# 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
To protect their young QB the Cards should really upgrade their terrible O-Line . They did trade for veteran RT Marcus Gilbert ,but he is often injured ,and is probably more of a safety net for a future RT . They brought in veterans Terrell Suggs, CB Robert Alfor, and LB Jordan Hicks . The only possible key vet they lost was injury prone edge rusher Markus Golden .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 this 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 , 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 . He is aggressive and throws down the field more than Haskins, and when he takes his shots they are usually warranted . 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 as long as he goes to a team with a coach that will tailor the offense to suit his talents. This is Murray;s best fit with a coach that will know how to use him. Also, the cards can use the pick they got for Rosen on a O-Lineman now . Everybody wins .
2.SAN FRANCISCO - NICK BOSA - DE - OHIO ST.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - JOEY BOSA - CHARGERS
The niners are a prime candidate to trade down and get better value for their pick unless an edge rusher they love falls to them here, but they did already trade for Dee Ford . Plus they signed him to a new deal and didn't give up a pick in this draft to do so. Also brough in another complimentary back in Tevin Coleman and athletic LB Kwon Alexander . Both can be valuable players but they also have their question marks . Coleman has never proven to be the lead back that I thought he would coming out of college. Alexander has missed 16 games over the last 2 seasons and has issues tackling at times .Well the drafts best edge rusher and possible best player falls into their laps here . 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 5 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 . Rotating Bosa, Ford, and Thomas should also keep them all fresh . This would give all 5 a good chance to succeed .
3.NY JETS - JOSH ALLEN - OLB/DE - KENTUCKY
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - JEVON KEARSE - retired
The jets came out swinging in free agency . Signing perennial pro bowl LB CJ Mosley to a very pricey deal & bringing in talented malcontent diva Leveon Bell at RB . On offense they also added shifty slot WR /return man Jamison Crowder .They also lost CB Buster Skrine and stud kicker Jason Myers . It's great that the Jets got a potential franchise QB in the 2018 draft , but I almost hoped he didn't get to play much last year because he could ( and did )get hurt behind their O-line . Before the trade for Osemele the only one of the Jets current O-Lineman 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 another OT here would be a good choice in my opinion, but I now think that won't happen. I would take Jonah Williams here, but there are too many teams that think he would be better of inside so I doubt he goes in the top 5 now. As for Jawaan Taylor there have been rumors of injury worries spreading since the combine , and I have heard it so many places I'm starting to think it isn't smoke . So unless they trade back I now doubt they will be taking a O-Lineman here . Right now their starting edge guys are Jordan Jenkins & Brandon Copeland and that's not scaring anybody . Allen could fit perfectly as one of their 3-4 OLB's 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 . 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 . It should be hard to pass on Quinnen Williams here as well, because he is one of only 3 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 the ideal scenario though .
4.OAKLAND - ** - QUINNEN WILLIAMS - DT - ALABAMA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - JONATHAN ALLEN - REDSKINS
The Raiders had a train wreck of a rebuilding season , but they have rebounded in a big way in free agency . All but one of the moves they have made since free agency began sure look a team that wants to compete now , and that one ( trading former Pro Bowl guard Keleche Osemele) could be a cost effective win if he plays as bad as he did in 2018 . Trading for Antonio Brown & signing Tyrell Williams gives Derek Carr 2 explosive WR's with great ability to run after the catch . Signing Veteran OT Trent Brown to a overly expensive contract was surprising, but even though they over payed in my opinion , he's definitely an upgrade at at least one tackle spot based on his play over the last 2 years . Plus adding safety Lamarcus Joyner is an upgrade as well . Plus surly LB Vontaze Burfict has played very well when not hurt or suspended . It's an interesting mix of win now older veterans in The 2 Brown's , and young veterans who still may have higher ceilings in Williams & Joyner . With 3 first round picks ,and the Chiefs & Chargers losing more than they have gained so far , it certainly looks like they expect to compete this year .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 because he destroyed in Indy.
5.TAMPA BAY- ED OLIVER - DT - HOUSTON
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - LA'ROI GLOVER - retired
The Bucs look like they are rebuilding to me , and I haven't liked much of their moves since free agency began .They let talented but injury prone LB Kwon Alexander leave & also watched crafty slot WR Adam Humprey leave town . OLB Shaq Barret is intriguing as is talented but often injured WR Breshad Perriman . My big problem is LT 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 sign him to a to a 3 year deal anyway, and used up most of their remaining cap space to do so . In the end the main problem for the BUCS 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 . I think Gerald McCoy would do just fine here , even at this later stage of his career, but there has been a lot of chatter about them trying to trade him lately . Combine that with his high cap number and there is strong possibility that the Bucs could move on from him if they find a suitable replacement in the draft . 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 it's a shorter route to the QB inside . He could be a 5 technique when they are in a 3-4 and 3 technique when they are in a nickel 4-3 .
6.NY GIANTS - DWAYNE HASKINS - QB - OHIO ST.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - CARSON PALMER - retired
When the Giants 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. Now matter what they say I see them as rebuilding , even though signing vets like Golden Tate and Markus Golden don't fit that profile . Trading Odell was a surprise since they just gave him a huge deal last year, but maybe the headaches he caused just got to be too much . At least they got some decent value here . After losing young stud Landon Collins in fee agency they got former talented first rounder Jabril Peppers in the trade with the browns. Plus an extra first doesn't always helps, especially if they do want to trade up for a QB , and they got a 3rd to replace the one they lost when they took CB Sam Beal in the supplemental draft. 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 , but now that Murray seems all in on football Dwayne is my number two QB if you have an innovative play caller . I only have a mid first round grade on Haskins. 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 Dwayne does have a lot of talent, and he has is more of a bigger traditional pocket QB .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, and also has solid feet in the pocket. 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 the Giants again at #17 . 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
When the Giants 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. Now matter what they say I see them as rebuilding , even though signing vets like Golden Tate and Markus Golden don't fit that profile . Trading Odell was a surprise since they just gave him a huge deal last year, but maybe the headaches he caused just got to be too much . At least they got some decent value here . After losing young stud Landon Collins in fee agency they got former talented first rounder Jabril Peppers in the trade with the browns. Plus an extra first doesn't always helps, especially if they do want to trade up for a QB , and they got a 3rd to replace the one they lost when they took CB Sam Beal in the supplemental draft. 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 , but now that Murray seems all in on football Dwayne is my number two QB if you have an innovative play caller . I only have a mid first round grade on Haskins. 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 Dwayne does have a lot of talent, and he has is more of a bigger traditional pocket QB .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, and also has solid feet in the pocket. 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 the Giants again at #17 . 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 before the start of the 2018 season , but I believe if anything kept them from winning it was Blake Bortles, and the way things went in 2018 I was sadly proven right . My money was on Nick Foles to replace him after the Eagles released him because he played with new OC John DeFilippo in Philly , and they pulled it off the first chance they got with a 4 year 88 million dollar deal .Thye brought in some solid players agency too, but no one who moves the needle like Foles. Young TE Geoff Swaim is more of a solid backup , but he is also a two player who's best football may be ahead of him . Young TE Chris Conley is very athletic but hasn't been used a lot as a WR in KC, although he is an excellent blocker that fits this run first offense . Losing Malik Jackson isn't a big deal because he had already lost his job and they drafted Tavan Bryan in the first last year to replace him anyway . Tavern safety Tashaun Gipson also left, but Jarrod Wilson played well in limited snaps last season and this is deep safety class too . Their second biggest need is on the offensive line . They cut solid veteran RT Jermey Pernell in a salary cap move right before free agency started, and I doubt they want to go into the season with talented former Bengals first rounder as they guy because he has been a injury prone bust so far . 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 before the start of the 2018 season , but I believe if anything kept them from winning it was Blake Bortles, and the way things went in 2018 I was sadly proven right . My money was on Nick Foles to replace him after the Eagles released him because he played with new OC John DeFilippo in Philly , and they pulled it off the first chance they got with a 4 year 88 million dollar deal .Thye brought in some solid players agency too, but no one who moves the needle like Foles. Young TE Geoff Swaim is more of a solid backup , but he is also a two player who's best football may be ahead of him . Young TE Chris Conley is very athletic but hasn't been used a lot as a WR in KC, although he is an excellent blocker that fits this run first offense . Losing Malik Jackson isn't a big deal because he had already lost his job and they drafted Tavan Bryan in the first last year to replace him anyway . Tavern safety Tashaun Gipson also left, but Jarrod Wilson played well in limited snaps last season and this is deep safety class too . Their second biggest need is on the offensive line . They cut solid veteran RT Jermey Pernell in a salary cap move right before free agency started, and I doubt they want to go into the season with talented former Bengals first rounder as they guy because he has been a injury prone bust so far . 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 very little pass rush this year off the edge, and with them moving on from Ziggy Ansah an edge rusher is a priority. Although signing stud strong side end Trey Flowers at the start of free agency was a coup they still need a weak side end. 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.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - CAMERON JORDAN - SAINTS
The Lions had very little pass rush this year off the edge, and with them moving on from Ziggy Ansah an edge rusher is a priority. Although signing stud strong side end Trey Flowers at the start of free agency was a coup they still need a weak side end. 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.
