We’re nearly halfway through the college football season and are beginning to see how the 2019 NFL Draft will likely shape up. Here’s our most recent 2019 NFL Mock Draft.
As the year goes on, we continuously update who how the first round of the NFL Draft is going to go. Different college players stand out, other players get hurt, and the need of NFL teams change weekly.
Many of the top 10 players will remain the same, however, their order can change on a weekly basis. One wide receiver has a bad game and drops a few passes, while another goes for over 100 yards and two touchdowns, could mean a shift in the order of selection.
Furthermore, quarterbacks and running backs improve and hurt their attractiveness on literally a play by play basis. One fumble or interception can make the difference between a first round draft pick or a third round pick.
This year’s draft class has a large amount of defensive talent that will make the first round defense heavy. However, there are some offensive talent that, may not be the best player available, but will be the fit needed for the teams drafting.
Here’s how the first 32 picks project in the latest 2019 NFL Mock Draft following Week 5.
The defensive tackle from the University of Houston causes an absolute trainwreck in the middle nearly every play of the game. The 6-foot-3, 292-pound junior is creating the most noise regarding a defensive tackle since Ndamukong Suh.
As a freshman, Ed Oliver earned 65 tackles with just over one-third of those tackles being for loss. In the 2017 season, Oliver totaled 73 tackles, with 16.5 of them for a loss of yard. Additionally, Oliver accounted for 5.0 and 5.5 sacks in each season respectively. This year, he has been just as impressive, if not more.
The Buffalo Bills need help in pretty much every area of their team. Last year, the Bills selected quarterback Josh Allen with their first draft pick, as a quarterback was absolutely necessary for their team. This year, Buffalo will likely take the best player available, which happens to be Oliver.
Oliver’s athleticism, despite his size, is what will carry him throughout his NFL career. Buffalo needs someone to step in right away and play. Oliver will be able to do that without issue.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Arizona Cardinals have some young talent. The Cardinals have Josh Rosen and David Johnson as the future of their scoring. They need a wide receiver, but they won’t be finding that this early in the draft. A better offensive line would also be appreciated, but in this draft, might be hard to find.
However, the Cardinals can definitely use help in their defensive front seven. This is why Ohio State’s Nick Bosa is a perfect fit for the Cardinals. Bosa is a playmaker who can bring the same type of energy and production as a JJ Watt.
In just three games played this year, Bosa has six tackles for loss and four sacks. However, the junior did just have abdominal surgery, which raises a small red flag. The injury should not affect Bosa in the long-term and is worth the small risk.
Standing tall at 6-foot-4, 270 pounds, Bosa will be able to immediately contribute to Arizona’s efforts to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
After one of the most controversial (and questionable) trades in recent years in the NFL, the Oakland Raiders find themselves without a playmaker on defense. Earlier this fall, the Raiders traded Khalil Mack to the Chicago Bears for a pair of first round draft picks.
Clelin Ferrell has the ability to fill the void on the Raider’s defense. Ferrell, at a massive 6-foot-5, 260 pounds, is the best member of an incredible Clemson defensive line. After only seeing the field once in his freshman year with the Tigers, Ferrell has become an MVP on the defensive line the past three years.
Ferrell was essential in the National Championship winning Clemson Tigers team success, recording six sacks, and 12.5 of his 44 tackles being for loss that year. In the first four games of this year, Ferrell has five sacks, putting him on pace for somewhere in the ballpark of 15-20 sacks this year.
If Ferrell is available and the Raiders pass on him, look for all of Raider Nation to erupt.
Rashan Gary is tied for the most sacks on this year’s Michigan team despite the obvious excessive attention that opposing offenses have given him. Gary was highly recruited out of high school by Jim Harbough and has proven to be one of his best players. He has been a staple on the Wolverines defense, making appearances in every game since his freshman year.
The junior weighs in at 283 pounds, yet remains relatively lean due to being 6-foot-5. Gary has some room to grow and will likely want to gain 10-to-15 pounds before going up against NFL lineman. But the emphasis during this gain will be to maintain what makes Gary so effective, his quickness. This will allow him to play both the defensive end and defensive lineman position, just as he has at Michigan. Essentially, the difference in these positions simply depends on where along the line a player lines up and the type of defense being run.
