2019 NFL Mock Draft: Defensive trenches dominate first round

For many teams, it’s already time to look ahead to the NFL Draft. Here’s a 2019 NFL Mock draft dominated by the trenches on defense.

For many NFL teams, the 2018 season has to be completed as a mere formality to get to the 2019 offseason. While some teams are looking forward to competing over the final eight weeks of the season for playoff spots, others are already putting together their 2019 draft boards.

In this the latest 2019 NFL mock draft, we take a look at a scenario in which defensive front seven players absolutely dominate the first round.

That expectation versus the reality come time for the NFL Draft — which is still months away — should be no different. NFL teams probably can’t wait to get their hands on some of these trench players, and in a year where quarterbacks are in low supply, we could see a record number of defensive linemen and edge players taken.

1. New York Giants: Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State

The Giants are under no illusions that they are a player of Justin Herbert’s caliber away from contending. If Nick Bosa (or Quinnen Williams, for that matter) end up being the top ranked player on their draft board, they would have the chance to select the top player on their draft board two consecutive years and wait for the incredible class of 2020 at quarterback.

Giants fans may not love another year of Eli or maybe even Pat Shurmur attempting a reclamation project on someone like Jameis Winston, but getting Bosa here might be too flashy to pass up on. He’s an elite edge player and pass rusher who would come in and give the Giants a foundation piece on that side of the ball.

2. Oakland Raiders: Quinnen Williams, DL, Alabama

The Raiders need to focus on the best players available on their draft board. Last year, that was a really weird list. Maybe picking higher in the draft will limit their chances to screw things up. Williams is just a redshirt sophomore for the Crimson Tide, but he’s wildly productive from the interior and the Raiders could look to cash in on an edge defender later in round one.

3. San Francisco 49ers: Clelin Ferrell, EDGE, Clemson

The 49ers seek out some edge help here in the early portion of the first round, though they could go a variety of ways with this selection. Ferrell has been one of the most consistently good pass rushers in the ACC over the past three seasons, racking up a career-high 18 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks last season.

4. Buffalo Bills: Ed Oliver, DL, Houston

Ed Oliver may be the most gifted player in this year’s draft class. He declared prior to the season even starting, but this is not a player who cares about the spotlight as much as he does about working hard and being the best at his craft. Oliver is disruptive in the same type of way as Aaron Donald, but he’s not been quite as ridiculous as Donald was production-wise.

5. Arizona Cardinals: Greedy Williams, CB, LSU

The Cardinals were the center of trade rumors this year involving Patrick Peterson. They opted to hang onto him at least for now and they need to make good on the promise of winning more games by pairing him up with a legitimate shutdown corner. Greedy Williams was awesome against Alabama and plays with awesome technique and ball skills.

6. Cleveland Browns: Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama

The retirement of Joe Thomas was a major bummer for the Browns as they moved into an era where his presence would have probably made a huge difference for a rookie quarterback. They have an opportunity here with Jonah Williams to get a new cornerstone left tackle and someone to protect the blind side of Baker Mayfield for years to come.

7. New York Jets: Brian Burns, EDGE, Florida State

Whether via trade, free agency, or a high draft pick, I expect the Jets to be in hot pursuit of top edge talent in 2019. Brian Burns has 22 sacks and counting in his three years with the Florida State program and could give the Jets the presence off the edge they’ve been lacking.

8. Denver Broncos: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon

The Broncos need a new head coach and a definitive answer to the question of who their franchise quarterback will be. John Elway tried with Brock Osweiler and Paxton Lynch, and the former is on another team as a backup while the other can’t get a job anywhere else in the NFL after being cut from the Broncos. Justin Herbert has a lot of talent and experience, and could help quickly turn the fortunes of the Broncos around.

9. Indianapolis Colts: Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia

The Colts passed on some pretty talented defensive players in the 2018 NFL Draft (Denzel Ward, Bradley Chubb) to move down from the third overall spot and take Quinton Nelson to start at left guard. They need to focus in on a premiere position if they land another top 10 draft choice, and Deandre Baker is one of the best press corners in college football.

10. Oakland Raiders (from Cowboys): Deionte Thompson, S, Alabama

The Raiders could go for more defensive line/edge help here, but they also might have a hard time passing on one of the hottest draft prospects right now in Deionte Thompson. In this scenario, they’d be pairing the safety with his teammate on the defensive line and really revamping their defense with a couple of Nick Saban products.