WTFP Contributor Mock Draft 1.0: 5 quarterbacks in the first round?

White is the best linebacker in the 2019 NFL Draft and the Bengals desperately need linebackers after ranking 29th in total run defense in 2018 so this is a match made in heaven. With Teryl Austin being fired after the season, the Bengals don’t have a defensive coordinator and this makes it somewhat hard to see where exactly White would fit on their defense. Given their personnel, I’d have to venture a guess and say they’re staying in a 4-3, which means that White would fit perfectly as WILL LB on run downs so he can be freed up to chase down runners with his outstanding athletic ability and play his true sideline-to-sideline role in the nickel as a MIKE LB.

–Ross O’Keefe

A lengthy and strong pass-rusher would be a very good investment for the Packers going forward. Although he is a bit raw as a prospect, the upside could pay off big time. Sweat has an incredible build and that, in and of itself makes him difficult to block. For a team like the Packers who want to get back to the Super Bowl with Aaron Rodgers, investing in defense makes a lot of sense, especially at this position. As far as pass rushers go, Clay Matthews is not getting any younger and Montez Sweat definitely helps fix a need for the future and for the present. -Grant Tuttle

DeAndre Baker is too good to pass up for the Miami Dolphins. Baker is exceptional in man to man coverage, and I think that there is a legitimate argument for him being the best cornerback in the class. He was great in zone coverage and man coverage, demonstrated natural instincts, and has great ball skills. The only knock on him is that he does not have elite speed or measurables, but he has shown no signs of having trouble against larger and faster receivers. Baker is the same height as Darrelle Revis (5’11”), and Baker’s rumored forty yard dash time is faster than Richard Sherman’s (4.55). Baker will be just fine in the NFL. The Dolphins could also rebuild around an elite secondary. Xavien Howard has been excellent at cornerback, and the Dolphins can shift Minkah Fitzpatrick over to safety full time. Cornerbacks as skilled as Baker do not come around often, and Miami’s secondary would take the pressure off of their offense. -Jakob Ashlin

Getting Ed Oliver at 14th overall would be a steal for the Falcons. The Falcons finished 25th in the NFL in rush defense and 28th in total defense. Inserting Oliver upfront would immediately improve Atlanta’s ability to win in the trenches. Oliver is not getting the same attention as Quinnen Williams or Rashan Gary due to the fact he played his college ball for Houston of the American Conference. This should not be the case. Due to injury Oliver was held to only eight games played in 2018 yet still managed 14.5 tackles for a loss. He finished his three-year college career with an outstanding 53 tackles for loss. He also was effective at batting down passes at the line of scrimmage finishing with 11 career total passes defended. Oliver would bring a strong presence to Atlanta’s defensive front which is critical for any defense. -Aaron Greshon

This was not a popular pick when I made it, and I doubt it will be well received by many Redskin fans either. I am confident that this selection will be a quarterback, but with Drew Lock, Kyler Murray, and Daniel Jones all on the board why would the Redskins go with Grier? I could take an easy way out and say intangibles, I think Grier has a maturity that stands out when you listen to him in interviews. However, I think the biggest reason why this pick is Grier over the other quarterbacks is Grier’s ability to understand an NFL offense and throw with anticipation. I think he fits what Jay Gruden looks for in his quarterbacks. It is still very early, but right now I think the Redskins will have an eye on Grier. -Thomas Welte