The Jets drafted Sam Darnold with the number two pick in last year’s draft. New York has been decent this year, but looks to still be lacking in creating turnovers. Drafting a forceful defensive end will help rebuild the Jets franchise.
Where many people have Justin Herbert as the top quarterback in this year’s draft, the New York Giants will likely take Drew Lock instead. Drew Lock, out of Missouri, has demonstrated the ability to produce big numbers despite playing against tough opponents with less talent surrounding him. Herbert, on the other hand, has had better talent on his team against lower quality opponents.
In 2017, Lock led the nation in touchdowns last season with 44. Additionally, he was a mere 34 yards from hitting the 4,000-yard mark. One can only imagine the amount of dropped passes, or missed assignments on Missouri’s offensive line, that prevented the milestone. Furthermore, Missouri average over 50 points per game in their last six games of the regular season in 2017 thanks to Drew Lock’s leadership of the offense.
The Giants are eventually going to need a replacement for Eli Manning and Drew Lock will fit in best with their traditional style of offense. After a year or two learning from Manning, Lock will be ready to run an offense with Saquan Barkley and Odell Beckham Jr. at his disposal.
The Detroit Lions need help in pretty much every area except running back and quarterback…and I guess kicker too if we’re being thorough. Anyone who has watched any Lions game this decade has seen Matthew Stafford scramble for his life, attempt to throw a sidearm pass, and have the ball intercepted. This weekly occurrence isn’t because the Detroit receivers can’t get open. It’s because Stafford doesn’t have an offensive line that can effectively create a pocket.
You know who has had a pocket over the past two years? Jalen Hurts. Jonah Williams has started every single game since his freshman year at Alabama. Williams beat out a handful of upperclassmen to earn his spot on the line. The junior has earned praises week after week by the coaching staff for his exceptional individual performances.
Williams, at 6-foot-5, 300 pounds, has the prototypical NFL offensive lineman body. However where he stands out is through his athleticism and durability. Williams, if kept at left tackle as he has been at Alabama, will do a solid job protecting Stafford’s blindside.
There’s no doubt that Ole Miss junior, AJ Brown, is the top wide receiver in this year’s NFL Draft. Brown hauled in a massive, 75 catches last year for 1,252 yards and 11 touchdowns. Brown is of relatively average size, weighing in just over 200 pounds and 6-feet even. However, his ability to gain separation from defenders, coupled with great speed, makes him both a capable possession receiver as well as a credible deep threat.
Who better to draft Brown than the Cleveland Browns. After the departure of Josh Gordan, there is a legitimate opening for a quality young wide receiver to come in for a much less expensive price tag than other options.
Developing Baker Mayfield into the star the Browns hope to make him will be impossible if he is not surrounded by a high level of talent. Jarvis Landry will be able to mentor AJ Brown in his first few years and help leave Cleveland in good hands…get it? Because he’s a receiver?
Andraez “Greedy” Williams is the next Richard Sherman. In his freshman year, Williams earned tons of postseason honors, including First Team All-SEC and Third Team All-American honors.
Last season, Williams intercepted opposing quarterbacks six times, which led the SEC and was number three in the nation. He already has two interceptions this year despite teams significantly avoiding passing the ball towards his side of the field.
The Washington Redskins are in rebuilding mode at the moment, however, I do not believe they are in the market for a new quarterback. Alex Smith has proven that he is a reliable franchise quarterback that can take a mediocre team to the playoffs. Therefore, the next best thing would be to gain a lockdown cornerback who can slow down big playmakers on other teams.
Greedy Williams may be a stretch all the way up at number eight. However, given his pure talent and natural ability, any team would be making a safe decision to draft Williams.
Simply, Marcus Mariota needs protection and the Titans need a running game. How do you accomplish those two things with a single first-round draft pick? You draft a reliable, experienced offensive tackle.
Greg Little has seen playing time in every single game in his career at Ole Miss. Even as a freshman, Little was given the confidence from his coaches to start at left tackle for five games. Then in his sophomore campaign, Little started all 12 games protecting Shae Patterson’s and Jordan Ta’amu’s blind side.
Little, by playing in the SEC, has proven he is durable and most notably, reliable, going up against the best defensive linemen in the country. Although Ole Miss has struggled a bit in recent years, the little (get it?) success they did have could not be accomplished without him.
