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Justin Bales | Archive | Email |
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2019 NFL Mock Draft: Version 3.0
4/11/19

Kyler Murray

The Raiders and Cardinals are currently the two teams linked to Murray with No.1 overall pick.


Version 1.0 - 2/25/19
Version 2.0 - 3/25/19


Predict the top ten picks of the NFL Draft for a chance to win FFToday prizes. Enter our NFL Draft Contest.

1. Arizona Cardinals - Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma

I don’t agree with this pick, but I have come to terms with the fact that it’s likely to happen. I don’t even fully know if I believe that Arizona will to take Kyler Murray or if they’re setting a smokescreen to drive up the price of this pick. All I know is that Murray is an unconventional quarterback, who has the potential to change the position in the NFL. There was a scout that said, “Imagine if your quarterback had the vision and speed of your running back or if your running back had the arm of your quarterback. That’s Kyler Murray.” There will be some that argue he’s too small, but I don’t fully buy into that. While I don’t necessarily believe he’s flawless, he has elite NFL upside if his team’s system is suited towards his strengths.

Previous Pick: Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State

2. San Francisco 49ers - Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State

The 49ers are the big winners of the Kyler Murray pick with the best player in the draft, Nick Bosa, falling in their lap. Bosa already features an NFL body, while possessing the ability to win with either speed or power rushing techniques. In his last full season at Ohio State, he posted 8.5 sacks and 16.0 tackles for a loss. He also recorded 4.0 sacks and 6.0 tackles for a loss in 2018 before ending his season with an injury. San Francisco has a need at edge, and this would be an ideal situation for them. They can stay put with the second overall pick, but still take the best player in the draft, who happens to fill a void in their defense.

Previous Pick: Quinnen Williams, DE, Alabama

3. New York Jets - Josh Allen, EDGE, Kentucky

The Oakland Raiders are dying for potential pass rushers after trading Khalil Mack, meaning they could potential unload draft capital to trade up to this spot for Josh Allen. If they don’t, he’ll likely be the next New York Jet. He has progressively gotten better throughout his collegiate career, breaking out as a senior. In 2018, Allen recorded 17.0 sacks and 21.5 tackles for a loss in 13 games. He has elite burst off the edge, although he struggles at times with hand placement. His athleticism has been enough to get by, but the addition of finesse/power moves will only make him that much more dangerous. While Allen is known for his pass rushing abilities, he is more than capable of dropping into zone when needed. There are some scouts that believe Allen has the potential to slide over a position to middle linebacker, while others say he can add weight to become a 4-3 defensive end if needed. The most likely scenario is Allen stays standing as an edge rusher, but the versatility can’t hurt his stock.

Previous Pick: Josh Allen, EDGE, Kentucky

4. Oakland Raiders - Quinnen Williams, DE, Alabama

This is an interesting situation. There are three players generally seen as better than the rest, and the Oakland Raiders would be getting the third with Arizona reaching for a quarterback. Williams is versatile, but he’ll likely play defensive end for Oakland rather than defensive tackle. He was outstanding against the run, but Oakland is in dire need of pass rushers. While Williams is far from a slouch in that department, he isn’t the most polished pass rusher in this class. He played 15 games for Alabama in 2018, recording 8.0 sacks and 19.5 tackles for a loss. He has also flashed quickness with great bullrush potential. The fact of the matter is, Oakland is getting one of three elite level prospects, and his somewhat limited pass rushing skills shouldn’t keep the Raiders from overlooking him.

Previous Pick: Rashan Gary, DE, Michigan

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Devin White, LB, LSU


It’s rare that teams will look at middle linebackers this early in the draft, but White has the potential to be special. He’s is a sure tackler, who owns sideline-to-sideline speed. White also comes with strong play recognition and a good first step. He is an average defender in man coverage, while finding significantly more success in zone. Over the last two seasons, White owns 256 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and 25.5 tackles for a loss at LSU. The Buccaneers have plenty of holes throughout their team, but middle linebacker is one of the most glaring. They could reach a bit on White here, but he can hold down their defense for the next decade.

Previous Pick: Ed Oliver, DT, Houston

6. New York Giants - Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State

Personal feelings aside, this is likely the right pick for the Giants. They have rode a terrible Eli Manning for years now, and they need to find his successor. Haskins has only started one season at the collegiate level, but he found plenty of success, throwing for 4,831 yards and 50 touchdowns, while recording only eight interceptions. He also completed 70% of his passes in 14 games. He’s a pocket passer with a solid combination of accuracy and arm strength. Haskins is also a solid decision-maker when throwing from a clean pocket. That may be an issue with New York, as they are in desperate need of help along the offensive line. Jonah Williams would be my first pick here, but New York will likely overdraft a quarterback after selecting a running back over a potential franchise quarterback with the second pick of last season’s draft.

