The 2019 NFL Draft is officially here. Thank you so much for sticking with us this school year. Your readership is greatly appreciated by all of us at the IV Leader. As like last year, the final issue of the year coincides with the NFL Draft. This draft has the potential to have several once in a generation defensive players. So, without further ado, here is the second annual IV Leader NFL Mock Draft. The Arizona Cardinals finished 3-13 in 2018. They are on the clock with the first overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.

1. Arizona Cardinals: Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma

Let me start off by saying this: Kyler Murray is not the best player in this year’s draft. There, I said it. However, Kyler Murray is a really good player. His height is a concern but consider the fact that shorter quarterbacks like Russell Wilson and Baker Mayfield (whom Murray backed up) have had some good success as of late. The Cardinals already drafted Josh Rosen in the first-round last year, but Murray fits new head coach Kliff Kingsbury’s system better than Rosen. His ability to throw on the run with pinpoint accuracy fit really well in Kingsbury’s air raid offense. If drafted number one, the Heisman Trophy winner would be the second straight Oklahoma QB coached by Lincoln Riley to be drafted number one overall.

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

This is a dream pick for the 49ers. They just got one of the top two players in this draft as well as a possible once-in-a-generation defensive player. Nick Bosa is coming off injury that cut his season short and caused him to leave Ohio State early. However, he is a physical specimen at 6 foot 4 and 262 pounds. He is a disruptive pass rusher who should have an impact on the defense come day one. I think Bosa will do very well as a defensive end in a 4-3 defense.

3. Oakland Raiders (projected trade with NYJ): Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State

I think the Raiders will trade up here because they have three first round picks. However, this mock draft only swaps picks. They can use them as leverage to trade up and beat teams such as the Redskins to the punch. Jon Gruden is looking for a quarterback on a cheap contract. I think he will either trade a king’s ransom to the Cardinals to get Kyler Murray or just settle for Dwayne Haskins. Gruden likes quarterbacks that are either journeymen veterans or have rockets for an arm. Dwayne Haskins has a rocket for an arm and can make tight window throws that not many others can make. The big issue is that he is not very mobile and can be prone to misreads when under pressure. Sitting on the bench for a year behind Derek Carr will be good for Haskins. However, I think Gruden would start him right away if he could.

4. New York Jets (from OAK): Quinnen Williams, DL, Ohio State

There are rumors that the Jets are looking to trade down. They just got their opportunity to right here. Quinnen Williams is a perfect fit for Gregg Williams’ defense. He is the best player available with this pick. This is a home run pick no matter what. You could argue that Quinnen Williams is without a doubt the most talented player in this draft. He is a monster whose physical abilities are beyond belief. At 6 foot 4 and nearly 300 pounds, he blazed for a 4.83 in the 40-yard dash. He can dominate every snap he plays and provide some much-needed pass rush for the Jets.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Devin White, LB, LSU

The Bucs defense ranked towards the bottom of the league last year. 27th total in yards per game and 31st in points per game. They need speed to replace Kwon Alexander. Devin White provides a great deal of speed for a defense that is ailing. White’s speed can make the defense’s job much easier. The Bucs get some help on the inside.

6. New York Giants: Josh Allen, EDGE, Kentucky

Though New York will be mad at this pick, they use this pick on a future perennial Pro Bowl player in Josh Allen. He is a versatile edge rusher who can play both pass rush and coverage. His elite length and explosiveness will be perfect for his transition. I think he will be great in James Bettcher’s defense.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida

The Jags got their quarterback in Nick Foles, so they go to their next biggest need, the offensive line. The Jags gave up 53 sacks last season. That is tied for third in the league with the Green Bay Packers. Jawaan Taylor has great power on the right side to be a great run blocker, but he needs some more development time to work out some techniques to make him a better overall blocker. I do think that he will greatly help out the ailing Jags offensive line.

8. Detroit Lions: Ed Oliver, DT, Houston

Ed Oliver is worthy of a top 5 selection and the Lions tab him at number eight. That is an absolute steal. Oliver is a terror on the defensive line. This pairing with Damon Harrison will be a nightmare for offensive lines. With this pick, the Lions solidify the defensive line and give Matt Patricia blue-chip three technique.

9. Buffalo Bills: T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa

With T.J. Hockenson, the Bills grab Josh Allen a target that has drawn comparisons to Rob Gronkowski. He is a natural athlete who is also a great run blocker. That will help their offensive line woes as well. Allen will get a possible generational talent to throw to. He will not only be Allen’s best friend, but LeSean McCoy’s as well.

10. Denver Broncos: Devin Bush, LB, Michigan

The Broncos need to replace Brandon Marshall. Vic Fangio has a history of coaching speedy and versatile linebackers. Note Roquan Smith, Danny Trevathan, Patrick Willis, and Navarro Bowman. Devin Bush has sideline to sideline speed and can fly around the field. He is a good run defender, can rush the pass, and can play good coverage. They now have a replacement for Brandon Marshall and give Vic Fangio a linebacker of his type.

