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Mel Kiper Jr releases his first mock for 2019 so I guess draft season has now started...
Mel Kiper 1.0:
It's NFL Mock Draft time, and this is my first crack at predicting picks 1-32 for the Class of 2019. April's draft is coming faster than you think, and we now know which underclassmen are leaving school early and headed to the NFL, a list which includes intriguing quarterback prospect Kyler Murray. 2019 NFL DRAFT Remember that teams are early in their evaluations, and we still have to get through postseason all-star games, combine testing, medicals, pro days and individual workouts before their draft boards become set. Free agency in March will also change needs for several teams. I'm predicting each first-round pick here based on a combination of my Big Board rankings, each team's needs right now and my view on positions that could be upgraded. Let's dig into my 2019 NFL Mock Draft 1.0, starting with Arizona and ending with Green Bay, which has New Orleans' pick. Check out the SportsCenter special at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2 for more on my thoughts -- and see if Todd McShay agrees -- on every pick.
1) Arizona Cardinals: Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State
General manager Steve Keim is going to have a chance to trade down and accumulate picks. He should take a look at it, too, because this roster has been stripped of talent since the Cardinals went to the NFC Championship Game in 2016. But Bosa is going to be tough to pass up, as he is an elite pass-rusher. New defensive coordinator Vance Joseph is expected to switch this defense back to a 3-4, and Bosa has the versatility to play multiple spots. Give new coach Kliff Kingsbury a defensive stalwart opposite Chandler Jones who can get after Jared Goff, Russell Wilson and Jimmy Garoppolo twice a season.
2) San Francisco 49ers: Josh Allen, OLB, Kentucky
The 49ers took defensive linemen in the first round in three straight years (2015 to '17), but DeForest Buckner is the only true star of the group. And none of those picks has the edge-rushing potential of Allen, who racked up 17 sacks for the Wildcats this season. If you're talking about pure pass-rushing ability, the 6-foot-5, 230-pound Allen is right up there with Bosa. San Francisco needs to add offensive weapons this offseason, but none is worth taking this high.
3) New York Jets: Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama
The Jets will have the most 2019 cap space of any team, so expect them to be active in free agency. For now, I'll go with the best player on the board in Williams, who finished eighth in the voting for the Heisman Trophy this season. If new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams switches to a 4-3, Williams is a perfect fit as a three-technique penetrator. Remember that the Jets don't have a second-round pick -- they dealt it in the Sam Darnold trade up last year -- so it's extra important that they hit here. New York does have an extra third-round pick from the Teddy Bridgewater trade.
4) Oakland Raiders: Greedy Williams, CB, LSU
It's tough to predict what Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock will do with three first-round picks in this class, but fixing an aging defense should be a priority. The Raiders have needs across the board, including at pass-rusher -- they had a league-low 13 sacks in 2018. But with Bosa and Allen off the board, I'll go with a corner. Gareon Conley came on strong at the end of the season, but there's a hole across from the 2017 first-rounder. Williams is a big, 6-foot-3 corner with long arms and lockdown potential. The comp I've made for him is Aqib Talib.
5) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jonah Williams, OT/G, Alabama
The Bucs could look very different under new coach Bruce Arians in 2019, as they have several key free agents (Kwon Alexander, Donovan Smith, Adam Humphries, among others), plus veterans (DeSean Jackson, Gerald McCoy) who are candidates to be released. Upgrading the offensive line should be a priority, however, and Williams has Pro Bowl potential at both guard and tackle. Washington's Brandon Scherff is the example I've used -- Williams made 43 straight starts at tackle for the Crimson Tide, but he has the frame (6-foot-5, 301 pounds) to easily move inside.
6) New York Giants: Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State This is an easy call. The Giants need a quarterback, and Haskins is the best quarterback in the class. The Giants can't afford to put off the decision for another year, even if they bring back 38-year-old Eli Manning and let the rookie learn behind him. Haskins (6-3, 220) is far from a finished product -- he started only 14 games at Ohio State -- but he has an extremely high ceiling. One thing to watch is whether QB-needy teams get aggressive and try to trade up to get in front of the Giants.