Furthermore, Little is really not little at all. The junior measures at 6-foot-6 and 325 pounds. This natural size will give NFL offensive line coaches plenty to work with and develop. Look for Little to earn Pro Bowl status early on in his professional career.
I could see the Seahawks going with a wide receiver since they have a great quarterback with nobody to pass to. However, as the Legion of Boom has slowly dissipated, the Seattle Seahawks are going to need to find another means of creating turnovers and bring the energy back to the defense.
The Michigan State transplant has the ability to fill that need. Montez Sweat transferred from the Big Ten powerhouse to a much warmer climate in Mississippi State. In 2017, Sweat was credited for 10.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss, for a total of 48 tackles in his first year in the SEC.
This year, Sweat has continues to put up big numbers. In the first four games, he has sacked the quarterback five times and has 7.5 tackles for loss.
A big time pass rusher, would only aid the Seahawks in their efforts to get back to the Super Bowl. Sweat is listed both as a defensive end and defensive lineman. But in reality, he plays a sort of “Edge” position. At 245 pounds, Sweat is relatively lean, and may have the ability to play in an outside linebacker role. The versatility makes him an attractive option for any team.
The Dolphins are having an incredible start to their season with as much confidence in their starting quarterback, Ryan Tanahill, as anyone. Additionally, both the offense and defense are actually playing pretty well. So I expect the Miami Dolphins to take the best player available, and who better than someone they can go right down the road and check out.
Joe Jackson, the junior from the University of Miami, is an incredible talent on the Hurricanes defensive line. Jackson has recorded an average of seven sacks per year in his first two years at Miami. Additionally, he’s recorded 10.5 tackles for loss in both years. Mark Reicht has praised Jackson’s performance for years, and now is the time for the head coach to sell him to NFL owners and fans.
Both Jackson, and the general Miami fan base, would love to have the Dolphins draft one of their own from the local university. Jackson may be more of a risk than some of the other options at the defensive lineman position, but if it fills the seats, NFL owners will do anything.
There is little to no doubt the Colts are going to be taking a linebacker with their first pick in this year’s draft. The question is, which one they are going to take. The front-runners are Kentucky’s Josh Allen and LSU’s Devin White.
Let’s do a simple comparison of these two player’s individual performances from last year. Allen had 66 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and seven sacks. White, on the other hand, had 133 tackles. Yup, you read that right. 13.5 of those 133 tackles were for loss and totaled 4.5 sacks.
Where Allen stands out is his ability to force turnovers. Allen had one interception last year and forced two fumbles. The year prior, Allen forced four fumbles. Lastly, Allen brings the intangibles in his leadership. Most recently, Allen has led his team’s defense to a 5-0 record allowing an average of just under 13 points per game.
Ultimately, the Colts will likely select Devin White, but don’t be surprised if the Colts take a chance on Allen.
Right down the line from Clelin Ferrell on the Clemson Tiger’s defensive line is Dexter Lawrence. Dabo Swinney and the Clemson defense has been fortunate to have equal forces on all sides of the line to create havoc for opposing quarterbacks. And undoubtedly, these two players have played an essential role in the Tigers making it to the College Football Playoff two years in a row.
Dexter Lawrence has less impressive numbers than Ferrell but that is likely because he plays in the middle of the line more frequently than on the outside. The junior comes in a 6-foot-4 and a massive 340 pounds. One could compare Lawrence in the middle as that of a boulder clogging up any hole an offensive line attempts to create.
On the Houston Texans, Lawrence would play the same role for JJ Watt as he has the past few years for Clelin Ferrell. Not that JJ Watt needs any extra help getting to the quarterback, Lawrence would simply compound the dominant defensive line the Texans already have. With Watt on one side, Jadeveon Clowney on the other, and Dexter Lawrence in the middle, the Texans’ defense would unstoppable…barring any injuries.
Cam Newton is one of the most knockdown / hit quarterbacks in all of professional football. Part of that is due to the nature of his ability to move outside the pocket and having design run plays created for the former Heisman Trophy winner. However, a large part of Newton being hit is because he has not had an offensive line protect for him.