11. Cincinnati Bengals: Drew Lock, QB, Missouri

It’s a new era for Bengals football. Marvin Lewis is out and Zac Taylor is in. The Bengals are not extending Andy Dalton. Does Zac Taylor prefer him? Does he want his own quarterback to develop? In this case, the latter wins out. Drew Lock has a missile for an arm. He has a lot of talent, but some of it is raw. He is also prone to misreads and careless interceptions like Jay Cutler. I think sitting on the bench for a year will be good for Lock.

12. Green Bay Packers: D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss

D.K. Metcalf is a special type of species. You saw that picture of him in the weight room, right? Well, he’s much more than that. In my opinion, he is the next Calvin Johnson. At the combine, he put up a 4.33 40-yard dash, 27 bench press reps, a 40.5 inch vertical. He is an explosive talent who has great upside to be a home run threat as a number one wide receiver. Though he has some kinks to work out, Aaron Rodgers is going to love throwing to this guy.

13. Miami Dolphins: Montez Sweat, EDGE, Mississippi State

The Dolphins are in a full rebuild. They could either get a quarterback or tab their future star edge rusher. They get their future star edge rusher in Montez Sweat. He could fall due to a heart condition that was detected at the combine. He has above average length with great speed off the edge. He should take some time to develop, but should be a quality edge rusher when it’s all said and done.

14. Atlanta Falcons: Rashan Gary, EDGE, Michigan

The Falcons need to upgrade their edge rusher spot. They get their future star edge rusher in Rashan Gary. Gary can play at the three technique or the outside. He is very versatile bull rusher with great size, strength, and motor. There are a few things to work out with additional moves, but Gary still a good prospect.

15. Washington Redskins: Brian Burns, EDGE, Florida State

The Redskins could take a quarterback here if one falls. There has been rumors of them trading up. They are also in the hunt for Josh Rosen. In this case, the Redskins settle for an edge rusher here. Burns is a speedy edge rusher who ran a blazing 4.53 in the 40-yard dash. He needs to play at a bigger frame than he does right now. At 6 foot 5 and 249 pounds, consider his frame right now like Leonard Floyd of the Chicago Bears. If he adds muscle to his frame, the Redskins have got themselves a dominant edge rusher.

16. Carolina Panthers: Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State

The Panthers have issues on the pass rush and in the secondary. They signed a center in the offseason and look to further strengthen Cam Newton’s protection with this pick. Andre Dillard will add much needed relief to Newton’s blind side. He was a four-year starter at left tackle at Wazzu. He has great athleticism and good protection talent to help anchor Carolina’s offensive line.

17. New York Giants (from CLE): Daniel Jones, QB, Duke

This has been what the Giants have been looking to do. It is at least what they have been leaking to the media. Is it a distraction or is it truth? In this case, the Giants take Eli Manning’s successor in a pick that is a little bit of a reach. Daniel Jones is a second-round quarterback in my opinion. He needs more development. He can make pro-style throws but does not have the greatest arm talent in the draft. I think the Giants are a good place for him because he can learn for a year or two or however long the Giants want to keep Eli Manning.

18. Minnesota Vikings: Garrett Bradbury, C, NC State

Kirk Cousins was very disappointing in his first year in a Vikings uniform. While part of the blame goes to him, you could also put some of the blame on a subpar offensive line that did not help him. The Vikings offensive line has been bad for quite a few years. Bradbury is built to play in Gary Kubiak’s offense. He is a good fit in Kubiak’s zone running scheme that will be an instant starter. Bradbury will excel in this offense and be helpful to Cousins and Dalvin Cook.

19. Tennessee Titans: Christian Wilkins, DL, Clemson

I love this pairing with Jurrell Casey. I think it will allow Christian Wilkins an opportunity to grow as a player. For now, he needs to be paired with someone because he lacks length and strength. However, he is extremely athletic and can make plays when asked. Wilkins will be a solid three-technique for Mike Vrabel’s defense.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Greedy Williams, CB, LSU

Joe Haden is only aging and the signing of Steven Nelson in free agency can only do so much. That is why the Steelers need a corner. Free agency is only for the short term and aging corners sometimes tend to be the Achilles heel of defenses. With this pick, the Steelers solidify the corner position for 2019 and beyond with this pick. Greedy Williams is a long and athletic corner who has great tools to become a shutdown option. He has all the talent and traits to do so.

21. Seattle Seahawks: Jeffrey Simmons, DT, Mississippi State.

Defensive tackle is a big need for the Seahawks. With Jeffrey Simmons, they have a Ndamukong Suh type player that is a gamble. He has impressive physical traits with great strength and athleticism who can fit in any scheme. However, Simmons is coming off a torn ACL suffered in February while training. He also has off the field concerns, such as his involvement with a fight between two women a few years ago. If the Seahawks can surround him with personnel to keep him in check, he will be successful.

