The Athletes Hub NFL Mock Draft 1.0

The 2019 NFL Draft is around two months away, but the draft order is set and mock drafts have started up in earnest. We at The Athletes Hub have worked together to compile our own mock draft for the first round of the upcoming NFL Draft which will take place in Nashville, Tennessee. Here are our selections:

1. Arizona Cardinals: DE Nick Bosa, Ohio State (Devon)

Proclaimed as the outright #1 pick, the Arizona Cardinals should be playing it safe in the 2019 NFL Draft with Nick Bosa. While injuries have riddled his college career, Bosa is still the best overall prospect available.

2. San Francisco 49ers: LB Josh Allen, Kentucky (Jonathan)

The San Francisco 49ers simply have to add a quality edge rusher this draft to complement DeForest Buckner on the defensive interior. Allen has great first step quickness and added 18.5 sacks in his final season with Kentucky.

3. New York Jets: DE Quinnen Williams, Alabama (Ray)

With the Jets trading away their second-round pick in this year’s draft to move up and get Sam Darnold last season, they have to make sure this pick is a major hit. Quinnen Williams is not only the best player available here, but arguably the best player in this draft.

4. Oakland Raiders: DE Rashan Gary, Michigan (Brian)

Rashan Gary has been all over the first round in other mocks, but I like the fit here with the Oakland Raiders. He has ideal size and explosiveness for the pass rush they’ve been missing since trading away Khalil Mack, and can play anywhere on the line. A shoulder injury may cause some concern, but Gary has the potential to quickly develop into a productive starter.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CB DeAndre Baker, Georgia (Hunter)

DeAndre Baker is a prospect who could be an elite corner for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With the secondary they have right now, it would make sense to draft Baker, who could develop into an instant starter.

6. New York Giants: QB Dwayne Haskins, Ohio State (Devon)

The New York Giants will eventually be forced to move on from veteran Eli Manning, and Dwayne Haskins seems to be the perfect fit. He has been vocal about his chances of winning a Super Bowl with the Giants, so expect for New York to gamble on him as the successor of their 2-time Champion under center.

7.  Jacksonville Jaguars: QB Kyler Murray, Oklahoma (Martin)

After an inconsistent season by Blake Bortles, it’s time for the Jacksonville Jaguars to move on. With Dwayne Haskins off the board, the next bet is Oklahoma QB Kyler Murray. He has totaled 1,001 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns to go with 4,361 passing yards, 42 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, and a passer rating of 199.2. 

8. Detroit Lions: CB Greedy Williams, LSU (Tristin)

The Detroit Lions have a need on the edge, but Greedy Williams falling this far would be too great to pass up on if you’re Bob Quinn. Williams, paired with Darius Slay, could be a filthy combination for years to come.

9. Buffalo Bills: OT Jonah Williams, Alabama (Luke)

The Buffalo Bills have a multitude of needs coming into this draft, but none more so than protecting Josh Allen. Bringing in Williams will slow down the pocket collapsing, so Allen can start hitting targets without having to run towards the flanks for an option.

10. Denver Broncos: CB Byron Murphy, Washington (Martin)

Even though the team has a desperate need at quarterback, the Denver Broncos allowed 245.6 passing yards per game, ranked 20th in the NFL. With that in mind, the team needs help in the secondary, and Byron Murphy should be a great piece in rebuilding there. 

11. Cincinnati Bengals: DE Clelin Ferrell, Clemson (Devon)

Realistically, we may see Clelin Ferrell go as early as the top 5 in this upcoming draft. The Cincinnati Bengals ranked 28th in sacks in 2018, and Ferrell accumulated a career-high 11.5 sacks with Clemson last season.

12. Green Bay Packers: DE Montez Sweat, Mississippi State (Hunter)

Drafting Montez Sweat would make a whole lot of sense for the Green Bay Packers. With his production and skills, Sweat would be an instant starter and the solution to the Packers troubles at DE.

13. Miami Dolphins: QB Drew Lock, Missouri (Ray)

With Ryan Tannehill likely moving on from Miami, the Dolphins will be looking for their QB of the future. The Dolphins met with Drew Lock back in January and were “very impressed”. Lock put up huge numbers at Missouri and could very well become the best QB in this class.

14. Atlanta Falcons: DT Ed Oliver, Houston (Tristin)

The Atlanta Falcons have a need on both the defensive and offensive lines, but this is another case of the board falling my way. Oliver has the talent to be a top 10 pick, maybe even top 5, but could realistically slide due to a few factors. Oliver here is still a no-brainer for Atlanta.

15. Washington Redskins: QB Daniel Jones, Duke (Ray)

After a gruesome leg injury, Alex Smith will likely miss the entire 2019 season and may be done for his career. With the position now being left to Colt McCoy, the Redskins will surely look to improve their situation. Daniel Jones has flown up draft boards since his showing at the Senior Bowl, and according to WalterFootball.com’s Charlie Campbell, the Redskins are interested in the Duke quarterback.

16. Carolina Panthers: OT Cody Ford, Oklahoma (Devon)

The questionable health of QB Cam Newton will keep the Carolina Panthers fan base worried, and the front office may seek additional help in the early rounds of this draft. Cody Ford is ranked as the #3 OT according to Walter Football, but fits into the Panthers scheme of play more than Greg Little, who is ranked #2.