7) Jacksonville Jaguars: Cody Ford, OT/G, Oklahoma
Can the Jaguars pass on a quarterback in this draft? Here's why I'm going a different direction: Despite the struggles in 2018, this roster is built to win now. Jacksonville has talent and is just a year removed from playing in the AFC title game. That's why I think Tom Coughlin & Co. will have already made their quarterback decision by April's draft, going with one of the free-agent options who is more likely to help the Jags win in 2019. Instead, let's upgrade a porous offensive line with Ford, a mauler who would slot in at guard or right tackle.
8) Detroit Lions: Devin White, LB, LSU
This is a spot to watch for a pass-rusher, as the Lions could part ways with free agent Ezekiel Ansah. In fact, coach Matt Patricia could use improvements at every level of his defense. White is a fly-to-the-football linebacker with similar athletic traits as Detroit middle linebacker Jarrad Davis, who was taken in the first round in 2017. The two could form a stellar tandem, as both are three-down linebackers. White isn't a true pass-rusher, but he makes plays in the backfield
9) Buffalo Bills: Rashan Gary, DE/DT, Michigan
Could the Bills get their Kyle Williams replacement here? At his peak, the 6-foot-6, 283-pound Gary is a menace who makes offensive linemen look foolish, but you'd like to see him do it with more regularity. Gary could play end or nose guard in a 3-4 defense or tackle in a 4-3. Buffalo could look at centers or guards here; improving the interior of the offensive line should be a priority.
10) Denver Broncos: Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia
Former first-round pick Bradley Roby isa free agent, and Chris Harris Jr., who broke his leg in December, turns 30 over the summer. Cornerback is the No. 1 need for the Broncos. Baker isn't far behind Greedy Williams as the top corner in this class. General manager John Elway hit on his 2018 draft class, and he needs another good one to get the team back on track under new coach Vic Fangio.
11) Cincinnati Bengals: Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida
The Bengals have missed on a few offensive linemen in the draft in recent years, and there's still a hole at right tackle. That's where Taylor would slot in. He took a huge step forward playing on the right side in 2018, though there's still mixed opinion from people I trust in the league. Taylor is raw, but he has the tools to be a premier road grader in the run game.
12) Green Bay Packers: Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson
Ferrell, who had 21 sacks the past two seasons, isn't a perfect fit in the Packers' 3-4 defense, but he's the best pass-rusher left on the board. Green Bay needs to add edge-rush help this offseason -- Clay Matthews and Muhammad Wilkerson are free agents -- and Ferrell (6-5, 265) could play end or outside linebacker here. The Packers will likely keep an eye on offensive playmakers, too, and they have New Orleans' first-round pick from last year's draft-day trade.
13) Miami Dolphins: Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma
The Dolphins need to rebuild. What better way to start that rebuild than to take the Heisman Trophy winner? Now, just because Murray has entered the draft doesn't mean he's sticking to football. He could still back out and play baseball. But I'm treating him as if he's all-in for now, and if he goes to the combine -- he's going to run a blazing 40-yard dash -- and goes through workouts for teams, I expect him to be picked in Round 1. This is an unprecedented situation for a 5-foot-10 quarterback, but it's going to be fun to watch over the next few months.
14) Atlanta Falcons: Ed Oliver, DT, Houston
If Grady Jarrett's price tag in free agency proves too much for the Falcons, Oliver is the perfect replacement as an interior game-wrecker. His tape was picked apart this season, and he was better in 2017, but he can dominate a game when he's playing at his best. He needs to keep developing as a pass-rusher, however. Oliver is only 21, and he has a high ceiling.
15) Washington Redskins: Jachai Polite, OLB, Florida
This is another potential landing spot for Kyler Murray. Alex Smith's scary injury put his future in jeopardy, and it wouldn't shock me if the Redskins added a young quarterback this offseason. Ultimately, I'm going with Polite, a perfect pass-rusher for a 3-4 defense who came on strong with 11 sacks this season. Former second-round pick Preston Smith has been inconsistent, and he's a free agent, so Polite makes sense as a replacement opposite Ryan Kerrigan. Safety is another position to watch, depending on what happens with free agent Ha Ha Clinton-Dix.Dix.
