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Way too early KIPER MOCK 1.0


prime21

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I only post these because many people don't subscribe to ESPN +

 

It's NFL Mock Draft time, and this is my first crack at predicting picks 1-32 for the Class of 2019. April's draft is coming faster than you think, and we now know which underclassmen are leaving school early and headed to the NFL, a list which includes intriguing quarterback prospect Kyler Murray.

Remember that teams are early in their evaluations, and we still have to get through postseason all-star games, combine testing, medicals, pro days and individual workouts before their draft boards become set. Free agency in March will also change needs for several teams. I'm predicting each first-round pick here based on a combination of my Big Board rankings, each team's needs right now and my view on positions that could be upgraded.

Let's dig into my 2019 NFL Mock Draft 1.0, starting with Arizona and ending with Green Bay, which has New Orleans' pick. Check out the SportsCenter special at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2 for more on my thoughts -- and see if Todd McShay agrees -- on every pick.

Note: We used ESPN's Football Power Index to project the order for picks 29-32.


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1. Arizona Cardinals

Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State

General manager Steve Keim is going to have a chance to trade down and accumulate picks. He should take a look at it, too, because this roster has been stripped of talent since the Cardinals went to the NFC Championship Game in 2016. But Bosa is going to be tough to pass up, as he is an elite pass-rusher. New defensive coordinator Vance Joseph is expected to switch this defense back to a 3-4, and Bosa has the versatility to play multiple spots. Give new coach Kliff Kingsbury a defensive stalwart opposite Chandler Jones who can get after Jared Goff, Russell Wilson and Jimmy Garoppolo twice a season.


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2. San Francisco 49ers

 

Josh Allen, OLB, Kentucky

The 49ers took defensive linemen in the first round in three straight years (2015 to '17), but DeForest Buckner is the only true star of the group. And none of those picks has the edge-rushing potential of Allen, who racked up 17 sacks for the Wildcats this season. If you're talking about pure pass-rushing ability, the 6-foot-5, 230-pound Allen is right up there with Bosa. San Francisco needs to add offensive weapons this offseason, but none is worth taking this high.


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3. New York Jets

Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama

The Jets will have the most 2019 cap space of any team, so expect them to be active in free agency. For now, I'll go with the best player on the board in Williams, who finished eighth in the voting for the Heisman Trophy this season. If new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams switches to a 4-3, Williams is a perfect fit as a three-technique penetrator. Remember that the Jets don't have a second-round pick -- they dealt it in the Sam Darnold trade up last year -- so it's extra important that they hit here. New York does have an extra third-round pick from the Teddy Bridgewater trade.


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4. Oakland Raiders

Greedy Williams, CB, LSU

It's tough to predict what Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock will do with three first-round picks in this class, but fixing an aging defense should be a priority. The Raiders have needs across the board, including at pass-rusher -- they had a league-low 13 sacks in 2018. But with Bosa and Allen off the board, I'll go with a corner. Gareon Conley came on strong at the end of the season, but there's a hole across from the 2017 first-rounder. Williams is a big, 6-foot-3 corner with long arms and lockdown potential. The comp I've made for him is Aqib Talib.


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5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Jonah Williams, OT/G, Alabama

The Bucs could look very different under new coach Bruce Arians in 2019, as they have several key free agents (Kwon Alexander, Donovan Smith, Adam Humphries, among others), plus veterans (DeSean Jackson, Gerald McCoy) who are candidates to be released. Upgrading the offensive line should be a priority, however, and Williams has Pro Bowl potential at both guard and tackle. Washington's Brandon Scherff is the example I've used -- Williams made 43 straight starts at tackle for the Crimson Tide, but he has the frame (6-foot-5, 301 pounds) to easily move inside.


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6. New York Giants

Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State

This is an easy call. The Giants need a quarterback, and Haskins is the best quarterback in the class. The Giants can't afford to put off the decision for another year, even if they bring back 38-year-old Eli Manning and let the rookie learn behind him. Haskins (6-3, 220) is far from a finished product -- he started only 14 games at Ohio State -- but he has an extremely high ceiling. One thing to watch is whether QB-needy teams get aggressive and try to trade up to get in front of the Giants.

