2019 Fans Only Mock Draft
Welcome to the second annual (except we missed last year, but who’s counting?) Fans Only Mock Draft! This mock draft is strictly what you the fans want to see your favorite teams do on draft day. I sent out a few social media statuses asking for fans of teams to sign up for this mock and make a selection (or fans of the draft in general, it did not have to be the team you rooted for), and I’m so happy we got enough people to put this together for this year. This is one of my favorite things to do during the draft season. I love seeing all of your opinions on what you think your team should look for, or what you think of certain prospects.
A few disclaimers before we get underway. Almost everyone made one selection, except for me who chose to own two teams that were unfilled, and Mike Reynolds, who some of you may remember used to be a part of DraftStock.net and will contribute again starting next year. Mike made a few selections based on his knowledge of the draft prospects and his own rankings of players and scheme fits, just like I did.
However, this was not the way everyone chose to approach it. Some of the selections are strictly what the individual fan (or journalist, as you will see later on) thought the team would do based on the way the board fell. On top of making the selection, I also offered each person the opportunity to provide analysis should they be so inclined. I also offered my own analysis on each selection, I hope I didn’t critique too harshly.
Next order of business, there were no trades during this mock draft, and it’s only one round. I would love to open it up to two rounds and trades in the future, but more participation will be required. So if you’re reading this and enjoy the premise, please sign up next year. The more the merrier.
Lastly, I want to thank all those that participated. I think this is a really cool idea and hopefully I am able to get more participation next year so that we can extend this particular mock and make it more in depth.
ROUND ONE
1) Arizona Cardinals: Nick Bosa, EDGE Ohio State (Selected by Frank Barbuti)
Fan’s Analysis: Kyler Murray is just not worthy of a top selection. Josh Rosen was selected last year, no reason to pivot off of one year for someone who isn’t as good. Take Bosa and don’t overthink it.
Katz’s Kritique: No arguments here. Bosa is the best player in this draft, EDGE is a need long term, and I had Rosen graded significantly higher last year than I have Murray this year. I wouldn’t pivot the franchise’s direction just because Head Coach Kliff Kingsbury likes Murray. If Kingsbury is truly an offensive guru, he should be able to turn Rosen into a good starter.
2) San Francisco 49ers: Quinnen Williams, DT Alabama (Selected by Nick DePinho)
Fan’s Analysis: Williams is the clear cut best player available. He also fills a need.
Katz’s Kritique: If Bosa is selected first, Quinnen Williams will be the obvious pick here. He would line up next to DeForest Buckner, creating one of the best young tandems along the defensive front in the NFL. If Murray goes first and not Bosa, it will be very interesting to see if Williams is the pick here or if the Niners go Bosa and move Arik Armstead inside.
3) New York Jets: Josh Allen, EDGE Kentucky (Selected by Anthony Zanfini)
Fan’s Analysis: Obviously the Jets would love to trade here, but with no trades in this mock draft the Jets will look for a pass rusher. For years the Jets have needed a QB and an Edge Rusher. Last year they finally got their quarterback in Sam Darnold and this year they will find their pass rusher in Allen.
Katz’s Kritique: In a mock draft with trades, the Jets would get a plethora of offers with Murray still on the board. In this one, Allen feels like the obvious selection to many fans, but it’s not where I would go. I like Allen as a player, he’s a good pass rusher and a fluid athlete. Having said that, his draft stock is just way too high for me (I have a second round grade on him). Assuming Bosa and Williams were both gone and the Jets could not trade, Brian Burns would be the EDGE guy I would prefer.
4) Oakland Raiders: Ed Oliver, DT Houston (Selected by Justin Katz)
Fan’s Analysis: Oliver is my number two player this year and he fits a need. This is a no-brainer.
Katz’s Kritique: I think Oliver is a fine pick here. He answers a need for the Raiders along the defensive line, and his quickness allows him to be an impactful pass rusher from the interior. However, do not be shocked if Oakland looks to draft a quarterback here instead of looking for the BPA at a position of need.
5) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kyler Murray, QB Oklahoma (Selected by Maxx McNall)
Fan’s Analysis: Time for the first curveball of the 2019 Fans Only Mock Draft. One quality player like Devin White or Jonah Williams will not be enough to make this team a playoff contender, so they might as well draft a potential QB of the future with a good head on his shoulders. Jameis Winston has not done anything over his career thus far to warrant a second contract as a starter, and I love the way Murray plays. I would trade Winston now and select Murray if he fell to this spot.
