Vikings

2019 NFL DRAFT: Mock 5.0 (What Would I Do)

Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas (USA Today Sports)

Check out the previous versions:
Mock 1.0
Mock 2.0
Mock 3.0
Mock 4.0

As we continue to creep closer and closer to the NFL Draft, it becomes ever more difficult to find the balance between real player-to-team links and old fashioned smoke screens, in hopes of scripting the most accurate mock draft possible.

So this time around I throw out the script and compile what I would do if in charge for all 32 teams. Buckle up.

1) Arizona Cardinals: Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma

Drafting another quarterback may feel like a tough pill to swallow now, but trust me when I say Kyler Murray has the goods Josh Rosen doesn’t. Rare movement and mobility along with a big play mentality and as natural of a thrower as you will find. New head coach Kliff Kingsbury knows exactly how to utilize and maximize those rare and unique talents. If he wants him, he’s going to have to select him here. Now, you get everything you can for Josh Rosen and stockpile your ammo to build a real team around the new face of your franchise.

2) San Francisco 49ers: Quinnen Williams, DL, Alabama

While John Lynch is rumored to have the hots for Nick Bosa, if i’m truly drafting the best graded player for me it’s a no brainer. While Bosa only played in three games in 2018, Williams flat out dominated anyone and everyone lined up in front of him. With the way the game is played now i’ll take better interior pressure over edge pressure every day of the week. The names speak for themselves with three of their now four first-round defensive linemen being drafted in the top 10. If the game is truly won and lost up front, this team has a fighter’s chance every Sunday.

3) New York Jets: Nick Bosa, EDGE, Ohio State

Baby Bosa may have missed most of 2018, but when healthy no one was better in the entire country. A squeaky clean prospect that has all the tools and talent to walk in and be an impact player his rookie season. All of a sudden, this defense has two young superstars in Bosa and Jamal Adams to build their nucleus around. Not to mention, a franchise quarterback. Tom Brady’s retirement can’t come soon enough for the AFC East.

4) Oakland Raiders: Josh Allen, EDGE, Kentucky

If I’m Jon Gruden I’m already feeling the heat, but with three first-round picks to play with, we as a front office can do some serious damage. Starting with the number one pass rusher in the class. A putrid 13 sacks in 2018 was so pathetic that we may want to continue adding inside the front-seven before night one is over.

5) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida

Devin White is often tempting here. However, I’m here to build Bruce Arians a powerhouse offensive line to help maximize his playbook and offensive ingenuity right out the gate. Taylor is still flying up the boards after a monster 2018 campaign, offering massive size, strength and light feet for such a huge human. Now, Arians has one of the better units in the league to help protect whichever quarterback is in the huddle. The league has been starving for better offensive line play for years now, making a top prospect like Taylor that much more valuable. Get them now while you can, or forever hold your peace.

6) New York Giants: Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama

Even with Taylor off the board, in a loaded class, we still get a pick of the litter. If the Giants are going to roll with Eli Manning they need to protect the pure pocket passer to maximize his talents. Williams plays nasty and will add a new attitude of power and physicality, helping aid both the run and pass almost instantly while possessing solid position flexibility inside or out. With the best offensive line class we’ve seen in years, I just can’t help myself, adding more power into his trenches. Dave Gettleman would agree. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen Manning play with a clean pocket. No more excuses.

7) Jacksonville Jaguars: Cody Ford, OL, Oklahoma

Now with a viable quarterback, the Jaguars will be a serious threat in the AFC once again. Surrounding Nick Foles with more talent is priority number one, and Ford is as safe as they come. Playing a physical brand of football, Ford adds more nastiness in the trenches along with great versatility to be a rock solid tackle, or top-tier guard. It may not be sexy, but better offensive line play is much needed and more valuable than ever.

8) Detroit Lions: Brian Burns, EDGE, FSU

With two third-rounders the Lions have the luxury to take the best player available. Burns has wild upside with exceptional acceleration, bend and athleticism. A huge combine winner possessing both freaky speed and strength traits, Burns will help immediately fill the recent void left by Pro Bowl end Ziggy Ansah. Was T.J. Hockenson tempting? You have no idea.

