# Is for a player with with reported character or maturity concerns.
** Is for a player with reported injury concerns.
1.ARIZONA - KYLER MURRAY - QB - OKLAHOMA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - RUSSELL WILSON - SEAHAWKS
The Cards may not want to admit it, but most of the moves they made last off season said they are rebuilding , but didn't want to say it out loud . If Josh Rosen is healthy long term I think he will be the steal of the draft, but I have no reason to think he will be . Sam Bradford has always been the king of un-realized potential at QB due to injuries, and he was cut anyway , but once again he got his money. So I felt a top 5 pick was probably in their future, and losing to the Raiders confirmed it . Plus Rosen was their best draft pick in my opinion, and while I like Christian Kirk he has never shown he is anything but a slot receiver, and that's where Fitzgerald plays . That's another sign that they are looking long term . To protect their young QB they should really upgrade their terrible O-Line However , since they did end up with the first pick trading it to a QB needy team so they can get a big enough haul to speed up the rebuild really helps , but I don't see anyone paying that steep a price to move up for any of these QB's , However, let's suppose that new head Kyle Kingsbury's comments about taking Kyler Murray number one overall if he had the chance are heeded , even though he has done everything since getting the job to praise Rosen and his fit in his offense . I personally doubt that Rosen has the mobility to run all the stuff that Kingsbury ran with Mahomes at Texas Tech , and GM Steve Keim's comments were a lot more fuzzy at the scouting combine. By trading Rosen to a QB needy team like Jacksonville , Miami, or Washington here both sides get what they want . After doing his tape I was surprised by how accurate Murray was, and how strong his arm is . This isn't a running QB . It's a pass first QB that can run and do it very well , and most of his runs were designed. He isn't looking to run if his first or second read is covered . He keeps his eyes down field and usually only takes off running down field when it's the right call . This offense would be a match made in heaven for Kyler , and even if he is 5"10" and a quarter that's only 3/8 of an inch shorter than Russell Wilson . Murray also weighed in at 207 , but he looks a fair bit lighter than Wilson is now, but Wilson was only 203 at the combine in 2012. His hands were also 9 and a half inches, which is again not as big as Wilson's 10 and a quarter but still plenty big enough .If he was 6"2'" like Haskins it would definitely be easy to rank him ahead of Dwayne, but he's not and my biggest questions with Murray long term are about durability . He didn't get hit much at Oklahoma, because his O-Line is full of future NFL players ,and I honestly can't remember a QB consistently having that much time to throw . I'm still making him my number one QB now regardless of his size and my doubts. Also, the cards can use the # 13 overall pick on a O-Lineman now . Everybody wins .
2.SAN FRANCISCO - NICK BOSA - DE - OHIO ST.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - JOEY BOSA - CHARGERS
I liked the niners first 4 picks , although I still thought it was too high for Mcglinchey, but OT's are in high demand , and he is a great run blocker . Dante Pettis is a guy I think will really make a real world impact right away. he's an elite return man , and a vastly underrated WR . The secondary could use an upgrade though . Richard Sherman is still a good player , but after coming off a major injury last season he is already hurt again . Throw in Sherman's age (31 next year) , and that their possible 3rd corners are struggling . However, the more tape I watch the more I am sure that there is no corner in this draft worth a top 2 pick . The niners are a prime candidate to trade down and get better value for their pick unless the falls to them here . Well it happened this time . Nick is a lot like Joey on tape , and that's high praise. Plus, he has the added advantage of having his Pro Bowl big bro as a tutor. He's not quite as big or stout against the run, but he is still a plus there . Nick has those same lethal hands and motor though . It wouldn't surprise me if he is an even better player long term , and that's hard to pass up . He had surgery for a core muscle injury after the 3rd game of this season . He probably wouldn't have been a 100% at any time this season after that , and then he wisely has pulled out of school and is preparing for the draft . He should be healthy by the combine , is still the highest graded player on my board, and I still think he goes in the top 3 as long as he is healthy . This pick would also give them 4 players along the D-line who were drafted in the first round, and 3 of them would have gone in the top 7. They can kick Armstead inside to join Buckner , add Bosa outside , and hopefully Thomas plays well seeing single blockers all day This would give all 4 a good chance to succeed .
3.NY JETS - JAWAAN TAYLOR - OT - FLORIDA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - MARCUS CANNON - PATRIOTS
I actually liked the Jets draft, although at first I thought they gave up too much to move from #3 to #6 for what could of ended up being the 3rd QB on their board, but with Darnold falling into their laps it looks really smart now . Shepherd in the 3rd, Herndon in the 4th, and Fatukasi in the 6th were also great values. This was the kind of draft that can change a franchises fortunes long term . It's great that they got a potential franchise QB , but I almost hoped he didn't get to play much this year because he could ( and did )get hurt behind their O-line . The only one of them I would say is even slightly above average is LT Kelvin Beachum and he is a free agent after 2019. They should have the cap space to keep him , and if they are drafting Taylor I would, because the only 2 games I watched him pay on the left side were in 2017 and they are the worst 2 games of his I watched . Now maybe he's just a better ll around player now , and a full off season of working reps on the left side would make him a lot better. His 2018 tape is much better than his 2017 tape , but that's all on the right side , At the very least he would be an upgrade at RT . I think Taylor's tape is only second to Jonah Williams outside,but most NFL teams have a cutoff of 34 inch arm length for OT's . I don't ,because I think if a guy has good feet and mirror ability like Williams that 33 is fine, and his arms measure at 33 5/8 inches. That's the same as Joe Thomas who was the best pass blocking OT for the better part of a decade before he retired after the 2018 season . Taylor though measured in with 35 1/4 inch arms and teams love that because while 34 may be their cutoff the longer the better , and 36+ is ideal. Plus his tape is really good so I think he will likely be the first OT taken now .Taylor is a huge & strong right tackle prospect with surprisingly good feet. I thought of him as more of a third rounder coming into the year , but he has taken his game to a new level this season , and he looks in much better shape too .He faced a lot of future NFL guys this year ,and did well. I think this is a slight reach, but (other than QB ) offensive tackle is the most reached for position in the draft. However, unlike quarterback's offensive tackles don't bust as often because many of them could still start inside if they don't end up being able to hack it on a island . While I think Taylor can definitely hack RT, I also think he could play guard if it doesn't work out . He is big, powerful and athletic . A people mover in the run game who can dominate opponents at the point of attack .He throws his hands with force too, but at least when he misses it's usually to the stomach . At least that slows them down . When you miss high your hands either slide right up and over, you end up grabbing outside & risking a possible penalty , or you hit the guy in the throat or face and risk another possible penalty . My only worry with him is keeping his weight in check . One more thing . The Jets don't have a 2nd round pick due to the trade up for Sam Darnold last year so I also wouldn't be surprised if they traded back to get more picks , but I feel its crucial to get O-Line help with this pick . It should be hard to pass on Quinnen Williams here, because he is one of only 2 players I consider elite in this draft right now , and pairing him inside with Leonard Williams is a possible dream duo . A trade back in the top 10 and still getting a good OT to protect your young QB would be ideal .
4.OAKLAND - ** - QUINNEN WILLIAMS - DT - ALABAMA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - JONATHAN ALLEN - REDSKINS
The Raiders had the ultimate boom or bust draft in 2018 full of high end talents with flaws. It's almost like Al Davis was in charge again . Then they inexplicably traded a 3rd round pick for the talented but unreliable Martavis Bryant . Of course they only ended up cutting him , but at least they brought him back, but then he got hurt & suspended again.To top it off they traded their best player in Khalil Mack right before the season . I would have paid him but maybe they will end up on the right side of this. The problem with that is they have to make the right choices with those picks, but at least 2 first rounders is a nice haul for any non QB , although they may end up being later picks than the Riders envisioned when they made the deal. The best part for me is I was having trouble on deciding how well they would play under the new regime, but now it's much easier to rank them . The raiders have no one special coming off the edge right now , although Arden Key has the potential to be so, and if you add him to Mo Hurst on the inside their is hope for a future pass rush . Bruce Irvin was probably their best edge rusher right now, but he is undersized , will be 32 next season, was one of the most vocal players about the trading of Mack, had a 9.25 million dollar salary next year with no dead money on the cap if they walked away from him, and they did cut him mid-season. Their victory's over the Cardinals & Bengals probably cost them the #1 overall pick , but they still get a awesome player at #4 that helps their horrible pass rush, and also can be dominant against the run . The first thing you notice about Quinnen is that he has great snap anticipation . Almost always the first guy off the ball , and I actually now believe he is quicker off the ball than Ed Oliver . Lacks the elite tools and measurables of some of the other top Interior D-Lineman in this class, but his tape is really good, and every tape I have watched has only made me like him more . Plus, he has less miles on him than a lot of the previous Alabama DT's , and he is a lot stronger than I would have thought at his listed size. He is already getting steady pressure in multiple ways, and he wrecks it against the run . He can play any interior spot in a odd or even front when needed . Great hand use and leverage .Put him at the one technique alongside Mo Hurst and QB's will have no place to step up in the pocket, and there is nothing a QB hates more than pressure in his face . He is one of the 2 elite players in this draft along with Bosa , and if you can get him with the 4th pick it's a home run . Quinnen will be having surgery on a finger he hurt during the season after the combine, but I doubt it hurts his draft stock .
5.TAMPA BAY- JOSH ALLEN - OLB/DE - KENTUCKY
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - JEVON KEARSE - retired
The Bucs are coming off a good draft last year , and they also added some other key veterans to beef up their D-line . The one major weakness I could see on their offense is left tackle, although the secondary is also a big worry on defense . Donovan Smith hasn't been getting it done, and instead of kicking him inside to guard where he might have been more successful they have stubbornly left him outside to the detriment of the team . They decided to put the franchise tag on him anyway . Even though I loved the pick of Ronald Jones at the time , and thought he was well worth the 38th pick in the 2nd round, I'm surprised they didn't snatch up Connor Williams to play LT . Plus, Jones disappointed us all this year anyway . With Winston's suspension and the fact that they are in one of the the deepest divisions in football , especially when it comes to QB talent , they were in for a long season .However, Fitzmagic gave them a short burst, but that ended quickly . In the end the main problem for the BUC wasn't scoring points. The problem was the defense so I will go there ,and now they are switching to a 3-4 with( the shouldn't have been fired by the Jets in the first place ) Todd Bowles as their new DC . They lack the personnel for it though, and the only defender they have that this might help step up his game is former 2nd rounder Noah Spence, although Vea could plug right in at the NT. Spence was undersized and got pushed around and beat up as a 4-3 end so he put on some weight, but ended up losing his explosiveness once he did . So maybe a drop back to around 240 & a move to being a 3-4 OLB can at least restore some of his pass rushing prowess, although I don't know how he will hold up in coverage . Allen could fit perfectly as the other 3-4 OLB in this defense . Josh is an experienced 3-4 OLB with an ideal frame & length for the position with some chops in both zone & man coverage . Coming into this season I saw him as an unimaginative pass rusher who needed more than a speed rush and the occasional spin counter, but the tools were all there . He also showed a good motor, but he needed to get stronger to hold up on the edge against the run ,and improve his bull rush. He might have gone in the 2nd in the 2018 draft, but I think returning to school was the right move for him because he's done everything I wanted him to do to up his draft grade . He has put on some more muscle making him more attractive to 4-3 teams, improved his technique & pass rush repertoire
6.NY GIANTS - DWAYNE HASKINS - QB - OHIO ST.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - CARSON PALMER - retired
First off even though they didn't take a QB , or even other players I thought would give them a better chance at long term success like Quentin Nelson or Bradley Chubb at #2 , I love their 2018 draft . They obviously still believed in Eli, as their first 2 picks( Barkley & Hernandez ) helped him right away . Even the high upside of Lorenzo Carter was well worth the gamble in round 3 , and BJ Hill fit right away as a 5 technique in their new 3-4 . Then still getting a possible successor to Eli in the 4th round with Kyle Lauletta was brilliant to me .Still, Lauletta was a 4th round pick , and he never got a real chance to play. So basically I think the excitement caused by Sam Darnold with the crosstown rival Jets will lead them to take a QB if they end up with another top 10 pick this year. When they started trading away starters for late picks they became my new favorite to pick #1 overall , and that means a QB this time , but they ruined it by rallying late in the season. Justin Herbert went back to school or I might have had to mock a trade where the Giants traded up for him, but trading up for Haskins may cost them less because he doesn't have as much of a track record. While Haskins had a impressive year , and really improved throughout it, there is a lot less experience and therefore tape to judge him on . I have finished my tape study on him , and he is my number one QB now , but I only have a mid first round grade on him. So basically if he was in last years draft I would have had him behind, Darnold, Mayfield, and Rosen .Still beggars can't be choosers , and he does have a lot of talent, and there is plenty of time in the pre-draft process for the Giants and other teams to fall in love with him .The Urban Meyer system has won a lot of college games ,but while his QB's are routinely great college players , they are rarely NFL quality passers . In my opinion Haskins is the most talented passer Meyer has ever had . He has just enough athletic ability to do all the options and runs the offense calls for. A lot of NFL teams are now going toward more athletic QB's, but he is definitely a pass first QB . Haskins has a strong arm , but he doesn't always show it, and when he tries to touch passes he tends to take a little too much off it sometimes . That arm talent is why it surprises me he doesn't throw downfield enough in this offense , because he definitely has the arm for it . Although he did showcase that big arm at times . He is the ONLY reason this years underwhelming & inexperienced Ohio St. team won the big ten, and he put an exclamation point on that with a great bowl game . The redshirt sophomore's youth , occasional tentativeness to let it rip , and small sample size as a starter contribute to him probably needing a year behind a veteran to adjust to the NFL game . Eli could be the guy to mentor him in the final year of his contract ,but everything you hear about Haskins says he is a natural leader , and with this little experience do you really want to sit him again? Plus , he doesn't hear the footsteps Eli now does from years of getting hammered behind a substandard O-Line . I am not really sure where he will go because he is in a weird space . It could be at #1 due to a trade up if a team falls in love with him, or he could fall all the way to Washington at #15 . So for now I will just leave out a trade and have the giants take him at # 6 . Could Jacksonville, Denver, Miami, Washington , or a mystery team trade ahead of them and take him ? Sure, but until we hear more about his interviews and I know something random didn't pop up in his medicals at the combine I am just going to leave him to fall here , and expect him to sit behind Eli for at least part of the season.The Giants don't have a 3rd rounder this year thanks to taking Sam Beal in the supplemental draft,and they are going to need that second rounder to help make the team competitive in 2019 .One more thing . There is a very legitimate chance next years Giants pick is in the top 10. So even the Giants may pass on him ,or even trade back and try to gather more picks to get a QB next year .
