Cecil Lammey’s latest mock draft sees a different direction for the Broncos

 

Everyone loves mock drafts. Actually, everyone loves to hate mock drafts, but that wasn’t necessarily the case with my “Mock Draft 1.0” released two weeks ago. In fact, most Denver Broncos fans loved that I had inside linebacker Devin White falling to the team at No. 10 overall.

Time will tell if my “Mock Draft 2.0” will be received the same way.

This mock was done right before the start of free agency. The legal tampering period begins on Monday, and we should have a better idea of how teams are structuring their rosters for 2019 shortly thereafter.

Free agency changes the draft in a big way. This “what if” mock draft deals with a lot of free agency buzz out there and how it could change what the Broncos have in store for the draft later this year.

I will do two more mock drafts before the 2019 NFL draft in Nashville at the end of April, but for now hold onto your hats and get ready to fire up the keyboard in response to my second mock draft of 2019.

1. Arizona Cardinals – Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma

The most buzz out there has been about the Cardinals interest in Kyler Murray. Will they, or won’t they? That’s the big question.

But in this “what if” mock draft, I have the Cardinals caving and taking the quarterback that everyone might not love but the guy who fits precisely into what new head coach Kliff Kingsbury wants to do with his “Air Raid” offense.

2. San Francisco 49ers – Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State

The 49ers get its man. There is buzz about how the team has locked in on Bosa as their top pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.

I’ve also heard that the 49ers would consider moving up one spot if they feel Bosa won’t be there when they pick. Stay tuned, but this looks like one match that will stick at the end of April.

3. New York Jets – Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama

From what I’m hearing it sounds like the Jets will add help on their defensive line through free agency. They may have interest in former New England Patriots defensive end Trey Flowers, and that makes sense given the fact that Henry Anderson is a free agency and Leonard Williams has one year left on his deal.

This makes Wiliams an exceptional addition. Williams is the best player in this draft, in my opinion. He gets off the line quickly and makes plenty of plays in the backfield.

4. Oakland Raiders – Josh Allen, OLB, Kentucky

Everyone is buzzing about the Raiders trading for wide receiver Antonio Brown, and for good reason. Brown’s addition gives the team a high-powered weapon in the passing game, so in the draft they need to go defense.

Last year they traded away pass rusher Khalil Mack, so this year with their first of three first-round picks they will add the best pass rusher in this draft.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Devin White, ILB, LSU

The Buccaneers are quite interested in Devin White. That’s buzz I picked up on before the NFL Scouting Combine a couple of weeks ago and now is something more people are coming to realize.

White is a leader and a three-down player who can step right in and start for the Bucs defense. They have serious interest in free agent safety Tyrann Mathieu as well, so with a couple of moves their defense can be vastly improved.

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

I don’t know if I’ll ever change this pick in my two remaining mock drafts. I had Haskins going to the Giants in my first mock because it seems like the worst-kept secret in the league. After the Scouting Combine, that hasn’t changed.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars – Rashan Gary, DE, Michigan

In my first mock draft I had the Jaguars going with Drew Lock, quarterback from Missouri. This time around that has to change, as the team is expected to add quarterback Nick Foles in free agency.

They have let former Broncos defensive end Malik Jackson go, meaning there is a hole on the defensive line that must be filled. In comes Gary, a tremendous athlete with the strength to be a disruptive player early and often.

8. Detroit Lions – Ed Oliver, DT, Houston

Lions head coach Matt Patricia is a defensive whiz who runs multiple fronts with the Lions. They let Ezekiel Ansah go in free agency, and they need help up front on the line.

Ed Oliver draws somewhat unfair comparisons to Aaron Donald (Los Angeles Rams) all the time, but he should be able to flourish as a three-technique for the Lions defense.

9. Buffalo Bills – T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa

The Bills were looking into a trade for wide receiver Antonio Brown, but that fell through — or was never really as close as some reported. Clearly, they need better weapons around second-year quarterback Josh Allen, and that’s where an elite tight end like T.J. Hockenson comes in.

Hockenson is a dangerous receiver and a ferocious blocker. He could become Allen’s best friend on the field and favorite target from day one.

