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u/TheFencingCoach
5 hours ago
Mel Kiper's 2019 NFL Mock Draft 2.0: First-round pick predictions and rankings
ESPN - Kiper's latest mock draft has the Bucs taking Montez Sweat at #5 overall
espn.com/nfl/dr...
1. Arizona Cardinals Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio StateNo change at the top here -- Bosa is the top prospect in this class. He can be an elite pass-rusher at the next level, just like his brother Joey. His workouts at the combine will be closely watched to see if he's back at full strength after his core muscle injury. As far as the fit in a 3-4 defense in Arizona, this quote last week from new defensive coordinator Vance Joseph stood out: "4-3 college ends, they grow to be outside 'backers. It's a learned ability." Joseph's former team in Denver used a top-five pick on Bradley Chubb last year, and Joseph converted him to outside linebacker -- opposite Von Miller -- and he had 12 sacks as a rookie. The 6-foot-4, 263-pound Bosa would have a good edge-rushing partner in Chandler Jones.
2. San Francisco 49ers
Josh Allen, OLB, Kentucky
If the Niners don't trade down to add up more picks, I expect them to take an edge rusher here. And Allen (6-5, 250) is just a step behind Bosa on my board. Two former first-round picks along the defensive line (Arik Armstead and Solomon Thomas) have struggled in San Francisco, but neither has the pure pass-rushing ability of Allen, who had 17 sacks and five forced fumbles last season. Allen would fill a glaring need.
3. New York Jets
Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama
The Jets have several needs on both sides of the ball, and they don't have their extremely valuable second-round pick (No. 34) in this draft as a result of the Sam Darnold trade up last year. I wouldn't be surprised to see quarterback-needy teams try to trade up to this spot, which would help GM Mike Maccagnan get back some of the capital he lost in 2018. If the Jets stay at No. 3, Williams, a 3-technique penetrator with a high motor and advanced pass-rushing skills, would be a tremendous pick.
4. Oakland Raiders Rashan Gary, DE, Michigan
After trading away Khalil Mack before the season, the Raiders' pass rush was abysmal in 2018, putting up a league-low 13 sacks. Expect coach Jon Gruden and new GM Mike Mayock to target a pass-rusher with one of their three first-round picks. Gary (6-6, 283) has some versatility to kick inside and play tackle, but he has a high ceiling as an end. When he's locked in, he can dominate a game.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Montez Sweat, DE, Mississippi State
The 6-foot-6, 245-pound Sweat, who had 22 sacks over the past two seasons, was the best prospect at the Senior Bowl in January. He keeps rising on my board, and he should have a great combine workout. Tampa Bay's defense is likely to undergo an overhaul under new coach Bruce Arians and coordinator Todd Bowles, and the Bucs have to add edge rushers. Jason Pierre-Paul had a nice first season in Tampa (12.5 sacks), but he's 30. Former second-round pick Noah Spence, meanwhile, has just one sack over the last two seasons. This is another spot that could be for sale in a trade as teams try to get ahead of the Giants to grab a quarterback.
6. New York Giants Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State
With no trades in my Mock Drafts, this is the first logical spot for a quarterback. And Haskins (6-3, 220) is the best quarterback on my board. Easy choice. Yes, he only started 14 games at Ohio State, but he's a smooth thrower with an extremely high ceiling. Something to note if the Giants trade up to make sure they get their guy: They don't have a third-round pick after using it on cornerback Sam Beal in last year's supplemental draft. That means if they give up their second-rounder and future choices to jump a few spots, they won't be on the clock again until Day 3. This is a huge pick for GM Dave Gettleman.
play 0:56 McShay can see team trading up to draft HaskinsTodd McShay has QB Dwayne Haskins going No. 6 to the Giants in his NFL Mock Draft 2.0, but can envision a team trading up to grab him earlier.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida
I'm sticking with an offensive lineman for Jacksonville here, as I believe the organization is more likely to go after a veteran quarterback like Nick Foles or Teddy Bridgewater over a rookie. This is a talented team that has to have more consistent QB play to get back to the playoffs in 2019. Could Tom Coughlin trust a rookie starter? Taylor will likely play right tackle at the next level -- he made 33 starts there in college -- and he could step in and start on Day 1 for the Jags.