9) Buffalo Bills: T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa

The Bills could go a plethora of directions from D.K. Metcalf to Ed Oliver to one of the many top-tier offensive tackles. At the end of the day though, adding the player that will help the development of Josh Allen the most is the guy I want, no matter the position. Hockenson is arguably the safest player in the entire draft with polish in both the passing and blocking game. He’s as pro-ready as they come and has Pro Bowl player written all over him. Trust me when I say Hockensen has it all. Everything. In-line, out wide, blocking comparable to a tackle, hands like George Kittle and just an all-around tough guy.

10) Denver Broncos: Devin White, LB, LSU

John Elway could go a plethora of directions here, including nabbing one of the top-three quarterbacks for the future. However, if I’m calling the shots we can wait for a much richer class of signal callers in 2020 while bolstering the team around him this year. For now, its “BPA” and I’m running to the podium thrilled to be stealing an arguable top-five prospect. White plays with another gear during games and will team up with Von Miller and Bradley Chubb to form one of the most explosive front-sevens in all of football. I’m just here to get Vic Fangio as many new toys as possible.

11) Cincinnati Bengals: Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State

I’m new head coach Zac Taylor, and I have an opportunity to make a much-needed splash for a lackluster franchise stuck in neutral. Drafting the local Ohio college hero that threw 50 touchdown passes would be a cannonball type splash. Andy Dalton is my 2019 starter, helping show Haskins the ropes from the sidelines like every rookie passer should be doing.

12) Green Bay Packers: Clelin Ferrell, EDGE, Clemson  

No bigger need for this organization then getting their edge pressure back to help close out games. Luckily for them, this class is loaded with freaky edge players like Burns, Ferrell and Montez Sweat. After choosing not to participate in much at the combine, Ferrell is now being leapfrogged by some of his peers. All the better for the Packers, who sprint up to the podium, stealing one of the best defensive ends in the country over the last two seasons.

13) Miami Dolphins: D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss

Gotta do it. The Tannehill project is officially closed and new blood needs to be jumpstarted into the offense no matter how you slice it. Instead of swinging on a weak quarterback class we build a young and talented core first. Metcalf has his fair share of questions surrounding him, but if he can translate his raw size, strength and speed into the NFL than the Dolphins may have just stolen a home-run threat and finally found its first legitimate number one receiver since *squints*, Chris Chambers. Whoa.

14) Atlanta Falcons: Ed Oliver, DT, Houston

This team was plagued with injuries. However, a healthy Atlanta squad is playoff ready right now. With Grady Jarrett set to hit free agency, Oliver would be a smooth transition and replacement as a disruptive lineman in the middle of Dan Quinn’s high powered defense. There might not be a better player fit thus far than Oliver wreaking havoc inside this front seven.

15) Washington Redskins: Drew Lock, QB, Missouri

With Alex Smith out the entire season and possibly beyond, this front office can only hope and pray one of the big three quarterbacks fall into their lap. Case Keenum will be a great bridge, but after throwing for nearly 50 TDs in the SEC as a junior, Lock has a cannon for an arm and can make all the big boy throws in the NFL. This gives Jay Gruden more than enough to work with on a playoff ready roster that can now stay competitive in 2019, even with a rookie signal caller.

16) Carolina Panthers: Montez Sweat, EDGE, Mississippi State

The Panthers have two needs far higher than others at both defensive end and offensive line. Riverboat Ron lives and dies in the trenches, so an explosive speedster like Sweat will be too good to pass up. With Julius Peppers filling out his retirement papers the Panthers find a way to retain his acceleration and burst off the edge with one of the best and brightest in the entire country, after a huge week in Indianapolis.

17) New York Giants: Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson

These interior penetrators are becoming increasingly more valuable in a pass-happy league. After finishing their offensive line overhaul the Giants can start upfront by rebuilding a stout defense for Eli and company.

18) Minnesota Vikings: Devin Bush, LB, Michigan

Instead of getting cute the Vikings should pull the trigger on the nation’s number one blocking guard in Chris Lindstrom, right? Not if I’m calling the shots. As much as a case could be made for Mike Zimmer’s defense getting all the money and draft picks to play with, Bush flying around (ran a 4.42) and laying the lumber in the middle of this defense is a rare opportunity they should not realistically expect to see again for a long time.

