Scott Martin
2019 NFL Mock Draft 2.0
Combine Week is here, you know what that means. Marsh is back and we’re hitting you with a two round mock to give you some more content before the draft wave swallows the internet whole. Marsh with the odd numbers, KP with the evens, lets get into it!
1st Round
#1 Arizona Cardinals: Quinnen Williams IDL Alabama
Quinnen is the #1 player on my board and can be an absolute force in the league. Williams would pair well with the longer Nkemdiche and create some interior disruption that is vital to stopping the quick passing spread attacks in today’s NFL and would give the Cardinals something to build their defense around going forward.
#2 San Francisco 49ers: Nick Bosa Edge Ohio State
Obvious pick if he’s available, fills the biggest need on this team with possibly the best player in the draft. When you look at this roster, Bosa, along with a few key free agent signings could put this team into playoff contention right away with Jimmy G back in the fold.
#3 New York Jets: Josh Allen Edge Kentucky
With Leonard Williams potentially on the move the Jets have to completely rebuild their front 7 this off-season. Josh Allen does his best work exploding off the edge but has the versatility to drop off in coverage. If he takes over the combine, Allen could go as high as #1. If he is available at this spot, the Jets would be adding a piece they desperately need.
#4 Oakland Raiders: Brian Burns Edge Florida State
Burns will have to test well to prove the ceiling as he plays at about 235 lbs, but with the evolution of the NFL I don’t see that as a big issue. Burns is an absolute technician and gives Oakland the pass-rush they desperately miss from Khalil Mack.
#5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cody Ford OT Oklahoma
Bruce Arians and Byron Leftwich may be able to breath life back into this team, but they still won’t get off the ground unless they improve the offensive line. Cody Ford is an impressive prospect. He is a massive individual at 6’4 338 and moves extremely well for his size. With that athleticism and length he could excel at guard or tackle at the next level and improve Tampa Bay at either spot while adding an element of nastiness to the offense.
#6 New York Giants: Kyler Murray QB Oklahoma
Look Eli is old and he sucks, let’s call a spade a spade, the other reality is that the Giants need a culture shock, something to spice things up a bit, and the thought of adding Kyler to a skill group of OBJ, Sterling Shepard, Evan Engram, and Saquan Barkley is intriguing to say the least.
#7 Jacksonville Jaguars: Dwayne Haskins QB Ohio State
While I think Kyler Murray would be more well suited for his run heavy and play action offense, Haskins would undoubtedly be an upgrade over the current situation. Haskins has the arm talent and decision-making ability to make plays at all 3 levels and already sees the field better than the incumbent. The Jaguars have explosive play-makers on the outside, reminiscent of the talent at Ohio State, so Haskins would be able to slide in right away and allow the Jags to contend in 2019.
#8 Detroit Lions: Byron Murphy CB Washington
With the top pass rushers off the board, Detroit elects to fill the other huge need on the defensive side of the ball with, in my opinion, the best corner in this draft. Some may argue Greedy here but hear me out, Greedy needs the competition of being CB1 and having the responsibility to cover the other team’s top receiver to maximize his potential.. the Lions have one of the best cover corners in the league in Darius Slay. Slotting Murphy into CB2 allows him to play loose and use his takeaway instincts to make this a truly dynamic corner duo.
#9 Buffalo Bills: DK Metcalf WR Ole Miss
Metcalf is a specimen. He adjusts well to the ball in the air and is a much-needed asset for the Bills’ young Quarterback. While Metcalf uses his size well, he has work to do on his route running, but would immediately be the premier threat in this offense with potential to be a top 3 WR in the NFL.
#10 Denver Broncos: Greedy Williams CB LSU
Since letting go of Aqib Talib the Broncos have left a big hole at CB opposite Chris Harris. Greedy fits the scheme as a lock down man to man cover corner who, along with Harris, will allow Chubb and Von to pin their ears back and wreak havoc in the backfield.
#11 Cincinnati Bengals: Jonah Williams OT Alabama
Linebacker is a glaring need in Cincinnati and Devin White is a popular pick but the offensive line is also a major issue and Jonah Williams could start at RT or improve upon their Guard situation. Putting together a young core for the offensive line would get the most out of Joe Mixon and give the next Quarterback in the Queen City a fighting chance.