8. Detroit Lions T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa
Hockenson (6-5, 250) is a complete player who can run routes out of the slot on one play, then line up next to a tackle and blow up an edge defender in the running game on the next. I'm not going to call him a Rob Gronkowski clone, but there are similarities, particularly when you see each as blockers. And remember that Lions coach Matt Patricia and GM Bob Quinn saw firsthand what Gronk did for the Patriots during their time in the organization.
9. Buffalo Bills D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss
Quarterback Josh Allen had an up-and-down rookie season in Buffalo, but he needs better pass-catching options in Year 2. That's how we can fully evaluate his development. You might remember Metcalf from this viral photo from last week -- he's a 6-foot-4, 230-pound physical specimen who is going to test well at the combine. There is some projection here, as Metcalf missed most of the 2018 season with a scary neck injury and only caught 67 passes in his college career. But he is a big-play threat -- check out this catch -- who is the best "big" receiver in this class.
Ole Miss wide receiver D.K Metcalf underwent neck surgery Oct. 20, 2018 but has been cleared for all football activity without limitations. Photo by Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
10. Denver Broncos Greedy Williams, CB, LSU
Yes, the Broncos traded for Joe Flacco, but they could still draft a quarterback high, even if it's not in Round 1. Flacco has a team-friendly contract, and GM John Elway & Co. could still try to get their QB of the future. For now I'll go with cornerback here, as the position is the team's top need, especially with Bradley Roby likely to leave in free agency. There has been a lot of talk about Williams' apparent allergy to tackling, but he can improve there in the NFL. And you don't see pro-ready corners with his size (6-2, 180) and skill set often; he is a rare talent.
11. Cincinnati Bengals Devin White, ILB, LSU
New coach Zac Taylor still doesn't have a defensive coordinator, so this is a tough pick to project. I'm sticking to my best-player-available philosophy here, as White is the No. 4 prospect on my board. He is the best inside linebacker in this class, a three-down player with excellent speed and athleticism and the ability to diagnose plays and get to the ball carrier. Middle linebacker Preston Brown, who signed a one-year deal with Cincinnati last offseason, is a free agent, and he's coming off a major knee injury. White is a plug-and-play replacement.
12. Green Bay Packers Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma
I mentioned D.K. Metcalf as the best "big" receiver in this draft, and the 5-foot-10, 160-pound Brown is the class' best "small" wideout. He can fly, but he is also a good route-runner. The Packers were playing various late-round picks at receiver last season, so adding pass-catching options is a no-brainer. And Brown would be a stellar deep threat for Aaron Rodgers. Edge rusher is also a position to watch here, and Green Bay also has the No. 30 pick from New Orleans.
13. Miami Dolphins Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma
We know Murray is now focused on football. What happens next? He's going to be the most talked-about prospect at the combine, and all eyes will be on his official measurements. It's not so much his height, either. Whether he's 5-foot-10 or 5-foot-9-and-a-half isn't a big deal at this point. Will Murray weigh under 200 pounds, though? That would be unprecedented for a first-round quarterback. His agent said recently that he weighs 205, which would be a good sign. As for Miami, as I wrote in my first Mock Draft when I pegged Murray here, the Dolphins need to rebuild, and adding the Heisman Trophy winner is a perfect way to start it.
14. Atlanta Falcons Ed Oliver, DT, Houston
Oliver's first step off the ball is one of the fastest I've seen from a defensive tackle. And yes, his play was picked apart throughout the 2018 season, but he's a fantastic prospect who has a ways to go to reach his ceiling. He could do that in the right situation in the NFL. As I mentioned in my first Mock Draft, he could be a Day 1 replacement if Atlanta doesn't bring back free agent Grady Jarrett.
15. Washington Redskins Drew Lock, QB, Missouri
Welcome to the first round, Drew Lock. He was the best quarterback at the Senior Bowl, and he might have the most arm talent of any passer in this class. Now, he's inconsistent. He misses throws and needs a lot of work on his footwork. He put some bad performances on tape in 2018, though he finished the season strongly. You can see on that tape, though, why a team could fall in love and take the 6-foot-4, 228-pound Lock early. That could be Jay Gruden's Washington team, which might not have Alex Smith this season.