Even the re-signing of Anthony Barr won’t make me flinch when I hand in the card. Vikings now have yearly Pro Bowl potential at all three linebacker positions, and will plug Barr’s hand in the dirt on passing downs in the nickel formation. Offensive line from here on out, I promise.

19) Tennessee Titans: Rashan Gary, DL, Michigan

Former Patriot Mike Vrabel knows defenses still win championships and will continue to bolster his unit with young and talented players with position flexibility. The front office hit big with Adoree Jackson and can do a complete overhaul with another physical presence like Gary, who ripped up combine week. Now, the Titans have revitalized a major position of need with fresh legs while making everyone behind him (like Harold Landry) even better.

20) Pittsburgh Steelers: Byron Murphy, CB, Washington

While Noah Fant is tempting here, when I think Steelers I still think about that hard-nosed Mike Tomlin defense first and foremost. After watching Bush and Gary get sniped right before us, selecting Murphy is still one heck of a consolation prize. From his aggressiveness to his confidence Murphy will slide right into the black and yellow secondary, helping them close out and finish those tough AFC North battles.

21) Seattle Seahawks: Noah Fant, TE, Iowa

Adding a versatile chess piece in the secondary like Florida’s Chauncey Gardner-Johnson makes a ton of sense, but of the players remaining no one is higher on my board than Fant. A freaky combine (4.50 at 250 pounds) displayed just just how well Fant can move and be a mismatch weapon in-line, out wide and even in the slot. Just imagine how fun Russell Wilson could be with a new young toy to like Fant to play with.

22) Baltimore Ravens: Garrett Bradbury, C, NC State

Have I mentioned just how good this offensive line class is yet? Bradbury has his share to do with it as the best center prospect scouted over the past few drafts, and that’s including studs Billy Price and Frank Ragnow from last year. With a new offensive game plan in place based around Lamar Jackson and a run heavy read-option offense, adding an ultra-athletic mover like Bradbury that can skip to the second level of defenses will open up easy holes for his flash-and-dash quarterback. It may not be sexy, but man, this pick screams Baltimore Ravens and AFC North football as they add a future Pro Bowler to the mix.

23) Houston Texans: Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State

No question about it, the Texans need to go heavy on the offensive linemen early and often on draft weekend. Let’s grab one of the last top-tier tackles in Dillard before a big drop off. Dillard woke me up down at the Senior Bowl with an impressive week and has carried that momentum throughout the pre-draft process. It’s scary to think how good Watson could be with a stronger unit up front protecting, especially with the ultra-athletic Dillard paving the way ahead of him.

No, the signing of Matt Kalil does nothing for me.

24) Oakland Raiders: Greedy Williams, CB, LSU

After such an embarrassing 2018 performance by this defense I’m forced to add as much talent as possible and never look back. Williams is sliding after a top-10 projection early in the pre-draft process. However, a blazing combine in combination with his size and length the Raiders can’t pass up this pro-bowl potential. With Gareon Conley, Karl Joseph and Lamarcus Joyner, the Raiders now have four young top-40 picks in the secondary to work with.

25) Philadelphia Eagles:  Jerry Tillery, DT, Notre Dame

With no major pressing needs and two second-round picks in our back pocket, the Eagles front office can go a plethora of directions here. However, after the departure of Michael Bennett, replacing him with a big talent like Tillery would help soften the blow and ease the transition of such a big loss.

26) Indianapolis Colts: Hakeem Butler, WR, Iowa State

I want to build the Colts a respectable defense, but with so many top-tier defenders already off the board we can’t force the pick. Staying true to our board lands us with “Big Boy Butler” who wins with his massive size, build and body control. Andrew Luck has never had a monster receiving target that can pluck the ball at its highest point and win 50-50 balls. He does now. Watch out, world.

27) Oakland Raiders: Jeffery Simmons, DT, Mississippi State

Lets face it, although they will be vastly more competitive in 2019, this is still likely going to be another “rebuilding” year for the Raiders in their last season in Oakland. Saying that, stealing one of the top three talents in the entire draft this late because of his ACL injury is no skin off my back. A healthy Simmons is a bowling ball of havoc in the middle and will instantly improve the play of everyone around him. Josh Allen, Deandre Baker and Simmons? Get me in the front office.

