Tag Archives: Ed Oliver

Nick’s Picks: 2019 NFL Mock Draft 2.0

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Welcome back to Nick’s Picks. With the divisional round done and over with, the draft order has been updated. With each week that goes by, prospects’ draft stock are in constant flux, so look for some inconsistencies in where prospects are put in the draft.

1. AZ: Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State

New week, same pick. Yes, with Kyler Murray declaring for the NFL Draft and Kliff Kingsbury’s documented interest in the Oklahoma QB, it could be possible the Cardinals take him. However, for this mock draft, I have them taking Bosa.

  • Ohio State defensive end Nick Bosa

2. SF: Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama

I have been skeptical on putting Williams here, but I think the 49ers will look at what the Rams have in Aaron Donald and see how critical defensive tackles are in the modern NFL.

  • Alabama defensive tackle Quinnen Williams

3. NYJ: Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama

The first order of business for new head coach Adam Gase: protect Sam Darnold. Williams is a great offensive line prospect and can help both the run and pass game.

  • Alabama offensive tackle Jonah Williams

4. OAK: Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma

Looks like Kyler plays in Oakland after all! (Assuming they don’t move to Vegas next season). I think Gruden and new GM Mike Mayock will look to move Derek Carr and start fresh with the Heisman trophy winner.

  • Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray

5. TB: Josh Allen, OLB, Kentucky

The Bucs are so deprived of talent that they need to get the best player available. Allen could play at the edge position or as an outside linebacker, and I’m sure Bruce Arians and Todd Bowles will extrapolate the most out of him.

  • Kentucky outside linebacker Josh Allen

6. NYG: Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State

This is the second week where I have Haskins going to the G-Men, and it’s looking more and more likely. Manning needs to depart before his entire reputation is tarnished.

  • Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins

7. JAX: Drew Lock, QB, Missouri

In last week’s mock, I had the Jags taking a receiver, but I’d like to see how the mock draft shakes out with them taking a QB. Lock could be a nice fit in Duval County.

  • Missouri quarterback Drew Lock

8. DET: D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss

Man, I love this fit. The Lions are so desperate for a receiving threat for Stafford and Metcalf is among the best big body receivers in the draft.

  • Ole Miss wide receiver D.K. Metcalf

9. BUF: Greg Little, OT, Ole Miss

Josh Allen missed a decent amount of games this year due to injury. In order for the Bills to have success moving forward, protecting their quarterback is essential.

  • Ole Miss offensive tackle Greg Little

10. DEN: N’Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State

The Demariyus Thomas + Emmanuel Sanders duo was nice while it lasted. Now, with Thomas gone and Sanders coming back from injury, the Broncos need a new receiving duo. Courtland Sutton and N’Keal Harry could very well be the newest tandem to rock the AFC West.

  • Arizona State wide receiver N’Keal Harry

11. CIN: Devin White, LB, LSU

The Bengals can go so many different directions with this pick, but their defence was historically bad this season. White brings attitude and would become an immediate starter for Cincy.

  • LSU linebacker Devin White

12. GB: Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson

What a steal this would be if it comes into fruition. Ferrell is a great pass rusher who brings an immediate presence to this Packers defense.

  • Clemson defensive end Clelin Ferrell

13. MIA: Ed Oliver, DT, Houston

Oliver slips a little bit, but I think the Dolphins will find a lot of value in replacing what they miss in Ndamukong Suh.

  • Houston defensive tackle Ed Oliver

14. ATL: Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson

I didn’t have Wilkins going in the first round in my previous mock draft, but his national championship performance and his above and beyond football personality will make teams fall in love with him. Wilkins can either replace or play alongside Grady Jarrett and fortify this defence.

  • Clemson defensive tackle Christian Wilkins

15. WAS: Deionte Thompson, S, Alabama

I still can’t believe that Washington released D.J. Swearinger. I liked the move to trade for Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, but who knows if he re-signs with them. Thompson acts as a nice insurance policy (also, he’s an Alabama defender, which seems to be a trend for this team).

