1. ARI: QB Kyler Murray, Oklahoma
Murray fits what newly-appointed head coach Kliff Kingsbury wants to do on offense, and after a long, winding road, another Oklahoma quarterback is taken first overall. He will step in and immediately run the college-based system for the new-look Arizona Cardinals.
2. SF: EDGE Nick Bosa, Ohio State
John Lynch needs playmakers on his defense and taking Bosa is nearly a can’t-miss selection. With a chance to be even better than his brother, Nick will immediately anchor the defense line and wreak havoc on the NFC West signal-callers.
3. NYJ: EDGE Brian Burns, Florida State
In a somewhat surprising pick, Burns is taken above Josh Allen and Quinnen Williams, but he certainly will not dissapoint Jets’ fans with his combination of size and speed off of the edge.
4. OAK: DT Quinnen Williams, Alabama
Jon Gruden simply takes the best player available and rewards the entire Raider defense. Williams will challenge for a Pro Bowl spot during his rookie season and prove to be one of the best selections in the entire draft.
5. TB: LB Devin Bush, Michigan
After an excellent combine, Bush has risen up draft boards all the way to the linebacker-needy Buccaneers at number five. He will provide a speedy, rangy sense that has been lacking in the second level.
6. NYG: OT Jawaan Taylor, Florida
Taylor is a solid selection for the notorious Dave Gettleman, who surprisingly remains employed. The G-Men need an anchor at the tackle position, and Taylor will certainly fill that much needed void.
7. JAX: EDGE Josh Allen, Kentucky
Allen will give the Jaguars an explosive edge rusher who will be able to pressure Andrew Luck and Deshaun Watson. Allen’s blend of size and athleticism will bode well and rejuvenate the defense in Jacksonville.
8. DET: CB Byron Murphy, Washington
Though Matt Patricia could decide to go edge rusher here, the secondary is an extremely pressing need, especially in a division with pass-heavy offenses. Murphy is the most polished corner in the class and provides an excellent floor at number eight overall.
9. BUF: DL Ed Oliver, Houston
Oliver has had quite the rollercoaster ride, but finds a new home in Buffalo where a playmaker is needed more than those foldable tables at the pregame tailgates. His unique ability to play all over the defensive line will quickly prove a valuable asset to the rising Bills roster.
10. DEN: OT Jonah Williams, Alabama
John Elway decides to pass on quarterback and roll with Joe Flacco in 2019. Williams is one of the safest lineman in the class and despite his short arms, he will quickly become a quality tackle in the NFL.
11. CIN: TE T.J. Hockenson, Iowa
Andy Dalton’s best seasons came with a healthy Tyler Eifert, and although he signed a one-year contract after his gruesome ankle injury, Eifert’s best days are well behind him. Hockenson is a bully in the blocking game and a threat in the passing game, which will absolutely lift the Bengal offense to the next level.
12. GB: EDGE Montez Sweat, Mississippi State
Green Bay is in much need for edge rushers, and they nab a physical freak in Montez Sweat. He is a bit raw but will use his athleticism to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks from day one.
13. MIA: QB Dwayne Haskins, Ohio State
The Dolphins may be destined for the 2020 first overall pick, but Haskins will struggle through his rookie year and work out the kinks before exploding in year two. Shortly after moving on from Ryan Tannehill, Miami finds the future face of the franchise.
14. ATL: CB Greedy Willliams, LSU
The dream scenario involves a certain defender from Houston being available here, but that appears extremely unlikely. Williams will provide help on the outside immediately, which has an issue for the Atlanta defense in 2018.
15. WAS: WR D.K. Metcalf, Ole Miss
The Redskins need weapons across the entirety of its roster, but Metcalfis too good to pass up at number fifteen overall. Josh Doctson is not the answer, and Metcalf will use his field-stretching ability to give the ‘Skins a legitimate threat at receiver.
16. CAR: OG Cody Ford, Oklahoma
With the run-based Carolina offense, the offensive line needs upgrades at all positions. Ford will be able to step in and open running lanes for stud running back Christian McCaffrey.
