The NFL draft is next week. Teams are finalizing their big boards. Let’s take a look at which 32 prospects could come off the board in the first round. (This NFL mock draft won’t include trades, each pick will belong to the team who currently owns it.)<\/p>\n
There has been speculation about Murray at one for quite some time. Newly appointed head coach K<\/strong>liff Kingsbury\u00a0<\/strong>loves him. Second-year quarterback Josh Rosen<\/a><\/strong> could be traded easily to a number of teams, Washington may be the most interested. Arizona doesn’t fill a need here, but they get their franchise quarterback.<\/p>\n The 49ers get a pass-rushing monster to pair with newly signed\u00a0Dee Ford<\/a><\/strong> at pick number two. He’s arguably the best player in the draft and fills a need in San Francisco.<\/p>\n Williams is an athletic freak. A lot of people project an edge rusher here, but Williams is effective at rushing the quarterback from the interior. He’s an absolute force on the inside and should be a franchise player.<\/p>\n Pass rushing is the biggest need in Oakland. After an off-season of revamping the offense, Oakland should address its defense in the first round. Allen is athletic, smart and can cover a little bit as well as rush the passer.<\/p>\n Tampa Bay gets a\u00a0Kwon Alexander<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>replacement at five. White is a rangy, smart linebacker. He’s far and away the best linebacker in the draft and does a little bit of everything.<\/p>\n The Giants draft a successor to\u00a0Eli Manning<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>here. They’ve denied any interest in a quarterback at six all off-season, but it’s high time for this pick. Haskins is a prototypical pocket passer. He has great intangibles, excellent pocket awareness and a cannon for an arm.<\/p>\n Jacksonville just signed\u00a0Nick Foles<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>to a four-year, $88 million contract to be their franchise quarterback. Protecting him is a must, and their offensive line was mediocre last year. Taylor is the smart pick here. He can start at tackle right away and hopefully shore up the line corps.<\/p>\n Williams is the best corner in this draft class. He uses his height (6’3″) exceptionally well both at the line of scrimmage and with the ball in the air. He needs to commit to tackling in the NFL, but he could be a future Pro Bowler opposite\u00a0Darius Slay<\/a>.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Josh Allen<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>needs targets. Metcalf broke the Combine with his obscene athleticism. There are concerns about his agility, (his 3-cone time was slower than Tom Brady<\/a><\/strong>‘s) but Buffalo will take a flier here on his elite traits and hope he figures out the rest later.<\/p>\n This is a very\u00a0John Elway<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>pick. He gets a hopeful franchise quarterback here. Lock has a huge arm and above average athleticism, and that’s about it. His pocket savvy and awareness are very mediocre, but with\u00a0Joe Flacco<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>there, Denver can afford to let him sit and learn for a year or more.<\/p>\n A lot of mocks project a quarterback here, but\u00a0Andy Dalton<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>is a bargain at $16 million in the last year of his contract. Bush can start immediately in the middle of Cincinnati’s defense in\u00a0place of\u00a0Vontaze Burfict<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n The Packers must protect\u00a0Aaron Rodgers<\/a>.<\/strong> Too many seasons have ended early due to an ailment or injury to their future Hall of Fame quarterback. Cody Ford can play anywhere on the line, and he’s an excellent run blocker as well.<\/p>\n The Dolphins are tanking for Tua. They don’t really have an identity as a team right now, so they should just go best player available at 13. Sweat dominated the Combine, and projects as a possible 10+ sack guy in the future.<\/p>\n Atlanta needs to generate a pass rush.