Who better to add to the Carolina Panthers’ offensive line than someone who has been a part of one of college football’s best offensive lines for the past four years? Michael Deiter, a guard for the Wisconsin Badgers, has helped his team become one of the best traditional offenses in the country. The 6-foot-6, 310 pound senior can come into the NFL and contribute immediately.
If the Panthers have any hope of giving their star quarterback more than a few seconds in the pocket, they are going to need to improve on the offensive line. The Panthers also do not have a strong running game, and with Deiter coming from a run-heavy team, he will be more than capable of improving that area for the Panthers as well.
Somehow, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are 2-2 so far this year with wins against the Saints and the reigning Super Bowl champions, Philadelphia Eagles. Most of this is due to the magic of Ryan Fitzpatrick. Very little of this success is due to the Bucs’ defense, which is exactly why taking a defensive player in the first round of the draft would make the most sense.
One of the most disciplined defensive players available is Zach Allen out of Boston College. In his sophomore campaign, Allen posted 36 tackles, including six sacks in only 10 games. However, as a junior, Allen put up much bigger numbers, totaling an even 100 tackles, with 15.5 of them for loss.
Eventually, the Bucs are going to go back to Jameis Winston and the momentum of the team is going to decrease. When this happens, the defense will be exposed as well as the need for young defensive players. Allen will likely still be available at this point in the draft and the Bucs would be smart to take him.
The San Fransisco 49ers happen to be pretty well set with regards to young offensive talent. At running back, they have Jerrick McKinnon (when healthy) and Matt Brieda. They have Marquis Goodwin and George Kittle as passing options. And they have Jimmy Garoppolo at quarterback.
Yes, unfortunately, Jimmy G tore his ACL and is out for the rest of this season, but there’s no reason he wont be back in a year from now. ACLs normally take about nine months to recover from and saw both Deshaun Watson and Carson Wentz come back just fine from a tear without any issues so far.
The point is, the 49ers will likely use their first draft choice on a defensive player. In the 2017 draft, the 49ers drafted Reuben Foster out of Alabama in the first round. This year, the 49ers should make a similar pick, but instead of a linebacker, a defensive lineman from Alabama.
Raekwon Davis is a massive body with incredible athleticism. Davis is 6-foot-7 and 316 pounds, and has shown great ability to get to the quarterback. Last year, Davis had 8.5 sacks in the 13 games he played for the Crimson Tide. Now that the 49ers have built a young group of offensive talent, it is time to develop the same on the defensive side of the ball.
It appears that Denver is fairly set at the quarterback position with Case Keenum. Phillip Lindsey and Royce Freeman, at the running back position, are young talents who have shown some promise. But the wide receiver position is where the Broncos are lacking youth. Should the Broncos draft a receiver? Yes. Will they? No.
Denver prides itself on its defensive dominance, and that is exactly why they are going to take someone like Deandre Baker. Baker, a senior out of Georgia, has been a lockdown cornerback and safety. Playing in all 15 games last season, Baker had three interceptions and 44 tackles. This season, Baker already has two interceptions despite opposing quarterbacks avoiding passing the ball towards his side of the field.
After the notable departure of Aqib Talib, the Broncos have a void at the cornerback position. Baker is slightly undersized at 5-foot-11 and 185 pounds. However, there is room to grow for Baker and he will be at the top of Broncos consideration.
Well, this one is a no brainer. In the past seven of 10 games Dak Prescott has thrown for less than 200 yards. After letting go of Dez Bryant and losing Jason Witten to retirement, the Cowboys have nobody for Prescott has nobody to thrown the ball to.
With a decent defense and a quarterback, running back combo who tore up the league only a few seasons ago, the only piece of the puzzle left is an impact receiver. Without one, the Dallas Cowboys aren’t even a six win team. With one, the Cowboys make a wild card spot in the playoffs.
N’Keal Harry has been a dominant wide receiver in the Pac-12 over the past two years and doesn’t look to be taking this year off by any means. Last season, Harry caught 82 passes for 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns. This season he already has 26 receptions and four touchdowns. At this rate, he will have somewhere in the ballpark of 12-15 touchdowns by the end of the season.
Despite not having the best of quarterbacks, Harry has proven he can gain massive separation between defenders to make for easy passes by the quarterback. Harry is a perfect fit for the Cowboys.