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - CARSON PALMER - retired
First off even though they didn't take a QB , or even other players I thought would give them a better chance at long term success like Quentin Nelson or Bradley Chubb at #2 , I love their 2018 draft . They obviously still believed in Eli, as their first 2 picks( Barkley & Hernandez ) helped him right away . Even the high upside of Lorenzo Carter was well worth the gamble in round 3 , and BJ Hill fit right away as a 5 technique in their new 3-4 . Then still getting a possible successor to Eli in the 4th round with Kyle Lauletta was brilliant to me .Still, Lauletta was a 4th round pick , and he never got a real chance to play. So basically I think the excitement caused by Sam Darnold with the crosstown rival Jets will lead them to take a QB if they end up with another top 10 pick this year. When they started trading away starters for late picks they became my new favorite to pick #1 overall , and that means a QB this time , but they ruined it by rallying late in the season. Justin Herbert went back to school or I might have had to mock a trade where the Giants traded up for him, but trading up for Haskins may cost them less because he doesn't have as much of a track record. While Haskins had a impressive year , and really improved throughout it, there is a lot less experience and therefore tape to judge him on . I have finished my tape study on him , and he is my number one QB now , but I only have a mid first round grade on him. So basically if he was in last years draft I would have had him behind, Darnold, Mayfield, and Rosen .Still beggars can't be choosers , and he does have a lot of talent, and there is plenty of time in the pre-draft process for the Giants and other teams to fall in love with him .The Urban Meyer system has won a lot of college games ,but while his QB's are routinely great college players , they are rarely NFL quality passers . In my opinion Haskins is the most talented passer Meyer has ever had . He has just enough athletic ability to do all the options and runs the offense calls for. A lot of NFL teams are now going toward more athletic QB's, but he is definitely a pass first QB . Haskins has a strong arm , but he doesn't always show it, and when he tries to touch passes he tends to take a little too much off it sometimes . That arm talent is why it surprises me he doesn't throw downfield enough in this offense , because he definitely has the arm for it . Although he did showcase that big arm at times . He is the ONLY reason this years underwhelming & inexperienced Ohio St. team won the big ten, and he put an exclamation point on that with a great bowl game . The redshirt sophomore's youth , occasional tentativeness to let it rip , and small sample size as a starter contribute to him probably needing a year behind a veteran to adjust to the NFL game . Eli could be the guy to mentor him in the final year of his contract ,but everything you hear about Haskins says he is a natural leader , and with this little experience do you really want to sit him again? Plus , he doesn't hear the footsteps Eli now does from years of getting hammered behind a substandard O-Line . I am not really sure where he will go because he is in a weird space . It could be at #1 due to a trade up if a team falls in love with him, or he could fall all the way to Washington at #15 . So for now I will just leave out a trade and have the giants take him at # 6 . Could Jacksonville, Denver, Miami, Washington , or a mystery team trade ahead of them and take him ? Sure, but until we hear more about his interviews and I know something random didn't pop up in his medicals at the combine I am just going to leave him to fall here , and expect him to sit behind Eli for at least part of the season.The Giants don't have a 3rd rounder this year thanks to taking Sam Beal in the supplemental draft,and they are going to need that second rounder to help make the team competitive in 2019 .One more thing . There is a very legitimate chance next years Giants pick is in the top 10. So even the Giants may pass on him ,or even trade back and try to gather more picks to get a QB next year .
7.JACKSONVILLE- JONAH WILLIAMS - OT - ALABAMA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - JORDAN GROSS - retired
I had previously picked the Jags to win the Superbowl in a mock at the start of the season , but I believe if anything keeps them from winning it's Blake Bortles, and the way things went in 2018 I was sadly proven right . I thought they would probably go the veteran free agent or trade routes ( Carr, Eli, Dalton, Flacco, Bridgewater , Tannehill , Foles ) to replace him if he is gone after this season . My money was on Foles because he played with new OC John DeFilippo in Philly , but then contract shenanigans ensued , but now that the Eagles have decided not to risk putting the franchise tag on him it's still a very real possibility . However, they would have to structure the deal where he had a very low cap number in 2019 to avoid having to cut valuable veterans, or restructure and push more money into future caps .I am going to say they end up with Foles now and are immediate contenders again . I have now completely done with Jonah Williams tape over the last 2 years, and I love freaking love this dude ! Williams was a starter as a true freshman at Alabama, and impressive as that is he actually flipped over to the blindside on 2017 . Then again in 2018 , and his tape has improved steadily every year . He is my highest ranked OT in this potentially deep class of them because of all those things , and his tape this year is the best of any other OT in this draft. His play is remarkably consistent game after game. Jonah has reliable techniques, is a natural knee bender, has good mirroring skills , a well timed punch, and he displays a strong base . He is not a mauler, but he does move defenders off the ball some , and is great on combo blocks . He also flashes a mean streak especially at the second level , but is best trait has got to be work ethic. No one can this steady a technician without constantly practicing their reps over and over . Plus he is so rarely fooled by stunts that I just know he is a coachable film junkie . If he was on my team I would nickname him the clinic because this is how I teach it to be done , and rarely does someone do it so well with such regularity . I have heard that some teams like him at guard instead because they worry about his arm length . I can see that occasionally on tape too, but unless you are Tyron Smith arm length is occasionally a problem if some long armed defender gets the right hand placement on you . I do think he might be able to be a great guard, but their is no need here to kick him inside if you watch his tape . Most teams have a cutoff of 34 inch arm length with offensive tackles . I believe 33 is fine if you have good feet , hand placement , and mirror ability, which Jonah does . Plus, he measured at 33 and 5/8 at the combine which is the same length of future HOFer Joe Thomas . Since Thomas was the leagues best pass blocker outside for about a decade hat proves it can be done by a technician . Other than that I think all he needs is stronger more violent hand punch, and he can fix that easily with some more reverse & inside grip bench presses .
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - JORDAN GROSS - retired
I had previously picked the Jags to win the Superbowl in a mock at the start of the season , but I believe if anything keeps them from winning it's Blake Bortles, and the way things went in 2018 I was sadly proven right . I thought they would probably go the veteran free agent or trade routes ( Carr, Eli, Dalton, Flacco, Bridgewater , Tannehill , Foles ) to replace him if he is gone after this season . My money was on Foles because he played with new OC John DeFilippo in Philly , but then contract shenanigans ensued , but now that the Eagles have decided not to risk putting the franchise tag on him it's still a very real possibility . However, they would have to structure the deal where he had a very low cap number in 2019 to avoid having to cut valuable veterans, or restructure and push more money into future caps .I am going to say they end up with Foles now and are immediate contenders again . I have now completely done with Jonah Williams tape over the last 2 years, and I love freaking love this dude ! Williams was a starter as a true freshman at Alabama, and impressive as that is he actually flipped over to the blindside on 2017 . Then again in 2018 , and his tape has improved steadily every year . He is my highest ranked OT in this potentially deep class of them because of all those things , and his tape this year is the best of any other OT in this draft. His play is remarkably consistent game after game. Jonah has reliable techniques, is a natural knee bender, has good mirroring skills , a well timed punch, and he displays a strong base . He is not a mauler, but he does move defenders off the ball some , and is great on combo blocks . He also flashes a mean streak especially at the second level , but is best trait has got to be work ethic. No one can this steady a technician without constantly practicing their reps over and over . Plus he is so rarely fooled by stunts that I just know he is a coachable film junkie . If he was on my team I would nickname him the clinic because this is how I teach it to be done , and rarely does someone do it so well with such regularity . I have heard that some teams like him at guard instead because they worry about his arm length . I can see that occasionally on tape too, but unless you are Tyron Smith arm length is occasionally a problem if some long armed defender gets the right hand placement on you . I do think he might be able to be a great guard, but their is no need here to kick him inside if you watch his tape . Most teams have a cutoff of 34 inch arm length with offensive tackles . I believe 33 is fine if you have good feet , hand placement , and mirror ability, which Jonah does . Plus, he measured at 33 and 5/8 at the combine which is the same length of future HOFer Joe Thomas . Since Thomas was the leagues best pass blocker outside for about a decade hat proves it can be done by a technician . Other than that I think all he needs is stronger more violent hand punch, and he can fix that easily with some more reverse & inside grip bench presses .
8.DETROIT - **- RASHAN GARY - DT - MICHIGAN
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - CAMERON JORDAN - SAINTS
The Lions had a 2018 draft designed to help them run the ball, and they also improved their run defense as well, but I am not sure about their pass rush , although their secondary may have caused some coverage sacks . Ragnow is a beast, just ask Duron Payne . Plus , Tyrell Crosby was a STEAL & I liked Da'Shawn Hand more than most. Ziggy Ansah played this year on the franchise tag , and got hurt again . After Ansah got hurt again I didn't see see anyone else rushing the passer in Detroit that would scare me if I was an opposing OC , although Kennard & Hand got off to good starts, but Kennard is a LB and he faded quickly . Plus 2 other DE's ( Kerry Hyder & Romeo Okwara ) are also restricted free agents .The point is I still think they need another edge rusher . Gary is a freakish athlete for such a big man, and I think his versatility , motor , high floor & high upside , will see him drafted very early . I think his best fit is as a 3 technique , but he is so explosive for his size that I am sure 4-3 teams will also like him as strong side end, and that 3-4 teams will crave him as a five technique because he already has some experience there. After he blows up the combine I won't be surprised if he goes top 5 despite his tape not showing it, and some injury concerns. There is talk of them moving on from Gerald McCoy too . Gary could step in as 5 technique when they are in their base 3-4, and either play 3 technique or outside when they reduced to a 4-3 .
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - CAMERON JORDAN - SAINTS
The Lions had a 2018 draft designed to help them run the ball, and they also improved their run defense as well, but I am not sure about their pass rush , although their secondary may have caused some coverage sacks . Ragnow is a beast, just ask Duron Payne . Plus , Tyrell Crosby was a STEAL & I liked Da'Shawn Hand more than most. Ziggy Ansah played this year on the franchise tag , and got hurt again . After Ansah got hurt again I didn't see see anyone else rushing the passer in Detroit that would scare me if I was an opposing OC , although Kennard & Hand got off to good starts, but Kennard is a LB and he faded quickly . Plus 2 other DE's ( Kerry Hyder & Romeo Okwara ) are also restricted free agents .The point is I still think they need another edge rusher . Gary is a freakish athlete for such a big man, and I think his versatility , motor , high floor & high upside , will see him drafted very early . I think his best fit is as a 3 technique , but he is so explosive for his size that I am sure 4-3 teams will also like him as strong side end, and that 3-4 teams will crave him as a five technique because he already has some experience there. After he blows up the combine I won't be surprised if he goes top 5 despite his tape not showing it, and some injury concerns. There is talk of them moving on from Gerald McCoy too . Gary could step in as 5 technique when they are in their base 3-4, and either play 3 technique or outside when they reduced to a 4-3 .
