Teams in need of defensive help next season sure had to be pleased with the number of defensive standouts from the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine, which concluded on March 4.
While defensive line players shined, more than a handful of linebackers and defensive backs also saw their respective NFL Draft stocks rise heading towards April.
Yet the biggest combine news, perhaps, was the amount of buzz surrounding the Arizona Cardinals and Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray.
According to DraftAnalyst.com's Tony Pauline, the Cardinals using the top overall pick in this year's draft on Murray is essentially “a done deal.”
This all could be a smokescreen for the Cardinals, of course. But pairing Murray with first-year Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury does make a ton of sense.
Let's start there in a post-combine Round 1 mock NFL Draft.
No. 1 – Arizona Cardinals: Quarterback Kyler Murray, Oklahoma
Selecting Murray means the Cardinals' 2017 investment on quarterback Josh Rosen was a bust move. But if Arizona wants Kingsbury to succeed with a rebuilding squad, it means giving him the tools to do it. Plus, the Cardinals will have more than a few quarterback-needy teams willing to offer up an exchange, of sorts, for Rosen. That'll help dampen the pain from their 2017 trade up.
No. 2 – San Francisco 49ers: EDGE Nick Bosa, Ohio State
The 49ers couldn't be happier with the Cardinals' selection of Murray, as it allows the No. 1 prospect in the 2019 NFL Draft, Ohio State EDGE Nick Bosa, to fall right into their collective lap. The Niners have used three first-round picks on defensive linemen the past four years, yet they still lack that premier outside edge-rushing talent. Bosa changes that and immediately transforms the 49ers D-line into a formidable force.
No. 3 – New York Jets: Defensive Tackle Quinnen Williams, Alabama
There are those who'd argue Alabama defensive tackle Quinnen Williams is the top prospect in this year's draft. And after running a 4.83 40-yard dash at the combine, it's not hard to see why. The Jets might be looking for more outside help. But passing up on a pocket-wrecking force like Williams here would be silly. He immediately makes that New York defensive front better.
No. 4 – Oakland Raiders: EDGE Josh Allen, Kentucky
The Raiders have a plethora of needs on defense, although the biggest void was created when Oakland traded EDGE Khalil Mack to the Bears early last season. With three first-round picks, though, the Raiders don't have to worry too much about getting picky. Grabbing the best player on the board here, Kentucky EDGE Josh Allen, solves that pass-rushing need left by Mack's departure.
No. 5 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Defensive Tackle Ed Oliver, Houston
Houston defensive tackle Ed Oliver didn't partake in a lot of scouting combine drills, which could hurt his 2019 NFL Draft stock. That said, his film isn't misleading. While not as potent as Williams, Oliver is still a pocket-wrecking force. And after boasting one of the league's worst defenses in 2018, the Buccaneers could use a defensive centerpiece to build around in 2019 and beyond.
No. 6 – New York Giants: Quarterback Dwayne Haskins, Ohio State
Round 1 trades could make the Giants' selection here a bit interesting. But after not addressing long-term quarterbacking needs in last year's draft, general manager Dave Gettleman doesn't repeat the choice again, going with arguably the best signal-caller in this year's class, Ohio State's Dwayne Haskins. Haskins can develop for a year under the veteran, Eli Manning, for all of 2019 if need be.
No. 7 – Jacksonville Jaguars: Wide Receiver D.K. Metcalf, Ole Miss
The Jaguars avoided being yet another quarterback-needy team in the 2019 NFL Draft by allegedly being the destination for soon-to-be former Eagles QB Nick Foles. Now, it's time to find Foles some offensive weapons. Ole Miss wideout D.K. Metcalf was astounding during the combine, although there are some concerns about his agility. Still, Metcalf is a mismatch nightmare in the making — exactly what Jacksonville needs.
No. 8 – Detroit Lions: EDGE Montez Sweat, Mississippi State
One would expect the Lions to move on from oft-injured EDGE Ezekiel Ansah this offseason, opening a void for an NFL Draft riser like Mississippi State's Montez Sweat. Sweat's 4.41 40-yard dash time at the combine set a record for defensive lineman, and that kind of speed should help transform head coach Matt Patricia's pass rush into a serviceable threat.
No. 9 – Buffalo Bills: Offensive Tackle Jawaan Taylor, Florida
The Bills do need to find offensive weapons for second-year quarterback Josh Allen. But after Allen literally spent most of his rookie season running for his football life, they need to do a better job protecting him, too. Grabbing Florida's Jawaan Taylor would help solidify the offensive line, and he can play both tackle and guard at the next level.