9.BUFFALO - ** - JAWAAN TAYLOR - OT - FLORIDA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - MARCUS CANNON - PATRIOTS
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 . The Bills have already started rebuilding that O-Line in free agency . They brought in a top 10 center In Mitch Morse and veteran interior lineman Spencer Long will probably play guard . They also brought in 2 smaller faster WR's in Cole Beasley in the slot, and speedy WR John Brown outside .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. I'm gonna go with RT here . Some people think Taylor can play the blindside I domn't right now, 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 all around player now , and a full off season of working reps on the left side would make him a lot better but as of now if ain't broke don't try to fix it . 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, but there are rumors about a possible medical issue since the combine . I don't know what it is, and until I know more I am not going to drop him very far .
10.DENVER - TJ HOCKENSON - TE - IOWA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - JASON WITTEN - retired
The broncos have been busy this off season . Getting Flacco for a 4th and with no money guaranteed on his contract means they can easily draft a QB this year if they decide to stay at #10 overall, or even later if they feel the right guy falls to them . Part of the reason I put this trade in is that the 2nd pick they get for next season will help them to move up in next years draft for a QB like Tua or Herbert . They upgraded at RT in Juwaun James , at least from a pass blocking perspective too, but lost a good center in Matt Paradis & average guard in Billy Turner . If they don't trade back the most obvious choices here are TE TJ Hockenson, or an interior O-lineman that they have rated higher than I do . No I don't think they will take a QB here, but they might if the one they like falls to them . I'm going to give them Hockenson because not only is he worth this pick , I actually think he is a steal here .
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 3 overall grade on him and he is my highest ranked offensive player in this draft . He could go as high as #6 ,and I doubt he gets out of the top 13, but if he does I expect someone to trade up for him .
11.CINCINNATTI - DEVIN WHITE - ILB - LSU
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - BOBBY WAGNER - SEAHAWKS
The Bungals began free agency by resigning subpar RT Bobby Hart to a 3 year 21 million dollar contract , but I am still going to kindly give them the benefit of the doubt and guess they do something smart here .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 - ** -DK METCALF- WR - OLE MISS
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - DEMARYIUS THOMAS - FA
The Packers new regime has made some uncharacteristically big moves in free agency when compared to the last regime. They have already brought in veteran edge rushers Zadarius Smith & Preston Smith, but 2 edge guys is rarely enough ,and both of those guys are big enough to kick in on passing downs or do double duty as 5 techniques . Although I can't for the life of me figure out why they paid Billy Turner 28 million over 4 years with 9 million guaranteed to play guard for them . Yes, they needed help at both guard spots , but he is a below average guard to me. The kind of versatile guy you love as a backup, but your always trying to replace as starter in my book . Green Bay 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 was allowed to leave and sign with Dallas. However right now I don't see them having any threatening play makers at WR if anything happens to Davante Adams . 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 the top 10 of my mocks 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 , strength, and physicality. Most of the other big WR's I have in my top 10 might have some trouble with long speed , or will need a very accurate QB , but Metcalf has no such problem .If Metcalf's medicals & interviews went well he could go much higher because he blazed a 4.33 forty at the combine . 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 & short shuttle , and that's a big worry. However , he is so raw that I wouldn't bet on him getting into the top 10 . That size, straight line speed & rawness reminds me of another WR who came into the league from a completely different run first option offense who developed into a pro bowl receiver, so I have changed my comp on him to Demaryius Thomas . Metcalf's lack of route tree and ability to explode out of breaks is very apparent on film. Thomas is the good part of that projection . DK is the ultimate boom or bust player in this entire draft in my opinion , and watching him make a highlight reel catch & then have a easy drop on the same series really drives it home. Other than a back injury ,or a history of concussions ,a neck injury is the worst possible long term injury worry I can think of . One bad hit and its over . Sure he could be the next Demaryious Thomas, but he is just as likely to be the next Breshad Perriman or Kevin White . He is my #5 WR, and I don't even have a first round grade on him , but I still believe he will be the first wide out taken .
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - DEMARYIUS THOMAS - FA
The Packers new regime has made some uncharacteristically big moves in free agency when compared to the last regime. They have already brought in veteran edge rushers Zadarius Smith & Preston Smith, but 2 edge guys is rarely enough ,and both of those guys are big enough to kick in on passing downs or do double duty as 5 techniques . Although I can't for the life of me figure out why they paid Billy Turner 28 million over 4 years with 9 million guaranteed to play guard for them . Yes, they needed help at both guard spots , but he is a below average guard to me. The kind of versatile guy you love as a backup, but your always trying to replace as starter in my book . Green Bay 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 was allowed to leave and sign with Dallas. However right now I don't see them having any threatening play makers at WR if anything happens to Davante Adams . 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 the top 10 of my mocks 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 , strength, and physicality. Most of the other big WR's I have in my top 10 might have some trouble with long speed , or will need a very accurate QB , but Metcalf has no such problem .If Metcalf's medicals & interviews went well he could go much higher because he blazed a 4.33 forty at the combine . 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 & short shuttle , and that's a big worry. However , he is so raw that I wouldn't bet on him getting into the top 10 . That size, straight line speed & rawness reminds me of another WR who came into the league from a completely different run first option offense who developed into a pro bowl receiver, so I have changed my comp on him to Demaryius Thomas . Metcalf's lack of route tree and ability to explode out of breaks is very apparent on film. Thomas is the good part of that projection . DK is the ultimate boom or bust player in this entire draft in my opinion , and watching him make a highlight reel catch & then have a easy drop on the same series really drives it home. Other than a back injury ,or a history of concussions ,a neck injury is the worst possible long term injury worry I can think of . One bad hit and its over . Sure he could be the next Demaryious Thomas, but he is just as likely to be the next Breshad Perriman or Kevin White . He is my #5 WR, and I don't even have a first round grade on him , but I still believe he will be the first wide out taken .
***PROJECTED TRADE*** The TEXANS trade their 1rst (# 23) the 2nd they got from SEATTLE (#54) and their 5th (#161) to the DOLPHINS for their 1rst (#13)***PROJECTED TRADE**
13.HOUSTON-(dolphins)- ANDRE DILLARD - OT- WASHINGTON ST.