Mel Kiper 1.0:
It's NFL Mock Draft time, and this is my first crack at predicting picks 1-32 for the Class of 2019. April's draft is coming faster than you think, and we now know which underclassmen are leaving school early and headed to the NFL, a list which includes intriguing quarterback prospect Kyler Murray. 2019 NFL DRAFT Remember that teams are early in their evaluations, and we still have to get through postseason all-star games, combine testing, medicals, pro days and individual workouts before their draft boards become set. Free agency in March will also change needs for several teams. I'm predicting each first-round pick here based on a combination of my Big Board rankings, each team's needs right now and my view on positions that could be upgraded. Let's dig into my 2019 NFL Mock Draft 1.0, starting with Arizona and ending with Green Bay, which has New Orleans' pick. Check out the SportsCenter special at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2 for more on my thoughts -- and see if Todd McShay agrees -- on every pick.
1) Arizona Cardinals: Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State
General manager Steve Keim is going to have a chance to trade down and accumulate picks. He should take a look at it, too, because this roster has been stripped of talent since the Cardinals went to the NFC Championship Game in 2016. But Bosa is going to be tough to pass up, as he is an elite pass-rusher. New defensive coordinator Vance Joseph is expected to switch this defense back to a 3-4, and Bosa has the versatility to play multiple spots. Give new coach Kliff Kingsbury a defensive stalwart opposite Chandler Jones who can get after Jared Goff, Russell Wilson and Jimmy Garoppolo twice a season.
2) San Francisco 49ers: Josh Allen, OLB, Kentucky
The 49ers took defensive linemen in the first round in three straight years (2015 to '17), but DeForest Buckner is the only true star of the group. And none of those picks has the edge-rushing potential of Allen, who racked up 17 sacks for the Wildcats this season. If you're talking about pure pass-rushing ability, the 6-foot-5, 230-pound Allen is right up there with Bosa. San Francisco needs to add offensive weapons this offseason, but none is worth taking this high.
3) New York Jets: Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama
The Jets will have the most 2019 cap space of any team, so expect them to be active in free agency. For now, I'll go with the best player on the board in Williams, who finished eighth in the voting for the Heisman Trophy this season. If new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams switches to a 4-3, Williams is a perfect fit as a three-technique penetrator. Remember that the Jets don't have a second-round pick -- they dealt it in the Sam Darnold trade up last year -- so it's extra important that they hit here. New York does have an extra third-round pick from the Teddy Bridgewater trade.
4) Oakland Raiders: Greedy Williams, CB, LSU
It's tough to predict what Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock will do with three first-round picks in this class, but fixing an aging defense should be a priority. The Raiders have needs across the board, including at pass-rusher -- they had a league-low 13 sacks in 2018. But with Bosa and Allen off the board, I'll go with a corner. Gareon Conley came on strong at the end of the season, but there's a hole across from the 2017 first-rounder. Williams is a big, 6-foot-3 corner with long arms and lockdown potential. The comp I've made for him is Aqib Talib.
5) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jonah Williams, OT/G, Alabama
The Bucs could look very different under new coach Bruce Arians in 2019, as they have several key free agents (Kwon Alexander, Donovan Smith, Adam Humphries, among others), plus veterans (DeSean Jackson, Gerald McCoy) who are candidates to be released. Upgrading the offensive line should be a priority, however, and Williams has Pro Bowl potential at both guard and tackle. Washington's Brandon Scherff is the example I've used -- Williams made 43 straight starts at tackle for the Crimson Tide, but he has the frame (6-foot-5, 301 pounds) to easily move inside.
6) New York Giants: Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State This is an easy call. The Giants need a quarterback, and Haskins is the best quarterback in the class. The Giants can't afford to put off the decision for another year, even if they bring back 38-year-old Eli Manning and let the rookie learn behind him. Haskins (6-3, 220) is far from a finished product -- he started only 14 games at Ohio State -- but he has an extremely high ceiling. One thing to watch is whether QB-needy teams get aggressive and try to trade up to get in front of the Giants.