There have been reports that the Giants aren’t even looking into Haskins, which seem like a smokescreen to stop other teams from jumping them. Similarly to the Murray situation, only time will tell.

Previous Pick: Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State

7. Jacksonville Jaguars - Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida

The Jaguars are one of the more difficult teams to project. This is likely a bit of a reach for Jawaan Taylor, but they simply don’t have many pressing needs like other teams. They recently signed Nick Foles to a major deal, and they’ll likely want to keep their new investment healthy. More importantly, they are likely going to continue to focus heavily on their rushing attack, while letting Foles simply not lose the game. Taylor would be an immediate upgrade at right tackle, and he’s known as a dominant run blocker. He has flashed good hands with a quick burst off the line. He could potentially turn into a left tackle down the road, but for now, he would solidify what already projects as an above average offensive line.

Previous Pick: T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa

8. Detroit Lions - Greedy Williams, CB, LSU

Williams has all the makings of an elite CB1 if he hits his ceiling. He’s an athletic corner with plenty of size. He has flashed tremendous press potential, while also displaying the ability to play off of his receiver. His only true knock is his effort in run support, which could change in time. Williams seemingly has the potential to shadow opposing teams WR1’s, which is relatively rare for cornerbacks coming out of college. The Lions need plenty of cornerback help outside of Darius Slay, and even he struggled at times in 2018. Williams is a potential playmaker, who would immediately add value to a position that should be at the top of Detroit’s list in this draft.

Previous Pick: Greedy Williams, CB, LSU

9. Buffalo Bills - Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama

The Bills selected their franchise quarterback (Josh Allen) last year, and now they need to protect their investment. They have multiple holes along the offensive line, and Williams is a player that can play either tackle or guard. He’ll immediately slot into the starting lineup and likely upgrade any position he takes over. He’s an extremely technical tackle, who has quick and impressive hands. Williams has also shown the ability to get to the second level, while potentially moving on to other players after his initial block. Williams has some of the most uncertain value in this draft, but it’s likely he works his way into the top-10 on draft night.

There are some people that would argue OT Jawaan Taylor would be the best pick here, and I may be one of them, but the versatility of Williams could be what Buffalo is looking for.

Previous Pick: Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama

10. Denver Broncos - Drew Lock, QB, Missouri

Lock is a big quarterback, who owns a cannon for an arm and has no business being selected in the top-10 of this draft. That’s the exact reason John Elway will pull the trigger on him. Elway loves quarterbacks with size and powerful arms. He tends to ignore the red flags, such as a career 56.9% completion percentage at Missouri. The Broncos recently traded for Joe Flacco, but he simply isn’t the long term answer. While he may be a one or two year starter to allow Denver to wait until a better quarterback class, that seems somewhat unlikely. Quarterbacks are generally overdrafted, even in weak classes. Lock has the exact profile Elway tends to look for in a quarterback, and there have already been reports that this pick is a near “lock.” Keep in mind, even though Lock comes with substantial risk, he also comes with quite a bit of upside if he can reach his ceiling.

Previous Pick: Drew Lock, QB, Missouri

11. Cincinnati Bengals - Devin Bush, LB, Michigan

As noted in my last mock, the Bengals need help at middle linebacker. I mocked Devin White to them, but he has since moved up in value. Bush is another athletic middle linebacker, who can play from sideline-to-sideline. He has a few similarities to White, making this pick rather easy. In two full seasons with Michigan, Bush posted 161 tackles, including 10.0 sacks and 18.5 tackles for a loss. Bush likely won’t end up being the difference maker that White will be, but he can be a solid starter for years to come.

Previous Pick: Devin White, LB, LSU

12. Green Bay Packers - T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa

Tight ends tend to go overlooked in the NFL Draft, which is a reason I have T.J. Hockenson falling to the Packers here. They are in dire need of a replacement for Jimmy Graham, and Hockenson is seen as close to a lock of a tight end as there can be. He totaled 49 receptions for 760 yards and six touchdowns at Iowa last season, taking over the top role from Noah Fant. He’s an extremely sure-handed tight end, who will add consistency in the intermediate passing game for Green Bay. He’s also an elite run blocker, and will immediately help their running back duo. This is a perfect fit, as Hockenson may be the best player available, but he also fills a massive void in the Green Bay roster.