9.BUFFALO - ED OLIVER - DT - HOUSTON
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - LA'ROI GLOVER - retired
It's a shame when a team has such a great season, breaks a long playoff drought, and then you feel that said team is about to hit a wall .A draft is never really accurately judged until at least 3 years later, and the Bills got some really talented players with their first 3 picks in 2018 , but they didn't address their O-Line or the WR position much. In fact they didn't draft a O-lineman & WR until the 5th round and 7th round respectively .That combined with the raw players they took early are why I gave them the #1 pick overall in my very first 2019 mock draft. Both Allen and Edmunds are high end talents , but both also lack polish and I wasn't sure how much they can be expected to contribute early in their careers , especially Allen. 3rd round pick Harrison Philips was a steal where they got him in my book, and I thought he was the most likely Bills draftee to consistently contribute right out of the gate , and he did . Since 3 of their best O-Lineman on their 2017 team were no longer on the roster, and the only on roster fill in I was comfortable with for any of them is Dion Dawkins. It didn't matter whether it was Nathan Peterman or the boom or bust Josh Allen at QB . I didn't give either much of chance to succeed this season under those circumstances, and sadly I was right , although Peterman was historically bad. After watching the first 3 pre-season games my suspicions were sadly confirmed about the line, and it didn't get any better as the season went along . QB's were dropping like flies in Buffalo , but Matt Barkley of all people stepped up on a week's notice and probably cost them any chance of getting the #1 overall pick . When Allen returned from injury they went with a run first offense where his size and speed helped them be competitive, but in the long run he is going to need to pass to be successful . They reset their cap last year too , and now they can really start building up this team into a possible consistent contender , but it's very possible they just go best player available because they have so many needs. Ed has been a dominant and disruptive force inside, and he has the explosive traits of a high level pass rusher with some more polish and technique additions . He explodes off the ball and practically lives in opposing backfields, but he also overruns too many plays and needs to be a better tackler on the finish . He was a candidate for the number one overall pick if he had gotten to the QB more & measured well,but he looks small enough to drop him out of the top of the draft on many teams boards, and the double teams he faces didn't do his sack total any good . I would love to see him playing primarily as a 3 technique instead of as a NT, and think that's his primary position in the NFL, but even playing what I see as out of position he is still breaking through the line consistently on tape . He's so athletic that if he were taller I would think a lot of teams would move to defensive end , but
***PROJECTED TRADE*** The TEXANS trade their own 1rst (#23) and the 2nd they got from the SEAHAWKS (#54) and their own 3rd (#86) to the BRONCOS for their 1rst (#10) rounder ***PROJECTED TRADE***
10.HOUSTON-(broncos)- ANDRE DILLARD - OT - WASH ST.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - LAREMY TUNSIL - DOLPHINS
The Texans didn't have a pick until the 3rd round, but they made the most of their draft anyway . They need more O-Lineman ,and Rankins will probably start somewhere on that depleted unit down the road , but he was a disappointment as a rookie . I especially loved Ejiofor in the 6th . They had an easy schedule but a tough division, but that shaky O-line ( especially outside) is the deciding factor in why I didn't think they would go far in the playoff's this year . When you play O-Line for the Cougars you spend the a ton of time pass blocking, and Dillard is that rare spread OT that looks like a good pro prospect to me because he excels as a pass blocker . The second generation offensive lineman for the Cougars is a 3 year starter at left tackle that has improved every year , but he needs to get stronger to move people off the ball better in the run game . He has LT feet and he's quick out of his stance , but if he can learn to consistently throw his hands earlier & lockout instead of catching rushers he could be worth this pick . After a good combine that confirmed those feet & athleticism it's possible he goes in the top 10 , and this trade reflects that . I know it's a steep price to pay, but its a reasonable one to protect your franchise QB's blindside .
11.CINCINNATTI - DEVIN WHITE - ILB - LSU
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - BOBBY WAGNER - SEAHAWKS
Marvin Lewis and Mike Brown had a long run together. Their heavily coach influenced drafting strategy where they take a lot of really talented players who have fallen because of character issues & injury woes payed off for awhile. They actually had about a 5 year run where they had one of the leagues more talented roisters from top to bottom, but never won a playoff game. QB Andy Dalton is at the end of a 8 year run as the starter after this season, and despite 4 playoff trips he hasn't won said playoff game either, although he has 2 years left on his deal . Mike Brown is both owner and GM in Cincy , and he's probably not going to fire himself, or even take a Jerry Jones route and wise up enough to let football people help him make better decisions . Both Lewis & Dalton have had their chances and Brown has actually given them more chances than I think they deserve to win . So I think they should have both been gone after this season, and then the rebuilding Bengals would start over at the games most important position . If I was them I would see what they can get for Dalton on the trade market. Even with the Bengals hot start I thought they would both be gone with another first round playoff loss , but they fell back to earth after a slew of injuries, and that included Dalton. However, even though I disagree it looks like Mike Brown is only going to get rid of Marvin Lewis . So that means they are keeping Dalton so I will turn to another big need . Vontaze Burfict's problems are usually staying healthy and avoiding suspensions for his dirty play . In 2018 he sucked even when he was on the field . They can save close to 9 million by cutting him and I bet the new regime would like to start over at LB altogether . With so many LB's coming into the NFL today lacking take on skills it's really nice to see a possible complete 3 down player like White that doesn't run around all blocks . Coming into this season I saw White as a guy who can stack , shed , and run to the ball . This is a sideline to sideline guy who can blitz, and he also shows a decent football IQ that I thought would grow with another season at LSU . A potential true MIKE LB with legitimate 1rst round tape is rare in today's game , but he also has the speed to play outside . Shows good awareness in zone coverage , changes direction well , is an excellent blitzer ,and has the innate ability to sift through traffic and find the ball carrier . The only potential negatives I saw were length , a tendency to come in hot & overrun the occasional play ,and a penchant for tackling around the head when he's chasing backside or around the edge . He played about the same this year , and while I still think he's first rounder the lack of growth , especially his instincts when it came to biting on fakes was a little disappointing . He plays a devalued position, but I still wouldn't be surprised if he ended up going in the top 10 this year because of his upside. The best thing that could happen to him is if he winded up on a team with a high IQ veteran LB that can teach him the ropes the same way Sean Lee helped Vander Esch this year in Dallas . Otherwise playing outside might be his best fit early . Blazed a 4.4 flat in the forty at the combine which can only solidly his stock at the worst , and will probably push it up on some teams boards .
12.GREEN BAY - MONTEZ SWEAT - DE - MISS. ST.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - SIMEON RICE - retired
The Packers new regime had a good first draft in 2018. Taking back to back corners, including getting a guy ( Josh Jackson) in the 2nd I thought they might consider in the first round was potentially brilliant. Equanimeous St. Brown could end of being a huge steal in the 6th as well . They didn't address the edge though, and Clay Matthews is slowing down even if they did suddenly decide to leave him outside now , but this is a deep draft in edge rushers so they might get one later .They have a a good shot to get a younger cheaper replacement with this pick .Clay Matthews is probably still the best edge rusher on the pack, but he is getting up there in years, also plays the middle sometimes, was punished by the league for perfect form tackle sacks, and is a free agent .Plus Nick Perry's injuries haven't helped him live up to his salary either . Sweat has a long lean ideal frame with the arm length that you want . He uses those vine like arms to keep blockers at bay and/or control them in the run game, and holds up surprisingly well at the point of attack for a guy as light as he is . Also uses his arms well getting into a blockers chest as a pass rusher, and has a good motor . Shows a good awareness to find the ball, and smooth change of direction skills . He also brings the versatility to play both sides , and even stands up and rushes/ drops occasionally . He already looked bigger at the Senior Bow without any loss of agility , and he looked great on the field . That's progress , and while he's by no means a perfect prospect all the tools are there .If he can bulk up a bit more before the combine to keep from getting pushed around in the run game, keep his athleticism while doing it, learn to consistently play lower, and tighten up his arc when he's speed rushing outside ,and work on his hand fighting ,he could be an elite edge player . The top 10 is a possibility after he destroyed the combine workout with a record 4.41 forty for a D-Lineman , a 1..55 ten , and also killed it with a 7 flat 3 cone.
***PROJECTED TRADE*** The JAGUARS trade their 1rst in this draft (# 7) to the CARDINALS for QB JOSH ROSEN ***PROJECTED TRADE**
13.ARIZONA-(miami) - CODY FORD - OT - OKLAHOMA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - CORDY GLENN - BENGALS
The Dolphins season was in Ryan Tannehill's hands in my opinion, and I didn't trust him to be healthy or consistent enough to take them far . I actually expected them to draft a QB relatively high( possibly even in the first if one they liked fell to them) in the 2018 draft despite them being financially committed to Tannehill for at least that season , but they didn't . Combining that with them failing to find a possibly even solid Suh replacement, and my dislike of their line backing core ( even after the draft) made me think they will be picking very high, but they had a good start before the injuries hit. Other than Fitzpatrickk at #11 I just don't think they got it right overall this draft, but Gase somehow made them competitive anyway , even with another Tannehill injury . There is now a lot of talk that the Dolphins have had it with his injuries and are ready to draft a new QB high this year , and they dumped Gase as the scapegoat.If I were the Dolphins I would role with Tannehill one more year, or some other stop gap, and focus on next years QB class rather than reach here . I guess we will find out who is calling the shots here pretty quick because new head coach Brian Flores will probably want to start building the defense first . GM Chris Grier will probably want a QB because that might give him more of a grace period to keep his job . I'm betting Grier gets his way in this scenario .The Fins get a QB that I had rated higher than any QB in this draft, and they don't have to keep playing will he be healthy with Tannehill. The Cardinals new coach can draft a QB that is tailor made for his system while still having a extra top 10 pick . Now the Cardinals star to fill their biggest need which is most of their O-Line. Ford wasn't really on my radar until later in the season , but a lot of people started talking about him , and I was watching Kyler Murray(just in case ) that week anyway . So after doing 4 of his tapes I had to agree that the junior is a stud , and now that I'm done with his tape he is is a first rounder in my book , and my number 3 OT prospect. In fact that whole Oklahoma O-line is full of NFL players , but right now I think he is the best of them . He looks huge in both width of the shoulder and length of the arms , which makes it hard for people to just get around him . He's also played left guard in the past and some will prefer him inside , but I think he can stick at right tackle after the limited number of games I have watched so far . He is sloppy at times, but still shows decent feet , a strong punch ,and the aggressive mentality you want up front as a pass blocker. I just wish he was consistently nastier in the run game, but maybe when he gets more reps as a run blocker that will develop, but he still get movement at the point of attack .
14.ATLANTA - # - ANDRAEZ "GREEDY" WILLIAMS - CB - LSU
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - STEPHON GILMORE - PATRIOTS
The Falcons had a solid 2018 draft with some solid values, but the only one I might call a steal was Dedrin Senat in the 3rd . Grady Jarrett is a stud, vastly underrated , and a free agent after the season . Matt Ryan's contract , and the fact that they wanted to protect that investment by prioritizing re-signing LT Jake Matthews made me fear that they wouldn't be able to resign Grady , but they slapped the franchise tag on him . If they go D-Line it would help , but this D-Line class is so deep I think they can get a good player there in the 2nd . Robert Alford went downhill last year and was cut . Greedy had six picks as a redshirt freshman at a school known for putting out NFL talent at DB . He looks like a potential shut down corner in time if he takes to NFL coaching . Tall, physical , fast , explosive , and already balling out in the SEC at a young age make for a good future .If he can add another 15 pounds of muscle between now and the combine I think there is a good chance he's the first DB off the board ,despite his occasional miscues this year .He has the height & long arms that NFL teams prefer , especially teams that primarily run the Seattle cover 3 .
15.WASHINGTON - DREW LOCK - QB - MISSOURI
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - JAY CUTLER - retired
The Skins did a good job of filling some needs in the 2018 draft, except for two . Wide receiver and corner . The secondary was better than I expected , but Josh Norman isn't worth his salary anymore, and the depth of wide receivers in the 2nd round of this draft is excellent . .If I was the skins , and Alex Smith still isn't healthy after that horrific injury I would go stop gap QB this year . They can't cut him without eating 42 million of dead money on their cap . Maybe even trade away this years first for a first next year if their is any takers and try to get Tua , Herbert , or some other possible standout QB in next years draft .Jay Gruden has done a great job with horrific injuries wracking his team, and he deserves a lot more time to sort through this most tragic injury of all . I would extend him for 3 more years and start out over with a new QB next year . If they let him go I'll bet a smart team will snatch him right away, but it's not my call . I could see Daniel Snyder and/or Bruce Allen wanting a QB . Then if Smith is healthy after 2019 they could trade him . They would still eat 16 million of dead money , but they also would have started over with a cheap young QB. I admit I don't like the rock and go, easy read, bubble screen heavy , wide open target, spread system that Lock has been in the last 3 years, but at least he has improved every year . However, he threw down the field more than most spread QB's do , and they went to a more pro friendly offense this season , although those adjustments may have slowed him down some. I thought Lock might enter the 2018 draft, and had already watched 3 of his games before he decided to go back to school . He's got the frame , athleticism , and huge arm you want ,but his delivery is a little low . Plus he made a big jump in production this season , but he needs to be more consistent to justify a first rounder, especially with his footwork. I gave him a 2nd round grade . Mostly because of his tools and deep ball , but QB's tend to get pushed up a round , and no one else is stepping up to be the number 3 QB right now . In fact he didn't do anything special at the Senior Bowl in my eyes , but people are crowing about him being a first rounder now . Wish I could say this is smoke ,because if the only reason to give him a bump after that week is he was the only QB who wasn't bad in the practices that sucks . That's QB desperation for ya though .
16.CAROLINA - CLELIN FERRELL - DE - CLEMSON
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - CARLOS DUNLAP - BENGALS
First off let me say I love the talent they acquired with their first 4 picks in the 2018 draft, but it still bothers me that they didn't address the LT position, or the O-Line at all for that matter . My first inclination is to AGAIN give them a LT to replace Matt Kalil , but apparently they have had 2 straight GM's who think he is better than I do . They may think that Taylor Mouton is the guy eventually, but I read right after the draft that they were trying him at guard this year , to replace the loss of Andrew Norwell . Then - SHOCKINGLY- Kalil got hurt again. So then Mouton was the left tackle, although he ended up on the right side after a Daryl Williams injury. Since I see him as an upgrade as the long term LT , especially if they resign Williams I will just go another way. Julius Peppers is a future HOFer, but that career has finally come to a close . In my early musings on the #7 overall pick in the 2018 draft I thought maybe Clelin Ferrell might rise up in the Pre-Draft process and go to Tampa Bay, but somehow Dabo Sweeney got his whole D-line to come back to Clemson. That's amazing when you consider that Ferrell had a decent chance to go top 10, but there are so many edge rushers in this draft he may fall a bit farther because he was doesn't have the upside of some of the others. Also, Wilkins would have been a first rounder, and Bryant was probably a day 2 pick somewhere . Add the beastly and draft eligible this year Dexter Lawrence to it ,and you know that Sweeney is a serious Machiavellian Svengali Professor X or something .Ferrell has the ideal length , measurables , and tools to entice NFL teams if he can learn to play lower with consistency .This year he checked off a lot of boxes, and if he continues to perform well in the pre-draft process he could be a top 10 pick , but I actually think after finishing his tape that he would be a better fit on the strong side because he lacks elite athleticism off the snap .
