Fact: The internet is now 50 percent mock drafts.
OK, that’s not true. It just feels that way.
For months, mock drafts have taken over NFL media. They’re all wrong. Some are more wrong than others. That’s the key, I suppose. Be less wrong than others? Really, the key is to just have some fun. And once you stop thinking that mock drafts are full of reputable information (they’re mostly not), they are fun.
I do one first-round mock draft per year. It then gives you the right to mock me.
Have at it:
1. Cardinals: Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma
There’s too much smoke here for there to not be fire. Here’s your new quarterback, Kliff Kinsbury. Maybe Murray doesn’t have ideal size, but he’s a heckuva athlete and will bring some much-needed excitement back to that franchise.
2. 49ers: Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State
The 49ers probably love that Murray is going to go first. I thought about Quinnen Williams here, but Bosa is too good, too much of a sure thing. Pairing him with Dee Ford for the next few years could be deadly.
News
3. Jets: Josh Allen, EDGE, Kentucky
I went back and forth on this one but landed on Allen. Williams would be a fine pick too. Instead, they take an edge rusher with a ton of potential. He might end up being a dominant player.
4. Raiders: Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama
Speaking of dominant, Williams certainly fits that description. There’s a chance he could be the best player in this class, so the Raiders should be thrilled to sit at No. 4 and get him.
5. Buccaneers: Montez Sweat, Edge, Mississippi State
I understand why so many have the Bucs taking a linebacker here, but pass rushing is so important and Sweat has had a tremendous pre-draft process, particularly at the combine. The Bucs try to get a difference-making pass rusher.
6. Giants: Daniel Jones, QB, Duke
I get that this is probably too early for Jones, but if the Giants like him, I can’t imagine they’ll wait and hope he gets to them at 17. Jones might need some extra time, but the Giants are still committed to playing Eli Manning in 2019. Jones can learn from him and then take over. This isn't the move I'd make, but Dave Gettleman is in charge for the Giants and he's a crazy person.
7. Jaguars: Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida
The Jags paid Nick Foles a crazy amount of money, so they better protect their investment. They’ll do that by locking up the top offensive tackle in this pretty decent class.
8. Lions: Brian Burns, Edge, Florida State
Detroit is in desperate need of some pass rush and Burns is a freaky athletic specimen, who has been flying up draft boards. He’s also pretty good against the run, especially for his lanky build. Matt Patricia gets a good one here.
9. Bills: Rashan Gary, DT, Michigan
Longtime Bill Kyle Williams retired so they immediately find his replacement in Gary. At 277 pounds, Gary could play both inside and outside for the Bills.
10. Broncos: Drew Lock, QB, Missouri
There has been a lot of smoke here, between the Broncos and Lock for a while. If John Elway can sit back at 10 and get the quarterback he might covet most, that’s a good day.
11. Bengals: Devin White, LB, LSU
A great athlete the Bengals can plug-and-play in their defense. He’s probably a top-10 talent, so the Bengals should feel confident they’re getting enough value. Linebacker is an obvious need, but this isn’t a reach.
12. Packers: Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama
The Packers could very well go for a tight end here — both top ones are still on the board — but Williams might be the best player on the board and could take care of a long-term need for Green Bay.
13. Dolphins: Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State
With all these quarterbacks, trade ups are always possible, but maybe the Dolphins can stay at 13 and still get their guy. I have Haskins as the fourth QB to go. I think he’s better than that, but I’m not picking this based on my own preference. This pick really depends on the Dolphins’ preference. They need to find their franchise quarterback.
14. Falcons: Ed Oliver, DT, Houston
Oliver is a top-10 type talent and a team like the Falcons could really benefit from QBs going in the top half of the first round. Oliver next to Grady Jarrett could be dangerous.
15. Redskins: D.K. Metcalf, WR, Mississippi
With plenty of other needs and with the top QBs off the board, Washington tries to make a splash with the bulked up receiver. If Washington does end up trading for Josh Rosen, here’s a target for him.