 

Dwayne Haskins threw 50 touchdown passes and just eight interceptions in his one year as starter at Ohio State. Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire jax.png?w=110&h=110&transparent=true

7. Jacksonville Jaguars

Cody Ford, OT/G, Oklahoma

Can the Jaguars pass on a quarterback in this draft? Here's why I'm going a different direction: Despite the struggles in 2018, this roster is built to win now. Jacksonville has talent and is just a year removed from playing in the AFC title game. That's why I think Tom Coughlin & Co. will have already made their quarterback decision by April's draft, going with one of the free-agent optionswho is more likely to help the Jags win in 2019. Instead, let's upgrade a porous offensive line with Ford, a mauler who would slot in at guard or right tackle.


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8. Detroit Lions

Devin White, LB, LSU

This is a spot to watch for a pass-rusher, as the Lions could part ways with free agent Ezekiel Ansah. In fact, coach Matt Patricia could use improvements at every level of his defense. White is a fly-to-the-football linebacker with similar athletic traits as Detroit middle linebacker Jarrad Davis, who was taken in the first round in 2017. The two could form a stellar tandem, as both are three-down linebackers. White isn't a true pass-rusher, but he makes plays in the backfield.


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9. Buffalo Bills

Rashan Gary, DE/DT, Michigan

Could the Bills get their Kyle Williams replacement here? At his peak, the 6-foot-6, 283-pound Gary is a menace who makes offensive linemen look foolish, but you'd like to see him do it with more regularity. Gary could play end or nose guard in a 3-4 defense or tackle in a 4-3. Buffalo could look at centers or guards here; improving the interior of the offensive line should be a priority.


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10. Denver Broncos

Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia

Former first-round pick Bradley Roby isa free agent, and Chris Harris Jr., who broke his leg in December, turns 30 over the summer. Cornerback is the No. 1 need for the Broncos. Baker isn't far behind Greedy Williams as the top corner in this class. General manager John Elway hit on his 2018 draft class, and he needs another good one to get the team back on track under new coach Vic Fangio.


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11. Cincinnati Bengals

Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida

The Bengals have missed on a few offensive linemen in the draft in recent years, and there's still a hole at right tackle. That's where Taylor would slot in. He took a huge step forward playing on the right side in 2018, though there's still mixed opinion from people I trust in the league. Taylor is raw, but he has the tools to be a premier road grader in the run game.


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12. Green Bay Packers

Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson

Ferrell, who had 21 sacks the past two seasons, isn't a perfect fit in the Packers' 3-4 defense, but he's the best pass-rusher left on the board. Green Bay needs to add edge-rush help this offseason -- Clay Matthews and Muhammad Wilkerson are free agents -- and Ferrell (6-5, 265) could play end or outside linebacker here. The Packers will likely keep an eye on offensive playmakers, too, and they have New Orleans' first-round pick from last year's draft-day trade.


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13. Miami Dolphins

Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma

The Dolphins need to rebuild. What better way to start that rebuild than to take the Heisman Trophy winner? Now, just because Murray has entered the draftdoesn't mean he's sticking to football. He could still back out and play baseball. But I'm treating him as if he's all-in for now, and if he goes to the combine -- he's going to run a blazing 40-yard dash -- and goes through workouts for teams, I expect him to be picked in Round 1. This is an unprecedented situation for a 5-foot-10 quarterback, but it's going to be fun to watch over the next few months.


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14. Atlanta Falcons

Ed Oliver, DT, Houston

If Grady Jarrett's price tag in free agency proves too much for the Falcons, Oliver is the perfect replacement as an interior game-wrecker. His tape was picked apart this season, and he was better in 2017, but he can dominate a game when he's playing at his best. He needs to keep developing as a pass-rusher, however. Oliver is only 21, and he has a high ceiling.

 

Ed Oliver had 53.5 tackles for loss in three seasons at Houston. Tommy Gilligan/USA TODAY Sports wsh.png?w=110&h=110&transparent=true

15. Washington Redskins

Jachai Polite, OLB, Florida

This is another potential landing spot for Kyler Murray. Alex Smith's scary injury put his future in jeopardy, and it wouldn't shock me if the Redskins added a young quarterback this offseason. Ultimately, I'm going with Polite, a perfect pass-rusher for a 3-4 defense who came on strong with 11 sacks this season. Former second-round pick Preston Smith has been inconsistent, and he's a free agent, so Polite makes sense as a replacement opposite Ryan Kerrigan. Safety is another position to watch, depending on what happens with free agent Ha Ha Clinton-Dix.