Previous Pick: Montez Sweat, DE, Mississippi State

13. Miami Dolphins - Brian Burns, EDGE, Florida State

If the Miami Dolphins can’t get their quarterback of the future in this draft, they’ll need to fill other major voids. One of those voids is defensive end with Cameron Wake and Robert Quinn out of the picture. Burns may be best suited as a 3-4 outside linebacker, but he also has the potential put his hand down as a 4-3 defensive end. There are some that believe Burns has the most upside of any edge rusher in this draft, and it’s difficult to argue. Through 33 games at Florida State, he owns 38.5 tackles for a loss and 23.0 sacks. Burns isn’t the safest option on the board, but Miami won’t be looking for safe at this point in the draft.

Previous Pick: Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma

14. Atlanta Falcons - Ed Oliver, DT, Houston

The Falcons are a team that has a clear need along the interior defense line. Ed Oliver arguably has the talent to be a top-five draft pick, but that may not happen after an injury-riddled season. Through 32 career games, Oliver posted 13.5 sacks and 53.0 tackles for a loss. He’s a small defensive tackle, but uses his speed and athleticism to make up for his lack of size. He also owns an elite motor, displaying the ability to chase plays down from the back side. Through his time at Houston, Oliver flashed the ability to be a difference-maker in both the run and pass game. If he isn’t getting to the quarterback, he’s getting his hands in the passing lanes. We’ve seen undersized defensive tackles find success in the NFL before, and Oliver could be next.

Previous Pick: Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson

15. Washington Redskins - Rashan Gary, DE, Michigan

The Redskins won’t be able to get their quarterback of the future with this pick, meaning they’ll have to look to fill another void. Rashan Gary could go as high as fourth overall, and he would be a steal here. He isn’t a safe prospect, but he comes with as much upside as any player in this draft. He recorded 9.0 sacks and 18.0 tackles for a loss over his last 22 games at Michigan, and he was seen as a bit of a disappointment in college. Gary has the potential to become a high-level three-down player, who can defend the run and rush the passer with the same elite potential. The Redskins need to replace some of the pass rushing they lost in free agency, and they have proven in the past that they feel comfortable taking high risk, high reward players in the draft.

Previous Pick: D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss

16. Carolina Panthers - Montez Sweat, DE, Mississippi State

Luckily for the Panthers, this draft is filled with pass rushing potential. They have a massive void in that department, and will be forced to address that on draft night. Montez Sweat blew up the NFL Combine, and posted measurables that simply cannot be replicated. He’s known for his acceleration and athleticism, and that was only solidified at the Combine. He has also learned how to use his length well when rushing the passer, while displaying multiple pass rushing moves, specifically utilizing his speed. Over his final two seasons at Mississippi State, Sweat posted 30.0 tackles for a loss and 22.5 sacks. He has a minor heart condition that could drop his down boards a bit on draft night, but that shouldn’t be a huge concern. He’ll immediately help Carolina’s pass rush attack from the time he’s drafted.

Previous Pick: Deionte Thompson, S, Alabama

17. New York Giants - D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss

The Giants traded Odell Beckham Jr. for this pick, and it makes sense that they could replace him early in the first round. Metcalf is a player that features a WR1 body, while also possessing elite speed and solid hands for his size. He has solid route running, but will need to continue to develop in that category. Metcalf totaled 65 receptions for 1,215 yards and 14 touchdowns in 19 total games without ever truly being the WR1 for his team. Metcalf posted Julio Jones-type numbers at the NFL Combine, and he comes with as much upside as any receiver in this draft. The Giants have multiple receivers, who can play near the line, and Metcalf will be able to stretch the field, while taking pressure off of them.

Previous Pick: Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida

18. Minnesota Vikings - Greg Little, OT, Ole Miss

The Vikings were considered one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl prior to the start of last season, but a struggling offensive line quickly ended their hopes. They have a relatively complete roster, but will need to upgrade their offensive line if they want to make a run this season. Little is a versatile player, who has the potential to play their tackle position, while also being able to kick into guard. He has the quickness to keep up with speed rushers, while he has enough power to slow down bull-rushers, although he has struggled more with the latter. Little will likely slide into the left tackle position for Minnesota, giving Kirk Cousins a bit more blindside protection.