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - CARLOS DUNLAP - BENGALS
First off let me say I love the talent they acquired with their first 4 picks in the 2018 draft, but it still bothers me that they didn't address the LT position, or the O-Line at all for that matter . My first inclination is to AGAIN give them a LT to replace Matt Kalil , but apparently they have had 2 straight GM's who think he is better than I do . They may think that Taylor Mouton is the guy eventually, but I read right after the draft that they were trying him at guard this year , to replace the loss of Andrew Norwell . Then - SHOCKINGLY- Kalil got hurt again. So then Mouton was the left tackle, although he ended up on the right side after a Daryl Williams injury. Since I see him as an upgrade as the long term LT , especially if they resign Williams I will just go another way. Julius Peppers is a future HOFer, but that career has finally come to a close . In my early musings on the #7 overall pick in the 2018 draft I thought maybe Clelin Ferrell might rise up in the Pre-Draft process and go to Tampa Bay, but somehow Dabo Sweeney got his whole D-line to come back to Clemson. That's amazing when you consider that Ferrell had a decent chance to go top 10, but there are so many edge rushers in this draft he may fall a bit farther because he was doesn't have the upside of some of the others. Also, Wilkins would have been a first rounder, and Bryant was probably a day 2 pick somewhere . Add the beastly and draft eligible this year Dexter Lawrence to it ,and you know that Sweeney is a serious Machiavellian Svengali Professor X or something .Ferrell has the ideal length , measurables , and tools to entice NFL teams if he can learn to play lower with consistency .This year he checked off a lot of boxes, and if he continues to perform well in the pre-draft process he could be a top 10 pick , but I actually think after finishing his tape that he would be a better fit on the strong side because he lacks elite athleticism off the snap .
17.CLEVELAND - CHRISTIAN WILKINS - DT - CLEMSON
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - LEONARD WILLIAMS - JETS
The browns got a lot of good football players in the 2018 draft, but with all that high end draft capital I think they could have done even better, and even if Baker is the guy long term I would have been surprised if they won more than 8 games this year. They could have traded back from #4 with Buffalo to #12 and probably have still gotten Ward or even Fitzpatrick . Or they could have taken the more valuable edge rusher in Bradley Chubb . Garrett, Ogbah, and Bradley Chubb are all big and strong enough to kick inside at times and then they could have gotten 3 highly athletic pass rushers on the field at the same time . Also, why take Austin Corbett at #33 . If they want to him to play guard then Will Hernandez who went a pick later to the Giants was still on the board, and I think Connor Williams would have been a potential LT as well . Then you have to consider if they do in fact like him at guard then are they kicking Joel Bitonio out to LT , or the reverse option of Corbett at LT and Bitonio at guard . In either case I think Connor Williams would also be a better LT . I loved the Nick Chubb pick though . Their draft haul was still in my top 10, but it's really hard to screw up that many premium picks , and their team made great strides this season. I think the biggest needs for this team are interior pass rusher , offensive tackle , an interior run stuffer ,and a outside wide receiver, but this receiver class is really deep in the second round . I'm going to go with the best player available from those positions here . Wilkins could have been a first rounder last year, but he went back to school and it paid off with another national championship . This team captain is a leader on and off the field. I have not put him in many of my first round mocks this year because I wasn't sure if he would ever be a good enough pass rusher to deserve to go in the first . After finishing his tape I doubt he will ever be a double digit sack guy, but he will get steady pressure, and be dominant against the run all year, and was a disruptive force in every phase of the game against Alabama . A team like the browns that is on the way up and going through a culture change would be wise to pick a winner like Christian here .
***PROJECTED TRADE*** The PATRIOTS trade their 1rst (# 32) and the 2nd (#56) they got from the BEARS for the VIKINGS 1rst rounder (#18) ***PROJECTED TRADE**
18.NEW ENGLAND-(vikings) - TJ HOCKENSON - TE - IOWA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - JASON WITTEN - retired
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - JASON WITTEN - retired
I am a guy who thinks Isaiah Wynn can stay at LT, but he was knocked out for the year early with an injury. It's not about height. It's about length & feet, and he has both . Shocked they took a RB in the first though, because they haven't committed to one every down back since Corey Dillon about 15 years ago . I am one of the people who thought it possible that the Patriots would take a QB with one of their 2 first rounders in 2018, but they didn't even take one until the 7th round , and it was Danny Etling ? The Patriots have their own way of doing things ,and it's hard to argue with results, but I would be surprised if he ended up being even a solid backup . Also remember that the Patriots jettison more top 100 picks than anyone, and they often do it very early in the players career. So they do make plenty of mistakes, but they also recognize and rectify those mistakes quicker than other teams . The main reason I wont pick them to win the Superbowl this year is also the main reason they lost last years championship, and that is the lack of a consistent edge pass rush , but I don't have one with a 1rst round grade left in this scenario . The Patriots have wanted to run a 2 TE since the rookie year of Gronk & Aaron Hernandez . They did it to great success that season, and all the variations and creativity you saw out of those formations are staples of multiple offenses today. However, Gronk's injuries & the criminal career of Hernandez nixed that . I am not even for sure if Gronk plays next year, but even if he does his imjuries made him look like a shell of his old self most of last year .TJ looks like a real old school Ferentz coached IOWA TE , and that's right down the Pats alley. He is the best run blocking TE I have watched in college over the last decade , seems to relish burying defenders ,and his frame is big enough to pack on a little more muscle without losing speed. He is also a good receiver with strong hands and good lateral burst to explode out of his breaks .Personally I have a top 10 overall grade on him and he is my highest ranked offensive player in this draft . The Pats don't trade up a lot but this is a guy that is not only worth it, but fits the mold of the Patriots . He had an excellent combine as well .
19.PITTSBURGH - BYRON MURPHY - CB -WASHINGTON
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - LEON HALL - RAIDERS
Roethlisberger can whine all he wants about them drafting a QB in 2018 , but if he wasn't pulling a Brett Favre then they they wouldn't have taken Rudolph in the 3rd , and since they got him around where he should have went I like the pick a lot . I liked James Washington in the 2nd, although he didn't do much in year one . I liked Marcus Allen in the 5th too, but thought Terrell Edmunds was a big reach in the first . Ben could be especially happy with Washington long term because he likes to throw deep , and James was the best deep ball WR in the draft . Leveon Bell should be playing somewhere else next year, but so far it looks like James Conner can be the guy long term so I am not giving them a RB . I expect the Steelers to wise-up and trade Antonio Brown this year because , even though he still is an elite player he divided the locker room . Coupled with fellow diva Leveon Bell's departure this could put them right back into contention. They still have Ben as a diva, although he has stopped threatening retirement and is now talking extension so maybe he is growing up some . However instead of getting a first rounder for Brown like I originally thought he has damaged his trade value again by having 2 more off the field incidents this off season. The first was for reckless driving and the second is alleged incident is for domestic violence . Plus he is making noise on social media that is designed to get him out of town . So I think a second is the best they will get for him now , and I have then trading him for a 3rd in this mock . The Steelers have had a lot corners play significant snaps this year and none look capable of being a number one corner going forward, In fact 30 year old Joe Haden looks like the best of them , and they can save 10 million off next years cap by cutting him before next year .Murphy is the next guy to be highly drafted out of the Huskies recent strong corner tradition . He is smooth with great feet , ball skills , and can probably play in any scheme, but most thing he would be best in a zone heavy sytem . Byron is my number one corner on tape, but his lack of size might cause some teams to drop him down their board, although he plays the run like a much bigger man . The 2 best rookie corners in the NFL this year were Denzel Ward & Jaire Alexander , and he is similar in size so I am sticking to my guns here . Murphy came into the combine at about 5"11" and 190 pounds which is what he was listed at, and the Steelers are a zone heavy team . Seems like a good match .
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - ERIC EBRON - COLTS
Due to trades Tennessee had only had 4 picks in 2018 , but mark my words , getting Harold Landry in the 2nd was huge . He was the best pure pass rusher in the draft, and as a 3-4 OLB he should excel once he is 100% healthy . With TE Delanie Waker turning 35 before the season starts , and coming off a ankle injury suffered during week one that caused him to miss the rest of the season, another TE that can be a safety net for Mariota would be prudent . Fant is basically a big WR masquerading as a TE . He does block some but he doesn't get after it the way you want from a every down inline Y 2 way TE like his teammate Hockenson . He is definitely explosive and athletic, but he isn't polished or smooth as a route runner ,and drops too many easy balls. I understand that he will probably go higher than I have him rated I don't think he's worth this pick right now . I have done 12 of his games over the last 2 years and I am confident of my evaluation . He destroyed the combine like I thought he would, but I didn't expect him to run a low 4.4 like Evan Engram anyway , or I would just move him to WR full time. He did run a 4.5 flat though ,and at about 6"4" 250 that's very impressive. Plus all his other athletic numbers were stellar . He reminds me of a guy who was a over drafted bust in Detroit, but seemed to come into his own in a more specialized ( receiving and occasionally pass blocking ) role in INDY this year . Basically he's Eric Ebron to me . That's still valuable, but he's not a first round player on my board . Even if I classify him as a TE in my rankings he would still only be the 4th TE on my board, and I have a 2nd round grade on him after the combine , but I think he goes in the late first /early 2nd . However , his upside is so high that he could well be worth an even higher pick .
21.SEATTLE - - ** -DK METCALF- WR - OLE MISS
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - DEMARYIUS THOMAS - FA
I liked the Seahawks 2018 draft despite what I felt was an overdraft in the first round . I especially Will Dissly, Shaq Griffin , and Jamarco Jones in the 5th .The main component of the Seahawks defense is getting pressure with your front 4 . With the hawks letting go of , Richard Sherman , Michael Bennett & Sheldon Ricardson , and Cliff Avril's & Kam Chancellor's injury worries a rebuild was in order . While the Hawks have tried to put resources into building the O-Line they haven't all worked out that well, especially German Ifedi , but if they have a pick this high it's very possible that a defensive minded head coach like Carrol will get his way . The hawks have Frank Clark getting a consistent pass rush and no one else . Plus Clark is a free agent , and while I think he will get tagged or signed long term I am sure he would like some help . The Hawks lack a big target outside that can create mismatches for Russell Wilson . Metcalf has only played 19 games at Ole Miss due to injuries , and just when I bought into him and was going to put him him in my mock he got hurt again . I though he might go back to school but he entered the draft anyway . He is big , fast, and has good top end speed but it takes a while for him to build up to it . If he had stayed healthy I think he would have blown past all the WR's in the draft right into the top 10 because he can win down the field with that size & speed. All of the other big WR's I have in the first round of this mock might have some trouble with long speed , or will need a very accurate QB , but I thought Metcalf had no such problem . Now I am not so sure . He posted a picture of himself on twitter on February 12th where he looked much bigger than before. I am talking TE size . I almost hope it was photo shopped, and I hope that doesn't slow him down . He didn't measure that big at the combine , but 6"3" and 228 pounds is still big enough so maybe he is just top heavy . That can still work because Deion Sanders had a big upper body and skinny legs, but the dude could fly .If Metcalf's medicals & interviews go well he could go much higher because he blazed a 4.33 . He looked like he had good vertical speed on tape and I was expecting somewhere in the 4.4's but damm ! He also confirmed a lack of lateral quickness that you see on film with a slow 3 cone drill .However , he is so raw that I wouldn't take him getting into the top 10 . That size, straight line speed & rawness reminds me of another WR who came into the league from a run first option offense who developed into a pro bowl receiver so I have changed my comp on him to Demaryus Thomas . The Hawks love size & speed freakish athletes with length and that's Metcalf .
22.BALTIMORE - BRIAN BURNS - DE/OLB - FLORIDA ST.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - JASON TAYLOR - retired
The position that legendary retiring GM Ozzie Newsome has missed on the most in the last 10 years is edge rusher . Maybe with Eric DeCosta calling the shots he will get that position right . This is made even worse by the fact that future HOFer Terrell Suggs is on the last year of his deal, and even T-sizzle can't play forever anyway. Plus Za'darius Smith is a free agent too . Burns is a long lean explosive athlete with the movement skills you want in a 3-4 OLB, but he needs to add some more muscle to his frame. Despite being light he plays with surprising power at times on tape .
23.DENVER-(texans)- DALTON RISNER - OL - KANSAS ST.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - JACK MEWHORT - retired
The Broncos had Bradley Chubb fall into their lap at #5 overall, and Josey Jewell gift wrapped for them in the the 4th round. That alone should make this draft a success, but they got some other intriguing players as well . I personally thought Phillip Lindsay was too small to be an every down guy before the draft, but I was wrong . I know some Bronco fans will want a QB, and I even gave them one in my first 2019 mock, but after thinking about I doubt it. I think Keenum fit's this scheme well as a stopgap. Also Elway finally gave up on Paxton Lynch , but I was personally betting on a healthy & hopefully matured Chad Kelly as the QB of the future . Case Keenum was just OK this year, and Kelly might have gotten his chance pretty soon if he hadn't had another off the field incident . Now he's been cut , and if they had ended up with a top 5 pick for the second consecutive year they should definitely have used that pick on a QB , but with them now having a later pick I'm betting they take a developmental QB later because they traded for Joe Flacco to be their new starter. Also, no I don't see them trading ahead of the Giants and jags right now even if Haskins falls and I would be surprised if Elway wanted a smaller QB like Kyler Murray . All the other QB's are reaches, but who knows . Elway has publicly said he likes Drew Lock. Therefore I tend to doubt it . Why would Elway tell the media he likes a guy ? That's an invitation for someone else who likes him to trade ahead of them which is why I think he did it . However, they only traded a 4th rounder for Flacco , and there is no guaranteed money left on his 3 years and 63 million dollar contract . So they can walk away from him anytime and not pay a future penalty in any dead money . So if they want to drafty a future QB here they are in a good place to do so now . I will fill another big need here . Right tackle Jared Veldheer looks like he is near to the end of a solid career, but he has been trending downward for a few years ,and he is also a free agent . Risner is a the kind of versatile player that could probably play every spot up front. That is a O-Line coaches dream because it allows him to get his best 5 blockers on the field . I think he is just fine at right tackle, and think it's a waste to kick him inside when there are so few worthy OT's coming out of college these days, and he would play right tackle for the Cards . Risner hurt his shoulder last year or I thought he might have entered the 2018 draft . I thought Kansas ST might be a surprise contender this year, but I was wrong. They were returning all 5 starters up front , and that always gives you a shot to surprise , However , Risner was even better this season , has a mean punch , and he added a bit of nasty into his game.