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16. Carolina Panthers

Brian Burns, OLB, Florida State

Mario Addison led the Panthers with nine sacks this season, followed by five for the ageless Julius Peppers. Unless Peppers can play forever, this is a clear area of need for Carolina. The 6-foot-5, 235-pound Burns, who had 10 sacks in 2018, needs more time in the weight room, but he could grow into a defensive end.


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17. Cleveland Browns

Jeffery Simmons, DT, Mississippi State

The surging Browns hit on their 2018 draft class, led by Baker Mayfield, Denzel Ward and Nick Chubb. Can general manager John Dorsey do it again? My comp for Simmons is emerging Chiefs star Chris Jones, whom Dorsey picked in Round 2 when he was in Kansas City. Simmons is supremely athletic and already advanced in his technique as a pass-rusher. However, he will have to answer to NFL teams about his 2016 arrest during the pre-draft process.


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18. Minnesota Vikings

Greg Little, OT, Ole Miss

There's a case to be made that Little is the best true left tackle in this class. He's certainly the most talented. The former five-star high school prospect was inconsistent at times in college, but he should take off in an NFL strength and conditioning program. Coach Mike Zimmer loves guys who get after quarterbacks too, so that's going to be in consideration here.


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19. Tennessee Titans

T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa

This might not look like a need on paper, but Delanie Walker is 34 and missed most of the season after a severe ankle injury. Hockenson can be a weapon. He is an all-around tight end, an excellent blocker and a good pass-catcher with a big 6-foot-5, 250-pound frame. The Titans will keep a close eye on playmakers for Marcus Mariota.


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20. Pittsburgh Steelers

Devin Bush, LB, Michigan

The Steelers tied for the NFL lead with 52 sacks this season, but the weakness on defense was at inside linebacker, as they struggled to replace Ryan Shazier. The phrase I keep repeating about Bush is "perfect for today's NFL." He would be a great fit as a three-down linebacker who never has to leave the field. At 5-foot-11, Bush is undersized, but he should test well at the combine.


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21. Seattle Seahawks

Oshane Ximines, DE/OLB, Old Dominion

How about this: Ximines is going to be the first prospect from Old Dominion to be picked in the NFL draft. Seriously: Check it out. He is an explosive pass-rusher -- 12 sacks in 2018 -- who has the versatility to play with his hand in the dirt or standing up on the edge. His game reminds me a little bit of DeMarcus Ware's, though Ximines has a ways to go. Pete Carroll is always looking for pass-rushers, and the Seahawks could lose Frank Clark in free agency.

 

Oshane Ximines improved his sack numbers every season at ODU, finishing with 33 for his career. Leslie Plaza Johnson/Icon Sportswire bal.png?w=110&h=110&transparent=true

22. Baltimore Ravens

A.J. Brown, WR, Ole Miss

Let's get a playmaker for Lamar Jackson. He's going to improve in Year 2, but he needs a better (and younger) supporting cast. And yes, the Ravens have a terrible track record in taking receivers, but they have to hit some time, right? Brown is explosive after the catch. Reminder: New general manager Eric DeCosta doesn't have a second-round pick as a result of the move up for Jackson last year, so this is an important pick.


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23. Houston Texans

Byron Murphy, CB, Washington

It will be a fascinating offseason for the Texans, who need to make decisions on free agents Jadeveon Clowney, Tyrann Mathieu and Kareem Jackson, among others. Corner sticks out as a need because Johnathan Joseph, the starter opposite Jackson, will be 35 when the 2019 season starts, and the big-money signing of Aaron Colvin last offseason looks like a miss. Murphy is still raw, but he's a ballhawk on the outside. He also has the versatility to play in the slot. Keep an eye on offensive line, too, as Houston gave up a league-high 62 sacks this season.


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24. Oakland Raiders (from CHI)

Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma

Can you name the Oakland player with the most receiving targets in 2018? It was ... tight end Jared Cook. And yes, Gruden traded top wideout Amari Cooper, but this roster needs pass-catching upgrades. Brown is going to be one of the fastest prospects in this draft. He can run every route, and he's tremendous after the catch. Size is the question, as he's only 5-foot-9, 168 pounds. He is more in the mold of John Ross, who went in the top 10 in the 2017 draft, than a typical No. 1 receiver. But he can be a downfield threat for Derek Carr.


