NFL Draft News & Analysis

PFF 2019 NFL Mock Draft 5: Rounds 1-3

My final mock draft is here. This time, we dove into the first three rounds, trying to find the fits and values that make the most sense for your team.

As always, I do not try to predict the draft. I’m playing the role of general manager for all 32 teams, so this mock may look different than many of the cookie cutters around the internet. Remember, draft good players at valuable positions.

Mike Renner's final mock draft for this class will attempt to predict the picks rather than pick the best player/fit for all 32 teams.

[Editor’s Note: To view all of Pro Football Focus’ advanced stats and grades for draft-eligible players, check out our 2019 NFL Draft Guide. All EDGE and ELITE subscribers already have access to the guide, and for those who don’t, you can get your copy for as low as $9.99!]

Round 1

1. Arizona Cardinals: QB Kyler Murray, Oklahoma

The top player on the PFF draft board, Murray is the right move for the Cardinals. He has the best chance of being a top-10 quarterback in this draft class. He's accurate from the pocket and dynamic as a runner, all leading to the top passing and rushing grade in the nation last season.

2. San Francisco 49ers: Edge Nick Bosa, Ohio State

Since stepping onto campus as a true freshman, Bosa has been one of the best edge defenders in the country, and elite PFF grades for defensive linemen have translated smoothly to the next level. Bosa has multiple years of top-notch play against the run and, most importantly, as a pass-rusher. We expect a smooth transition at a position of need for the 49ers.

3. New York Jets: Edge Josh Allen, Kentucky

This is where my mantra to always take the best player is going to be challenged. I love Quinnen Williams, but given New York's courting of Anthony Barr and their massive need on the edge, Allen is an excellent fit. The positional value of an edge is slightly higher than an interior defensive lineman anyway, so I just talked myself into Allen as the pick after he posted the highest pass-rush grade in the nation last season at 94.3. He has legitimate, linebacker-like coverage ability if the Jets choose to tap into it.

4. Oakland Raiders: DI Quinnen Williams, Alabama

One of the best-case scenarios for the Raiders, Williams bring an impact interior defensive lineman who can play the run and rush the passer. He posted the highest grade we've seen from an interior lineman last season at 96.0 overall, while leading the nation both against the run and as a pass-rusher. Oakland doesn't need to force an edge rusher here, just take the best player and move on.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CB Greedy Williams, LSU

Always one of the more difficult picks in the draft, I don't love the value for Devin White here compared to his teammate, Williams. Greedy is the best man coverage cornerback in the draft, and the new defensive scheme in Tampa Bay fits his skillset after he allowed a passer rating of only 42.5 during his career at LSU.

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

While the Giants may not value Haskins at this point, he's the No. 2 quarterback on our board and worthy of a shot in the top 10. He is one of the most accurate short and intermediate passers in the draft and strong when playing from a clean pocket (a stable indicator of future success). However, Haskins was far more inconsistent when passing down the field or while under pressure. It's a necessary move for the Giants to find their QB of the future.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: OT Jonah Williams, Alabama

This iteration of the draft has set up well for the Jaguars, who get the top offensive tackle on our draft board in Williams. He has experience playing both left and right tackle, last year finishing with an outstanding 89.2 grade while allowing only 12 pressures on the season. He can step right in as the starter at right tackle in Year 1.

8. Detroit Lions: Edge Brian Burns, Florida State

Even with Trey Flowers in the mix, Burns adds a different dynamic off the edge with his burst as a pass-rusher. He finished with an excellent 90.5 pass-rush grade last season to go with 66 total pressures, good for No. 2 in the nation during the regular season.

9. Buffalo Bills: CB Byron Murphy, Washington

Hear me out one last time, Bills fans. Sometimes scheme fit and positional value are too much to pass up. Murphy is the best zone corner in the draft, Buffalo plays as much zone as any team and cornerback is the most valuable position on the defense. You truly cannot have too many good cornerbacks, and no one on the current Buffalo roster is going to scare me away from adding this kind of value opposite Tre'Davious White. Murphy posted the top grade in the nation last year at 92.0 overall, and he's a perfect fit for the Bills' defense.

10. Denver Broncos: DI Jerry Tillery, Notre Dame

The PFF draft board shows our love for Tillery, as he checks in at No. 7 overall after he tied Quinnen Williams for the No. 1 pass-rush grade in the nation last season at 92.5. Tillery's size, length and explosiveness resemble that of Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs, a player worthy of top-10 consideration a few years ago. Tillery adds an interior disruptor to the Denver defense.