\u00a0Vic Beasley<\/a><\/strong> has disappointed the last two years after a promising rookie season. They franchise tagged defensive tackle\u00a0Grady Jarrett<\/a>.\u00a0<\/strong>Drafting Oliver here means they wouldn’t have to spend $20 million on Jarrett next year, and he’s an immediate starter somewhere on that defensive line.<\/p>\n All signs point to Washington trading for Cardinals’ quarterback\u00a0Josh Rosen<\/a>.\u00a0<\/strong>If they do, he’ll need better targets than\u00a0Josh Doctson<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0Paul Richardson<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>to thrive. Marquise Brown has game changing speed and can play all over the field.<\/p>\n Burns has one of the fastest first steps we’ve ever seen. His bend around tackles is quite impressive. He’s a steal for Carolina here at 16.<\/p>\n After drafting a quarterback at six, the Giants should move their focus to replace\u00a0Olivier Vernon<\/a><\/strong> on the line. Ferrell does all the little things that ends need to do in order to succeed at the NFL level. He’s a very smart pass rusher and an underrated run stopper.<\/p>\n The Vikings are committed to\u00a0Kirk Cousins<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>at quarterback. He needs more time to throw to their duo of talented receivers,\u00a0Adam Thielen<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0Stefon Diggs<\/a>.<\/strong> Jonah Williams is massive and can start at right or left tackle immediately. The Vikings can fill their only true need here at 18.<\/p>\n Wilkins fits best as a defensive end in a 3-4 scheme. Titans defensive coordinator\u00a0Dean Pees<\/strong> would love him. He needs to work on his awareness in the run game, but he can certainly get after the quarterback.<\/p>\n Pittsburgh’s defense needs all kinds of help. Baker could be a start. He plays bigger than his size. He might be a step slow to cover quicker receivers right off the bat, but he’s a very physical corner and flips his hips very well.<\/p>\n The Seahawks are betting on athleticism here. Gary’s tape isn’t consistent, but he flashes big play ability. He’s incredibly athletic, and could easily find a starting place on\u00a0Ken Norton<\/a><\/strong>‘s line.<\/p>\n Butler may very well end up being the best receiver in this draft class. He boasts a massive frame and catch radius. He’s fast and agile, and an impressive route runner for his size. However, his best attribute may be his ability to grab contested balls. He’s a perfect wide receiver for second-year quarterback\u00a0Lamar Jackson<\/a><\/strong> to throw to.<\/p>\n Deshaun Watson<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>badly needs some help from his offensive line. The Texans have a very talented team, and bolstering the line maximizes their offensive talent. Dillard has a shot at being the best pass-blocker in this draft.<\/p>\n Gareon Conley<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>needs a counterpart. Murphy projects better as a zone corner to start, but his awareness is above average. He’s also a hard hitter for a corner, and physicality is lacking on Oakland’s defense.<\/p>\n Thornhill has consistently crept up draft boards as the off-season progresses. He’s athletic and employs impressive ball skills for a strong safety. He would fit in perfectly in Philly’s secondary.<\/p>\n Andrew Luck<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>finally gets a number two receiver here. Brown is good after the catch and projects as an excellent inside receiver. He and\u00a0T.Y. Hilton<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>would complement each other very well.<\/p>\n Jacobs can do it all. He’s a physical runner, a good pass blocker and an elite receiver out of the backfield. Oakland is in dire need of playmaking out of the backfield, and Jacobs could very well be the second consecutive running back to take home Rookie of the Year honors.<\/p>\n The Chargers have a one to two-year window of Philip Rivers<\/a><\/strong> being an elite quarterback. The right side of their line needs help, and Risner can slot in at guard or tackle. He projects best as a right tackle, which perfectly fits the Chargers’ needs.