NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Where does Kyler Murray land?
The 2018 NFL season has concluded, so it's officially time to look ahead to the 2019 draft. With the scouting combine mere weeks away, theScore's Dane Belbeck, Daniel Wilkins, and Mike Alessandrini project the first round of selections.
1. Arizona Cardinals - Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State
Don't overthink this one. After getting a quarterback in last year's draft, it just so happens the Cardinals hold the No. 1 pick when the consensus top prospect plays the next-most valuable position on the field. Bosa should be an impact pass-rusher the moment he sets foot on an NFL field, and his presence opposite Chandler Jones gives Arizona one of the league's top tandems on the edge. - Wilkins
2. San Francisco 49ers - Josh Allen, DE, Kentucky
The 49ers allowed 27.2 points per game last season, fifth-worst in the entire league. The quickest way to improve a defense is to add someone who annoys the heck out of the opposing quarterback, and the club does that with Allen out of Kentucky. His athleticism and speed off the edge immediately help San Francisco in a division boasting quarterbacks such as Russell Wilson and Jared Goff. - Belbeck
3. New York Jets - Ed Oliver, DT, Houston
Oliver over Quinnen Williams here may surprise some, but we think the former Houston defender is a slightly better fit in new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams' scheme. Oliver is a stud and figures to test well at the combine. The defensive tackle's tantalizing upside could very well lead to a top-five selection and an ideal fit next to Leonard Williams. - Alessandrini
4. Oakland Raiders - Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama
Replacing Khalil Mack on the edge is far and away the Raiders' most pressing need. But after a surprise pick from New York at No. 3, Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock can't afford to pass on the opportunity that falls into their laps here. Williams is an elite interior defensive line talent who would immediately upgrade the pass rush and run defense. - Wilkins
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Rashan Gary, DL, Michigan
Once the Bucs see Gary's physical testing results, they're going to be running to the podium to announce this pick. At 6-foot-5, 285 lbs, the Michigan star reportedly clocked an absurd 4.57 40-yard dash during program testing in his sophomore season. With the new head coach/defensive coordinator tandem of Bruce Arians and Todd Bowles pledging an "attack mode" defense, Gary would be an ideal fit at No. 5. - Belbeck
6. New York Giants - Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State
We've seen enough of Eli Manning in New York and we think the Giants have too. After passing on a quarterback in 2018 in favor of star running back Saquon Barkley, general manager Dave Gettleman is in prime position to secure the draft's top signal-caller with his first-round selection. Haskins is that guy. - Alessandrini
7. Jacksonville Jaguars - Drew Lock, QB, Missouri
Lock isn't exactly a can't-miss quarterback prospect, so this pick would almost certainly be called a "reach" by many. But aren't the Jaguars at the point where they've got to take a risk on the clear upside? Before things fell apart this past season, the quarterback position was the only thing holding them back. Lock has all the ability in the world and could develop into a franchise passer. - Wilkins
8. Detroit Lions - Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson
Ezekiel Ansah is bound for free agency, the Lions need to add some talent on the edge, and Ferrell is darn good at rushing the passer. This pick makes total sense for a Detroit defense that was middle of the pack in sacks last year. - Belbeck
9. Buffalo Bills - Jeffery Simmons, DT, Mississippi State
Simmons is an interesting case this year because he wasn't invited to the combine due to past violence allegations. The defensive tackle was caught on camera hitting a woman while in high school, but was subsequently allowed to enroll at Mississippi State and has worked to repair his image since. On tape, Simmons is a top-ten player in this class and has had no further issues with violence. Only one team has to give him a shot. - Alessandrini
10. Denver Broncos - Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma
Murray's size and limited starting experience could be the only things keeping him from being the first quarterback off the board. Primed to take another swing at a quarterback after several strikeouts, the Broncos gladly take a gamble on the clear possibility that those factors aren't all that important anymore. Murray is the most talented playmaker at the position and getting him at No. 10 could quickly prove to be a steal. - Wilkins
11. Cincinnati Bengals - Greedy Williams, CB, LSU
The Bengals could have 10 picks in the first round and still not fix their porous defense, but taking the ball-hawking Williams out of LSU is a step in the right direction. At 6-foot-3 and bearing the perfect name for a cornerback, Williams could prove an immediate fix for a passing defense that allowed 32 touchdowns last season. - Belbeck
12. Green Bay Packers - Brian Burns, OLB, Florida State
Despite tying for eighth in the NFL with 44 sacks, Green Bay still has more questions than answers at outside linebacker. Clay Matthews is a shell of his former self and will be 33 years old in May, and Nick Perry ended his disappointing 2018 campaign on injured reserve. Burns possesses excellent speed and bend around the edge and is an ideal long-term bookend to Kyler Fackrell. - Alessandrini
13. Miami Dolphins - Montez Sweat, DE, Mississippi State
Sweat will be advertised as a big-time riser after a strong showing at the Senior Bowl, but really he probably should have been considered in this range all along. The Mississippi State product addresses a glaring need for the Dolphins with Cameron Wake heading into his age-37 season. - Wilkins
14. Atlanta Falcons - Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson
Grady Jarrett is set for free agency and with a top-10 talent in Wilkins sitting there, this pick could be a steal for the Falcons. The Clemson star is an incredibly versatile talent and exactly the type of playmaker Dan Quinn is seeking to help an injury-ravaged defense. - Belbeck
15. Washington Redskins - D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss
Redskins fans should be ecstatic if Metcalf is on the board at No. 15. Jay Gruden's offense is in desperate need of a No. 1 wide receiver and the former Ole Miss wideout fits the bill. Metcalf is also one of the top players available. A double whammy for Washington. - Alessandrini
16. Carolina Panthers - Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama
Giving the Panthers an offensive tackle in the first round of a mock draft has become something of an annual tradition. Here's hoping Williams falling to No. 16 finally makes them take one. The Alabama standout would help shore up an offensive line that will be critical for Cam Newton's chances of staying healthy, extending the prime of his career, and recapturing his MVP form. - Wilkins
17. Cleveland Browns - Cody Ford, OT, Oklahoma
After what seemed like two decades of struggles at quarterback, the Browns finally appear to have found their star in Baker Mayfield. Now Cleveland must protect the electrifying pivot with security on a level usually reserved for heads of state. Taking the 6-foot-4, 330-lb Ford is a great step in that direction, and the incredibly powerful Oklahoma tackle would reunite with his college teammate in Mayfield. - Belbeck
18. Minnesota Vikings - Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida
The Vikings' offensive line was one of the worst units in the NFL this past season, so the team could look to improve in the trenches with its first-round pick. Luckily for Mike Zimmer and Co., Taylor is arguably the best player on the board here. The former Florida standout moves incredibly well for a 330-pounder and should be a plug-and-play starter in the pros. - Alessandrini
19. Tennessee Titans - T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa
Tight ends have to be particularly special talents to work their way into the first round. Both an impact receiver and a phenomenal in-line blocker, Hockenson certainly fits the bill. His ability to contribute in every facet of the offensive game would make him a cornerstone player for the Titans as they build on a promising first season under Mike Vrabel. - Wilkins
20. Pittsburgh Steelers - Devin White, LB, LSU
White's fit with the Steelers is so perfect that it wouldn't be a surprise to see Pittsburgh trade up just to guarantee he's available. Since losing Ryan Shazier, the Steelers' defense has lacked a speedy playmaker in the middle, and there's nobody better at going sideline-to-sideline in this draft than the LSU star. - Belbeck
21. Seattle Seahawks - Nasir Adderley, S, Delaware