16. Carolina Panthers Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson
This is all about filling a need, as Julius Peppers retired and there's no surefire replacement on the roster. Ferrell (6-5, 265) is a classic 4-3 defensive end who can get after quarterbacks -- he had 21 sacks over the last two seasons -- and hold his own in the run game. The Carolina defense collapsed last season, and it could also look at safety (Mike Adams turns 38 this offseason) and linebacker (Thomas Davis is moving on) here.
17. Cleveland Browns Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
I had Mississippi State's Jeffery Simmons here in my first Mock Draft, but he tore his ACL and could drop to Day 2. The massive 6-foot-5, 340-pound Lawrence is a different kind of player -- he's not as good of a pass-rusher as Simmons -- but he'd fit next to Larry Ogunjobi, who has come into his own. I've been told to expect Lawrence to work out well at the combine, too. GM John Dorsey could also try to get a weapon for Baker Mayfield here.
18. Minnesota Vikings Jonah Williams, OL, Alabama
Minnesota continues to be linked with offensive linemen in this draft, as free-agent signing Kirk Cousins was under heavy pressure in 2018 behind a makeshift line. The team could address the position in free agency and still have a need. Williams, who made 43 straight starts at tackle for the Crimson Tide, could move inside to guard. At 6-foot-5, 301 pounds, he doesn't have the long arms that NFL teams like for their left tackles, but he could be an elite guard.
19. Tennessee Titans Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson
Tennessee got very little last season from free-agent addition Bennie Logan, and the defense could upgrade on either side of elite nose tackle Jurrell Casey in its 3-4. Wilkins (6-4, 312) could play tackle in a 4-3 or end in a 3-4. The Titans will likely keep a close eye on edge-rushing outside linebackers here, but the value with Wilkins on my board is too good to pass up.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia
Artie Burns, a first-round pick in 2016, had a poor 2018 season, and corner is a clear need in Pittsburgh this offseason. I suspect the Steelers would love to get their hands on the 5-foot-11, 185-pound Baker, my second-ranked corner. Inside linebacker is another position to watch, as the team hasn't been able to adequately replace Ryan Shazier. Could a sneaky need be wide receiver if the Steelers trade Antonio Brown?
21. Seattle Seahawks Jachai Polite, OLB, Florida
Even if the Seahawks re-sign (or franchise tag) free-agent defensive end Frank Clark, we know Pete Carroll & Co. are always looking for edge rushers. That's Polite, who had 11 sacks last season. At 6-foot-2, 242 pounds, Polite will have to put on some weight to play end in a 4-3 defense, but that shouldn't an issue. In fact, the comp I've made for him is a guy drafted by Carroll and GM John Schneider: former West Virginia pass-rusher Bruce Irvin, who came in at 6-foot-3, 245 pounds at the combine in 2012.
22. Baltimore Ravens Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama
Finally, a running back off the board. And new GM Eric DeCosta could go right back to Alabama, from where former GM Ozzie Newsome loved to mine prospects. Jacobs is a complete player and the most explosive back in this draft. He didn't get a ton of touches in a talented Crimson Tide rotation, which means he has little tread on his tires. How's this for a stat: Jacobs had 300 touches over three college seasons. Derrick Henry, who won the Heisman Trophy at Bama, had 406 touches in the 2015 season. There's a lot to like about Jacobs, who has also shown nice hands in the passing game. Check out this catch and run.
Alabama's Josh Jacobs had 14 total touchdowns in 2018, and he has vaulted to the top of Mel Kiper Jr.s' running back rankings. David Dennis/Icon Sportswire/Getty Images
23. Houston Texans Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State
Houston gave up a league-high 62 sacks last season, so the position is a clear priority this offseason. And Dillard, a three-year starter at Washington State, is one of the best pass protectors in this class. He could slot in at left or right tackle for Houston, and Deshaun Watson would be thrilled. Dillard (6-5, 305) was one of the stars of the Senior Bowl. I wouldn't be surprised if Houston took multiple linemen early in this draft, and it has two second-round picks to try to improve.
