Sacksonville UK

The dust has settled on free-agency, the majority of the ‘top’ free-agents have now been signed. In collaboration with Simon from NFL Draft UK, SacksonvilleUK brings you our Mock Draft:

*Kieran from Sacksonville UK will select players on the odd numbers, Simon from NFL Draft UK/The Collapsing Pocket will select players on the even numbers.

#1. Cardinals: Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma

In October 2018, Kliff Kingsbury said “I’d take him with the first pick in the draft, If I could” regarding Kyler Murray. Kingsbury at the time was head coach at Texas Tech, he was subsequently let go and hired by USC. He did not dream he’d have the no.1 pick, but then the Cardinals came knocking. Kingsbury has the no.1 pick and all clues point to Kingsbury and the Cardinals organisation taking a QB in the first round. What will happen to Rosen?

#2. 49ers: Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama

John Lynch has been busy adding pieces to his roster in free agency, and the defense in particular is starting to look a lot more competitive. Imagine a front seven that includes Arik Armstead, DeForest Buckner, Solmon Thomas, Kwon Alexander AND Quinnen Williams? In a division where you’re facing Russell Wilson and Jared Goff twice a year, the 49ers need to be more dynamic up front. Williams may be the best player in this draft.

#3. Jets: Josh Allen, EDGE, Kentucky

With two of the best players in the draft available, Bosa and Allen, the Jets have a problem. Ultimately, the Jets pick the 6’ 5” pass rusher out of Kentucky and bring him back to the area he played his senior year of high school football. A true hybrid at the linebacker with the ability to rush the passer as well as stand-off in coverage, the Jets fill a huge need after missing out on Anthony Barr.

#4. Raiders: Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio

Nick Bosa is in contention for being the first guy off the board, so for him to fall to four is a dream scenario for John Gruden and Mike Mayock. The Raiders had the worst pass-rush in the league after trading away Khalil Mack last year, so finding an edge rusher is a priority. Bosa possibly translates better to a 4-3 Defensive End than rushing from Outside Linebacker, but maybe he could cause havoc from the three-tech much in the same way Joey does for the Chargers, who he’ll be facing twice a year in this scenario.

#5. Buccaneers: Montez Sweat, EDGE, Mississippi St.

Sweat a defensive lineman, a DEFENSIVE lineman, ran a 4.41 40-yard dash time. The modern-day record breaker for D-Lineman’s 40 times land with the Buccaneers. With Bruce Arians at the helm of the Buccaneers and his trusted lieutenant Todd Bowles running his defence they need a weapon on defence, that weapon is Montez Sweat. The truly scary thing about Sweat is that he is yet to develop into his frame, he is only getting started when it comes to potential. The one nick against his record is the heart condition discovered at the combine, however it isn’t too serious as he took part.

#6. Giants: Brian Burns, DE, Florida St.

Very intrigued about the prospect of Haskins going here, but the amount of Eli love coming from the Giants this offseason leads me to believe that they do actually consider him their starter for one more year. With Jason Pierre-Paul traded to Tampa last year and Olivier Vernon traded to Cleveland this, the Giants must get an elite edge rusher in this draft. Brian Burns fits the bill, and will slot in seamlessly on the end of their four man front.

#7. Dolphins: Drew Lock, QB, Missouri (Trade with Jaguars: 13, 78 and 151)

The Jaguars, as I’ve wrote before, are an ideal trading partner for anyone looking to trade up to get their signal caller. Fitzmagic is in Miami but we all know Fitzmagic is as inconsistent as they come in the NFL. Miami need a future at the position and while Fitzmagic is used as a bridge new head coach Brian Flores gets his man, Drew Lock. Lock can make every NFL calibre throw you can think of, reads the game very well and has the traditional dimensions of a NFL quarterback. The knock of Lock is he has spells of random inaccuracy and sometimes fails to deal with pocket pressure. All issues that can be solved sitting for a year.

#8. Lions: Rashan Gary, DE, Michigan

Edge rushers are coming off the board thick and fast here, and the Lions might be left without one for themselves if they pass up on taking Gary here. Detroit had just a broken Ziggy Ansah getting after the Quarterback last season. He’s gone, and whilst they spent some big money on Trey Flowers in free agency, I think they double down on the position. Bob Quinn loves to build those trenches, and much like Flowers Gary has the game to be scheme-diverse and play in an odd or an even front – something that head coach Matt Patricia values highly.