10. Denver Broncos – Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama

Pay attention to the offensive tackles in this class when it comes to projecting the Denver Broncos pick in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Jonah Williams is widely regarded as the best tackle in this class, and the Broncos have a clear need at the position.

Williams could start as a rookie as a right tackle for the Broncos, but like many tackles out there he could eventually make the switch (perhaps 2020) to the left side of the line.

With offensive line coach Mike Munchak, the Broncos will be able to see what they can get out of current left tackle Garrett Bolles. They have to make a decision whether or not to pick up the 2017 first-round pick’s fifth-year option after the 2019 season. If Bolles struggles, they could move on from him and plug Williams into that spot next season for a big upgrade.

The Broncos want to run the ball and play great defense. On offense, they need a better unit up front to lead the way.

11. Cincinnati Bengals – Cody Ford, OT, Oklahoma

New Bengals head coach Zac Taylor has to fill the hole at right tackle. They could go many ways here, perhaps even inside linebacker Devin Bush, but the Bengals are going to give quarterback Andy Dalton one more year to see what he can do. They’ll have to better protect him in a nasty AFC North, and that’s where Ford comes in. His aggressiveness is a perfect match for the opponents he’ll face regularly, and he brings an intimidating nature to the Bengals offense they’ll need when pounding the rock with running back Joe Mixon.

12. Green Bay Packers – Irv Smith, TE, Alabama

The Packers may have interest in trading for Chiefs linebacker Dee Ford, and that would solve their need to improve their pass rush. Another big need for this offense is at the tight end position. Smith is a well-rounded player, working well as a blocker from the fullback or H-back positions. Plus, Smith has good speed to get open down the seams when called upon. He would be a fine weapon for quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

13. Miami Dolphins – Drew Lock, QB, Missouri

The Dolphins are moving on from 2012 first-round pick Ryan Tannehill and they could see Drew Lock as their quarterback of the future. Lock has a big arm and is more athletic than some give him credit for. He needs to work on his downfield pass placement and footwork when throwing from the pocket, but the confidence and work ethic are there for him to be a Derek Carr-like player in the NFL.

14. Atlanta Falcons – Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson

The Falcons have placed the franchise tag on defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, and finding a player like Wilkins available in the first round would be a great pairing in the middle of the defensive line. Wilkins is a powerful and experienced player who stuffs the run with ease.

15. Washington Redskins – D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss

The Redskins traded with the Broncos for quarterback Case Keenum, and that likely takes them out of the quarterback market in the first round – especially with the top three passers already off the board. Instead, the team adds to the wide receiver position with D.K. Metcalf. He put on a show at the Scouting Combine with his blazing 4.33 40-yard dash while measuring in at 228 pounds.

16. Carolina Panthers – Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson

The Panthers could need to get better up front on defense, and that’s where Ferrell comes in. He’s overcome a lot to get to this point, and that tireless work ethic will come in handy at the pro level. Ferrell can set the edge and get after the quarterback with prototypical size and strength for the defensive end position.

17. Cleveland Browns – Greedy Williams, CB, LSU

The Browns traded for pass-rusher Olivier Vernon last week, and their defense gets a boost in the secondary here. They selected Denzel Ward at no.4 overall last year, but the NFL is now a three-corner league. Williams has the length and feistiness to harass opposing wide receivers in the AFC North.

18. Minnesota Vikings – Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State

The Vikings offensive line needs a ton of work – just ask quarterback Kirk Cousins. Dillard is seen as the top pass protector in this year’s draft. He may need work as a run-blocker but that’s not why the Vikings are adding him. They need to protect their fully-guaranteed quarterback and that’s what Dillard does best. This pick makes too much sense for the Vikings to pass on.

19. Tennessee Titans – Deionte Thompson, S, Alabama

The Titans released veteran safety Jonathan Cyrprien earlier this month, and they need help in the secondary. That’s why Thompson is my pick here. Even with a wrist injury that will keep him out of OTAs and minicamp, Thompson is still the best safety in this class. He’s a playmaker with a physical side to his game. His size (195 pounds) is a bit of a concern when it comes to his aggressive style of play. The Titans should be interested here.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers – Byron Murphy, CB, Washington

The Steelers need help in the secondary. Byron Murphy is not the biggest or fastest corner in the draft, but he might be the most instinctive. He excels in man coverage and can make plays on the ball in the air (former high school wide receiver).

