Tag: College Football

2019 NFL Mock Draft 1.0: Post-Season Edition

Posted on by Jason Pruett in 2019 NFL Draft

A new Super Bowl champion has been crowned and the 2018 NFL season is officially history. All 32 franchises now have their sights set on Super Bowl LIV, but all roads to Miami first run through Nashville and the 2019 NFL Draft.

With draft season once again upon us, I am pleased to present my 2019 NFL Mock Draft 1.0. These first-round projections are based on the current draft order and my impression of team needs as of February 1, and do not reflect any potential trade scenarios.

1 | Arizona Cardinals — Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma
Should the Cardinals elect to take a loss on last year’s first-round investment in Josh Rosen to give new head coach Kliff Kingsbury a clean slate, the diminutive, but dynamic Heisman Trophy winner could be the centerpiece of what is expected to be a high-octane offense.

2 | San Francisco 49ers — Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State
The 49ers are desperate for a true edge rusher. Widely considered the best overall prospect in the 2019 NFL Draft, Bosa projects to be a plug-and-play starter on a front line stacked with first-rounders.

3 | New York Jets — Quinnen Williams, DL, Alabama
With their QB of the future securely in the fold, the Jets should simply focus on getting better as a whole. Williams was the breakout superstar in college football this season and has the potential to wreck games from the interior.

4 | Oakland Raiders — Josh Allen, RSH, Kentucky
The Raiders are loaded with first-round draft capital and light on talent. With a number of roles to fill, Allen is an impressive, all-around defender who can make an impact in multiple ways for the silver and black.

5 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson
An effort to retool their pass rush in free agency last offseason didn’t really pan out for the Buccaneers across the board, so they look to Ferrell to lock down the edge opposite a resurgent Jason Pierre-Paul.

6 | New York Giants — Rashan Gary, DL, Michigan
Despite passing on a quarterback from a stronger class the year prior, the popular opinion is that the Giants will be compelled to draft a successor to Eli Manning. But, they also lack an impact defender. Gary is an incredible athlete with incredible upside.

7 | Jacksonville Jaguars — Jonah Williams, OL, Alabama
Duval County is another potential destination for a first-round quarterback, but the Jaguars may opt to pursue a veteran in free agency to stabilize the position. In that case, they can allocate their top pick to upgrade the offensive line.

8 | Detroit Lions — Montez Sweat, RSH, Mississippi State
The Lions are strong on the interior of the defensive line, but the edge is an area of concern. Dominant during Senior Bowl week, Sweat is climbing draft boards and could help offset the expected departure of veteran pass rusher Ezekiel Ansah.

9 | Buffalo Bills — T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa
The Bills may have mined a franchise quarterback in Josh Allen, but while the initial returns are promising, he’ll need a lot more help around him to continue making progress. Hockenson is on the rise with his prowess as a pass catcher and a blocker.

10 | Denver Broncos — Drew Lock, QB, Missouri
The Case Keenum experiment appears to be short-lived in Denver. With yet another new head coach and once again in the market for a new quarterback, the Broncos have been linked early and often to Lock.

11 | Cincinnati Bengals — Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State
The Bengals moved on from long-time head coach Marvin Lewis and incumbent starting quarterback Andy Dalton could soon be next. Haskins has a limited resume, but a wealth of talent.

12 | Green Bay Packers — Devin White, LB, LSU
Drafting an outside pass rusher will be a consideration, but a sideline-to-sideline presence like White at the second level could allow the Packers to be more aggressive with their defensive scheme in order to generate pressure.

13 | Miami Dolphins — Jeffery Simmons, DL, Mississippi State
The Dolphins are rumored to be looking ahead to the 2020 NFL Draft for their next quarterback, so their focus here could simply be talent acquisition. Simmons is a disruptive defender who frequents the opposing backfield.

14 | Atlanta Falcons — Cody Ford, OL, Oklahoma
Significant injuries to key contributors were the primary factor in the Falcons having a down year, but pedestrian offensive line play, at best, didn’t help. Enter Ford, a mauling goliath of a right tackle who could also slide inside to play guard.

15 | Washington Redskins — Daniel Jones, QB, Duke
After a relatively hot start, a catastrophic injury suffered by starting quarterback Alex Smith almost doomed the Redskins to a winless finish. With Smith’s future in doubt, Jones would bring youth, experience, and a similar level of athleticism.

16 | Carolina Panthers — Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida
The Panthers seem to have a perpetual need at offensive tackle. Taylor could step in immediately at right tackle, allowing the Panthers to bump the emerging Taylor Moton to the blindside.

