1) Arizona Cardinals | DT Quinnen Williams – Alabama
Don’t believe the smoke screen. Williams has long been thought of as the most dominant player in the draft, with a short reprise for Nick Bosa. The Cardinals make no mistake and take the most NFL ready player on the board. Rosen fits the new system and Kyler Murray doesn’t play defense.
2) Oakland Raiders | QB Kyler Murray – Oklahoma
Trade: Raiders send the 4th, 27th and 140th pick to the 49ers.
Just like two years ago, John Lynch pulls another fast one and moves down a few spots to add to his haul of picks. They have a ton of needs but only six selections. The Raiders get their man for the future and avoid having to battle other teams for the Jets’ pick. Carr to Miami or New York makes sense, but that’s for another article.
3) New York Giants | QB Dwayne Haskins – Ohio State
Trade: Giants send the 6th, 37th, 142nd pick and a 2020 2nd Round selection to the Jets.
The pick stays in state, but switches hands. Gettleman is able to swing a trade to move up for a QB while holding on to the team’s second first-round selection. The Jets, needing to add to their bag of picks get four. Haskins can sit and learn behind Manning for some time before eventually usurping him. I simply do not buy Eli as the man for the job.
4) San Francisco 49ers | Edge Nick Bosa – Ohio State
From Oakland.
The 49ers trade back and still get their man. Bosa will make a great addition to an already talented young defensive line.
5) Tampa Bay Buccaneers | DL Rashan Gary – Michigan
The Bucs are moving to a 3-4 and while Josh Allen is the obvious pick, Gary is a much better fit for the defense. His size and versatility would make him a tantalizing addition to a line that added Vita Vea last year. The Bucs could go with Devin White, but I have a feeling Gary has just the type of promise to blind their vision.
6) New York Jets | Edge Josh Allen – Kentucky
From New York Giants.
Another happy ending for a team that traded down. The Jets are thrilled to see Allen still on the board. He’ll fill the role that the team had hoped Anthony Barr would.
7) Cincinnati Bengals | QB Drew Lock – Missouri
Trade: Bengals send the 11th and 42nd pick to Jacksonville.
The premise of Lock’s arm talent along with a healthy AJ Green and a combination of Tyler Boyd and John Ross eases the team into future life without Andy Dalton. The Bengals have the young talent to compete in the short term and can’t afford to wait much longer for a face of the franchise. Jacksonville adds a second rounder and should still be able to grab a great player at number 11.
8) Detroit Lions | TE T.J. Hockenson – Iowa
The Lions would like to move down, but with the top three QBs off the board, they struggle to find suitors. Instead, they snag the top TE off the board, who may also be the number one offensive chess piece in the draft. Stafford rejoices as this is a move to win now.
9) Buffalo Bills | OT Jawaan Taylor – Florida
The Bills make a decision to keep Josh Allen upright. They could make a move for a receiver, but they do the safe thing and look to protect their young signal caller. Expect them to field calls in an attempt to move back, but with ten selections already, they do the smart thing and get better immediately.
10) Atlanta Falcons | DL Ed Oliver – Houston
Trade: Atlanta sends the 14th, 79th and 186th pick to Denver.
Fearing Jacksonville or Green Bay may look to steal away Oliver, Atlanta makes a move for the man at the top of their draft board. They have the picks to do it and after seeing three quarterbacks fly off the list already, Denver is happy to oblige.
