Open Rants by Gxd333

So, let's see how I did in my 2019 Mock Draft. This was my last mock before the real 2019 draft.

"My 2019 Mock Draft intro: I run my mock drafts like I am the GM of each team. It's all about having a franchise QB, after that pass rushers, OT's, and do it all LB's. Rate me, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts."

I will rate myself on actual value not where the player was actually drafted.

1. Arizona Cardinals = Kyle Murray QB Oklahoma

"Murray will be the #1 pick in real life as well. The Cards should have listened to me last year and passed on Josh Rosen. He is NOT a franchise QB. Murray could be the next Wilson/Mayfield clone or a total bust but you have to try when you have the #1 pick. They will need to change thief offense to fit his style for him to succeed."

Murray was the actual pick and definitely should have been the pick. Perfect fit and the best selection possible as the Offensive Rookie of Year and looking like a franchise QB.

Grade = Perfect, nailed it!

2. San Fransisco 49ers - Joey Bosa DE Ohio State

"Bosa is an elite pass rusher with multiple years of experience and production at a top college program. He also has the blood lines which means he knows what he needs to do. He is also dedicated, a lot of people got mad at him for leaving OSU after his injury but he was preparing for his future in the NFL. Bosa gets the nod over Williams because of positional value."

Bosa was the actual pick and clearly was the best option. Bosa dominated as a rookie and helped the 49ers get to a Super Bowl. Bosa looks like a franchise edge rusher. Best option available and should have been the pick.

Grade = Perfect, nailed it!

3. New York Jets - Josh Allen Edge Rusher Kentucky

"There is talk of the Jets trading this pick but if I was the GM of ever team, there isn't anyone I would trade up for. Allen is also an elite pass rusher. Not only that but he can cover as well. He is the perfect fit for the Jets because they run a 3-4 and I think Allen is ideal for 3-4OLB and the Jets need an edge rusher."

The Jets should have taken Allen as he was a beast, recoding 10 sacks as rookie. Allen clearly out preformed Williams as a rookie and should have been he #3 overall pick. So far I have nailed 3 out of 3 picks.

Grade = Perfect, nailed it! The Jets should hire me as a draft consultant.

4. Oakland Raiders - Quinnen Williams DT Alabama

"Williams is a stud and possibly the best player in the draft but he plays DT which isn't as important as QB and edge rusher. The Raiders don't mind though because the need massive amounts of help on their defensive line. Williams will plug up the running lanes and rush the passer very well."

Well, I definitely have a different opinion of defensive tackles now and Williams played a big part of that. DT's just don't have high positional value at all. They should not be high draft picks and Williams proved that in his rookie season. My first mistake even though Williams was actually drafted this high because I am evaluating myself based on performance not actual draft pick.

Grade = Average, Williams was drafted this high but doesn't seem like a sure fire starter with Pro Bowl potential just an average starter.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Devin White LB LSU

"White is a premiere LB, as a former RB he excels in space. He is a great tackler, he can blitz, he can cover. He is the kind of do it all LB that has made NFL defensives special. If you look at the value of a Kuechly, Shazier, Wright and others; their impact on a defense is 3-7 points per game. That is huge. I think White can have that kind of impact on the game."

White was a fantastic pick and he looks like a franchise caliber LB that can impact every aspect of the game. White was the actual pick and he was the best pick.

Grade = Perfect, nailed it!

6. New York Giants - Dwayne Haskins QB Ohio State

"In real life the Giants have supposedly soured on Haskins. He is a potential franchise QB and they can't pass on one. Manning is done and they need to rebuild. Manning can have his "senior" year in the NFL, have all the great moments, etc., etc., etc. Then Haskins can start next year. Plus Manning playing will earn them another high pick to continue the rebuild."

This is a mixed bag as Jones did look solid as rookie QB and Haskins also looked okay as a rookie. Too hard to tell which QB is the best but they did need a QB and they took one.

