2019 NFL Mock Draft – “Should Mock”
Last Updated: April 18
Notes: Mock drafts are generally all predictive exercises, utilizing a slew of variables such as team needs, positional value, draft history, trends, etc. However, this “Should Mock” is entirely based on what we feel each team should do. We still utilize team needs, positional value, etc., but we throw out the team tendency, trends, predicting draft mistakes, and all the rest. We put ourselves as the GM of each team. It is indulgent and arrogant, but why not.
Have an opinion, specific team intel, or advice? Drop us a line.
See Also: 2019 NFL Mock Draft | 2019 Mock Draft – DraftGeek’s
1. Arizona Cardinals
2019 NFL Draft Needs: OL, OG, WR, TE
Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma
This pick is all about how much the Cardinals are committed to Kingsbury’s system and just getting him the guy he wants to run it. A very big component to this is getting a fair return for Rosen. They have needs everywhere, but have to get some offensive line help immediately.
2. San Francisco 49ers
2019 NFL Draft Needs: CB, DE, DT, WR
Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State
This pick just comes down to common sense, proven strategy – go get an elite pass rusher when you can get them. The 49ers have a lot of talent, and theoretically won’t be drafting this high again soon.
3. New York Jets
2019 NFL Draft Needs: OT, WR, RB, TE, DE
Josh Allen, LB, Kentucky
A strong argument could be made that Allen is the best player in this draft. He produced at an elite level in an elite conference. He has character on and off the field. He can move in all directions, and can get to the QB. The Jets will look strongly at both Ed Oliver and Quinnen Williams, but should just go with the more “rare” prospect here. They can find DT’s thoughout this draft, but there is only one Josh Allen.
4. Oakland Raiders
2019 NFL Draft Needs: DE, OLB, WR, QB
Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama
Whatever will help get pressure is the pick here. They have three picks in the first, so this is one of the more fluid early picks for a draft in years.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2019 NFL Draft Needs: QB, CB, S, DE
Devin White, LB, LSU
The Buccaneers need leadership and need a linebacker. White is a cornerstone defensive player that can come in and be the captain of the defense very quickly.
6. New York Giants
2019 NFL Draft Needs: QB, OT, DT, DE, CB
Daniel Jones, QB, Duke
This is a pick that will set the stage for the Giants for years to come. The talk is that they like Lock. Then again, Haskins generally grades out as the best QB available. However, Jones has multiple connections to this team and really looked the part at his bowl game, the Senior Bowl and at his Pro Day.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars
2019 NFL Draft Needs: QB, WR, OT, TE
Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State
Taylor is more often rated higher, but Dillard is just the safer and more refined prospect. He is the type of player that the Jags need more of – dependable, professional, and works hard at his craft. They have their QB, now just get a reliable LT in there and worry about other needs from here on out.
8. Detroit Lions
2019 NFL Draft Needs: OLB, DE, CB, TE
T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa
If the draft fell similar to the picks above, the phone would be ringing off the hook for the Lions. And they would be picking up with vigor. So many mocks have Montez Sweat going to the Lions, but it is a less than desirable match. They don’t run a 4-3 with two ends one gapping. This is a 2 gapping D-line that wants to get pressure from their linebackers. What they would probably like is to get Devin White and then move Jarrad Davis outside as an edge rusher. Hockenson would fill a need, and they would be happy to have him here if no trade is possible.
9. Buffalo Bills
2019 NFL Draft Needs: OT, OG, WR, CB
Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida
The Bills have brought in half a dozen guys on the o-line in free agency. Obviously, they aren’t all going to make the team, and the right tackle spot does seem set. They need a solid left tackle. Taylor needs more work on his technique, but is an elite tackle prospect.
10. Denver Broncos
2019 NFL Draft Needs: DT, OT, CB, QB
Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State
Elway will have a big decision to make if they stay here. Do they get a piece that can help them in the next year or two, or do they have QB that they really love? Yes, he has missed on some draft picks at QB, but you have to keep trying until you get it right.
11. Cincinnati Bengals
2019 NFL Draft Needs: OG/C, TE, OLB, ILB
Garrett Bradbury, C/OG, NC State
A little higher than expected, but Bradbury is an absolutely perfect fit for the Bengals. With such a deep QB class next year, the Bengals could let another year play out on their QB’s contract and get other pieces in place.
12. Green Bay Packers
2019 NFL Draft Needs: S, DE, WR, OLB
Montez Sweat, LB/DE, Mississippi State
The Packers did a nice job of adding quality linebackers and a very good safety in free agency. They have had a tumultuous off season and they could go a long way in stabilizing the chatter by finalizing the pieces of their rebuilt defense. Sweat would be a steal here, and they have another first rounder to look for a skill position player.
13. Miami Dolphins
2019 NFL Draft Needs: QB, DE, WR, RB
Rashan Gary, DE/DT, Michigan
Ross gets a Michigan man for his rebuilding team. Gary would be a nice starting piece for the reshaping of this defense, and can thrive on the edge in the new, Patriot’s style defense.
14. Atlanta Falcons
2019 NFL Draft Needs: DT, DE, OG
Christian Wilkins, DE/DT, Clemson
Ed Oliver and Jeffrey Simmons would get a long look here if the draft fell this way. The Falcons need to finally get that interior defensive stud that can wreak havoc. Wilkins can do it all, and has character that is off the charts.
15. Washington Redskins
2019 NFL Draft Needs: CB, QB, S, WR, OT
Drew Lock, QB, Missouri
The Redskins will take a look at Rosen, and might very well end up being the Cardinal’s trading partner. If not, they need to get a young QB in place to settle that position.