No. 10 – Denver Broncos: Quarterback Drew Lock, Missouri
Again, another team in need of a quarterback, so let's see how 2019 NFL Draft trades pan out. That said, don't expect Broncos general manager John Elway to pin his hopes on veteran QB Joe Flacco. The good thing, though, is Denver won't be pressed into starting Missouri signal-caller Drew Lock right away. Can Elway get his quarterback selection right this time around?
No. 11 – Cincinnati Bengals: Linebacker Devin White, LSU
Pick a spot on the Bengals defense, and there's a good chance it could stand for an upgrade. At No. 11 overall, grabbing LSU linebacker Devin White would be an absolute steal. He's a linchpin-type player and could help a needed transition from the oft-injured and oft-penalized Vontaze Burfict.
No. 12 – Green Bay Packers: EDGE Brian Burns, Florida State
The Packers should probably move on from veteran edge defender Clay Matthews, who'll be a free agent this offseason. Getting better in the pass-rush department should be a high priority anyway, and there are few rising higher than Florida State's Brian Burns. Burns' added weight didn't affect his combine performance at all, and it should alleviate any size concerns going into the draft.
No. 13 – Miami Dolphins: Offensive Tackle Jonah Williams, Alabama
The Dolphins' situation at quarterback is going to get dicey, perhaps, with the team looking to move on from Ryan Tannehill. Any quarterback prospect here would be a reach, though, so finding ways to upgrade protection would be smart. Alabama's Jonah Williams can start off at guard before bumping outside to tackle.
No. 14 – Atlanta Falcons: EDGE Clelin Ferrell, Clemson
Clemson EDGE Clelin Ferrell probably saw his draft stock fall a bit at the NFL Scouting Combine, but it certainly won't keep him out of Round 1. The Falcons, meanwhile, need to improve their pass rush heading into 2019, and grabbing Ferrell would be a smart way to do it.
No. 15 – Washington Redskins: Tight End T.J. Hockenson, Iowa
Veteran quarterback Alex Smith won't play in 2019, as he continues to recover from a terrible leg injury that jeopardizes his NFL career. As such, Washington has traded for Case Keenum in hopes of having him compete with Colt McCoy. Likewise, finding weapons for whichever quarterback suits up this year is a priority, and Iowa tight end T.J. Hockenson is arguably the best yards-after-catch player at his position in this year's class.
No. 16 – Carolina Panthers: Offensive Tackle Andre Dillard, Washington State
The Panthers need to find some pass-rushing help, especially after losing Julius Peppers to retirement this offseason. But in a deep 2019 NFL Draft, Carolina instead elects to protect quarterback Cam Newton up front, grabbing Washington State offensive lineman Andre Dillard, which addresses the second biggest need the Panthers have.
No. 17 – Cleveland Browns: Wide Receiver Marquise Brown, Oklahoma
In most cases, Oklahoma wide receiver Marquise Brown probably would slip a bit lower after dealing with a foot injury that kept him out of the combine. But thinking about a potential pairing with Brown's former teammate at Oklahoma, quarterback Baker Mayfield, is too good to pass up for the Browns at No. 17.
No. 18 – Minnesota Vikings: Offensive Tackle Cody Ford, Oklahoma
The Vikings don't have too many needs in this year's draft, although finding a linebacker replacement for Anthony Barr could be one of them. That said, Minnesota needs to beef up its offensive line, and Oklahoma's Cody Ford would make a lot of sense. He's capable of helping out at tackle or guard in year one.
No. 19 – Tennessee Titans: Tight End Noah Fant, Iowa
Between Hockenson and Noah Fant, Iowa is producing some top-quality tight ends in recent years. Just look at the 49ers' George Kittle. The Titans need to add pass-catching weapons for quarterback Marcus Mariota, and replacing veteran TE Delanie Walker, who missed most of 2018 with an ankle injury, opens up the door for Fant to be the next featured weapon in Tennessee.
No. 20 – Pittsburgh Steelers: Cornerback Greedy Williams, LSU
The Steelers need to look hard at their defensive needs this offseason, and one could make the argument their secondary needs the most work. While his 2019 NFL Draft stock has slipped a bit, LSU cornerback Greedy Williams should continue that long line of quality Tigers defensive backs. He should help make up for the disappointment that is Artie Burns.