Grade = Mixed bag, too hard to tell if Jones or Haskins is better

7. Jacksonville Jaguars - TJ Hockenson TE Iowa

"Hockenson is a complete stud. He is an all around tremendous TE. He can block, he can catch (he only had 2 dropped passes in college). Nick Foles loved throwing the ball to Zach Ertz. The Jags need a weapon and Hockenson will make a defense pay on those play action passes."

Hockenson just had an average season so it's hard to tell if he was worth this high of a draft pick. Hockenson ended up going 8th overall to the Lions. The Jags actually took Josh Allen and he was an amazing pick. Hockenson could have really helped the Jags as they lack a real middle of the field talent.

Grade = Unclear, Hockenson could be a stud middle of the field target. Would he have helped Foles succeed?

8. Detroit Lions - Clelin Ferrell DE Clemson

Ferrell has been a stud edge rusher for a top program for 4 years. He and Flowers would form a dynamic duo to really make an impact against offenses. Ferrell gets the nod to me over Oliver and Sweat and I'll tell you why later. This would set the defense for 5 years.

Ferrell ended up being the #4 overall pick which was too high. Ferrell had an okay rookie season but he played out of position at defensive tackle a lot. He might have been better if he was playing edge. I still think that he would have provided much more production had he been paired with Trey Flowers.

Grade = Mixed bag, Ferrell doesn't seem like a top 5 pick after year one but we need more time to truly evaluate.

9. Buffalo Bils - Jawaan Taylor OT Florida

"I am not sure that Taylor is worth a top 10 pick but he is a massive RT with great run blocking grades. The Bills MUST improve their OL as they only have one viable starter. Taylor would form a great OT duo with Dawkins and really help Allen improve. When it comes to position value, OT is #3 on my list so Taylor is the pick. Plus there is no pressure to play LT which I think would be bad for him."

Taylor ended up going in the 2nd round to the Jags and preformed solid for a right tackle. The Bills are still looking for a solid RT and Taylor would have fixed the problem. Was Taylor better than Ed Oliver??? There were other picks with better overall value than Taylor, Sweat, Bush, and Burns for sure. The Bills ended up taking Cody Ford in the 2nd round which was a better value than Taylor in round 1.

Grade = Missed it, there was certainly better value then taking an average RT in the top 10.

10. Denver Broncos - Drew Lock QB Missouri

"Lock is a 4 year starter, has size, experience, and a great arm. He does have some down side with sloppy footwork, lack of constancy and only one year experience in reading defenses and making the correct throw. But getting a franchise QB is the most important thing and Lock could be one in 2 years with coaching and watching Flacco who has won a Super Bowl. If I make this pick I know it's a 2 year plan plus I don't think this team will have a higher pick in a few years to draft another QB."

The Broncos ended up taking Lock in the 2nd round, they traded this pick to the Steelers. Lock does look like a franchise QB and I look right for stating that Lock was the 3rd best QB in this draft. In a redraft Lock would need to be taken earlier because franchise QB's are the most important thing.

Grade = Perfect, nailed it! Other teams will regret passing on Lock in years to come.

11. Cincinnati Bengals - Ed Oliver DT Houston

"I wish there was a QB here that I could take but there's no way I am taking Jones this high. So we go with the best player available (BPA). Oliver is small for a DT so I draft him knowing that I am going to move him all over the line like the Rams did with Suh last year. He'll play DE on run downs, move inside on passing down as well as shifting from the right to left sides. This will minimize teams being able to run right at him and allow him to use his speed to make plays in the run and pass."

The Bengals took Jonah Williams OT from Alabama with this pick and he missed the entire season. Oliver was drafted 7th overall in real life and had a regular rookie season. The bigger miss was not thinking Jones was a franchise QB. While he did fumble a league high 18 times he does appear to be a franchise QB. If he can cut back on the turnovers and grow then he should have been the pick. Since QB is the most important thing, if Jones had been available he should have been the pick.

Grade = Missed it, Jones should have been the pick in my mock draft.

12. Green Bay Packers - Montez Sweat Edge Rusher Mississippi State

"I know that this team just signed 2 free agent 3-4 OLB's but Sweat is too good to pass up. He is a speed demon. I am not concerned about his heart condition, modern medicine is fantastic. Plus, his first 1-3 years can be as a designed pass rusher (DPR) while he gets stronger to be a starter. He could be the next Von Miller so I can't pass him up at #12."