#9. Bills: Andre Dillard, OT, Washington St.

Watch any highlights for the Bills in 2018. Skip past Nathan Peterman and look at Josh Allen (Not Kentucky Josh Allen). Every highlight you see of the young Bills signal caller is a scramble, rushing away from pressure. The O-Line in Buffalo is broke and if Allen has any hope of development, he needs a semi-stable Offensive Line. Dillard is regarded as the best pass protector in the 2019 NFL draft and he is drafted in to help keep Allen upright in 2019 and beyond.

#10. Broncos: Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio

John Elway has to get it right at some point surely? Signing Joe Flacco in Free Agency, even in a dream scenario, is a stopgap solution for Denver. If the Broncos are savvy the’yll want to get a guy in to learn from the model professional for a year or two before taking the reins. Drew Lock, to me, has the measurables that Elway covets but he’s gone. Haskins is probably considered the better prospect and goes just inside the top ten.

#11. Bengals: Devin White, LB, LSU

The Bengals must be happy. Both Devin’s in this mock are here at #11. The Bengals needed help at linebacker even before Burfict was released. Zac Taylor and the Bengals decide that LSU’s Devin White is their man. White has been compared to Jacksonville’s Myles Jack, both running back coverts with speed to burn. A hard hitter, a vocal leader and most importantly plenty of room for improvement.

#12. Packers: T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa

A Tight End to the Packers is a common mock, and for good reason; they need to get better at the position after the Jimmy Graham signing hasn’t really panned out. They’ve also lost some weapons on offense in the last couple of years and not really replaced them. Hockenson has the edge on Fant for me as the top Tight End in the class, and particularly for Green Bay too as his superior blocking ability will help keep Aaron Rodgers upright.

#13. Jaguars: Noah Fant, TE, Iowa

The Jaguars drop back acquire extra ammunition and still have their two key targets on the board. Another trade back is tempting for Duval and Jawan Taylor, OT, from Florida is a possibility. However, the Jaguars decide to get new franchise quarterback Nick Foles a new weapon. Foles enjoyed his relationship with Ertz in Philly but he’ll love his relationship with Iowa stud Noah Fant. Although, his former teammate Hockenson is a more refined player especially in blocking, Fant is a matchup nightmare. His 4.5 40 will create matchup problems all over the field and he can become Nick’s new favourite target. Jaguars believe tackle can be addressed in day two.

#14. Falcons: Ed Oliver, DT, Houston

The slide stops for Olicer, who before the 2018 season was widely considered as one of the top three prospects in this draft class. A drop-off in production and his slightly undersized frame means he falls to the perfect situation for himself; playing as the undertackle in the Falcons 4-3 next to Grady Jarrett gives Bob Quinn an interior pass rush that might be unparalleled in the NFL.

#15. Redskins: Ryan Finley, QB, NC State

The things a franchise will do for a Quarterback. The Redskins know they won’t get anywhere near Haskins, Murray and Lock and in the process fall in love with the 4th best quarterback on the board in NC State’s Ryan Finley. An intelligent signal caller with a high ceiling, the Redskins couldn’t help put snatch at the chance to draft Finley and sit him behind Keenum and Smith to hopefully be the future face of the franchise. Would he have been available come the Redskins pick in the 2nd round? Maybe. But the Redskins didn’t want to take that chance.

#16. Panthers: Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama

This mock draft has seen a lot fewer tackles leave the board than I anticipate will be the case come April. The Panthers did an excellent job convincing Right Tackle Daryl Williams to come back for another year, but the left side has always been a concern and with Matt Kalil leaving there is now an urgency for a replacement. Jonah Williams may be the most polished, true Left Tackle in the draft. There are question marks about his length, but he’s a definite upgrade for Carolina and should help protect Cam a bit better.

