Matt's 2019 Mock Draft

Each week I will be updating this mock draft. As the draft approaches, I will be adding additional rounds as well.

1. Arizona Cardinals - Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma

• Arizona may have the worst kept secret ever, as it is well known that they will be selecting Kyler Murray with the first pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. They already have a first round QB on their roster in Josh Rosen, but new coach Kevin Klingsbury wants to bring in his own QB.

2. San Francisco 49ers - Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama

• Quinnen WIlliams is arguably the best player in this draft class. He offers a rare combination of strength and quickness, that most men his size just don't possess. Williams will be a welcome addition to the 49ers front line, as their defense needs help in several areas.

3. New York Jets - Nick Bosa, DE/OLB, The Ohio State

• This is likely to be a common spot where people talk about a trade-up for a QB, as teams may need to jump the Raiders in order to snag Dwayne Haskins or Drew Lock. However, if the Jets don't feel they're getting enough return, they can take the best edge player in the class in Nick Bosa. Bosa, similarly to his brother, leaves OSU after three seasons and did not disappoint. Although he missed his last season due to injury, it shouldn't cause him to slide down many, if any, draft boards.

4. Oakland Raiders - Dwayne Haskins, QB, The Ohio State

• Haskins is viewed by some as the top QB in the class, and it appears the Raiders may agree. There have been rumors than Jon Gruden isn't the biggest fan of Derek Carr and wants to bring in his own QB. There wouldn't be a better chance than this year, as they have a top 4 pick and several other first rounders. Haskins has also been seen working out with new Raiders wide receiver Antonio Brown, which doesn't hurt his cause to end up in the Silver and Black.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Josh Allen, DE/OLB, Kentucky

• The Buccaneers were once viewed as a team that was trending up and just a couple pieces away from being able to make a deep playoff run. However, that no longer appears to be the case. Bringing in an elite edge rusher could definitely change that, as Josh Allen has been dominate while at Kentucky. Allen lit up the combine and solidified himself atop the draft.

6. New York Giants - Rashan Gary, DT/DE, Michigan

• Earlier in the off-season, the Giants traded away their best defensive lineman in Oliver Vernon. Part of the reason was due his impact not meeting their expectations, but it was mostly a salary dump. The Giants can snag his replacement early in the draft, and they do so here grabbing Rashan Gary. Gary has some position flexibility, as he can play on the edge or kick inside. Wherever the Giants choose to use him, he should be a big boost to their pass rush.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars - Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida

• Jacksonville appeared to be on the cusp of a championship just two seasons ago. Now, they have replaced their "franchise" quarterback, and are having to make some cap decisions on aging players. One thing they can do to help change their trajectory is protect their new signal caller. Taylor is the top offensive lineman in the class, and possesses a nasty mean streak. Biggest knock on him has been his false start penalties, but that is something he should be able to resolve rather easily.

8. Detroit Lions - Christian Wilkins, DE/DT, Clemson

• The Detroit Lions are going to need some help upfront on defense this year, as they are likely losing Ezekiel Ansah to free agency, and Damon Harrison is already stating he wants a new contract. Christian Wilkins can definitely help fortify their front line. Wilkens possesses a quick burst off of the LOS and a great first punch. He plays both the run and the pass extremely well, and helped lead a fierce Clemson defense for several seasons.

9. Buffalo Bills - Ed Olver, DT, Houston

• The Bills definitely need more help on offense than defense, but there simply is too much defensive talent in this draft to pass up on a potential elite player. Ed Oliver may have the highest upside of any players in this draft class, and was once in the conversation for the number one overall pick. Some motor issues and slight character issues have dropped him a few spots on many people's boards, but there is no denying his rare combination of size and speed.