17 | Cleveland Browns — Ed Oliver, DL, Houston
A year removed from drafting first overall, the Browns now have playoff aspirations for 2019. Oliver could help them get there. He’s undersized, but lives beyond the line of scrimmage and would be a steal if he slips beyond the top ten.

18 | Minnesota Vikings — Noah Fant, TE, Iowa
After a trip to the NFC Championship last year, the Vikings failed to make the playoffs this season. To right the ship, they could look at adding an offensive weapon like Fant, who is less of a conventional tight end and more of a modern matchup player.

19 | Tennessee Titans — Brian Burns, RSH, Florida State
It will be a complete changing of the guard on the edge for the Titans, who will look to pair the explosive Burns with last year’s second-round pick Harold Landry to replace veteran starters Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan.

20 | Pittsburgh Steelers — Greedy Williams, CB, LSU
While the offense makes headlines on and off the field, expect the Steelers to turn their attention to defense at the top of the draft. Provided that another team isn’t greedy for a cornerback, they could make Williams the first boundary defender off the board.

21 | Seattle Seahawks — Dalton Risner, OL, Kansas State
Largely fueled by an impressive rushing attack, the Seahawks earned a playoff berth in what was expected to be a rebuilding year. But, the same offensive line powering a productive run game also surrendered 51 sacks. Risner allowed only one in his entire college career.

22 | Baltimore Ravens — Kelvin Harmon, WR, North Carolina State
The Ravens overachieved with a run-first rookie quarterback and a receiving corps comprised of journeyman veterans and late-round draft picks. Harmon is a well-rounded, pro-ready receiver who can start right away and grow with Lamar Jackson.

23 | Houston Texans — Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State
Since trading All-Pro Duane Brown to the Seahawks during the 2017 season, the Texans have been relying on a series of stopgaps to anchor the offensive line. Dillard could be the long-term solution at left tackle.

24 | Oakland Raiders (via CHI) — Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama
The Raiders were able to squeeze moderate production on the ground from their aging tandem of Marshawn Lynch and Doug Martin. Bursting onto the draft scene during the second half of the season, Jacobs would give the Raiders an explosive feature back with a ton of tread on his tires.

25 | Philadelphia Eagles — Devin Bush, LB, Michigan
The Eagles might elect to invest more resources in a suspect secondary, but with middle linebacker Jordan Hicks unable to stay healthy and no longer under contract, drafting Bush would make sense to strengthen the heart of the defense.

26 | Indianapolis Colts — Jachai Polite, RSH, Florida
With a high-scoring offense and an attacking defense, the Colts were the surprise of the season going two rounds deep in the tournament. Adding a speed rusher like Polite would force opponents to account for another dimension with their offensive game plan.

27 | Oakland Raiders (via DAL) — Nasir Adderley, S, Delaware
Safety would hardly be considered a position of strength for the Raiders. The versatile Adderley made an impression with their staff at the Senior Bowl, earning captain status and three Raider shield stickers from head coach Jon Gruden. He just might get one for real.

28 | Los Angeles Chargers — Byron Murphy, CB, Washington
With the oft-injured Jason Verrett’s tenure with the Chargers likely coming to a close and Trevor Williams unable to maintain form starting in his place, Murphy could be an option to solidify the cornerback position.

29 | Kansas City Chiefs — Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia
Kansas City’s explosive offense might have been done in this season by a lackluster defense that ranked near the bottom of the league in many categories. Drafting Baker would be one step toward improvement.

30 | Green Bay Packers (via NO) — Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma
The Packers may target a dynamic receiving threat to replace free agent Randall Cobb. Brown is blazing fast and would give new head coach Matt LaFleur a dangerous weapon to deploy along both axis.

31 | Los Angeles Rams — Christian Wilkins, DL, Clemson
The Rams wheeled and dealed to outfit their defense to compete for a Super Bowl, but they will need to reload their front seven from within sooner rather than later. Wilkins would make a suitable sidekick for all-world defensive tackle Aaron Donald.

32 | New England Patriots — Irv Smith Jr., TE, Alabama
Another season, another Super Bowl victory for the Patriots. But, while Tom Brady may be ageless, time and injury has taken its toll on tight end Rob Gronkowski. The second-generation Smith would make a fine choice to complement or ultimately succeed Gronk.