The Bengals have proven to be a candidate for this year’s playoffs, just as they do nearly every year. They typically begin the season strong, especially on offense. However, as the season continues on, and the offensive efficiency cools off, the Bengals either miss the playoffs or lose in the first round. The old, but timeless phrase is that “Defense wins Championships”. So where would you go if your team was just below being a real championship contender?
Derrick Brown would be a great fit for the Cincinnati Bengals due to his experience playing in big games against quality opponents. Brown, a junior from the University of Auburn, is 6-foot-5 and 325 pounds.
Brown played in eight games as a freshman and played in every single game last year. He would likely be used more as a defensive tackle instead of a defensive end in the Bengals system. However, Brown has played both positions very effectively at Auburn.
This is approximately where the Raiders will make their second, first round pick that they received from the Chicago Bears in the Khalil Mack trade. On offense, the Raiders are pretty well set up, with Derek Carr, Amari Cooper, and Jared Cook. It is possible they look at a running back, like Bryce Love from Stanford, but the chances they do that are relatively low. Therefore, they will likely take the same approach as they did with their first pick earlier in the round. Defensive playmakers are a must for Oakland.
Remember when we compared Josh Allen to Devin White? Well now is the time Josh Allen, from Kentucky, will have a good chance at being selected in this year’s upcoming draft. Allen has the potential to play either inside or outside linebacker. From your inside linebackers, you want leadership and passion. The Raiders would get both of those things from Allen.
Allen is an exciting player who fits the tough, mean mold of a stereotypical Oakland Raider.
The Baltimore Ravens are another one of those teams who needs help in many areas. The Ravens don’t have issues at quarterback and running back, but other than that, they can take help at all other positions. At outside linebacker the Ravens have a phenomenal, yet old, player in Terrell Suggs. However, at some point, Baltimore will want to replace him with an equally as impactful player.
Often Suggs plays as a down linebacker so a quick lineman who can cover will do a solid job filling the future emptiness for Baltimore. Brian Burns, a leaner defensive end, has been one of the only bright spots for the Florida State Seminoles this year.
Burns is 6-foot-5 but only 235 pounds. If he doesn’t get bigger, he will be 100 pounds less than some of the offensive lineman he will be going against. However, with 3.5 sacks this year, Burns has shown he can effectively use his quickness to reach the quarterback. Brian Burns is a nice fit for the Ravens.
The trio of defensive lineman on the Clemson Tigers team are bound to all go in the first round. Their numbers are all much lower than they could be since they must all share the stats. If any of them played for another team, their sacks and tackles-for-loss would be significantly higher. Christian Wilkins will likely be the last to go, but by no means is he a consolidation prize for any team.
Wilkins has been a rock in the middle of the defensive line for the Tigers for the past four years. The senior, and leader on the line, has played in every game in his Clemson career. A great athlete with an incredible football mind. So far in his career, Wilkins has 157 tackles and 12.5 sacks despite playing nose tackle for most of his playing time.
The Steelers have had a great offense for many years, but their defense has been the key area that has kept them from winning the AFC, and competing for the Super Bowl nearly every year. In last year’s draft, Pittsburgh drafted Mason Rudolph in preparation for Ben Roethlisberger’s eventual departure. Additionally, it appears as though James Connor and Juju Smith-Schuster will do just fine as the team’s future at running back and wide receiver, respectively. It is time for the Steelers to focus on defense.
Aaron Rodgers is an incredible quarterback who, in no way, should be worried about losing his job. However, earlier in the season when Rodgers went out of the game for a short period of time due to an injury, the Green Bay Packers turned to DeShone Kizer. And well, we quickly learned that wasn’t, at all, a reasonable solution. While on the topic of Rodgers’ injury, he is currently playing in games nowhere near 100 percent.
Rodgers is 34 years old and won’t play forever. While many compare him and Tom Brady, there is no guarantee he will play as long as him. It is time for the Packers to groom Rodgers’ replacement just as they developed him to replace Brett Farve.
As football progresses on its protection of players, particularly quarterbacks, a dual-threat quarterback becomes more and more valuable. Justin Herbert, out of Oregon, has a strong and relatively good mobility.
Last season, Herbert completed 67.5 percent of his passes for 15 touchdowns, and threw only five interceptions in eight games. Additionally, Herbert accounted for five rushing touchdowns. Through four games this season, Herbert already has 13 touchdowns.