Previous Pick: Greg Little, OT, Ole Miss

19. Tennessee Titans - Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson

Ferrell is a player that is seemingly dropping down draft boards because of question marks about his athletic abilities. He was recently seen as a top-10 pick though, and this would be a relatively large drop off. He was a major part of Clemson’s national championship teams, while recording 21.0 sacks and 38.0 tackles for a loss over his last 29 games. He has displayed multiple pass rush moves throughout his career, specifically using great acceleration. Ferrell will need to continue to develop as a run stopper, but he can take over as a 3-4 OLB for the Tennessee Titans.

Previous Pick: Montez Sweat, DE, Mississippi State

20. Pittsburgh Steelers - Byron Murphy, CB, Washington

The Steelers feature a few needs early in this draft, but only cornerback truly sticks out here, as there are no edge rushers or linebackers truly worth this pick. Murphy is a versatile cornerback, who has the potential to play outside or in the slot. He also has flashed the ability to play in press or off coverage. If that isn’t enough versatility, Murphy has found success in both man and zone coverage during his time at Washington. He recorded four interceptions and 13 pass deflections in his final season in college, and he possesses CB1 upside. There’s potential for Murphy to become a premier cornerback in the NFL, who can shadow opposing WR1s. For that reasons, it’s impossible for the Steelers to pass on him here.

Previous Pick: Mack Wilson, ILB, Alabama

21. Seattle Seahawks - Deionte Thompson, S, Alabama

I’m not overly sold that Deionte Thompson would be the safety taken here, as the position is wide open. The Seahawks have a glaring need in their secondary and Thompson is an extremely high upside option. He’s versatile, as he displayed the ability to play deep in center field or move into the box if necessary. He also flashed solid ball skills, posting two interceptions and six pass deflections last season. Thompson has shown a willingness as a tackler, but he needs to become more consistent in that department. Seattle could go a number of ways at safety here, as one player has not established themselves as the best in the class, but Thompson would add versatility to a weak secondary group in Seattle.

Previous Pick: Byron Murphy, CB, Washington

22. Baltimore Ravens - Kelvin Harmon, WR, NC State

The Ravens are expected to select a receiver with this pick, but there are a multitude of options for them to consider. N’Keal Harry and A.J. Brown may be the two most likely with D.K. Metcalf off the board, but I’m slotting Harmon into this spot. He has been climbing up the draft boards throughout the season, totaling 81 receptions for 1,186 yards and seven touchdowns in 12 games at North Carolina State. He has a WR1 body with tremendous hands. He won’t necessarily take the top off of defenses every play, but he does come with some deep threat potential. He’ll more or less be a safe intermediate receiver for Lamar Jackson to continue to develop. While Harry and Brown both come with more upside than Harmon, he’s the safer pick, who will immediately add to this offense.

Previous Pick: Kelvin Harmon, WR, NC State

23. Houston Texans - Cody Ford, OG, Oklahoma

Deshaun Watson was under pressure as much as any quarterback in the NFL last season, and the Texans are going to need to address that in this draft. Ford is a player that seemingly brings a high floor and an even higher ceiling into the equation. He can immediately slide into their starting lineup as a guard, while cross-training his skills as a tackle. He doesn’t necessarily have elite size for the outside, but he owns a great first step combined with tremendous power. Ford also uses his hands extremely well, which is why he projects to play tackle in the long run. He also features the athleticism that can help him get down the field to the second level after his initial blocks. This isn’t necessarily a sexy pick, but it’s the most logical for Houston.

Previous Pick: Cody Ford, OG, Oklahoma

24. Oakland Raiders - Noah Fant, TE, Iowa

The Raiders are a team looking to ooze upside. They also need help at the tight end position, as Jared Cook looks primed to sign with the New Orleans Saints. Oakland has added multiple pass catchers for Derek Carr, and adding a tight end is the next step for their offense. He needed only 39 receptions last season at Iowa to post seven touchdowns, and he can immediately make a difference in the red zone for Oakland. Fant will also create mismatches for a team that has Antonio Brown to draw double-coverage. Fant needs to improve in the run game, but Oakland will likely be leaning heavily on the pass this season.

Previous Pick: A.J. Brown, WR, Ole Miss

25. Philadelphia Eagles - Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State

Dillard is a player that has as many pass blocking reps as anyone in the draft class. He played for a pass heavy Washington State offense, which has allowed him to nearly perfect his craft. He’s arguably the best pass blocker in this class, but he’ll need coaching to improve on his run blocking. Still, Dillard has all of the makings of a left tackle, and Philadelphia could be the perfect situation. He could sit behind Jason Peters and Lane Johnson at both tackle positions, learning from two of the best in the NFL. Peters is nearing the end of his career, and this would allow Philly to slide in someone that feels comfortable in their offense.