Jason Pruett
DRAFTPLEX

2018 NFL Mock Draft 4.0: Final Edition

Posted on by Jason Pruett in 2018 NFL Draft

The 2018 NFL Draft will finally commence on Thursday night, and as much as we all want to think we know about how the first round will unfold, history tells us that there will be selections that surprise, players that unexpectedly rise and fall, and unpredictable trades that lay waste to our best-laid mock draft plans.

Taking this all into consideration, I am pleased to present my 4.0 and final 2018 NFL Mock Draft. These first-round projections are intended to represent a possible sequence of events that I believe could occur—including potential trade scenarios.

1 | Cleveland Browns — Sam Darnold, QB, USC
All of the pre-draft smokescreens clear to reveal Darnold as Cleveland’s choice for their quarterback of the future.

2 | New York Giants — Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
The Giants have been speculated as a suitor for Darnold, but if the Browns steal him away, we might find out that their love for Barkley is real.

3 | New York Jets — Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
Broadway Baker has a nice ring to it, but the polarizing Rosen just might be the better football fit for Gang Green.

4 | Buffalo Bills (via CLE) — Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
* TRADE * The Bills package their two first-round picks, next year’s first, and possibly more to jump up for the chance to draft the big-armed Allen.

5 | Denver Broncos — Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
Depending on their quarterback preference, the Broncos could end up shopping for a trade, but this scenario assumes that they covet—or are content with—Mayfield.

6 | Cleveland Browns (via IND) — Bradley Chubb, RSH, North Carolina State
* TRADE * The Colts might love Chubb, but if the Browns come calling with the two first-round picks acquired from Buffalo, that could be enough to sway them.

7 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Derwin James, S, Florida State
James to Tampa has been proclaimed the worst-kept secret in the NFL leading up to draft day. Will it hold true?

8 | Chicago Bears — Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame
Nelson to Chicago has been one of the most popular player-to-team projections this draft season. It almost makes too much sense.

9 | San Francisco 49ers — Harold Landry, RSH, Boston College
The 49ers could target one of the top linebackers, but with a seemingly desperate need for an impact edge rusher, they strike while they can.

10 | Oakland Raiders — Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama
The talented Fitzpatrick just might slide—right into a reunion with his former secondary coach at Alabama, now on staff with the Raiders.

11 | Miami Dolphins — Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
Miami is a team that could go in multiple directions, but it would be difficult to pass on arguably the top cover corner in the draft.

12 | Indianapolis Colts (via BUF through CLE) — Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia
* TRADE * With the first of their two firsts acquired from the Browns, the Colts acquire the centerpiece for new DC Matt Eberflus’ defense.

13 | Arizona Cardinals (via WAS) — Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
* TRADE * With the electric Jackson within striking distance, the Cardinals swoop in before another team can beat them to the punch.

14 | Green Bay Packers — Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa
The Green Bay secondary needs more reinforcements and Jackson fits the profile they look for on the perimeter.

15 | Washington Redskins (via ARZ) — Vita Vea, DT, Washington
* TRADE * After trading back with the Cardinals, Washington beefs up the belly of their defense to counter the run game of their NFC East rivals.

16 | Baltimore Ravens — Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
Call it an upset if a Ravens team with a pipeline from Alabama and a need for offensive weapons passes on the pro-ready Ridley.

17 | Los Angeles Chargers — Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame
Defense is a strong possibility, but drafting the plug-and-play McGlinchey to stabilize their offensive line has to be a consideration for the Chargers.

18 | New England Patriots (via SEA) — Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State
* TRADE * Vander Esch to Dallas has become mandate in the draft community, but New England might have eyes on him, too—and the early-round ammo to move up.

19 | Dallas Cowboys — Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech
The Cowboys miss out on one of their most publicized targets in Vander Esch, but ultimately opt for the even more highly-touted Edmunds, who somehow slides.

20 | Detroit Lions — Marcus Davenport, RSH, UTSA
The Lions secured the services of Ezekiel Ansah for the year with the franchise tag, but still bring in Davenport to be his eventual replacement.

21 | Cincinnati Bengals — James Daniels, C, Iowa
The Bengals continue overhauling their offensive line by adding the draft’s top center prospect in Daniels.

22 | Indianapolis Colts (via BUF through CLE) — Isaiah Wynn, OL, Georgia
* TRADE * With the second of their two firsts acquired from the Browns, the Colts look to fortify their offensive front with the versatile Wynn.

23 | Seattle Seahawks (via NE) — Derrius Guice, RB, LSU
* TRADE * After trading down, offensive line and defense will be strong considerations for the Seahawks, but Guice might give them Beast Mode flashbacks.