24.OAKLAND-(bears)- ** - JOSH JACOBS - RB - ALABAMA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - NICK CHUBB - BROWNS
The raiders got some good reps from older veterans running backs this season .Marshawn Lynch before his injury , and they also received some production from Doug Martin later in the season, but both are free agents this off season . Young Jalen Richard is also a restricted FA. I have trouble putting a RB with only about 300 touches over 3 years in the the first round, even though I gave him a first round grade . On top of those limited touches he has never been the starter and had less than 150 touches this season ...... buuuutttt his tape is awesome . It was difficult to bring myself to put him above Devin Singletary of FAU with this little data , but I can certainly see why someone would , and respect it. He runs hard, strong & physical, but also has good vision . His wiggle, serious jump cut, burst , receiving ability , and a nose for the end zone stand out too . He even does some wildcat and kills it there as well .Maybe after the combine I'll change my mind but for now I have to go with what my eyes see . Last year Gruden & company went for the higher ceiling guys often , and this guy has the highest upside of all the RB's in this draft in my opinion , but a groin injury that will limit him at the combine may keep him from rising any higher .
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - NICK CHUBB - BROWNS
The raiders got some good reps from older veterans running backs this season .Marshawn Lynch before his injury , and they also received some production from Doug Martin later in the season, but both are free agents this off season . Young Jalen Richard is also a restricted FA. I have trouble putting a RB with only about 300 touches over 3 years in the the first round, even though I gave him a first round grade . On top of those limited touches he has never been the starter and had less than 150 touches this season ...... buuuutttt his tape is awesome . It was difficult to bring myself to put him above Devin Singletary of FAU with this little data , but I can certainly see why someone would , and respect it. He runs hard, strong & physical, but also has good vision . His wiggle, serious jump cut, burst , receiving ability , and a nose for the end zone stand out too . He even does some wildcat and kills it there as well .Maybe after the combine I'll change my mind but for now I have to go with what my eyes see . Last year Gruden & company went for the higher ceiling guys often , and this guy has the highest upside of all the RB's in this draft in my opinion , but a groin injury that will limit him at the combine may keep him from rising any higher .
25.PHILADELPHIA - GREG LITTLE - OT - OLE MISS
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - RONNIE STANLEY - RAVENS
I'm sure they think that trading ahead of Dallas in the 2018 to take Goedert makes them crafty, and I admit it was a great pick regardless , but having a kicker troll them in Dallas was a bigger shot. It wasn't quite what Drew Pearson pulled off in Philly last year, but it sure looked like it pissed off a lot of Dallas fans . Although I think the Cowboys would have taken Connor Williams anyway . The Eagles didn't have a lot of picks , but I still think they did OK with them . The biggest weakness on the Eagles are a LT and a outside WR who can separate , but I think they go LT here . Jason Peter sis first ballot HOFer in my book , but the left tackle has finally started to lose the battle with father time, and they can save about 10.5 million off a tight cap by releasing him . Little started out great as a freshman , but looked a lot more inconsistent in his 2nd year, but there is a reason he was the top OT recruit coming out of high school . After watching last years tape I was concerned that his hands are outside too often & he also had a vulnerability to the occasional quick inside move in pass pro. I admit he is very talented ,but was prone to penalties,and missing his targets when on the move in the run game .He has long arms , left tackle quickness , and when he gets his hands inside and locks out he's excellent in pass pro . Coming into this season he had all the tools to rebound and end up a top 10 pick, but he needed to keep his weight in check and polish his techniques in every phase of the game. He did look to be in much better physical condition this year, and his pass sets were more consistent , although he still showed that vulnerability to inside moves , and inconsistent footwork. His techniques as a run blocker can improve everywhere . He also lacks functional strength because he doesn't play low , and he is often a tick late off the snap . He's still a much better pass blocker than run blocker too , but again slow off the snap , often too high , inconsistent footwork ,and late with his hand punch . He especially struggles to hit somebody when pulling or going to the second level , and even when he finds a guy to hit he is usually too high & his hands are usually outside . I think he will go in the first round because of his tools & upside, but I don't have a first round grade on him after watching all his tape , and he is my 5th ranked OT . He had long arms at the combine, but that same inconsistent footwork was still apparent too .
26.INDIANAPOLIS - N'KEAL HARRY - WR - ARIZONA ST.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - DeANDRE HOPKINS - TEXANS
The Colts had one of the better 2018 draft classes . I know they had a lot of ammo with the #6 , 37, 52, and 64th overall picks , but I think they got some starters and early contributors later too . Most of all I am just happy that they have decided to FINALLY make protecting Andrew Luck a priority . Getting the best player in the draft in Quentin Nelson at #6 was huge, and then coming back for Braden Smith in the 2nd gives them a potential long term duo to keep rushers out of his face. and it's even more impressive after the way Smith played when he was moved to right tackle . Other than taking Darius Leonard a round earlier then I had him I loved all their picks, but it looks like they were definitely right about him too. They had a good mixture of high floors and high ceilings . Their overall talent on defense is a worry though , but I think Luck needs a WR besides TY Hilton he can count on.
Harry has a large catch radius ,the ability to win jump balls , and a good chance to come out on top in contested catches could really help . He could potentially be the big outside WR Andrew Luck needs .
27.OAKLAND-(dallas)- DEVIN BUSH - LB - MICHIGAN
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - DEXTER COAKLEY - retired
Derrick Johnson is a future HOFer in my book ,but he looked like had lost a step and was less physical inside his last year in KC, and they cut him in the middle of this season anyway . Tahir Whitehead is the other possible MLB who didn't do much this year . They need a guy with Johnson's current football IQ and leadership capabilities , coupled with the athleticism he no longer had to run this defense . Bush may be a little undersized for the middle but he would be an ideal fit as weakside LB or Will LB when they are in a 3-4 . He shows the potential football IQ of a player has been playing in a pro style defense for years. He covers a lot of ground and makes a ton of plays when allowed to diagnose and run to the ball . His blitzing ability would also be a welcome addition to the Bronco pass rush . Had a great combine on the field where he displayed & confirmed the fluidity , explosiveness , and speed you see on tape .
27.OAKLAND-(dallas)- DEVIN BUSH - LB - MICHIGAN
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - DEXTER COAKLEY - retired
Derrick Johnson is a future HOFer in my book ,but he looked like had lost a step and was less physical inside his last year in KC, and they cut him in the middle of this season anyway . Tahir Whitehead is the other possible MLB who didn't do much this year . They need a guy with Johnson's current football IQ and leadership capabilities , coupled with the athleticism he no longer had to run this defense . Bush may be a little undersized for the middle but he would be an ideal fit as weakside LB or Will LB when they are in a 3-4 . He shows the potential football IQ of a player has been playing in a pro style defense for years. He covers a lot of ground and makes a ton of plays when allowed to diagnose and run to the ball . His blitzing ability would also be a welcome addition to the Bronco pass rush . Had a great combine on the field where he displayed & confirmed the fluidity , explosiveness , and speed you see on tape .
28.LA CHARGERS - # -DEXTER LAWRENCE - DT - CLEMSON
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - KRIS JENKINS - retired
The Chargers had one of the great players in the 2018 draft fall into their lap in Derwin James, and I also loved Chris Owusa in the 2nd, and Charger fans will too once they see how often he gets his hands on the ball. The rest of their draft was iffy for me . There were a lot of rumors leading up to the draft that the Chargers were going to take a QB in the first round, but I never believed it . Phillip Rivers is still at the top of his game .However, I did think that they might draft a developmental guy later . Since 2019 is the last year of his contract, he will also turn 37 this season , and because Rivers is a middle America guy who probably wants to go home and spend more time with his wife and house full of kids I could see him possibly retiring after 2019 . However, Rivers hasn't said anything about retiring yet , and the chargers front office publicly said they wanted to extend right after their playoff loss .so I'm going to fill another big need .Brandon Mebane has had a long distinguished career , but he is near the end and is a free agent . Lawrence is a giant beast of a man who should not be as quick as he is at that size . He's not exactly an imaginative pass rusher , but he can push the pocket, and stack up the middle in the run game . Ran a 5.05 forty at the combine at 6"4"and 342 pounds before he had to bow out of the rest of the day's drills with a pulled quad .
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - KRIS JENKINS - retired
The Chargers had one of the great players in the 2018 draft fall into their lap in Derwin James, and I also loved Chris Owusa in the 2nd, and Charger fans will too once they see how often he gets his hands on the ball. The rest of their draft was iffy for me . There were a lot of rumors leading up to the draft that the Chargers were going to take a QB in the first round, but I never believed it . Phillip Rivers is still at the top of his game .However, I did think that they might draft a developmental guy later . Since 2019 is the last year of his contract, he will also turn 37 this season , and because Rivers is a middle America guy who probably wants to go home and spend more time with his wife and house full of kids I could see him possibly retiring after 2019 . However, Rivers hasn't said anything about retiring yet , and the chargers front office publicly said they wanted to extend right after their playoff loss .so I'm going to fill another big need .Brandon Mebane has had a long distinguished career , but he is near the end and is a free agent . Lawrence is a giant beast of a man who should not be as quick as he is at that size . He's not exactly an imaginative pass rusher , but he can push the pocket, and stack up the middle in the run game . Ran a 5.05 forty at the combine at 6"4"and 342 pounds before he had to bow out of the rest of the day's drills with a pulled quad .
29.KANSAS CITY - NASSIR ADDERLY - S - DELAWARE
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - DEVIN McCOURTY - PATRIOTS
Due to the 2017 draft day trade to move up and take Pat Mahomes the Chefs were without a first rounder in the 2018 draft, but all but one (Derrick Nnadi ) of their remaining picks were reaches to me . I felt that there were multiple better players on the board on 3 of their first 4 picks. Now matter how well that Patrick Mahomes played they need a better defense or they going to have to always score a ton of points to win games. The Saints ,Steelers ,and patriots have done it for years so it can be done . Well, they almost pulled it off, but in the end it's hard to win a playoff game( especially against the Patriots ) when you give up 37 points . Eric Berry was once an elite player but his health issues have become an regular occurrence , and even when he came back late in the season he didn't look the same . I don't know if they are going to move on from him this off season or not because of the salary cap implications , but even if they keep him no one else who played safety on this roster like a above average starter .Adderly's a 4 year starter and a former corner who's play leaps off the screen when you watch his tape. He's versatile and can probably play either safety spot at a high level in a zone heavy scheme in the NFL right now. Their isn't a lot of tape of him in press man, but I believe a guy this smart, physical, & hard working would pick it up pretty fast , and he does pretty well in off man . Complete 2 way safeties are a rarity in today's NFL, but I believe only the lower level of competition he has faced is keeping him from going higher . He's a little nasty , and a sure tackler against the run as well to the point some teams might even prefer him in the box, but since he could play either there is no point in limiting this chess piece . After playing well at the Senior bowl there is a chance he could end up the first safety drafted , and Deionte Thompson's injury right before the combine help that cause .
30.GREEN BAY-(saints) - ** - DEIONTE THOMPSON - S - ALABAMA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - EDDIE JACKSON - BEARS
The packers signaled that they were giving up on the playoffs relatively early by trading long time safety Ha-Ha Cinton-Dix to the skins for a 4th round pick . In fact he safety position in green Bay was so disappointing this season that they even played former corner Tramon Williams was probably the best they had at the position after the trade ,and his play left much to be desired . They have a a good shot to get a younger cheaper replacement with this pick . Deionte is one of the best safeties I have seen in this draft . In his first year as a starter at the Alabama Thompson has been a stud. Continuing the trend of Nick Saban coached DB's who look people ready coming out of college . Making plays in coverage and against the run all over the field, and he is one those rare safeties with the range & smarts to play single high. He needs to add 10-15 more pounds of muscle to help him hold up against the run, but he could do that between the end of the National championship and the beginning of training camp . He measured in at 6'1" and 195 pounds in Indy which is about where most had him, and he still needs to add that weight, but the big win for Thompson was having a 32 and 1/4 inch arm length .
31.LA RAMS - # -JACHAI POLITE - OLB/DE - FLORIDA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - BRIAN ORAPKO - TITANS
The rams didn't have a pick until the 3rd round in the 2018 draft, but I liked Okoronkwo in the 5th and Kelly in the 6th a lot . Their off season additions make it clear they were all in this year, but other than injuries to their QB or O-line the thing I think could hurt their title chances the most in the future are inside LB play and their possible lack of an edge rush .
Polite has come on big this year . I watched him be a force in back to back games against LSU and Mississippi St. , and he became a force off the edge for Florida . He kept on getting after it throughout the year , but he could use some work on his techniques and responsibilities versus the run . Looked lighter and more explosive as a rusher this season, but it looks like he put that weight back on for the combine , and didn't look nearly as explosive . This confirms that his best fit is as a 3-4 OLB , and that some 4-3 teams will drop him down their boards .
