With a few more trades out of the way its time to re-evaluate our previous mock drafts. A few changes but still the usual suspects at the top of the board.
Arizona Cardinals – Kyler Murray (QB, Oklahoma)
We are sticking with this until further news or gossip makes us think again. Do we think it’s the right choice – No way but the Cardinals need to sell tickets and hype helps here. Given they have holes everywhere apart from on the edge and at QB given Rosen hasn’t had a fair chance yet then we think they should take Williams.
San Francisco 49ers – Quinnen Williams (DT, Alabama)
No change here for us either we rate Williams the best player in the draft.
NY Jets – Nick Bosa (DE/OLB, Ohio State)
The Jets tried to improve their pass rush in Free Agency and failed so will almost certainly go edge rusher here. We will stick with Bosa as the pick.
Oakland Raiders – Ed Oliver (DT, Houston) Previously Josh Allen
Jon Gruden employed a classic slash and burn on the roster last year and although he has filled a few gaps in Free Agency the Defensive Line needs a major influx. Ed Oliver is a top five talent and after his pro-day showing should go here.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Josh Allen (OLB, Kentucky) Previously Montez Sweat
The Bucks are surprisingly well positioned going into the draft, but LB & Edge are the biggest concerns. Allen could cure both.
NY Giants – Jawaan Taylor (OT, Florida)
The Giants are giving all the indications that they are staying with Eli so we can’t see them going any other way than this need to keep him on his feet and at 6’5 and 330+lbs Taylor is a monster both in pass defence & as a run blocker. They could also go QB here but we are assuming they work a trade for Rosen given the above scenario.
Jacksonville Jaguars – T.J. Hockenson (TE, Iowa)
Adding Nick Foles has cost them, dear, as far as cap space goes so, they will have to give him weapons via the draft and Hockenson is as good a place to start as any given they might need some help in run blocking this year too.
Detroit Lions – Montez Sweat (Edge Miss State) Previously Ed Oliver
The Lions have added a bit of talent in Free Agency, but their pass defence was poor last year and the easiest way to improve this is to get after the QB. Sweat has some health issues but he is a potential game changer
Buffalo Bills – D.K. Metcalf (WR, Mississippi)
The Bills look weak everywhere and although Edge & OL are big needs giving Allen someone to throw to is probably the biggest need.
Denver Broncos – Devon White (LB LSU) Previously Dwayne Haskins (QB, Ohio State)
Joe Flacco is still a serviceable starter and it means that Elway is happy to wait and try and do what he did with Peyton and win it all with a veteran QB and a lights out defence.
Cincinnati Bengals – Jonah Williams (OL, Alabama) previously Andre Dillard
The Bengals look set to continue with Andy Dalton so strengthening the OL is a must and Williams is arguably the best OT in the draft.
Green Bay Packers – Noah Fant (TE Iowa) previously T.J. Hockinson
The Packers have addressed a chunk of their needs in FA and TE is the glaring hole right now. Noah Fant will thrive with Aaron Rodgers throwing to him.
Miami Dolphins – Dwayne Haskins (QB, Ohio State) Previously Drew Lock
With Ryan Tannehill and Luke Falk still an unknown seeing Haskins slide to 13 should be enough for them to pull the trigger.
Atlanta Falcons- Byron Murphy, CB, Washington Previously Rashaan Gary
The Falcons need to address the DL but the backfield is a bigger concern and Murphy looks like the best Corner in the draft this year.
Washington Redskins – Parris Campbell (WR Ohio State)
The Skins pass on a QB here and give Case Keenum a chance to shine with a quality WR.
Carolina Panthers Clelin Ferrell (DE Clemson)
The Panthers needed OL help but adding Matt Paradis has made this less of an issue and also need a better WR but we are sticking with Clelin Ferrell for now.
Giants (from Browns) Rashaan Gary (DL Michigan) Previously Jerry Tillery
Assuming the Giants have taken Taylor then the OL is better now it’s the DL and seeing a potential top 10 talent like Gary slide will be tempting
Vikings Andre Dillard (OT, Washington State) Previously Noah Fant
Minnesota needs to give Kirk Cousins more protection up front and Dillard is well versed in protecting his QB.
Titans Brian Burns (DE/OLB, Florida State)
No change here the Titan’s need pass rush and Burns is a sleeper in this draft. In a couple of years’ time we may look back and wonder how he slid this far (if he does).
Steelers Greedy Williams (CB LSU)
The Steelers don’t have any pressing needs so can choose the best position fit still on the board option which in our opinion is CB.
Seahawks Devin Bush (LB Michigan)
Seattle could very easily trade out of this spot as they are light on picks again. However, Bush is such a talent they couldn’t pass up on him here.
Ravens AJ Brown (WR Ole Miss)
The Ravens are all in on Lamar Jackson so need to give him weapons. A slot receiver is a great out for a QB with some accuracy issues to iron out.
Texans Greg Little, (OT, Ole Miss)
Deshaun Watson can’t keep taking beatings and last in the NFL so OL all the way. If the draft pans out as we expect Little is the best option still on the board.
Raiders (From the Bears) DeAndre Baker CB Georgia
The Raiders are thin depth wise at corner, so they go grab the best left on the board.
Eagles Christian Wilkins, (DT, Clemson)
Wilkins had a great 2018 and was an unsung hero in Clemson’s National Title run. He is versatile and can be used in pass rush if needed.
Colts Dexter Lawrence (DT, Clemson)
The Colts are not far from having a decent defence (finally) and Lawrence will add some bulk & power to the inside of the DL.
Raiders (From Dallas) Joshua Jacobs RB Alabama
The Raiders need a Running Back and Josh Jacobs looks by far the best in what is not a particularly strong class.
Chargers Chris Lindstrom (OT Boston College)
Has experience of starting at both tackle and guard giving the chargers a versatile piece for their front line
Chiefs Jerry Tillery (DT Notre Dame)
The chiefs are probably moving to a 4-3 defence this year so adding as many pieces to the DL as possible makes sense given their free agency losses. Should be able to adapt to an interior role easily enough given he started out as an OT.
Packers (from the Saints) Cody Ford (OT Oklahoma)
Green Bay needs to protect Rodgers and with Bulaga nearing the end of his contract adding some youth to the OL makes sense.
Rams Chase Winovich Edge Michigan
Dante Fowler and Clay Matthews are both good off the edge but they are not long term answers – while you have a deep squad you may as well plan for the future
Patriots Jeffery Simmons, (DT, Mississippi State)
An injury-free Simmons would probably have gone top 10. His ACL is apparently healing fast and he should be fit towards the end of the year, nicely in time for the Patriots postseason run.
