Vikings

INMAN: Mock Draft 2.0

Photo Credit: Matthew Emmons (USA Today Sports)
By Luke Inman - February 12, 2019

Did you miss Version 1.0? Check it out HERE to see the differences between the latest edition below.

ROUND 1

1) Arizona Cardinals: Quinnen Williams, DL, Alabama

With Williams and Bosa you’ve got two players with grades close to identical. So, do you favor edge pressure or interior pressure more? Give me richer talent in my interior every time. The fact Bosa only played three games in 2018 may be that little nudge that pushes Steve Keim over the edge to Williams’ side of the coin.

2) San Francisco 49ers: Nick Bosa, EDGE, Ohio State

Pan over to John Lynch who is sprinting through the war room with his helmet and pads, ready to line up at safety again with this front seven. The names speak for themselves with three of their now four first-round defensive lineman 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: Josh Allen, EDGE, Kentucky

The Jets finished dead middle of the pack in sacks last season. However, Greg Williams is going to need a new toy in the front seven. When he can pin his ears back, Allen is the number one pure pass rusher of the class, teaming with Jamal Adams to help close out games late for Sam Darnold and the offense.

4) Oakland Raiders: Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma

Jon Gruden is already feeling the heat in Oakland and with TWO more first-round picks in the bag, I’m telling you right now, Murray will be the pick here for the Raiders if he’s still available. Derek Carr will still start the 2019 season and make them competitive, but Murray offers a higher ceiling long term that Carr simply can’t match. The Raiders have to try to salvage the key talent they lost in 2018 trades, and having the luxury to take a big swing like this can help justify the losses in the future.

5) Tampa Bay Buccaneers:  Clelin Ferrell, EDGE, Clemson

Sorry folks, i’m not going to sit here and predict trade after trade (this time), but if I did, Jason Licht would be pulling the trigger to a quarterback-needy team. For now, a stud edge rusher that can shock more youth to the position is desperately needed (just released Vinny Curry). Offensive line wouldn’t surprise me. However, the group they have now is serviceable as is. Of course, Bruce Arians drafting another LSU shutdown cornerback in Greedy Williams to be his own version of Patrick Peterson would be on the table but is almost too obvious.

6) New York Giants: Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida

Giants get their pick of the litter in a no-brainer position of need. The Giants need a tackle and Jonah Williams could quickly slide inside to guard. Taylor is going to wake people up at the combine with his size, strength and light feet that make a butterfly with sore feet jealous.

7) Jacksonville Jaguars: Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State

I don’t know what everyone else is mumbling about Duke quarterback Daniel Jones, but I just don’t see it. Haskins is my number two signal caller right now after throwig 50 touchdowns last year and letting playmakers do what they do best. With a viable quarterback, the Jaguars are serious threat in the AFC just like that.

8) Detroit Lions: Greedy Williams, CB, LSU

With two third-rounders the Lions have the luxury to take the best player available. In a league where you can’t have enough good cover guys, Williams adds a true number one shut-down mentality to an already decent group.

9) Buffalo Bills: Cody Ford, OT, Oklahoma

The Bills could go a plethora of directions from Ed Oliver to D.K. Metcalf. At the end of the day, though, adding a player with the physical dominance of Ford into their trenches screams Buffalo football too much for it not to happen. His position flexibility helps the front office feel confident, giving them reassurance with a near can’t-miss prospect at a vital position for Josh Allen’s development.

10) Denver Broncos: T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa

Jonah Williams is tempting, but the more you watch Hockenson the harder and harder it gets to pass on 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. This bad boy will add far more potential to Case Keenum and Phillip Lindsay than you would ever believe if I told you, so take a leap of faith. You’ll thank me early and often in 2019.

11) Cincinnati Bengals: Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama

New head coach Zac Taylor comes from the Sean McVay tree and with an offense that’s already loaded with talent at skill positions, bolstering his protection is foolproof. With three pending free agents at the position, adding a brick wall like Williams or any other tackle is a very likely scenario.

12) Green Bay Packers: D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss

If the medicals check out on his neck (easier said than done), this guy is long gone by now. A physical freak that will give smaller cornerbacks nightmares with explosion, play strength and body control that no one else in this class can compare to. Randall Cobb is a likely free agent departure and Aaron Rodgers is due for a fresh new playmaker next to Davante Adams.

