2019 Football Garbage Time 5th Annual NFL Mock Draft 2.0 – Round 1

By the Football Garbage Time Staff

Howdy, y’all!

We all know that the NFL Draft is right around the corner, beginning on April 25th.  And we all know that the choices that teams make that night will be a significant part in whether they end up with the Lombardi Trophy and the 32nd pick in a future draft, or if they end up with the first overall pick looking to rebuild.

Seeing as how important these decisions are, we here at Football Garbage Time again got together and decided to conduct a mock draft.  In fact, this will be our 5th Annual Twitter Mock NFL Draft!

This year, eleven different writers & podcasters from four different sites participated, including:

Each one took part as GMs of several teams in the draft, and conducted the mock draft live over two weeks on Twitter (feel free to check out the back and forth on Twitter by searching for #FGTMock).  A few trends became clear and we certainly had more than a few surprises.

Missed it?  Don’t want to check Twitter?  Well, you’re in luck, because we have Round 1 of that mock draft below along with the reasoning for each pick by each writer.

1 – Arizona Cardinals

Pick: Kyler Murray – QB

Staff: Dan Thury

New Coach wants a new QB, while I believe Kingsbury when he said Rosen can operate his offense, I believe Murray is the better overall prospect. Murray’s ability resembles that of Russell Wilson’s. While their may be some growing pains as Murray has just 1 full season under his belt as a full-time starter, there’s no denying his upside. If the Cardinals decide to keep Rosen, I expect them to trade this pick to another QB needy team.

2 – San Fransisco 49ers

Pick: Nick Bosa – DE/Edge

Staff: Kris Hopper

The 49ers are a team on the verge of contention that still have some area’s that need help. While addition of Dee Ford to go along with Kwon Alexander and Solomon Thomas certainly doesn’t hurt the pass rush, Nick Bosa makes this pass rush elite and gives them a cornerstone that can grow with the team. I should note that I also will not be surprised if they trade back to try to expedite the re-build and garner more picks as they absolutely could afford to do that.

3 – New York Jets

Pick: Josh Allen – DE/Edge

Staff: Matt Hicks

The Jets find themselves in an interesting position in this year’s NFL Draft. They are big trade-back candidates, but that is not an option for me so I have chosen to give them the best available EDGE talent on the board. Josh Allen wreaked havoc on SEC offenses in 2018 and will have an immediate impact for an NFL defense in 2019.

4 – Oakland Raiders

Pick: Quinnen Williams – DL

Staff: Joanne Kong

If the “buzz” is to be trusted, the Oakland Raiders are looking to pick a quarterback for their early first round pick.  However, if the Raiders are as committed to Derek Carr as suggested, the Raiders would be better off drafting more immediate needs in their offense and defense.  With the addition of Antonio Brown, former Pittsburgh Steeler WR, finding a top replacement to fill the hole left by Khalil Mack should be the first order of business.  Arden Keys, 3rd round rookie, lead the team in quarterback hits (11) but ended the season with only one sack.  Quinnen Williams might just be the body they need to put pressure on opposing offensive lines.

5 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Pick: Devin White – LB

Staff: Dan Thury

Fantasy guy taking a stab at the defensive side of the ball, White shows rare speed and range that helps make up for him still learning how to master the position. White was a converted RB coming out of HS, who was able to put together an incredible sophomore and junior season. White should help to replace the loss of Kwon Alexander. With the offense producing lots of playmakers already, its time for the Bucs to put the focus on the other side of the ball.

6 – New York Giants

Pick: Dwayne Haskins – QB

Staff: Joey Alibro

I’m so sick of Eli. There, I said it. Haskins has to be the pick here if the Giants are serious about rebuilding.