<\/p>\n Though the Chiefs defense picked up its play at the end of 2018, they still need lots of help. Lawrence’s run stopping potential is Ndamukong Suh<\/a><\/strong>-esque. He will probably be a two-down guy at first, but the Chiefs are in it for the long haul, and Lawrence may end up being one of the best defensive linemen in his draft class.<\/p>\n The Packers pick up another target in the middle of the field here. Hockenson is athletic and a very good blocker. If he reaches his full potential, he’s a\u00a0George Kittle<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>clone, which Green Bay would love.<\/p>\n If he hadn’t torn his ACL, Simmons would have been a top 10 pick. The Rams can afford to let their first rounder sit and heal for a year. If he heals right and reaches his potential, Simmons and\u00a0Aaron Donald<\/a><\/strong> could be the best one-two defensive tackle punch in NFL history.<\/p>\n This one almost makes too much sense.\u00a0Rob Gronkowski<\/a><\/strong> is off partying for eternity. The Patriots offense requires a talented tight end. Fant is extremely athletic, almost in a\u00a0Vernon Davis<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>mold.\u00a0Tom Brady<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>will love throwing to him.<\/p>\n2. San Francisco 49ers<\/a>: Nick Bosa<\/a>, Edge Rusher, Ohio State<\/h3>\n
3. New York Jets<\/a>:\u00a0Quinnen Williams<\/a>,\u00a0Defensive Tackle, Alabama<\/h3>\n
4. Oakland Raiders<\/a>:\u00a0Josh Allen<\/a>,\u00a0Edge Rusher, Kentucky<\/h3>\n
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers<\/a>:\u00a0Devin White,\u00a0Linebacker, LSU<\/h3>\n
6. New York Giants<\/a>:\u00a0Dwayne Haskins<\/a>,\u00a0Quarterback, Ohio State<\/h3>\n
7. Jacksonville Jaguars<\/a>:\u00a0Jawaan Taylor<\/a>,\u00a0Offensive Tackle, Florida<\/h3>\n
8. Detroit Lions<\/a>:\u00a0Greedy Williams<\/a>,\u00a0Cornerback, LSU<\/h3>\n
9. Buffalo Bills<\/a>:\u00a0D.K. Metcalf<\/a>,\u00a0Wide Receiver, Ole Miss<\/h3>\n
10. Denver Broncos<\/a>:\u00a0Drew Lock<\/a>,\u00a0Quarterback, Missouri<\/h3>\n
11. Cincinnati Bengals<\/a>:\u00a0Devin Bush<\/a>,\u00a0Linebacker, Michigan<\/h3>\n
12. Green Bay Packers<\/a>:\u00a0Cody Ford<\/a>,\u00a0Offensive Lineman, Oklahoma<\/h3>\n
13. Miami Dolphins<\/a>:\u00a0Montez Sweat<\/a>, Edge Rusher, Mississippi State<\/h3>\n
14. Atlanta Falcons<\/a>:\u00a0Ed Oliver<\/a>, Defensive Tackle, Houston<\/h3>\n
15. Washington Redskins<\/a>:\u00a0Marquise Brown<\/a>,\u00a0Wide Receiver, Oklahoma<\/h3>\n
16. Carolina Panthers<\/a>:\u00a0Brian Burns<\/a>,\u00a0Edge Rusher, Florida State<\/h3>\n
17. New York Giants<\/a>:\u00a0Clelin Ferrell<\/a>, Edge Rusher, Clemson<\/h3>\n
18. Minnesota Vikings<\/a>:\u00a0Jonah Williams<\/a>,\u00a0Offensive Tackle, Alabama<\/h3>\n
19. Tennesse Titans<\/a>:\u00a0Christian Wilkins<\/a>,\u00a0Defensive Tackle, Clemson<\/h3>\n
20. Pittsburgh Steelers<\/a>:\u00a0DeAndre Baker<\/a>,\u00a0Cornerback, Georgia<\/h3>\n
21. Seattle Seahawks<\/a>:\u00a0Rashan Gary<\/a>,\u00a0Defensive End, Michigan<\/h3>\n
22. Baltimore Ravens<\/a>:\u00a0Hakeem Butler, Wide Receiver, Iowa State<\/h3>\n
23. Houston Texans<\/a>:\u00a0Andre Dillard<\/a>,\u00a0Offensive Tackle, Washington State<\/h3>\n
24. Oakland Raiders<\/a>:\u00a0Byron Murphy<\/a>,\u00a0Cornerback, Washington<\/h3>\n
25. Philadelphia Eagles<\/a>:\u00a0Juan Thornhill, Safety, Virginia<\/h3>\n
26. Indianapolis Colts<\/a>:\u00a0A.J. Brown, Wide Receiver, Ole Miss<\/h3>\n
27. Oakland Raiders<\/a>:\u00a0Josh Jacobs<\/a>, Running Back, Alabama<\/h3>\n
28. Los Angeles Chargers<\/a>:\u00a0Dalton Risner<\/a>,\u00a0Offensive Tackle, Kansas State<\/h3>\n
29. Kansas City Chiefs<\/a>:\u00a0Dexter Lawrence<\/a>,\u00a0Defensive Tackle, Clemson<\/h3>\n
30. Green Bay Packers<\/a>:\u00a0T.J. Hockenson<\/a>,\u00a0Tight End, Iowa<\/h3>\n
31. Los Angeles Rams<\/a>:\u00a0Jeffery Simmons,<\/a>\u00a0Defensive Tackle, Mississippi State<\/h3>\n
32. New England Patriots<\/a>:\u00a0Noah Fant<\/a>,\u00a0Tight End, Iowa<\/h3>\n