24 | Pittsburgh Steelers (via CAR) — Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama
* TRADE * With their sights on Evans, the Steelers feel a sense of urgency to trade up to ensure they don’t lose him to Tennessee.

25 | Tennessee Titans — Lorenzo Carter, RSH, Georgia
Wiped out at inside linebacker here, the Titans could turn their attention the edge, possibly banking on the upside of the athletic Carter.

26 | Atlanta Falcons — Taven Bryan, DT, Florida
The Falcons need help on their defensive front and seem to like what they see—or what could be—in the flashy, disruptive Bryan.

27 | New Orleans Saints — Da’Ron Payne, DT, Alabama
The Saints could look at taking the first tight end off the board, but adding Payne to upgrade their interior defense would be very tempting.

28 | Carolina Panthers (via PIT) — D.J. Moore, WR, Maryland
* TRADE * Offensive line and cornerback are areas of need, but to trade back and still land the explosive Moore would be a win for Carolina.

29 | Jacksonville Jaguars — Will Hernandez, OG, UTEP
Hernandez would be a natural fit for the Jaguars’ punishing run game and an excellent value pick late in the first round.

30 | Minnesota Vikings — Frank Ragnow, C, Arkansas
Also playable at guard, Ragnow’s draft stock has skyrocketed recently—could he crash the first round en route to his home state of Minnesota?

31 | New England Patriots — Kolton Miller, OT, UCLA
It’s a popular comparison and connection, but if Miller is to be Nate Solder 2.0 for the Patriots, they’ll almost certainly have to take him in the first.

32 | Philadelphia Eagles — Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville
The Eagles have taken a couple of hits to their secondary in the offseason, so they would probably welcome the opportunity to steal Alexander to close the round.

Jason Pruett
DRAFTPLEX

2018 NFL Draft Super Mock

Posted on by Jason Pruett in 2018 NFL Draft

With draft week finally upon us, I am pleased to present my 2018 NFL Draft Super Mock. For this exercise, I went on the clock for all 32 teams across all seven rounds to make all 256 selections. These projections are based on the official draft order and my impression of team needs heading into the draft, and do not reflect any potential trade scenarios.

2018 NFL Draft Super Mock

Jason Pruett
DRAFTPLEX

Drafting Dallas 2018: 7-Round Mock Draft 3.0

Posted on by Jason Pruett in Drafting Dallas 2018

Welcome to my 3.0 installment of Drafting Dallas 2018, where I’m assuming front office duties to mock draft the full seven rounds for the Cowboys using the current edition of my DRAFTPLEX Board.

Since my 2.0 installment was published, the open of the new league year and the subsequent frenzy of free agency signings, along with continued activity in the trade market, has seen teams across the league address areas of need and give us a more focused picture of their potential positions of interest heading into the NFL Draft. College pro days are also completely in the books, with representatives from all 32 franchises crossing the nation and descending upon university campuses to work out top prospects, as well as late-round sleepers and potential rookie free agents.

Up until a few days ago, this stretch in the offseason schedule went about as expected for the Cowboys. They placed the franchise tag on DeMarcus Lawrence and a second-round tender on restricted free agent David Irving. They parted ways with a pair of marquee defenders, with free agent Anthony Hitchens signing with the Kansas City Chiefs and Orlando Scandrick requesting his release to ultimately sign with the Washington Redskins. Also moving on, Keith Smith and Kyle Wilber, who signed with the Oakland Raiders, and Jonathan Cooper, who signed with the San Francisco 49ers. Then after a few days where their only activity was signing a pair of role players in linebacker Joe Thomas and wide receiver Deonte Thompson, and swapping late-round picks with the Raiders for fullback Jamize Olawale, the Cowboys finally made their proverbial splash, signing former Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Allen Hurns and former New England Patriots offensive tackle Cameron Fleming, as well as a former third-round draft choice in offensive lineman Marcus Martin, most recently of the Cleveland Browns.

Then this past Friday, the Cowboys made the long-rumored, but still relatively shocking decision to release star wide receiver Dez Bryant, attaining some much-needed salary cap relief, but leaving the offense without a defined WR1 and setting the expectation that the position will be addressed early in the draft. Which, of course, brings us to this exercise.

For context, this isn’t a prediction or projection of what the actual front office will do, nor is it a fantasy draft where the best players just happen to conveniently fall to the Cowboys. I will be making my selections as realistically as I can based on my own evaluations and who Dallas has reportedly shown interest in this draft season. I will also not be repeating any previous selections, ensuring both a unique draft scenario and an original read.

