ADF - 2019 NFL Mock Draft

This is it for all the speculation as all our questions will be answered tonight as the NFL Draft will get underway.

Lots of smoke has been thrown out to confuse and to gain leverage as team’s jock for position to select their coveted player. We at ADF provide our final theories to where the next generation of talent will reside. It shall be exciting to see how close we get. Happy Draft Day!!! 

ADF Mock Draft: ROUND 1

Arizona Cardinals | Pick 1:  

Kyler Murray (QB)

Throughout the entire evaluation process, the Cardinals have been tied to Kyler Murray until this last week. Recent talk has the Cards choosing Nick Bosa and standing firm with Josh Rosen as their pivot. As we gear up for Draft Night, we aren’t buying the smoke screen; Kyler Murray will be the 2019 first overall selection. 

San Francisco 49ers | Pick 2:  

Nick Bosa (DE)

The 49ers find themselves in a great situation to continue the build of this organization having top-end talent staring them right in the face. While we wouldn’t be surprised to see the 49ers attempt to trade down to secure more draft capital, holding steady will garner Nick Bosa to create one of the better defensive fronts in the NFL.   

New York Jets | Pick 3:  

Quinnen Williams (DT)

With many rumors seeing the Jets attempting to try and move down the board to collect more picks, they may be hard pressed to find a trading partner. If they remain with the third overall pick, they will find themselves selecting the best overall prospect in this year’s draft. With many holes on the defensive side, Quinnen Williams will be a great piece to the puzzle.

Oakland Raiders | Pick 4: 

Devin White (LB)

When the Raiders jump into action with the first of their three picks in the first round, they can literally move in any direction. Our first thought was for Oakland to replace the gigantic hole left by Khalil Mack when he was shipped away last season. However, recent reports suggest coach Gruden is enamoured with LSU product Devin White, and we too believe this would be a great fit.  

Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Pick 5:

TRADE ALERT: Washington Redskins (From Pick 15)

Dwayne Haskins (QB)

With recent reports swirling that the Redskins would like to jump into the top five ahead of the Giants to select Dwayne Haskins, we feel the need to go along with that mantra. While moving up the board 10 spots would take a great deal of capital from Washington, Tampa Bay would be the most willing to trade down for a fair price. With Alex Smith essentially seeing his career come to an end, Haskins could become the starter for the Redskins.

New York Giants | Pick 6:

Drew Lock (QB)

While the chatter has the Redskins trying to leapfrog the Giants to steal Haskins, it’s our contention that New York would rather select Drew Lock as their potential franchise quarterback anyway. Lock was highly touted at the start of the college season but lost traction as the year moved forward. Some have viewed Lock as the best quarterback prospect in this draft and the Giants won’t take chances on losing him after pick six. 

Jacksonville Jaguars | Pick 7:  

Jawaan Taylor (T)

Though the Jaguars found themselves to underachieve last season, having great fortune to select high in this year’s draft is the consolation prize. With a roster still loaded with ample talent, the driving factor should be to protect newly signed passer Nick Foles. Selecting one of the better tackles in the draft will go a long way in helping the offense improve.

Detroit Lions | Pick 8:

Josh Allen (OLB/Edge)

While the Lions could also move in the direction of offensive line help, we believe Coach Matt Patricia will get his way especially when seeing Josh Allen fall to them at pick eight. There will be parties in the streets of Detroit when they not only fill an enormous hole, but secure one of the best talents in this draft.   

Buffalo Bills | Pick 9:  

Ed Oliver (DT)

A late draft board riser, Houston’s Ed Oliver showed unbelievable skill every time we turned on the tape. The Buffalo Bills will be enthralled to add a player of his ability to add to an already impressive defensive group. Comparisons have placed the skillset of Oliver to mirror that of a poor man’s Aaron Donald. If that does translate on the field, this is a massive victory.

Denver Broncos | Pick 10:  

Devin Bush (LB)

With only two top notch line backers in this draft worthy of selecting in the top 15, the Broncos will be forced secure the talents of Michigan’s Devin Bush.  The need clearly outweighs the want, but thankfully for John Elway, Bush is a near can’t miss prospect that will only help the defense continue to be a force.  

Cincinnati Bengals | Pick 11:

TJ Hockerson (TE)

While the need for offensive line is clearly a top priority, we believe selecting TJ Hockerson could essentially fill two needs at the same time. As the Bengals continue to provide blind faith to Tyler Eifert, Hockerson would come in day one and provide sound assistance on the offensive line while becoming a force in the pass game. This pick makes far too much sense to pass up - especially in Zac Taylor’s offensive friendly system.     