Justin Herbert is 6-foot-6 and already throws the ball like a NFL quarterback. With a few years under Aaron Rodgers, Herbert has the potential to be a great professional quarterback.
Just like Aaron Rodgers, Philip Rivers of the Los Angeles Chargers will also have to retire at some point. Impressively, Rivers has been able to stay healthy and consistently put up big numbers. However, at the age of 36, Rivers has only a few more years left in him.
The Chargers current backup for Philip Rivers is Cardale Jones. Just like DeShone Kizer in Green Bay, that’s not going to cut it. And behind him is Geno Smith, which we know isn’t a viable option. Okay maybe Cardale has some potential, but the Chargers aren’t going to want to put the entire franchise in an unproven quarterback’s hands.
And that is exactly why they are going to draft a quarterback…so that they will have two unproven NFL quarterbacks. So in case one fails, they can give a shot to the other. After Drew Lock and Justin Herbert, Will Grier is the next best quarterback available.
Although his build is not incredibly impressive for a NFL quarterback, his number are simply awesome. While at Florida as a freshman, Grier threw for 10 touchdowns and only three interceptions in six games. After a year off, he continued to put up big numbers at West Virgnia, completing 65 percent of his passes for nearly 3,500 yards and 34 touchdowns
So far this year, Grier has completed an outstanding, 75 percent of his passes for 14 touchdowns and three interceptions. Grier will be a contender for the Heisman trophy and could potentially turn into a Drew Brees type quarterback in the NFL.
The Packers receive their second, first round pick from a previous deal with the New Orleans Saints. As previously mentioned, the Packers should select a quarterback in an effort to develop Aaron Rodgers’ eventual replacement. However, with any new toy, you have to buy the accessories to go with it.
Every young quarterback needs a go-to wide receiver to grow with. Montana and Rice, Manning and Harrison, Warner and Bruce, etc. Well as Randell Cobb continues to get older, he will likely go with Rodgers. Therefore, the Packers need to draft a quality receiver for their young quarterback.
Anthony Johnson from Buffalo is quietly one of the best wide receivers in college football. Last year, Johnson averaged over a touchdown a game with 14, in just 12 games. Furthermore, he had 76 receptions for 1,356 yards. This season, his numbers have remained just as impressive, with 18 receptions and 308 yards in four games. Johnson has the speed and size to make for a great NFL wide receiver.
The reigning Super Bowl Champions are not necessarily bad in any one area. While the Eagles offense looks exceptional, it is clear they could continue to build depth on the defensive side of the ball.
The solution to this would be to draft safety, Deionte Thompson, from the University of Alabama. Nick Saban’s program should really be renamed “Alabama’s NFL Prep School”, due to the way he prepares his players for the next level. The principles required of a championship winning player at the college level applies to professional football as well.
Thompson has learned the Saban defense for the past four years, and has developed into one of the nation’s top safeties. He played in nine games last year and has played in all five game this year. He already has two interceptions, making his presence well-known to opposing quarterbacks. After spending four years at Alabama, Thompson will have no issues transitioning to the NFL.
Patrick Mahomes, for the Kansas City Chiefs, looks to be the future of NFL quarterbacking. He has great resources at his disposal like Kareem Hunt, Tyreek Hill, and Travis Kelce. However, the Chiefs will want to add more weapons to elevate their team into the status of a top-tier offense. Yes, the Chiefs do need help on defense. But this far down in the first round, Kansas City might as well become great at what they’re already good at.
Marquise Brown is a viable option to build the Chief’s receiving corps. Tyreek Hill is a great big-play receiver. With Brown’s great speed, most secondaries won’t be able to cover both players, facilitating deep passes that Mahomes already loves to throw.
Brown played in 13 games last season for the Oklahoma Sooners, and played a big role in Baker Mayfield’s success. In route to his Heisman trophy, Mayfield and Brown built great chemistry that led to Brown making 57 receptions for 1,095 yards and seven touchdowns last season. This year, Brown already has five touchdowns with Kyler Murray, which shows he has the ability to connect with different quarterbacks.