That all being said, let’s go on the clock for the final time for the Cowboys this draft season with Drafting Dallas 2018 3.0.

Round 1 | Pick 19
Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State
It might prove to be an upset, at least as far as the media is concerned, if the Cowboys do not select a wide receiver with their first-round pick. But, even with the release of Dez Bryant, there’s enough evidence to suggest the Cowboys will maintain the approach of selecting the best player available at a position of need—and the argument can be made that the position in most need of an upgrade at this point is linebacker. With Anthony Hitchens moving on in free agency and the front office acknowledging publicly that Jaylon Smith will see snaps at SAM linebacker, there would appear to be an opening at middle linebacker. Vander Esch is a rising prospect the Cowboys have clearly taken interest in and is definitely in consideration at 19.

Round 2 | Pick 50
Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M
With an offense powered by the running game, there’s a case to be made that the Cowboys no longer necessarily need a lead receiver who commands—or expects—the lion’s share of the targets, but a platoon of receivers who can catch and create as the defense gives. Kirk is an explosive playmaker, but having lined up almost exclusively in the slot, he’s also a projection on the outside at the NFL level. That said, provided the Cowboys can scheme to his strengths, the former Aggie could be a tremendous weapon both near the line of scrimmage and down the field.

Round 3 | Pick 81
Austin Corbett, OG, Nevada
Despite their offseason additions to the offensive line, Dallas still doesn’t have a definitive starter at left guard. Expecting Marcus Martin to win the job after not seeing the field for the Cleveland Browns in 2017 would be a major gamble, so they would be wise to capitalize on the opportunity to add a plug-and-play starter. While the Cowboys have continually been linked to names like Will Hernandez and Isaiah Wynn in the first round, Corbett presents a near-comparable alternative who could be available as late as the third round.

Round 4 | Pick 116
Tarvarius Moore, S, Southern Miss
With the standing expectation that Byron Jones will be transitioning to full-time cornerback, Dallas will be down a safety on the depth chart. While the team may look to Xavier Woods and Kavon Frazier to fill the void, adding a safety with starter potential in the early or middle rounds should be in play. After flying under the radar for most of the draft cycle, Moore is gaining steam after an outstanding pro day and was among the Cowboys’ official 30 pre-draft visitors.

Round 4 | Pick 137 (compensatory selection)
Kendrick Norton, DT, Miami
While Dallas continues to be linked to the top one-technique defensive tackles in the draft, it doesn’t seem as likely anymore that they will be seeking the fill that role early. Indeed, if they do address the interior front, it will probably not happen until the middle rounds, where a grabbing space eater like Norton to reset the line and absorb blocks would present a better value for a lower-priority position in their defensive scheme.

Round 5 | Pick 171 (compensatory selection)
Ito Smith, RB, Southern Miss
Dallas is short a running back and, based on their pre-draft visits, it would appear that they are targeting a gadget player in the mold of former Cowboy Lance Dunbar. Smith is one of those smaller, shiftier, change-of-pace backs they have visited with, and would provide an element of speed and elusiveness to the offense as both a runner and receiver.

Round 6 | Pick 192 (via trade with Oakland Raiders)
Antonio Callaway, WR, Florida
The Cowboys have shown a willingness to gamble on talented players with extensive off-field concerns, and Callaway represents perhaps the most physically gifted, but troubled prospect in this draft class. While he didn’t play a down in 2017, Dallas did bring him in as one of their pre-draft visitors, and it wouldn’t be a complete shock to see them roll the dice late in the draft if he happens to remain on the board.

Round 6 | Pick 193
Kentavius Street, DL, North Carolina State
Along with character risks, the Cowboys aren’t shy about players whose draft stock is compromised due to injury. Street was rising up boards early in the draft process, but suffering a torn ACL in a pre-draft workout has sent his stock tumbling. If Dallas retains all of their picks, drafting a player who will require a redshirt year isn’t out of the question, especially one with the power and position flex of Street.

Round 6 | Pick 208 (compensatory selection)
Zach Sieler, DE, Ferris State
You can never have enough quality pass rushers. With the size, tools, and production to project as a potential impact defender, Sieler is one of the rare small-school prospects whose decision to declare early should pay off with a draft selection.

Round 7 | Pick 236
Chris Jones, CB, Nebraska
In the interest of competition, the Cowboys will likely add at least one cornerback to the roster through the draft, and even more from the rookie free agent pool. They reportedly thought enough of Jones to have him participate in a private workout, making him the only cornerback thus far to do so.

Jason Pruett
DRAFTPLEX