24. Oakland Raiders (from CHI) Byron Murphy, CB, Washington
We know that Jon Gruden loves playmakers -- I heard him talk about them for years. And Murphy is one of the best defensive playmakers in this class, a ball hawk who had seven interceptions over two seasons at Washington. There's a gaping hole at corner across from 2017 first-rounder Gareon Conley, too. This could be a first round full of defensive additions for the Raiders, who have picks at 4, 24 and 27.
25. Philadelphia Eagles Trayvon Mullen, CB, Clemson
Injuries in the secondary really hurt the Eagles in 2018, as the defense couldn't match the play that led it a Super Bowl LII victory. And with Ronald Darby possibly leaving in free agency, cornerback is a spot to target here or with one of their two second-round picks. Mullen had an inconsistent 2018 season, but he has some excellent 2017 tape. And at 6-foot-2, 186 pounds, he's a big corner. He should test well in Indianapolis.
26. Indianapolis Colts A.J. Brown, WR, Ole Miss
GM Chris Ballard had one of the league's best draft classes in 2018, and the Colts made a surprising run to the playoffs. They'll have this pick and the No. 34 overall pick from the Jets to continue to upgrade. Brown (6-1, 225) could be an effective No. 2 receiver next to T.Y. Hilton as Indianapolis tries to get better weapons around Andrew Luck. Brown had 2,572 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns over the past two seasons, and he's the second Ole Miss wideout off the board in my projection, after D.K. Metcalf to Buffalo at No. 9.
27. Oakland Raiders (from DAL) Brian Burns, OLB, Florida State
This match is all about helping the Raiders improve their pass rush, as the 6-foot-5, 235-pound Burns is a pure speed edge rusher. He needs to get a little bigger, but time in an NFL strength and conditioning program should help. If you're keeping track here, this means I have Oakland getting two edge rushers and a cornerback with its first-round picks. That's a strong haul.
28. Los Angeles Chargers Jerry Tillery, DT, Notre Dame
Corey Liuget, Brandon Mebane, Darius Philon and Damion Square are all free agents, which means the Chargers have to address defensive tackle in free agency or in the draft. I thought they could have taken a DT in Round 1 last year. As I noted in my first Mock Draft, L.A. was pushed around in its playoff loss to the Patriots. Tillery is good interior pass-rusher with tremendous size (6-6, 304) and athletic traits. He has some versatility, too.
29. Kansas City Chiefs Johnathan Abram, S, Mississippi State
I'm sticking with a safety for Kansas City, because it was a clear weakness in 2018. Will we ever see Eric Berry return to his level of play from 2013 to '16? Abram is my new No. 1-ranked safety, a tone-setter who is physical in the run game and can flip his hips and run in pass coverage. It's worth noting the Chiefs have an extra second-round pick -- thanks to the Marcus Peters trade -- to help fix their defense, which means they could wait to get a safety until Day 2.
Mississippi State's Johnathan Abram had 99 total tackles, two interceptions and three sacks in 2018. Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire
30. Green Bay Packers (from NO) Devin Bush, ILB, Michigan
This is another match for need -- starter Jake Ryan missed all of 2018 with a torn ACL and is now a free agent, which means there's a void in the middle of the Green Bay defense. Bush is a bit undersized (5-11, 235), but he's a terrific sideline-to-sideline linebacker. I gave the Packers a receiver with their first pick, but they could also be in the market for an outside linebacker, especially with Clay Matthews a free agent.
31. Los Angeles Rams Jaylon Ferguson, DE, Louisiana Tech
Ferguson was in the news last week after his combine invite was rescinded when it was revealed he was convicted of simple battery his freshman year. That shouldn't hurt his draft stock, and he's expected to be able to undergo medical evaluations for teams. Ferguson (6-5, 260) had 45 sacks in his four-year career -- including 17.5 last season -- and set the FBS record for most sacks. He could add some weight and play end in Wade Phillips' 3-4 defense.
32. New England Patriots Daniel Jones, QB, Duke
I continue to believe Bill Belichick and the Patriots will use some of their draft capital on a quarterback. It could be here, or it could be with one of their two second-round picks. There could be several QBs go in the first three rounds. Jones is an athletic 6-foot-4 signal-caller who can be an erratic thrower at times but is already advanced in his footwork. He'd benefit from sitting and learning behind Tom Brady. The Super Bowl champs have several prominent free agents who could leave, so we'll know much more in a month about which positions they could target.
u/TheFencingCoach
5 hours ago
Mel Kiper's 2019 NFL Mock Draft 2.0: First-round pick predictions and rankings
ESPN - Kiper's latest mock draft has the Bucs taking Montez Sweat at #5 overall
espn.com/nfl/dr...