The Texans have come out about even in free agency in my estimation . Losing the more talented honey badger hurt , but they brought in a solid steady veteran safety in Tashaun Gipson to replace him . Losing CB Kevin Jhonson would have probably hurt more if he could stay healthy , but bringing in talented Bradley Roby to replace him is probably an upgrade just because he should be on the field most of the time. The Texans didn't have a pick until the 3rd round in 2018, but they made the most of their draft anyway . They need more O-Lineman ,and Martinas Rankins will probably start somewhere on that depleted unit down the road , but he was a disappointment as a rookie . 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 . Between young Julie'n Davenport & Kendall Lamm the Texans are probably willing to try and cover the blindside next year , but going with both as bookends again should be a big worry . Bringing in often injured and usually disappointing Matt Kalil doesn't exactly make me feel better about it either . Protecting Dehaun Watson should be their number one priority so I think trading up for the best pass protecting left tackle prospect in the draft would be a good fit . 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 .
13.HOUSTON-(dolphins)- ANDRE DILLARD - OT- WASHINGTON ST.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - LAREMY TUNSIL - DOLPHINS
14.ATLANTA - BRIAN BURNS - DE/OLB - FLORIDA ST.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - JASON TAYLOR - retired
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 I now tink it will be an outside player . 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 . 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 . He came into the combine at 6"5" and 249 lbs , and still worked out very well. That's a good start and will help alleviate some teams concerns about his lack of power , especially if you run a 4-3.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - BYRON JONES - COWBOYS
The Skins free agency haul is uneven . They upgraded at safety with Landon Collins, but lost slot WR/return specialist Jamison Crowder, and more importantly they lost edge player Preston Smith . Plus they downgraded at swing tackle losing steady Ty Nsekehe and bringing in former top 10 draft bust Erick Flowers, but maybe they will try him inside at guard and then they can make something out of him . This team has a lot of needs, and none potentially bigger than QB with Alex Smith's injury , but Case Keenum is a suitable stop gap QB for this year. I have them getting Rosen in the second so I am going to fill a different big need here . Greedy had six picks as a red shirt 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 , and stops being a pile inspector in the run game. 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 .
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.NY GIANTS-(browns)- CODY FORD - OT - OKLAHOMA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - CORDY GLENN - BENGALS
The smartest thing the Giants have done so far this off season was trade a player that didn't fit their new 3-4 defense (Olivier Vernon ) for a really good guard in Kevin Zeitler . That means they have added LT Nate Solder , G Will Hernandez, and G Zeitler in the last 2 years , but Chad Wheeler was horrible at RT last season . Making this pick would get them a upgrade at right tackle , and put them on the way to having a good O-Line . Ford wasn't really on my radar until late in the season , but a lot of people started talking about him being a possible first rounder and I was watching Kyler Murray that day anyway . SO after I did hid first 4 tapes I could see the potential there . Later on I did 3 more of 2107 , another 3 of 2018 , and I personally agree that he is a first rounder . The question is whether he lines up at tackle or guard . Actually that whole O-line is full of NFL players but I think Ford is the only one that will go in the first round this year . 3 others have a chance to be top 100 guys in this draft , and their freshman center looks like a future NFL starter too . He is both huge in length & width of shoulder and he is just flat out hard to get around . I think he can stick at RT and be a above average starter . He is sloppy & off balance at times , but still shows pretty good feet, a strong punch , and the aggressive mentality you want up front as a pass blocker. The nastiness in the run game only comes in flashes, but he does move people off the ball .
18.MINNESOTA - GARRETT BRADBURY - C - NC ST.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - RYAN KALIL - PANTHERS
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 . It got worse when probable starting center was put on injured reserve with a neck injury during training camp, and now he signed with the Saints . Since the Titans cut Josh Kline one year after giving him a new deal that doesn't really move the needle for me, and I had hoped that they would have learned from their mistakes about signing their teams castoffs after the Mike Remmer debacle. They still need a center though .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 the best center in the draft in a pure zone scheme. This pick gives the Vikings their center of the future , and probably covers them at the pivot for a decade .
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - RYAN KALIL - PANTHERS
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 . It got worse when probable starting center was put on injured reserve with a neck injury during training camp, and now he signed with the Saints . Since the Titans cut Josh Kline one year after giving him a new deal that doesn't really move the needle for me, and I had hoped that they would have learned from their mistakes about signing their teams castoffs after the Mike Remmer debacle. They still need a center though .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 the best center in the draft in a pure zone scheme. This pick gives the Vikings their center of the future , and probably covers them at the pivot for a decade .
19.TENNESEE - CHRISTIAN WILKINS - DT - CLEMSON
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - LEONARD WILLIAMS - JETS
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 . They do need a DT to pair inside with Jurrell Casey . 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 . This is a guy that would be a perfect Patriot, and since head coach Mike Vrabel was raised up on the patriot way I'm betting he will see this guy for what he us . A straight up "winner" . A team like the Titans that still going through a culture change would be able to get a lot out of this man .
20.PITTSBURGH - DEVIN BUSH - LB - MICHIGAN
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - DEXTER COAKLEY - retired
Even after trading Antonio Brown and losing Leveon Bell to the Jets in free agency the Steelers 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 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 kept making noise on social media that was designed to get him out of town . So they ended up getting a 3rd and a 5th for him. Plus the dumb-ass Raiders gave him a new contract so sadly the diva got his way . The Steelers haven't had the athletic zone LB their defense needs since Ryan Shazier's tragic injury, and I don't think Mark Barron is the guy to fill that hole, and his deal is back loaded for a reason .
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, and he has the speed and agility to cover backs & TE's out of the backfield . Had a great combine on the field where he displayed & confirmed the fluidity , explosiveness , and speed you see on tape .
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - LEONARD WILLIAMS - JETS
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 . They do need a DT to pair inside with Jurrell Casey . 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 . This is a guy that would be a perfect Patriot, and since head coach Mike Vrabel was raised up on the patriot way I'm betting he will see this guy for what he us . A straight up "winner" . A team like the Titans that still going through a culture change would be able to get a lot out of this man .
20.PITTSBURGH - DEVIN BUSH - LB - MICHIGAN
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - DEXTER COAKLEY - retired
Even after trading Antonio Brown and losing Leveon Bell to the Jets in free agency the Steelers 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 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 kept making noise on social media that was designed to get him out of town . So they ended up getting a 3rd and a 5th for him. Plus the dumb-ass Raiders gave him a new contract so sadly the diva got his way . The Steelers haven't had the athletic zone LB their defense needs since Ryan Shazier's tragic injury, and I don't think Mark Barron is the guy to fill that hole, and his deal is back loaded for a reason .
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, and he has the speed and agility to cover backs & TE's out of the backfield . Had a great combine on the field where he displayed & confirmed the fluidity , explosiveness , and speed you see on tape .
***PROJECTED TRADE*** The CHIEFS trade their 1rst (# 29) their 3rd (#92) and their 5th (#167) for the SEAHAWKS 1rst rounder (#21) ***PROJECT TRADE**
21.KANSAS CITY-(seattle) - **# -MONTEZ SWEAT - DE - MISS. ST.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - SIMEON RICE - retired
The chiefs added stud safety Tyrann Mathieu in free agency and released former stud veteran Eric Berry . They still need a second safety but it is less of a need now , and this is a deep safety class so they can get one later . They also lost starting center Mitch Morse and corner Steven Nelson . Letting go off both starting edge rushers screams need even after signing Alex Okafor and trading for Emmanuel Ogbah, especially because Ogbah is in the last year of his deal . 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 . 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 good 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 season s 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. However, he was kicked out of Michigan ST. for weed a few years ago, but I haven't heard anything about him being a problem child since .A heart condition popped up too, but my brother the doctor says it's unlikely to be a big deal so I'm not dropping him too much unless more negative stuff comes out .
