2019 NFL mock draft: Battle for the top prospects

The 2019 NFL Draft is just over 2 weeks away. Brooks Austin of NFL Mocks and Mello of Bleacher Report battled for picks in a new first round NFL mock draft.

What’s more fun than a 2019 1st round mock draft simulator or some basic mock draft write up where some writer just gives you 32 names in the order he sees them falling?

How about a mock draft where two scouts fight over prospects as they snake their way through the first round, sound?

Now that, that’s never been done before right?

So here it is, a snake style mock draft with Brooks Austin from NFL Mocks going first followed by Bleacher Report’s Mello from the Stick to Football podcast.

If you would like to LISTEN to us go through this mock draft live, visit our podcast on iTunes or Spreaker:

1. Arizona Cardinals

Brooks’ Pick: Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma

It’s been rumored and speculated since the moment Kliff Kingsbury took the Cardinals’ job that Kyler Murray is his guy. Arizona tried to pour water on the fire initially by having Kingsbury issue statements along the lines of “Josh Rosen is our quarterback” but it’s been pretty much a done deal as far as the NFL circles go that Kyler Murray will be the #1 pick in this year’s draft since as early as the combine.

The only domino left to fall is, of course, Josh Rosen. But we will get to that later.

2. San Francisco 49ers

Brooks’s Pick: Nick Bosa, EDGE, OSU

John Lynch’s noose is inches away from being cinched in San Francisco, and it’s his own doing. Upon taking the job in San Francisco, Lynch did all the right things in terms of establishing expectations for his term as GM.

He made sure it was well known that this was going to be a four-year process. In fact, the 49ers entrusted both he and head coach Kyle Shannahan with six-year deals.

Well, this will be year three under Lynch and if he doesn’t show the ability to build a balanced roster that seat will soon be warm in San Fran.

3. New York Jets

Mello’s Pick: Josh Allen, EDGE Kentucky

Even though most Jets fans would love to see Quinnen Williams name come off the board here at the #3 pick, the Jets have too much of a need at the edge position.

Even though Greg Williams traditionally runs a 4-3 defense, he has yet to determine whether or not he will implement that or remain in the 3-4 scheme the Jets have played over the past few seasons.

With that being said, Josh Allen fills a void in both schemes, whereas in a 3-4, their depth chart would be rather crowded with both Quinnen & Leonard Williams

4. Oakland Raiders

Mello’s Pick: Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama

You can make the argument that Quinnen Williams is the best prospect available in this draft.

So, for the Oakland Raiders to have the chance to draft this type of impactful player at #4 is a win for them. Even if you did hit on Maurice Hurst last year and you still have Johnathan Hankins on the roster.

In the modern NFL though, there’s no reason to pass up on a player like Quinnen Williams because you already have two decent interior defensive lineman. The more, the merrier.

5. Tampa Bay Buccanneers

Brooks’ Pick: Devin White, LB, LSU

This should be the easiest pick in the draft if Devin White is available. The Tampa Bay Bucs lost Kwon Alexander to free agency and to be completely frank, Devin White might be an upgrade at the position even as a rookie.

Yes, they still have Levontae David and Deone Bucannon is a decent coverage option at the linebacker position, but he’s by no means a “3-down” linebacker.

6. New York Giants

Brooks’ pick: Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State

Whenever you read prospect slander during this time of the year, the first thing you should contemplate is, “Who wins the most from this story and what it portrays?”

What are some examples you ask? Well in the past week alone we’ve heard numerous stories about Dwayne Haskins’s draft stock mystically falling like a rock, as far as the 3rd or even 4th QB taken in this draft.

And my favorite, the story leaked that the Giants are not only keeping Eli this year but are “thinking about” extending him.

Bottom line: All of these stories aim to do one thing. Keep Haskins available at 6. So, the Giants take him here.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars

Mello’s Pick: Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida

If you are going to invest $22 Million every year for the next 4 years into an immobile quarterback, you damn sure better protect him. So even though you could see Jacksonville reach for a weapon like TJ Hockenson or DK Metcalf, they SHOULD draft a Tackle.

And seeing as how Jawaan Taylor has been the cleanest tackle prospect throughout the process, this seems like the best fit for them. Also, getting Cam Robinson back at left tackle this season will allow Taylor to remain at right tackle, where he dominated in college.

8. Detroit Lions

Mello’s Pick: Montez Sweat, EDGE, Mississippi St.

Talk about a guy who owned the draft process. He started by dominating Senior Bowl down in Mobile. Then proceeds to have one of the greatest workouts we’ve seen from a defensive end prospect at the combine. In fact, the only possible knock you could TRY to find is his heart condition, which has been well documented even back to his days at Mississippi State.

And the signing of Trey Flowers this offseason will not deter Matt Patricia and the Lions from drafting another edge rusher.