2019 NFL mock draft way too early version
With the 2018 NFL Draft already in the rearview mirror, it is time for scouts and Draftniks to begin the pre-draft process for the 2019 NFL draft.
With that, the fans are gifted with way-too-early Mock Drafts posted 11 and a half months before the first name is called. So, for the fun of it, let’s try one out so we can look back on it next April to see how we did. . (Draft order is based on 2019 Super Bowl Odds via Mybookie)
1.New York Jets
Ed Oliver DT Houston
Oliver is one of the most dominant defensive linemen we’ve ever seen and if there’s ever been worthy of the first overall pick it’s him. There’s a reason why he declared for the 2019 NFL Draft 14 Months in advance. He has everything you look for in an elite defensive tackle strength at the point of attack, quick get-off, high motor, and speed in space. He is an absolute freak of an athlete and will make the Jets D-line absolutely impenetrable.
2.Chicago Bears
Nick Bosa DE Ohio State
Nick Bosa is set to enter the NFL draft next year as a better prospect than his brother, Joey Bosa, an All-Pro. Nick Bosa is in on almost every play and is a more fluent pass-rusher than Joey Bosa was coming out of college and he’s only played two years of College Football. Adding Bosa to a front seven that already has Leonard Floyd and Roquan Smith would be scary for opposing offenses.
3.Miami Dolphins
Justin Herbert QB Oregon
Most people anticipate that the Dolphins will be selecting very high next draft, which explains why they have the third worst Super Bowl odds. I am not of the opinion that the Dolphins will be one of the worst teams in the league this year, but if all us hopeful Dolphins fans are disappointed yet again, and the Dolphins do get a top 5 pick in next years draft, that means either Ryan Tannehill got injured or played really poorly.
Either way, picking in the top 5 means the Dolphins will be looking for a quarterback next off-season. It has become a common belief that next year’s quarterback class is not good, or at least nowhere near the caliber of last year’s, but that is not true. There will plenty of guys to choose from if the Dolphins are in this position next year.
The crop will likely include Justin Herbert, Drew Lock from Missouri, Jarrett Stidham from Auburn, Will Grier from West Virginia, Clayton Thorson from Northwestern, Trace McSorley of Penn State, Nick Fitzgerald of Mississippi State, Shea Patterson of Michigan, and Mckenzie Milton of UCF. Come February, we’ll embark on a two-month national debate on who is the best of the bunch, and as of right now, 10 months in advance, Justin Herbert of Oregon appears to be the front-runner.
After a hot start with the Ducks, Herbert got injured and Oregon took a step back, and their New Year’s Six Bowl dreams ended. Herbert returned for the team’s bowl game (Las Vegas Bowl) against Boise State and after a slow start, he was much stronger in the second half and has scouts excited for what he could next season. He has ideal size (6’6″ 231 lbs) and has incredible speed and athleticism for his size. He is a work-in-progress with pocket presence and struggles with turnovers but both are fixable and should he improve next season, he could very well be a top-5 pick come next April. He is comparable to former Duck Marcus Mariota and has the excitement element that will surely please Dolphins fans.
- Cincinnati Bengals
Drew Lock QB Missouri
Similar to the Dolphins’ situation, if the Bengals end up with a top-5 pick they also will likely be looking for a Quarterback. They should look no further than Missouri’s Drew Lock. The 6’4″ quarterback struggled at times but at other times looked better than all of 2018’s quarterback prospects. He can fling and through some of the most beautiful deep balls, I’ve ever seen, against SEC defenses. The Herbert-Lock debate should start after the season and would end until Commissioner Goodell announces their names at the Draft.
- Cleveland Browns
Andraez “Greedy” Williams
There’s a reason why his nickname is “Greedy”- they don’t just hand nicknames like that out to everyone. When it comes to footballs, Andraez Williams is greedy- he wants all of them that come his way, and he gets a majority of them. He is long, fluent, and has terrific ball-hawking skills. He should be the best cornerback in the nation next year and will make one of the best young cornerback duos in the NFL in Cleveland with Denzel Ward.
- Buffalo Bills
A.J. Brown WR Ole Miss
The Bills need weapons, they’ll find one here with Brown. Brown is tall, fast, and explosive and his an absolute match-up nightmare for any opposing defender. His blend of speed, size, and athleticism make him one of the best receiver prospects in years, and one who will soon be highly coveted by teams.
- Arizona Cardinals
Greg Little OT Ole Miss
The Cardinals need help on the offensive line today, and next year they will be in search of their anchor and primary protector of Josh Rosen. Little is ironically huge (6’6″ 325) and was the top tackle recruit coming out of High School in 2016. He showed incredible potential in his first two years and if he builds on that he’ll be a surefire 1st round pick.
- Washington Redskins
Anfernee Jennings EDGE Alabama
The Redskins need athletes on defense, especially those who can rush the passer. Jennings is a Linebacker/edge rusher who has the makings of a future top 10 pick. Jennings is quick of the edge and explosive in space, he has a great blend of speed, power, and finesse when rushing. He will fit nicely next to 2017 and 2018 1st round picks and former Alabama Defensive Lineman Jonathan Allen and Da’Ron Payne.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Chauncey Gardner-Johnson S Florida
Chauncey Gardner-Johnson is a versatile safety who can play both deep free safety and in the box strong safety. He is a hard-hitter who has found success against the run but also excels in coverage as he was a cornerback coming out of High School. Despite drafting three defensive backs in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Bucs can still use even more help in the backend and continue building which is now an up and coming secondary.
- Indianapolis Colts
Bryce Love RB Stanford
The Colts need a ton of help on defense, and offense. They helped the defensive side of the ball with most of their 2018 draft picks, but may be looking for a bell-cow back to help Andrew Luck and compliment Marlon Mack. Love may have been a 1st round pick this past April had he declared, but staying an extra year will only bolster his draft stock. Love has great vision and explosiveness which should give him top 10 consideration. Love broke Stanford’s single-season rushing record- and is coming this season. He’ll be on the top of Draft boards come next March.