13) Miami Dolphins: Drew Lock, QB, Missouri

Gotta do it. The Tannehill project is officially closed and new blood needs to be jump-started into the offense no matter how you slice it. While a free agent quarterback or a draft day trade is probable, getting one of the top three signal callers of this draft will be essential before a major drop off. Lock has a lighting-bolt ball like Matthew Stafford and the competitive spirit that could blossom under the right umbrella of coaches and talent.

14) Atlanta Falcons: Ed Oliver, DT, Houston

This team was plagued with injuries last year. However, a healthy Atlanta squad is playoff ready right now. With Grady Jarrett set to hit free agency, Oliver would be a natural replacement as a disruptive lineman in the middle of Dan Quinn’s high powered defense.

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

In the real world the Redskins make a big time play for a quarterback, but getting all the way up to the top five will cost a fortune. Harmon adds another playmaking weapon into the arsenal of multiple talented options for whoever lines up under center, putting them in a favorable position to succeed.

16) Carolina Panthers: Brian Burns, EDGE, FSU

The Panthers have two needs far higher than others at defensive end and offensive line. Burns has wild upside with exceptional acceleration, bend and athleticism. So much so that Burns will likely be a show off in Indianapolis on his way to becoming a huge combine winner.

17) Cleveland Browns: Greg Little, OT, Ole Miss

Linebacker, edge rusher, and cornerback are all in play, but you’ve finally found your franchise quarterback, so it’s time to protect your investment. Little is a former five-star recruit and has pass blocking moves to be an early contributor and officially complete the Browns’ offensive line overhaul.

18) Minnesota Vikings: Dalton Risner, OL, Kansas State

Do I want to give the Vikings Devin White? You know it. However, this team won’t get past the playoff hump until they can rely and win games solely with their offense when the game’s on the line. Risner is a hot riser since Senior Bowl week, showing off versatility up and down the line of scrimmage. The Vikings could play musical chairs and move Riley Reiff inside, Brian O’Neill to left tackle and Risner at his most natural position (right tackle). Or, they could plug and play him in the interior from day one and watch him bully dudes around in the phone booth. Either way, the Vikings should have many more options to protect Kirk Cousins in 2019.

19) Tennessee Titans: Devin White, LB, LSU

Former Patriots linebacker Mike Vrabel knows real talent at the position when he sees it, and White has the goods. With a high-flying and relentless motor, White will revitalize the Titans major position of need with fresh legs.

20) Pittsburgh Steelers: Byron Murphy, CB, Washington

The Steelers get lucky with a talent like Murphy falling this far while nailing a monster position of need. Murphy brings the tone and downhill presence to thrive in a Steelers’ style of defense, giving them a key component to closing out those high-scoring games.

21) Seattle Seahawks: Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, S, Florida

My boys at The Draft Network turned me onto this one for all the right reasons and I just can’t shake it. Earl Thomas is on his way out via free agency, leaving a major hole at the safety position. Johnson fits the Seahawks hard-hitting, feisty and versatile profile as a tone setter at both the safety and nickel corner position. It may be a pinch high for this prospect, but that’s never stopped this front office before.

22) Baltimore Ravens: Garrett Bradbury, C, South Carolina State

The Ravens will need help at wide receiver later on, and luckily for them this class is packed with serious talent. However, guys like Bradbury don’t come around often. With Lamar Jackson and an option-based offense in town, Bradbury’s long reach, pulling ability and football smarts is a match made in heaven for this new look attack.

23) Houston Texans: Yodny Cajuste, OT, West Virginia

No question about it, the Texans need to go heavy on the offensive linemen early and often on draft weekend. Their front office grabs the last top-tier tackle in Cajuste before a big drop-off. It’s scary to think how good Watson could be with a stronger unit up front protecting.

24) Oakland Raiders:  Jachai Polite, EDGE, Florida

No doubt Josh Allen is the dream scenario if Gruden doesn’t go quarterback early. In this scenario, though, the Raiders still get a ultra-premier rusher off the edge to help aid a league low 13 sacks. Together, Polite and Arden Key form a young and dangerous duo that will be a threat to get after the quarterback.

25) Philadelphia Eagles: Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia

The Eagles’ priority number one is on the boundary of the defense. With Sidney Jones and Jalen Mills in the rotation, Baker adds the final piece to complete a young and dynamic nickel rotation. Baker’s long speed is a weak spot. However, he plays with a mean demeanor and causes trouble in man coverage at and around the LOS.