7 – Jacksonville Jaguars

Pick: Jawaan Taylor – OT

Staff: Nick Spartz

The Jaguars thought they had figured out their offensive line in the 2018 offseason, but the Jags then cut 4 year starter at right tackle Jermey Parnell back at the start of this offseason. Now looking for a replacement, the Jaguars grab tackle Jawaan Taylor who projects better as a right tackle then left anyway, and will allow the Jaguars to protect their investment in Nick Foles and help establish the running game with Fournette. Back to basics for the Jaguars team that struggled in 2018 after a surprising AFC Championship game appearance in the 2017 season.

Alternative Pick: Montez Sweat – Edge – Mississippi State Bulldogs

8 – Detroit Lions

Pick: Rashan Gary – DT/Edge

Pick: Scott King

The Lions will go defense with their first pick, it’s just a matter of who’s available.  I think they’ll take Sweat next week but I grabbed Gary for them at 8.  They better not take a TE.

9 – Buffalo Bills

Pick: Andre Dillard – OT

Staff: Ha Kung Wong

The Bills are all in on Josh Allen at QB, and if they want to be successful, they’ll need to keep him upright.  Tough to throw TDs when you’re lying on your back, and the Bills allowed 2.6 sacks per game putting them in the bottom half of the NFL.  Andre Dillard can be that guy as he has NFL level measurables at 6-foot-5, 315 pounds and 33 1/2 inch arms and allowed only one sack as a three year starter at Washington State.  And his agility was on display at the Combine with the longest broad jump (118.0 inches), fastest 20 yard shuttle (4.40 seconds) and 2nd fastest 3-cone drill (7.44 seconds) among OLs.  He may not have the versatility that the Bills want as he spent started all 3 years at LT, but add in his impressive footwork and high character and I think he becomes the perfect early pick for the Bills.

10 – Denver Broncos

Pick: Drew Lock – QB

Staff: Ha Kung Wong

Except for 2014, John Elway has taken a defensive front seven player for the Broncos with at least one of his top two selections in every NFL draft.  This year might not be different, but they won’t be selecting defense if Drew Lock is available.  Elway is smitten with Drew Lock, and Joe Flacco isn’t a long term solution as the team’s QB.  Elway has been terrible so far trying to find a franchise QB, so grabbing Lock here, assuming he’s available, makes sense.  

Lock was a four-year starter for Missouri and he improved every season.  Lock totaled 12,193 yards passing, 99 TD and 39 INTs over that time and completed 56.9% of his passes, a number that is actually artificially low because of WR drops.  He’s not the scrambler that Kyle Murray is, but he did rush for 437 career yards and 9 career rushing TDs. In his senior season, Lock totaled 3,498 yards passing, 28 touchdowns, just 8 INTs and completed 62.9% of his passes.  He has the prototypical size to be a starting QB in the NFL and has great awareness and a quick release, something he’ll need to be successful in Denver.  Perhaps he doesn’t start right away, but he could certainly be a starter in his first season if selected, and perhaps for many more to come.

11 – Cincinnati Bengals

Pick: Montez Sweat – DE/Edge

Staff: Kris Hopper

The Bengals absolute have holes on defense and Sweat serves as one of the best available pass rushers in this draft. The Bengals need to be more dyanmic on defense to even have a shot at competing and with holes in the secondary, pass rush, and line backer groups they are best served going with the best available.

12 – Green Bay Packers

Pick: T.J. Hockenson – TE

Staff: Ha Kung Wong

The Packers need to get some weapons around Aaron Rodgers before it’s too late.  Time is running short and with new head coach Matt LeFleur in town, there’s a lot of work that needs to be done.  So what better pick that top ranked TE T.J. Hockenson?  Even sharing snaps with fellow standout TE Noah Fant in 2018, Hockenson won the John Mackey Award as the nation’s top tight end and the Big Ten Tight End of the Year award, along with first-team all-conference honors. He started 13 games in 2018, leading the Hawkeyes with 49 catches for 760 yards and 6 TDs.  He also had the 2nd highest vertical jump (37.5 inches), 2nd longest broad jump (123.0 inches), 2nd fastest 3-cone drill (7.02 seconds), 2nd fastest 20-yard shuttle (4.18 seconds) and 2nd fastest 60-yard shuttle (11.5 seconds) at the Combine among TEs.  So, yeah, he’s pretty much a freak.

