BSN Denver NFL Mock Draft 4.0: A run on quarterbacks shakes up the top

Here it is, our final 2019 NFL Mock Draft, with two top-10 trades that significantly alter the outlook of the top of round one.

It’s a true cliche to say that the draft is unpredictable, aren’t they all? but it’s also true that this year’s class has a bit more uncertainty, especially in the bottom half, where there could be an array of trades that are too hard to predict at this juncture—this could include the Broncos using Chris Harris, Jr. as a trade chip to move up from the top of round two to the bottom half of round one.

As things stand now, here’s how we see things shaking out.

1) Arizona Cardinals: Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma

The Cards made the decision to go all-in on a college style offense with Kliff Kingsbury’s hire; they can’t back down now.

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

This is an easy pick for the Niners, assuming Arizona doesn’t shock the world and take Bosa over the reigning Heisman.

3) Washington Redskins (from Jets): Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State

*Projected trade: Jets get pick 15 and 76 and a 2020 first*

Washington makes a big move for their quarterback of the future, paying a steep price, though they do have two third rounders this year making it a bit easier to stomach.

Moving up for Haskins is worth it for a Redskins team with a strong enough roster, when healthy, to compete in the NFC East. The problem is they’re stuck in the mud without a quarterback. If his upward trajectory continues, the sky’s the limit for the talented Ohio State quarterback.

4) Oakland Raiders: Josh Allen, OLB, Kentucky

If we’re to believe the report suggesting a surprise pick is in the works at No. 4, it won’t be Allen, or Quinnen Williams or even Devin White for that matter. It could be Drew Lock, who we’ve mocked here before, but Allen is the logical pick for the Raiders who desperately need to add outside pass rushers to compete in the AFC West.

5) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Quinnen Williams, DL, Alabama

The Bucs take the best player in the draft and their heir to Gerald McCoy, who’s already seemingly out the door. Devin White is intriguing too but Williams is just too good to pass up.

6) New York Giants: Brian Burns, EDGE, Florida State

Ed Oliver should very much be in play here—Oliver seems to be the one prospect that could go at every pick between three and nine—but the Giants really need an edge rusher and Burns has special bend and length that won’t allow him to fall very far.

7) Jacksonville Jaguars: Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama

Oliver would be in play here too, as would T.J. Hockenson, but the Jaguars need to protect their quarterback and get back to dominating on the ground, which is why Williams is a perfect fit. Jaawan Taylor has long been speculated to be their guy but Williams has been much better throughout his career and is also more versatile.

8) Cincinnati Bengals (from Lions): Drew Lock, QB, Missouri

*Projected trade: Lions get pick 11 and 88 and a 2020 third*

If Lock is a fit in Rich Scangarello’s offense, he’s just as much of a fit in Zac Taylor’s scheme, where Lock could feast on lots of play-action bootlegs and has the arm to hit A.J. Green deep.

9) Buffalo Bills: Ed Oliver, DT, Houston

Oliver could easily go higher than this, and though he’s not a perfect fit in Buffalo’s defense, when you’re in need of pass rushers you take the best available and make it work. In a division dominated by Tom Brady, adding an interior pass rusher who can collapse the pocket is that much more valuable.

10) Denver Broncos: Devin White, LB, LSU

If things play out this way, it’ll be interesting to see if the Broncos value Devin Bush higher than White, given Bush is more NFL ready with plus-instincts.

White’s the pick here because his upside is out of this world and could become a transcendent talent under Vic Fangio’s tutelage.

The quarterback and defensive line run in the top 10 made it so that the linebackers dropped, which seems more than likely given the positional value.

White would be a steal at this point, as Denver should go with a linebacker if things fall this way—the market to trade down wouldn’t be great with all the top defensive lineman and quarterbacks gone, unless a team like the Texans wants to move up to get an offensive tackle.

11) Detroit Lions (from Bengals): Montez Sweat, EDGE, Mississippi State

*Projected trade (see above)*

The Lions move back a couple of spots and still get the ultra-talented Sweat, who with Trey Flowers could form an imposing pair of bookends on Matt Patricia’s defense.

12) Green Bay Packers: T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa

The Packers get lucky to have Hockenson drop to them, as the Iowa tight end can be a nice safety blanket for Aaron Rodgers over the middle and a huge asset for the running game with his blocking ability.

13) Miami Dolphins: Rashan Gary, DL, Michigan

If the Dolphins are really trying to build for the future and find their quarterback in 2020—I remain skeptical—taking a risk on Gary’s shoulder injury becomes easier to stomach for the Fins, as Gary could be a steal when he’s 100 percent.