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - SIMEON RICE - retired
The chiefs added stud safety Tyrann Mathieu in free agency and released former stud veteran Eric Berry . They still need a second safety but it is less of a need now , and this is a deep safety class so they can get one later . They also lost starting center Mitch Morse and corner Steven Nelson . Letting go off both starting edge rushers screams need even after signing Alex Okafor and trading for Emmanuel Ogbah, especially because Ogbah is in the last year of his deal . 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 . 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 good 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 season s 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. However, he was kicked out of Michigan ST. for weed a few years ago, but I haven't heard anything about him being a problem child since .A heart condition popped up too, but my brother the doctor says it's unlikely to be a big deal so I'm not dropping him too much unless more negative stuff comes out .
22.BALTIMORE - CHRIS LINDSTROM - G - BOSTON COLLEGE
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - LARRY WARFORD - SAINTS
The Ravens look like a rebuilding team to me, but the have the coaching staff and organizational stability to rebuild and remain competitive like Seattle did last year if they hit in this draft . They have perrenial pro Bowl MLB CJ Mosley to the Jets , Starting edge defender Zadarius Smith to the packers , and future HOFer Terrel Suggs to the Cardinals . It;s not all bad though, They upgraded at RB with Mark Ingram and got a slight upgrade at FS with Earl Thomas instead of Eric Weddle . Their interior O-line looks sketchy though . Only 34 year old future HOFer Marshall Yanda is reliable and this is probably his last season . 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 .
23.MIAMI-(texans) - DALTON RISNER - OL - KANSAS ST.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - JACK MEWHORT - retired
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 just role with their stop gap Case Keenum, 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 roster 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 Flores gets his way in this scenario . The fins are in rebuilding mode and are cutting solid players to reset their cap. Plus the "Tank for Tua "talk is already starting so they probably want to trade back and get more picks if the can . In this case they stand pat at QB , trade back to get more picks for that rebuild . The one guy I was surprised to see go was young RT Juwuan James. In addition to his youth he is a good pass blocker, but maybe they want a guy who is more of a glass eater in the run game . Or maybe letting him leave in free agency is part of their cap reset . 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 Texans . 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) - BYRON MURPHY - CB -WASHINGTON
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - LEON HALL - RAIDERS
The raiders have made a big splash in the veteran trade and fee agent markets , but the only corner they have brought in is former lion part timer Nevin Lawson . New GM Mike Mayock is a former DB himself and I am sure he will appreciate Byron's game . Murphy is the next guy to be highly drafted out of the Huskies recent strong DB 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 system . 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, but you could tell he had added some muscle . He also ran a 4.55 forty which could scare of some man heavy teams , but I don't think that will scare off Mayock or DC Paul Guenther .
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - LEON HALL - RAIDERS
The raiders have made a big splash in the veteran trade and fee agent markets , but the only corner they have brought in is former lion part timer Nevin Lawson . New GM Mike Mayock is a former DB himself and I am sure he will appreciate Byron's game . Murphy is the next guy to be highly drafted out of the Huskies recent strong DB 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 system . 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, but you could tell he had added some muscle . He also ran a 4.55 forty which could scare of some man heavy teams , but I don't think that will scare off Mayock or DC Paul Guenther .
25.PHILADELPHIA - # -DEXTER LAWRENCE - DT - CLEMSON
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - KRIS JENKINS - retired
The Eagles have proven that during the Howie Roseman regime that they value leadership, toughness, and getting value when it falls regardless of need . Even after adding 29 year old Malik Jackson and cutting veteran run stuffer Timmy Jernigan they are old on the interior defensive line , and they don't have a big space eater anymore with Haloti Ngata retired. 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 .
26.INDIANAPOLIS - AJ BROWN - WR - OLE MISS
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON- JUJU SMITH-SCHUSTER-STEELERS
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 they did bring on Justin Houston in free agency . I think Luck needs a WR besides TY Hilton that scares defenses , and Devin Funchess hasn't proven to be that guy yet . 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, and he spent more time outside on tape anyway. Even if he spends the majority of his time inside Luck loves throwing to big targets in the middle of the field . Just ask his TE's . I like AJ more than teammate DJ Metcalf , but doubt he will be drafted as high.
27.OAKLAND-(dallas) - NOAH FANT - TE - IOWA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - ERIC EBRON - COLTS
TE Jared Cook is bye bye and he was for their most targeted receiver last year . 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 .
28.LA CHARGERS - DREW LOCK - QB - MISSOURI
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - JAY CUTLER - 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 . but a successor is needed . I admit I don't like the rock and go, easy read, bubble screen heavy , wide open target, spread system that Lock was in the first 3 years of college, 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 , and their is a lot of talk of him going in the first round .
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - JAY CUTLER - 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 . but a successor is needed . I admit I don't like the rock and go, easy read, bubble screen heavy , wide open target, spread system that Lock was in the first 3 years of college, 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 , and their is a lot of talk of him going in the first round .
29.SEATTLE- JUSTIN LAYNE - CB - MICHIGAN ST.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - JIMMY SMITH - RAVENS 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 ,but Clark got tagged so at least he should be around . None of the hawks corners covered particularly well last year, but Justin Coleman was probably the best at it, and he signed with the lions in free agency . Seattle has a very specific type when it comes to corners . Tall with long arms , the ability & willingness to tackle , and physicality are primary traits . That fits Layne to a tee . After the combine I dug into his tape . He's not blazing fast (4.53 forty) but he long, physical, and explosive which are more important in the cover 3 .I have a late 2nd on him, but the Seahawks don't draft like other teams and this guys suits their system perfectly .
30.GREEN BAY-(saints) - #** -JEFFERY SIMMONS - DT - MISS. ST.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - FLETCHER COX - EAGLES
The Packers have an extra first rounder , and a ton of picks after a trade back in this case so they can afford to take a chance on a guy who was a possible top 5 talent before he tore his knee working out before the combine . Especially when you take into account that is teh last year on Mike Daniels contact, he will be 30 this season, and his play fell of last year after a 3 year period of sustained excellence . Simmons has great tape, but a highly publicized video from his high school days where he hit a woman makes me think he won't go until later in the first round . 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 , or I thought that he would be off the board early in the first round , but then I thought he might slip into the top of the second, because there is less of a media spotlight on day 2 of the draft . Any chance of him sneaking into the top 20 picks probably died when he tore his ACL right before the combine , but a team building for the long haul with a new regime like the Pack 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 here .
31.LA RAMS - ERIK McCOY - C/G - TEXAS A&M
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - MAURKICE POUNCEY - STEELERS
The rams are in a a championship window now, and bringing in older veteran free agents like Eric Weddell & Clay Matthews reflect that , but two key older starting player they let go despite were left guard Rodger Saffold and center John Sullivan . They can replace one of them here with McCoy who can play either position, but I would put him at center . McCoy is a 3 year starter and 2018 team captain that can looks like a young plug and play starter on a aging O-Line . Played well at the Senior Bowl . Had his best season last year in a pro scheme . 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 .
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - FLETCHER COX - EAGLES
The Packers have an extra first rounder , and a ton of picks after a trade back in this case so they can afford to take a chance on a guy who was a possible top 5 talent before he tore his knee working out before the combine . Especially when you take into account that is teh last year on Mike Daniels contact, he will be 30 this season, and his play fell of last year after a 3 year period of sustained excellence . Simmons has great tape, but a highly publicized video from his high school days where he hit a woman makes me think he won't go until later in the first round . 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 , or I thought that he would be off the board early in the first round , but then I thought he might slip into the top of the second, because there is less of a media spotlight on day 2 of the draft . Any chance of him sneaking into the top 20 picks probably died when he tore his ACL right before the combine , but a team building for the long haul with a new regime like the Pack 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 here .
