pick here, and the Bucs may indeed end up going in that direction here. But the Bucs made some decent additions at linebacker after losing Kwon Alexander to free agency, which should allow them to spend this pick on a potential replacement for Gerald McCoy. Oliver’s rare athleticism and versatility could make him one of the league’s most dominant defenders if he’s unleashed in the right way.
6. New York Giants | Montez Sweat | EDGE | Mississippi State
If the Giants want a quarterback in this year’s draft, they’ll most likely have to grab him here. But if they’re willing to risk it by waiting until their later first-round pick, this selection has to be used in the trenches on either side of the ball. In this scenario, the best value comes in Sweat, a rare athlete with a massive frame who put up big numbers against SEC competition.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars | Jonah Williams | OT | Alabama
Heading into the 2018 season, Williams was regarded as the top tackle prospect in the nation. Questions about his size and arm length have caused some to believe he’ll have to move inside at the next level, which could impact his draft stock. I’m betting a team like the Jags will be smarter than that, knowing what they saw on film and the kind of dedication technician and tough competition Williams is, making them willing to spend a top-10 pick.
8. Detroit Lions | T.J. Hockenson | TE | Iowa
The Lions found their impact edge rusher in free agency with Trey Flowers, so they can afford to find a dynamic playmaker for their offense here. While many Lions fans will shudder at the thought of using another top-10 pick on a tight end after Eric Ebron flamed out in Detroit, Hockenson is a much more complete prospect who can make big plays in the passing game, and also improve the ground game with his blocking ability.
9. Buffalo Bills | D.K. Metcalf | WR | Ole Miss
This pick should be all about supporting Josh Allen, whether that’s finding him some improved protection up front, or adding an explosive pass-catcher. The Bills added some decent ancillary targets in free agency, but there’s nobody on the roster that can boast Metcalf’s rare combination of size and speed. There are some attractive offensive line options here, but Metcalf is the best blend of talent and need.
10. Denver Broncos | Devin White | LB | LSU
This falls well for the Broncos, who need a three-down playmaker at the second level, and would have this year’s top linebackers to pick from here. White’s impressive performance at the NFL Scouting Combine backed up his solid film, where he showed a complete skill set going up against top competition. He could easily end up being a top-five pick, so getting White here is a huge bargain.
11. Cincinnati Bengals | Dwayne Haskins | QB | Ohio State
Any time there’s a coaching change, a quarterback change always has a chance to be close behind. After years of mediocrity with Andy Dalton under center, new coach Zac Taylor might want his own signal-caller to execute his offense. They don’t have to look far in this scenario, as Haskins gives them an in-state prospect with all the tools to be a quality starter at the next level. Landing him outside the top 10 would be a steal.
12. Green Bay Packers | Devin Bush | LB | Michigan
If Hockenson is off the board, the Packers could consider his fellow Iowa tight end Noah Fant here. That said, there’s a huge need at linebacker, and Bush is simply too good to pass up here. He backed up a star-studded career in Ann Arbor with a dominant performance at the NFL Scouting Combine, showing off his impressive range and athleticism. He’s exactly what the Packers need at the heart of their defense.
13. Miami Dolphins | Christian Wilkins | DL | Clemson
This pick needs to be a trench player, so it’s about finding which side of the ball has the best value. Florida offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor could be a strong candidate here, but Wilkins is the kind of rare athlete and disruptive interior playmaker that might just be too hard to pass up. His versatility, athleticism and leadership make him one of this year’s most complete prospects.
14. Atlanta Falcons | Rashan Gary | DL | Michigan
The Falcons have invested premium draft capital in the defensive line in recent years, but while there have been flashes of brilliance, there has been little in terms of consistency. That could lead them to target the best available defensive lineman here, and thanks to this year’s loaded class, they can land a versatile athlete like Gary outside of the top 10. Consistency has also been a problem for Gary throughout his college career, but Falcons coach Dan Quinn could get the most out of his rare skill set.
15. Washington Redskins | Drew Lock | QB | Missouri
Alex Smith’s future is in serious doubt, and a quarterback competition between Case Keenum and Colt McCoy shouldn’t give Washington fans any excitement whatsoever. They’ll likely have to move up if they want to secure one of this year’s top passers, but if a prospect like Lock fell into their lap here, he’d be an easy choice.
16. Carolina Panthers | Clelin Ferrell | EDGE | Clemson
An offensive tackle like Florida’s Jawaan Taylor or Washington State’s Andre Dillard would make sense here, but the Panthers need to replace retired legend Julius Peppers. That’s a daunting task for any rookie, and while Ferrell lacks the rare combination of size, athleticism and versatility that made Peppers a future Hall of Fame player, he’s a complete player with a proven track record of production and success who represents great value here.
17. New York Giants (from CLE) | Daniel Jones | QB | Duke
Much like Washington, the Giants will likely have to move up if they want to land the quarterback of their choice in this draft, provided they don’t take him at No. 6 overall. Thanks to the absence of trades in this mock, the Giants are still able to land a successor to Eli Manning with this pick. Jones is far from a finished product, and will need plenty of patience as he develops at the next level, but he’s got all the tools to become a quality starter.
