This time, I'm only doing a 1st-round mock, as compared to the 3-round mock I did last week or whenever it was. Yeah, my memory sucks. Big whoop, wanna fight about it?
Here's the mock draft for this week, as there have been some significant changes, although the top somewhat stays the same, despite some picks changing.
1. Arizona - DE/EDGE Nick Bosa, Ohio State
Analysis: This pick is as obvious as it gets (right now at least). The Cardinals aren't in the hunt for a QB so they don't have to worry about reaching for Justin Herbert or Dwayne Haskins. Here, they get the #1 player in the draft, who will instantly transform the pass-rush from mediocre to stellar. He and Chandler Jones will form a much-needed deadly combination, as they will have to face 2 great QB's (Goff, Wilson) and 1 pretty good one as well (Jimmy Gorgeous) in a fairly tough NFC West.
2. San Francisco - DT Quinnen Williams, Alabama
Analysis: Shit, I really wanted to put a "true" EDGE guy here, like Kentucky's Josh Allen or Clemson's Clelin Ferrell, but it would be hard to pass up Williams. I bet every non-49er fan $5 that they can't guess who the current starting DT is. Guess. It's Earl Mitchell. Yeah, Earl Mitchell. He ain't scaring no one. Williams does and would in the NFL. The guy is an animal and is the type of player the 49ers need on a young, but potentially great, defense.
3. N.Y. Jets - DE/EDGE Clelin Ferrell, Clemson
Analysis: I wanted to put Jonah Williams here but that's what I did in the first mock draft, so I decided to switch it up a little bit. That said, the Jets can't go wrong with an EDGE at #3. Their pass-rush is significantly lacking, not Raiders-shitty, but far from great. Ferrell, or Josh Allen, would bolster their pass-rush exponentially and in a pretty decent OT class, the Jets should be able to pick one up in the middle rounds or through free agency, where they have a shit-ton of money to spend.
4. Oakland - DT Ed Oliver, Houston
Analysis: 4 picks in... 2 EDGE's and 2 DT's. Have I mentioned that the Raiders defense is complete shit? I haven't? Yeah, it's complete shit. There's so many holes on that defense, it's tough to know where to start. As of this point, Oliver is the best player available (BPA) and he seems to be the perfect fit for the Raiders' defense. If the Raiders needed too, they could line up anywhere on the defensive line, and he would still thrive. Maurice Hurst has been phenomenal as a rookie this season, but that's pretty much the only bright spot. An Oliver/Hurst combination on the defensive front sounds great and one that reeks of potential. I can't see it being easy to pass up Oliver.
5. Detroit - DE/EDGE Josh Allen, Kentucky
Analysis: The Lions need significant help on the defensive line and in the linebacking corps, especially if Ziggy Ansah leaves in the offseason. Allen was nothing short of great in 2018, as he managed 84 total tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss, and 14 sacks. To top it all off, he won the SEC Defensive Player of the Year Award. That ain't an easy feat in the SEC. I firmly believe that Allen will be one of the best players in this draft and the Lions have to take him if he's available.
6. Tampa Bay - OT Jonah Williams, Alabama
Analysis: Granted, I haven't watched many Buccaneers games this year (who has?) but from what I've seen, the offensive line needs help. A lot of it. Whether it was Ryan Fitzpatrick or Jameis Winston behind center, they were under constant pressure and falling on their ass. Williams is undoubtedly the best OT in this draft and although the Bucs need help in the secondary, I think it would be a big boneheaded move to not take Williams at 6. I wanted to slot a QB here, but I believe they'll address that on the second day of the draft.
7. Buffalo - CB Greedy Williams, LSU
Analysis: The Bills really, really need a WR but #7 seems a bit high for any WR in this draft. That said, I believe they could trade down and use those additional picks to round out their offense. The Bills already have one star in the secondary in Tre'Davious White, who also went to LSU, and adding a second one definitely wouldn't hurt, especially since Tom Brady is still in the division. Most have Williams as the CB1 in this draft (he's CB2 to me), so it's definitely not outside the realm of possibility to see him selected in the top-10.
8. N.Y. Giants - QB Dwayne Haskins, Ohio State
Analysis: What a shocker, a QB is slotted to the Giants! We all know about the Eli saga and no one knows if he will be back in New York or not in 2019. Regardless, I think it's time for that chapter to close and start a new one, especially with so many young, talented pieces on offense - namely Saquon Barkley, Odell Beckham, Sterling Shepard and Evan Engram. The Giants could use a fresh start and Haskins is exactly what the Giants need to start that new chapter.
