Chase Hammes: 2019 NFL Mock Draft 2.0

by Chase Hammes (chasingthedraft) on January 8, 2019

The playoffs are arriving, and it’s mock draft time! I’ll be analyzing each team and which one of my favorite prospects helps that team out the most. Let’s get started!

These picks are made based off of what I would do come April. This is my second 2019 NFL mock draft. (You can view my first 2019 NFL mock draft here.) Also, if you like this mock or want to give feedback follow me on Twitter @CHDraftScouting.

1. Arizona Cardinals- Nick Bosa – (EDGE, Ohio State)

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Arizona has many holes to fill on their offense with very few young pieces to build around besides Josh Rosen. They must address the offensive line in later rounds or free agency to protect their franchise quarterback. Nick Bosa is one of two players that is head and shoulders above the rest of the class. He declared for the draft after missing the season with a core muscle injury.

2. New York Jets- Jonah Williams – (OT, Alabama)

The Jets failed to live up to my expectations this year after they had a surprising season last year. Sam Darnold looked up and down in his rookie year and they need to build a better offense around him. Scouts and people around the league will overthink Williams and want to move him to guard, but he’s clearly a tackle after starting there since he was a freshman.

3. San Francisco 49ers – Byron Murphy – (CB, Washington)

I really want to put Quinnen Williams here, but Byron Murphy is a better fit for a team that lacks a true number one corner. The Niners, unfortunately, lost Jimmy Garoppolo to a season-ending ACL tear. He should be able to go by the beginning of next season, but San Francisco really needs help on the defensive side of the ball, and Byron Murphy is a dog. He is great in man coverage and can play in the nickel, or match outside with x receivers.

4. Oakland Raiders- Quinnen Williams – (DT, Alabama)

Quinnen Williams broke onto the seen this year after he went from rotational defensive tackle to the most dominant defensive player in the country. The Raiders are clearly in a full on rebuild and I believe Williams is the best player in this class. Mo Hurst and Quinnen Williams together would be unblockable up front and could give the Raiders something to build around on defense.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Ed Oliver – (DT, Houston)

Tampa has many holes to fill on the defensive side of the ball especially corner, but at this point they need to draft the best player available at this spot. Oliver was once the top guy in this class, but level of competition and size concerns have bumped him down slightly in this class. Those issues aren’t an issue to me as he’s simply dominated every offensive line he’s played against the past three years.

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

It’s clear the Eli Manning is well past his prime, and it’s time the Giants replace him with a young signal caller. It’s unclear yet if Haskins will come out, and after the Giants passed up on multiple quarterbacks last year they better hope he does. Haskins has a relatively high floor, but his ceiling doesn’t project more then an above average starter. He has a strong arm and is a quick decision maker, the Giants better hope he comes out this year.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars – Kyler Murray – (QB, Oklahoma)

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Okay let me explain. We don’t know for sure what Kyler Murray is thinking when it comes to his choice to play baseball or football, but he’s too good of a talent to not put in here for sure. If he does decide baseball I could still see a team taking him o day three just in case, but he’s a unique talent that this Jaguars team needs. His arm strength, pocket movement, and athleticism are all unbelievable and would potentially move the needle for Jacksonville.

8. Detroit Lions – Josh Allen – (EDGE, Kentucky)

With Ezekiel Ansah set to become a free agent this off season and the Lions lack of pass rush, this was an easy pick. I can’t think of one player that has boosted his stock more then Josh Allen. He’s significantly improved as a pass rusher from last year, and made a huge impact on a very good Kentucky team this year. He’s also played some off ball linebacker, but he should be drafted to play edge at the next level.

9. Buffalo Bills – DK Metcalf – (WR, Ole Miss)

Josh Allen looked better the last few weeks and has showed hope for the team to build around him in the future, but the offense is lacking in weapons. Although UDFA Robert Foster and leading receiver Zay Jones have played well, they need to upgrade the receiving corps. Metcalf looks like he was built in the lab, and he plays like it. He’s in the mold of a guy like Josh Gordon, and Metcalf’s size and speed would make him on the receiving end of Allen’s long bombs.