18. Minnesota Vikings | Jawaan Taylor | OT | Florida
Unless one of this year’s elite defensive prospects falls all the way to this pick, the Vikings need to be targeting the best available offensive lineman here. In this scenario, that comes in the form of Taylor, an athletic and physical blocker with successful experience at both left and right tackle. Don’t be surprised if the Vikings still use another early pick to also address the interior of their offensive line, as well.
19. Tennessee Titans | Garrett Bradbury | OL | North Carolina State
If the Titans want to get the most out of their offensive skill-position players, they need to upgrade the interior of their offensive line. Throughout the 2018 college football season, Senior Bowl week and the NFL Scouting Combine, Bradbury solidified himself as the best interior blocker in this class, and a prospect well worth top-20 consideration.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers | Greedy Williams | CB | LSU
The Steelers haven’t had much success using first-round picks in the secondary in recent drafts, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t take another swing. They still need a shut-down artist who can challenge opponents’ No. 1 receivers, and while Williams isn’t the most complete corner in this draft, his combination of height, length and athleticism could make him a top-shelf cover man at the next level.
21. Seattle Seahawks | Brian Burns | EDGE | Florida State
Upgrading the offensive line has to be the top priority for the Seahawks, but passing up blue-chip pass rushers is hard to do. I completely expect the Seahawks to trade down from this pick, considering their lack of draft capital, but if they’re forced to stick and pick here, adding an explosive sack-master like Burns would hardly be a consolation prize.
22. Baltimore Ravens | Hakeem Butler | WR | Iowa State
It’s clear the Ravens want to build their offense around a punishing ground attack, but at some point, they’re going to have to throw the ball to someone other than their four million tight ends. Lamar Jackson desperately needs a true No. 1 receiver to rely on, and Butler’s combination of size, athleticism and physicality would make him the perfect fit.
23. Houston Texans | Andre Dillard | OT | Washington State
Deshaun Watson is one of the league’s best young quarterbacks, DeAndre Hopkins is arguably the best receiver in the entire league, but the Texans can’t take full advantage of both until they upgrade the offensive line in a big way. They desperately need a true left tackle, and Dillard has the size, length and athleticism to be that guy for years to come.
24. Oakland Raiders (from CHI) | Noah Fant | TE | Iowa
After filling their biggest need in the top five, the Raiders use their second of three first-round picks to give quarterback Derek Carr yet another dynamic playmaker for the passing game. Jared Cook’s departure has left the Raiders needing an explosive pass-catcher at tight end, and Fant is one of the most complete prospects in this entire draft class.
25. Philadelphia Eagles | Cody Ford | OT | Oklahoma
There are many different ways the Eagles could go here, but finding an eventual replacement for Jason Peters should be a top priority. While many believe Ford will be relegated to guard at the next level, he has all the tools to be a successful tackle in the NFL. Letting him learn behind a quality veteran like Peters for a season before taking over would make him even more successful down the road.
26. Indianapolis Colts | Jerry Tillery | DL | Notre Dame
This roster is one of the most promising in the NFL, but there are still a handful of glaring needs that should be addressed in this draft. In this scenario, the best value comes along the defensive line, where the Colts could use a versatile, disruptive force like Tillery. His massive frame and ability to line up anywhere on the line and make plays in the backfield should make him an instant success at the next level.
27. Oakland Raiders (from DAL) | Byron Murphy | CB | Washington
After somewhat of a luxury pick with a tight end at No. 24 overall, the Raiders get back to filling their biggest needs on defense here. While Murphy may lack the size and speed of your typical first-round corner, his intelligence, instincts and ball skills set him apart from every other prospect at his position in this year’s class. He’d be a huge bargain this late in the first round, and an immediate upgrade from everything on Oakland’s roster.
28. Los Angeles Chargers | Dalton Risner | OT | Kansas State
If the Bolts are going to keep riding the Philip Rivers train for the foreseeable future, he’s going to need more protection. With needs at both tackle and along the interior, finding a versatile blocker who can play multiple positions would be ideal here. That’s what makes Risner such a fantastic fit.
29. Kansas City Chiefs | Marquise Brown | WR | Oklahoma
Sure, there are much bigger needs for the Chiefs on both sides of the ball. But would they really pass up the chance to add yet another explosive playmaker to an already ridiculous passing attack? Brown’s slight frame will definitely be a concern at the next level in terms of durability, but pairing him with a rocket-armed passer like Patrick Mahomes would be some high-quality entertainment.
30. Green Bay Packers (from NO) | Chris Lindstrom | OL | Boston College
After addressing their biggest need on defense earlier in the first round, the Packers need to help Aaron Rodgers with this pick. With the top tight ends off the board, the Packers should look instead toward upgrading their offensive line. Lindstrom is the best pure guard in this year’s class, and is absolutely worth a first-round selection.
31. Los Angeles Rams | Dexter Lawrence | DL | Clemson
There aren’t too many glaring needs on this roster, but finding a massive force for the interior of the defensive line is one of them. Ndamukong Suh won’t be lining up next to Aaron Donald next season, but replacing him with a huge presence like Lawrence, who has rare athleticism and explosiveness for his size, would be ideal.
32. New England Patriots | Jeffery Simmons | DL | Mississippi State
Few teams can afford to spend a first-round pick on a player who might not see the field as a rookie, but the Pats are one of them. The defending Super Bowl champs are loaded with Day 2 picks, which allows them the luxury of spending this pick on a top-10 talent who is rehabbing from a torn ACL and will have off-field questions to answer.