And not only would he be a great receiving target, but he also has elite blocking ability which can help Rodgers stay upright or help the Packers establish a ground game.  How’s that for a bonus?  I think Rodgers would agree with this pick.

13 – Miami Dolphins

Pick: Cody Ford – OL

Staff: Matt Hicks

The Dolphins would be best to put their QB blinders on and ignore anyone who falls to them with the 13th overall pick. This roster needs a full gut and rebuild, and that starts with the offensive line. Ford offers the Dolphins a versatile offensive linemen that can serve as a franchise tackle opposite of Tunsil or move inside to play guard.

14 – Atlanta Falcons

Pick: Ed Oliver – DT

Staff: Joey Alibro

I was shocked when I saw Oliver still available at 14. In my mind, he’s a top 5 prospect in this draft. The Falcons should sprint to the podium if this turns out to be the case come next Thursday.

15 – Washington Redskins

Pick: Brian Burns – LB/Edge

Staff: Wally Akinso

The Washington Redskins need to replace Preston Smith, who they lost in the off-season, with a real 3-4 edge rusher. Since moving to the 3-4, they’ve rarely had a prototypical 3-4 edge rusher. Brian Burns is that guy. He has the speed (ran 4.53 in the 40) and the flexibility to bend and use angles. He would be a great addition for the Redskins defense– who already have an up and coming front 7 with Matt Ioannidis, Da’ron Payne, Jonathan Allen, Reuben Foster, and Ryan Kerrigan. In three years at FSU, Brian Burns had 23 sacks and 7 forced fumbles. This dude is a baller.

16 – Carolina Panthers

Pick: Devon Bush – LB

Staff: Scott King

The Panthers strengthen their defense if they end up picking here (hint hint).  Look for Bush to come off the board at 16.

17 – New York Giants (from Browns)

Pick: Jonah Williams – OT

Staff: Joey Alibro

The Giants are a RT away from having a rather formidable offensive line with Solder, Hernandez, Halapio, and Zeitler entrenched as starters. Williams should be gone by now, but this position makes the most sense for the Giants at 17.

18 – Minnesota Vikings

Pick: Garrett Bradbury – OL

Staff: Nick Spartz

The Vikings had arguably the worst offensive line in the NFL in 2018, failing to establish a running game or protect Kirk Cousins’ 84 million dollar contract. Unlike most offensive line issues though, the tackles actually performed decently, and it was the interior of the offensive line that was a dumpster fire. The Vikings address this by grabbing a pro ready G who can also play center if needed. This won’t be their only pick on the offensive line this draft, but they likely only get one shot to add an immediate upgrade to the struggling unit and they take it here.

Alternative Pick: Christian Wilkins – DT – Clemson Tigers

19 – Tennessee Titans

Pick: D.K. Metcalf – WR

Staff: Joanne Kong

Receiving Stats
Rece Rece Rece Rece
Year G Rec Yds Avg TD
2016 2 2 13 6.5 2
2017 12 39 646 16.6 7
2018 7 26 569 21.9 5
Career 67 1228 18.3 14

The Tennessee Titans continued to struggle in the 2018 season with a 9-7 record, finishing 3rd in the AFC South.  In 2018, the loss of TE, Delanie Walker, greatly impacted the team because of the lack of receiving options.  What the Titans need is a play maker downfield, D.K. Metcalf and his big play ability could be the player to add some heat to the Titans offense.

20 – Pittsburgh Steelers

Pick: Byron Murphy – CB

Staff: Joey Alibro

In a weak corner class, the Steelers grab the best one. Hopefully this fixes their annual secondary problems.