1. Arizona Cardinals Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio StateNo change at the top here -- Bosa is the top prospect in this class. He can be an elite pass-rusher at the next level, just like his brother Joey. His workouts at the combine will be closely watched to see if he's back at full strength after his core muscle injury. As far as the fit in a 3-4 defense in Arizona, this quote last week from new defensive coordinator Vance Joseph stood out: "4-3 college ends, they grow to be outside 'backers. It's a learned ability." Joseph's former team in Denver used a top-five pick on Bradley Chubb last year, and Joseph converted him to outside linebacker -- opposite Von Miller -- and he had 12 sacks as a rookie. The 6-foot-4, 263-pound Bosa would have a good edge-rushing partner in Chandler Jones.
2. San Francisco 49ers
Josh Allen, OLB, Kentucky
If the Niners don't trade down to add up more picks, I expect them to take an edge rusher here. And Allen (6-5, 250) is just a step behind Bosa on my board. Two former first-round picks along the defensive line (Arik Armstead and Solomon Thomas) have struggled in San Francisco, but neither has the pure pass-rushing ability of Allen, who had 17 sacks and five forced fumbles last season. Allen would fill a glaring need.
3. New York Jets
Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama
The Jets have several needs on both sides of the ball, and they don't have their extremely valuable second-round pick (No. 34) in this draft as a result of the Sam Darnold trade up last year. I wouldn't be surprised to see quarterback-needy teams try to trade up to this spot, which would help GM Mike Maccagnan get back some of the capital he lost in 2018. If the Jets stay at No. 3, Williams, a 3-technique penetrator with a high motor and advanced pass-rushing skills, would be a tremendous pick.
4. Oakland Raiders Rashan Gary, DE, Michigan
After trading away Khalil Mack before the season, the Raiders' pass rush was abysmal in 2018, putting up a league-low 13 sacks. Expect coach Jon Gruden and new GM Mike Mayock to target a pass-rusher with one of their three first-round picks. Gary (6-6, 283) has some versatility to kick inside and play tackle, but he has a high ceiling as an end. When he's locked in, he can dominate a game.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Montez Sweat, DE, Mississippi State
The 6-foot-6, 245-pound Sweat, who had 22 sacks over the past two seasons, was the best prospect at the Senior Bowl in January. He keeps rising on my board, and he should have a great combine workout. Tampa Bay's defense is likely to undergo an overhaul under new coach Bruce Arians and coordinator Todd Bowles, and the Bucs have to add edge rushers. Jason Pierre-Paul had a nice first season in Tampa (12.5 sacks), but he's 30. Former second-round pick Noah Spence, meanwhile, has just one sack over the last two seasons. This is another spot that could be for sale in a trade as teams try to get ahead of the Giants to grab a quarterback.
6. New York Giants Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State
With no trades in my Mock Drafts, this is the first logical spot for a quarterback. And Haskins (6-3, 220) is the best quarterback on my board. Easy choice. Yes, he only started 14 games at Ohio State, but he's a smooth thrower with an extremely high ceiling. Something to note if the Giants trade up to make sure they get their guy: They don't have a third-round pick after using it on cornerback Sam Beal in last year's supplemental draft. That means if they give up their second-rounder and future choices to jump a few spots, they won't be on the clock again until Day 3. This is a huge pick for GM Dave Gettleman.
play 0:56 McShay can see team trading up to draft HaskinsTodd McShay has QB Dwayne Haskins going No. 6 to the Giants in his NFL Mock Draft 2.0, but can envision a team trading up to grab him earlier.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida
I'm sticking with an offensive lineman for Jacksonville here, as I believe the organization is more likely to go after a veteran quarterback like Nick Foles or Teddy Bridgewater over a rookie. This is a talented team that has to have more consistent QB play to get back to the playoffs in 2019. Could Tom Coughlin trust a rookie starter? Taylor will likely play right tackle at the next level -- he made 33 starts there in college -- and he could step in and start on Day 1 for the Jags.