10. Denver Broncos - Devin White, LB, LSU

• The Broncos seem to be stuck between trying to compete for a playoff spot, and wanting to rebuild. They don't have a clear answer at quarterback even after trading for Joe Flacco, and they are slowly losing pieces to free agency. Yet, they still have a lot of talented pieces which keeps them out of the running for top quarterbacks without trading up. Here they can select Devin White who fills a massive need for them. The Broncos lost both Brandon Marshall and Danny Trevathan over the last two off-seasons. White is the top middle linebacker in this class, and can be an instant impact player in the middle of the Broncos' defense.

11. Cincinnati Bengals - Montez Sweat, DE, Mississippi State

• The Bengals, like the Broncos, are stuck between competing and rebuilding. Part of that last year was due to injuries, but it is also due to Andy Dalton not ever developing into a top tier quarterback. I think the Bengals believe they can still compete, so here they grab on of the most productive edge rusher in the draft in Montz Sweat. Sweat managed almost 30 tackles for loss over his two years in Mississippi, and really improved his stock with a great combine performance.

12. Green Bay Packers - TJ Hockenson, TE, Iowa

• The Green Bay Packers have been very aggressive in free agency and were able to address many holes on their defense. However, they still lack proven weapons outside of Davante Adams for Aaron Rodgers to throw to. They can address that need here by getting the top tight end in the draft, TJ Hockenson. Iowa has two tight ends that might go in the first round, but Hockenson is definitely the superior of the two right now. He is a great all-around tight end, who can block and be a threat down the seam for Rodgers.

13. Miami Dolphins - Cody Ford, OG/OT, Oklahoma

• The Dolphins appear to be officially entering their rebuild, as they traded away their starting quarterback. They currently don't have a top pick, so unless they are willing to trade up, or they fall in love with one of the lower ranked QBs, it is unlikely they take one in the opening round. If that happens to be the case, they should just build their roster from the inside out, and that is what they do here getting the best interior offensive lineman in the class. Cody Ford has the ability to play all positions on the offensive line, but he is best suited on the interior, where he can help fortify Miami's offensive front.

14. Atlanta Falcons - Clelin Ferrell, DE/OLB, Clemson

• Just a few years ago the Atlanta Falcons were in the Super Bowl and seemed to be a perennial contender. Now the Falcons are picking in the first half of the draft, and have to fill several holes. One hole they have is at pass rusher, as they don't currently have anyone to put consistent pressure on the quarterback. Clelin Ferrell can definitely help them there, as he was relentless at getting after the QB for the Clemson Tigers.

15. Washington Redskins - Drew Lock, QB, Missouri

• The Washington Redskins thought they traded for their new franchise quarterback in Alex Smith, but unfortunately he suffered a gruesome leg injury and his career may be over. They have since traded for Case Keenum, but he is nothing more than a stop-gap. The best QB available at this point is Drew Lock, and the Redskins are likely hoping no one trades up for him. Lock has put up big numbers during his time at Missouri, and greatly helped his stock returning to school. He improved is accuracy and decision making in his final season, which will help him become a starter sooner rather than later.

16. Carolina Panthers - Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State

• The Panthers need to have one goal this off-season, protect Cam Newton. Newton has constantly been running for his life the last couple years, and not by design. Newton has struggled with his health at times due to his physical nature, so keeping him lean on designed pass plays will greatly help. Andrew Dillard is the number two tackle on many people's boards, and will be a nice fit in Carolina. While it is unclear if he would start on the left or right side, he profiles as an athletic left tackle that will excel in pass protection.

17. New York Giants (via Cleveland Browns) - DK Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss

• The Giants appear set on letting Eli Manning continue to play no matter how bad his play gets. Even if it costs them some talented players along the way. The Giants traded away a top wide receiver to get this pick, and they select the top wide receiver in the draft in DK Metcalf. Metcalf is a freak of nature physically, as he looks more like a linebacker at times than a receiver. Metcalf is far from a perfect prospect however, as he has a lot of work to do to refine his route running. However, with the Giants rebuilding, he'll be given plenty of time to work on his craft.