21 – Seattle Seahawks

Pick: Clelin Ferrell – DE

Staff: Ryan Whitfield

Given the needs of Seattle, Ferrell makes the most sense for them in this part of the draft. With the uncertainty of the Frank Clark situation, bringing in another young talented edge player makes a lot of sense. Clark, who right now is signed under the Franchise Tag, is scheduled to make $17 million in 2019. With the player dictated April 15th deadline set by Russell Wilson passing as I sit here writing this, the Seahawks seem to have a lot of uncertainty and need for cap room. This weekend, PFT’s Mike Florio said he was hearing rumors of a Frank Clark trade. Sure, Wilson would love some new weapons and offensive line help, but given the depth later in the draft, I can’t see them passing on a talent like Ferrell here.

As for the player himself, Ferrell is a three down type of guy who relies on his size and power to win battles in the trenches. He works hard on the field with a strong technique and a high motor and will contribute right away while also continuing to develop over his first few years.

22 – Baltimore Ravens

Pick: A.J. Brown – WR

Staff: Dan Thury

The Ozzie Newsome era is over in Baltimore and steps in Eric DeCosta who is ready to make an impact on this organization the same way Ozzie did.  I expect the Ravens to strongly consider trading down from this pick and pick up extra ones to help refuel a defense that lost some key playmakers.  Either way, I expect DeCosta to end the stigma that the Ravens cant get successful WRs in the 1st RD, but selecting the safest WR prospect in this draft in A.J. Brown.  Brown is a great fit for Jackson, as Brown is a great route runner, is sure-handed and has the ability to win on all 3 levels on the field.  He may not put up huge stats in year 1, but he will help this offense and WRing Core a shit ton.

23 – Houston Texans

Pick: Kaleb McGary – OT

Staff: Joanne Kong

Any Texans fan, or Fantasy player, knows that the Texans have one of the best defenses in the league.  The defense finished 3rd overall in rushing yards allowed, allowing an average of just 82.7 per game.  Finishing first in the AFC South, the Texans have made strides in improving the offense, mostly on the back of quarterback, DeShaun Watson.  In 2018, Watson had 4165 passing yards and 26 touchdowns.  However, Watson was also the most sacked quarterback in the league (62).

Imagine what he could do if he had some protection and time in the pocket.

The Texans should take a page out of the Indianapolis Colts playbook and beef up their offensive line, who by the way defeated the Texans in the Wild Card Playoffs, 21-7.  Kaleb McGary would be an instant upgrade for a Texans offense that has the ability to take the next step.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LKSmCdRTjo

24 – Oakland Raiders (from Bears)

Pick: Christian Wilkins – DL

Staff: Joanne Kong

Although the Oakland Raiders can use another man on their offensive line, after making this pick, I immediately regretted it, realizing that a corner back would have been a better selection, and waiting to draft another defensive lineman later at 27.  That being said, this pick isn’t bad for the Raiders, since Christian Wilkins can greatly improve a woeful defensive line.

25 – Philadelphia Eagles

Pick: Greedy Williams – CB

Staff: Bobby Pierson

The Eagles may want to boost the secondary this year. Last year was not so awesome: 417 completions allowed, 1st most; 4308 passing yards allowed, 3rd most; 269 passing yards/game, 3rd most; and only 10 interceptions, 25th. Greedy Williams (CB, LSU) is tall and fast, and has the ability to blanket cover a receiver. If he can stop the big pass play, great! If he can blank a premier wide out, fantastic! He may not be the strongest tackler, but as long as he can disrupt the Eagles “completions allowed” superlative, that would be awesome.

26 – Indianapolis Colts

Pick: Deandre Baker – CB

Staff: Nick Spartz

The Colts spent a ton of draft capital on their front 7 last year, and ran out a bunch of no names in their secondary. This year, they try to add some talent on their back end by grabbing a top 3 cornerback in this class in Deandre Baker. His tape was awesome, and size is his only real concern. Should be at minimum a #2 outside cornerback for the Colts with potential to be an undersized top corner. The talent is there, and if he was 6’1’’ he’d have gone in the top 10. Look for them to add another corner or safety in the mid rounds as well.