8. Detroit Lions T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa
Hockenson (6-5, 250) is a complete player who can run routes out of the slot on one play, then line up next to a tackle and blow up an edge defender in the running game on the next. I'm not going to call him a Rob Gronkowski clone, but there are similarities, particularly when you see each as blockers. And remember that Lions coach Matt Patricia and GM Bob Quinn saw firsthand what Gronk did for the Patriots during their time in the organization.
9. Buffalo Bills D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss
Quarterback Josh Allen had an up-and-down rookie season in Buffalo, but he needs better pass-catching options in Year 2. That's how we can fully evaluate his development. You might remember Metcalf from this viral photo from last week -- he's a 6-foot-4, 230-pound physical specimen who is going to test well at the combine. There is some projection here, as Metcalf missed most of the 2018 season with a scary neck injury and only caught 67 passes in his college career. But he is a big-play threat -- check out this catch -- who is the best "big" receiver in this class.
Ole Miss wide receiver D.K Metcalf underwent neck surgery Oct. 20, 2018 but has been cleared for all football activity without limitations. Photo by Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
10. Denver Broncos Greedy Williams, CB, LSU
Yes, the Broncos traded for Joe Flacco, but they could still draft a quarterback high, even if it's not in Round 1. Flacco has a team-friendly contract, and GM John Elway & Co. could still try to get their QB of the future. For now I'll go with cornerback here, as the position is the team's top need, especially with Bradley Roby likely to leave in free agency. There has been a lot of talk about Williams' apparent allergy to tackling, but he can improve there in the NFL. And you don't see pro-ready corners with his size (6-2, 180) and skill set often; he is a rare talent.
11. Cincinnati Bengals Devin White, ILB, LSU
New coach Zac Taylor still doesn't have a defensive coordinator, so this is a tough pick to project. I'm sticking to my best-player-available philosophy here, as White is the No. 4 prospect on my board. He is the best inside linebacker in this class, a three-down player with excellent speed and athleticism and the ability to diagnose plays and get to the ball carrier. Middle linebacker Preston Brown, who signed a one-year deal with Cincinnati last offseason, is a free agent, and he's coming off a major knee injury. White is a plug-and-play replacement.
12. Green Bay Packers Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma
I mentioned D.K. Metcalf as the best "big" receiver in this draft, and the 5-foot-10, 160-pound Brown is the class' best "small" wideout. He can fly, but he is also a good route-runner. The Packers were playing various late-round picks at receiver last season, so adding pass-catching options is a no-brainer. And Brown would be a stellar deep threat for Aaron Rodgers. Edge rusher is also a position to watch here, and Green Bay also has the No. 30 pick from New Orleans.
13. Miami Dolphins Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma
We know Murray is now focused on football. What happens next? He's going to be the most talked-about prospect at the combine, and all eyes will be on his official measurements. It's not so much his height, either. Whether he's 5-foot-10 or 5-foot-9-and-a-half isn't a big deal at this point. Will Murray weigh under 200 pounds, though? That would be unprecedented for a first-round quarterback. His agent said recently that he weighs 205, which would be a good sign. As for Miami, as I wrote in my first Mock Draft when I pegged Murray here, the Dolphins need to rebuild, and adding the Heisman Trophy winner is a perfect way to start it.
14. Atlanta Falcons Ed Oliver, DT, Houston
Oliver's first step off the ball is one of the fastest I've seen from a defensive tackle. And yes, his play was picked apart throughout the 2018 season, but he's a fantastic prospect who has a ways to go to reach his ceiling. He could do that in the right situation in the NFL. As I mentioned in my first Mock Draft, he could be a Day 1 replacement if Atlanta doesn't bring back free agent Grady Jarrett.
15. Washington Redskins Drew Lock, QB, Missouri
Welcome to the first round, Drew Lock. He was the best quarterback at the Senior Bowl, and he might have the most arm talent of any passer in this class. Now, he's inconsistent. He misses throws and needs a lot of work on his footwork. He put some bad performances on tape in 2018, though he finished the season strongly. You can see on that tape, though, why a team could fall in love and take the 6-foot-4, 228-pound Lock early. That could be Jay Gruden's Washington team, which might not have Alex Smith this season.