11. Cincinnati Bengals: LB Devin White, LSU

One of the best fits in the draft, White patrols the middle with incredible athleticism that translated to a 91.6 coverage grade last season. He's not great in the run game, but coverage is far more important and even more so for a Bengals defense that has assets on the outside but was torched over the middle of the field last year.

12. Green Bay Packers: DI Ed Oliver, Houston

The Packers are thrilled to add more playmakers to their front-7 with Oliver, who is an undersized terror in the run game (three years of 90-plus grades) and a developing pass-rusher (career-high 88.8 pass-rush grade last season). Oliver is an incredible athlete, but he has work to do in order for it to match the hype. Green Bay is a good situation where he can play opposite similarly-undersized interior disruptor, Mike Daniels, as he hones his craft.

13. Miami Dolphins: OT Jawaan Taylor, Florida

Taylor is a good mesh of value and need as the Dolphins let right tackle Ja'Wuan James walk and Taylor should step right in as the starter. He's a mauler in the run game and has all the skills to continue his development as a pass blocker after allowing only nine pressures last season.

14. Atlanta Falcons: LB Devin Bush, Michigan

The Falcons have built their defense on speed and Bush adds even more in that department. He pairs with Deion Jones to form one of the league's best linebacking duos and adds a versatile blitzer to the mix after notching 47 pressures, including 13 sacks, over the last two years. Bush's 4.43 speed shows up on the field. He can make an impact both in coverage and in the blitz game.

15. Washington Redskins: CB Deandre Baker, Georgia

This pick is all about adding talent at a valuable position, and Baker has the movement and ball skills to make an immediate impact opposite Josh Norman or in the slot. He put together multiple excellent years in coverage for Georgia, allowing a passer rating of only 47.9 during his career.

16. Carolina Panthers: OT Andre Dillard, Washington State

Need and value match up well here, as the Panthers add one of the best pass protectors in the draft in Dillard. He has three straight years of 90-plus pass-blocking grades to go with plenty of experience in Washington State's system.

17. New York Giants: WR A.J. Brown, Ole Miss

Brown is a good fit here, as the Giants look to add a high-volume receiver to the mix to replace Odell Beckham, Jr. His skillset is a perfect match with Haskins, as Brown can win at the short and intermediate level, both outside and in the slot. He averaged 7.6 yards after the catch per reception during his Ole Miss career while dropping only 13 passes on 201 catchable targets,

18. Minnesota Vikings: OT Dalton Risner, Kansas State

Another good match, Risner has four strong years of grading at Kansas State, including his freshman year at center. He can play multiple positions along the offensive line, but over the last three years at right tackle, he's been one of the nation's best. He has the size and brute strength to handle length off the edge.

19. Tennessee Titans: WR D.K. Metcalf, Ole Miss

While Metcalf may not have gaudy numbers, he was an efficient receiver for Ole Miss, averaging 2.83 yards per route as their downfield, outside threat. He has incredible size and speed at 230 pounds with a 4.33 40, and that combined with his ability to get off press coverage makes him extremely dangerous on the vertical route tree. Metcalf is a perfect fit as a field-stretcher opposite Corey Davis on the other side for the Titans.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: WR JJ Arcega-Whiteside, Stanford

Another good wide receiver fit, Arcega-Whiteside has led the draft class in contested catches in each of the last two years, as he combines incredible physicality and body control at the catch point. He's also adept at getting off the line of scrimmage to go with 4.49 speed, making him one of our favorite receivers in the class despite inconsistent evaluations in the draft community. Arcega-Whiteside needs to be paired with an aggressive quarterback, making him a good match with Ben Roethlisberger.

21. Seattle Seahawks: TE T.J. Hockenson, Iowa

Seattle can go a few different ways here, but this is a good time to add offensive playmakers in the draft. Hockenson is the best route-running tight end in the draft, as he separates at the top of routes at all levels and catches the ball better than most as he dropped only two passes during his Iowa career. Throw in his run blocking, and the Seahawks have a three-down weapon in Hockenson.

22. Baltimore Ravens: Edge Chase Winovich, Michigan

Talent is needed in the Baltimore front-7 and Winovich is a productive, under-the-radar talent who put up two straight years of 90-plus PFF grades. He can win with burst, bend or his hands off the edge, making him one of the best all-around defensive players in the draft.

23. Houston Texans: OT/G Cody Ford, Oklahoma

Houston must address the offensive line during this draft and Ford has tackle skills, though he may fit best at guard. He allowed just seven pressures as Oklahoma's right tackle last year to go with his powerful run-blocking that is a perfect match for Houston's run game.

