You know it is bad news for your team when you are already checking the NFL draft standings and the latest mock drafts to see who your favorite team is predicted to select in 2019. The NFL season is young meaning there is plenty of time for things to change, but there are a number of teams that have dug themselves a sizable hole.
Interest in the draft has become a year-round thing, and it is never too early to begin thinking about the top NFL prospects. For many fan bases, it is the only thing keeping hope alive.
"All the sarcasm and the ridicule and the negativity about the draft and about who covers it back in the day . . . you don't hear any of that anymore," ESPN's Mel Kiper told the Chicago Tribune. "That's kind of satisfying. Nobody is getting criticized anymore. There's none of the commentary that's negative about, 'Why do people do this? Who would care about that? They're wasting their time doing this,' and all that garbage."
While a couple of teams may dig themselves out of the bottom of the standings, the majority of squads are going to end up picking early in the 2019 NFL draft. Unlike last year, it is interesting to note that only one team in the current top 10 picks is likely to be looking for a quarterback.
The Strength of the 2019 NFL Draft Is the Defensive Linemen
The strength of the 2019 draft class is the defensive linemen, and there is not another position that is particularly close. Teams picking atop the draft in April are all likely to take a long look at defensive players like Nick Bosa, Ed Oliver, Rashan Gary and Dexter Lawrence just to name a few.
It would not be a surprise if the first five picks were either defensive ends or defensive tackles. Several of the top defensive linemen have some position flexibility with the potential to line up inside and outside. The talent of the defensive linemen in this class is likely to even cause teams with a strong defense to consider taking a defensive lineman.
Justin Herbert leads the quarterback class that is a step back from the talent we saw in 2018. Will Grier, Dwayne Haskins, Drew Lock, Jarrett Stidham and Daniel Jones are other quarterbacks with first-round potential.
As the country all witnessed on Thursday Night Football, it may be time for the Giants to draft their quarterback of the future. I would suggest Giants fans start watching Herbert's highlights because there is a lot to get excited about with the Oregon quarterback. With so many teams selecting quarterbacks in last year's draft, we may see a good number of signal callers slip into the second and third rounds.
The draft order for our latest mock draft is based on NFL.com's projected order at the time this was published. Click the next arrow to see my predictions for the top 10 picks in my NFL mock draft.
No. 1 New York Giants: QB Justin Herbert, Oregon
No. 2 Indianapolis Colts: DE Nick Bosa, Ohio State
The Giants passed on a quarterback in last year's draft, and it looks like they could have an opportunity to take a QB early in 2019. Even if the team plans on sticking with Eli Manning, the team would still be wise to consider taking a young quarterback for the future.
With Odell Beckham Jr.'s recent comments about Manning, fans have to wonder if Manning still has the respect of the locker room. There will be several quarterbacks in the running to be the first signal caller taken in the draft. Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert is the early favorite, but there is still plenty of time for that to change.
Justin Herbert's younger brother, Patrick, is headed to Oregon to play next season. While there has to be an appeal to playing with his brother, Herbert is projected to be a top 10 pick as of now which would be difficult to pass up.
Herbert has thrown for 1411 yards, 15 touchdowns and five interceptions through five games. Herbert is mobile enough to also hurt defenses with his legs. Bleacher Report's Matt Miller reported Herbert is likely to be the top quarterback selected next spring, but Miller noted the Oregon quarterback could benefit from another college football season.
"Justin Herbert is everything the NFL wants in a franchise quarterback. In a year not dominated by pass-rushers Ed Oliver (Houston) and Nick Bosa (Ohio State), he would be a bona fide No. 1 overall prospect. The NFL is ready for Herbert, but he might not be ready for the NFL...
The 20-year-old has the types of tools sending scouts to Eugene, Oregon in herds this season. 'He's a bigger Marcus Mariota' is what one longtime evaluator said of Herbert this summer. Another, speaking this week, said, 'You watch guys like Carson Wentz, Andrew Luck ... that's the type of player he is in terms of traits and potential.'"
Nick Bosa Is Still in the Running to Be the No. 1 Pick Despite Injury
Nick Bosa still has a chance to be the No. 1 pick, despite being sidelined with a core muscle injury. Bosa is expected to be sidelined until at least November when he will be re-evaluated.
Bosa will be battling other top defensive linemen like Houston's Ed Oliver to be the first defensive player selected and potentially the top overall pick if a quarterback-needy team does not land the No. 1 spot. NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah believes the younger Bosa plays similar to his brother.
"Every opposing team tries to throw multiple blockers at Bosa throughout the game, and he still finds his way to the quarterback," Jeremiah wrote before the college football season. "It doesn't matter if he's being doubled by a tight end or chipped by a running back -- he just refuses to be blocked. He's one of the best pure pass rushers I've evaluated. I've seen guys with more size or explosiveness, but his innate feel and polished technique put him in the elite class."
As for the Colts, they need just about everything, so Indianapolis is likely to take the best player available wherever they wind up drafting.