Alternative Pick: N’Keal Harry – WR – Arizona State Sun Devils

27 – Oakland Raiders (from Cowboys)

Pick: Josh Jacobs – RB

Staff: Joanne Kong

I regretted pick 24, but getting defense there allowed me to make this great selection here.  Oakland had 9 touchdowns in the 2018 season, totaling 1628 rushing yards and falling in the lower third of the league in their rushing offense.

The addition of Josh Jacobs will give Derek Carr additional time to find targets downfield by loosening up defenses while also instantly upgrading a lackluster backfield.  Jacobs is a top prospect for the incoming class, and if the hype matches his performance in the NFL, Jacobs should help this offense advance from their 4-12 2018 season.

28 – LA Chargers

Pick: Jeffery Simmons – DT

Staff: Matt Hicks

The Chargers have one of the most complete rosters in the NFL. This gives them the luxury to invest this pick into Jeffery Simmons, who pre-injury was considered a top 5 talent in this draft class. The Chargers do have a need on the interior of their defensive line, and could walk away with the best value in the draft 3 years down the road with this pick.

29 – Kansas City Chiefs

Pick: Dexter Lawrence

Staff: Kris Hopper

We all know about the chiefs juggernaut of an offense, but the defense leaves a TON to be desired. He is raw and will need some coaching, but Kansas City is a good place to get that, and they could do much worse than a guy with Lawrence’s physical traits. Defenses start with line play, and a run stuffer could prove to be invaluable for this team that doesn’t have a done else on the defensive side of the ball.

30 – Green Bay Packers (from Saints)

Pick: Marquise Brown – WR

Staff: Ha Kung Wong

As I mentioned with the Packers first pick, the window for Aaron Rodgers is getting short, it’s time to restock the cupboards.  With Randall Cobb gone in free agency, Davante Adams is the only solid option left, along side some upside potential with Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Equanimeous St. Brown (who have to lead the league in being toughest WR duo names to spell).  So I like going big and grabbing a top WR this late in the first round in Marquise “Hollywood” Brown. He was a huge deep threat during his two seasons at Oklahoma catching 132 passes for 2,413 yards (18.3 yards per reception) and 17 touchdowns.

Due to a lisfranc injury and surgery, Brown didn’t do anything at the Combine, but he’s tracking to be ready for training camp.  He’d be a huge deep threat for the Packers which could really open things up for a once great offense that is running out of time to be great again.

31 – LA Rams

Pick: Mack Wilson – LB

Staff: Wally Akinso

The Los Angeles Rams are pretty light when it comes to their inside linebackers. Mark Barron is gone and they are in the need for another inside linebacker. So why not replace him with another player from Alabama??? Mack Wilson is that guy. Wilson is physical and a thumper. He can help sure up that Rams rushing defense. The Rams have quickness with that position with Cory Littleton and they could have the power with Wilson. Also playing alongside Aaron Donald will make life easier for Wilson.

32 – New England Patriots

Pick: Noah Fant – TE

Staff: Ryan Whitfield

Let’s put it right out there, I’m a huge Noah Fant fan. You’d know this already if you were following me on Twitter…ehem @RyanWhitfieldNE. I’ll totally confess right up front that a large part of my fanboyism is that I see a lot of Aaron Hernandez in his gameplay, and after all that potential being squandered and thrown away, the thought of another versatile, athletic tight end, in New England makes me giddy.

First, there is a major need for the now Gronkowski-less Patriots. They need help at wide receiver as well, but given their draft history at both spots, I trust them a lot more at evaluating tight ends.

Fant is 6’4, 232 LBS, and an incredible athlete. He tested off the charts at the combine and his combination of size and speed make him a deadly threat in the red zone. In his final two years at Iowa, he had over 1,000 yards and 18 Touchdowns. I’ve seen him go top 15 in several mock drafts, so if he is available at 32, the Patriots cannot pass over him.

Check back next week for Round 2 of our Mock Draft!

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