#12 Green Bay Packers: Jachai Polite Edge Florida
The Packers are set in the middle of the defensive line, where they need help is on the edge regardless of their decision on Nick Perry’s future with the team. You may choose to believe Kyler Fackrell is the fix, but count me in as skeptical. Polite is freaky explosive and flexible around the edge, and “worst case scenario” you bring back Perry and have a 3 man rotation on the edge to constantly maintain pressure.
#13 Miami Dolphins: Jawaan Taylor OT Florida
Taylor could be the bookend Tackle for years to come opposite of Tunsil or could start at Right Guard. He is tall and powerful at the point of attack. He offers good agility and a strong punch in the pass game and doesn’t give up on the run. No matter how you slice it, Miami needs help on both sides of the trenches; and while Ed Oliver offers more upside Taylor fills a huge need for a team that has many of them.
#14 Atlanta Falcons: Ed Oliver IDL Houston
The only reason this pick takes more than 8 seconds to get up to the podium is because Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff trips over himself out of excitement getting out of his chair. Oliver is the perfect fit for Dan Quinn and what he values in a defensive lineman. I think post-combine Oliver will regain traction as a potential top 5 pick, but with few teams needing interior defensive line help the chance of him falling here is real.
#15 Washington Redskins: Montez Sweat Edge Mississippi State
Montez Sweat is longer, but reminds me of Ryan Kerrigan in his play style. With a potential hole opening up opposite Kerrigan, and eventually needing his replacement, Washington would do well to select this potential top 10 talent at this point. Sweat can beat you on the edge, and while he has some work to do against the run, would offer a great pass rushing option.
#16 Carolina Panthers: Nasir Adderley S Delaware
The Panthers safeties are just bad, there’s no other way to put it. Adderley is an incredible talent who has the versatility and athleticism to play in the box and over the top. I’m fascinated to see his combine numbers as a small school guy to verify top end athleticism but if he performs the way I think he will, he’s a sure-fire first round pick.
#17 Cleveland Browns: Kelvin Harmon WR NC State
Cleveland has the makings of something special, and if they do well this off-season the Browns could be your 2019 AFC North champs. One thing they need to improve upon is their receiving options. Last year they added a premier slot guy in Landry and an effective deep threat with Calloway to compliment Njoku running the seams. Adding Harmon, a do-it-all receiver and red zone thread would round out this corps and make the Browns dangerous for years to come.
#18 Minnesota Vikings: Dalton Risner OT/IOL Kansas State
Anybody who mocks the Vikings anything other than an offensive lineman is insane, and if the Vikings actually pick anyone other than a lineman… oh boy. Whether you think the biggest hole is in the middle or at RT, Risner is a fix. He’s versatile, experienced, strong, and technical, and will be a plug and play starter anywhere but LT.
#19 Tennessee Titans: Clelin Ferrell Edge Clemson
The Titans did a good job adding to their second level last year with Harold Landry and Rashan Evans in the first two rounds. It looks like both will be long-term starters, and with Jayon Brown also in the middle, they have the makings of something special. Ferrell would complete that unit. He is not the flashiest edge guy in this class, but he is stout against the run and has a good set of moves in the pass game. Ferrell reminds me of a slightly less athletic Orakpo, but is more refined coming out and can immediately replace him.
#20 Pittsburgh Steelers: Devin White LB LSU
White fits the exact profile Pittsburgh values in defensive players. Big school check, super athletic check.. and that’s the end of the checklist. White needs a lot of work to maximize his potential, but he fills a big need on this team with his ability to play sideline to sideline.
#21 Seattle Seahawks: Deionte Thompson S Alabama
The Legion of Boom 2.0 is already well in the works with the impressive early careers of Griffin and Flowers; but, what made the original version go was the spectacular single high play of Earl Thomas. With Thomas gone this off-season, there are big shoes to fill. Thompson will not run in the 4.3s like his predecessor he has extensive experience playing in the single high role and has very good instincts for the position. His quick decision-making and range, combined with his length, makes him a natural heir apparent in Seattle.
#22 Baltimore Ravens: Chris Lindstrom IOL Boston College
Even if you think the Ravens are fine on the interior (which they aren’t) Marshall Yanda isn’t getting any younger, and this team’s philosophy is built on establishing a running game. Lindstrom is a polished run blocker who fits the scheme very well, and has the experience to step in from day one opposite Yanda on the inside.