No. 3 Arizona Cardinals: DT Ed Oliver, Houston
No. 4 San Francisco 49ers: DE/DT Rashan Gary, Michigan
Like some of the other teams in the NFC West, the Cardinals thrived when their defense was one of the top units in the league. This season, the Cardinals are giving up close to 400 yards per game, putting them among the bottom 10 units in the league. It is time for them to rebuild their defense now that they have a lot of young talent on offense.
Oliver took a straight-forward approach ahead of what will be his last season at Houston. The defensive tackle let it be known before the season that he would was headed to the NFL. While it may be tempting to protect himself, Oliver scoffed at the idea of sitting out this season to avoid injury.
“People ask me if I’m going to sit out,” Oliver told Sports Illustrated. “I like playing football. I’m going to play football.”
NFL.com's Bucky Brooks explains why Oliver is considered a top prospect despite being a defensive tackle, a rarity at the top of the NFL draft.
"Considering his position (nose tackle), and his less-than-ideal height, Oliver's inclusion in the conversation of college football's elite prospects speaks volumes about his immense talent and potential as a disruptive interior player," Brooks explains. "He shows rare first-step quickness, lateral movement skills, explosive strength and hustle for a pass-rushing defensive tackle playing as a one-technique (shaded nose tackle) in a three-man front. Oliver combines his explosive athleticism with outstanding instincts, awareness and snap-count anticipation. With the Cougars employing a movement-based scheme that allows him to loop and stunt on a number of pass-rush attempts, the junior flashes the kind of versatility/variety that we commonly see from elite inside defenders."
The 49ers Could Have Their Pick of Top Defensive Players
The 49ers hope to have their franchise quarterback in Jimmy Garoppolo, assuming he can return to full strength from his recent injury. Like many of the other teams on this list, the 49ers are projected to have a high pick because they have a lot of needs. The strength of this class is on the defensive line, and the 49ers are likely to look there first.
Rashan Gary has some position versatility with the ability to play on the inside and outside. Like most of the other defensive lineman atop this draft class, Gary is a freak athlete. NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah sees Gary as one of the top prospects of 2019, and compares him to Cam Jordan.
"Gary is a special player and he's not remotely close to tapping into his full potential," Jeremiah explains. "He fits in every defensive system and has the tools to dominate on all three downs. I love his effort and believe he could emerge as a top-three defensive player in the country...I remember scouting Jordan at Cal and I was amazed when, after practice, he conditioned with the skill players. He didn't look out of place running sprints next to running backs and defensive backs despite the fact he was 70-80 pounds heavier. I think Gary is very similar in that regard. He is extremely athletic and explosive for a man that size, and both guys play with outstanding effort. Jordan has emerged as one of the premier edge defenders in the NFL, and Gary could eventually develop into a similar star at the next level."
No. 5 Oakland Raiders: LB Devin White, LSU
No. 6 Atlanta Falcons: DT Dexter Lawrence, Clemson
Jon Gruden keeps putting his foot in his mouth talking about the lack of available pass rushers. The problem is the Raiders traded away one of the best players in the league in Khalil Mack. Devin White is not Mack, but he can help the Raiders slowly begin to build a defense that struggled even when Mack was in Oakland.
“It’s hard to find a great one [pass rusher],” Gruden told NBC Sports Bay Area. “It’s hard to find a good one. It’s hard to find one; you just said it. With college football, they aren’t dropping back to pass and throwing anymore. They’re throwing laterals and bubble screens and running read options. You have to train these guys, and it takes a little time to learn how to rush the passer. We have some guys who are in that process right now (with Arden Key, P.J. Hall and Maurice Hurst).”
247 Sports' David Lake explains how one of White's strengths is his pass-rushing ability.
"One factor that makes White such a unique linebacker is his ability to impact the game by blitzing or rushing the passer," Lake writes. "White plays with great timing, speed, and he has an explosive first step and all those traits allow him to be a menace when he is set on a blitz during third down passing situations. LSU wants to use White plenty as a blitzer and as a pass rusher. In 2017, White was by far the leader in quarterback pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. He finished the year with 37 pressures with the second most on the team coming from edge rusher Arden Key, who had 29 pressures on the year."
The Falcons Defense Has Been Decimated by Injuries
Just when Falcons fans thought it could not get worse, injuries keep piling up for Atlanta's defense. Even though the Falcons' red zone woes look like a thing of the past, the defense is so thin that the offense needs to score in bunches even to have a chance each game.
In addition to all the injuries, the Falcons are looking to fill the void left by Dontari Poe last summer. According to Bleacher Report, Lawrence originally came to Clemson at 360 pounds, but his size has not impacted his athleticism.
"I've never seen a guy this size who moves like this," Clemson coach Dabo Swinney told Bleacher Report. "I've been around some big guys, but I've never been around a guy that big who is that athletic. He's just a huge, strong man. I mean, he was stronger than some of our seniors as a true freshman showing up."
If the Falcons can add a player like Lawrence to those returning from injury, it could be a promising 2019 for Atlanta.