10. Denver Broncos – Greedy Williams – (CB, LSU)

Denver desperately needs a quarterback, but there’s none worth it here, and I believe they will stick with Keenum one more year. The Broncos could possibly look to trade away Chris Harris Jr, and they still struggled to find a corner to replace Aqib Talib. Greedy is a long athletic corner who needs to put on some bulk to be able to be better in press, but he has the ball skills to lock down a teams number one receiver.

11. Cincinnati Bengals – Mack Wilson – (LB, Alabama)

If you have watched the Bengals play this year you will know why I gave them a linebacker. Their linebackers are one of if not the worst group in the league, and Vontaze Burfict may be on his way out of Cincy this off season. Mack Wilson is the heart and soul of a fierce Alabama defense. He’s more of a downhill style of linebacker and isn’t great in coverage, but he would be great against the Ravens run first offense.

12. Green Bay Packers- Brian Burns – (EDGE, Florida State)

Green Bay is in a rough spot with having to find a new head coach and really struggling to build a team around Rodgers the past few years. The defense is a mess and that starts with their pass rush. Brian Burns will have varying opinions depending on who you talk to mostly because of his size, but he can flat out play. He’s a fantastic athlete that has very impressive bend, and he’s also very active in the run game.

13. Miami Dolphins- Tyler Biadasz – (iOL, Wisconsin)

Another team that needs a quarterback but may have to wait a little bit to get one. The offensive line has been a point of emphasis the past few years and it still needs improvement. Ja’Waun James is a free agent this off-season and they will most likely resign him, but they need help on the interior. Biadasz has a mean streak in the run game and will get after it in pass pro. He’s a physical presence the Dolphins offense needs.

14. Atlanta Falcons- Jeffery Simmons – (DL, Mississippi State)

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Atlanta had a disappointing team mostly due to the loses of Deion Jones and Keanu Neal, and they’re a few pieces away from being a contender again in the NFC. Jeffery Simmons is a dominant defensive lineman that has the quickness to rush the passer and the pure strength to be disruptive in the run game. He’s had some off the field issues but I wouldn’t hesitate to draft him at this spot.

15. Carolina Panthers- Yodny Cajuste – (OT, West Virginia)

Watching the Panthers has been one of the most frustrating things about this season. After starting the season pretty well they quickly regressed and lost seven games in a row. While they need help in the secondary, protecting Cam Newton needs to be the number one priority for the front office. Cajuste was one of my favorite watches this year when I turned on the film. He has quick feet in pass pro for a guy his size, and can lead the way for Christian McCaffrey.

16. Washington Redskins- Deionte Thompson – (SAF, Alabama)

Montae Nicholson recently was arrested and the play of HaHa Clinton-Dix has been very underwhelming since acquiring him from the Packers. Deionte Thompson is a rangy safety that’s great in coverage and closes on the ball on a dime.He is incredibly rangy and shows the willingness to come up and make plays in the run game. He needs to put some weight on to be able to sustain his physicality, but he’s the best safety in a pretty good group. He would be an upgrade at safety for a secondary that traded away Kendall Fuller last off season.

17. Cleveland Browns – N’Keal Harry – (WR, Arizona State)

I was pretty high on the Browns coming into the season but even I didn’t believe they would’ve been this good this early, and some of that is the play of Baker Mayfield. Mayfield has been the franchise quarterback the Browns haven’t had in over a decade but they are lacking a true alpha receiver for him to throw to. Harry is a a big physical receiver who has some wiggle after the catch. The combine will be huge for Harry’s stock, specifically the 40 yard dash and 3 cone drill.

18. Philadelphia Eagles – Raekwon Davis – (DL, Alabama)

The Eagles could use some help at corner but at this spot I don’t see a corner worth taking, and the defensive line regressed from their super bowl run last year. Davis is a long powerful defensive tackle that could rise during the draft season due to his ceiling and how he tests. He didn’t have the year some scouts predicted but it was mostly due to the emergence of Quinnen Williams. Philly also needs to address their offensive line this off season in the draft or in free agency.