Katz’s Kritique: Well, this is certainly a curveball. This is essentially what the Raiders are considering doing with Derek Carr, however this one is probably more justified. Winston is on his fifth year option, which means one of two things will happen. Either he will light it up with Bruce Arians at the helm and get a massive contract based on one year, or flop, leaving the Bucs without a starter heading into 2020. I would not make this move, but if you are a fan of Murray, it’s not a bad move to consider.
6) New York Giants: Dwayne Haskins, QB Ohio State (Selected by Adam Figueiredo)
Fan’s Analysis: The Giants need a quarterback of the future, and they select one here. Although having minimal starts in college is a concern for Haskins, he played well against the top-ranked teams. He will also get to sit for a year, which should help him understand defenses better. The Giants could always wait until next year for their QB of the future, but selecting one here gives the Giants a clear direction. Haskins has prototypical size, good arm talent and conducts himself the the right way… for whatever that’s worth.
Katz’s Kritique: Adam and I are good friends and I know he agrees with me when I give this criticism. THIS IS THE PROBLEM WITH SELECTING SAQUON BARKLEY LAST YEAR! Barkley was a win now selection, and the Giants didn’t do that. They are now stuck in a rebuild/reload with zero direction like Adam alluded to. Even if the Giants are able to turn this around in two years, you’ve wasted close to half of Barkley’s prime being a mediocre team. If you select Sam Darnold last year, maybe the Giants could’ve signed a guy like Tevin Coleman or Mark Ingram, and they would be in a position to compete this year with Darnold at the helm. Instead, the Giants are going to pursue a QB in a weak QB class. That should go over well…
7) Jacksonville Jaguars: Jawaan Taylor, OT Florida (Selected by Jon Alba)
Katz’s Kritique: Jon covers the Jaguars down in Florida so there’s no fan analysis here since this is a prediction on what the Jaguars might do. Taylor would solidify a major need at right tackle, and he would bring some attitude to the Jaguars OL.
8) Detroit Lions: Rashan Gary, EDGE Michigan (Selected by Me)
Katz’s Kritique: I threw an idea here that could be an interesting change of pace from things you may be seeing predicted right now. Detroit needs an EDGE rusher opposite Trey Flowers, and I think Head Coach Matt Patricia will want flexibility along his defensive front in order to run multiple sets. Gary could easily be the pick the Lions make at eight because he can play a three or five tech, and his athleticism allows him to be a chess piece along the defensive front.
9) Buffalo Bills: Jonah Williams, OL Alabama (Selected by Danny Feighery)
Fan’s Analysis: N/A
Katz’s Kritique: I love this pick. I don’t think it’s going to happen because the Bills made a lot of free agent signings along the offensive line, but I don’t think any of them were particularly noteworthy besides Mitch Morse. On top of that, Dion Dawkins is not a starting left tackle. Jonah Williams, on the other hand, is.
10) Denver Broncos: Devin White, ILB LSU (Selected by Chris Emery)
Fan’s Analysis: Can’t go wrong here with either Devin, be that Devin White or Devin Bush. I’m a huge fan of Devin Bush, but White being available at 10 is too much value to pass on.
Katz’s Kritique: It makes me happy to see this pick not being a quarterback, even though a quarterback is probably what John Elway will select on draft day. The analysis here is spot on as well, Bush is a three down linebacker just like White, he’s just not as good.
11) Cincinnati Bengals: Andre Dillard, OT Washington State (Selected by Mike Reynolds)
Mike’s Analysis: Do Not Start Bobby Hart. That’s the reasoning behind this pick.
Katz’s Kritique: Cincinnati’s offensive line needs a major overhaul, and the signing of Bobby Hart only made the unit worse in terms of their projection for next season. Offensive line remains a major need heading into the draft.
12) Green Bay Packers: Noah Fant, TE Iowa (Selected by Steve Reynolds)
Fan’s Analysis: N/A
Katz’s Kritique: Jimmy Graham was not the player the Packers thought he would be, but Fant most definitely is. He is a complete player for the position, excelling as a blocker and showing quickness at the top of the stem. He separates in route combinations with athleticism as well as his size, which is a matchup nightmare when you’ve got a guy like Aaron Rodgers at the helm.
13) Miami Dolphins: DK Metcalf, WR Ole Miss (Selected by Tim Fletcher)
Fan’s Analysis: The Dolphins haven’t had anyone to blow the top off a defense and make the tough catches on the deep ball for years. Having a number one target in place for the Quarterback the Dolphins will most assuredly draft next year can ease the transition for that QB.
