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2019 NFL Mock Draft: Projected First Round after Justin Herbert’s decision

By John Mitchell

EUGENE, OR - SEPTEMBER 08: Quarterback Justin Herbert #10 of the Oregon Ducks throws a touchdown pass during the first quarter of the game against the Portland State Vikings at Autzen Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
EUGENE, OR - SEPTEMBER 08: Quarterback Justin Herbert #10 of the Oregon Ducks throws a touchdown pass during the first quarter of the game against the Portland State Vikings at Autzen Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

DE. Ohio State. Nick Bosa . 1. player. 32.

The Cardinals have the No. 1 pick all but locked up as long as they don’t go and do something foolish like win a Week 17 matchup with the Seahawks. Seattle has clinched a playoff berth already, but are unlikely to rest starters as they look to clinch the fifth seed in the NFC playoffs.

The 5-seed is coveted because it would allow the Seahawks to play in the dome in Dallas against the Cowboys, instead of ending up out in the elements against the Bears at Soldier Field.

Defensive end might not be the biggest area of need for the Cardinals, but Arizona needs an influx of talent in all areas of the roster, and despite the injury concerns that ripped most of Nick Bosa’s junior season in Columbus away from him, he remains the top prospect in this draft class.

Teaming Bosa with Chandler Jones would give the Cardinals a pair of bookends to build their defense around, potentially providing the team with a nucleus for their rebuild.

They could also potentially go with an interior defensive lineman like Quinnen Williams to replace the disappointing Robert Nkemdiche, while his Alabama teammate Jonah Williams would also make a lot of sense for a team looking to protect the investment they made in Josh Rosen in last season’s NFL Draft.

Rosen has flashed potential, but he’s rarely had much time to survey the field for open receivers as the pocket has continuously collapsed around him.

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