  • Alabama safety Deionte Thompson

16. CAR: Byron Murphy, CB, Washington

Byron Murphy is shooting up draft boards, but I don’t see the cornerbacks in this draft going too high in this draft. Murphy will be a nice edition to a cornerback group with includes Donte Jackson and James Bradberry.

  • Washington cornerback Byron Murphy

17. CLE: Dalton Risner, OT, Kansas State

The Browns are pointing in the right direction, but protection was a bit of an issue for them in 2018. Risner can become the franchise left tackle for years to come.

  • Kansas State offensive tackle Dalton Risner

18. MIN: Cody Ford, G, Oklahoma

The main thing Minnesota needs to focus on is protecting Kirk Cousins and giving holes for Dalvin Cook. Oklahoma’s Cody Ford can make Cousins’ crazy deal look like it was worth it.

  • Oklahoma guard Cody Ford

19. TEN: Rashan Gary, DT, Michigan

I don’t see Gary going super high in the first round due to his size and his lack of production, but his potential is through the roof. With Jurell Casey getting older, Gary can slide in and be a new face on this defensive line.

  • Michigan defensive tackle Rashan Gary

20. PIT: Greedy Williams, CB, LSU

Wow, what a slip for Greedy Williams. The Steelers need some better quality defenders, and Williams is arguably the top corner in this year’s draft.

  • LSU cornerback Greedy Williams

21. SEA: Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida

The Seahawks surprised many by getting into the playoffs, but they still need to protect Russell Wilson. By the way, it seems like this is always my message every year and the Seahawks never solve this issue. Hopefully they invest in Wilson’s future is all I’m saying.

  • Florida offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor

22. BAL: Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn

I initially had a receiver going into the first round, but would that really help the development of Lamar Jackson? He doesn’t love to throw to wide receivers, as he heavily utilizes his tight ends. So, I chose to focus on defence in this mock with this dominant DT.

  • Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown

23. HOU: Noah Fant, TE, Iowa

Houston has a few offensive needs such as offensive line and tight end. I was tempted to pick an offensive lineman here, but Noah Fant would help Deshaun Watson progress into a top 10 QB.

  • Iowa tight end Noah Fant

24. OAK (via CHI): DeAndre Baker, CB, Georgia

The Raiders have a ton of needs, and with Baker falling to 24, Oakland can have a shutdown CB for the future.

  • Georgia cornerback DeAndre Baker

25. PHI: Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, S, Florida

I’m surprised Gardner-Johnson isn’t getting more first round love, but I think he’d fit perfectly in Philadelphia. By adding a safety, this youthful secondary can be lead by Gardner-Johnson and veteran Malcolm Jenkins.

  • Florida safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson

26. IND: Jeffrey Simmons, DT, Mississippi State

Wow, the Colts surely over-performed this season. Their defence is most definitely underrated, but they could use some more interior pressure, and Simmons is among one of the best interior defensive line prospects in this year’s draft.

  • Mississippi State defensive tackle Jeffrey Simmons

27. OAK (via DAL): Brian Burns, DE, Florida State

I’m convinced that the Raiders didn’t sign Khalil Mack because Mark Davis didn’t have enough money. That’s the only reason. Now, they have to settle for Brian Burns – who could be a good player, but he won’t be Khalil Mack.

  • Florida State defensive end Brian Burns

28. LAC: Chris Lindstrom, G, Boston College

The Chargers have a really solid roster, but they struggled at guard all season long. Lindstrom is a solid guard and could start day one.

  • Boston College guard Chris Lindstrom

29. KC: Julian Love, CB, Notre Dame

The Chiefs defence really impressed me against Indianapolis, but their cornerback play is suspect. Love can compete for the CB1 day one.