17. Cleveland Browns: OT Greg Little, Ole Miss (Jonathan)

Having finally found their franchise quarterback, the Browns now need to keep Baker Mayfield upright. Little is a hugely reliable pass protector who looks like a long term upgrade on Greg Robinson as the Browns look to fill the gap left by Joe Thomas’ retirement.

18. Minnesota Vikings: LB Devin White, LSU (Jonathan)

Upgrading the offensive line is Minnesota’s biggest offseason need, but if White is still around when they get on the clock he could prove too good for Mike Zimmer to pass on. White is an excellent run defender on the interior who can also get to the quarterback. After notching 123 tackles in his senior year, White looks one of the most bankable talents in this class.

19. Tennessee Titans: DT Jeffrey Simmons, Mississippi State (Tristin)

Despite Simmons not being at the combine, he is a top prospect. There is a belief he could be selected by the Cleveland Browns, and Todd McShay mocked him to the Jags recently. This could be a nice steal.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: LB Devin Bush, Michigan (Luke)

This is a Pittsburgh defense that gave up way too many points during the season, and it needs reinforcements. With the career of Ryan Shazier all but over, the Steelers need to bring in the best man on the board and Bush is the man for that job.

21. Seattle Seahawks: DE Jachai Polite, Florida (Ray)

After a huge 2018 season, Frank Clark will likely look to test the free agent market, leaving a giant hole on their defensive line. Polite may be better suited as a 3-4 OLB, but if he falls this late in the draft, Seattle can’t pass up a pass rush specialist of his nature.

22. Baltimore Ravens: WR DK Metcalf, Ole Miss (Tristin)

Potentially one of the best wide receivers in the draft. Baltimore has struggled to find a consistent #1 wideout. They take Metcalf with the hope he develops into that guy for Lamar Jackson.

23. Houston Texans: OT Andre Dillard, Washington State (Luke)

DeShaun Watson was in the top 3 for both sacks and pressures, and that can’t happen again this season. Dillard made a case during the senior bowl to go as a first round pick, and being the best OT on the board it makes sense for Houston to take him.

24. Oakland Raiders: S Deionte Thompson, Alabama (Brian)

After giving up the most passing touchdowns in the NFL in 2018, the Raiders should look to shore up their secondary here. Thompson is aggressive and may need some time to fix his issues with poor tackling angles. But the range is there and he can make excellent plays on the ball more often than not.

25. Philadelphia Eagles: DT Dexter Lawrence, Clemson (Luke)

Fletcher Cox needs back up, he can’t do it all by himself on the defensive line for the Eagles. Lawrence is a strong nose tackle that can pressure the OL and QB of any team, which will give Cox the freedom to run riot. The PED allegation is a risk, however if the claim that Clemson unknowingly provided it is accurate, it’s a risk worth taking

26. Indianapolis Colts: WR Marquise Brown, Oklahoma (Martin)

Outside of TY Hilton, the receiving core in Indianapolis is lackluster at best. Andrew Luck needs more weapons that he can depend on for years outside of Hilton, and that is where Brown comes in. At Oklahoma, he showcased the talent to get downfield with his speed and his catching ability and should make an amazing target for Luck for years to come.

27. Oakland Raiders: WR N’Keal Harry, Arizona State (Brian)

Yet another position of need for the Raiders after a midseason trade of Amari Cooper, N’Keal Harry could potentially fill his role right away. His hands are terrific and he has the amazing ability to catch most of his contested passes. He’s not the fastest receiver, but his 6′ 4″ frame should allow him to be a red zone threat almost immediately.

28. Los Angeles Chargers: OT Jawaan Taylor, Florida (Brian)

Taylor has improved every season while he was at Florida, even while facing the great pass-rushers of the SEC. There are still issues with his hands, but those can be fixed with an NFL coaching staff. LA should look for an upgrade over Russell Okung or Sam Tevi and if Taylor is available here, they shouldn’t hesitate.

29. Kansas City Chiefs: S Nasir Adderly, Delaware (Hunter)

The Chiefs have lacked so much at the safety position now for the past few years, and I think at this spot them picking Nasir Adderley is perfect. Nasir also has experience at the corner position, which would make him a unique fit for the Chiefs since they have had troubles there as well.

30. Green Bay Packers: TE Noah Fant, Iowa (Hunter)

With Lance Kendricks and Mercedes Lewis going to free agency, it seems like the Packers will once again go into the offseason in need of a tight end. Fant could bring a lot of help to this offense, during the past two seasons at Iowa he racked up 18 touchdowns which shows he can be productive.  Fant can create the kind of mismatches Jimmy Graham was expected to generate last season but wasn’t able to.

31. Los Angeles Rams: OT Yodny Cajuste, West Virginia (Jonathan)

In the aftermath of their Super Bowl loss, Andrew Whitworth threw the Rams another curve ball by hinting at retirement. Assuming they don’t make another aggressive trade, drafting Whitworth’s successor will be the Rams top draft priority even if he decides to stay another year. Cajuste has the raw power to handle elite edge rushers, although his skills may need a little polishing. If he’s still there at 31, his high potential makes him too good to let go.

32. New England Patriots: TE TJ Hockenson, Iowa (Martin)

With Rob Gronkowski most likely retiring this off-season, New England needs to set up for the future with a young talented tight end, and TJ Hockenson is just the guy that can fit the bill for New England. At Iowa, despite splitting snaps with Noah Fant, Hockenson showed that he was the better tight end of the two, and his size, ability to block, and ability to become a receiving mismatch weapon, makes him the perfect tight end to take over for Gronkowski in New England.