7) Jacksonville Jaguars: Cody Ford, OT/G, Oklahoma
Can the Jaguars pass on a quarterback in this draft? Here's why I'm going a different direction: Despite the struggles in 2018, this roster is built to win now. Jacksonville has talent and is just a year removed from playing in the AFC title game. That's why I think Tom Coughlin & Co. will have already made their quarterback decision by April's draft, going with one of the free-agent options who is more likely to help the Jags win in 2019. Instead, let's upgrade a porous offensive line with Ford, a mauler who would slot in at guard or right tackle.
8) Detroit Lions: Devin White, LB, LSU
This is a spot to watch for a pass-rusher, as the Lions could part ways with free agent Ezekiel Ansah. In fact, coach Matt Patricia could use improvements at every level of his defense. White is a fly-to-the-football linebacker with similar athletic traits as Detroit middle linebacker Jarrad Davis, who was taken in the first round in 2017. The two could form a stellar tandem, as both are three-down linebackers. White isn't a true pass-rusher, but he makes plays in the backfield
9) Buffalo Bills: Rashan Gary, DE/DT, Michigan
Could the Bills get their Kyle Williams replacement here? At his peak, the 6-foot-6, 283-pound Gary is a menace who makes offensive linemen look foolish, but you'd like to see him do it with more regularity. Gary could play end or nose guard in a 3-4 defense or tackle in a 4-3. Buffalo could look at centers or guards here; improving the interior of the offensive line should be a priority.
10) Denver Broncos: Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia
Former first-round pick Bradley Roby isa free agent, and Chris Harris Jr., who broke his leg in December, turns 30 over the summer. Cornerback is the No. 1 need for the Broncos. Baker isn't far behind Greedy Williams as the top corner in this class. General manager John Elway hit on his 2018 draft class, and he needs another good one to get the team back on track under new coach Vic Fangio.
11) Cincinnati Bengals: Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida
The Bengals have missed on a few offensive linemen in the draft in recent years, and there's still a hole at right tackle. That's where Taylor would slot in. He took a huge step forward playing on the right side in 2018, though there's still mixed opinion from people I trust in the league. Taylor is raw, but he has the tools to be a premier road grader in the run game.
12) Green Bay Packers: Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson
Ferrell, who had 21 sacks the past two seasons, isn't a perfect fit in the Packers' 3-4 defense, but he's the best pass-rusher left on the board. Green Bay needs to add edge-rush help this offseason -- Clay Matthews and Muhammad Wilkerson are free agents -- and Ferrell (6-5, 265) could play end or outside linebacker here. The Packers will likely keep an eye on offensive playmakers, too, and they have New Orleans' first-round pick from last year's draft-day trade.
13) Miami Dolphins: Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma
The Dolphins need to rebuild. What better way to start that rebuild than to take the Heisman Trophy winner? Now, just because Murray has entered the draft doesn't mean he's sticking to football. He could still back out and play baseball. But I'm treating him as if he's all-in for now, and if he goes to the combine -- he's going to run a blazing 40-yard dash -- and goes through workouts for teams, I expect him to be picked in Round 1. This is an unprecedented situation for a 5-foot-10 quarterback, but it's going to be fun to watch over the next few months.
14) Atlanta Falcons: Ed Oliver, DT, Houston
If Grady Jarrett's price tag in free agency proves too much for the Falcons, Oliver is the perfect replacement as an interior game-wrecker. His tape was picked apart this season, and he was better in 2017, but he can dominate a game when he's playing at his best. He needs to keep developing as a pass-rusher, however. Oliver is only 21, and he has a high ceiling.
15) Washington Redskins: Jachai Polite, OLB, Florida
This is another potential landing spot for Kyler Murray. Alex Smith's scary injury put his future in jeopardy, and it wouldn't shock me if the Redskins added a young quarterback this offseason. Ultimately, I'm going with Polite, a perfect pass-rusher for a 3-4 defense who came on strong with 11 sacks this season. Former second-round pick Preston Smith has been inconsistent, and he's a free agent, so Polite makes sense as a replacement opposite Ryan Kerrigan. Safety is another position to watch, depending on what happens with free agent Ha Ha Clinton-Dix.Dix.