2019 NFL Mock Draft
With the NFL Draft right around the corner, there are many different opinions on who should be picked first. The draft is the most effective way to rebuild a dying franchise. With this article, I will preview what the draft should look like through the first half of the first round, giving explanations with each pick.
1. Arizona Cardinals- Kyler Murray QB, Oklahoma
As the draft comes closer and closer, it is becoming more apparent that the Cardinals will take Kyler Murray, even though they chose a quarterback in the first-round last year. That quarterback, Josh Rosen, was very disappointing in his rookie year, and it is reported that they are looking to trade him in the offseason. Arizona can expect a new leader next year.
2. San Francisco 49ers- Nick Bosa EDGE, Ohio St
Nick Bosa sat out his last college season to focus on the draft and prepare himself for the NFL. He was at one point projected to be the number one pick and will surely provide a great option for a young 49ers team, that are pushing to turn their franchise in the other direction.
3. New York Jets- Josh Allen EDGE, Kentucky
Josh Allen is coming off of is most productive season yet and had a great combine to go with it. With this draft class being very defensive line heavy, it would be idiotic for the Jets to pick anyone other than one of the best, in Josh Allen.
4. Oakland Raiders- Quinnen Williams DT, Alabama
Oakland has made great acquisitions on offense, trading for superstar receiver Antonio Brown and signing receiver Tyrell Williams, but need to focus more on their defense to be successful. With the entire defensive line needing work, the Raiders draft Williams out of Alabama, hoping he can bring the star power he had in college.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Montez Sweat EDGE, Mississippi St
Tampa Bay has been in this position before, with many years without a playoff appearance. Last year they took another defensive lineman, Vita Vea, who didn’t have the greatest rookie season, but he could still get the job done. Pairing Vea with Montez Sweat, who arguably had the best combine out of any person in the draft, could be a deadly combination now and in the future.
6. New York Giants- Dwayne Haskins QB, Ohio St
Since trading Odell Beckham Jr., the Giants are officially in rebuild mode. The defense needs some work, while the offense has great players at every position, except one. The Giants desperately need to draft a quarterback, to get rid of an old and washed up Eli Manning. Dwayne Haskins is the obvious choice, being the best available, and having full support of running back, Saquon Barkley.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars- Jawaan Taylor OT, Florida
The first player on this list that isn’t a defensive lineman or quarterback. Taylor would extremely improve the Jaguars offense, led by newly acquired Nick Foles. Jacksonville’s defense can be one of the best in the NFL at times, and with a better offensive line, could be poised for another playoff run in the near future.
8. Detroit Lions- Brian Burns EDGE, Florida St
With Ziggy Ansah now gone, and needing a new edge rusher, the Lions take Burns who had a great combine and college career in Florida St. Although the Lions need help on offense and may draft a quarterback to replace Matthew Stafford in a couple of years, Brian Burns looks like the obvious pick if he can fall to them.
9. Buffalo Bills- Ed Oliver DT, Houston
Before the college football season, Oliver was considered a top two pick with Joey Bosa, but has fallen under the radar after a college career that had nothing special. He still has raw talent and is poised to be a great pass rusher. With former Bills DT Kyle Williams retiring, Ed Oliver is the clear-cut choice for the Bills.
10. Denver Broncos- T.J. Hockenson TE, Iowa
Rounding out the top ten, the Broncos need to surround new quarterback Joe Flacco with some weapons to throw to. With the receiver position being as solid as it is, the Broncos should take one of the two first round projected tight ends from Iowa. T.J. Hockenson should be taken because he has the same abilities as his Iowa partner, Noah Fant, but is a better run blocker, which the Broncos need.
11. Cincinnati Bengals- Devin Bush LB, LSU
The Bengals, who just recently cut their starting linebacker, desperately need to upgrade the defense. With the defensive line being set for a while, the Bengals should look into drafting Devin Bush, who had a fantastic combine and college career at LSU.
12. Green Bay Packers- Rashan Gary EDGE, Michigan
With this pick, the Packers could make a serious improvement, and push into the playoffs, with one of the best quarterbacks of all time, Aaron Rodgers. The defense has been addressed in all major positions, apart from edge rushers, with Muhammad Wilkerson unlikely to resign. To address that issue, the Packers would pick up Rashan Gary, who after having a great year at Michigan, could make an immediate impact on the team.
13. Miami Dolphins- Drew Lock QB, Missouri
The Dolphins signed Ryan Fitzpatrick, who had a good few games last year with the Buccaneers but is nowhere close to being a perennial starting quarterback in the league, especially with how old he is. The Dolphins should take the best available quarterback in the draft, which at this point is Drew Lock from Missouri. He had a decent season and has tremendous upside. The Dolphins could find there next Dan Marino, with Drew Lock.
14. Atlanta Falcons- Cody Ford OT, Oklahoma
Atlanta is in a strange position, as their team is good enough to make the playoffs, although last year most of their big players were injured for a long period of time. For that reason, most players in the draft won’t play immediately. One position they could upgrade through the draft is the offensive line, which is why they should take Cody Ford. He is the second best in the draft, and the best available. With this pick, the Falcons aren’t going for the prettiest player, but a player who will improve their team for years to come.
15. Washington Redskins- D.K. Metcalf WR, Ole Miss
The Redskins need someone for their new quarterback, Case Keenum to throw to, as the wide receiver position is a weak one for the Redskins. D.K. Metcalf was the talk of the combine, as did incredible in every drill, and looked good doing them. If the Redskins pass up on Metcalf, they could be missing out on one of the best young players the NFL has ever seen.
16. Carolina Panthers- Clelin Ferrell EDGE, Clemson
Rounding out the top half of the first round is the Panthers, who need edge rushers badly. Among the two starting edge rushers on their team last year, one retired and the other is on the last year of his contract. Clelin Ferrell is the best edge rusher available and should be chosen by the Carolina Panthers.
The rest of the picks, while not being as impactful, will still have a major impact on the NFL and the teams that draft them. Although the only round mentioned was the first, doesn’t mean that the other rounds are not important. Teams can find hidden gems of the draft, like the Patriots found Tom Brady in the 6th round. The draft is a way to change a college athletes’ life for good, and help propel and NFL team to a potential Super Bowl in the near future.
