The 2019 NFL Draft could get pretty weird.
None of the quarterback prospects are seen as an Andrew Luke-type sure thing. It’s all a big crap shoot. On top of that, one of the top defensive linemen just injured his knee and is almost certainly out of Round 1 altogether.
So, with that in mind we’re looking at a top-10 NFL mock draft that reflects what could be pure chaos — with quarterback-needy teams making crazy moves at the top of the draft.
1. Arizona Cardinals: Kyler Murray, quarterback, Oklahoma
This would be the ultimate wild card that rocks the rest of the first round. Many will scoff at the notion that the Cardinals would be willing to select Murray atop the draft after having traded up for the No. 10 overall pick last year to draft Josh Rosen.
However, Rosen doesn’t fit what Kliff Kingsbury has done offensively like Murray does, as we discussed in more detail here. Additionally, thanks to the rookie pay scale, Arizona could easily handle the financial burden of keeping both young passers if the team doesn’t want to trade Rosen.
2. Denver Broncos (via 49ers): Drew Lock, quarterback, Missouri
It’s been reported by multiple Broncos insiders that John Elway covets Lock.
Lock put up big numbers for the Tigers and did so against SEC competition. He has a big arm, so it’s easy to understand why Elway would love his game. He also has plenty of experience.
Given the fact that Denver is currently slotted in at the No. 10 spot before any trades, and given that a few of the teams above the Broncos also need a quarterback, Elway will have to trade up if he really wants to make sure he lands his guy.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (via Jets): Dwayne Haskins, quarterback, Ohio State
The New York Giants like tall quarterbacks. Haskins has made it clear that he’d love to play for Big Blue. Therefore, if the Jaguars don’t want to lose out on landing the best pure passer in the draft — and the one that most closely resembles what Eli Manning was in his prime — they’ll need to leapfrog the Giants.
Jacksonville has an offense that’s suited to Haskins’ strengths, too. They want to run the ball and throw deep on play-action, and he’s got incredible touch downfield. Haskins can also handle the pressure that will come with leading a team with Super Bowl aspirations.
4. Oakland Raiders: Nick Bosa, defensive end, Ohio State
Talk about providence. Due to the run for quarterbacks at the top of this NFL mock draft, Bosa falls into Oakland’s lap.
The Raiders’ need for a pass rusher became one of the biggest running jokes of the 2018 season thanks to Jon Gruden’s comments on the matter after the team traded Khalil Mack to Chicago. So, landing this year’s best pass rusher at No. 4 overall would be a huge win for the Raiders as they prepare for a move to Las Vegas in 2020.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Devin White, linebacker, LSU
The Bucs have featured one of the league’s worst pass defenses the past few years, finishing the 2017 season ranked 32nd and last season ranked 26th. Needless to say, they desperately need help in coverage.
White is a dynamo at inside linebacker who flies all over the field. He’s outstanding in the middle of the field, both against the run and pass. Tampa Bay could either draft White to replace Kwon Alexander (who could leave in free agency) or pair him with Alexander to give the defense one of the best linebacker duos in the NFC.
6. New York Giants: Daniel Jones, quarterback, Duke
Based on the tenor of comments coming out of the front office, and based on reports related to Eli Manning, it seems unlikely the Giants are going to trade up for a quarterback.
So, after having watched three teams go all-out to land their targets, this NFL mock draft has the Giants “settling” for Jones, who could very well be their top target anyway. Seen by some as the most pro-ready quarterback in this year’s class, he’d either sit a year behind Manning or come in at some point if Manning’s decline becomes more pronounced.
7. New York Jets:Â Quinnen Williams, defensive tackle, Alabama
What a coup this would be for Gregg Williams and Co. Seen by many as a top-three talent in this year’s draft class, Williams would instantly give the defensive coordinator an incredible weapon up front to build around.
Though Williams played in a 3-4 scheme during his tenure at Alabama, he has the physique and athleticism to dominate inside in any scheme. Williams routinely tossed offensive linemen like rag dolls this past year and would be a tremendous complement to Leonard Williams.
8. Detroit Lions: Clelin Ferrell, defensive end, Clemson
The Lions have struggled to find consistent production off the edge for years. Ezekiel Ansah has been a big disappointment due to inconsistent play and injuries, and he’s set to become a free agent in March. It seems like a good time to move on for both sides.
The Lions would be smart to add Ferrell, who models his game after Aldon Smith and has the production to back that up. He may not be as freakishly athletic as some of the other top pass rushers but has been playing at a high level for Clemson the past few years.
9. Buffalo Bills: Jonah Williams, offensive tackle, Alabama
This one’s easy. The Bills absolutely must protect Josh Allen. He was pressured far too often as a rookie and paid the price for that abuse. If Allen is going to develop into the franchise passer Buffalo believes it has, then bolstering the offensive line has to be priority No. 1.
Williams is the best pure left tackle in this year’s draft. He was rock solid for the Crimson Tide, and due to outstanding technique he should be an instant starter next year in the NFL.
10. San Francisco 49ers: Josh Allen, defensive end, Kentucky
The 49ers would have landed quite an amazing haul in this scenario, with Denver moving up from No. 10 to No. 2. In addition to the extra draft picks, John Lynch would be ecstatic to select Allen at this point and add an elite edge rusher to what’s going to be an outstanding, young defensive front.
Allen racked up 17 sacks last year (31.5 in his career) at Kentucky, and has a penchant for stripping the ball (11 forced fumbles). He’s not as refined as some of the other top pass rushers in this year’s draft class but has elite quickness off the ball and is the perfect addition to San Francisco’s defensive front.