14) Atlanta Falcons: Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson

The Falcons miss out on Oliver but still get a stout defensive tackle in Wilkins, who’s had a legendary career and would complement Grady Jarrett nicely, forming a dynamic duo in the middle of Atlanta’s defensive front. 

15) New York Jets (from Redskins): Clelin Ferrell, EDGE, Clemson

*Projected trade (see above)*

The Jets big trade down gets them a future first rounder, but make no mistake, Ferrell is no consolation prize, his combination of length and power added to his finishing ability would be a huge addition for the Jets defense to take the next step.

16) Carolina Panthers: Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida

Taylor is a solid right tackle prospect for the Panthers who have to settle on an offensive lineman with the top edge rushers all gone.

17) New York Giants (from Cleveland Browns): Daniel Jones, QB, Duke

A trade for Josh Rosen could alter this pick, but Jones seems to be high on the Giants board and would benefit from sitting behind Eli Manning for a year or two.

18) Minnesota Vikings: Garrett Bradbury, OC, NC State

Bradbury is a tremendous pick for the Vikings who need to establish their offensive identity. The Rimington Trophy winner is a perfect fit in Minnesota’s Gary Kubiak inspired zone-blocking scheme.

19) Tennessee Titans: Chris Lindstrom, OG, Boston College

This is a culture pick for the Titans, who double down on their run-first identity by adding a mauler in Lindstrom to a line that’s already set at tackle. Pair Lindstrom to their nasty left tackle Taylor Lewan, with Derrick Henry running behind them, and the Titans suddenly become no fun to game plan for.

20) Pittsburgh Steelers: Devin Bush, LB, Michigan

This should be Bush’s absolute floor, as he could go as high as 10 or 11 if both the Bengals and Broncos stay put. The Steelers reap the benefits of Cincy’s trade and get one of the more NFL-ready defenders in the class.

21) Seattle Seahawks: Chase Winovich, EDGE, Michigan

The Seahawks could still look to trade down despite adding a second first-rounder by dealing Frank Clark to the Chiefs, but finding an edge rusher is paramount for them right now and Winovich’s motor, athleticism, and violent hands are very appealing.

22) Baltimore Ravens: D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss

The Ravens are another team who could be willing to trade down, but in this scenario, take Metcalf who would stretch defenses vertically and open up space for their young quarterback and tight ends to operate in.

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

Houston would rush to the podium if Dillard was still available, as his ability as a pass protector is unquestioned. Don’t be surprised if the Texans feel the need to move up to get Dillard or another tackle, as they’re absolutely desperate to fix up their line.

24) Oakland Raiders (from Chicago Bears): Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama

Jacobs is a hot commodity and would be a logical selection for the Raiders, who need a bell-cow back to complete their attack after their big free-agent signings.

25) Philadelphia Eagles: Dalton Risner, OT, Kansas State

The Eagles would love Jacobs but also need to add depth on their line. Risner would immediately upgrade their guard spots and gives Philly a starting tackle for the future.

26) Indianapolis Colts: Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson

Lawrence is built like a brick house and moves incredibly well for a close to 350-pound nose tackle. He’d be an anchor up front in Indianapolis’ budding defense.

27) Oakland Raiders (from Dallas Cowboys): Noah Fant, TE, Iowa

The Raiders add another offensive weapon in Fant, whose athleticism and mismatch potential would unlock lots of options for Jon Gruden.

28) Los Angeles Chargers: Jerry Tillery, DT, Notre Dame

Tillery is a phenom with unlimited upside but wasn’t always as productive as his talent would suggest. The Bolts at 28 should be his floor, as he could be special paired with their edge rushing duo.

29) Seattle Seahawks (from Chiefs): Darnell Savage Jr., S, Maryland

The Hawks should trade down and add more picks here—they only have three in rounds two through seven—but they also need a safety, and Savage would be a dynamic player in their secondary ushering in a new era in the Pacific Northwest.

30) Green Bay Packers (from New Orleans Saints): Cody Ford, OL, Oklahoma

After taking a tight end at 12, the Packers get the best offensive lineman available, as Ford would fit right in at right tackle and profiles to be a special player at guard.

31) Los Angeles Rams: Andraez ‘Greedy’ Williams, CB, LSU

You can never have enough corners, and the Rams would love Williams’ ability in man coverage and would be willing to overlook his inconsistent effort as a tackler.

32) New England Patriots: Jeffrey Simmons, DT, Mississippi State

The Patriots are good because they’re always making long-term moves despite being in a constant win-now window. Simmons fits that mold to a T, as he’s a top-10 talent in the class but will likely miss his rookie season as he recovers from an ACL injury he suffered while training for the draft.