2019 First-round mock draft with Miami Dolphins trade
8. Washington Redskins (Trade via Detroit) – Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio St.
WAS receives: First-round pick (8), Sixth-round pick (204)
DET receives: First-round pick (15), Second-round pick (46), Fifth-round pick (153)
The Redskins have seen Dwayne Haskins fall far enough, and decide it’s time to make their move to get him. The Detroit Lions have publicly expressed their interests in trading back, and they get their wish with Washington electing to move up.
Despite trading for Case Keenum this offseason, the Redskins need a future franchise quarterback. Haskins has a very high football IQ, and he appears to have all the tools to become a successful franchise player.
It would probably benefit him best to sit behind Keenum for at least the first few weeks of the season. Haskins very well could be the starter come the second half of the season, however, and prove to all of his doubters that he is the real deal.
9. Buffalo Bills – Ed Oliver, DT, Houston
I would first like to apologize to all of my Miami Dolphins faithful for this selection. I really want to see Buffalo take an offensive lineman or wide receiver with this pick. The Bills addressed both positions with multiple signings in free agency, however, limiting their need to take either or with their first-round selection.
The hard truth is that one of their biggest needs remaining is an interior defensive lineman. Ed Oliver is as versatile as they come, and he has the potential to become an All-Pro at this level. Dolphins fans know firsthand that Jordan Phillips isn’t going to cut it, and the Bills would be foolish to pass on Oliver at this point. Although I sincerely hope that they do.
10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via Denver) – Devin White, LB, LSU
The Bucs really luck out here with Devin White falling to them even after trading out of the 5th spot. Tampa Bay was in a similar scenario last season when they traded out and Derwin James was still on the board. They decided to take Vita Vea instead.
It’s very important that they do not make the same mistake again. White is one of the top 2 linebackers in this class, and there’s a huge dropoff after that. Tampa Bay desperately needs defensive help, and it could be argued that White is an upgrade over Kwon Alexander, who the Bucs lost to free agency.
11. Cincinnati Bengals – Devin Bush, LB, Michigan
The Bengals would have liked to have had White fall to them, but they’re perfectly fine to land Devin Bush as a consolation. Cincinnati had one of the worst defenses in the league last season. They finally parted ways with Vontaze Burfict, and Bush could be a terrific replacement to man the middle.
The way that this board has been set up, this becomes an easy decision for the Bengals. Drafting a quarterback will be necessary, but with the top 3 players already off the board, Cincinnati can look to find one to develop in the mid-rounds instead.
12. Green Bay Packers – D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss
With two picks in the first round, the Packers could go in a number of directions at pick 12. Tight end is a possibility, but it’s likely still too early to take one here. Instead, why not take the WR that lit up the combine to pair with Aaron Rodgers?
The only receiver that Rodgers could depend on last season was Davante Adams. There was thought that Green Bay might be interested in bringing back Jordy Nelson, but Nelson opted to retire after 11 seasons instead. While the rest of the Packers’ receivers are expected to improve, Rodgers would love to have someone as athletic as D.K. Metcalf on his squad.
Metcalf was one of the hot topics surrounding the NFL Combine. First, he showcased his physique with a picture indicating that he has just 1.6 percent body fat. Metcalf topped that by running the 40-yard dash in 4.3 seconds. There are questions regarding Metcalf’s agility, but with Rodgers’ arm strength, we could see a bunch of deep ball connections between these two.