19. Pittsburgh Steelers – Amani Oruwariye – (CB, Penn State)

It sounds like a broken record but Artie Burns has been nothing short of a disappointment since being the Steelers first round pick in 2016, and it’s time to replace him. The Steelers have lacked a number one corner for some time, and Oruwariye has that potential. Oruwariye is a long press corner that would pair well across Joe Haden and with Mike Hilton in the slot. He’s not gonna make very man plays in the run game, and leaves plenty to be desired as a run defender.

20. Tennesee Titans – Jachai Polite – (EDGE, Florida)

With Orakpo getting older and set to be a free agent the Titans need to address the pass rush, and who other then one of my favorite players in the draft? Polite went from being an undersized defensive lineman to dropping forty pounds this off season, and you can tell by how well he moves. He terrorized SEC defenses all year long, constantly disrupting opposing quarterbacks. The future duo of Harold Landry and Polite would be too good to pass up.

21. Minnesota Vikings – Chris Lindstrom – (OL, Boston College)

The Vikings interior offensive line has been a weakness for them the past couple of years and it’s time to upgrade at that spot. This isn’t the same interior offensive line class that it was last year but Lindstrom is the best in the class. Lindstrom is strong at the point of attack and has led the way for one of the best rushing offenses in the ACC for the past two years.

22. Indianapolis Colts – Riley Ridley – (WR, Georgia)

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Colts are one offensive piece away from truly contending in the AFC year in and year out, and the perfect offensive piece for them is none other then Riley Ridley. Riley the brother of Calvin is arguably the better prospect, although people will nitpick his production you can put on the tape and know he will be a very good pro. He is a clean route runner, has reliable hands and good physical tools. He reminds me a lot of Micheal Thomas in college with similar production, although Ridley’s physcial tools are better.

23. Seattle Seahawks- Nasir Adderly – (SAF, Delaware)

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I’ll admit I was quite wrong about the Seahawks this year, and even slotted them in the top five in my pre season mock draft. The offense still needs some weapons but it appears that Earl Thomas III will be on his way out this off season and will need to be replaced. Adderly is a fairly under the radar guy right now but he can absolutely play. He has fantastic ball skills and would be an easy fit in the Legion of Doom.

24. Baltimore Ravens – Kelvin Harmon – (WR, NC State)

I can’t think of a number one receiver the Ravens have had since Anquan Boldin, and that’s been some time. The Ravens are going against the current NFL and are using a run heavy offense to win games, but eventually teams will load the box and try to stop the run. Harmon is a guy that would give Lamar Jackson a number one receiver that is great in the red zone, and contested catch areas. He will have to answer some questions about his ability to separate at the combine with his 40 and 3 cone drill.

25. Oakland Raiders – Clelin Ferrell – (EDGE, Clemson)

Oakland needs to sure up their pass rush after trading away superstar Khalil Mack to the Bears. I’m sure Ferrell could go higher then this but has lack of explosiveness off of the edge and bend is something that could limit him as a pass rusher in the pros. I still think Ferrell is a top 20 or so player in this class, and would give Oakland a young edge rusher to pair some other young players on their defense.

26. Houston Texans – Jawaan Taylor – (OT, Florida)

Houston needs to have one main priority entering the off season, protect Deshaun Watson. The offensive line is very much a work in progress even though Houston has found ways to win. Taylor could anchor either tackle spot with great size and quick feet in pass pro. I expect Taylor to be a riser over the next few months once more teams get to see what he did in 2018.

27. Oakland Raiders – Hakeem Butler – (WR, Iowa State)

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Oakland traded away Amari Cooper to the Cowboys and need to find a receiver to replace him. One of my favorite players to watch this year is none other then Hakeem Butler. Butler doesn’t have elite quickness or separation, but he’s great at winning jump ball situations and has superior play strength. With his elite size and contested catch ability he would be a great red zone target for Derek Carr. He has a play style that will immediately remind you of a new age Plaxico Burress.

28. Los Angeles Chargers – Devin White – (LB, LSU)

Dating back to last year I’ve had the Chargers needing to upgrade at inside linebacker, and I’m not sure there’s a more entertaining player then Devin White. He will frustrate you with his slow processing skills and inability to fight off blockers, but his relentlessness and speed sideline to sideline is unbelievable. I could see a scenario where him and Wilson flip flop spots, but White has some mental processing weaknesses that needs correcting.