With Earl Thomas likely on his way out of Seattle, the Seahawks will be searching for their next ball-hawking safety. Look no further than Adderley, an FCS star with incredible range and awareness. The Delaware product would compete for Defensive Rookie of the Year in Pete Carroll's defense. We love the fit. - Alessandrini
22. Baltimore Ravens - Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma
How much fun would it be to watch Lamar Jackson and Brown play together in Baltimore? Significantly smaller than the prototypical No. 1 receiver, Brown will have his share of doubters as he transitions to the NFL. But his speed, quickness, and overall playmaking ability are off the charts. Size becomes much less of a factor when opposing defensive backs can't keep up. - Wilkins
23. Houston Texans - Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State
Deshaun Watson is a brilliant escape artist, but the former Clemson star won't make it through another season if the Texans don't address the play of the offensive line. Houston allowed a league-worst 62 sacks last season, so the Texans grab the talented tackle from Washington State to fix that issue. - Belbeck
24. Oakland Raiders (from CHI) - Jachai Polite, DE, Florida
The Raiders double-dip on the defensive line in round one, which probably isn't a bad idea considering the team mustered a measly 13 sacks in 2018. Polite is a terror off the edge, combing incredible bend with an explosive get-off. With a new front four of Polite, No. 4 overall pick Williams, Arden Key, and Maurice Hurst, Oakland could feature a dynamic pass rush for years to come. - Alessandrini
25. Philadelphia Eagles - Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia
Desperately in need of help in the secondary but perhaps hesitant to reach, the Eagles are fortunate to come upon the rare situation where value matches need. Baker gives Philadelphia a potential lockdown corner that can help them match up with star NFC East wideouts like Odell Beckham Jr. and Amari Cooper. - Wilkins
26. Indianapolis Colts - Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
The Colts need some help on the interior defensive line and there's no bigger piece to add than Clemson's Lawrence. The massive 6-foot-5, 340-pounder is the top nose tackle in this class and will immediately anchor the run defense in Indy. - Belbeck
27. Oakland Raiders (from DAL) - Riley Ridley, WR, Georgia
Outside of the pass rush, wide receiver is Oakland's biggest need heading into year two under Jon Gruden. Ridley is a polished route-runner who possesses excellent size and athleticism. Underutilized at Georgia, the talented wideout is only scratching the surface. He'll be a better pro than collegiate player. - Alessandrini
28. Los Angeles Chargers - Devin Bush, LB, Michigan
Linebackers who can make an impact against the run, in pass coverage, and off the second-level blitz are incredibly valuable commodities in today's NFL. Bush is the rare player who can do just that, and he may well be the missing piece for a Chargers defense on the cusp of joining the league's best. - Wilkins
29. Kansas City Chiefs - Byron Murphy, CB, Washington
As entertaining as it is to watch Patrick Mahomes put up 40 points out of necessity to win games, the Chiefs need to ease the pressure on their MVP quarterback and improve the defense. Taking Murphy is a step in that direction as the athletic corner should help shore up the backend. He's also a willing and capable tackler in the run game and Kansas City is one of the league's worst units in that regard. - Belbeck
30. Green Bay Packers (from NO) - Jerry Tillery, DT, Notre Dame
Tillery is an undervalued prospect at the moment but has every chance to be a first-round pick in April. At 6-foot-7, 305 lbs, the defensive lineman checks every box in the measurable department. Add the fact that he's flashed dominance as an interior rusher and Tillery would be one of the top players available at this stage of the draft. - Alessandrini
31. Los Angeles Rams - Johnathan Abram, S, Mississippi State
Lamarcus Joyner could be out the door as a free agent, in which case Abram would fill a position of need. The Mississippi State product has great size and speed for the position and could be an instant playmaker on the back end for Wade Phillips' defense. - Belbeck
32. New England Patriots - Noah Fant, TE, Iowa
Fant isn't an all-around tight end like Hockenson, lacking the same blocking ability as his Iowa teammate, but he's firmly in the first-round mix thanks to his ridiculous upside as a receiver. Josh McDaniels and his offense would be able to create mismatches all over the field with Fant's combination of size and athleticism. - Wilkins