Sweat was certainly worth this high of a pick based on his rookie season. I am not sure that he would have had that kind of production in Green Bay as the Smith's started and played a lot of snaps but Sweat would have been there to rotate and be a starter in a few years. The Packers could have also taken Noah Fant as they needed a TE for sure, AJ Brown would have been another pick that would have been worth it here.

Grade = Average, Sweat could have had the same production as Gary since the Smith's dominated the snaps.

13. Miami Dolphins - Christian Wilkins DT Clemson

"Wilkins is a stud DT and the BPA. They need help in the DL because they need help everywhere. This team needs a QB but none are worth taking here. Wilkins should be able to stop the run and rush the passer. He has a complete game."

This was the pick in real life and Wilkins played okay. Another example of why defensive tackles aren't that high on my positional value. In my mock draft I again could have given Miami Jones as they needed a QB as Rosen failed again.

Grade = Missed it, even though Wilkins was the real pick, there are much better values still available.

14. Atlanta Falcons - Jonah Williams OT Alabama

"Jonah Williams is a stud OT. He has great pass blocking grades and is incredibly smooth with mirroring pass rushers. He run block is also above average. Some teams are down on him because he has "short" arms but he has 3 years of great production at a top program. He also has experience at RT which is were he starts for me and potentially takes over for Matthews in a few years at LT. Ryan needs a clean pocket so he can win you a Super Bowl."

Williams was already off the board in real life and the Falcons clearly wanted a tackle as they traded back into the 1st round to get one. Williams was a better prospect than McGary but he did miss his rookie season. Chris Lindstrom OG was the actual pick and he played average. 

Grade = Perfect, nailed it! No way to predict that Williams would miss the entire season due to injury.

15. Washington Redskins - Brian Burns Edge Rusher Florida State

"Burns is best in a 3-4 so that's why he is the pick. This team just lost one of their 3-4 OLB's and need some youth. Burns can be a DPR for a 1-2 years while he gets stronger. Edge Rushers are the #2 position value so that's why he is above some OL men."

The Redskins selected Haskins in the real draft and it seems like he could be a franchise QB. In my mock draft Haskins was gone and Burns fills a big need that Washington traded back into the 1st round draft to bet Sweat. Burns would have been the same value as Sweat that they actually took.

Grade = Missed it, Jones should have been the pick in my mock draft.

16. Carolina Panthers - Cody Ford OT Oklahoma

"Good God in Heaven, Newton needs some OL men. Ford definitely improves a OG spot and possibly mans the RT position. Newton must be healthy if this team is going to win a Super Bowl. Ford helps that happen."

The Panthers took Burns in real life but he is already gone on my mock draft. Ford ended up going in the 2nd round to the Bills were he started all but one game for a playoff team. Ford could have solidified the RT position and maybe Newton wouldn't have been so banged up and missed time.

Grade = Solid Pick, Ford would have started and made their OL better which could have helped Newton. On the other hand they could have gotten some better value and drafted Ford in Round 2.

17. New York Giants - Rashan Gary 3-4DE Michigan

"Gary is not an elite pass rusher to me. He has average production and an injury history. He does have great upside and the potential to be special. I think he could be a great fit as a 3-4 DE with his size and athleticism. With the right coaching and motivation this could be great."

Gary ended up going 12th overall and didn't do much but he was behind two veterans that played very well for a 13-3 team. Gary would have gotten more playing time in New York and we could have seen if he will really pan out.

Grade = Incomplete, need more time to tell

18. Minnesota Vikings - Andre Dillard OT Washington State

"This pick has to be the best OL men on the board. You paid for a franchise QB now you must protect that QB. Dillard has great pass blocking grades in college along with a ton of experience. Easy pick."

The Vikings did take an OL man in Garrett Bradbury. Since Dillard didn't play most of the year it's hard to say. Bradbury did start every game as a rookie.