Previous Pick: Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson

26. Indianapolis Colts - Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson

The Colts aren’t a team that has a ton of needs, but the interior defensive line is one of them. Clemson’s players were three of the biggest “losers” in my new mock draft, as they fell quite a bit. Wilkins is a massive, NFL-ready player, who can slide into the starting line on day one. Some believe he can slide to defensive end if need be, but he’ll likely stay at defensive tackle for Indianapolis. Over his last three seasons, Wilkins has totaled 36.0 tackles for a loss and 14.0 sacks. He isn’t a sexy player, but he’ll make everyone along the defensive line better for the Colts.

Previous Pick: N’Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State

27. Oakland Raiders - Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia

This hasn’t been the Oakland Raiders M.O. in this draft, but with three picks, they don’t have to stick to one plan. Deandre Baker isn’t seen as a high upside prospect, but he is seen as one of the safest in this draft. He comes with relatively average size, and tremendous speed. He has the ability to play at the line or off coverage, but he has looked significantly better in man. That doesn’t necessarily mean he can’t play zone, though. He simply uses his speed better in man, which may end up with him generally guarding receivers that are looking to take the top off of defenses. Baker likely will never turn into a shadow cornerback, but he’ll be a starter in the NFL for years to come, which is something Oakland needs at this point.

Previous Pick: Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia

28. Los Angeles Chargers - Nasir Adderley, S, Delaware

Adderley is a smaller school prospect, who comes with tremendous upside. He’s a safety that has the ability to play center field, taking away opposing deep threats with his ball-hawking potential. He can also move up in the box and help with run support. As if that isn’t enough, Adderley has the potential to slide over to corner with very little issues. The Chargers could certainly use another safety to lean on, and Adderley makes their elite secondary that much better. This is a defense filled with chess pieces, and Adderley will fit right in a potential game-changing role.

Previous Pick: Nasir Adderley, S, Delaware

29. Kansas City Chiefs - Jeffery Simmons, DE, Mississippi State

Simmons was a lock to be selected inside the top-15 of this draft, but off-field issues, including a confrontation with a woman and a recent injury have hurt his stock. He was an elite player over his final 26 games at Mississippi State, totaling 30.0 tackles for a loss and 7.0 sacks over that span. He also added five pass deflections and three forced fumbles in those games for good measure. He’s a potential difference-maker on the defensive line, and the Chiefs are a team that need defensive help. They’re also a team that is focused heavily on offense, and will be willing to wait for Simmons to get healthy to incorporate him in their defense. They have also proven that they’re willing to take chances on players with shaky pasts, and Simmons is a steal at this pick from a talent perspective.

Previous Pick: Jeffery Simmons, DE, Mississippi State

30. Green Bay Packers - Dalton Risner, OT, Kansas State

The Packers recently signed Billy Turner as a versatile player, who will likely start at guard, but play backup right tackle, as well. They could use this draft pick on Dalton Risner, who has the potential to play either guard or tackle position in the NFL. He’s a powerful player, who can help in both the run and pass game. Bryan Bulaga likely won’t be in Green Bay too long, and they’ll now have multiple options to fill when he leaves. Risner’s best position will likely end up being right tackle in the NFL, making this the perfect selection

Previous Pick: N’Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State

31. Los Angeles Rams - Garrett Bradbury, OG/C, NC State

This is another pick that lines up perfectly. The Rams have a small need at the interior offensive line, and they’ll be getting a versatile player, who can play center or either guard position. Bradbury’s interior versatility isn’t seen as much of an advantage as someone who could potentially play tackle, but Los Angeles is a team that loves the multiple position versatility. He could immediately fill a void at the end of the draft.

Previous Pick: Dre’Mont Jones, DT, Ohio State

32. New England Patriots - N’Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State

There is a case to be made for N’Keal Harry being the best wide receiver in this class, but there are multiple receivers that could potentially take that role. He has never created elite separation, but he owns elite numbers in terms of contested catch percentage. Harry will need a confident quarterback, who is willing to throw him open. Insert Tom Brady. At Arizona State, Harry recorded 155 receptions for 2,230 yards and 17 touchdowns over two seasons. He would be one of the most talented receivers the Patriots have drafted in the Brady era.

Previous Pick: A.J. Brown, WR, Ole Miss