18. Minnesota Vikings - Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama

• The Vikings offensive line was in shambles last season, as Kirk Cousins was running for his life, and their running game was very suspect. They need multiple upgrades along the front line, and drafting Jonah Williams will definitely help that. Williams was the anchor for Alabama's offensive line the past three seasons, as he is a tremendous run blocker. He lacks the ideal size and length to become a left tackle, but he is a technician and likely can improve enough to be a solid one if moved over to the blind side.

19. Tennessee Titans - Brian Burns, DE/OLB, Florida State

• The Tennessee Titans are a couple pieces away from being a really good team, along with some better luck in the health department from their starting quarterback. One area that always has room for improvement is pass rusher, and Brian Burns profiles as one of the purest in the class. Burn has three years of good production getting after the QB, and uses his great size and speed to beat tackles around the edge. Burns does have a small build and does have questions to answer if he can hold up against the run, but he should be able to make an immediate impact in passing situations.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers - Devin Bush, LB, Michigan

• The Steelers are being counted out by several members of the media this year, but they still have an elite quarterback, and are likely to have a top offense again. There is no secret that they have desperately missed the presence of Ryan Shazier in the middle of their defense, and while they signed Mark Barron to possibly replace him, Devin bush is a very promising talent that is too good to pass on. Bush has incredible speed for the position and was all over the field for the Wolverines. He lacks ideal size, and there are some questions on his instincts, but his physical talents are too much to pass up on in today's NFL that requires linebackers to be able to defend the pass very well in order to be successful.

21. Seattle Seahawks - Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia

• Seattle's "Legion of Boom" has been completely dismantled. No members of the original secondary are currently on the roster, and it is evident based on their secondary play this past season. Here they are able to grab the topped ranked corner in the class, Deandre Baker. Baker is a press man-to-man corner who excels when jamming opposing wideouts at the line of scrimmage. Over the past two seasons Baker has not allowed a single touchdown while playing for the Bulldogs, which is a pretty incredible feat. The biggest concerns with Baker involve his like of size, but he has shown to be able to overcome those limitations to this point.

22. Baltimore Ravens - Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma

• The Baltimore Ravens completely changed their philosophy this past season, mostly due to switching to new franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson. They have went with a run heavy scheme utilizing multiple tight ends and a limited passing game. This leads to the need of a wide receiver that can make plays in space, and Marquise Brown can do just that. Marquise, the cousin of Antonio Brown, is a dynamic player who possesses great speed and quickness, and is able to get a lot of yards after the catch. In Baltimore's offense there won't be a ton of passing down the field, so Brown's ability to catch the ball at the line and gain big chunks of yards will be critical.

23. Houston Texans - Chris Lindstrom, OG, Boston College

• The Houston Texans have some star power on both sides of the ball and are capable of making big plays. However, they struggle at one of the most important things for a top NFL team which is protecting their star quarterback. They have needs at both tackle and guard, but any offensive tackle right now could be considered a reach, and Chris Lindstrom is good value here. Lindstrom is very athletic and is able to move laterally to counter interior rushers. He also pairs well with the zone run scheme that the Texans like to run with his ability to move laterally.

24. Oakland Raiders (via Chicago Bears) - Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama

• Wit the second of the Raiders three first round picks, they add another weapon for their newly drafted quarterback in Josh Jacobs. The Raiders lack a three down running back, and Jacobs can carry a heavy workload for them. He is a very decisive runner and gets up field quickly once he picks his lane. He is also a great threat out of the backfield, and has the ability to line up in the sot if needed. The only knock on Jacobs is his top end speed, but that shouldn't be an issue as he develops into the workhorse for the Raiders.

25. Philadelphia Eagles - Byron Murphy, CB, Washington

• The Eagles number one need is far and away the cornerback position. They have Ronald Darby coming off a torn ACL, and have gotten inconsistent play from anyone outside of him. Byron Murphy can be a nice plug and play player for the Eagle going into 2019. Murphy is by no means an elite athlete, but he does have a great feel for the game with rare instincts. He plays the ball tremendously in the air and is always a threat to create a turnover. He is an average athlete and lacks ideal size, but his play making should help him overcome those shortcomings.