Grade = Right direction, wrong player

19. Tennessee Titans - Deandre Baker CB Georgia

"Baker is arguable the BPA and I think he is the best CB in this draft. He shut down some good WR's in college. Elite defensives in the NFL have 3 good CB's so it never hurts to add one."

The Titans actually took Jeffrey Simmons DT and Baker ended up going 30th overall. Baker had an okay season. Simmons had a solid season after coming back much sooner from injury than expected. I had Simmons going at the bottom of the first round due to his injury.

Grade = Probably missed it

20. Pittsburgh Steelers - Devin Bush LB Michigan

"Bush may be undersized but he has been great for a major college program that has had an elite defense for year. Bush is a do it all LB and this defense has not be the same since Shazier went down. Bush isn't that good but he'll be way better than anything they have."

Well Bush was picked by the Steelers and he played amazingly. Would the Steelers really have needed to trade up and get him??? Who knows but it was a perfect fit.

Grade = Right pick, wrong spot

21. Seattle Seahawks - Greg Little OT Mississippi

"For the love of humanity, you just made Wilson the highest paid QB in the NFL. PLEASE, PLEASE draft an OL men in the 1st round. Just imagine how good he could be if he wasn't running for his life every other play. Little never quite lived up to the hype in college but the hype was huge. He definitely starts at RT and could be the LT in 1-2 years."

Little ended up being picked in the 2nd round and the Seahawks traded back and took LJ Collier which was horrific. The Seahawks could have stayed at 21 and taken Andre Dillard in the real draft. Good gravy they could have taken just about anyone and it would have been better than Collier. Little was hurt for most of the year but at least they would have tried to help Wilson.

Grade = Better than the real pick

22. Baltimore Ravens - Erick McCoy OL Texas A&M

"You've gone all in on the Lamar Jackson train so you better sure up that OL. McCoy is a starter from day one at any of the IOL positions. Easy pick."

The Ravens traded back in real life and took Marquise Brown WR which was an okay pick, they should have taken AJ Brown if they wanted a WR. McCoy went in the 2nd round and started every game for a playoff team. My pick would have been better.

Grade = Perfect, nailed it! I should be a paid NFL Draft consultant.

23. Houston Texans - Dalton Risner OL Kansas State

"Risner is an elite level run blocker and average pass blocker. For a team with bottom 3 OT play, you must take him. He immediately starts at RT and helps keep your franchise QB from getting hurt. Watson gets hurt, you miss the playoffs, Watson stays health; your compete for a Super Bowl."

Why won't NFL teams listen to me, The Texans had a terrible OL even with Tunsel. Risner was drafted in the 2nd round and started every game for the Broncos at OG. Oh and by the way the Texans drafted Tytus Howard who they could have gotten in the 3rd round. Bill O'Brien needs fired. Seriously, I live in Texas now. I can be the Texans GM. I take half of O'Briens salary and improve the team by double. Seriously, call me!

Grade = Crushed it, better than real NFL GM's!!!!

24. Oakland Raiders - Greedy Williams CB LSU

"The Raiders need help everywhere so you take the BPA. Williams is a stud CB and like I said before, the best defenses have 3 good ones. Here is 2 for your team."

The Raiders actually took Josh Jacobs and he had a very solid season. I know Raiders fans might hate me for this but you can find 1,000 yard RB's in the 3rd and 4th rounds. Stud cover CB's are more important to winning games. Williams had a very good rookie year only giving up an 85 QB rating when targeted and zero touchdowns.

Grade = Perfect, nailed it!

25. Philadelphia Eagles - Bryon Murphy CB Washington

"The Eagles had terrible CB play last year. Murphy is PFF's highest graded CB from last year. Problem meets solution. Simple."

The Eagles traded up in real life and took Andre Dillard which could have resulted in a starting LT going forward which is a good value. At the same time the Eagles still had terrible CB play in 2019 and traded for Slay. Murphy had an okay rookie season as he was the 1st pick in the 2nd round.