  • Notre Dame cornerback Julian Love

30. GB (via NO): Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma

Aaron Rodgers needs more weapons and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown could be a dynamic playmaker for the Packers.

  • Oklahoma wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown

31. LAR: Mack Wilson, LB, Alabama

The Rams are in good shape moving forward, but they need some improvement at linebacker. Wilson is an athletic thumper who is going to be yet another product of Nick Saban’s defence.

  • Alabama linebacker Mack Wilson

32. NE: Daniel Jones, QB, Duke

Tom Brady won’t last forever (even though it’s looking like it). Jones can come in and learn from the GOAT and eventually be the Pats QB for the future.

  • Duke quarterback Daniel Jones

Nick’s Picks will be posted weekly and draft orders will be updated.

Nick’s Picks: 2019 NFL Mock Draft 1.0

Posted on by • Posted in 49ers, Bengals, Bills, Broncos, Browns, Buccaneers, Cardinals, Chargers, Chiefs, Colts, Dolphins, Eagles, Falcons, Giants, Jaguars, Jets, Lions, NFL, NFL Draft, NFL Teams, Packers, Panthers, Patriots, Posts, Raiders, Rams, Ravens, Redskins, Seahawks, Steelers, Texans, Titans, Vikings • Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , • Leave a comment

Welcome back, fans of Nick’s Picks! It’s been some time.

With the 2018 NFL Regular Season complete, 20 teams now have their draft slot solidified (unless they trade their pick). These picks are subject to change, due to the typical NFL draft nonsense (risers, fallers, Laremy Tunsil-like situations, etc). Now, let’s take a look at the 1.0 version of Nick’s Picks – 2019 edition.

1. AZ: Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State

Have you taken a look at the Arizona Cardinals’ depth chart? Good God, it needs work.

I contemplated putting Quinnen Williams with this pick, since the Cardinals have a decent pass rush with Chandler Jones and Markus Golden, but there’s no guarantee that Golden returns in free agency (and Bosa’s just so much better than Golden). Bosa’s the pick, and the Cardinals ought to hit a few home runs in this year’s draft.

  • Ohio State defensive end Nick Bosa

2. SF: Josh Allen, OLB, Kentucky

I struggled with this pick a lot, since the best player available is Quinnen Williams, but he doesn’t fill a need. I think Devin White could be in the mix for this pick, but it’s a bit rich for my taste.

Allen is a versatile defender who can rush the passer and also play coverage. He’s a tone setter for this defence and will hopefully make John Lynch look smart.

  • Kentucky outside linebacker Josh Allen

3. NYJ: Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama

Maybe I’m looking at the wrong mock draft sites, but I can’t seem to find anyone who has Williams to the Jets – and I cannot understand why.

I think some believe that the Jets’ defensive line is good – it’s not bad – however, Quinnen Williams with Leonard Williams would be a nice pairing for years to come.

  • Alabama defensive tackle Quinnen Williams

4. OAK: Devin White, LB, LSU 

I can’t stand looking at the Raiders’ roster. Jon Gruden has littered this roster with washed up veterans who he liked in 2008. Did you know that Leon Hall is playing for them? Unbelievable. Anyway, the Raiders need a tone setter on the defence, and Devin White is a culture changer.

  • LSU linebacker Devin White

5. TB: Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama

The Bucs are putting all their chips in with Jameis Winston, and they need to better protect him. Donovan Smith has been a disappointment throughout his career, so potentially Williams could be a franchise blind-side protector.

  • Alabama offensive tackle Jonah Williams

6. NYG: Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State

Eli Manning will likely start next year, but I envision a Joe Flacco – Lamar Jackson transition with Manning and Dwayne Haskins.

I still can’t believe that Justin Herbert is going back to school. But, at least Haskins can cash out on his impressive year and be the successor to the fringe Hall of Fame quarterback.

  • Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins

7. JAX: N’Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State

Wait, what??? Not a QB? In this scenario, I believe the Jags will realize that the QBs in this draft are not a high enough calibre to build a franchise around, so they acquire Joe Flacco on a one year prove-it deal.