#17. Giants: D.K. Metcalf, WR, Mississippi

D.K. Metcalf is a freak and I mean that in the nicest way possible. Metcalf is 6’ 3”, 228lbs (almost none of that is fat) and ran a 4.33 40-yard dash time. His 40 was not the only impressive drill Metcalf did in the combine his bench was atop wideouts with 27 reps, his vertical was 3^rd among receivers and his broad jump was in the top 5. Metcalf is a rare combination of height, speed and strength that teams desire. The Giants are desperate for a WR1 after trading Odell and with the first they receive they pick up the receiver with the biggest upside in the draft. D.K. Metcalf is unpolished, he only knows a handful of routes but if it all clicks for this immense physical specimen the Gaints will have the best receiver in the league.

#18. Vikings: Garret Bradbury, C/OG, NC State

Garrett Bradbury and Minnesota just seem destined to be together. No team has seen their roster fall behind from perception as much as The Vikings have the last twelve months, and that Offensive Line has been a nightmare even before Norv Turner patched it up. Bradbury can play all three interior spots but looks set to fit in nicely at Guard in this offense with last year’s third round pick Pat Elflein staying at Center.

#19. Titans: Ivr Smith Jr, TE, Alabama

Delaine Walker is one of the NFLs best tight-ends in the league. The only problem with him is age and durability. The Titans must eventually replace Walker. Tennesse are happy when Alabama standout Ivr Smith Jr falls to them at #19. Though he is the 3^rd best tight-end in this draft behind the Iowa pair he still has first-talent. Smith Jr is still very inexperienced which is evident on tape and he needs those rough edges sanded away but if the Titans get it right they have another Pro Bowl calibre tight-end in Smith to replace the great Delaine Walker.

#20. Steelers: Devin Bush, LB, Michigan

The Pittsburgh Steelers should have replaced Ryan Shazier last offseason and paid the price for it. This time round they won’t neglect the position, and will be delighted that one of the Devin’s has fallen to them at twenty. White has been flying up draft boards after a good combine and his rare blend of athleticism and play strength makes him an assett in both run defense and pass coverage.

#21. Seahawks: Jeffery Simmons, DT, Mississippi St.

I don’t believe it is bold for me to say that in a lot of past drafts Jeffery Simmons would be the best defensive player in the draft. Hell, some scouts reckon in this draft he is the best player in the draft. So why does he slip down to #21? Easy, two things: the acl injury he recently got and his string of off-field issues most notably hitting a woman in 2016. The injury means it is unlikely he will feature in 2019 and the off-field issues are a big concern however Simmons has behaved himself while at college. He’s a player with a rare combination of strength and athleticism for his body type and can play every position on the interior of the D-Line. His lack of football instincts are a concern but the Seahawks and Pete Carrol can’t let a physical specimen like Simmons slide any further.

#22. Ravens: Hakeen Butler, WR, Iowa St.

Not my top receiver left on the board, but I love this kid. And his skillset marries up nicely with what the Ravens were lacking last season – a physical, long wideout who can high point the football, battle for the catch and be a dynamic threat in the redzone. With Lamar Jackson still learning his craft and his passing not being quite as accurate as they expect long term, who better to pair him up with than Butler?

#23. Texans: Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida

Deshaun Watson is a franchise quarterback. He has everything you want in the face of the franchise. But the Texans in 2018 could not protect Watson. Bill O’brien and the Texans need to protect their franchise quarterback before he gets injured from the sheer number of sacks he’s had to endure. Houston can’t believe that Taylor has fallen this far and run their card to the podium. An instant starter at tackle for the Texans who can protect Deshaun and open up the running game a bit more. A steal.

#24. Raiders: Greedy Williams, CB, LSU

This cornerback class isn’t of the same calibre as in recent years, and for the first one to come off the board at twenty-four is unsurprising to em, if probably a little lower than what might happen at the end of April. Williams is the kind of cornerback that Defensive Co-ordinator Paul Gunether coveted in his time in Cincinnati – a long, athletic press corner who is comfortable in a variety of schemes and coverages. The Raiders have addressed their two biggest needs with their first two picks.

#25. Eagles: Byron Murphy, CB, Washington

Back to back corners here. The Eagles re-signed Ronald Darby to a one-year offer. But one of the worst pass defences in the NFL in 2018 needs to get more quality in the back end of defence to complement their stellar D-Line. Murphy may be the best all-round corner in the draft with the ability to plug and play straight away. Not the most athletic of the corners this year but the Eagles love his toughness and instincts to identify routes on the field.