24. Oakland Raiders: WR Marquise Brown, Oklahoma

Even with the additions of Antonio Brown and Tyrell Williams, Brown adds another speed dimension that can win outside or in the slot. He has a next-level gear that will make Oakland dangerous to defend, and littering the field with playmakers is the best bet to get the most out of Derek Carr. He averaged 18.3 yards per reception during his career, to go with 9.5 YAC/reception.

25. Philadelphia Eagles: S Darnell Savage, Maryland

Savage is one of the best playmakers in the draft, as his 4.33 speed shows up on the field. He brings incredible range to the back end, accelerating through the catch point to pick off and break up passes. Savage can also play over the slot in zone looks, and he will shorten the field for opposing offenses after posting two straight years with 86.0-plus grades.

26. Indianapolis Colts: DI Christian Wilkins, Clemson

Indianapolis needs an influx of talent up front, and Wilkins brings a strong run-stopper with improving pass-rush ability. He has played all over the defensive front at Clemson, playing with the strength and leverage to make a three-down impact at the next level, especially if he can build upon his 91.0 pass-rush grade from 2018.

27. Oakland Raiders: Edge Clelin Ferrell, Clemson

Another Clemson defensive lineman comes off the board, this time fitting the need for an edge defender in the Oakland defense. Ferrell took a big step forward in 2018, improving his pass-rush grade from 73.2 to 89.7, as he picked up 13 sacks, 11 QB hits and 32 hurries last season.

28. Los Angeles Chargers: S Nasir Adderley, Delaware

The Chargers are strong all-around defensively, but Adderley adds a true free safety to pair with strong safety Derwin James. Adderley has incredible range and ball skills on the back end, evidenced by his 89.9 coverage grade, six pass breakups and five interceptions last season. Adderley and James are perfect for their respective roles and one of the best young safety duos in the game.

[Editor's Note: The No. 29 overall pick has been adjusted in response to the report that the Seattle Seahawks traded Frank Clark to the Kansas City Chiefs.]

29. Seattle Seahawks: CB Amani Oruwariye, Penn State

With the Seahawks adding another first-rounder, they get a chance to attack one of their biggest needs in cornerback and Oruwariye is the best fit for them in this range. He has excellent size, movement skills and ball skills, reminiscent of an early-career Aqib Talib who has developed into one of the league's best corners.

30. Green Bay Packers: WR Hakeem Butler, Iowa State

The Packers add another big-bodied receiver in Butler who has the size to box out and the body control to work the back-shoulder game with QB Aaron Rodgers. While Butler still needs work getting off press and separating consistently, he can produce when paired with an accurate quarterback like Rodgers, both down the field where Butler led the draft class with 721 yards on deep passes and in the red zone.

31. Los Angeles Rams: C Garrett Bradbury, NC State

Bradbury is more of a second-round prospect on the PFF draft board, but he's an ideal fit for the Rams and their outside zone scheme. He is extremely quick off the ball in the run game, making the highlight-reel reach blocks necessary for a zone-blocking center, but he must show that he can handle power as a pass-blocker at the next level.

32. New England Patriots: QB Will Grier, West Virginia

The Patriots are in the quarterback market, and Grier has the accuracy and touch to be the QB-in-waiting. Grier excelled on “NFL throws” past the first-down markers, but he must cut down on the questionable decisions at the next level. If paired with a good offensive coordinator, Grier's accuracy gives him the nod over Drew Lock or Daniel Jones at this point in the draft.

Round 2

33. Arizona Cardinals: WR Andy Isabella, Massachusetts

34. Indianapolis Colts: CB Justin Layne, Michigan State

[Editor's Note: The No. 35 overall pick has been adjusted in response to the report that the Seattle Seahawks traded Frank Clark to the Kansas City Chiefs.]

35. Oakland Raiders: CB David Long, Michigan

36. San Francisco 49ers: CB Julian Love, Notre Dame

37. New York Giants: DI Jeffery Simmons, Mississippi State

38. Jacksonville Jaguars: WR Deebo Samuel, South Carolina

39. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DI Dexter Lawrence, Clemson