Grade = Need met

26. Indianapolis Colts - Dexter Lawrence DT Clemson

"The Colts run defense is bad. Enter massive man Dexter Lawrence that will plug up running lanes and collapse the pocket."

In real life the Colts traded back and picked up more draft picks. Lawrence had an okay rookie season but would have been a better value at pick 26 instead of 17. Also the Colts just traded away the #13 pick in the 2020 draft for Buckner and made him the 2nd highest paid DT in the NFL. That is a move I would have NEVER done as Buckner is not on the level of Aaron Darnold and paying a DT close to 20 million a year is a bad idea. They could have draft Lawrence here and still had their #1 pick in the draft this year. Not saying Lawrence is as good as Buckner but it would have been similar for way less money and more draft capital.

Grade = My pick was better

27. Oakland Raiders - Noah Fant TE Iowa

"Fant to me is a big WR that plays TE. He is an average blocker and had problems with drops in college (15 to be exact). However, he has elite speed, you just lost Jared Cook and need someone. He will benefit from Antonio Brown drawing double teams."

The Raiders took Jonathan Abram S and he was injured for the entire year which you can't predict. Fant had a very solid year and ended up going #20 to the Broncos. Fant would have made sense for the reason stated above but maybe they knew that they had Darren Waller and that he would be a stud?

Grade = Solid pick

28. San Diego Chargers - Jerry Tillery DT Notre Dame

"Tillery is a stud DT and looked great for a dominate Notre Dame defense. The Chargers need to improve their pass protection and run defense. Tillery helps with one of those things."

Well, this was the real pick and Tillery totally let me down. He did not look like a 1st round draft pick at all. Maybe he will get better but who knows.

Grade = Missed it even though I nailed it in real life. 

29. Kansas City Chiefs - Jeffrey Simmons DT Mississippi State

"The Chiefs are most likely switchiing to a 4-3 defense so they need some players for it. Simmons might have been a top 10 pick if he hadn't have gotten hurt. He does have some off the field concerns but the Chiefs have been okay with that. Simmons will miss at least the first half of the year and possibly the entire year but he is a beast and will be worth the wait. Besides the Chiefs just out score everyone anyway."

The Chiefs traded this pick to Seattle for Frank Clark who had a very solid year and helped them win the Super Bowl so excellent work. In real life Simmons is already off the board and he would have been a great pick for the Chiefs.

Grade = Called it

30. Green Bay Packers - AJ Brown WR Mississippi

"I think Brown is the most polished WR in this draft. He has good size, hands and speed. He ran a 4.49 40 at the combine. Everyone is talking about Metcalf when Brown was the star WR for 3 years. Rodgers needs some more weapons."

Man, am I right or am I right! Imagine if the Packers had a 2nd WR like Brown? Could they have beaten the 49ers and made it to the Super Bowl? They did trade up and get Savage who was a solid player but better than Brown? Me thinks not.

Grade = Crushed it! Better than real life NFL GM's! Call me, I am available for hire.

31. St. Louis Rams - Juan Thornhill S Virginia

"Thornhill is a very athletic safety with good cover skills. He could also be a slot CB. I know they signed Weddle but he is just a short term solution. I would prefer to give them an edge or OL but not great value."

The Rams traded back in real life picking up 2nd And 3rd round picks. The Rams took Taylor Rapp in the 2nd round and Thornhill ended up going towards the bottom of the 2nd round to the Chiefs. Rapp had a great season and so did Thornhill who played 89% of the snaps for the Super Bowl champs.

Grade = Same pick different player

32. New England Patriots - Irv Smith Jr TE Alabama

"Smith didn't get the kind of touches he should have in Alabama's offense. He could be a real star. They need a TE with Gronk retiring anyway. Smith can make teams pay over the middle and really catch the ball."

In real life the Patriots took K'Neal Harry WR which really any pick that this point would have been better than that. Smith had a very solid season as the #2 TE for the Vikings which were a playoff team. Imagine if the Patriots had Smith instead of the worst TE production in the NFL. I am pretty sure that Smith would have put up bigger numbers for the Patriots as their best TE on the roster.

Grade = Perfect, nailed it!

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