Mel Kiper Jr’s 2019 NFL Mock Draft 2.0 has the Arizona Cardinals taking Nick Bosa

As the 2019 NFL Combine starts to creep closer and closer, it starts a week from tomorrow, the 2019 NFL Mock Drafts will rev up to get their thoughts in before they completely revamp everything.

We’ve already had one big change, Jeffrey Simmons tearing an ACL and likely pushing him to the late first or even into the second round.

Now, Mel Kiper Jr., the Godfather of the modern NFL Draft world, is dropping his second mock draft of the offseason.

When Mel talks, everyone listens.

Kiper’s 2019 NFL Mock Draft 2.0 via E$PN In$ider

1. Arizona Cardinals

Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State

No change at the top here -- Bosa is the top prospect in this class. He can be an elite pass-rusher at the next level, just like his brother Joey. His workouts at the combine will be closely watched to see if he’s back at full strength after his core muscle injury. As far as the fit in a 3-4 defense in Arizona, this quote last week from new defensive coordinator Vance Joseph stood out: “4-3 college ends, they grow to be outside ‘backers. It’s a learned ability.” Joseph’s former team in Denver used a top-five pick on Bradley Chubb last year, and Joseph converted him to outside linebacker -- opposite Von Miller -- and he had 12 sacks as a rookie. The 6-foot-4, 263-pound Bosa would have a good edge-rushing partner in Chandler Jones.

This has been the core of the idea behind taking Bosa.

It gives the Cardinals two prime edge rushers, allows the Cardinals to be ready for Jones departure after this contract ends in 2021, and it gives Vance Joseph what he covets on defense... High end players on the edge and boundary.

Kiper’s top ten is what is really notable:

2. 49ers - Josh Allen
3. Jets - Quinnen Williams
4. Raiders - Rashan Gary
5. Buccaneers - Montez Sweat
6. Giants - Dwayne Haskins
7. Jaguars - Jawaan Taylor
8. Lions - T.J. Hockenson
9. Bills - D.K. Metcalf
10. Broncos - Greedy Williams

Some other notable picks:

13. Dolphins - Kyler Murray
15. Redskins - Drew Lock
18. Vikings - Jonah Williams
32. Patriots - Daniel Jones

So, four quarterbacks in the draft, but only one in the top ten... Which means trading out would be a nightmare for the Cardinals.

The best thing, only three offensive lineman go in round one: Jawaan Taylor (7), Williams (18), and Andre Dillard at 23.

Meaning the Cardinals pick at 33 could be a nice place to continue the rebuild of the offensive line.