No. 7 Houston Texans: T Greg Little, Ole Miss
No. 8 Dallas Cowboys: WR N'Keal Harry, Arizona State
The strength of this draft class is at defensive line, and it will be interesting to see how the Texans approach the draft given their current roster. Houston has no shortage of quality defensive lineman, but all NFL teams know you can never have enough pass rushers.
Right now, I have them taking an offensive lineman in an effort to help protect Deshaun Watson. The number of quality defensive players is likely to push the offensive players down further, especially at offensive line where it does not appear to be a particularly strong class. Little discussed his NFL future this past spring.
"I can't lie and say I haven't [thought about the NFL]," Little explained to the Clarion Ledger. "But right now, I'm really focused on the team, the [offensive] line, getting better as a person, getting better as a player, getting everyone else around me better. After the season, when that time comes, the time comes."
Little has a chance to be the top offensive lineman selected if he does declare for the draft.
The Cowboys WR1 Continues to be a Topic of Discussion
The Cowboys are a bit of a mess, but a big portion of their problems (in addition to the regression of the offensive line) stems from the lack of a true playmaking receiver. N'Keal Harry would give the Cowboys a legit WR1. Harry is 6'4" and can tower over defenders to get the football.
Harry has put up modest numbers so far this season with 481 yards and five touchdowns. The race for the first wide receiver off the board is close, and likely to go right up until draft night. I give the edge to Harry based on his physical tools. Harry is also getting NFL-level coaching at Arizona State under Herm Edwards, the long-time pro coach.
Harry noted he tries to model his game after Calvin Johnson, which is understandable given their physical similarities. Here's how Harry described his game in an interview with USA Today.
"I’m a big receiver that likes to use my size," Harry told USA Today. "I like to be very aggressive. I excel in high-pointing the football. I’m working on becoming a better blocker this year. I use my body to my advantage. With that being said, I can still outrun a defensive back and catch the deep ball."
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones admitted earlier this week that Dallas does not have a true WR1.
"I'm basically giving you my definition of a No. 1 receiver, and it is Julio Jones. It is the guy we played the other night [DeAndre Hopkins]," Jones told a Dallas radio station per ESPN. "Those are the guys. There's not but about a handful of those in the NFL...We still have guys [who] in their way ... can make the plays for us, and we'll continue to work the passing game. Obviously, we need to get better in the passing game."
No. 9 Detroit Lions: TE Noah Fant, Iowa
No. 10 New York Jets: WR A.J. Brown, Ole Miss
Lions fans may be having flashbacks to the failed Eric Ebron era, the last time Detroit selected a tight end with a high pick. To make matters worse, Ebron is having the best season of his career in his first season with the Colts. For years, the Lions have had a void at tight end, and Ebron was never able to fill it during his time in Detroit.
Noah Fant is by far the best tight end in this draft class. Like most college football tight ends, his numbers are not going to wow you. Considering he plays for Iowa, an offense not known for having an explosive passing offense, his numbers are likely to go up once he lands in the NFL. What he has done at Iowa is make himself a red zone machine.
Last season, Fant finished with 11 touchdowns on just 30 receptions, meaning 36 percent of his catches were touchdowns. Fant is on pace to have better numbers for 2018. Fant has 19 receptions for 196 yards and five touchdowns through five games.
At 6-5, 240 pounds Fant would give Matthew Stafford a legit red zone target. The Lions would also likely get creative with how they use Fant. Bleacher Report's Matt Miller explains why Fant is the consensus top tight end prospect.
"The numbers for most tight ends won't turn your head in the 2018 college football season, but look at what Noah Fant is doing as the best prospect at his position in this class," Miller writes. "...Fant, who's listed at 6'5" and 241 pounds, is an athletic playmaker. If he wasn't in an offense that trends so much toward the running game, Fant would have a statistical presence to match the other top receivers in the class, but the Hawkeyes know whom to rely on in the red zone."
The Jets Need to Surround Sam Darnold With Weapons
The Jets locked in their franchise quarterback in the last draft. Now, the challenge for the Jets is to surround Sam Darnold with more offensive talent. New York has a group of solid wide receivers, but the team is still missing a marquee WR1. The Jets could also improve their rushing attack making me wonder if Bama running back Damien Harris would also be in play here.
Ole Miss receiver A.J. Brown is going to destroy the NFL combine. When Nick Saban was recruiting Brown coming out of high school, the Alabama coach Nick Saban compared him to NFL star Julio Jones.
"I'm big and physical. They [Alabama] say I remind them of Julio and I can come in and be a big, physical aspect for them," Brown told AL.com in 2015. "You don't really want to believe it because all colleges will say things, but when Nick Saban says it, you've got to believe it."
Brown entered Ole Miss as one of the top recruits in the country and has lived up to the hype. Brown had 1,252 yards and 11 touchdowns during the 2017 season. So far this season, Brown has 586 yards and four touchdowns.
The key to Darnold's success is putting him in a position to succeed. Giving the Jets quarterback an instant WR1 like Brown could help solidify a shaky offense.
NFL Mock Draft 2019: Giants Take Oregon QB Justin Herbert