The Falcons have consistently shown that offense is not a problem. With Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, and two solid running backs, Atlanta will put up big numbers on the scoreboard. Last year, the Falcons drafted Calvin Ridley, out of Alabama, and he has already made a huge impact on the Atlanta offense. However, since their defense is still struggling, they will be lucky to make the playoffs.
The defensive line isn’t bad, but it’s not good. What is definitely bad is the Falcon’s secondary. Therefore, look for Atlanta to turn to the cornerback or safety position with their first pick in this year’s draft.
Jamal Peters, from Mississippi State, will be a reasonable option to improve the secondary. Peters can play both, safety, strong safety, or cornerback, which will give Atlanta some flexibility. Additionally, Peters’ tackling ability will make him attractive as a special teams players.
Peters will have four full seasons worth of covering SEC receivers, which is the closest thing to NFL players at the college level. At 6-foot-2, 220 pounds, Peters is a bigger defensive back, which will help him transition to the NFL.
The key to a good tight end is one who can both block effectively and run routes. Sure, that’s obvious. But when you consider how teams scout their opponents, you will realize that teams who are required to have different players as blocking tight ends and receiving tight ends are much easier to defend. When there is a tight end who can do both, it forces opposing defenses to honor both the pass and the run.
Noah Fant, from Iowa, is the top tight end in this draft class. Fant is in his third year with the Hawkeyes and has proven his ability to block and make big plays downfield. In 2017, Fant found the endzone 11 times. He is averaging a touchdown a game so far this season.
At 6-foot-5, 240 pounds, Fant looks to be developing into a Rob Gronkowski kind of tight end. The Jaguars have not had a big name tight end who makes an impact on a game to game basis. Having a reliable tight end for Blake Bortles to pass to will continue to help the Jacksonville offense improve and keep them a playoff contender.
After spending 84 million dollars for three years on Kirk Cousins, the Vikings are going to need to protect their investment. Cousins has many tools at his disposal with Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielen, Kyle Rudolph, and Dalvin Cook. However, he could always use some more protection from his offensive line.
Trey Adams is one of the best offensive lineman in college football. He likely would have been the first offensive lineman picked in this year’s draft if it weren’t for his most recent, season ending injury. The star left tackle tore his ACL in 2017, but looked to be recovering just fine and would play this season. However, with less than a month before the start of the 2018 season, a back injury popped up and required Adams to have surgery.
Drafting Adams would definitely be a risk for the Minnesota Viking; however, the risk may be worth the reward. Adams, if healthy, could be a starting NFL lineman right away.
Okay call me crazy, but Bryce Love is going to go in the first round of this year’s NFL draft. As NFL running backs continue to demand getting paid more and more, teams are going to be looking for alternatives to paying excessive amounts for a quality rusher. When Saquan Barkley shows his value by the end of this season, drafting a running back early on will regain its emphasis.
Additionally, this prediction has slightly more to do with how the Patriots run their organization instead of the exact position Bryce Love is selected in the draft. The Patriots have taken the approach of running back by committee for many years. Last year, the Patriots drafted Sony Michel from the Georgia Bulldogs. New England will be looking for a football smart, partner in crime for Michel.
Depending on how the rest of Stanford’s season plays out, Love may end up being the front-runner for this year’s Heisman Trophy. So far, the Cardinal are have only a single loss to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. However, the Stanford Cardinal still have a chance to win the Pac-12, which will keep Love in the Heisman talks.
Mecole Hardman Jr. has returned from a breakout sophomore season and has become Georgia’s consummate speed man. After finishing last year averaging 16.7 yards per catch and totaling six total touchdowns (two in the run game), Hardman has become Jake Fromm’s go-to deep threat.
Hardman already has four receiving touchdowns in 2018 and is averaging 17.6 yards per catch. He has also become the Bulldog’s punt returner averaging 29.5 yards per return and already has one return for a touchdown this year. Also a member of Georgia’s track and field team, Hardman often makes defenders miss by simply running by them on the outside.
A dynamic player, we can expect him to put up impressive numbers at the combine if he decides to go pro after this year. With players like Georgia alum Todd Gurley, Hardman fits right into an already talented Rams offense.
That much speed on the field, combined with a third-year Jared Goff would be a nightmare for defenses, making the Rams even more deadly. The Los Angeles Rams don’t need help on defense, so why not take a receiver who can fill a role that Tavon Austin did for so many years.