28) L.A. Chargers: Dalton Risner, OT, Kansas State

The Chargers don’t have many needs, but right tackle is one of them. This team has invested a lot of early round picks on the offensive line with minimal return value back. That stops now. Plug and play from day one as Risner is one of the most consistent prospects in a very good class. An NFL starting guard if you need him to be, but it’s right tackle where he thrives, making this the ideal scenario for a late first-round pick.

We know just how deadly Philip Rivers can be with a clean pocket, and Risner hasn’t given up a sack since Week 5 of 2017. Simply too good to pass up.

Protect. Your. Pocket. Passers.

29) Kansas City Chiefs: Nasir Adderley, S, Delaware

The Chiefs don’t have more than two or three serious needs, but after letting Eric Berry hit the streets a deep cover safety is quietly an option. Even with the addition of the Honey Badger the vacancy for a true center fielder is prominent. Adderley destroyed his lower level competition his entire career and proved he can hang with the big boys at the Senior Bowl. Between the two, the Chiefs have fresh ammo powder to help seal up games in the fourth quarter.

30) Green Bay Packers: Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama

Having extra picks allows us to stay true to our board and add an explosive playmaker for Aaron Rodgers to play with. With Randall Cobb’s departure inevitable, this offense has little to work with when it comes to explosive skill players outside of Davante Adams. Jacobs can turn from bruising back to a home run threat on any given play, forcing defenses to stay honest in the box and give Rodgers multiple throwing lanes in the passing game once again. For the first time in years, the Packers now have a true three-down back that can carry the entire load on his shoulders when needed and take some pressure off that quarterback.

31) L.A. Rams: Chris Lindstrom, OG, Boston College

Losing Rodger Saffold was a major blow, but what if I were to tell you I could swap the 32 year old out for the number one blocking guard in the country that’s a decade younger and a fraction of the price? Would that be something you might be interested in?

Will that be cash or card?

32) New England Patriots: Yodny Cajuste, OT, West Virginia

You know, drafting last every year is supposed to have an impact on your roster’s turnaround time. Not this franchise, though, with the ability to stay true to the board and scoop up the best talent available. Let us pray the big two tight ends are gone by now (Fant and Hockenson) because either one would be an absolute nightmare with Tom Brady while providing a seamless transition into the life after Rob Gronkowski. Cajuste is a top-tier tackle that would form a lethally young and talented duo next to last year’s first round pick Isaiah Wynn. All while helping soften the blow of the departure of starting left tackle Trent Brown to Oakland.

ROUND 2

33) Arizona Cardinals: Hollywood Brown, WR, Oklahoma

Murray to Hollywood. The dynamic college connection lives on.

34) Indianapolis Colts (Via Jets): Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia

Baker gets knocked for being undersized but plays just as big and physically as any of his other top peers. A fiesty and energetic cover man that will walk right up to his opponent in press coverage and go toe-to-toe. I love that.

35) Oakland Raiders: Irv Smith Jr, TE, Alabama

After three stud defenders in round one it’s time to add some youth into the offense. Smith is just 20 years old and offers huge upside for whichever quarterback is under center.

36) San Francisco 49ers: Juan Thornhill, S, Virginia  

Monster potential as a deep center field safety. Arguably the best combine of any player here.

37) New York Giants: N’Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State

Eli finally has a clean pocket, now let’s get him a big bodied number one type of receiving weapon. No. More. Excuses.

38) Jacksonville Jaguars: Deionte Thompson, S, Alabama

A sloppy ending to his career will end up being the Jaguars’ advantage. Another playmaking safety in the back end of their defense.

39) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jachai Polite, EDGE, Florida

Even with a horrid combine, enough is enough. Harold Landry-type value in round two.

40) Buffalo Bills: Greg Little, OT, Ole Miss

Continuing to build around your young franchise quarterback.

41) Denver Broncos: Dexter Lawrence, NT, Clemson

The best true nose tackle of the class, Lawrence now opens up holes for Bradley Chubb, Von Miller and Devin White. Who needs a quarterback when you’ve got that front seven?

42) Cincinnati Bengals: Mack Wilson, LB, Alabama

The last of the top-tier linebackers, the Bengals have no choice after losing Vontaze Burfict.

43) Detroit Lions: Amani Oruwariye, CB, Penn State

Just rock solid all the way around. Oruwariye’s floor will be a great number two cornerback for anyone.