#23 Houston Texans: Yodny Cajuste OT West Virginia
Does anyone else feel bad for Deshaun Watson? Unanimously yes? I thought so. Luckily for the Texans, this offensive line class is strong. Cajuste is a particularly good fit as he played in a spread system and is accustomed to blocking for long developing plays. He is long and moves well for his size. I even want to believe in Sentrell Henderson as a RT, but Julie’n Davenport cannot hold his own. This would give the Texans 2 large and athletic, albeit developmental, tackles and this line has nowhere to go but up.
#24 Oakland Raiders: N’Keal Harry WR Arizona State
After filling their biggest need at #4, Oakland attempts to fill one of the other 21 needs on this roster with someone I think might be the best all around receiver in this class. Harry has the alpha mentality and build to potentially take over this receiving core very early in his career and help Derrick Carr (if Jon Gruden sticks with him) or whatever other QB they bring into OakVegas.
#25 Philadelphia Eagles: Rashan Gary IDL/Edge Michigan
The Eagles could look to WR, LB, RB here or even a developmental tackle to take over for the legendary Jason Peters. However, in this mock Rashan Gary is still available and could be a terror next to Fletcher Cox. Gary is one of the more difficult prospects to place and could test off the charts, vaulting him into the top 10; however, inconsistent yet sometimes extremely impressive tape allows him to slid here where the Eagles pounce and continue to build on a strength.
#26 Indianapolis Colts: Deebo Samuel WR South Carolina
Christian Wilkins is still on the board and I think that would be a tremendous fit on defense, but for the sake of conversation picture Deebo Samuel in this offense. Rebuilt offensive line, Andrew Luck, Marlon Mack/Nyheim Hines, Ebron/Doyle, TY Hilton/Deebo. Sheesh.
#27 Oakland Raiders: Mack Wilson LB Alabama
Thus far, Oakland is doing very well for themselves. But even with 2 first round picks in the books, there are sill many holes to fill. Mack Wilson is a modern linebacker who can carry the seam in coverage and still bring a thump in the run game. Last season, Tahir Whitehead was the most effective LB in Oakland and that is not a recipe for success. With Burns and Wilson, the Raiders add an element of versatility and speed that is severely lacking.
#28 LA Chargers: Christian Wilkins IDL Clemson
Obviously LA is set on the edge, where they still need help is inside, and Wilkins gives you the size to suck blocks, and the versatility and athleticism to penetrate and make plays on his own. Getting a guy like Wilkins unlocks a lot of what this front 7 is able to do, while they still need a linebacker to maximize the group’s potential.
#29 Kansas City Chiefs: Chauncey Gardner-Johnson S Florida
When this draft is all said and done, Gardner-Johnson could be the first safety off the board. He can cover the slot, he has the ability to play single high and loves making plays around the line of scrimmage. Kansas City needs a lot of help in their secondary, and the quickest way to do that is by picking a guy who can fill multiple rolls.
#30 Green Bay Packers: TJ Hockenson TE Iowa
With their need at edge taken care of, Green Bay combines best player available with a huge need at TE. Jimmy Graham was worth a shot, but hasn’t worked out, and TJ Hockenson gives you the blocking and the receiving chops to step in right away and take on a huge role in this offense. Hockenson might be a top 5 overall player in this class.
#31 LA Rams: Devin Bush LB Michigan
The Rams have an aging offensive line, and players to replace on their D-Line and secondary, but severely lack ability at the linebacker position. Bush is undersized, but fills the hole with a pop and can make plays sideline to sideline. He would step in day one and be the lead linebacker on this team, and add to this play-making unit.
#32 New England Patriots: Charles Omenihue Edge Texas
Omenihue is one of my favorite players in this draft and after the combine I don’t think he even falls this far, and definitely doesn’t fall out of the 1st round. In this scenario New England leaps at the chance to take a guy with inside-outside versatility and a freakish 7 foot wingspan.
2nd Round
#1 Arizona Cardinals: Garrett Bradbury IOL NC State
The Cardinals have one of the league’s best running backs and even David Johnson cannot be effective behind this line. AQ Shipley comes back from injury this year which is an immediate improvement so Bradbury could start at LG while waiting to replace him.
#2 Indianapolis Colts: Dexter Lawrence IDL Clemson
After adding a dynamic piece to the offense, Colts beef up the D-line with a 340 lbrun stuffer in the middle of the defense. The defense still needs a lot of help in terms of purely adding talent, but getting the guy in the middle is a good start.