17. NYG: QB Daniel Jones, Duke
Daniel Jones has the skillset to fit nicely with the Giants as his west-coast skillset will thrive with the plethora of slot receivers. Once Eli Manning suffers through his final season as a starting quarterback, Jones is the answer and future franchise quarterback. If only Odell were there to see it…
18. MIN: OC Garrett Bradbury, NC State
Bradbury has a polished skillset and will be needed to play immediately if the Vikings want to keep Kirk Cousins upright. The NC State product will be a dominant force in the trenches and prove to be one of the most underrated selections in the first round.
19. TEN: EDGE Rashan Gary, Michigan
Although the Titans signed edge rusher Cameron Wake in free agency, they need young pass rushers who can develop under head coach Mike Vrabel. Gary is a strong, athletic specimen who has sky-high potential and fills a massive need for Tennessee.
20. PIT: LB Devin White, LSU
After the Ryan Shazier injury, Pittsburgh has lacked speed and playmaking at the linebacker position. White brings an all-around, intriguing set of skills to the steel city in hopes of maximizing his huge potential.
21. SEA: S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Florida
A Seattle pick if there ever was one. The Earl Thomas-Richard Sherman days seem like ten years ago, but with the addition of Gardner-Johnson, the Seahawks find another hard-nosed safety who is comfortable near the line of scrimmage and in coverage. This pick is chalk, but it is so for a reason.
22. BAL: WR N’Keal Harry, Arizona State
Harry has the ability to bring down any contested catch, and Lamar Jackson needs weapons at receiver if he is going to improve as a passer in 2019. He often struggles to separate down the field, but Harry is the best receiver available who will fit in the rising Raven offense.
23. HOU: OL Erik McCoy, Texas A&M
If Houston wants to keep their franchise quarterback upright, investing in the offensive line is the only option. Deshaun Watson needs time to find receivers, and McCoy has experience playing all three offensive line positions. He will slide in immediately, whether it be at guard or center, and contribute to the offense.
24. OAK: S Nasir Adderley, Delaware
With his second of three first round picks, Jon Gruden is simply filling his roster with the best available players. Adderley is a box safety who will thrive playing in downhill situations. This team needs playmakers, and the small-school product is exactly that.
25. PHI: CB Deandre Baker, Georgia
Howie Roseman can go many different directions with this pick, but drafting cornerbacks is never a bad idea. Baker is a tough player in coverage and held opposing receivers to the lowest catch rate in all of college football in 2018.
26. IND: DT Jeffery Simmons, Mississippi State
Simmons suffered a torn ACL early in the draft process, but he still manages to fit into the first round. Chris Ballard takes a chance on an excellent player who will anchor the defensive line once he becomes healthy.
27. OAK: TE Noah Fant, Iowa
With the departure of Jared Cook, the tight end position is wide open, and Fant’s uber-athletic skill set will look to seize the opportunity. His combination of size, speed, and overall ability as a receiver could make him one of the league’s most dangerous tight ends before too long.
28. LAC: DT Jerry Tillery, Notre Dame
The Chargers have a massive need for interior defensive lineman, and Tillery fits perfectly. He can wreak havoc on an offensive line and disrupt the backfield at any time. He is a rare high-floor, high-ceiling selection in the back end of the first round.
29. KC: CB Amani Oruwariye, Penn State
Oh so close to a Super Bowl appearance, but the Chiefs need multiple pieces on the defensive side of the ball. Starting with Oruwariye is a solid selection. He is a technically sound player who does all the little things extremely well.
30. GB: OL Dalton Risner, Kansas State
Aaron Rodgers was knocked around far too often throughout last season, so should the Packers the leave the first round with no offensive lineman, the world may end. Risner can play tackle or guard, so wherever Matt LaFleur decides to play him, expect Risner to upgrade the line immediately.
31. LAR: DT Christian Wilkins, Clemson
Being relatively set on the offensive side of the ball, the Rams will be able to add a defensive lineman to continue to add depth. Wilkins is a polished defensive lineman who can step in and be a force alongside superstar Aaron Donald. His hand strength alone will fit well in Wade Phillips’ system and prove to be a worthy selection.
32. NE: WR A.J. Brown, Ole Miss
Rob Gronkowski is retired, Chris Hogan is gone, and the Patriot offense will look a bit different heading into 2019. Enter the Ole Miss product who is an extreme danger out of the slot. Brown is practically a running back after the catch who will thrive in New England’s system. Bill finally hits on an early-round receiver.
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