Katz’s Kritique: Superman lands in Miami in this mock draft. Metcalf is a great pick for anyone, especially a team that is in desperate need of a number one receiver.
14) Atlanta Falcons: Montez Sweat, EDGE Mississippi State (Selected by JP Lalumia)
Fan’s Analysis: Sweat answers the real need along the Falcons defensive front. They can afford one of Vic Beasley or Grady Jarrett, but not both. The answer should be letting Beasley walk and giving Jarrett a long term deal next offseason.
Katz’s Kritique: I’m not saying I would rule this scenario out, but I would say it’s unlikely the Falcons look for EDGE at 14 here. If Ed Oliver is off the board, I would expect a guy like Christian Wilkins to be the pick if they go along the defensive front. Having said that, Jarrett looks much more deserving of a long term contract right now than Beasley.
15) Washington Redskins: N’Keal Harry, WR Arizona State (Selected by Mike Reynolds)
Mike’s Analysis: The Redskins need a true number one receiver for whoever their QB winds up being in 2019. Harry is that guy.
Katz’s Kritique: Harry is one of a multitude of elite level pass catchers that will be selected during the first 100 picks of this draft. Washington should try to revamp their lackluster receiving core this year instead of selecting a quarterback to “make their receiving core better.”
16) Carolina Panthers: Brian Burns, EDGE Florida State (Selected by Mike Reynolds)
Fan’s Analysis: Burns is an elite level pass rusher. His ability to run the arch is second to very few in this draft.
Katz’s Kritique: Burns is a top five player on my board, so grabbing him at 16 is a home run in my book. It’s nice to see Mike finally make a pick for his favorite team during this mock.
17) New York Giants via Cleveland Browns: Cody Ford, OT/OG Oklahoma (Selected by Adam Figueiredo)
Fan’s Analysis: Although I’m tempted to get an EDGE rusher like Clelin Ferrell, I’ll take Cody Ford. Anyone who has watched the Giants extensively the past few years knows how frustrating it has been to have human turnstiles on the offensive line. Although Spencer Pulley and Jon Halapio are huge question marks at center (even though Halapio was decent up until he broke his leg), I think adding Ford to a line with Nate Solder, Will Hernandez, and Kevin Zeitler will make a solid unit.
Katz’s Kritique: My only criticism here is where Ford would play. I have Ford graded much higher as a guard than a tackle, and his athletic testing at the Combine confirmed my guard projection of him in the NFL. It would be interesting to see how he would fare at Right Tackle.
18) Minnesota Vikings: Chris Lindstrom, OG Boston College (Selected by Alex Ankier)
Fan’s Analysis: Right now, the Vikings have the most putrid interior line in the NFL. Any first round pick should go to address that need. With Cody Ford off the board, the Vikings should reach for Lindstrom.
Katz’s Kritique: If you have read my mock drafts, you know how high I am on Lindstrom. I do not think this is a reach at all, but I think the masses would agree with Alex. Despite this, I think the masses would also agree that offensive line is priority number one for the Vikings at 18.
19) Tennessee Titans: Clelin Ferrell, EDGE Clemson (Selected by Anonymous)
Katz’s Kritique: Boy is this a horrible fit. Ferrell showed very little ability to dip and bend on tape, and his combine performance in the drills that would translate to that skill was subpar. Now you’re going to ask him to stand up and rush in a 3-4? Hard pass.
20) Pittsburgh Steelers: Byron Murphy, CB Washington (Selected by Nick Prevete)
Fan’s Analysis: The Steelers need cornerbacks desperately and Murphy is the best guy in this class.
Katz’s Kritique: That analysis was basically all that needed to be said, but let’s dive even further into why this is a phenomenal selection. Murphy excels in off coverage, something the Steelers do a lot of. He can also mirror receivers from either the boundary or nickel position (the Steelers like their corners to be versatile). This is the ideal pick for Pittsburgh in round one, in my opinion.
21) Seattle Seahawks: Christian Wilkins, DT Clemson (Selected by Mama Katz)
Katz’s Kritique: Mama Katz couldn’t own the Jets, but she still wanted to make a pick in this draft. She did an excellent job, as you would have expected. Wilkins is quick off the ball, he plays with attitude and he competes on every down. He’s terrific on the backside of plays too. Wilkins is smart and athletic, a perfect fit for Seattle’s defense.