Jacksonville once had a nice wide receiver duo in Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns, but now all they have is the underrated Keelan Cole. Harry adds a new dimension to this offence.

  • Arizona State wide receiver N’Keal Harry

8. DET: D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss

Remember in the 2017 NFL Draft when 3 wide receivers went in the top 10? I don’t think it’ll escalate to 3, but there could be multiple.

The Lions need a weapon for Matthew Stafford. He gets a lot of flack, but I don’t think people realize what he’s working with. Metcalf brings a big body presence to the Lions’ receiving corps.

  • Ole Miss wide receiver D.K. Metcalf

9. BUF: Greg Little, OT, Ole Miss

I wasn’t a big fan of the Josh Allen selection in 2018, but he looks like someone you can build around. The Bills need to revamp this offence to tailor to Allen’s strengths.

Little is a solid protector and I believe has the versatility to play left and right tackle, or even guard. He’s exactly what Allen needs, and Buffalo will recognize that.

  • Ole Miss offensive tackle Greg Little

10. DEN: Deionte Thompson, S, Alabama

The Broncos have quite a few needs – including quarterback – but I wouldn’t draft any QB here. Their secondary needs a playmaker, and Thompson fits this scheme well.

  • Alabama safety Deionte Thompson

11. CIN: Cody Ford, G, Oklahoma

Side note: I’m shocked that I lived to see the day that Marvin Lewis was fired as Cincy’s head coach.

The Bengals need a lot of help on the offensive line, even with the draft pick of Billy Price last year. Yeah, the pick isn’t sexy, but I’ve never really attributed sexy to the Bengals anyway.

  • Oklahoma guard Cody Ford

12. GB: Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson

This season exposed the Packers’ lack of defensive talent. The bright side of Green Bay’s defence are their corners, linebacker Blake Martinez and defensive tackle Kenny Clark – that’s about it. Ferrell brings a spark of pass rush to this struggling defence.

  • Clemson defensive end Clelin Ferrell

13. MIA: Drew Lock, QB, Missouri

Ryan Tannehill looks to be out of Miami at the beginning of next season. Lock, although limited, looks to be a good leader and the best QB available. A new horizon is setting in South Beach.

  • Missouri quarterback Drew Lock

14. ATL: Greedy Williams, CB, LSU

Some may think that Williams is a top 10 pick, and he very well could be, but I believe that there are more talented prospects that will be selected before him.

Atlanta needs some more personality on their defence. When you get someone named “Greedy”, you get some personality.

  • LSU cornerback Greedy Williams

15. WAS: DeAndre Baker, CB, Georgia

Josh Norman is on the decline, and there’s no one else on this team with CB1 potential. Baker is among one of the best defenders in this draft and will give stability to this rocky franchise.

  • Georgia cornerback DeAndre Baker

16. CAR: Byron Murphy, CB, Washington

I like James Bradberry and Donte Jackson, but I think they need a bona fide shut down corner.

Carolina’s defence has an odd mix of both young and old players. They must stop relying on old vets like Julius Peppers, Thomas Davis and Captain Munnerlyn and add more young players.

  • Washington cornerback Byron Murphy

17. CLE: Ed Oliver, DT, Houston

How did Ed Oliver slip this far into the draft? I question Oliver’s size transitioning into the NFL, and I know that some don’t care about the “jacket-gate” situation with Houston’s head coach, but I think some teams will question Oliver’s character. Cleveland selects him opposite Larry Ogunjobi.

  • Houston defensive tackle Ed Oliver

18. MIN: Dalton Risner, OT, Kansas State

It seems like a lot of people have this, and I tend to agree with the mock draft community. I didn’t like the Kirk Cousins signing, but I do think that he’d be better with more protection.

