2019 NFL mock draft: 4-round post-combine projections with trades
USA Today Sports
By: Luke Easterling
March 6, 2019 10:02 am ET
The 2019 NFL Scouting Combine is officially in the books, checking off another stop on the predraft crazy train as it rolls through March. With less than two months remaining until the 2019 NFL draft, teams and prospects are now preparing for the pro day circuit, where many players will get their final chance to impress decision-makers before draft weekend.
As we turn the page on yet another crazy combine week, here’s an updated look at how the first four rounds of this year’s draft could shake out, complete with compensatory picks, blockbuster trades, and plenty of surprises.
1. Arizona Cardinals | Quinnen Williams | DL | Alabama
If the Cardinals aren’t able to sell this pick for a king’s ransom, they’ll be picking between two elite defenders. So, what breaks the tie? How about the fact that Arizona already has one of the league’s best edge rushers in Chandler Jones, who would benefit even further from a dominant interior presence like Williams.
2. San Francisco 49ers | Nick Bosa | EDGE | Ohio State
Any scenario that leaves Bosa on the board for the 49ers would be a dream scenario for general manager John Lynch and his crew. Getting the top overall prospect in the draft any later than the No. 1 overall pick is a steal, and it just happens to fill San Francisco’s biggest need.
3. New York Giants (from NYJ)* | Dwayne Haskins | QB | Ohio State
Last year, the Jets made this exact same jump to take their franchise quarterback in Sam Darnold. This year, the Giants go after their own by doing business with their Big Apple rivals. In return for their first-round pick next year and second-round pick this year, the Giants land this year’s top passer and a successor to Eli Manning.
4. Oakland Raiders | Josh Allen | EDGE | Kentucky
Trading down might be attractive, but if a top pass rusher like Allen is still on the board, it would be hard for the Raiders to pass him up. After trading away Khalil Mack, finding an explosive playmaker off the edge should be Oakland’s primary objective in this draft, and Allen is the perfect fit.
5. Denver Broncos (from TB)* | Drew Lock | QB | Missouri
Sorry, but I’m not buying the addition of a 34-year-old Joe Flacco as evidence the Broncos won’t be targeting a quarterback of the future early in this draft. Lock has all the physical tools to be a franchise passer, and John Elway knows he needs a long-term solution at the game’s most important position. In return for his picks in the second and third rounds this year, and likely another Day 2 pick next year, Elway gets his man.
6. New York Jets (from NYG)* | D.K. Metcalf | WR | Ole Miss
After moving back and getting additional premium picks, the Jets start the process of building around Darnold by getting him this year’s top pass-catcher. Metcalf’s ridiculous combination of size and athleticism was evident on film, and on full display yet again at the combine.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars | Brian Burns | EDGE | Florida State
With the Jags expected to sign Nick Foles in free agency, don’t be surprised if they look to fill other needs with their early picks in this draft. While offensive tackle will also be a priority, adding an explosive pass rusher like Burns would make a dangerous defense even more fearsome.
8. Detroit Lions | Greedy Williams | CB | LSU
There are needs at every level for this defense, but finding a stud corner to line up opposite Darius Slay should be high on the list. While Williams is still learning how to maximize his physical skills, he has the height, length and athleticism to be a star at the next level.
9. Buffalo Bills | Jawaan Taylor | OT | Florida
This draft has to be all about giving Josh Allen everything he needs to succeed as the team’s franchise quarterback, and with the top receiver already off the board, that means improving his protection. Taylor is an athletic, physical blocker with the versatility to play either tackle spot.
10. Washington Redskins (from DEN via TB)* | Kyler Murray | QB | Oklahoma
The Bucs find yet another trade partner in search of a new quarterback, moving back a second time in return for another pair of Day 2 picks. With Alex Smith’s future in doubt, don’t be surprised if Washington pulls the trigger and makes a move to land one of this year’s top passers. In this scenario, it’s the dynamic and versatile Murray.
11. Cincinnati Bengals | Devin White | LB | LSU
Murray would be a fantastic fit in Cincy, but if the Bengals get sniped one pick prior, they’ll still have plenty of solid options at other positions of need. In this situation, the best blend of need and value comes at linebacker, where a complete player like White would be a steal.
12. Green Bay Packers | Montez Sweat | EDGE | Mississippi State
Adding a dynamic tight end to help Aaron Rodgers in tempting here, but the Packers simply can’t ignore their many needs on defense. This year’s EDGE class is deep at the top, which should allow the Packers to land a versatile, athletic playmaker like Sweat outside the top 10.
13. Miami Dolphins | Daniel Jones | QB | Duke
It wouldn’t be surprising if the new regime in Miami would prefer to hand-pick a new franchise quarterback, choosing to move on from Ryan Tannehill. If that happens, and they can’t make a move up for Murray, the raw but promising Jones could be a solid consolation prize.
14. Atlanta Falcons | Ed Oliver | DL | Houston
Even after placing the franchise tag on Grady Jarrett, the Falcons should still be looking for ways to improve the interior of their defensive line. What better way to do that than landing Oliver, a rare athlete who was once in the conversation at No. 1 overall.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from WAS)* | Jonah Williams | OT | Alabama
After moving back twice and stockpiling picks to reload the roster for a new coaching staff, the Bucs finally make their first pick, and it’s to help protect Jameis Winston. Williams may lack the elite length and athleticism of other tackles in this class, but on film, he’s the most complete and consistent blocker in the class.
SECOND ROUND
36. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from SF)* | Jachai Polite | EDGE | Florida
41. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from DEN)* | Chris Lindstrom | OL | Boston College
46. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from WAS)* | Amani Oruwariye | CB | Penn State
THIRD ROUND
70. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Parris Campbell | WR | Ohio State
71. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from DEN)* | Renell Wren | DL | Arizona State
96. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from WAS)* | Benny Snell, Jr. | RB | Kentucky
FOURTH ROUND
107. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Vosean Joseph | LB | Florida
For the complete Mock....
https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2019/03/05/2019-nfl-mock-draft-combine-trades-4-rounds-compensatory-picks-kyler-murray-dwayne-haskins-d-k-metcalf/6/