22) Baltimore Ravens: Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, WR Oklahoma (Selected by Ray Perlman)
Fan’s Analysis: Lamar Jackson needs weapons during this draft, particularly ones that can stretch the field. No one is a better deep ball receiver in this draft than Hollywood Brown.
Katz’s Kritique: Brown is also explosive with the ball in his hands, I think that’s a key to this pick that cannot be overstated. Jackson is still going to play like a collegiate quarterback in the sense of the offense being predicated on quick hitters and then the occasional deep shot. The pseudo west coast offense will be perfect for Brown.
23) Houston Texans: Garrett Bradbury, C NC State (Selected by Anonymous)
Katz’s Kritique: Can you really criticize the Texans taking an offensive lineman?
24) Oakland Raiders via Chicago Bears: Greedy Williams, CB LSU (Selected by Justin Katz)
Fan’s Analysis: The Raiders need a number two corner opposite Gareon Conley. Williams has the length, ball skills and straight line speed to be a quality player in the NFL.
Katz’s Kritique: I like this fit a lot. Jon Gruden likes defensive backs that excel in man coverage, and that is Greedy Williams in a nutshell. Allow him mirror and trail receivers, and watch him go to work.
25) Philadelphia Eagles: Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, FS Florida (Selected by Anonymous)
Katz’s Kritique: I’m not the biggest fan of CGJ, but Eagles fans across the NFL Draft forums like Reddit, Discord, and those I see on Twitter seem to love this fit. They all like CGJ’s ability to locate the ball from the single high spot and go chase it.
26) Indianapolis Colts: AJ Brown, WR Ole Miss (Selected by Mike Reynolds)
Mike’s Analysis: It’s weird to say that the Colts need receivers after all the years they spent taking receivers highly, but here we are. Brown should compliment T.Y Hilton very nicely.
Katz’s Kritique: Bump.
27) Oakland Raiders via Dallas Cowboys: TJ Hockenson, TE Iowa (Selected by Justin Katz)
Fan’s Analysis: I get a top ten player on everyone’s board at 27? At a position of need? This seems easy.
Katz’s Kritique: Easy selection indeed. Hockenson’s game is tailor-made for a Jon Gruden offense.
28) Los Angeles Chargers: Dexter Lawrence, DT/NT Clemson (Selected by Me)
Katz’s Kritique: This was the second team I chose to own, strictly because I love the scheme fit. Lawrence would be a huge boost to the Chargers run defense, he can collapse the pocket as a pass rusher, and he’s a space eater, which allows the athletes of the Chargers defense to step up and make plays.
29) Kansas City Chiefs: DeAndre Baker, CB Georgia (Selected by Mark Spillane)
Katz’s Kritique: Like Jon with Jacksonville, Mark covers the Chiefs, making this more of an educated guess than a “what the fans would want.” Just like Jon’s pick, the two happen to coincide. Baker fills the biggest need for the Chiefs during this draft; secondary.
30) Green Bay Packers via New Orleans Saints: Devin Bush, ILB Michigan (Selected by Steve Reynolds)
Katz’s Kritique: Bush most assuredly will not make it here on draft day, but this could definitely be a selection Green Bay makes at 12 instead. Bush is a three down linebacker, he’s a leader, and he’s very quality cover linebacker. The fit makes a ton of sense, but if Green Bay wants him, they will have to take him at 12.
31) Los Angeles Rams: Chase Winovich, EDGE Michigan (Selected by Anonymous)
Katz’s Kritique: The Rams are most likely going to trade down on draft day, but that’s not a play you can make in this particular mock draft. This is a little high for Winovich for me personally, but I think he has a real chance to go round one in a few weeks.
32) New England Patriots: Hakeem Butler, WR Iowa State (Selected by Daniel Katz)
Fan’s Analysis: On Draft day I want to see the Patriots trade up for Noah Fant or TJ Hockenson. In this mock, Butler is a solid consolation prize. Butler is a freak of nature, with the ability to make some unbelievable catches. If his drops can be corrected, he should be able to dominate with Tom Brady throwing him the ball.
Katz’s Kritique: As a Jets fan, this is something I would rather not see. Tom Brady throwing to a receiver that is 6’5, runs a sub 4.5 40, and has the quickness to separate at all three levels. Butler even lined up in the slot at Iowa State and was able to sink his hips into the route and create space from there as well. This is something the league would rather not see happen.
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