#26. Colts: Jerry Tiller, DT, Notre Dame

How quickly Chris Ballard has overhauled this Colts roster is impressive, and with plenty of picks and cap space to go, they aren’t finished yet. There are possibly other interior defensive linemen higher on many boards still out there, but I love the fit of Tillery here – he can play inside or out in a 4-3 or a 3-4,and whilst he’s still raw he has plenty of upside that they can develop whilst he works his way into the line rotation with Margus Hunt, Tyquan Lewis & Jabaal Sheard.

#27. Raiders: Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson

The Raiders went defence with their first two picks in the draft and they add to what is becoming a stellar defence again here. Mayock and Gruden add Dexter Lawrence from Clemson’s amazing D-Line. Lawrence is the best run stuffing interior defender in this class and he pairs well with 5^th rounder Maurice Hurst and allows Bosa to concentrate on getting to the Quarterback. The 2019 draft transform the Raiders defence into one of the best in the NFL.

#28. Chargers: Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson

The Chargers let Corey Liuget go and lost Darius Philon in fee agency, so they’re on the lookout for Defensive Line help. Wilkins fits in perfectly to Gus Bradley’s hybrid 3-4 scheme – he should play on the opposite end to Joey Bosa and let Melvin Ingram rush from the Leo Linebacker spot. And the best thing is he’s a three-down player who can kick inside and offer interior pass rush in their subpackage. If Wilkins is still available at 28 the Chargers won’t even hesitate.

#29. Chiefs: Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson

It seems Clemson is the one stop shop for defensive lineman in this year’s draft class. Three in a row. The Chiefs for all their amazing offensive play their defensive play was awful. The standouts on the Chiefs roster on the defensive side have all been let go: Houston, Ford and Berry. With the Chiefs defence transitioning to a 4-3 from a 3-4 they are in need of defenders. They select Clemson lynchpin Ferrell. Ferrell is a complete defender capable of defending both phases of the defensive game with some scope to improve.

#30. Packers: Cody Ford, OT, Oklahoma

The Packers have been cursed on the offensive line ever since Aaron Rodgers has been quarterback – they just cannot remain healthy. Cody Ford is a beast of a man who is fun to watch and loves mauling his opponent – ideal for the NFC North. To me he can play tackle in the NFL, but many question his length and think he’ll need to move inside to guard. This scenario fits perfectly in Green Bay, who will let him cut his teeth inside at guard before trying him out at one of the tackle spots when Bulaga or Bakhtiari make way.

#31. Giants: Greg Little, OT, Mississippi (Trade with Rams: 37, 108 and a 3rd in 2020)

The Giants and Eli Manning now have no excuse. They trade back up to the tail end of the first-round and select Greg Little out of Mississippi. The excuse for Eli’s poor play in 2018 was that he wasn’t protected. He’s now got that protection in the form or Little who will help in the pass game and the run game. This is surely last chance saloon for Eli.

#32. Cardinals: Jachai Polite, EDGE, Florida (Trade with Patriots: Josh Rosen)

Okay, so in real life this trade might better work with New England’s 56th overall pick in the second round, but the Kyler Murray pick from Arizona number one overall leaves this intriguing scenario I just had to get into our mock draft. The Patriots, looking for the heir apparent to Tom Brady, have long been rumoured as a destination for Rosen should he leave Arizona, and with Michael Bennett brought in to replace Trey Flowers the only real need they’re neglecting with this trade is at Tight End following Rob Gronkowski’s retirement. They’ll be able to address that in a later round in a deep draft class at that position.

As for the Cardinals, they ultimately move on to Kyler Murray in Kliff Kingsbury’s offense, and still snag themselves the pass rusher that they need. Terell Suggs was a good pickup in free agency but he’s not the future opposite Chandler Jones. And whilst Jachai Polite has some work ethic issues, who better to learn from than T-Sizzle? You cannot ignore his talent, and he translates perfectly to an Outisde Linebacker in the 3-4 defense that new Defensive Co-ordinator Vance Joseph is bringing to the desert.

BIG thanks to Simon. If you haven’t, go follow him on: @PocketCrumble & @NFLDUK