#3 Oakland Raiders: Noah Fant TE Iowa
Oakland needs play-makers all over the place. Cook had a career year last season, but at his age that is not sustainable. Even if he is retained, Fant is the athletic type of TE that can create matchup problems.
#4 San Francisco 49ers: Hakeem Butler WR Iowa State
You have Dante Pettis and Marquise Goodwin (when healthy) in place along with George Kittle, now you need that red-zone threat who round out the passing game when you count in McKinnon stepping back into the backfield. Butler is a big body with tremendous body control on the boundary.
#5 New York Giants: David Edwards OT Wisconsin
The Giants O-Line is much improved from 2017 but is still a work in progress. Edwards projects as a RT, where he had the majority of his experience at Offensive Line U. He is strong, but athletic for his size which allows him to wall of linebackers on the second level.
#6 Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Deiter IOL Wisconsin
With the way this offense is built they’re going to need to continue to try to beef up this offensive line. He’s played center, guard, and tackle in his time at Wisconsin and he will use that experience and functional athleticism to slide into a potential starting spot from day 1.
#7 Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Josh Jacobs RB Alabama
I do not envision a RB being taken in the first round, which is to the delight of the Bucs. They hedge their bets on last years selection Ronald Jones by taking RB1 with their second pick and continuing to build their offense.
#8 Buffalo Bills: Dremont Jones IDL Ohio State
The post-Kyle Williams Bills need some serious help on the defensive line, and Dremont Jones has the highest ceiling of the available players. He’s an explosive guy who can cause problems on the interior.
#9 Denver Broncos: Drew Lock QB Missouri
Denver was able to add an instant impact player to their defense in RD1 and start building for their future here. Much has been made about Elway’s love affair with Lock, and being able to secure him here could be a steal.
#10 Cincinnati Bengals: Irv Smith Jr TE Alabama
Cinci values a tight end when Tyler Eifert is healthy, unfortunately that never happens. Irv Smith Jr. Is a potential perennial pro-bowler who gives you everything you want out of the position. He’s a first round talent in my book and adds a new dynamic to this offense after the breakout year by Tyler Boyd.
#11 Detroit Lions: Taylor Rapp S Washington
By adding their second member of the Huskies’ secondary, the Lions turn a major weakness into a potential strength. Adding a box safety with experience playing high to Quandre Diggs and Tracy Walker III gives Matt Patricia plenty of tools to play with on the back-end.
#12 Green Bay Packers: Marquise Blair S Utah
After letting Ha-Ha Clinton Dix leave the Packers have been starving for a quality free safety, and after adding three starting caliber corners in the last two drafts, Marquise Blair is the final piece to this young secondary. Blair has played just about every position in college, is physical as hell, and has the athletic profile to start from day 1.
#13 Atlanta Falcons: Dru Samia IOL Oklahoma
Samia has the length and athleticism to be effective in the NFL. He would be able to step in right away if Levitre moves on or would be an improvement on the right side.
#14 Washington Redskins: Riley Ridley WR Georgia
It’s no secret the Redskins need a wide receiver and, though his production scares some people away, Ridley is one of the best in this draft. He’s a polished route runner with better size and athleticism than his brother.
#15 Carolina Panthers: Erik McCoy IOL Texas A&M
If the Panthers have any interest in their start Quarterback continuing his career, they need to make major improvements on their offensive line. Center Ryan Kalil has moved on and McCoy has the tools and nastiness to be his replacement in year 1.
#16 Miami Dolphins: Christian Miller Edge Alabama
Whenever you watch the Alabama defense there’s a few times you have to rewind after a play Quinnen Williams makes and go holy shit who was that and how was that possible. I often get the same reaction watching Christian Miller, who pops out on tape nearly every snap he gets on this loaded Alabama front. He fills a huge need in Miami and has a tremendous ceiling as a pass rusher.
#17 Cleveland Browns: Deandre Baker CB Georgia
One of the steals of this mock, Baker to Cleveland would be a great fit. As one of the most technically refined defensive backs in this class, he should go much higher. However, his lack of size or elite athleticism could allow him to slip.