44) Green Bay Packers: Riley Ridley, WR, Georgia

With Josh Jacobs and Riley Ridley the Packers offense suddenly gets a shot of young talent. Much needed.

45) Atlanta Falcons: Darrell Henderson, RB, Memphis

This roster doesn’t have a ton of gaping holes. Replacing Tevin Coleman with home run hitter Henderson is a dream scenario on paper.

46) Washington Redskins: Kelvin Harmon, WR, NC State

Not sure why Harmon is slipping down a few boards given his consistent and clean route running and sure hands. New quarterback. New wide out. Jay Gruden is a happy pappy.

47) Carolina Panthers: Erik McCoy, C, Texas A&M

I know they just shelled out big money for Matt Paradis, but McCoy can slide in immediately and be a starting guard while he learns the ropes. Panthers love to live in the trenches and now have replenished their options.

48) Miami Dolphins: Charles Omenihu, DL, Texas

Ultra-versatile as he flashes flat out dominance both inside at the three-tech and outside off the edge. Dolphins have a long way to go and just need to add the best talent possible.

49) Cleveland Browns: Chase Winovich, DL, Michigan

If you haven’t watched his tape yet, check it out. Might be the best motor player you’ll find, and now he gets to play with Myles Garrett and Sheldon Richardson. Are the Browns actually cool again?

50) Minnesota Vikings: Dru Samia, OG, Oklahoma

Intel is whispering they love Samia for Kubiak’s zone scheme. Dream scenario after pushing their luck and passing on much needed offensive line help in round one.

51) Tennessee Titans: Deebo Samuel, WR, South Carolina

Might be my favorite Senior Bowl player down in Mobile. Undersized but fiesty and confident. Great offensive line, good running game, Corey Davis and now Samuel. What more does Mariota need?

52) Pittsburgh Steelers: Michael Dieter, OL, Wisconsin

A surprise decision has left a gaping hole on their offensive line. Dieter dominated the country as a guard, but offers upside as a tackle too.

53) Philadelphia Eagles (via Ravens): Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, S, Florida

Top tier safety and nickel cornerback. Two picks in one.

54) Houston Texans (Via Seahawks): Elgton Jenkins, C, Mississippi State

Give them all the offensive line help. Center Nick Martin shows flashes but can’t stay healthy, a great back up plan while Jenkins steps in at guard for now.

55) Houston Texans: J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, WR, Stanford

Back to back picks lets them do some major damage. A great one-on-one mismatch to help aid DeAndre Hopkins and Deshaun Watson.

56) New England Patriots (Via Bears): Christian Miller, EDGE, Alabama

Whatever.

57) Philadelphia Eagles: Miles Sanders, RB, Penn State

Flew under the radar playing behind Saquon Barkley. Sanders has huge playmaking ability for Doug Pederson and the offense.

58) Dallas Cowboys: Jace Sternberger, Texas A&M

Even with the ageless Jason Witten returning from retirement, Sternberg will be the young disciple to take the torch. Love his ability to win contested catches up the seam and in the red zone.

59) Indianapolis Colts: Justin Layne, CB, Michigan State

While Baker could play more of the nickel role, Layne is a big-bodied cover corner who will lock down the boundary. More talent, more youth and more options inside the secondary to help close out late games. Give Luck a real defense!

60) LA Chargers: Anthony Nelson, DE, Iowa

This guy crushed my hand before our interview down at the Senior Bowl and at 6-7, 280 pounds looks every bit the part of another stout five-tech for the Chargers.

61) Kansas City Chiefs: Trayvon Mullen, CB, Clemson

Don’t count out a trade for Trae Waynes on draft day, but if it falls through Mullen is a good Plan B.

62) New Orleans Saints: Terry McLaurin, WR, Ohio State

This has to be Brees’ last run, right? Get him as many weapons as possible.

63) New England Patriots: Josh Oliver, TE, San Jose State

After the official retirement of Rob Gronkowski a new tight end is sorely needed.

64) Kansas City Chiefs (via Rams): Devin Singletary, RB, FAU

On paper it seems impossible to fill the shoes of Kareem Hunt. However, Singletary explodes off the tape and when healthy was one of the best tailbacks in the entire country.

Editor’s Note: A previous version did not include Ed Oliver in the mock draft. The post has been updated accordingly to account for Oliver.


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