  • Kansas State offensive tackle Dalton Risner

19. TEN: Rashan Gary, DT, Michigan

The Titans have a few needs, one of which is a versatile defensive lineman. Gary would be a steal at this stage of the draft and would be a nice pairing with veteran Jurell Casey.

  • Michigan defensive tackle Rashan Gary

20. PIT: Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida

Wow, who would have thought that the Steelers would be just shy of making the playoffs? One of the main reasons why I’m surprised is that they have a very complete roster. Perhaps having a right tackle for the future will help Ben in his final years.

  • Florida offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor

21. SEA: Jeffrey Simmons, DT, Mississippi State

The Seahawks surprised me this year, but they need to build up their defence. Simmons is among the best defenders still available, and he’d pair up nicely with Jarran Reed in the interior of that defensive line.

  • Mississippi State defensive tackle Jeffrey Simmons

22. BAL: A.J. Brown, WR, Ole Miss

Is Lamar Jackson the future in Baltimore? I’d say yes, but he needs help at wide receiver. It’s up for debate as to who’s the best receiver available, but A.J. Brown has some nice traits and will fit well with the Ravens.

  • Ole Miss wide receiver A.J. Brown

23. HOU: Yodny Cajuste, OT, West Virginia

Deshaun Watson was fighting for his life against the Colts in the Wild Card round. If he had a bit of protection, perhaps Watson leads the Texans to victory. Houston finds a versatile lineman in Cajuste.

  • West Virginia offensive tackle Yodny Cajuste

24. OAK (via CHI): Brian Burns, DE, Florida State 

I like the Mike Mayock hire for one reason: he knows how to evaluate talent in the draft. Burns is a nice pass rusher who probably won’t be as good as Khalil Mack, but he could emerge as a double digit sack artist.

  • Florida State defensive end Brian Burns

25. PHI: Chris Lindstrom, G, Boston College 

Regardless on where you stand on the Nick Foles/Carson Wentz debate, it’ll be important for the Eagles to protect their QB. Their left guard position has been shaky, and Lindstrom is a plug-and-play type of player.

  • Boston College guard Chris Lindstrom

26. IND: Mack Wilson, LB, Alabama

Darius Leonard is in contention for DROY, but the rest of the linebacking corps is suspect. Fifth rounder Anthony Walker and seventh rounder Zaire Franklin get a lot of reps currently, which could be an issue against the Chiefs. Wilson adds another athlete to this defence.

  • Alabama linebacker Mack Wilson

27. OAK (via DAL): Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn

Oakland has many options on how to build via the draft, and I think they’ll try and build their front seven. Brown is an upgrade over P.J. Hall and Maurice Hurst and has a tough mentality.

  • Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown

28. LAC: Daniel Jones, QB, Duke

Philip Rivers is having an excellent year, but how many years does he have left? Since they hardly have any needs, I think getting an intriguing QB prospect in Jones is a smart move.

  • Duke quarterback Daniel Jones

29. NE: Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma

The end is near for the Pats. Perhaps Brady has a few more decent years left, but he needs more weapons. Marquise “Hollywood” Brown is an electric playmaker who could extend TB12’s career.

  • Oklahoma wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown

30. LAR: Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, S, Florida

When watching the Peach Bowl this year, I was shocked by how active and productive Gardner-Johnson was against Michigan. His ascension has made him worthy of a first round grade, and the Rams could use his talents.

  • Florida safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson

31. KC: Julian Love, CB, Notre Dame

The loss of Marcus Peters has made Kansas City’s defence among the worst in the league. Love can be a day one starter and make the Chiefs’ secondary respectable again.

  • Notre Dame cornerback Julian Love

32. GB (via NO): Kelvin Harmon, WR, NC State

The Packers need to help out Aaron Rodgers, one way or another. Harmon is a solid receiver who is better than everyone other than Davante Adams in the Packers’ receiving room.

  • NC State wide receiver Kelvin Harmon

Nick’s Picks will be posted weekly and draft orders will be updated.