26. Indianapolis Colts - Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson

• The Indianapolis Colts have a lack of outside talent both on offense and defense, but here they are able to snag one of the top interior defensive talents in Dexter Lawrence. Lawrence was once considered to be a top ten pick, but his potential didn't result in increased production. He has a rare combination of size and speed, as he ran his 40 yard dash in just over five seconds, at 340lbs. The Colts do have a hole to fill on the interior as well, as they released Jonathan Hankins last off-season, and failed to adequately find a replacement.

27. Oakland Raiders (via Dallas Cowboys) - Parris Campbell, WR, The Ohio State

• The Oakland Raiders add yet another weapon to their offensive arsenal in Parris Campbell. Campbell can give the Raiders something many teams covet, which is elite speed. Campbell was a track star in high school, and blazed at the combine with a 4.31s 40 yard dash. Campbell didn't use his speed to get deep often in college, as he was mostly featured on screens and shallow crosses to run away from defenders. If he can develop his route tree he can easily become the top wide receiver out of this draft class.

28. Los Angeles Chargers - Dre'Mont Jones, DT, The Ohio State

• The Chargers have some top tier players on defense, but do have a hole in the middle of their defensive line. Dre'Mont Jones is able to fill the hole, and should be able to do so early on in his career. Jones is a quick, gap-shooting, three-technique defensive tackle that is very disruptive with his ability to get into the opponents backfield. In his last season at Ohio State, his potential finally turned into production as tallied 13.5 tackles for loss and 8 sacks. He needs to add more weight, specifically to his lower body, and work on his technique, but there is no doubting his upside.

29. Kansas City Chiefs - Jaylon Ferguson, DE/OLB, Louisiana Tech

• The Kansas City Chiefs have one of the most explosive offenses in the league, but definitely have holes on defense. One of those holes was created by trading away Dee Ford this off-season. As a replacement, the Chiefs could nab Jaylon Ferguson. Ferguson doesn't have the potential as many edge rushers that went before him due to average athletic traits, but he has a great instincts when it comes to getting to the quarterback.

30. Green Bay Packers (via New Orleans Saints) - Johnathan Abram, S, Mississippi State

• The Green Bay Packers strangely trade away HaHa Clinton-Dix during the middle of last season, that paired with not resigning Morgan Burnett last off-season, left holes in the back end of their secondary. They can help fill that void by adding the top safety in the draft class here, Johnathan Abram. Abram is a physical strong safety who excels at run support and keeping plays in front of him. Abram also does a solid job at covering opposing tight ends down the seam, which is very important in today's NFL. He does struggle matching up against slot receivers or in zone, but he can make an immediate impact with his other skills while those continue to develop.

31. Los Angeles Rams - Noah Fant, TE, Iowa

• The Los Angeles Rams used a lot of resources and money last off-season in order to take a shot at a championship. It almost worked, as they ended up losing in the Super Bowl. The only thing their offense lacked last season was a big receiving threat in the middle of the field, and Noah Fant can be that guy. Fant has the acceleration and speed of a wide receiver, but the body of a tight end, which caused consistent mismatched in college. He currently lacks the technique and strength to be an inline blocker, but that is something that can be easily added throughout the first few years of his career.

32. New England Patriots - Jeffery Simmons, DE/DT, Mississippi State

• The New England Patriots yet again won the Super Bowl. Yet again, they snag a falling prospect here in Jeffery Simmons. Simmons tore his ACL while training for the combine, which will likely delay his start to the season, if not cause him to miss it all together. However, he was considered a top ten pick before the injury. Simmons has elite athleticism for an interior lineman, and consistently was able to get around opposing guards with raw talent. He needs some improvement on his instincts, as he doesn't have a tremendous feel for the game at times. Some teams ma have taken him off their draft board all together due to an incident back in 2016, but that likely won't be the case as he falls to the end of the first/early second.