21. Seattle Seahawks – Dalton Risner, OT, Kansas State

Seattle’s offensive line is a work in progress. Dalton Risner can play multiple positions across the offensive line. There is debate about if his best position is inside at guard or outside at right tackle. No matter where Risner lines up, he has the aggression to dominate.

22. Baltimore Ravens – Devin Bush, ILB, Michigan

The Ravens might lose C.J. Mosley in free agency. That means they’ll be looking for help at inside linebacker. Devin Bush is a well-prepared player for the NFL. He’s experienced at the position and has the athleticism to play on all three downs.

23. Houston Texans – DeAndre Baker, CB, Georgia

The Texans released cornerback Kevin Johnson earlier this month and need to add to the position. Baker can be described as ‘pesky’ as a cover defender. He does a good job of diagnosing routes as they unfold and can get to the play on time to knock passes away.

24. Oakland Raiders (via Chicago Bears) – Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama

The Raiders need to add talent to the running back position. Veteran Marshawn Lynch is sticking around for 2019, but Josh Jacobs is the future. Jacobs is the best running back in this class and capable of carrying a large workload. With Antonio Brown taking at least two defenders to cover, the boxes Jacobs should face could be light. Advantage; Raiders.

25. Philadelphia Eagles – Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson

The Eagles traded DE Michael Bennett to the Patriots earlier this month and they could use help on the line. Dexter Lawrence is a defensive tackle and not an end like Bennett, but put him next to Fletcher Cox and watch these two go to work.

26. Indianapolis Colts – Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma

The Colts were never in on trading for WR Antonio Brown. However, they do need wide receiver help. That is where Brown comes in as he’s a big-play specialist who can get downfield in a hurry. Pairing him with T.Y. Hilton gives quarterback Andrew Luck a dynamic duo to feature with the Colts in a Super Bowl window.

27. Oakland Raiders (via Dallas Cowboys) – Jachai Polite, OLB, Florida

With their first pick, the Raiders added the best pass rusher in this class. They get another great pass rusher here with Polite falling to the end of the first round. He’s likely to go higher in the 2019 NFL draft but things fell in the Raiders favor with this mock. Polite is a great rusher with a nose for the quarterback.

28. Los Angeles Chargers – Jerry Tillery, DT, Notre Dame

The Chargers have been pushed around on defense, but that stops if they add a guy like Tillery in the first round. Tillery is huge and disruptive in the middle of the defensive line. He can be a dominant player at the pro level on all three downs.

29. Kansas City Chiefs – Montez Sweat, DE, Mississippi State

This pick was a running back in my first mock draft, but the Chiefs just added free agent running back Carlos Hyde last week. They released veteran pass-rusher Justin Houston and their defense needs a lot of help. There is no way Sweat should fall this far in the draft. In fact, in my first mock draft I had him going to the Raiders with a top-5 pick. In this version, somehow/someway he’s here…and a great add for the Chiefs.

30. Green Bay Packers (via New Orleans Saints) – Brian Burns, DE, Florida State

With their second first-round pick in the 2019 NFL draft, the Packers add to their pass rush with Brian Burns. During his college career at Florida State, Burns brought a basketball skill set to the football field. He’s tough to get blocked as he’s slippery when getting after the quarterback.

31. Los Angeles Rams – Jeffery Simmons, DT, Mississippi State

The Rams are likely to lose Ndamukong Suh in free agency. They’ll need help at defensive tackle, and Simmons is a great talent but there is a catch. After injuring his ACL while training, Simmons may not be able to play in 2019. He’s worth taking a gamble on, especially securing his fifth-year option by making him a first rounder.

32. New England Patriots – N’Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State

The Patriots traded for DE Michael Bennett last week, so they go with wide receiver here. Harry might be the best receiver in this class. He’s a playmaker who was consistently productive for the Sun Devils. Harry is not a burner but he does win contested catches regularly and is known for a tireless work ethic.