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25. Philadelphia Eagles

Montez Sweat, DE, Mississippi State

With free agents Brandon Graham and Chris Long potentially moving on, Philadelphia could add some pass-rush help here. At 6-foot-6, 241 pounds, Sweat is a rangy prospect who is athletically gifted. And he produced, racking up 22 sacks the past two seasons. Receiver is a position to watch, too, as Golden Tate and Mike Wallace are both on the free-agent market.


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26. Indianapolis Colts

Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson

Lawrence is higher on my Big Board -- No. 17 -- but he won't fit every NFL team. At 6-foot-5, 340 pounds, he's the top nose tackle in this class, so he needs to find a team that plays a 3-4. With Margus Hunt -- who had a stellar 2018 -- a free agent, the Colts could have a need along the interior of the line. Lawrence can disrupt a pocket and hold up against the run, but he's never going to be an elite penetrator like Quinnen Williams.


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27. Oakland Raiders (from DAL)

Irv Smith, Jr., TE, Alabama

I don't have another Round 1 edge rusher left on my board, so I'm moving on to tight end with the third Raiders pick of the first round. I mentioned Cook earlier, and he's a free agent, so this is going to be a need for Oakland. Smith had 44 catches and seven touchdowns for the Crimson Tide this season, and he is a really good player. He needs to improve as a blocker, but I expect him to test well at the combine. The Raiders have a ton of cap space, so they could also address the position in free agency.


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28. Los Angeles Chargers

Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson

Did you see the Patriots punish the Chargers up front in the AFC divisional round? They were pushed around. The 6-foot-4, 310-pound Wilkins would be an improvement. He could plug the nose for L.A. and also bump outside to end. He was a four-year starter for the Tigers and always showed up on tape; he had 15 tackles for loss in 2018. Derwin James was one of the stars of the Class of 2018, and the Chargers have a solid roster. Let's get them past the divisional round.

 

Christian Wilkins was one of the leaders of a Clemson team that won national titles in 2016 and 2018. Kelley L Cox/USA TODAY Sports ne.png?w=110&h=110&transparent=true

29. New England Patriots

Daniel Jones, QB, Duke

Tom Brady is going to be 42 when the 2019 season begins. Forty-two! It's unbelievable what he's continuing to do on the field, but the Patriots have to start thinking about the future ... right? Jones could be the heir apparent. He has learned from quarterback guru David Cutcliffe at Duke, and you see it in his footwork. He excels in the pocket. Jones is athletic, too, and he has a big, 6-foot-4 frame. There's no guarantee that Jones will be the third quarterback off the board, and you can see more of him at the Senior Bowl next week, but this fit makes a lot of sense.


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30. Los Angeles Rams

Dre'Mont Jones, DT, Ohio State

You can't discount the Rams trading out of this spot -- they didn't pick until No. 89 last year. But since there are no trades allowed here, let's give Wade Phillips a piece with which to work. Ndamukong Suh will likely move on in free agency, which means there's an open spot next to all-world interior pass-rusher Aaron Donald. Jones, who had 8.5 sacks in 2018, is an athlete. He could even play end for L.A.


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31. Kansas City Chiefs

Deionte Thompson, S, Alabama

Eric Berry has played 154 snaps the past two seasons. There's no guarantee that the 30-year-old will get back to an All-Pro level, and we know the weakness for this defense is in the secondary. Thompson would help immediately. He's a rangy playmaker with supreme athletic traits, though he was inconsistent down the stretch in 2018. We know the Chiefs' offense is loaded, but a safety or corner would boost the defense.


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32. Green Bay Packers (from NO)

Parris Campbell, WR, Ohio State

Free-agent Randall Cobb is probably finished in Green Bay, and Aaron Rodgersneeds some help. Campbell was one of the most electric players in all of college football in 2018, and he could move even higher after athletic testing at the combine. He caught 90 passes and scored 12 touchdowns this season. Let's see what Matt LaFleur & Co. cook up with an athlete such as Campbell.

 

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2 minutes ago, TeddEY said:

If we draft an interior defensive lineman...

It isn't ideal and I still say people will want to trade up for a QB.  It happens every year.

If the draft went this way they better have already added Bell and OLine help through free agency and a wide receiver.

Then Rounds 3 - forever = more oline picks.

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Just watched his tape, there is an argument for best player in the draft for sure. At the college level he looks like Donald but does that mean he'll throw people around on Sundays? 

We need the QB to step up into the pocket to get more sacks we already saw what having 3 DTs have done for us. Add an edge rusher to force QBs up in the pocket, adding Williams will just cause QBs to scramble left and right to buy time.