#18 Minnesota Vikings: Greg Little OT Ole Miss
When your offensive line is this horrifically terrible, you double down. Greg Little has a lot of potential based on his frame and athleticism. Trust your coaching to maximize his limitless potential, and take a chance on this guy in the 2nd round with your safe pick in Risner in round 1.
#19 Tennessee Titans: AJ Brown WR Ole Miss
The Titans need some new weapons, and A.J. Brown in the slot could allow Cory Davis to flourish. Neither are top end athletes but both can create separation and win at the catch point.
#20 Pittsburgh Steelers: Amani Oruwariye CB Penn State
Another guy who fills a need and fits the mold of on the Pittsburgh defense. Amani can be great with this length, athletic profile, and natural ball skills, but needs some cleaning up on his footwork. He has the ability to stick with NFL receivers, and he probably steps into training camp as the most capable corner on the roster.
#21 Philadelphia Eagles: Darrell Henderson RB Memphis
The Eagles have some interesting depth pieces in their backfield. Each man has his own set of skills, but Henderson is a lead back with a combination of balance, quickness, power and game breaking ability that could lead to him being the first RB selected at the end of this process.
#22 Houston Texans: Julian Love CB Notre Dame
Jonathan Joseph is old, there’s no getting around that. In addition the Texans have been looking to fill the spot left by AJ Bouye in 2017, and Julian Love steps in as a physical press man corner with a ton of ball production during his time at Notre Dame.
#23 Houston Texans: Jeffrey Simmons IDL Mississippi State
Simmons could be a top 5 pick if not for his past, and he’s absolutely a 1st round talent even with those issues. ACL procedures and recovery has become almost standard in an athlete’s carer these days and the Texans capitalize by scoring one of the years best talents.
#24 New England Patriots: D’Andre Walker Edge Georgia
With Trey Flowers likely gone, the Pats are going to need another body to fill in and potentially help get after opposing quarterbacks. There needs to be some more polish to his game, but Walker is a good athlete and can fit into a rotation right away.
#25 Philadelphia Eagles: Titus Howard OT Alabama State
A RT at Alabama State, Howard protected the blindside with an impressive kick step. Once Howard gets his mits on you, he stays engaged. While he can get to the second level, he doesn’t excel at drive blocking. He isn’t prepared to be a starter right away, but with a year of Jason Peters’ tutelage he could excel.
#26 Dallas Cowboys: Isaiah Buggs IDL Alabama
The Cowboys defense is only a couple of players away from being dominate, with or without Demarcus Lawrence, an interior penetration is one of those guys, something that Isaiah Buggs excels at. Dallas would be smart to give Lawrence the deal he is asking for to make a run at a potential title push with a really quality roster.
#27 Indianapolis Colts: Zach Allen Edge/IDL Boston College
The Colts continue to bolster their defensive line and get a versatile guy who can play right away. Allen is great against the run and has emerged as an effective pass rusher. The Colts get a guy that could easily go on day 1 at a position of massive need.
#28 LA Chargers: Tre’von Coney LB Notre Dame
Coney is the only linebacker other than the “big three” of White, Wilson, and Bush who I see as a potential long-term starter in the NFL. He’s a better athlete than people give him credit for and he’s extremely intelligent for the position with very little wasted movements.
#29 Kansas City Chiefs: Oshane Ximenes Edge Old Dominion
The Chiefs could move on from Dee Ford, and regardless they need to start considering a replacement for Justin Houston. Ximenes has a good frame and great instincts, albeit against inferior competition. He sets a good edge and gets his long arms up when he can’t get home. He needs development but could be a solid starter in this system.
#30 New Orleans Saints: Jerry Tillery IDL Notre Dame
Disappears for big chunks of a lot of his tape, but when he gets after it he has some extremely impressive reps. As we stand today New Orleans has one pick in the first 4 rounds of the draft so they have to get someone who can contribute right away, and I think Tillery has all the tools to do that.
#31 Kansas City Chiefs: Rock Ya-Sin CB Temple
Ya-Sin will not come in at 6’2” but he is a long 6ft tall CB who has solid athleticism and good ball skills. Rock is not the most refined but he comes up well in the run game and would be an immediate improvement in Kansas City.
#32 New England Patriots: Jace Sternberger TE Texas A&M
Jace Sternberger looks like a Patriot (yes, I’m talking about a white guy who plays a pass catching role effectively). He’s great after the catch, he’s a smooth athlete, and he can step in and make an impact right away with or without Gronk.