26) Indianapolis Colts: Rashan Gary, DT, Michigan

An explosive penetrator, the Colts gain a wrecking ball of havoc in the middle of their defense for the first time in years. This will help create an identity of physicality with Darius Leonard and Malik Hooker behind him.

27) Oakland Raiders: Devin Bush, LB, Michigan

We can target offensive skill players all day tomorrow. But for now, continuing to replenish and stock up explosive prospects in the front seven remains the plan for the Raiders. Bush flies around the field, and when he hits you, you feel it. A tone setter for Gruden to build around on a no-name cast of linebackers. All of a sudden, the Raiders are, at least, damn fun to watch again.

28) L.A. Chargers: Deionte Thompson, S, Alabama

The Chargers don’t have many needs, yet with young stud Derwin James’ versatility being his most dangerous weapon, the back end will need more support in 2019. Thompson’s stock got wrecked for the poor ending to his collegiate career, but before that he was the best safety in the country.

29) Kansas City Chiefs: Chris Lindstrom, OG, Boston College

After seeing how far Patrick Mahomes can carry his offense, the Chiefs should be drafting defense every chance they get. However, protecting their investment with Lindstrom to shore up their interior is too good to pass up. Plug and play from day one.

30) Green Bay Packers: Montez Sweat, EDGE, Mississippi State

Whether they bring back Clay Matthews or not, the Packers have no choice but to add more power and push off their edge. Sweat ate up the competition down in Mobile and looked every bit the part of a game changer.

31) L.A. Rams: Mack Wilson, LB, Alabama

Not sure free agency signings will have a bigger impact on any team’s draft plans than the Rams. As it stands now, however, the roster is still stacked top to bottom with one exception. Drafting Wilson here is probably a reach to most, but after him it drops off to the point of no return at linebacker.

32) New England Patriots: Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson

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. The league better pray Wilkins is long gone by now, because he would be an absolute nightmare in Bill Belichick’s defense.

ROUND 2

33) Arizona Cardinals: Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State

34) Indianapolis Colts (Via Jets): Riley Ridley, WR, Georgia

35) Oakland Raiders: Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma

36) San Francisco 49ers: Nasir Adderley, S, Delaware

37) New York Giants: Julian Love, CB, Notre Dame

38) Jacksonville Jaguars: N’Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State

39) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Dru Samia, OG, Oklahoma

40) Buffalo Bills: Deebo Samuel, WR, South Carolina

41) Denver Broncos:  Amani Oruwariye, CB, Penn State

42) Cincinnati Bengals: Noah Fant, TE, Iowa

43) Detroit Lions: Hakeem Butler, WR, Iowa State

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

45) Atlanta Falcons: Oshane Ximines, EDGE, Old Dominion

46) Washington Redskins: Daniel Jones, QB, Duke

47) Carolina Panthers: David Edwards, OT, Wisconsin

48) Miami Dolphins: Gerald Willis, DL, Miami 

49) Cleveland Browns: Raekwon Davis, DL, Alabama

50) Minnesota Vikings: Charles Omenihu, DL, Texas

51) Tennessee Titans:  Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU

52) Pittsburgh Steelers: Michael Dieter, OG, Wisconsin

53) Philadelphia Eagles (Via Ravens): David Montgomery, RB, Iowa State

54) Houston Texans (Via Seahawks): Ben Power, OG, Oklahoma

55) Houston Texans: Irv Smith Jr, TE, Alabama

56) New England Patriots (Via Bears): Juan Thornhill, S, Virginia

57) Philadelphia Eagles: Elgton Jenkins, C, Mississippi State

58) Dallas Cowboys: Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson

59) Indianapolis Colts: Taylor Rapp, S, Washington

60) L.A. Chargers: Jerry Tillery, DT, Notre Dame

61) Kansas City Chiefs: Jeffery Simmons, DT, Mississippi State

62) New Orleans Saints: Isaiah Buggs, DL, Alabama

63) New England Patriots: J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, WR, Stanford

64) Kansas City Chiefs (Via Rams): Darrell Henderson, RB, Memphis

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Luke Inman
Luke Inman is Zone Coverage's resident NFL Draft guru and Vikings film junky. He's an aspiring scout and appears on The Zone Coverage Football Machine. Follow Luke on Twitter @Luke_Spinman.
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