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - EDDIE JACKSON - BEARS
The packers signaled that they were giving up on the playoffs relatively early by trading long time safety Ha-Ha Cinton-Dix to the skins for a 4th round pick . In fact he safety position in green Bay was so disappointing this season that they even played former corner Tramon Williams was probably the best they had at the position after the trade ,and his play left much to be desired . They have a a good shot to get a younger cheaper replacement with this pick . Deionte is one of the best safeties I have seen in this draft . In his first year as a starter at the Alabama Thompson has been a stud. Continuing the trend of Nick Saban coached DB's who look people ready coming out of college . Making plays in coverage and against the run all over the field, and he is one those rare safeties with the range & smarts to play single high. He needs to add 10-15 more pounds of muscle to help him hold up against the run, but he could do that between the end of the National championship and the beginning of training camp . He measured in at 6'1" and 195 pounds in Indy which is about where most had him, and he still needs to add that weight, but the big win for Thompson was having a 32 and 1/4 inch arm length .
31.LA RAMS - # -JACHAI POLITE - OLB/DE - FLORIDA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - BRIAN ORAPKO - TITANS
The rams didn't have a pick until the 3rd round in the 2018 draft, but I liked Okoronkwo in the 5th and Kelly in the 6th a lot . Their off season additions make it clear they were all in this year, but other than injuries to their QB or O-line the thing I think could hurt their title chances the most in the future are inside LB play and their possible lack of an edge rush .
Polite has come on big this year . I watched him be a force in back to back games against LSU and Mississippi St. , and he became a force off the edge for Florida . He kept on getting after it throughout the year , but he could use some work on his techniques and responsibilities versus the run . Looked lighter and more explosive as a rusher this season, but it looks like he put that weight back on for the combine , and didn't look nearly as explosive . This confirms that his best fit is as a 3-4 OLB , and that some 4-3 teams will drop him down their boards .
32.MINNESOTA-(patriots)- CHRIS LINDSTROM - G - BOSTON COLLEGE
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - LARRY WARFORD - SAINTS
The Vikings 2018 draft was up and down for me . Hughes is worth that pick on tape, but I think they will regret passing on Connor Williams and Will Hernandez because I still don't like their O-Line . I have both read and heard about how the Vikings had a good line in 2017 and how that fueled the season the team had. To quote the mighty Dwight K. Schrute " FALSE" . The truth is the O-Line was so injury wracked & bad in 2016 that in comparison the 2017 version looked better than they were . Personally I think Pat Shurmur's excellence as a play caller was more valuable to getting that team into the NFC championship . They lost one starter up front this preseason ,and unless they suddenly got a lot better soon I expected some regression from this offense despite upgrading at quarterback with Kirk Cousins . After playing for Washington's excellent O-line IN 2017 Cousins was sure to be disappointed, although last year his skins offensive line was also beset by injuries so he should have had some experience with running for his life right after the ball is snapped .Lindstrom is a 4 year starter at a school known for putting O-Lineman into the NFL. He's primarily been a right guard ,although he had some starts at right tackle as a junior . His best tape was back at RG as a senior this season . He is quick off the snap, knocks people back off the ball in the run game, and while he isn't very accurate finding somebody at the second level to hit it's not for a lack of trying . He even played pretty well against Christian Wilkins & Dexter Lawrence of Clemson , and anybody who can hang with them is a NFL starter in my book .Strong anchor and great awareness for stunts in pass pro despite a tendency to lean or get off balance, and he is another guy who is an effective short setter . Also re-anchors and resets well when he loses the leverage battle on the initial clash . I just got done with his tape right before the Senior Bowl , and then he was the best interior lineman in mobile . Of all the draft eligible players that actually played guard this year he is at the top of my list . He is the type of player that a team takes when they get stuck late in round one , either because they just missed out on someone they were waiting for , or they don't find sufficient value in a trade back . A likely day one starting guard is a good consolation prize in my book .
33.ARIZONA - #** -JEFFERY SIMMONS - DT - MISS. ST.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - FLETCHER COX - EAGLES
Since I see them as rebuilding they can afford to take a shot here that could really help them out long term . Simmons is a top 5 talent, but a highly publicized video from his high school days where he hit a woman makes me think he won't go in the first round at all . He is big , strong, and explosive enough to be a elite difference maker in all phases of the game on defense . Could play any interior spot in a odd or even front . He has been clean and apologetic since that mistake when he was a kid , and I thought that he would be off the board early in the second round because there is less of a media spotlight on day 2 of the draft . Any chance of him sneaking into the first round probably died when he tore his ACL right before the combine , but a team building for the long haul like the Cards could get a grateful long term building block here at a discount price . This could be very similar to what Dallas got when they took Jaylon Smith in the early second a few years back , but unlike Smith this isn't a potential career damaging injury, and barring another setback he might be able to play this year at some point . Even if it's a complete red shirt year I would still role the dice here with a guy this talented .
34.INDIANAPOLIS(jets)- CHARLES OMENIHU - DE/DT - TEXAS
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - DAVID IRVING - COWBOYS
The Colts O-line has drastically improved over the last 2 years . I personally think the previous damage to Andrew Luck could have been prevented if former GM Ryan Grigson put the same amount of resources toward protecting Luck that current GM Chris Ballard has . The interior D- Line lacks the same talent base, and none of their current DT's does much as a rusher . Charles is tall with really long arms & a lean frame, but he plays with more power inside than I thought he would at that weight . If he could only play one position I think his best spot is as a 4-3 three technique because is too quick and explosive for most interior lineman . Since you don't have to limit him he will probably end up with a 4-3 team that will want him at strong side end and kick him inside on passing situations. 3-4 teams will also love him as 5 technique as well because he shows the ability to 2 gap on tape in the longhorns hybrid 3-4 , but I think he would need to add another 15 - 20 pounds of muscle to pull that off all game in the NFL .Also, now that I have finally finished breaking down the actual Senior Bowl game I think he should be the actual MVP . It's the hardest game to break down every year because so many different players play ,and you have to watch each individual play over and over just to make sure you have got the personnel right before you actually get to scout the players . He wrecked opposing blockers . The combine wasn't great for his possibilities as a 4-3 full time edge, but absolutely confirmed to me that the 3 tech is is his best spot .
35.OAKLAND- JJ ARCEGA-WHITESIDE-WR- STANFORD
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - BRANDON MARSHAL - SEAHAWKS
JJ is big and physical. He has a wide catch radius, can go up and get it, wins contested catches left & right , run the slants this west coast offense call for ,and can break tackles after the catch . He could be the big target outside Carr needs, has the intelligence & willingness to block that Mike Mayock will want , and he plays locally at Stanford so they should know all about him.
36.SAN FRANCISCO - TRAYVON MULLEN - CB - CLEMSON
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - WILLIAM JACKSON - BENGALS
Richard Sherman is still a good player , but after coming off a major injury last season he is already hurt again . Throw in Sherman's age (31 next year) , and that their possible 3rd corners are struggling . Mullen has played in a lot of big games and made a lot of big plays . He's a long , physical , press corner , and with the niners playing more cover 3 now he could be a fit outside . He's a bit grabby at times, and that will have to be coached at of him at the next level .
***PROJECTED TRADE*** The PANTHERS trade their 2ND in this draft (# 47) and their 3rd round compensatory pick (#100) to the NY GIANTS for their 2nd (#37) *** PROJECTED TRADE**
37.CAROLINA -(giants)- GARRETT BRADBURY - C - NC ST.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - RYAN KALIL - PANTHERS
Ryan Kalil was once an excellent zone center, but age and injuries have taken their toll , and this guy kind of reminds me of him in his prime. In fact they basically need a new center , and possibly right tackle if they want to be competitive in 2019 . Bradbury's not the biggest guy , but he gets by on technique , positioning ,smarts, quickness, athleticism , and will . Equally effective in the running and passing games, and he excels on combo blocks , but he needs to get stronger or some nose tackles will put him on skates. Plus the 3 year starter can make all the line calls, but is a better fit in zone. This trade not only gives the Panthers their center of the future, but also gives the Giants a 3rd round pick that they lack due to taking Sam Beal in last years supplemental draft .
38.JACKSONVILLE - DAMIEN HARRIS - RB - ALABAMA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - DeMARCO MURRAY - retired
Leonard Fournette's injury prone tendencies only increased this year . Combining that with attitude questions , possible loss of guarantees, and upcoming free agency of backup TJ Yeldon has only made me think that the Jags will use a premium pick on a RB in this draft . Harris is as steady & reliable as the day is long , and that's the exact opposite of Fournette .Harris was one of the players I had a potential first round grade on for the 2018 draft that went back to school .He runs with power , vision , balance , and he even has some moves & a decent burst .He almost always falls forward , and I even saw him block a punt against Florida ST once .Not sure about his long speed though,as I saw him get caught from behind multiple times in his career.He also polished up his pass protection and he shows some skill as a receiver even though he wasn't used enough there at Alabama in my opinion .
39.TAMPA BAY - DEANDRE BAKER - CB - GEORGIA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - CHRIS HARRIS - BRONCOS
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - RYAN KALIL - PANTHERS
Ryan Kalil was once an excellent zone center, but age and injuries have taken their toll , and this guy kind of reminds me of him in his prime. In fact they basically need a new center , and possibly right tackle if they want to be competitive in 2019 . Bradbury's not the biggest guy , but he gets by on technique , positioning ,smarts, quickness, athleticism , and will . Equally effective in the running and passing games, and he excels on combo blocks , but he needs to get stronger or some nose tackles will put him on skates. Plus the 3 year starter can make all the line calls, but is a better fit in zone. This trade not only gives the Panthers their center of the future, but also gives the Giants a 3rd round pick that they lack due to taking Sam Beal in last years supplemental draft .
38.JACKSONVILLE - DAMIEN HARRIS - RB - ALABAMA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - DeMARCO MURRAY - retired
Leonard Fournette's injury prone tendencies only increased this year . Combining that with attitude questions , possible loss of guarantees, and upcoming free agency of backup TJ Yeldon has only made me think that the Jags will use a premium pick on a RB in this draft . Harris is as steady & reliable as the day is long , and that's the exact opposite of Fournette .Harris was one of the players I had a potential first round grade on for the 2018 draft that went back to school .He runs with power , vision , balance , and he even has some moves & a decent burst .He almost always falls forward , and I even saw him block a punt against Florida ST once .Not sure about his long speed though,as I saw him get caught from behind multiple times in his career.He also polished up his pass protection and he shows some skill as a receiver even though he wasn't used enough there at Alabama in my opinion .
39.TAMPA BAY - DEANDRE BAKER - CB - GEORGIA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - CHRIS HARRIS - BRONCOS
Baker had a really good National championship game last year, and it has carried over to this year . Deandre sticks to his man like glue, but he needs to do a better job of regularly reading receiver's and turning to find the ball at the right time , although he did break up a lot of passes anyway . He has quick feet and I think he can play inside or outside, but unless he gets bigger many teams will just want him inside, and his long speed is in question for some . Even if Baker is primarily a slot guy he would be a stud there , and most NFL defenses are in nickel two thirds of the time anyway . I actually love his tape and have a first round grade on him based off it, but whenever a healthy guy who isn't a lock to even go in the first round pulls out of the Senior Bowl it sends up warning flags to me and I moved him back some then . However, some of the questions about his size were cleared up when he measured in at the combine at a respectable 5"11' , 193 pounds , and with 32 inch long arms .The first round is definitely still very possible and I think this is a bargain for the bucs .
40.BUFFALO - KALEB McGARY - OT - WASHINGTON
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - BRYAN BULAGA - PAKERS
On the Bills O-line I like Dion Dawkins long term at LT, but think RT Jordan Mills is more of a below average player that could use an upgrade , or maybe even kick inside.The rest of them just plain worry me . Mcgary has been a starter since halfway through his freshman season , and I thought this 5th year senior could have possibly been a 3rd rounder last year . However, he returned and he definitely improved. He's a mauler in the run game, and a solid pass blocker, but the thing that makes him special is that he is just straight up nasty. The kind of guy that goes until the echo of the whistle , and I would love to see him on a team that runs the ball even more in the NFL because once he latches on it's over. If the Hawks hadn't traded their 2nd rounder already I think that pick would have been his floor . I believe he would have been a lock to go there and put a stop to their right tackle problems . His arms measure in at an eighth of an inch under 33 inches at the combine, and because of that some teams are going to want him moved inside to guard so we will have to see how that plays out, but i like him outside. 41.DENVER - MACK WILSON - LB - ALABAMA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - CJ MOSLEY - RAVENS
Age and injuries have led to LB Brandon Marshall's paying taking a down turn last season, and now thre is word that hr probably won't be back . Wilson is another possible complete Alabama off the ball LB who can potentially do it all , but he is bit raw, although the speed & athleticism is definitely there. He could be the defensive leader this rebuilding team needs once he gets coached up and improves his football IQ .
42.CINCINNATI - ** - DAVID EDWARDS - OT - WISCONSIN
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - TAYLOR DECKER - LIONS
The Bengals brought back former first rounder Andre Smith in the hopes that he could recapture his once above average ways, but it was not to be . Combined with the injury's and poor play of 2 other soon to be free agent OT's they took in the 1rst & 2nd round in 2015 make me think they need a new right tackle . Edwards is a former QB , who became a TE , turned OT , and that has added about 50 pounds since he made the switch . Lane Johnson is the only other guy I remember having that kind of career trajectory, and he's a very good NFL RT, although I don't think Edwards is as athletic right now . Maybe another year in the weight room working on solidifying 300 plus pounds will get him there , because when you gain weight quickly it's never all good weight . He's obviously still making the transition , and you can see some inconsistencies in his tape. Mostly he needs to consistently play lower and meaner . At the combine he still looked to be carrying too much bad weight ,his arms were shorter than expected ,and he wasn't as athletic as I hoped he would be . I doubt he goes in the first round now .