31.LA RAMS - ERIK McCOY - C/G - TEXAS A&M
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - MAURKICE POUNCEY - STEELERS
The rams are in a a championship window now, and bringing in older veteran free agents like Eric Weddell & Clay Matthews reflect that , but two key older starting player they let go despite were left guard Rodger Saffold and center John Sullivan . They can replace one of them here with McCoy who can play either position, but I would put him at center . McCoy is a 3 year starter and 2018 team captain that can looks like a young plug and play starter on a aging O-Line . Played well at the Senior Bowl . Had his best season last year in a pro scheme . 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 .
32.NEW ENGLAND - IRV SMITH - TE - ALABAMA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - TREY BURTON - BEARS
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 . So losing Trent Brown may not be a big deal, and the raiders really over payed for him anyway. 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 . They also lost their 2 best D-Lineman in Trey Flowers & Malcolm Brown . 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 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 . Now that Gronk has retired ,and second TE Dwayne Allen signed with the Dolphins, they really need TE's just to have a chance of standing pat there . The only guy they have right now is the twice suspended, often inured, but very talented Austin Sefarian-Jenkins . Maybe they can get him to have a full ,healthy, unencumbered season, but that would be a miracle if you go by his previous NFL results . I have been regularly mocking them trading way up to get TJ Hockenson, and they have the picks to do so, but they have so many needs I think they can't afford to trade up that far now . They will probably draft 2 or maybe even 3 TE's in this draft , but this guy would be the first if they stayed at #32 . 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 . He was shorter than I expected at the combine, but I still like him a lot on tape . The fact that he played in a Pro style system under Belichick confidant Nick Saban is a big plus to a rookie starting out his career , and having to fit in to the Patriot way of doing things.
2ND ROUND
33.ARIZONA - ** - MARQUISE BROWN - WR - OKLAHOMA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - TY HILTON - COLTS
Sensing a pattern about the Oklahoma players here? There are multiple reasons for that. First - If you are going to draft a Kyler Murray to run Kingsbury's offense then bringing in players who have been successful in a similar offense is a must . Second - Murray and Brown are both good players worth those picks in this offense .Third - Since the current regime moved on from Steve Wilks after only one season I wouldn't get too comfortable if I was Kingsbury . Maybe after 2 years of rebuilding they move on from him , and if Lincoln Riley is ready to move to the NFL this job would be very appealing to him in that scenario .
Brown is still my #2 WR after all my tape work is done, but because of his lack of size & injury worries I doubt he goes as he high as he deserves. 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 of the times he played the slot is staggering , and he is a lightning fast play maker anywhere on the field with the ball in his hands. A foot injury will keep him from working out at the combine which will only confirm those fears about his durability and depress his draft value . I thought he would be small, but 5"9" and 166 lbs, and hurt? He would be my number one WR if he was still a small (for a NFL starting WR 5"10" 185) and healthy . So despite this size, injury, and revelation that he is the cousin of super diva Antonio Brown , I personally still have a first round grade on him regardless of those fears.34.INDIANAPOLIS(jets)- TAYLOR RAPP - S - WASHINGTON
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, but the defense is still lacking in playmakers . 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 , because he is so smart . He can already cover the slot , but he is a little grabby at times . I thought single high might even 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. Plus he ran a 4.74 at his pro day, but to be fair he still isn't completely healthy . I loved his tape so much that I just can't drop him very fair , and his football IQ is so high he plays faster than whatever his healthy 40 time would have been .His instincts and versatility combined with Malik Hookers could give them a play making back end duo unrivaled in the league over time .
35.OAKLAND - ** - 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 finally resigned, but the only back currently on their team that has ever been a lead back is Isaiah Crowell, and he has never been a consistent starter . 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 initially difficult to bring myself to put him at the top of my RB list 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 , is a willing physical blocker ,and a nose for the end zone stand out too . He even does some wildcat and kills it there as well .Even after running a 4.6 at his pro day he is still my number one RB because he has plenty of burst , and he sure looked fast enough in pads.
36.SAN FRANCISCO- NASSIR ADDERLY - S - DELAWARE
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - DEVIN McCOURTY - PATRIOTS
Richard Sherman is still a good player , but after coming off a major injury during the 2017 season he got hurt again in 2018 . Throw in Sherman's age (31 next year) , and that their possible 3rd corners are struggling .They also brought former pro bowl CB Jason Verrett this off season, he is still only 28, but his injury history is frightening . They also lack any playmakers at safety. So i am just going to give them the best DB available . 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 deep even better 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 & disappointing performance in the NCAA playoffs help that cause .
37.NY GIANTS - ROCK YA-SIN - CB - TEMPLE
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - XAVIEN HOWARD - DOLPHINS
The Giants are going to have to draft a CB relatively high or depend on 3rd round supplemental pick Sam Beal as a starter, which is unlikely since he hurt his shoulder and didn't play all last season . 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. After a good combine where he excelled in the drills he may even go higher than this . He can play press man at a high level, and also can play some ff zone well . Plus he has the coolest name I've heard in years .
38.JACKSONVILLE - N'KEAL HARRY - WR - ARIZONA ST.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - DeANDRE HOPKINS - TEXANS
The jags main receiving threats are the smallish & speedy Dede Westbrook , injury prone slot guy Marqise Lee, Big unproven outside speedster DJ Chark , and the incoming Chris Conley who is mostly known for his blocking & film making skills . They need a big guy who can go up and get it , and a big part of the reason Harry is my number one WR is that he has the best hands in the draft. Harry has a large catch radius ,the ability to win jump balls , can play inside or outside, and a good chance to come out on top in contested catches could really help . He could potentially be the big outside WR that Foles needs to succeed .
39.TAMPA BAY - TRAYVON MULLEN - CB - CLEMSON
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - WILLIAM JACKSON - BENGALS
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 Todd Bowles running a lot press man 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 , but there is no quit in him.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - XAVIEN HOWARD - DOLPHINS
The Giants are going to have to draft a CB relatively high or depend on 3rd round supplemental pick Sam Beal as a starter, which is unlikely since he hurt his shoulder and didn't play all last season . 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. After a good combine where he excelled in the drills he may even go higher than this . He can play press man at a high level, and also can play some ff zone well . Plus he has the coolest name I've heard in years .
38.JACKSONVILLE - N'KEAL HARRY - WR - ARIZONA ST.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - DeANDRE HOPKINS - TEXANS
The jags main receiving threats are the smallish & speedy Dede Westbrook , injury prone slot guy Marqise Lee, Big unproven outside speedster DJ Chark , and the incoming Chris Conley who is mostly known for his blocking & film making skills . They need a big guy who can go up and get it , and a big part of the reason Harry is my number one WR is that he has the best hands in the draft. Harry has a large catch radius ,the ability to win jump balls , can play inside or outside, and a good chance to come out on top in contested catches could really help . He could potentially be the big outside WR that Foles needs to succeed .
39.TAMPA BAY - TRAYVON MULLEN - CB - CLEMSON
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - WILLIAM JACKSON - BENGALS
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 Todd Bowles running a lot press man 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 , but there is no quit in him.
40.BUFFALO - KALEB McGARY - OT - WASHINGTON
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - BRYAN BULAGA - PAKERS
RT Jordan Mills is more of a below average player that could use an upgrade , or maybe even kick inside, but they haven't resigned him this off season anyway.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 - TYTUS HOWARD - OT - ALABAMA ST.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - ERIC FISHER - CHIEFS
The Bengals brought back subpar RT Bobby Hart in free agency , which seems insane to me because if you weren't good enough to start at RT for the Giants you should not be starting for anyone . 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 . He has been rising up draft boards all off season , but I doubt he goes in the first round , although I would bet the house he is better than Bobby Hart as a rookie .
