Note: I am not an NFL Draft Analyst nor do I pretend to be, I am however, heavily invested in fantasy football research year round. Given that I already research the incoming rookie class (mostly offensive players), I figured I would go ahead and make my first ever printed edition of a mock draft to see where I match up with other analysts (assuming poorly :D), with that being said…let’s roll!
1. Arizona Cardinals- Kyler Murray (QB)
I think he is the nuts fit for Kingsbury’s offense and the best QB in the draft, if they want him, drafting Josh Rosen last season should not affect that whatsoever.
2. San Francisco 49ers- Nick Bosa (DE)
I wouldn’t be overly shocked at a trade down here, but ultimately see them heading into 2019 with a revamped defense featuring Bosa and newly acquired Dee Ford.
3. New York Jets- Quinnen Williams (DT)
Again, could see a trade down here but I think Williams sitting there will end up being too good for the Jets to pass up.
4. Oakland Raiders- Ed Oliver (DT)
I think Gruden surely will be looking for Khalil Mack’s replacement with this pick, and I believe that Oliver is their guy.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Devin White (LB)
Seems like everyone is on this now, but White will step in for Kwon Alexander.
6. New York Giants- Josh Allen (EDGE)
The Giants are in desperate need of a pass rusher.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars- Jonah Williams (OL)
Everyone seems to have Jawaan Taylor here, but with the injury concerns coming to the forefront on Thursday, I think they side with Williams.
8. Washington Redskins (Trade with DET)- Dwayne Haskins (QB)
The owners always get what they want, and in this case, it’s Dwayne Haskins– the second best QB in the draft.
9. Houston Texans (Trade with BUF)- Andre Dillard (OT)
Detroit seems like a near lock to move down, and the Texans need to do a much better job of protecting franchise QB Deshaun Watson.
10. Denver Broncos- Devin Bush (LB)
I think Elway will pass on a Quarterback here.
11. Cincinnati Bengals- Drew Lock (QB)
Given that the Broncos passed on Lock, that opens up the opportunity for the Bengals to draft the heir to Andy Dalton’s throne…even though I would HATE this pick if I was a Bengals fan.
12. Green Bay Packers- T.J. Hockenson (TE)
The Packers really have no sure pass catcher right now not named DaVante Adams, and Hockenson can make a difference immediately even with Jimmy Graham still there.
13. New York Giants (Trade with MIA)- Daniel Jones (QB)
I believe Miami is looking to move down here, and acquire more assets as they head into their 2019 tank, giving the Giants the opportunity to get “their guy” in Jones and Gettleman loves to trade up.
14. Atlanta Falcons- Christian Wilkins (DT)
Atlanta reportedly loves Wilkins, and he falls right into their laps with the Dolphins moving down.
15. Detroit Lions (Trade with WAS)- Rashan Gary (DE)
Pairing Gary with Snacks Harrison seems like a Matt Patricia dream waiting to come true. Even after a middling college career, Gary is oozing with upside and I don’t see him sliding too far on Thursday night.
16. Carolina Panthers- Montez Sweat (DE)
If the heart condition diagnosis was really false, this is a steal for the Panthers at 16.
17. Miami (Trade with NYG)- Brian Burns (DE)
Elite college production and the Dolphins get an impact defensive player even after moving down.
18. Minnesota Vikings- Garrett Bradbury (C)
It’s no secret that the Vikings need to protect their new expensive Quarterback.
19. Tennessee Titans- Cody Ford (OL)
Another team that needs line help, especially on the interior and Ford was great at Oklahoma.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers- Rock Ya-Sin (CB)
I think they would like to move up to 8 or 9 for Bush, if they can’t they take Tomlin’s guy here.
21. Seattle Seahawks- Clelin Ferrell (DE)
Now that they’ve traded Frank Clark, I think this is a LOCK if he’s on the board.
22. Baltimore Ravens- Marquise Brown (WR)
The Ravens offense needs a field stretcher now that John Brown is gone, I wouldn’t personally take him here or over N’Keal Harry but the Ravens are good enough to take on the risk.
23. Buffalo Bills (Trade with HOU)- Jawaan Taylor (OT)
The Bills take advantage of their trade down, and get a guy who would have been a lock to go top 10 had these knee issues not come up.
24. Oakland Raiders- Josh Jacobs (RB)
No Lynch, and Gruden apparently loves him.
25. Philadelphia Eagles- Dexter Lawrence (DT)
I pray he goes here so I don’t have to see him be a stud for the Patriots.
26. Indianapolis Colts- Jeffery Simmons (DT)
Arguably the sharpest GM in the NFL snags a would-be top 10-12 pick had he not tore his ACL.
27. Oakland Raiders- Noah Fant (TE)
Gruden gets his Jared Cook replacement and he’s an absolute specimen.
28. Los Angeles Chargers- Jerry Tillery (DL)
I think the Chargers could go a lot of ways here, and I wouldn’t rule out CB.
29. Seattle Seahawks- Byron Murphy (CB)
The best DB in the draft.
30. Cleveland Browns (Trade with GB)- Greedy Williams
I’m probably the only one that has this, but there are rumors swirling in Cleveland that John Dorsey wants to move into the back-end of the first round, and CB is the glaring need on their roster right now.
31. Los Angeles Rams- Kaleb McGary (OT)
Offensive line play is crucial for this Rams offense, and they can add some much needed depth here.
32. New England Patriots- Will Grier (QB)
If one of these DL or Fant falls, I can see them going there, but Grier is the 3rd best QB in this draft in my opinion, and the rightful heir to Brady’s throne.
Written by Ben Hossler (Follow @BenHossler on Twitter)