43.DETROIT - IRV SMITH - TE - ALABAMA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - TREY BURTON - BEARS
Between Levine Toiolo , Michael Roberts, and Luke Wilson the Lions still don't have a complete TE in any phase of the game . It must gall fans in Detroit to watch Eric Ebron have a good year in a limited role for the Colts when his most common contributions to their team were dropped passes, injuries, and poor blocking .Smith is a weapon on offense who can stretch the field . He is not the blocker you would expect from a Alabama TE , but he has gotten better and he is definitely willing . He lines up all over the formation , but still was primarily a inline Y . He has good hands & separation , and can run away from the defense after the catch . Irv could wash the taste of Ebron's failures out of the mouth of an entire fan base . He was shorter than I expected at the combine, but I still like him a lot on tape .
44.GREEN BAY - AJ BROWN - WR - OLE MISS
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - TREY BURTON - BEARS
Between Levine Toiolo , Michael Roberts, and Luke Wilson the Lions still don't have a complete TE in any phase of the game . It must gall fans in Detroit to watch Eric Ebron have a good year in a limited role for the Colts when his most common contributions to their team were dropped passes, injuries, and poor blocking .Smith is a weapon on offense who can stretch the field . He is not the blocker you would expect from a Alabama TE , but he has gotten better and he is definitely willing . He lines up all over the formation , but still was primarily a inline Y . He has good hands & separation , and can run away from the defense after the catch . Irv could wash the taste of Ebron's failures out of the mouth of an entire fan base . He was shorter than I expected at the combine, but I still like him a lot on tape .
44.GREEN BAY - AJ BROWN - WR - OLE MISS
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON- JUJU SMITH-SCHUSTER-STEELERS
The Packers started a youth movement at WR last year when they let go of long time stalwart Jordy Nelson ,and drafted 3 talented young receivers late in the draft . Slot receiver Randall Cobb has also had a good career for the pack , but he will 29 next year, missed a lot of time with injuries last season, and is a free agent . I really like AJ Brown's game . Despite missing most of 2 games with an injury on a roster already depleted by transfers due to NCAA penalties he was very productive in the SEC in 2017 . 75 catches for 1252 yards and 11 TD's against the defenses on their schedule is very impressive . I was going to move him down the draft board because they had more defections , including QB Shae Patterson this off season, but I really liked how he looked more polished at their spring game . Brown ended up with more catches and yards this season, but with fewer TD's .He is built more like a taller RB than a WR ,and is physical & explosive after the catch, with some make you miss thrown in . Another reason he may go lower is that he looks primarily like a power slot more than an outside guy on tape right now, but that is the primary receiver for many teams these days. Considering how much Rodgers likes to throw to the slot I am sure he could adjust to a younger bigger target just fine .45.ATLANTA - ANTHONY NELSON - DE - IOWA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - MICHAEL JOHNSON - BENGALS
I was a big fan of Vic Beasley's when he entered the draft, and the former number 8 overall pick started out OK, and had a huge 2nd season. Year 3 he went down hill , and then his one trick pony play fell off a cliff in 2018 . The Falcons picked up his 5th year option but I would move on from him at a salary of 12.8 million . Maybe he would fit better with a 3-4 team. That would open up a spot on the edge though . Nelson could give them some size and length outside , and he can also out quick interior O-Lineman when you kick him inside on passing downs .46.WASHINGTON - TAYLOR RAPP - S - WASHINGTON
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - JAMAL ADAMS - JETS
The skins already moved on from DJ Swearinger at safety and Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix is also a free agent . Montae Nicholson also had a down year . Rapp is just plain good in every phase of the game. Coverage, ball skills , blitzing , run support, and a reliable tackler . I think he can play high or low with more work at it , and he can already cover the slot , but he is a little grabby at times . I think single high will be his best fit long term once he gets coached up a little , but complete 2 way safeties are rare , and right now even as a SS that can cover the slot he is very valuable.
47.NY GIANTS-(panthers) - ERIK McCOY - C/G - TEXAS A&M
Both of the Giants starting centers last year were subpar . McCoy is a 3 year starter and 2018 team captain that can be a leader on what might be a predominantly young rebuilding O-Line . Played well at the Senior Bowl . Had his best season last year in a pro scheme this year. He's a good short setter, but if he does it too much he is gonna get an OLAY or a swim move and get left in the dust . He is strong and physical with a fierce demeanor . Of all the draft eligible players that actually played center this year he is at the top of my list for a power running scheme and he is also quick enough to play in a zone heavy scheme .
***PROJECTED TRADE*** The COWBOYS trade their 2ND in this draft (# 58) and their 2nd round next year to the DOLPHINS for their 2nd (#48) *** PROJECTED TRADE**
48.DALLAS -(dolphins)- # - JAYLON FERGUSON - DE - LA. TECH
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - RYAN KERRIGAN - REDSKINS
I personally believe the loss of Jason Witten was far more important than Dez . His precise route running, reliable hands, blocking , and leadership have been missed on this offense . Dallas most complete TE to start the season is Geoff Swaim . He got injured halfway through the season , would probably be best as a solid #2 TE, and is a free agent now anyway . They haven't seen fit to put match up nightmare Rico Gathers in a position to succeed, which probably shouldn't be a surprise from this boring coaching staff that lacks a innovative bone in it's body so far, and he is also a free agent after the year . Blake Jarwin showed flashes late in the season , and those just mostly as a route runner & receiver , although his pass blocking has improved . Not mention 4th rounder Dalton Schultz (also from Stanford) was inactive all season until Swaim got hurt, but at least he played a little after that . So basically they are committed to none of these guys for the future as they have no real money invested in any for the long haul, but this TE class is so deep they can get a good one in the third round. However, as a true die hard football fan I have to say I am happy to see Witten coming out of retirement after a year off to show these guys how it's done . No I don't think they year off will hurt him. He may be a little rusty at first but a guy with his experience should be fine, and it's not like he is a guy that uses speed to get open anyway . He is not the dominant blocker he once was, but I'll bet everything I own he is still better at it than the guys they have now .My bro Ryno will tell me that they are going to fire Garrett, but I will believe it when I see it , and Jerry now seems committed to keeping at least one more year. Jerry will be looking for any excuse to keep his boy, but if they disappoint I could see them making a move for Sean Payton next off season . Dallas ended up as the NFL EAST champ for the 3rd time in 5 years with the clapper at the helm ,but they went on a hot streak after trading for Amari Cooper & switching O-Line coaches . plus they won a playoff game before getting bounced out of the tournament by the Rams , but at least they are switching offensive coordinators . It is now a near certainty that Garrett & Dak are back next year running the show with Jerry pushing the narrative that they finished strong even if they get bounced from the first round of the playoffs. With Randy Gtregory's umpteenth suspension , Taco Charlton really being a better fit on the strong side , and Tyron Crawford being a better player inside Dallas really doesn't have anyone they can count on as a weak side end . So unless Dorance Armstrong makes a mighty big leap this off season the Boys will probably have trouble getting pressure on the QB's blindside . I believe Jerry is all in this year, and I actually wouldn't be surprised if he traded away next years number one again to win now, but at least this trade only cost them next years number two . Ferguson has a good burst off the line and he knows how to get under a O-Linemans pads and bull him back into the QB .I The NFL screwed him over by denying a him a chance to workout at the combine because of a fight he had in a McDonalds after high school . Pure idiocy in my opinion , but he is the NCAA's all time division one sack leader, and he played well at the Senior Bowl too. Giving him to DL guru Rod Marinelli to mold and expand his toolbox could make him into a great NFL player .
49.CLEVELAND - TYTUS HOWARD - OT - ALABAMA ST.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - ERIC FISHER - CHIEFS As I mentioned above they need a new left tackle if they really want to give Baker a better chance at reaching his full potential . Howard is a small school guy with good measureables & athleticism. He also has good feet ,but he has to learn to keep his elbows tucked to his side and throw his hands inside consistently because he can be dominant when he does. Hands are wide too often on tape, but his feet & balance bail him out. Dominated his lower level of competition, and played pretty well at the Senior Bowl too .
50.MINNESOTA - DREMONT JONES - DT - OHIO ST
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - HENRY MELTON - FA
Sheldon Richardson was supposed to provide interior pass rush for the Vikes this year, but it din't go so well, and now he is a free agent on a cap strapped team .Plus fellow free agent to be OLB Anthony Barr wasn't just a blitzer he was a college 3-4 OLB who would some down to the line of scrimmage on some plays and rush off the edge . Jones gets off the ball well consistently penetrates into the backfield , and that's what the 3 techniques in this defense do. He does need to get stronger and learn to hold the point of attack against the run better though .
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - HENRY MELTON - FA
Sheldon Richardson was supposed to provide interior pass rush for the Vikes this year, but it din't go so well, and now he is a free agent on a cap strapped team .Plus fellow free agent to be OLB Anthony Barr wasn't just a blitzer he was a college 3-4 OLB who would some down to the line of scrimmage on some plays and rush off the edge . Jones gets off the ball well consistently penetrates into the backfield , and that's what the 3 techniques in this defense do. He does need to get stronger and learn to hold the point of attack against the run better though .
51.TENNESSEE - ** - JOHNATHAN ABRAMS - S - MISS. ST.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - KEANU NEAL - FALCONS
Both Johnathan Cyprien & Kenny Vaccaro probably won't be back next year, and the Titans could upgrade here at SS . Abrams is a total beast in the box . A missile who sets the tone against an offense , and a guy that will make offensive players hearing footsteps . Good tackler & a big hitter rarely come in the same package . Plus he could light people up on special teams and is also solid in coverage . He failed his physical at the Senior Bowl , but looked great at the combine . As much as I like his tape I didn't expect him to run a 4.45 in the forty after watching it .
52.PITTSBURGH - PARRIS CAMPBELL - WR - OHIO ST.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - PERCY HARVIN - retired
With Antonio Brown likley gone the Steelers need speed outside . Fresh off a season where that speed was displayed as both a WR and runner Parris could put a new wrinkle into the chargers offense . while both are built more like RB's than WR's he's not quite as physical as Percy Harvin, but they played the same role in Urban Myers offense . Although Parris is actually both bigger and faster .Plus he doesn't suffer from migraines .
53.PHILADELPHIA(ravens) - ** - MARQUISE BROWN - WR - OKLAHOMA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - TY HILTON - COLTS
Alshon Jeffery is the only outside WR the Eagles can count on and he has missed more than his fair share of games in 3 of the last 4 years, and they have no speedy guy outside .
Brown is my #2 WR, but because of his lack of size I doubt he goes in the first round . He is a fast, explosive, deep threat that D coordinators have to game plan for , and he will give safeties nightmares . The amount of yardage he got out the times he played the slot is staggering . A sports hernia injury will keep him from working out at the combine ,and since his lack of size causes worries about long term durability , it might be another thing that depresses his draft value . I thought he would be small, but 166 lbs? Can't see anyone taking him in the first now .
54.DENVER(seattle,houston) -JACE STERNBERGER-TE- TEXAS A&M
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - DENNIS PITTA - retired
TE Jeff Heuerman was a 3rd round pick . While he is has been a solid player he doesn't look like anything special as the starter, and he is also is a free agent. I thought Jake Butt might be the answer long term, but after his 3rd knee injury I just can't see them counting on him . Jace is good sized already, but he appears to have the frame to add another 10-15 of muscle .Above average route runner . Quick off the ball whether running a route or blocking .Smooth transitions and catch it in stride. physical competitive blocker or running with the ball after the catch , Shows a good burst and is tough to bring down with the ball in his hands . You see him running away from defenders , breaking tackles, or dragging would be tacklers down the field . Difficult matchup for the defense ,Probably needs to be covered by a big DB to have a chance to stop him because he eats up LB's on tape, and a accurate QB could allow him to use his size and dominate DB's too . Willing to block DE's and while he gets overpowered from time to time, he definitely holds his own and gets his share of wins there too.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - DENNIS PITTA - retired
TE Jeff Heuerman was a 3rd round pick . While he is has been a solid player he doesn't look like anything special as the starter, and he is also is a free agent. I thought Jake Butt might be the answer long term, but after his 3rd knee injury I just can't see them counting on him . Jace is good sized already, but he appears to have the frame to add another 10-15 of muscle .Above average route runner . Quick off the ball whether running a route or blocking .Smooth transitions and catch it in stride. physical competitive blocker or running with the ball after the catch , Shows a good burst and is tough to bring down with the ball in his hands . You see him running away from defenders , breaking tackles, or dragging would be tacklers down the field . Difficult matchup for the defense ,Probably needs to be covered by a big DB to have a chance to stop him because he eats up LB's on tape, and a accurate QB could allow him to use his size and dominate DB's too . Willing to block DE's and while he gets overpowered from time to time, he definitely holds his own and gets his share of wins there too.
55.HOUSTON- # -JERRY TILLERY - DT - N. DAME
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - STEPHON TUITT - STEELERS
Personally I think of Watt as more of an interior rusher although he does spend some time on the edge . As of now the only Texans getting any interior pass rush are Watt or Clowbey when they are inside . Tillery took his game to a new level this season, especially as a pass rusher . After years of not living up to his talent that's a good thing , although it makes you wonder if he was only going full on to get paid, and what he will do after a big signing bonus is in the bank . Otherwise I would have him in the first round . He's big , strong, long, and quick enough to play all interior positions at a high level in a odd or even front ;Watt could be the perfect mentor for him .