43.DETROIT - PARRIS CAMPBELL - WR - OHIO ST.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - PERCY HARVIN - retired
After Golden Tate was traded then Lions offense took a big hit, and then Marvin ones got hurt leaving Kenny Golladay vulnerable to double teams . The only WR they brought in free agency is the injury prone slot only Danny Amendola , and they didn't pay him enough to avoid a high draft pick at the position . Fresh off a season where his speed & versatility was displayed as both a WR and runner Parris could put a new wrinkle into the Packer 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 . If he can develop into a down the field outside threat as well as being a slot & gadget guy he may be a superstar
44.GREEN BAY - ** - JOHNATHAN ABRAMS - S - MISS. ST.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - KEANU NEAL - FALCONS
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 .
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - PERCY HARVIN - retired
After Golden Tate was traded then Lions offense took a big hit, and then Marvin ones got hurt leaving Kenny Golladay vulnerable to double teams . The only WR they brought in free agency is the injury prone slot only Danny Amendola , and they didn't pay him enough to avoid a high draft pick at the position . Fresh off a season where his speed & versatility was displayed as both a WR and runner Parris could put a new wrinkle into the Packer 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 . If he can develop into a down the field outside threat as well as being a slot & gadget guy he may be a superstar
44.GREEN BAY - ** - JOHNATHAN ABRAMS - S - MISS. ST.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - KEANU NEAL - FALCONS
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 .
45.ATLANTA - GREG LITTLE - OT - OLE MISS
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - RONNIE STANLEY - RAVENS
I don't like their new guards much .but they obviously do .and they let their starting RT Ryan Schraeder go too . So well start their because they have already proven that they value Matt Ryan a ton . 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 . It wouldn't shock me if he went 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 .
***PROJECTED TRADE*** The REDSKINS trade their 2nd (# 46) and 5th (#153) in this draft to the CARDINALS for QB JOSH ROSEN ***PROJECTED TRADE**
46.ARIZONA-(redskins)- ELGTON JENKINS - C/G - MISSISSIPPI ST.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - DAMIEN WOODY - retired
If I was the skins , and Alex Smith still isn't healthy after that horrific injury I would probably have gone stop gap QB this year, and looked to draft one later in this draft , or high in 2020 if Smith wasn't back . They can't cut him without eating 42 million of dead money on their cap , but there is a cheap & brilliant alternative available in this case . The Skins get a QB that I had rated higher than any QB in this draft, they are only on the hook for about 6 million for the next 3 years , and if Smith returns to form he's good trade bait . The Cardinals new coach can draft a QB that is tailor made for his system while still having a extra top 15 pick . Now the Cardinals start to fill their biggest need which is most of their O-Line. Jenkins play all 5 O-Line positions in a pinch, but I prefer him inside at center or guard . He is powerful inline and has a strong anchor, although he could use some work getting to the second level
47.CAROLINA - CHAUNCEY GARDNER-JHONSON-S/CB -FLORIDA
Eric Reid actually played kinda OK, but still not good enough where they shouldn't be looking to replace him However , I think just like his buddy Colin he has proven that football isn't more important to him than politics . No team needs that distraction , and he was a free agent I thought they would move on from , BUT the panthers resigned him anyway in what I think was ironically a political move. I don't think he is worth half what they payed him, but it's not my money . 38 year old Mike Adams is another free agent , and they they could replace him , and hope Reid makes less mistakes this season . 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 safety, 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 .
48.MIAMI - DAMIEN HARRIS - RB - ALABAMA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - DeMARCO MURRAY - retiredThe Dolphins don't have a RB that can be the every down guy in my opinion . Harris was one of the players who I thought might go in the first round in the 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 .
49.CLEVELAND - DEANDRE BAKER - CB - GEORGIA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - CHRIS HARRIS - BRONCOS
After bringing in Beckham Jr. , Olivier Vernon , and Sheldon Richardson the Cleveland now looks like the favorite in the AFC NORTH . The Browns hit big on Denzel Ward last year, but they need another CB opposite him that can hold his own . Baker had a really good National championship game after the 2017 season, and it 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 .His testing was nothing special , their has been talk about him not taking the combine training serious enough, and their is also rumors that he didn't interview too well either . Despite all that the tape is good, and this is a weak corner class, so the first round is definitely still possible. If he plays to his tape I think this is a bargain for the bucs .
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 signed with Browns in free agency . 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 .
Sheldon Richardson was supposed to provide interior pass rush for the Vikes this year, but it din't go so well, and now he signed with Browns in free agency . 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 - # -JACHAI POLITE - OLB/DE - FLORIDA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - BRIAN ORAPKO - TITANS Polite came 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 to play lighter and as a 3-4 OLB , and that some 4-3 teams will drop him down their boards . In addition to that lack of athleticism have come reports that he didn't too well in some interviews . Plus, his combine presser wasn't stellar either . He's probably going to fall out of the the first round now , but in the middle of the second he could be a value if he gets in shape and gets his head on straight .
52.PITTSBURGH - KELVIN HARMON - WR - NC ST.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - KEYSHAWN JOHNSON - retired
With Antonio Brown likely gone the Steelers need another WR. 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 . This is the kind of player that used to scream STEELER !He will do the dirty work that Brown won't and unlike that delicate snowflake AB, Harmon won't whine about it . Pittsburgh fans will love him .
53.PHILADELPHIA(ravens) - ** - DEIONTE THOMPSON - S - ALABAMA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - EDDIE JACKSON - BEARS
The Eagles only had one reliable safety in Malcolm Jenkins last year ,and while they did sign Viking castoff Andrew Sendejo it's not a contract that precludes them from upgrading here at SS . 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 still do that before 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 . Thompson's wrist injury right before the combine & disappointing performance in the NCAA playoffs have probably pushed him out of the first round , but he still has a very high upside . Then he refused to run at the combine , or his pro day . ????? He has a wrist injury so maybe he really is ls slow and is afraid to run . For most of this season I thought Deionte was one of the best safeties I have seen in this draft . In his first year as a starter at the Alabama Thompson had been a stud ,but since watching Clemson's receivers leave him in the dust hid stock free fall has snowballed .He could go from being the possible first safety drafted to falling to the 3rd round now .
54.MIAMI-(seattle,texans) - D'ANDRE WALKER - ** - OLB/DE - GEORGIA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - JOEY PORTER - retired
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 but his tape is high 2nd round.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - JOEY PORTER - retired
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 but his tape is high 2nd round.
55.HOUSTON - BEN BANOGU - DE/OLB - TCU
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - ANDRE CARTER - retired
The Texans are are in a tough spot because Clowney is going to want a landmark deal, and he hasn't shown the consistency to deserve one , but somebody would give it to him so he got the franchise tag . Plus Whitney Mercilus has dropped off some . When I did the first 3 games of Banogu's tape I thought of him as 3rd-4th rounder , but after a good Senior Bowl I watched more tape, and then after a solid combine I think he's more of a late 2nd . He is very athletic with the kind of burst & first step you crave off the edge . His best fit is as a 3-4 OLB , and the Texans are a team where he would see a lot of single blocks outside. Plus a lot of the time he would be matched up with A TE , and that a clear mismatch in Ben's favor .
56.NEW ENGLAND-(bears)- JJ ARCEGA-WHITESIDE-WR- STANFORD
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - BRANDON MARSHAL - SEAHAWKS
After the initial phase of free agency shook out the Pats top 3 WR's are all smallish guys ( Edeleman, Dorsett, Ellington) . Only Edelman scares anybody , and that's only out of the slot . 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 & big man routes this offense calls for ,and can break tackles after the catch . He also reminds me of a player that starred for the broncos in the past, and since he played at Elway's alma mater I'm sure the GM is clued into him .57.PHILADELPHIA - # - CHUMA EDOGA - OT - USC
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - KELVIN BEACHUM - JETS
Even with the resigning of Jason Peters for one more year the Eagles need an upgrade at swing tackle and someone that has a better chance to be a long term starter than Vaitai . Chuma 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 .