16. Panthers: Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson
The first of three Clemson defensive linemen to go in Round 1, Ferrell gives the Panthers some much-needed youth at edge rusher. Julius Peppers finally retired, so Ferrell can take his spot.
17. Giants: Devin Bush, LB, Michigan
White is probably the top linebacker in this class, but the other Devin is pretty damn close. He’s not very big, but Bush is an absolute difference-maker and the Giants just need to add some of those.
18. Vikings: T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa
Sure, Kyle Rudolph is still around, but Hockenson can help the Vikings immediately. So what if they have to use some two-tight end sets. Definitely a talent over need scenario, but he’s a good one.
19. Titans: Chris Lindstrom, OG, Boston College
If Mike Vrabel needs some intel on BC players, he can ask his son. He won’t need to ask him how good Lindstrom is. He’s one of those players who isn’t getting talked about enough but could hear his name earlier than many expect.
20. Steelers: Noah Fant, TE, Iowa
There’s a case to be made that Fant is the top tight end in this class. While it’s not a desperate need for Pittsburgh, pairing him with Vance McDonald could be another great tight end combination.
21. Seahawks: Greedy Williams, CB, LSU
I think Williams is the top corner in this class and who am I to question LSU when it comes to defensive backs? Williams is a great cover guy but also a solid tackler. And he’s 6-2. Sounds like a Seahawks corner to me.
22. Ravens: Garrett Bradbury, C, NC State
Bradbury is a first-round pick to me. He has guard/center versatility and would be an immediate and long-term starter for the Ravens. He could start at either position for the Ravens in 2019.
23. Texans: Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State
The Texans have needed offensive tackle help for years, so maybe they’ll finally get some. Houston would probably be pretty happy if Dillard is available for them here.
24. Raiders: Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama
This is a move that would make Al Davis happy. Time to replace Marshawn Lynch and bring in a huge piece to that offense. With three first-round picks, they can afford to take a running back with one of them.
25. Eagles: Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson
If Wilkins makes it to the Eagles, I’m sure they’d run this pick in. I think there’s a chance he’s there, but not a great chance. But he would be a perfect fit for them. He would be a rotational player behind Fletcher Cox and Malik Jackson to start, but would become a really solid long-term starter. The only thing to worry about is that he’s already 23, but he checks every other box. Productive and disruptive college player at a position of importance, and a solid locker room presence. Sign me up.
26. Colts: Jerry Tillery, DT, Notre Dame
If Wilkins is gone, the Colts will take the next best option, which is Tillery from Notre Dame. He’s another interior defensive lineman who can offer the Colts some interior pass rush.
27. Raiders: Dalton Risner, OL, Kansas State
After taking Williams and Jacobs, the Raiders round out their first-round trio with a versatile offensive lineman from K-State. Risner could start immediately at guard, but could also fill in at guard and tackle.
28. Chargers: Cody Ford, OL, Oklahoma
He might be a long-term fit at offensive guard, but for now, he can step in and play tackle immediately for the Chargers.
29. Chiefs: DeAndre Baker, CB, Georgia
Here comes an aggressive, ball-hawking corner for the Chiefs. Baker is the second CB off the board and will start immediately.
30. Packers: Johnathan Abram, S, Mississippi State
This is actually a good safety class, so this might be a little late for one to go. But if this happens, the Packers would have their pick. Nasir Adderly, Taylor Rapp and Chauncey Gardner-Johnson are also in play.
31. Rams: Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
The Rams get their nose tackle in the form of the third Clemson defensive lineman off the board. Lawrence would come in and immediately replace Ndamukong Suh.
32. Patriots: Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma
A foot injury ruined Brown’s buzz during the pre-draft process, but that won’t scare of the Patriots, who get a pure speed threat. This dude can flat-out fly.
Click here to download the MyTeams App by NBC Sports! Receive comprehensive coverage of your teams and stream the Flyers, Sixers and Phillies games easily on your device.