Green Bay Packers | Pick 12:  

Jonah Williams (G/T)

If the Packers understand their team dynamic, we fully believe they won’t get it wrong this time. The Colts proved what could be done when adding talent to the offensive line to protect the most valuable asset on the club. Giving Aaron Rodgers more time in the pocket to dissect defenses should be the only thing on their minds leaving Jonah Williams a prime candidate to become a Packer.   

Miami Dolphins | Pick 13:  

Rashan Gary (Edge)

With the Miami Dolphins clearly looking to start fresh from the ground floor up, selecting the best player on the board is the only way to move. While other players could warrant this selection, we truly subscribe to upgrading in the trenches first to solidify a proper rebuild. Adding Rashan Gary is a step in the right direction. 

Atlanta Falcons | Pick 14:  

Christian Wilkins (DT)

With past indications prevalent, the Atlanta Falcons general manager simply loves to add talent to the offensive side of the ball, but will be forced to adjust his approach. Clearly noted from last season, the Falcons require a great deal of depth on the defensive side and should correct it with Clemson standout Christian Wilkins. Having another big body in the middle to team up with Grady Jarrett will be a welcomed sight to coach Quinn.  

Washington Redskins | Pick 15: 

TRADE ALERT: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (From Pick 5)

Jeffery Simmons (DT)

If this potential trade happens and the Buccaneers move down 10 spots in the first round while securing extra draft capital in the process, landing stud defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons would be fabulous. The obvious knock on Simmons is that he tore his ACL and won’t garner many returns until next season. With the Bucs looking to ship Gerald McCoy out of town, Simmons would be a great replacement. 

Carolina Panthers | Pick 16:

Andre Dillard (OT)

I think it’s safe to suggest that the Panthers have seen enough of Cam Newton going under the knife to correct injuries to his shoulder. Perhaps understanding that more adequate protection is needed to keep their franchise quarterback out of the medical room while enhancing the holes for the run game. Securing the best tackle on the board will go a long way to rectifying their issues.

New York Giants (From Cleveland) | Pick 17:

DK Metcalf (WR)

When the Giants traded Odell Beckham Jr to the Browns, a gaping hole still resides in the deep pass game for this offense. Enter the replacement for Beckham; the Giants will entertain selecting athletic freak and gym-rat DK Metcalf to help the transition. While we understand the weaknesses to his game, Metcalf would instantly provide a deep play ability to free up stacked boxes to assist Saquon Barkley in the run game. Selecting the successor to Eli Manning at pick six, with adding the Beckham replacement here at pick 17 looks nice.    

Minnesota Vikings | Pick 18:

Noah Fant (TE)

When the Vikings chose to spend big on the open market and bring Kirk Cousins to the fold, it was clear that he could lift those around him and score points at will. However, adding more talent to help progress this offense should be viewed as a priority with Cousins only having two years left on his deal. In our eyes, potential star Noah Fant would be the perfect complement to this offense in adding more firepower to support Cousins. Also, with Kyle Rudolph entering a contract season, this selection makes far too much sense to pass up for Minnesota.    

Tennessee Titans | Pick 19:

Clelin Ferrell (OLB/Edge)

While adding to the offense isn’t out of the question for Tennessee, at this point accumulating more talent to the strength of this team would be the benefit. The Titans already house an impressive group on defense and selecting another edge rushing presence would go a long way. You can’t have too many talented players chasing after opposing quarterbacks.  

Pittsburgh Steelers | Pick 20:

Byron Murphy (DB)

While choosing to place yet another defensive back in the first round for the Steelers makes us cringe, this time selecting a player of Byron Murphy’s caliber shouldn’t go by the wayside. Requiring help on the defensive backend to support Joe Haden and Terrell Edmounds, Murphy could be the missing link. Pittsburgh won’t regret the added depth at the position. 

Seattle Seahawks | Pick 21:  

Montez Sweat (Edge)

While Mississippi State standout Montez Sweat was pegged to go higher in this draft, a recent discovery of a heart condition leaves us to watch him plummet down the board. Possessing great athletic ability the Seahawks will have done their due-diligence on his medicals and select him at pick 21. With the recent trade of Frank Clark to Kansas City, this could be a sound replacement for pass rushing help. 