40. Buffalo Bills: OT Greg Little, Ole Miss

41. Denver Broncos: QB Drew Lock, Missouri

42. Cincinnati Bengals: Edge Montez Sweat, Mississippi State

43. Detroit Lions: WR N'Keal Harry, Arizona State

44. Green Bay Packers: TE Noah Fant, Iowa

45. Atlanta Falcons: Edge Rashan Gary, Michigan

46. Washington Redskins: C Elgton Jenkins, Mississippi State

47. Carolina Panthers: S Taylor Rapp, Washington

48. Miami Dolphins: G Chris Lindstrom, Boston College

49. Cleveland Browns: CB/S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Florida

50. Minnesota Vikings: Edge Zach Allen, Boston College

51. Tennessee Titans: DI Khalen Saunders, Western Illinois

52. Pittsburgh Steelers: LB Te'Von Coney, Notre Dame

53. Philadelphia Eagles: RB Josh Jacobs, Alabama

54. Houston Texans: OT Max Scharping, Northern Illinois

55. Houston Texans: S Juan Thornhill, Virginia

56. New England Patriots: Edge Anthony Nelson, Iowa

57. Philadelphia Eagles: OT Chuma Edoga, USC

58. Dallas Cowboys: S Deionte Thompson, Alabama

59. Indianapolis Colts: S Amani Hooker, Iowa

60. Los Angeles Chargers: G Hjalte Froholdt, Arkansas

61. Kansas City Chiefs: CB Rock Ya-Sin, Temple

62. New Orleans Saints: QB Daniel Jones, Duke

63. Kansas City Chiefs: LB Blake Cashman, Minnesota

64. New England Patriots: WR Terry McLaurin, Ohio State

Round 3

65. Arizona Cardinals: OT Tytus Howard, Alabama State

66. Pittsburgh Steelers: Edge Maxx Crosby, Eastern Michigan

67. San Francisco 49ers: CB Jamel Dean, Auburn

68. New York Jets: OT Kaleb McGary, Washington

69. Jacksonville Jaguars: WR Kelvin Harmon, NC State

70. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Edge LJ Collier, TCU

71. Denver Broncos: CB Sean Bunting, Central Michigan

72. Cincinnati Bengals: OT Yodny Cajuste, West Virginia

73. New England Patriots: TE Jace Sternberger, Texas A&M

74. Buffalo Bills: TE Irv Smith Jr., Alabama

75. Green Bay Packers: LB Drue Tranquill, Notre Dame

76. Washington Redskins: WR Diontae Johnson, Toledo

77. Carolina Panthers: Edge Jachai Polite, Florida

78. Miami Dolphins: DI Dre'Mont Jones, Ohio State

79. Atlanta Falcons: RB David Montgomery, Iowa State

80. Cleveland Browns: CB Isaiah Johnson, Houston

81. Minnesota Vikings: G Nate Davis, Charlotte

82. Tennessee Titans: Edge Charles Omenihu, Texas

83. Pittsburgh Steelers: WR Emanuel Hall, Missouri

[Editor's Note: The No. 84 overall pick has been adjusted in response to the report that the Seattle Seahawks traded Frank Clark to the Kansas City Chiefs.]

84. Kansas City Chiefs: CB Tim Harris, Virginia

85. Baltimore Ravens: WR Parris Campbell, Ohio State

86. Houston Texans: RB Miles Sanders, Penn State

87. Chicago Bears: WR Miles Boykin, Notre Dame

88. Detriot Lions: TE Josh Oliver, San Jose State

89. Indianapolis Colts: CB Joejaun Williams, Vanderbilt

90. Dallas Cowboys: WR Riley Ridley, Georgia

91. Los Angeles Chargers: QB Ryan Finley, NC State

[Editor's Note: The No. 92 overall pick has been adjusted in response to the report that the Seattle Seahawks traded Frank Clark to the Kansas City Chiefs.]

92. Seattle Seahawks: Edge Ben Banogu, TCU

93. New York Jets: C Erik McCoy, Texas A&M

94. Los Angeles Rams: LB Vosean Joseph, Florida

95. New York Giants: CB Jimmy Moreland, James Madison

96. Washington Redskins: LB Ben Burr-Kirvin, Washington

97. New England Patriots: TE Caleb Wilson, UCLA

[Editor's Note: The No. 98 overall pick has been adjusted in response to the report that the Seattle Seahawks traded Frank Clark to the Kansas City Chiefs.]

98. Jacksonville Jaguars: RB Darrell Henderson, Memphis

99. Los Angeles Rams: Edge Ronheen Bingham, Arkansas State

100. Carolina Panthers: DI Armon Watts, Arkansas

101. New England Patriots: OT Bobby Evans, Oklahoma

102. Baltimore Ravens: LB Mack Wilson, Alabama

[Editor’s Note: To view all of Pro Football Focus’ advanced stats and grades for draft-eligible players, check out our 2019 NFL Draft Guide. All EDGE and ELITE subscribers already have access to the guide, and for those who don’t, you can get your copy for as low as $9.99!]

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