No. 21 – Seattle Seahawks: Safety Deionte Thompson, Alabama
Perennial Pro Bowl safety Earl Thomas has likely played his last downs with the Seahawks. After shuffling different options over the majority of 2018, Seattle locks down its safety of the future with Alabama's Deionte Thompson, who is arguably the top prospect at his position in this year's draft.
No. 22 – Baltimore Ravens: Wide Receiver A.J. Brown, Ole Miss
The Ravens let go of veteran wide receiver Michael Crabtree despite this position being one of need anyway heading into 2019. While Metcalf garnered most of the attention during the scouting combine, his teammate, A.J. Brown, still caught eyes with his 4.49 40-yard time. He'll be a great weapon for young quarterback Lamar Jackson.
No. 23 – Houston Texans: Offensive Tackle Greg Little, Ole Miss
The Texans offensive line was terrible in 2018, which doesn't spell good news for quarterback Deshaun Watson going forward. Houston would be wise to use at least its first two picks in the draft to upgrade the O-line, and starting off with Ole Miss' Greg Little would go a long way in helping this massive shortcoming.
No. 24 – Oakland Raiders (via Bears): Cornerback Deandre Baker, Georgia
Oakland took care of its pass-rushing needs by grabbing Allen. Now, it's time to take care of the secondary. Georgia's Deandre Baker might be an even better cornerback than Williams, which would be a tremendous boost. Baker is poised to be a nickel corner, but his ability to play bigger than his 5-foot-11 frame suggests he can handle boundary duties, too.
No. 25 – Philadelphia Eagles: Running Back Josh Jacobs, Alabama
The Eagles need to find some help in the secondary this offseason, and eventually replacing veteran left tackle Jason Peters should be a priority. That said, a seemingly ever-changing offensive backfield would find some consistency with the best running back in this year's NFL Draft, Alabama's Josh Jacobs.
No. 26 – Indianapolis Colts: Defensive Tackle Christian Wilkins, Clemson
While Ferrell got most of the publicity along Clemson's defensive line, one could make the argument defensive tackle Christian Wilkins was more important. He's a perfect 3-technique pocket wrecker, which is precisely what the upstart Colts would need to get their defense operating at the next level.
No. 27 – Oakland Raiders (via Cowboys): Linebacker Devin Bush, Michigan
After helping both the front and back ends of their defense, the Raiders get stronger at linebacker by grabbing Michigan playmaker Devin Bush. Three defensive picks in Round 1 isn't bad at all for Raiders head coach Jon Gruden. He can focus on the offense in Round 2.
No. 28 – Los Angeles Chargers: Defensive Tackle Jeffery Simmons, Mississippi State
The Chargers should be looking to find a run-stuffing replacement for veteran defensive tackle Brandon Mebane. Mississippi State defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons can do more than just that, though, making him a nice piece to help transition L.A.'s defensive line to a more youthful one.
No. 29 – Kansas City Chiefs: Cornerback Byron Murphy, Washington
The Chiefs need all kinds of help after boasting one of the league's worst secondaries in 2018. Hoping on a healthy 2019 season from safety Eric Berry is a must, which should allow Kansas City to grab a solid cornerback in Washington's Byron Murphy. Murphy's scouting combine wasn't particularly great, but his film tells the truth. He'd be an excellent addition at the end of Round 1.
No. 30 – Green Bay Packers (via Saints): Safety Johnathan Abram, Mississippi State
The Packers fixed their pass-rush needs earlier, grabbing Burns with their first pick. Yet the multitude of secondary additions the past few years haven't exactly panned out. And with safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix no longer in the picture, it would be smart for Green Bay to fill that void early. Mississippi State's Johnathan Abram has been a draft-day riser and would be an excellent back-end playmaker.
No. 31 – Los Angeles Rams: Safety Nasir Adderley, Delaware
Another 2019 NFL Draft riser is small-school safety Nasir Adderley out of Delaware. There are comparisons from Adderley's game to that of the Seahawks' Thomas, which would be a great way for the Rams to replace pending free-agent safety Lamarcus Joyner, who'll command a hefty salary on the open market.
No. 32 – New England Patriots: EDGE Zach Allen, Boston College
The Super Bowl-champion Patriots could have a lot of needs, depending on what happens in free agency. EDGE Trey Flowers could be a massive departure, and the future is uncertain for tight end Rob Gronkowski. Assuming the former leaves a void, the Pats stay local and go with a solid outside rusher in Boston College's Zach Allen to close out Round 1.
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