58.DALLAS- # - 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 . 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 young 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 him 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 the long rumored 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 thought Jerry was all in this year, but they have sat out the beginning of free agency again , and safeties like Earl Thomas, Tyrann Mathieu, and Lamarcus Joyner all signed elsewhere . Then I thought maybe they will take a shot at Ha-Ha Clinton Dix once the initial spending spree dies down - NOPE. I actually still wouldn't be surprised if they traded away next years number one again to win now . Ferguson has a good burst off the line , and he knows how to get under a O-Linemans pads & bull him back into the QB . 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 .Aftert a disappointing combine there is a chance he could fall this far .
59.INDIANAPOLIS - JULIAN LOVE - CB - N. DAME
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - BRENT GRIMES - BUCCANEERS
I have a mid 2nd round grade on Love , but after the combine he may fall to the 3rd , because not every team wants a smallish corner that runs a 4.54 forty . He is a better football player than toolsy athlete type, but those guys often become excellent players in the right scheme , and it's his quickness & instincts that make him special anyway. He can play inside or outside and that versatility will help him too .
60.LA CHARGERS - RENELL WREN - DT - ARIZONA ST.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - CHRIS JONES - CHIEFS
Brandon Mebane has had a long distinguished career , but he is near the end and is a free agent . Wren is big, strong, and explosive . Unfortunately he is also raw, and needs a lot of technique work, but he could potentially play any interior D-Line spot in a odd or even front . Once he learns to play with more consistent leverage he could be a force to be reckoned with .
61.KANSAS CITY - # -JERRY TILLERY - DT - N. DAMENFL PLAYER COMPARISON - CHRIS JONES - CHIEFS
Brandon Mebane has had a long distinguished career , but he is near the end and is a free agent . Wren is big, strong, and explosive . Unfortunately he is also raw, and needs a lot of technique work, but he could potentially play any interior D-Line spot in a odd or even front . Once he learns to play with more consistent leverage he could be a force to be reckoned with .
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - STEPHON TUITT - STEELERS
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 .
62.NEW ORLEANS - HAKEEM BUTLER - WR - IOWA ST.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - PLAXICO BURRESS - retired
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, safety, or wide receiver . Butler is a GIANT wide receiver, and any QB in the league should be dreaming about what they could with a guy his size . Slants, back shoulders, fade's , and jump balls should be there all day for any accurate QB. He can play the X, Z, or out of the slot . He also is the rare big WR who can move well laterally out of his breaks. His route's still need plenty of polish ,and his hands can be inconsistent at times, but Butler has the biggest catch radius I can remember .He could be the big red zone wide receiver the Saints need, and his versatility and upside are something every team will crave.
63.KANSAS CITY -(rams) -AMANI ORUWARIYE - CB - PENN ST
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - JIMMY SMITH - RAVENS
Starting outside CB signed with the Steelers and slot guy Orlando Scandrick is still an unsigned free agent . 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 given him a higher grade, but his lack of willingness is a embarrassment. He also needs better timing and instincts on when to turn and find the ball . His size, football IQ, and athleticism will get him drafted high either way .
64.NEW ENGLAND - ZACH ALLEN - DE/DT - BOSTON COLLEGE
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - GREG HARDY - retired
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 wanted to get paid . He did , and he leaves a huge hole in the Pats D . He's smart and fierce against the run. He not the kind of athlete that can run the arc outside, but his bull rush , inside moves, push/pull , and motor make him a threat as a pass rusher anyway . His best fits in the are as a strongside 4-3 end , 3 technique inside ,or maybe even as a 3-4 five technique . He could fill the same role Flowers did, and he is a very similar player .
3RD ROUND
***PROJECTED TRADE*** The BRONCOS trade their 3rd (# 71) their 4th (#113) for the CARDINALS 3rd rounder (#64) ***PROJECT TRADE**
65.ARIZONA - BOBBY EVANS - T/G - OKLAHOMA
66.PITTSBURGH-(raiders)- DARNELL SAVAGE - S - MARYLAND
67.SAN FRANCISCO - ** -DEEBO SAMUEL - WR - S. CAROLINA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - GOLDEN TATE - GIANTS***PROJECTED TRADE*** The BRONCOS trade their 3rd (# 71) their 4th (#113) for the CARDINALS 3rd rounder (#64) ***PROJECT TRADE**
65.ARIZONA - BOBBY EVANS - T/G - OKLAHOMA
66.PITTSBURGH-(raiders)- DARNELL SAVAGE - S - MARYLAND
67.SAN FRANCISCO - ** -DEEBO SAMUEL - WR - S. CAROLINA
68.NY JETS - TERRY McLAURIN - WR - OHIO ST.
69.JACKSONVILLE - LONNIE JOHNSON - CB - KENTUCKY
70.TAMPA BAY - LJ COLLIER - DT/DE - TCU
70.TAMPA BAY - LJ COLLIER - DT/DE - TCU
GIANTS FORFEIT 3RD ROUNDER DUE TO SUPPLEMENTAL DRAFT PICK
71.DENVER - MILES BOYKIN - WR - N. DAME
72.CINCINNATI - SEAN BUNTING - CB - C.MICHIGAN
72.CINCINNATI - SEAN BUNTING - CB - C.MICHIGAN
73.NEW ENGLAND-(lions)- GERMAINE PRATT - LB - NC ST.
74.BUFFALO - BEAU BENZSCHAWEL - G - WISCONSIN
75.GREEN BAY - ** - DAVID EDWARDS - OT - WISCONSIN
74.BUFFALO - BEAU BENZSCHAWEL - G - WISCONSIN
75.GREEN BAY - ** - DAVID EDWARDS - OT - WISCONSIN
76.WASHINGTON - JACE STERNBERGER-TE-TEXAS A&M
77.CAROLINA - MAX SCHARPING - OT - N. ILLINOIS
78.MIAMI - MICHAEL JORDAN - C/G - OHIO ST.
79.ATLANTA - DAVID MONTGOMERY - RB - IOWA ST.
77.CAROLINA - MAX SCHARPING - OT - N. ILLINOIS
78.MIAMI - MICHAEL JORDAN - C/G - OHIO ST.
79.ATLANTA - DAVID MONTGOMERY - RB - IOWA ST.
80.CLEVELAND -- ** - JAHLANI TAVAI - LB - HAWAI'I
81.MINNESOTA - ** - CHASE WINOVICH - DE - MICHIGAN
82.TENNESSEE - DANIEL JONES - QB - DUKE
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - ALEX SMITH - REDSKINS
83.PITTSBURGH - CALEB WILSON - TE - UCLA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - ALEX SMITH - REDSKINS
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.HOUSTON - ISAIAH JOHNSON - CB - HOUSTON
87.CHICAGO - DARRELL HENDERSON - RB - MEMPHIS
88.DETROIT-(eagles)- ANTHONY JOHNSON - BUFFALO
89.INDIANAPOLIS - TRAYVEON WILLIAMS - RB - TEXAS A&M
90.DALLAS - CHARLES OMENIHU - DE/DT - TEXAS
91.LA CHARGERS - ** -YODNEY CAJUSTE - OT - TAMPA BAY90.DALLAS - CHARLES OMENIHU - DE/DT - TEXAS
92.SEATTLE-(chiefs)- RILEY RIDLEY - WR - GEORGIA
93.NY JETS-(saints)- KADEN SMITH - TE - STANFORD
94.LA RAMS - DRU SAMIA - G - OKLAHOMA
95.GIANTS-(browns,patriots)- DARIUS SLAYTON - WR - AUBURN
96.-comp-REDSKINS- OSHAYNE XIMINES -OLB/DE-OLD DOMINION
97.-comp-NEW ENGLAND - ISAIAH BUGGS - DT/DE - ALABAMA
***PROJECTED TRADE*** The EAGLES trade their 4TH (# 127) and their 3rd in next years draft for the JAGUARS 3rd round comp pick (#98) that they got from the RAMS ***PROJECT TRADE**
98.-comp-EAGLES-(rams,jags)- JUSTICE HILL - RB - OKLAHOMA ST.