9. Jacksonville - QB Drew Lock, Missouri
Analysis: The Jaguars let out a collective "FUCK" when they found out that Justin Herbert was returning to school, thus leaving them with either Drew Lock or Will Grier in the first round. The Jags obviously need a QB. Bortles is not the answer and never will be. Cody Kessler has no business starting in the NFL and may be better off starting in the CFL, if that's even possible. The Jags surprised everyone last year, but fell back down to reality this season - and it all starts with the QB position. If the Jags want to contend and not be the laughingstock of the league once more, they have to take a QB in the first round.
10. Atlanta - DT Jeffery Simmons, Mississippi State
Analysis: With their win last week, the Falcons kinda fucked up. They were in prime position to take one of the two elite DT's in this draft - Williams or Oliver - but they end up all the way down in 10th after the win and end up with a consolation prize in Simmons. I'm not doubting Simmons' talent, but he has had some off-field issues that will definitely scare some teams away. But on the other hand, he's a damn good DT and with his play, is deserving of a 1st-round selection. Grady Jarrett may or may not be back in 2019 as his contract is up, but I believe he will be back in Atlanta. A combination with Simmons would be extremely beneficial for the Falcons as they look to rebound in 2019.
11. Carolina - S Deionte Thompson, Alabama
Analysis: It's no secret the Panthers need some playmakers in the secondary. We all know about the saga involving Eric Reid, and Mike Adams is set to retire once the season concludes. This leaves the Panthers with a giant gap in the secondary, and Thompson is head-and-shoulders above the rest of the safeties in this class. He is a playmaker, without question, and would fit in nicely in the Panthers' secondary. I could also see them going with an OT here, but Thompson is too good to pass up at this point in the draft.
12. Denver - TE Noah Fant, Iowa
Analysis: I'm going with a surprise here, as the Broncos severely need help at the TE spot. Jeff Heuerman and Jake Butt can't stay healthy if their lives depended on it and Troy Fumagalli ended up on IR, as well. They're starting some dude named Matt LaCosse right now and even though he's made some nice plays this year, he's not the long-term answer at TE. Noah Fant is undoubtedly the best TE in this draft and would finally give the Broncos a threat at that spot. This selection could've also been an ILB or CB, or even OT, but the Broncos need to open up the passing game, even if Case Keenum is their starter in 2019.
13. Cincinnati - ILB Devin White, LSU
Analysis: I'm sticking with White-to-Cincy once again, and the Bengals desperately need it. Their current starting linebacking corps is one of the worst in the NFL and they will continue to pick in the top-15 if they do not address it. White is a playmaker, and a potential cornerstone of a defense, so I believe it would be wise if they bit the bullet with his selection. In 2017, White registered 133 total tackles, 13.5 TFL and 4.5 sacks. This season, he totaled 119 tackles, 12 TFL and 3 sacks. That sounds like someone you want in the middle of your defense, right? Thought so.
14. Green Bay - EDGE Montez Sweat, Mississippi State
Analysis: The Packers also have a lot of needs but EDGE might be the one where they need the most help. It appears Clay Matthews will not be back next season, so it would be smart to address his replacement in a draft that is extremely heavy with EDGE guys. As of right now, I believe there are multiple tiers when it comes to these guys - the first tier consists of Bosa, Allen and Ferrell - and the second tier starts with Sweat (and then Brian Burns and Jachai Polite). Sweat was phenomenal for the Bulldogs this year with 14 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks, and sounds like the perfect fit for the Packers' defense.
15. Miami - DE/EDGE Brian Burns, Florida State
Analysis: As much as I love Cameron Wake, it may be time to start finding his replacement as well. Wake will not be around forever. Although the Dolphins have some holes in their roster, Burns might be the BPA at this point. I think he is a big-time boom-or-bust prospect but if coached right, he could pay dividends. Like Sweat, Burns is in that second-tier of pass-rushers and had a stellar season, despite playing for a dismal Seminoles team. The current starters and backups at DE for the Dolphins include an old Wake, a mediocre, soon-to-be 29-year-old Robert Quinn, a soon-to-be 30-year-old, irrelevant Andre Branch, and their first-round pick from 2017, Charles Harris. Yeah, it's time to infuse some new, young talent among that defensive line.