Baltimore Ravens | Pick 22:

Marquise Brown (WR)

If there was any team in the league in need of a talent infusion at the receiver position, it’s the Baltimore Ravens. While their system will again promote a ground and pound approach, having viable playmakers to stretch the field will be important to open those lanes. Marquise Brown has been compared to the likes of DeSean Jackson, which would be a great addition to this meek receiving core.   

Houston Texans | Pick 23:

Cody Ford (T)

While we feel the Texans could move in another direction as well, they too are a club that has neglected the offensive line, leaving their quarterback exposed to more injury. Though this draft isn’t filled with a plethora of top-end talent on the offensive line, Cody Ford is more than serviceable and should slot in as a day one starter on the Texans line.  

Oakland Raiders (From Chicago) | Pick 24:  

Josh Jacobs (RB)

Besides the Buccaneers, the Raiders are in dire need of adding talent to the running back position, and they should have their chance to snag Josh Jacobs late in the first round. While we’ve seen comparisons ranging all over the map for the former Alabama product, the fit would look right in the silver and black. Seeing many suggest that this is as close of a done deal as there ever was in an NFL draft, we shall abide by that notion. 

Philadelphia Eagles | Pick 25:

Rock Ya-Sin (DB)

Even as line backer is the far greater need on this club, securing more depth to the defensive back room should be the move here at pick 25 for the Eagles. With Philadelphia adding more weapons to the offensive side in DeSean Jackson and Jordan Howard, defense should dictate terms at they will start the run on corner backs late in the first round.

Indianapolis Colts | Pick 26:

Deandre Baker (DB)

While the Eagles could select Deandre Baker over Rock Ya-Sin, the Colts will be waiting patiently to snag whomever they don’t choose. For reference of this mock draft, the Colts will secure Deandre Baker to help round out a unit in need of assistance. While we could see more pass rushing help added here, we must preach best player available instead of reaching. 

Oakland Raiders (From Dallas) | Pick 27:

Greedy Williams (DB)

To round out the Raiders three selections in the first round, Jon Gruden will be ecstatic to witness the speedy Greedy Williams fall to pick 27. Even as we feel this is quite low for such a talented player, apparently off field concerns have risen leaving teams to completely stay away.  Perhaps dropping this far in the draft will gain perceptive for the young potential star.

Los Angeles Chargers | Pick 28:

Dexter Lawrence (DT)

Having lost so many on the defensive front this offseason, the Chargers find themselves in a situation where they will be forced to select the best lineman on the board. While Dexter Lawrence won’t wow you with extreme athletic ability, his massive frame will undoubtedly stop any runner coming his way. Los Angeles had many issues last season stopping the run and Lawrence will definitely help.

Seattle Seahawks (From Kansas City) | Pick 29:

N’Keal Harry (WR)

With Doug Baldwin again nursing injuries to start the offseason, his availability will be in question come training camp. Seattle will address the receiver position with this pick which they received from the Chiefs in the Frank Clark trade. Seattle desperately requires a big play receiver to help in the pass game who can win those 50-50 jump balls especially in the redzone. N’Keal Harry has that perfect skillset for what’s missing on this receiving core.  

Green Bay Packers (From New Orleans) | Pick 30:

Brian Burns (DE/Edge)

While we could make the argument that the Packers could go offensive line once again, adding the defensive line seems to be more appropriate. Brian Burns is a sound pass rusher that should be able to carve out a role early this season. As the Packers continue to add depth to a defense that already houses solid players, Burns should fit right in.  

Los Angeles Rams | Pick 31:

Garrett Bradbury (C)

As we gave strong review to what the Rams should do on draft day, we could’ve moved in multiple directions. Adding a running back here does look appealing, but we feel shoring up the loss of Rodger Saffold is the way to move. Selecting the best center in the class should give the Rams opportunity to tinker with placement on this line in possibly moving others around to make room for Bradbury. Offensive line is never a sexy pick, but it always makes a huge difference.  

New England Patriots | Pick 32:  

Daniel Jones (QB)

Thinking long and hard for what the Patriots should do here with the last pick of the first round, we almost placed a wide receiver for this selection. The Patriots haven’t had the next heir to the throne at quarterback since they traded both Jimmy Garoppolo and Jacoby Brissett. Perhaps it’s time we see Bill Belichick make that splash in attempts to find the next coming.