NFL Mock Draft – First Round: Indianapolis Colts get Defensive
By Luke Allen
Sure, the NFL draft is five months away and we have no idea who will be picking where, but it is fun to mock them.
The Indianapolis Colts under Chris Ballard have struck gold the past couple drafts and hope to do the same in 2019.
The order of these picks is based on the week 12 NFL rankings, and are definitely subject to change before the season ends.
So without further ado, let’s begin with the first pick in the 2019 NFL draft…
#1: San Francisco 49ers – Nick Bosa, DE OSU
The best overall player in this class is Nick Bosa and it is not even close. The Niners rank close to last in almost all defensive categories and Bosa is obviously a game-changing player. It is almost a no-brainer to take Bosa here.
#2: Arizona Cardinals – Jonah Williams, OT Alabama
The Cardinals take the best offensive tackle in the draft to protect their shiny new quarterback, Josh Rosen, who has looked pretty decent this year. Of course, the Cardinals could not have gone wrong going defense, but protecting the quarterback should be their top priority.
#3: Oakland Raiders – Quinnen Williams, DT Alabama
The second straight Alabama prospect taken is definitely a Jon Gruden guy. Gruden has made some dumb decisions this season, but I do not believe he is dumb enough to pass up on Williams if he is available here.
#4: New York Jets – Greedy Williams, CB LSU
While giving Sam Darnold some weapons may be a big priority for the Jets, but addressing the woes in their secondary should be their most important priority. Trumaine Johnson was supposed to come in and be the number one cornerback, but he has just been an expensive disaster. Greedy Williams can come and and be a day-one starter.
#5: New York Giants – Drew Lock, QB Missouri
It took five picks, but the first quarterback is off the board. I do not love this quarterback class, but a team like the Giants must address this position with this draft pick – and Drew Lock is the best available. Lock has ridiculous arm strength and can be one of the best passers in the nation when he feels like it.
#6 Buffalo Bills – Ed Oliver, DT Houston
Oliver had a bit of a meltdown on the sidelines during Houston’s game in which he was inactive, but I do not think that will affect his draft stock. Aside from that, he is dealing with a knee injury that could scare off NFL GM’s. However, when he is healthy, he is the most dominant player in college football and that is not an exaggeration.
#7 Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Deionte Thompson, S Alabama
Yes, the Bucs’ quarterback situation is less than great. But the Buccaneers have possibly the worst defense against the pass in the NFL. Adding Thompson would almost instantly clean things up in the secondary. Thompson is the most talented and athletic safety in this year’s class, and passing up on him would be a mistake.
#8: Jacksonville Jaguars – Rashan Gary, DE Michigan
Like their Florida neighbors over in Tampa, the Jags’ QB situation is not ideal. But this is not the time or place to address that issue. Instead, they need to focus on getting their defense back to their 2017 form again. And that starts on the defensive line, where Rashan Gary wreaks havoc week in and week out for the Wolverines.
#9: Cleveland Browns – David Edwards, OT Wisconsin
Poor, poor Baker Mayfield has been bitten by his horrendous offensive line too many times this year. The rookie quarterback needs someone to protect him, and a versatile, dominant David Edwards would love to lend a helping hand. Edwards does not just specialize in pass pro; he is also an elite run-blocker.