16. Washington - QB Will Grier, West Virginia
Analysis: I'm still sticking with Grier-to-DC with this mock. The Redskins need a quarterback badly, perhaps as bad as anyone in the league. Alex Smith may not come back in 2019, and Colt McCoy, Mark Sanchez and Josh Johnson have no business starting in the NFL in 2018, much less 2019. Grier is the third-best QB in this draft and this makes too much sense to see him (or Drew Lock) selected to the Redskins in the middle of the first-round.
17. Cleveland - WR N'Keal Harry, Arizona State
Analysis: The Browns appear headed in the right way for once and aren't the least-talented team in the league for once. They have a solid receiving corps with Jarvis Landry and Antonio Callaway, but are just missing that downfield threat that can stretch the field. N'Keal Harry is that guy that could be a game-changer for the Browns. Standing 6'4" and 213 pounds, Harry also has marvelous hands and has made some Beckham-like catches for Arizona State throughout his career. I believe the Browns can't go wrong with Harry at 17(or Metcalf or Brown for that matter).
18. Philadelphia - CB DeAndre Baker, Georgia
Analysis: I've had the pleasure of watching Baker throughout his Bulldog career and I fully believe him to be the best cornerback in this draft. He has extreme play-making ability and always seems to come up big in big moments. That is what I want from my cornerback. The Eagles have been fucked all year in the secondary and currently start players that would be riding the bench for most teams in the NFL. If the Eagles are gonna try to make a comeback in 2019, they'll need some playmakers in the secondary - and it could all start with Baker.
19. Pittsburgh - CB Byron Murphy, Washington
Analysis: Like their Pennsylvania counterpart, the Steelers are also in desperate need of cornerback help... and address it in the draft. Artie Burns has been a bonafide bust since coming into the NFL, Joe Haden is getting up their in age, and Coty Sensabaugh ain't nothing special. The Steelers are a great team, but they're lacking that true shutdown, #1 cornerback - and that's exactly what Murphy could be in the NFL. This pick could've also been an inside linebacker, but with Murphy slipping down this far, I believe it would be a good decision to address the secondary.
20. Tennessee - OG Cody Ford, Oklahoma
Analysis: I'm sticking with this pick as well, because the Titans are in such dire need of help on the interior defensive line. Mariota has consistently been running for his life and put on his ass all season, which in turn, has caused him to get hurt. Reminds me a lot of the Colts and Andrew Luck just a couple of years ago. The Titans have to address this situation before it gets Mariota beheaded on the field by some roid-raged pass-rusher.
21. Minnesota - DL Rashan Gary, Michigan
Analysis: With Sheldon Richardson entering free agency this offseason, it remains unclear if the Vikings will bring him back. Rashan Gary is undoubtedly the best defensive lineman at this point and would be a better - and much cheaper - option for the Vikings on the defensive line. Inconsistency is definitely a worry when it comes to Gary, but he still managed to put up a stellar numbers for the Wolverines - 96 total tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and 9 sacks over the past two seasons.
22. Indianapolis - WR Riley Ridley, Georgia
Analysis: I firmly believe Ridley will be one of the best WR's in this class when all is said and done. He reminds me a lot of current Saints WR Michael Thomas, who has been lighting it up this year in the NFL. The Colts are in desperate need of a WR2 to go with soon-to-be 30-year-old T.Y. Hilton - even though Ryan Grant and Chester Rogers are solid guys, they are not WR2-type receivers. The Colts could use some help in the secondary, but a WR would be too good to pass up at this point.
23. Seattle - EDGE Jachai Polite, Florida
Analysis: Once again for the Seahawks, this is more of a luxury pick than anything. Polite is likely the BPA at this point, and that's what the Seahawks go with. Polite was an absolute stud with the Gators this season, registering 43 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and 11 sacks. The Seahawks are set on one side with Frank Clark, but could use some help on the other side. Polite should be the pick for the Seahawks at this point.
24. Baltimore - WR A.J. Brown, Ole Miss
Analysis: It feels like I've been saying for the past 6 years that the Ravens need a playmaker at wide receiver. Michael Crabtree, Willie Snead, and John Brown doesn't scare many opposing defenses. Although the Ravens primarily run the ball now with Lamar Jackson behind center, they still need a true WR1 to stretch the field and make plays. Brown is the best WR available at this point and this pick makes too much sense. This pick would've been an EDGE guy, but the best one available was taken just before the Ravens' selection.