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11 minutes ago, bitonti said:

The irony of this comment is the guy everyone wants to take is also a defensive lineman from Kentucky.

Allen is a DE/OLB.  So that's not all that ironic. 

Pass-rushing DT's are hard to find.  If Quinnen Williams is legit on the level of Aaron Donald, he'd be a game-changer.  But he'd better work out. 

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3 minutes ago, Jetsfan80 said:

Allen is a DE/OLB.  So that's not all that ironic. 

Pass-rushing DT's are hard to find.  If Quinnen Williams is legit on the level of Aaron Donald, he'd be a game-changer.  But he'd better work out. 

Considering we said the same thing the last 4 freakin' times, I think it's about time to try something new.

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It'll get a million groans and more cynical comments than we can read, but Allen or Williams would make the team better. They just would.

It's not flashy and it doesn't help Darnold, so that is an absolute bummer, but they are really good players and the Jets need to get to the damn QB at some point this century.

Still that said, I want them to trade down. I'd love to jump down into the teens and pick up Taylor or Greg Little.

 

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I'd be pretty surprised if we made that pick but Bosa and Allen going 1-2 and being unable to trade back would make him the "obvious" BPA pick according to most... And we know how much Big Mac loves the "best player in the draft" dropping to him.

I still think reaching for need isn't that crazy unless you think the talent disparity is really that big.

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The Jets May have to reach for an OL, as much as the line has been neglected for years.  Now, they’re at a critical point.  One thing I can say about Sam without being called out as a homer is, his mobility and ability to sense the rush is why the oline appears better than it is.  But you guys know that....too bad the powers that be neglected the line so badly, knowing they were in the market for a franchise QB for years.

When Sam was drafted to NY, I was happy (Did not want him to go to the Browns!), knowing that the Jets were the franchise that drafted Mangold and Ferguson in the first round. So makes sense the franchise restocked every year, aware of the importance of the offensive line.  Boy, was I surprised at the reality.

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4 minutes ago, HelenOfTroy said:

The Jets May have to reach for an OL, as much as the line has been neglected for years.  Now, they’re at a critical point.  One thing I can say about Sam without being called out as a homer is, his mobility and ability to sense the rush is why the oline appears better than it is.  But you guys know that....too bad the powers that be neglected the line so badly, knowing they were in the market for a franchise QB for years.

When Sam was drafted to NY, I was happy (Did not want him to go to the Browns!), knowing that the Jets were the franchise that drafted Mangold and Ferguson in the first round. So makes sense the franchise restocked every year, aware of the importance of the offensive line.  Boy, was I surprised at the reality.

I'm surprised by it every single year, actually.  Maccagnan's actions are often inexplicable.  

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It's a sound pick, but that would imply the Jets are moving on from Leo b/c it would just seem redundant at the 3 technique. 

What I found interesting is that Jonah Williams was snatched up w/the 5th pick by TB. I think Williams is more of a G or RT, thus a better "value" in picks #8-17 (IMO), than in the top 5. YET, if consensus is that #5 is not too high for J Williams, then I'd reach for him at #3 if there was no trade option and the "caliber" of OLine drops significantly after him.  

Eric Fisher was a LT from Central Michigan (some said not worthy of the pick, and was natural RT, not Pro LT) taken #1 overall by KC and was plugged into start at RT. Fisher developed and became the LT in '14 and has been since. Can Jonah Williams have the same trajectory? We NEED Oline and the college talent pool is weakening by the year and the Jets don't pick again until the 3rd round where most OLine would be developmental as opposed to plug & play. 

If Williams is rated to go as high as #5, then I wouldn't mind reaching for him at #3, UNLESS BOSA FALLS - which I predict, and let him start at RT (Shell is iffy after knee surgery and ideal depth) and grow into the LT position 

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8 minutes ago, HelenOfTroy said:

Imagine if the Jets had drafted Rosen!  Poor kid would have been dead, but unfortunately for him, he landed in oline hell in Arizona. 

To this day, I wonder which Josh our doofus GM would have picked at 3 had the Giants taken Sam:  Rosen or Allen?

My money is on Allen.  Thank heavens the Giants did what they did.  I'll be eternally grateful to that team for giving us Sam so generously.

Think about the fact that the NY Giants, of all teams, saved Mac's job.  Because I don't think Mac survives giving up a 1st + THREE 2nd round picks for the likes of either of those two flawed QBs named Josh.  

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