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.