56.VIKINGS-(patriots,bears)- KELVIN HARMON - WR - NC ST.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - KEYSHAWN JOHNSON - retired
Former first rounder Laquan Treadwell has been a bust , and his inability to learn the offense and his lack of route adjustments make me think he's just not gonna disappear from the league soon . Harmon is fierce ! A true physical presence at the receiver position who could inspire other players to play as hard as he does . He does a lot well, but I love the way he attacks the football in the air like he's the only one with a right to it , and I think he has the chance to develop into a #1 WR , but strangely what I like most about him is what he does without the ball in his hands . Runs every route like its his last , and is a nasty punishing blocker . He's an outside guy , but I would like to see what he could do with more time in the slot too .
56.VIKINGS-(patriots,bears)- KELVIN HARMON - WR - NC ST.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - KEYSHAWN JOHNSON - retired
Former first rounder Laquan Treadwell has been a bust , and his inability to learn the offense and his lack of route adjustments make me think he's just not gonna disappear from the league soon . Harmon is fierce ! A true physical presence at the receiver position who could inspire other players to play as hard as he does . He does a lot well, but I love the way he attacks the football in the air like he's the only one with a right to it , and I think he has the chance to develop into a #1 WR , but strangely what I like most about him is what he does without the ball in his hands . Runs every route like its his last , and is a nasty punishing blocker . He's an outside guy , but I would like to see what he could do with more time in the slot too .
57.PHILADELPHIA - CHAUNCEY GARDNER-JHONSON-S/CB -FLORIDA
While the Eagles season hasn't gone the way the most thought it would I think a big reason for that is injuries , especially in the secondary . The last man standing is Malcolm Jenkins, and while he is still serviceable, he seems to care more about off the field stuff than football. Even if he gets his mind right the other safeties on the roster have been bad . Chauncey is smooth and fast with the ability to cover a lot of ground , which is important because he was roving all over the field in the gator defense this year. He spends more time covering the slot than playing the single high or deep, but I think he can definitely cover deep in the long run with better angles and practice at that spot . He has solid ball skills , but he could have picked off more balls on tape. Very willing in run support , but not always the most reliable tackler , although he was better there this season. If he had more consistent footwork and technique I think he could play corner full time, but he did improve there this year too . Overall he's physical, tough and I think he can become a dual high/low safety as his football IQ grows, and he plays the position more . He did have his best season this year though . He is too inconsistent and lacks a defined position so he can't be a first rounder in my book. I still have him in my top 50 because I love his upside .
58.MIAMI-(dallas) - DEVIN SINGLETARY - RB - FLA. ATLANTIC
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - LeSEAN McCOY - BILLS
Frank Gore is a first ballot HOFer and having him on your team at this time is as much about teaching the younger guys how to do it all right, but he is not a feature back anymore, and Kenyan Drake has proven to be a complimentary piece . Singletary is as slippery as a greased eel . He is adept at making something out of nothing ,and with the interior of this O-Line needing a rebuild he might have to . The fact that he reminds me of another future HOFer is about as strong a recommendation as I can give him , but not every team will see a back his size as a every down guy like I do .
59.INDIANAPOLIS - ROCK YA-SIN - CB - TEMPLE
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - XAVIEN HOWARD - DOLPHINS
Pierre Desir, who they probably hope to resign, is a free agent. Even if they resign him they could use help at CB . I wasn't on Rock until the Senior Bowl , but he had a great day one and that night I started watching his tape, and I wasn't disappointed . Ya- Sin is a decent sized physical corner , but he only has one year of tape at Temple . He has great instincts, timing, stop/start quickness , and awareness to turn & find the ball. Plus he has the coolest name I've heard in years .
60.LA CHARGERS - # - CHUMA EDOGA - OT - USC
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - KELVIN BEACHUM - JETS
RT Joe Barksdale has had some problems with depression . Then he got hurt, lost his job, and was cut late in the regular season . Replacement Sam Tevi has been below average and they only have a 6th rounder invested in him . Edoga is a bit on the small side for an OT, but his arms are long enough and his feet are good enough to stay outside. He has played both sides although his tape was better on the right side in 2017 , and he has the athleticism to excel when pulling or going to the second level . He gets his hands on the defender quickly in pass pro, plays with good knee bend , and is adept at riding speed rushers past the pocket, but he needs a more violent punch . I think all he needs is some time in the weight room ,and a slightly more aggressive & well timed punch to be an above average starter very early in his career if he does that .
61.KANSAS CITY - D'ANDRE WALKER - ** - OLB/DE - GEORGIANFL PLAYER COMPARISON - KELVIN BEACHUM - JETS
RT Joe Barksdale has had some problems with depression . Then he got hurt, lost his job, and was cut late in the regular season . Replacement Sam Tevi has been below average and they only have a 6th rounder invested in him . Edoga is a bit on the small side for an OT, but his arms are long enough and his feet are good enough to stay outside. He has played both sides although his tape was better on the right side in 2017 , and he has the athleticism to excel when pulling or going to the second level . He gets his hands on the defender quickly in pass pro, plays with good knee bend , and is adept at riding speed rushers past the pocket, but he needs a more violent punch . I think all he needs is some time in the weight room ,and a slightly more aggressive & well timed punch to be an above average starter very early in his career if he does that .
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - JOEY PORTER - retired
On defense it looks the Chiefs have potential problems on the edge , Dee Ford is a FA after the season and his health has regularly been a question . I doubt they will want to sink big money into him , because I am always wary of players who only get healthy & ball out when they are about to get paid .Even with a franchise tag on Ford you always need more pass rushers. Also, Justin Houston seemed on the decline , but he did rebound some this season. With KC's new DC Steve Spagnuolo's pattern of sending waves of pass rushers onto the field this guy would be a good fit . Walker isn't the biggest guy but he plays strong with good leverage and hand placement against the run or pass . He has the ability to bend the arc, but his burst off the snap & counters as a pass rusher are still a work in progress . Is OK dropping into coverage too , but it isn't a strength right now .He is kind of a tweener between 4-3 DE & 3-4 OLB right now . He could develop into a 4-3 end with a little more muscle packed on, but his frame doesn't look that big so I doubt he could get above 260 without losing his explosiveness . Had sports hernia surgery on January 23rd , and that will prevent from working out before the draft so he probably won't go any higher than this .
62.NEW ORLEANS - AMANI ORUWARIYE - CB - PENN ST
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - JIMMY SMITH - RAVENS
The saints made the trade for Eli Apple hoping that reuniting him with a bunch of his buckeye secondary brethren would help him to be more consistent , but I wouldn't count on him just yet . The Saints only have their second round pick available in the first 4 rounds right now , and that's because they were all in this year trading away future chances to win now. If not for a bad NO CALL against the Rams they might have made the Superbowl, but I guess it didn't workout .I don't know if that means Brees or Payton (or even both) will be leaving after the 2019 season , but it wouldn't surprise me one bit either way . If they don't trade this pick to get more picks I am betting they will be looking for a corner . Amani is a big , fast , physical press corner with long arms, but he's also good in zone . If he was as physical in the run game as he is in coverage I would have him higher grade. He also needs better timing and instincts on when to turn and fins the ball .63.KC-(rams)- JULIAN LOVE - CB - N. DAME
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - BRENT GRIMES - BUCCANEERS
64.NEW ENGLAND - RENELL WREN - DT - ARIZONA ST.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - CHRIS JONES - CHIEFS
The patriots generally don't pay fair market value ,even for their own free agents . Trey Flowers has been a stalwart against the run or pass, but he has 2 rings now, and since he was a 4th round pick he probably wants to get paid . With all the other potential top free agent edge players ahead of him likely to be franchised he could be in for a big payday .Not to mention former first round DT's Danny Shelton & Malcolm Brown are free agents as well . Wren is big, strong, and explosive . Unfortunately he is also raw, and needs a lot of technique work.
65.ARIZONA - ELGTON JENKINS - C - MISSISSIPPI ST.
66.OAKLAND - ISAIAH JOHNSON - CB - HOUSTON
***PROJECTED TRADE*** The 49ers trade their 3rd rounder in this draft (# 67) to the STEELERS for WR ANTONIO BROWN ***PROJECTED TRADE**
68.NY JETS - HAKEEM BUTLER - WR - IOWA ST.
69.JACKSONVILLE - BEAU BENZSCHAWEL - G - WISCONSIN
70.TAMPA BAY - ** -YODNEY CAJUSTE - OT - TAMPA BAY
GIANTS FORFEIT 3RD ROUNDER DUE TO SUPPLEMENTAL DRAFT PICK
71.DENVER - LONNIE JOHNSON - CB - KENTUCKY
72.CINCINNATI - JUSTIN LAYNE - CB - MICHIGAN ST.
72.CINCINNATI - JUSTIN LAYNE - CB - MICHIGAN ST.
73.NEW ENGLAND-(lions)- LJ COLLIER - DT/DE - TCU
74.BUFFALO - TERRY McLAURIN - WR - OHIO ST.
74.BUFFALO - TERRY McLAURIN - WR - OHIO ST.
75.GREEN BAY - MAX SCHARPING - OT - N. ILLINOIS
76.WASHINGTON - ** -DEEBO SAMUEL - WR - S. CAROLINA
77.CAROLINA - DARNELL SAVAGE - S - MARYLAND
78.MIAMI - MICHAEL JORDAN - C/G - OHIO ST.
76.WASHINGTON - ** -DEEBO SAMUEL - WR - S. CAROLINA
77.CAROLINA - DARNELL SAVAGE - S - MARYLAND
78.MIAMI - MICHAEL JORDAN - C/G - OHIO ST.
79.ATLANTA - BOBBY EVANS - T/G - OKLAHOMA
80.CLEVELAND - JAHLANI TAVAI - LB - HAWAI'I
80.CLEVELAND - JAHLANI TAVAI - LB - HAWAI'I
81.MINNESOTA - ** - CHASE WINOVICH - DE - MICHIGAN
82.TENNESSEE - DANIEL JONES - QB - DUKE
83.PITTSBURGH - CALEB WILSON - TE - UCLA
84.SEATTLE - JOEJUAN WILLIAMS - CB - VANDERBILT
85.BALTIMORE - ANDY ISABELLA - WR - UMASS
85.BALTIMORE - ANDY ISABELLA - WR - UMASS
86.DENVER-(houston) - ** -EMANUEL HALL - WR MISSOURI
87.CHICAGO - SAIVION SMITH - CB - ALABAMA
88.DETROIT-(eagles)- ANTHONY JOHNSON - BUFFALO
88.DETROIT-(eagles)- ANTHONY JOHNSON - BUFFALO
89.INDIANAPOLIS - ISAIAH BUGGS - DT/DE - PATRIOTS
90.DALLAS - JUAN THORNHILL - S - VIRGINIA
90.DALLAS - JUAN THORNHILL - S - VIRGINIA
91.LA CHARGERS - KADEN SMITH - TE - STANFORD
92.KANSAS CITY - TE'VON CONEY - LB - N. DAME
92.KANSAS CITY - TE'VON CONEY - LB - N. DAME
93.NY JETS-(saints)- DARRELL HENDERSON - RB - MEMPHIS
94.LA RAMS - GERMAINE PRATT - LB - NC ST.
94.LA RAMS - GERMAINE PRATT - LB - NC ST.
95.CLEVELAND-(patriots)- DARIUS SLAYTON - WR - AUBURN
96.-comp-REDSKINS- DRU SAMIA - G - OKLAHOMA
97.-comp-PATRIOTS - GARY JENNINGS - WR - W. VIRGINIA
98.-comp-JAGUARS-(rams)- DREW SAMPLE - TE - WASHINGTON
99.-comp-RAMS- ZACH ALLEN - DE/DT - BOSTON COLLEGE
100.-comp-NY GIANTS-(panthers)- OSHAYNE XIMINES -OLB/DE-OLD DOMINION
101.-comp-PATRIOTS - WILL GRIER - # -QB - W. VIRGINIA
102.-comp- RAVENS- CONNOR McGOVERN - C/G - PENN ST.97.-comp-PATRIOTS - GARY JENNINGS - WR - W. VIRGINIA
98.-comp-JAGUARS-(rams)- DREW SAMPLE - TE - WASHINGTON
99.-comp-RAMS- ZACH ALLEN - DE/DT - BOSTON COLLEGE
100.-comp-NY GIANTS-(panthers)- OSHAYNE XIMINES -OLB/DE-OLD DOMINION
101.-comp-PATRIOTS - WILL GRIER - # -QB - W. VIRGINIA
For Cleveland: Love the Wilkins pick - hate the rest of them. 2nd rounder from Alabama St is a massive reach @49 and your 3rd round for them flat out sucks.
ReplyDeleteSound picks for the Pack, would like a TE in there but Sweat and Thompson will work. Think Thompson could be had later due to his surgery. Maybe a TE with the 30th pick and everyone else move back a round.
ReplyDeleteThanks .In this mock I had Hockenson & Fant gone already . I personally don't think another TE will go in the first. Did you have someone specifically ? Take care .
DeleteI don't know if I would pass on Devin White if I was Denver, but getting Risner, Wilson, Sternberger, and Johnson would be a good haul.
ReplyDeleteI Get your point, but in order to get Strenburger & Hall added to your draft I had to give them a trade back to #23 for the extra picks .
Deletedon't see them taking a LT in round 2 with Paris is burning campbell sitting there
ReplyDeleteDon't see who taking a LT?
DeleteDude . It's really easy to make negative comments when you are anonymous . It's fine if you disagree with me, but unless you have some mock of your own I can peruse it just seems kind of shady , especially when you give no reasoning behind your picks. I have no idea if you actually take the time to watch these players or not . You may just take someone else's word over mine, and that's fine too . Also, unless he isn't healed up before the draft , or another character incident comes to light I think that spot was probably too low for Tavai . I guess we will see come draft day. Take care .
ReplyDelete