22. Baltimore Ravens: A.J. Brown, WR, Ole Miss

Wide receiver is a weak point for the Ravens. You can’t rely on Lamar Jackson and a 1940’s offense to win in the NFL. A.J. Brown will be good in the slot. He has the first step burst to get free off the line of scrimmage. He is also a very good route runner. Brown will be Lamar Jackson’s security blanket that he desperately needed last season.

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

With the offensive line they have now, Deshaun Watson does not stand a chance. The Texans gave up a whopping 62 sacks and 126 QB hits in 2018. Watson will end up like RGIII if they don’t fix this problem now. The Texans start to fix a glaring need for the past few seasons with Cody Ford. Ford is the best available lineman at this point in the draft. Ford will have to play guard for his first few seasons because of a development standpoint.

24. Oakland Raiders (from CHI): Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson

The Raiders pass rush barely outperformed Khalil Mack last year. That is unacceptable in the NFL. With this pick, they begin to rebuild their pass rush. To give you an idea of how good Clemson’s defensive line was last year, there is a chance that three players on that line go in the first round. Clelin Ferrell was the best of all of them. He racked up 11.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss last year. He has all the traits to be a star. Ferrell is a prototypical 4-3 defensive end that will fit well in the Raiders system. Since I am only using trades with one pick for each team, the next two picks the Raiders have could be packaged to move up.

25. Philadelphia Eagles: Jonah Williams, G/OT, Alabama

Carson Wentz needs protection. The Eagles offensive line is constantly bitten up by the injury bug year in and year out. Jason Peters is only getting older. The Eagles get his successor. Jonah Williams is a versatile offensive lineman who can play on the interior line as well as both tackle positions. This pick further strengthens the offensive line that is critical for a good team.

26. Indianapolis Colts: Jonathan Abram, S, Mississippi State

I like this paring with Malik Hooker. It will allow Abram to do his thing on run support and Hooker to be able to make plays on the ball. Jonathan Abram is a very big hitter and a good run defender. This scheme will allow him to cover up his below average ball skills and allow both safeties to roam the field freely.

27. Oakland Raiders (from DAL): Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia

Corner is a very pressing needs right now for the Raiders. Jon Gruden will be tempted to go back to offense, but he can’t ignore the secondary that is weak. Deandre Baker is a good man to man corner that needs to put on ten pounds to his frame. He has great ball skills and talent that could make up for his undersized frame.

28. Los Angeles Chargers: Rock Ya-Sin, CB, Temple

Safety and defensive tackle are also huge needs for the Chargers. After Tom Brady shredded their defense for 343 yards passing in the Divisional round, it would not hurt to upgrade the outside. Rock Ya-Sin is a bigger bodied corner with good potential for the pro game. He needs some work with his technique, but he could easily develop into a star with the right coaching that takes advantage of his physical tools.

29. Seattle Seahawks (from KC): N’Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State

The Seahawks now have two first round picks because of the Frank Clark trade. Edge rusher could be taken here, but the ones on the board that fit a 4-3 scheme are a reach at this spot. Wide receiver is always on the radar for the Seahawks. With Doug Baldwin only getting older and beaten up, it could be time to find his replacement. N’Keal Harry is a big bodied receiver who has great 50-50 and ball skills for a receiver. Think of him like Bears wide receiver Allen Robinson. He lacks a burst and first step to get separation. If Harry uses his size to get open, I think he will be another version of Brandon Marshall.

30. Green Bay Packers (from NO): Noah Fant, TE, Iowa

Iowa had two really good tight ends this year. We know one of them is going in the first round. But two? Pretty impressive. Matt LaFleur relied heavily on three tight end sets last season in Tennessee. As for the Packers tight ends on the roster, they have whatever is left of Marcedes Lewis and a slow, washed up Jimmy Graham. They add a big pass-catching tight end in Noah Fant, who will replace Graham in that capacity. He is great in open space and has the length and speed to be a matchup nightmare. If a quarterback ends up taking a fall, do not be surprised if one is taken here, as well as a wide receiver.

31. Los Angeles Rams: Chris Lindstrom, G, Boston College

The Rams need better protection for Jared Goff. Their offensive line was exposed by the Patriots in Super Bowl LIII. Chris Lindstrom is a perfect fit for the Rams offensive line. He is very quick and can make blocks on any level. Lindstrom is the most athletic guard in this years draft. He will be a long time starter in Sean McVay’s offense.

32. New England Patriots: Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson

Dexter Lawrence is a massive run stuffer that the Patriots see a lot in with this pick. He could fit in either a 4-3 or 3-4 defensive scheme with his athleticism. You did not see a highlight reel of his college tape, but Lawrence’s traits fit really well in NFL defenses. Since the Patriots run a mixture of 4-3 and 3-4, this is the perfect fit for Lawrence as an athlete.