16. Carolina Panthers Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson
This is all about filling a need, as Julius Peppers retired and there's no surefire replacement on the roster. Ferrell (6-5, 265) is a classic 4-3 defensive end who can get after quarterbacks -- he had 21 sacks over the last two seasons -- and hold his own in the run game. The Carolina defense collapsed last season, and it could also look at safety (Mike Adams turns 38 this offseason) and linebacker (Thomas Davis is moving on) here.
17. Cleveland Browns Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
I had Mississippi State's Jeffery Simmons here in my first Mock Draft, but he tore his ACL and could drop to Day 2. The massive 6-foot-5, 340-pound Lawrence is a different kind of player -- he's not as good of a pass-rusher as Simmons -- but he'd fit next to Larry Ogunjobi, who has come into his own. I've been told to expect Lawrence to work out well at the combine, too. GM John Dorsey could also try to get a weapon for Baker Mayfield here.
18. Minnesota Vikings Jonah Williams, OL, Alabama
Minnesota continues to be linked with offensive linemen in this draft, as free-agent signing Kirk Cousins was under heavy pressure in 2018 behind a makeshift line. The team could address the position in free agency and still have a need. Williams, who made 43 straight starts at tackle for the Crimson Tide, could move inside to guard. At 6-foot-5, 301 pounds, he doesn't have the long arms that NFL teams like for their left tackles, but he could be an elite guard.
19. Tennessee Titans Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson
Tennessee got very little last season from free-agent addition Bennie Logan, and the defense could upgrade on either side of elite nose tackle Jurrell Casey in its 3-4. Wilkins (6-4, 312) could play tackle in a 4-3 or end in a 3-4. The Titans will likely keep a close eye on edge-rushing outside linebackers here, but the value with Wilkins on my board is too good to pass up.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia
Artie Burns, a first-round pick in 2016, had a poor 2018 season, and corner is a clear need in Pittsburgh this offseason. I suspect the Steelers would love to get their hands on the 5-foot-11, 185-pound Baker, my second-ranked corner. Inside linebacker is another position to watch, as the team hasn't been able to adequately replace Ryan Shazier. Could a sneaky need be wide receiver if the Steelers trade Antonio Brown?
21. Seattle Seahawks Jachai Polite, OLB, Florida
Even if the Seahawks re-sign (or franchise tag) free-agent defensive end Frank Clark, we know Pete Carroll & Co. are always looking for edge rushers. That's Polite, who had 11 sacks last season. At 6-foot-2, 242 pounds, Polite will have to put on some weight to play end in a 4-3 defense, but that shouldn't an issue. In fact, the comp I've made for him is a guy drafted by Carroll and GM John Schneider: former West Virginia pass-rusher Bruce Irvin, who came in at 6-foot-3, 245 pounds at the combine in 2012.
22. Baltimore Ravens Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama
Finally, a running back off the board. And new GM Eric DeCosta could go right back to Alabama, from where former GM Ozzie Newsome loved to mine prospects. Jacobs is a complete player and the most explosive back in this draft. He didn't get a ton of touches in a talented Crimson Tide rotation, which means he has little tread on his tires. How's this for a stat: Jacobs had 300 touches over three college seasons. Derrick Henry, who won the Heisman Trophy at Bama, had 406 touches in the 2015 season. There's a lot to like about Jacobs, who has also shown nice hands in the passing game. Check out this catch and run.
Alabama's Josh Jacobs had 14 total touchdowns in 2018, and he has vaulted to the top of Mel Kiper Jr.s' running back rankings. David Dennis/Icon Sportswire/Getty Images
23. Houston Texans Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State
Houston gave up a league-high 62 sacks last season, so the position is a clear priority this offseason. And Dillard, a three-year starter at Washington State, is one of the best pass protectors in this class. He could slot in at left or right tackle for Houston, and Deshaun Watson would be thrilled. Dillard (6-5, 305) was one of the stars of the Senior Bowl. I wouldn't be surprised if Houston took multiple linemen early in this draft, and it has two second-round picks to try to improve.