25. Oakland (via DAL) - WR Kelvin Harmon, North Carolina State
Analysis: The Raiders are in dire need of help across the entire roster, with receiver being near the top. Jordy Nelson is a shell of his former self, Seth Roberts is nothing more than a backup, and Marcell Ateman is a raw rookie that still needs time to develop. If Derek Carr is gonna succeed with the Raiders once more, he's gonna need a viable threat to throw the ball to. They will never succeed with the receiving corps they have now. Harmon was a bonafide playmaker at NC State, and his partnership with QB Ryan Finley was one of the best in the nation. The Raiders can only hope that Harmon can replicate that in the NFL with Derek Carr.
26. Houston - OT Jawaan Taylor, Florida
Analysis: I wanted to go with another DT here, but with the class being exceptionally heavy with that position, it makes sense to go with an OT here. Watson is one of the better young quarterbacks in the NFL and will need to be protected, especially if he wants to have a long career in the NFL. Julie'n Davenport and Kendall Lamm isn't scaring any defenses and Taylor is likely the best OT on the board at this point. Taylor would make an excellent blindside protector for Watson.
27. Oakland (via CHI) - ILB Mack Wilson, Alabama
Analysis: I thought about going with an EDGE guy here, but Mack Wilson is a better prospect than any EDGE currently on the board. The Raiders' linebacking corps is in complete disarray and is in massive need of repair. Wilson has been a star in Tuscaloosa and reminds me a lot of current Ravens Pro Bowl linebacker, C.J. Mosley - and that's one hell of a compliment. The current Raiders LB corps consists of Jason Cabinda, Marquel Lee, and Tahir Whitehead - and that is scaring absolutely no one. Adding Mack Wilson into the mix definitely would.
28. L.A. Chargers - DT Derrick Brown, Auburn
Analysis: The Chargers don't have many holes within their roster, but if you had to nitpick, they could use some help among the defensive line. As said before, this class is exceedingly deep with DT's and Brown is likely the best available at this point. Brandon Mebane is a solid starter in the NFL, but he's nothing special. Outside of Mebane, there's not much - Darius Philon, Damion Square and last year's 3rd-round pick, Justin Jones. The addition of Brown would make the Chargers' defensive line much, much better.
29. New England - DL Raekwon Davis, Alabama
Analysis: The Patriots need some help on the defensive line, and with the Alabama/Patriots, Saban/Belichick connection, Davis makes sense at this point. Davis is an absolute animal on the field and would become an immediate starter among the Patriots' line. Trey Flowers is set to become a free agent, so his spot on the depth chart may or may not be up for grabs, while Adrian Clayborn isn't anything special. Compared to 2017, Davis had an underwhelming season, but he is still a phenomenal player that could drastically improve the Patriots' defensive line.
30. L.A. Rams - DT Christian Wilkins, Clemson
Analysis: With Ndamukong Suh set to enter free agency, the Rams might have to find his replacement in the draft. Wilkins has arguably been Clemson's best defensive lineman for the past few years and he makes perfect sense here. He would be a much better, less expensive replacement than Ndamukong Suh, who I would let walk if I were managing the Rams' front office. Wilkins has the opportunity to become one of the better players in this draft and going to a successful team like the Rams makes his opportunity even better.
31. Kansas City - OT/OG Dalton Risner, Kansas State
Analysis: I really wanted to go with some secondary help, but the Chiefs have two 2nd-round selections, and with the "elite" cornerbacks gone, Risner makes sense here. Mahomes has proven himself to be an exemplary quarterback, but has had moments where he's been running for his life. Risner is quite possibly the best Swiss knife OL of this draft, as he can play practically every position on the offensive line. The Chiefs could use someone like that on their offensive line to help protect their franchise quarterback.
32. Green Bay (via New Orleans) - DT Jerry Tillery, Notre Dame
Analysis: One of my favorite players in this draft, I think Tillery could be a difference maker from Day 1. He is a ginormous person, standing at 6'7" and 305 pounds, and is just the type of player you need in the middle of your defense. Kenny Clark has been stupendous this season, but needs help beside him, as he can't do it all himself. The Packers' current starter at DT is Tyler Lancaster, who I had honestly not even heard of up until a few weeks ago. That needs to change, and Tillery seems like the type of player that can make a significant difference immediately. The Packers have a great Day 1 of the draft with the selections of Tillery and Montez Sweat, both of which wreak potential and could cause havoc in the NFC North.
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