99.-comp-RAMS- DAVID LONG - CB - MICHIGAN
100.-comp-CAROLINA - ** -EMANUEL HALL - WR MISSOURI
101.-comp-PATRIOTS - GARY JENNINGS - WR - W. VIRGINIA
102.-comp- RAVENS- TE'VON CONEY - LB - N. DAME
97.-comp-NEW ENGLAND - ISAIAH BUGGS - DT/DE - ALABAMA
***PROJECTED TRADE*** The EAGLES trade their 4TH (# 127) and their 3rd in next years draft for the JAGUARS 3rd round comp pick (#98) that they got from the RAMS ***PROJECT TRADE**
98.-comp-EAGLES-(rams,jags)- JUSTICE HILL - RB - OKLAHOMA ST.
99.-comp-RAMS- DAVID LONG - CB - MICHIGAN
100.-comp-CAROLINA - ** -EMANUEL HALL - WR MISSOURI
101.-comp-PATRIOTS - GARY JENNINGS - WR - W. VIRGINIA
102.-comp- RAVENS- TE'VON CONEY - LB - N. DAME
4TH ROUND
103.ARIZONA - KHALEN SAUNDERS - DT - W. ILLINOIS
104.SAN FRANCISCO - JUAN THORNHILL - S/CB - VIRGINIA
105.NY JETS - MAXX CROSBY - DE/OLB - E. MICHIGAN
106.OAKLAND - JOE JACKSON - DE - MIAMI
107.TAMPA BAY - DEVIN SINGLETARY - RB - FLA. ATLANTIC
108.NY GIANTS- PHIL HAYNES - G - WAKE FOREST
109.JACKSONVILLE - MECOLE HARDMAN - WR - GEORGIA
110.CINCINNATI - JOSH OLIVER -TE - SAN DIEGO ST.
111.DETROIT - MICHAEL DIETER - OL - WISCONSIN
112.BUFFALO - FOSTER MOREAU - TE - LSU
113.DENVER - CONNOR McGOVERN - C/G - PENN ST.
114.GREEN BAY - DAWSON KNOX - TE - OLE MISS
115.CAROLINA- NATE DAVIS - G - NC CHARLOTTE
116.MIAMI - DAYLON MACK - DT - TEXAS A&M
117.ATLANTA - DREW SAMPLE - TE - WASHINGTON
118.GREEN BAY-(redskins)- BEN POWERS - G - OKLAHOMA
119.CLEVELAND - TRYSTEN HILL - DT - C. FLORIDA
120.MINNESOTA - BRYCE LOVE - ** - RB - STANFORD
121.TENNESSEE - WILL GRIER - # -QB - W. VIRGINIA
122.PITTSBURGH - CODY BURTON - LB - UTAH
123.BALTIMORE - ZEDRICK WOODS - S - OLE MISS
124.SEATTLE - KAHALE WARRING - TE - SAN DIEGO ST.
125.DENVER-(texans)- SUA OPETA - G - WEBER ST.
126.CHICAGO - BLAKE CASHMAN - LB - MINNESOTA
127.JAGUARS-(eagles) - ISAAC NAUTA - TE - GEORGIA
128.DALLAS - GREG GAINES - DT - WASHINGTON
129.INDY - BEN BURR - KIVEN - LB - WASHINGTON
130.LA CHARGERS - WILL GRIER - QB - W. VIRGINIA
131.BUFFALO-(chiefs)- MILES SANDERS - RB - PENN ST.
132.NY GIANTS-(saints)- JAMEL DEAN - CB - AUBURN
133.LA RAMS - WILL HARRIS - S - BOSTON COLLEGE
134.NEW ENGLAND - MARK FIELDS - CB - CLEMSON
135.comp-INDY - MILES BOYKIN - WR - N. DAME
136.comp- DALLAS - TERRONE PRESCOD - G - NC ST.
137.comp- ATLANTA - **# -GERALD WILLIS - DT - MIAMI
138.comp- PHILLY - JUSTIN HOLLINS - OLB/DE - OREGON
I like the Deandre Baker pick for Cleveland @49, but the other two don't thrill me. The Hawaiian LB would be a massive reach in the 3rd and I've never heard of the Trysten Hill (but that could just be me)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you like Baker at # 49, but the funny thing is I looked back over my mock when I read your comment, and my biggest worry now is that none of those 3 will make it to the pick I have them going . Tavai will probably go in the late 2nd/early 3rd He is a perfect fit for today's game. Fast and he can cover . As for Hill he is an up the field penetrating 3 technique ,but he has the strength to play the nose . His weakness is that he is consistently too high on tape or I would have him off the board in the 3rd . If 2 of those 3 guys don't come off the board by those pick numbers (#49,80,119) feel free to let me know about it . However,if I'm right please acknowledge that too . Good luck with your draft .
DeleteYou have Will Grier listed twice...
ReplyDeleteYour right. Thanks for the heads up
DeleteYou really have the Bills taking taking OT in the 1st and 2nd round followed by a G in the 3rd after they signed at least 6 OL in FA? StahhhhhhPPPP
ReplyDeleteI could go either way on this, but I will explain why it would work either way Of all the (5 not 6) free agent O-Lineman the bills( Morse, Spain, Long,Nsekhe, and Feliciano) signed the only who is a guaranteed starter is Morse. Spain was cut one year after getting a new deal in Tennessee , and he payed poorly last season . Long has been a starter for most of his career, and he does have the positional versatility to play all 3 inside spots, he is an average type starter . The kind of guy you are always looking to find upgrade for as a starter, but you love as game day backup who can cover you inside. When a team with a ton of cap space that needs to desperately upgrade their O-Line like the Jets cuts you that should be a big warning sign to any team that signs him with the idea of making him a starter . Nsekhe will be 34 this season and he is a career backup swing tackle, although that does make him somewhat valuable when you have injuries . He did play pretty well at times for the Skins, but he is in no way the long term answer as a starter . Jon Feliciano is a career backup with 8 fill in starts out of 48 career games . Let's also not forget that you let John Miller go to the Bengals . As a starting gurd he is about a wash with Long , but Long at least has the abilty to play center as well. So basically with the exception of Morse what you really have is a better veteran depth now. Good. That's still valuable,especially when you consider how many O-Line injuries there are in a normal season. It also makes a young QB like Allen feel more secure while he learns. So while I applaud these moves for the short teem I don't see a lot of long term solutions up for the for the Bills , but maybe your right and they feel secure with these players covering most for their starting spots. So I have decided to go the other way in my next mock and spread your picks around to fill more potential, needs, and still give them good value with the way that scenario fell. I am already done making those picks, and just need to adjust the write ups, but as of now my next mock( which will be 5 rounds) will have the bills taking - OT Juwuan Taylor at #9, WR Hakeem Butler at #40 , TE Jace Sternburger at #74 , DE/OLB Maxx Crosby at #112, DT Gerald Willis st #131 , and WR/RB Jalen Hurd at pick #147 . My intent throughout the off season is to show a lot of different possible scenarios for people to think about, and also every time I change one pick there is a ripple effect down the board . As we get closer to the draft I start dialing in my board, collating information out there about team needs & interest , try to sift through all the lies spread by teams this time of the year, and hopefully get closer to whats really going to happen in the draft . Take care and good luck with your draft .
ReplyDelete