29. New England Patriots- Noah Fant – (TE, Iowa)

Rob Gronkowski has been unreliable with injuries and has shown signs of regression this season with the Patriots. Noah Fant had eleven red zone touchdowns last season and would give Tom Brady an elite red zone target with athleticism. Fant is my top tight end in a very deep group due to his red zone ability and freakish measurables. He could be a riser in the draft process due to him potentially breaking numerous records at the combine.

30. Los Angeles Rams- Montez Sweat – (EDGE, Mississippi State)

The Rams have slowed down the last few weeks and while some of that is on the offense, a lot of it is the inability to get after the quarterback. The Rams trade for Dante Fowler Jr during the trade deadline and he’s been nothing short of a dud, and Samson Ebukam is still young and fairly raw. Montez Sweat is an interesting prospect, he isn’t a great athlete and isn’t super explosive, but he has great instincts to get after the quarterback and wreck havoc. He should be a fun watch in Mobile at the Senior Bowl.

31. Kansas City Chiefs – Juan Thornhill – (SAF, Virginia)

Kansas City has one of the better offenses in the years, but their defense can’t stop anything. Eric Berry has been in and out of the lineup with injuries and they’re still lacking a solid running mate for him anyway. Thornhill isn’t super quick, but he makes up for it with good instincts and versatility. He’s played at three different positions at Virginia over his career including linebacker, and you can certainly tell but his willingness to come up and stop the run.

32. Green Bay Packers (via New Orleans) – T.J Hockenson – (TE, Iowa)

Green Bay has a need for another weapon for Aaron Rodgers. Jimmy Graham isn’t the player he used to be and Hockenson would be a great young pass catcher and blocker for the Packers offense. Hockenson is a fun player who is one of the best blockers at tight end in this class, and is also one of the better athletes at tight end in this class. He’s another guy that teams could fall in love with if he declares.

Round 2

33. Arizona Cardinals – Cody Ford – (OT, Oklahoma)
34. Indianapolis Colts – Christian Wilkins – (iDL, Clemson)
35. Oakland Raiders – DeAndre Baker – (CB, Georgia)
36. San Francisco 49ers – Anthony Nelson – (EDGE, Iowa)
37. New York Giants – David Edwards – (OT, Wisconsin)
38. Jacksonville Jaguars – DaMarkus Lodge – (WR, Ole Miss)

Really like the all-around game of Ole Miss WR DaMarkus Lodge (#5). Does everything well. Solid Day 2 pick IMO. #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/XgjsYmHAuk

— nfldraftnik (@KevinBrownNFL) December 29, 2018

39. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Kristian Fulton – (CB, LSU)
40. Buffalo Bills – Dalton Risner – (OT, Kansas State)
41. Denver Broncos – Drew Lock – (QB, Missouri)
42. Cincinnati Bengals – Michael Dieter – (iOL, Wisconsin)
43. Detroit Lions – Irv Smith Jr. – (TE, Alabama)
44. Green Bay Packers – Chauncey Gardner-Johnson – (SAF, Florida)
45. Atlanta Falcons – Garrett Bradbury – (iOL, NC State)
46. Washington Redskins – Brett Rypien – (QB, Boise State)
47. Carolina Panthers – Charles Omenihu – (EDGE, Texas)
48. Miami Dolphins – Daniel Jones – (QB, Duke)
49. Cleveland Browns – Andre Dillard – (OT, Washington State)
50. Minnesota Vikings – Vosean Joseph – (LB, Florida)
51. Tennessee Titans – J.J Arcega-Whiteside – (WR, Stanford)
52. Pittsburgh Steelers – Joe Giles-Harris – (LB, Duke)
53. Philadelphia Eagles – Marquise Brown – (WR, Oklahoma)
54. Houston Texans – Dawson Knox – (TE, Ole Miss)
55. Philadelphia Eagles – Joshua Jacobs – (RB, Alabama)

RB1 Josh Jacobs, is he declares, will be the first RB off the board. He’s got everything you’d want. Dude runs pissed off, has great contact balance, elusiveness, and receiving ability. If there’s gonna be a star to come out of the draft he’s it. #DraftTwitter pic.twitter.com/hOvYDw8W6H

— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) January 1, 2019