24. Oakland Raiders (from CHI) Byron Murphy, CB, Washington
We know that Jon Gruden loves playmakers -- I heard him talk about them for years. And Murphy is one of the best defensive playmakers in this class, a ball hawk who had seven interceptions over two seasons at Washington. There's a gaping hole at corner across from 2017 first-rounder Gareon Conley, too. This could be a first round full of defensive additions for the Raiders, who have picks at 4, 24 and 27.
25. Philadelphia Eagles Trayvon Mullen, CB, Clemson
Injuries in the secondary really hurt the Eagles in 2018, as the defense couldn't match the play that led it a Super Bowl LII victory. And with Ronald Darby possibly leaving in free agency, cornerback is a spot to target here or with one of their two second-round picks. Mullen had an inconsistent 2018 season, but he has some excellent 2017 tape. And at 6-foot-2, 186 pounds, he's a big corner. He should test well in Indianapolis.
26. Indianapolis Colts A.J. Brown, WR, Ole Miss
GM Chris Ballard had one of the league's best draft classes in 2018, and the Colts made a surprising run to the playoffs. They'll have this pick and the No. 34 overall pick from the Jets to continue to upgrade. Brown (6-1, 225) could be an effective No. 2 receiver next to T.Y. Hilton as Indianapolis tries to get better weapons around Andrew Luck. Brown had 2,572 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns over the past two seasons, and he's the second Ole Miss wideout off the board in my projection, after D.K. Metcalf to Buffalo at No. 9.
27. Oakland Raiders (from DAL) Brian Burns, OLB, Florida State
This match is all about helping the Raiders improve their pass rush, as the 6-foot-5, 235-pound Burns is a pure speed edge rusher. He needs to get a little bigger, but time in an NFL strength and conditioning program should help. If you're keeping track here, this means I have Oakland getting two edge rushers and a cornerback with its first-round picks. That's a strong haul.
28. Los Angeles Chargers Jerry Tillery, DT, Notre Dame
Corey Liuget, Brandon Mebane, Darius Philon and Damion Square are all free agents, which means the Chargers have to address defensive tackle in free agency or in the draft. I thought they could have taken a DT in Round 1 last year. As I noted in my first Mock Draft, L.A. was pushed around in its playoff loss to the Patriots. Tillery is good interior pass-rusher with tremendous size (6-6, 304) and athletic traits. He has some versatility, too.
29. Kansas City Chiefs Johnathan Abram, S, Mississippi State
I'm sticking with a safety for Kansas City, because it was a clear weakness in 2018. Will we ever see Eric Berry return to his level of play from 2013 to '16? Abram is my new No. 1-ranked safety, a tone-setter who is physical in the run game and can flip his hips and run in pass coverage. It's worth noting the Chiefs have an extra second-round pick -- thanks to the Marcus Peters trade -- to help fix their defense, which means they could wait to get a safety until Day 2.
Mississippi State's Johnathan Abram had 99 total tackles, two interceptions and three sacks in 2018. Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire
30. Green Bay Packers (from NO) Devin Bush, ILB, Michigan
This is another match for need -- starter Jake Ryan missed all of 2018 with a torn ACL and is now a free agent, which means there's a void in the middle of the Green Bay defense. Bush is a bit undersized (5-11, 235), but he's a terrific sideline-to-sideline linebacker. I gave the Packers a receiver with their first pick, but they could also be in the market for an outside linebacker, especially with Clay Matthews a free agent.
31. Los Angeles Rams Jaylon Ferguson, DE, Louisiana Tech
Ferguson was in the news last week after his combine invite was rescinded when it was revealed he was convicted of simple battery his freshman year. That shouldn't hurt his draft stock, and he's expected to be able to undergo medical evaluations for teams. Ferguson (6-5, 260) had 45 sacks in his four-year career -- including 17.5 last season -- and set the FBS record for most sacks. He could add some weight and play end in Wade Phillips' 3-4 defense.
32. New England Patriots Daniel Jones, QB, Duke
I continue to believe Bill Belichick and the Patriots will use some of their draft capital on a quarterback. It could be here, or it could be with one of their two second-round picks. There could be several QBs go in the first three rounds. Jones is an athletic 6-foot-4 signal-caller who can be an erratic thrower at times but is already advanced in his footwork. He'd benefit from sitting and learning behind Tom Brady. The Super Bowl champs have several prominent free agents who could leave, so we'll know much more in a month about which positions they could target.
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