16. Carolina Panthers
2019 NFL Draft Needs: S, OT, DE, OG, WR
Ed Oliver, DT, Houston
Oliver had a year to forget at Houston, but has an exceptional burst off of the snap. He could go anywhere from 2nd to into the early 20’s based on a lot of info that we are just simply not privy to. The Panthers have been at their best when their front seven was the focus of the team.
17. New York Giants (from Cleveland)
2019 NFL Draft Needs: QB, OT, DT, DE, CB
Cody Ford, OG/OT, Oklahoma
Still so many talented defensive linemen available, but that very fact should help make this decision for the Giants. They have to fix their offensive line immediately, and the elite prospects available will dry up quickly. They can add quality DE’s and DT’s throughout the next few rounds.
18. Minnesota Vikings
2019 NFL Draft Needs: DT, OLB, DE, OT
Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama
The Vikings could be caught in the middle of an offensive line run, or perhaps right at the end of it. They need players that can come in and play from day one. Williams is a technician, and is plug and play for the next decade.
19. Tennessee Titans
2019 NFL Draft Needs: WR, TE, ILB, OLB
Jeffrey Simmons, DT, Mississippi State
Simmons is a top ten pick in this draft were it not for his knee. It is testing well, and the Titans would be lucky to have him here. Their defense offers some flexibility and they would be able to find a way to utilize his tremendous skillset.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers
2019 NFL Draft Needs: CB, ILB, OLB, S
Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia
There is always talk about the potential of corner prospects coming out of the draft, but the guys who end up being the best at the next level… wait for it… were the best in college. Baker would be an ideal fit for the Steelers and would be a starter from day one.
21. Seattle Seahawks
2019 NFL Draft Needs: WR, CB, DT, DE, S
Byron Murphy, CB, Washington
The Seahawks have a big need at WR, but they always find those guys later in the draft. Same could be said about their secondary, but why pass on a proven prospect that has all of the skills and experience to start right away and that fills a huge need.
22. Baltimore Ravens
2019 NFL Draft Needs: WR, RB, DE
Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma
The Ravens could have a big decision to make with their pick here. Take a player that can help improve their offensive line, or finally add a premier WR prospect? They have a new GM that might be tempted to go for the more exciting player here.
23. Houston Texans
2019 NFL Draft Needs: OT, OG, CB, S
Chris Lindstrom, OG, Boston College
The more tape you watch on Lindstrom, the more you have to love him as a strong, foundational player on an offensive line. Fans would hate the pick, but they wouldn’t after they seem him play and help stabilize their O-line.
24. Oakland Raiders (from Chicago)
2019 NFL Draft Needs: DE, OLB, WR, QB
Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson
If the Raiders don’t make any moves to trade up or back, they can sit back and see who falls to them. If they can add another dominant pass rusher, it would go a long, long way to building this team for the future. Ferrell is a well rounded pass rusher that can do it with speed or power.
25. Philadelphia Eagles
2019 NFL Draft Needs: DE, OT, CB, RB
Lonnie Johnson Jr., CB, Kentucky
Johnson played in the SEC, and has better tape than most CB’s in this draft. He has an ideal build to play at the next level and can cover bigger receivers and shifty ones. He is starting to get a lot of buzz for the first round, and that is because teams are talking about him in that manner.
26. Indianapolis Colts
2019 NFL Draft Needs: DE, DT, WR, CB
Brian Burns, DE/OLB, Florida State
Burns played on a team that seem to quit on their coach for most of the year, but always played hard. He also was asked to move into coverage much more than is talked about. The Colts are building a winner the right way, with the right players.
27. Oakland Raiders (from Dallas)
2019 NFL Draft Needs: DE, OLB, WR, QB
Devin Bush, ILB, Michigan
There would be tremendous clamoring for the Raiders to go WR or RB perhaps if the draft fell this way. However, you have to keep adding the best talent and also keep an eye on supply and demand. Their are many WR’s and RB’s graded out fairly equally that can be gotten in the next few rounds.
28. Los Angeles Chargers
2019 NFL Draft Needs: QB, OT, S, DT
Rock Ya-Sin, CB, Temple
The Chargers have a very well balanced roster, and still should have a few more years out of Rivers. If they have a developmental QB that they like, they should take a chance, but definitely not early in this draft. They need to get players that can help them now.
29. Kansas City Chiefs
2019 NFL Draft Needs: DT, DE, OLB, S
Johnathan Abram, S, Mississippi State
The Chiefs are undergoing a massive change on their defense, and need new players at all levels. They will probably miss out on the top DT’s and DE’s, but should have the opportunity to add a very important piece to their new defense if they just sit back and wait.
30. Green Bay Packers (from New Orleans)
2019 NFL Draft Needs: S, DE, WR, OLB
A.J. Brown, WR, Mississippi
The boos would rain down from the Packers’ section of the draft, but Brown is one of the most overlooked prospects in this draft. He can do it all and produced on the field for years, and not just some Combine freak.
31. Los Angeles Rams
2019 NFL Draft Needs: DT, OLB, TE, S
Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
The Rams learned in the Superbowl that you can’t be soft in the middle on either line. They were both. They had two phenomenal DT’s, but broke down in the run game when it mattered most. Here they can get an inexpensive monster for the middle of their defense that should give them the balance that they have lacked.
32. New England Patriots
2019 NFL Draft Needs: DE, DT, OLB, ILB, TE
Noah Fant, TE, Iowa
This could be a very interesting pick… could they prefer Irv Smith, Jr.? Fant showed out at the Combine, but Smith just simply looked like a far better player on the field.