Pre-Combine; ITH  mock draft 1.0

In this special edition feature, we at ITH selected four bloggers to do a fantasy style mock draft on Skype. The four participants were Austin Bronstad, Reggie Thomas Jr, Chris Czaplinski, and Russell Muhs. Each person had randomly assigned picks and just a minute on the clock to make their selection. This is the first Mock of two we will be doing, with the second one coming the week of the NFL draft. Let us know in the comments below your thoughts on the draft, and which blogger you think made the best picks!

#1. Cardinals- Chris: Nick Bosa; Edge

Cardinals fans could get excited about the possibility of getting Kyler Murray, but the no brainer #1 is Nick Bosa.  With the potential to be better than brother Joey, this pick gives them a day one ready playmaker to build around. Bosa has to go #1.

#2. 49ers- Reggie: Josh Allen; Edge

I know this is only the 2nd pick but this came down to only 2 players which were Josh Allen and Devin White. I believe Devin White is the 2nd best LB in this draft class and he's an MLB or ILB in a 3-4 set. But the reason I decided to go with Allen is simply that, when you have a top 5 pick you must get the best player available. Your a top 5 pick for a reason.

#3. Jets- Russ: Jonah Williams; OT

With the top two pass rushers off the board, the Jets reach slightly on Williams who is an NFL ready prospect. Sam Darnold got hit way too much last season and Williams should help remedy that immediately.

#4. Oakland- Austin: Clelin Ferrell; Edge

A team that just traded away Khalil Mack they need to add a pass rusher to the defense that was one of the worst in the league at creating pressure. Ferrell will give them a building block to work on the defensive side to work with.

#5. Buccaneers- Chris: Quienen Williams; DL

The Bucs could take a QB too, but Winston gets one more year to prove himself.  With Williams still on the board, this is a great value here for the best defensive tackle in the draft.  He will be a great anchor for their defensive line.

#6. Giants- Reggie: Kyler Murray; QB

The Giants pick Kyler Murray because this makes total sense. Draft your QB of the future while you have a HOF'er at the end of his career that Kyler can learn from. Now I'm not sure if Eli is up for the mentor role, but I think he should be being that Eli has cemented his mark on the game and on the Giants organization and Kyler would have to do a helluva lot to overtake him as the giants best QB ever.

#7. Jaguars- Russ: Dwayne Haskins; QB

It’s no secret that the Jaguars need a new signal caller, and their options are limited with Kyler Murray getting selected the pick before. Haskins has a ways to go in his development but has all the tools to become a reliable starter in this league.

#8. Lions- Austin: Greedy Williams; DB

Greedy is a very talented player that can help to improve any defense and it this case he can help to build a youth talent in the Lions defensive back group.

#9. Bills- Chris: N’Keal Harry; WR

The Bills have a bunch of holes to fill, but getting someone their sophomore QB could throw to is important.  N'keal Harry might be a reach but I think he is the most athletic receiver in the draft. The Bills and their fans need something to get excited about.  With QB Allen looking ready to make a jump this year, getting him a potential star to grow with is essential. I think Harry is their guy.

#10. Broncos- Reggie: Chris Lindstrom; OL

The Broncos are totally invested in John Elway being the face of the franchise forever. I know this because he has done a very bad job as their GM and he isn't going anywhere. Similar to the Broncos of 2019 they won't go anywhere but at least they're setting up for their future by building up their line and taking Chris Lindstrom to solidify that for their RB's and some QB from Clemson in 2 years.

#11. Bengals- Russ: Drew lock; QB

Firing Marvin Lewis was long overdue for the Bengals. Considering that he and Andy Dalton were tied at this hip, it makes sense that the new coach will want his own guy at QB. Lock is the last first-round worthy QB in the draft and is NFL ready.

#12. Packers- Austin: TJ Hockenson; TE

In this pick the Packers get a reliable TE that can both block and be a new weapon for QB Aaron Rodgers.

#13. Dolphins- Chris: Ed Oliver; DL

The Dolphins were looking for a franchise QB, but unfortunately, the top three options are gone.  Ed Oliver is still waiting to hear his name called and like the Bucs, this is a classic best player scenario.  They have needs at other positions but Oliver has a great skill set and is a steal here when I had him going inside the top 8.

#14. Falcons- Reggie: Cody Ford; OL

The Falcons believe in Matt Ryan so in order for their beliefs to manifest they must take Cody Ford. In my opinion that can't afford to not take him. Jake Matthews and Cody Ford are going to pay off for the Falcons, at least the Falcons hope so.

#15. Redskins- Russ: Devin White; LB

As coined by Giants GM Dave Gettleman, the Redskins are in quarterback hell. That being said, this is not the draft class to reach for a QB. Meanwhile, the Redskins defense has been mired in mediocrity for years. In comes White, an athletic freak who is going to be a combine monster later this week. He can come in and be a gamechanger in the heart of the Skins defense.

#16. Panthers- Austin: Yodney Cajuste; OT

The injury to Cam Newton is proof that he needs some help being protected. Some of the biggest hits a QB can take are in the pocket and this is especially true when the edges of your line are not solid. This takes a move to invest in protecting their star QB.

#17. Browns- Chris: Byron Murphy; CB

The Browns offense took a step forward with Baker behind center and a platoon of skillful running backs.  With Greedy Williams already gone, Byron Murphy is the next best option for Cleveland. Arguably the best DB in the draft, this feels like one of the biggest steals so far.

#18. Vikings- Reggie: Rashan Gary; DL

In a surprising turn, the Vikings don't get anything to help Kirk cousins on the offensive side of the ball with this pick. But what does Kirk really need on that side anyway? I digress. The best player available at this point is Michigan edge rusher Rashan Gary and putting him with the likes of Everson Griffen geez, this may just bring back the purple people eaters.

#19. Titans- Russ: Montez Sweat; EDGE

This pick was a no brainer for me. The Titans have not been able to produce a pass rush and Sweat may be the best pure edge rusher in the draft.

#20. Steelers- Austin: DK Metcalf; WR

As of right now is one of the best receivers in this draft and could be drafted to help Juju replace the production once created by Antonio Brown.

#21. Seahawks- Chris: Dieonte Thompson; S

Montez Sweat was my guy here, but with him going two picks prior, Seattle still makes a move to sure up their defense.  Deionte Thompson is the center fielder that can take charge in the Seahawks secondary, and help them bring back the nasty D they used to be known for.

#22. Ravens- Reggie: Marquise Brown; WR

So I must admit that this is the player I wanted the cowboys to get, but no it never works out the way I want it, anyway the pick of Marquise Brown going to the Ravens is literally going to be a boom or bust pick. His speed combines with Lamar Jackson arm strength is very scary especially when you think of Lamar breaking out of the pocket. Brown also has a thing for playing with Heisman winning QB's, so why not get with another one for the 3rd straight year.

#23. Texans- Russ: Greg Little; OT

It might be considered a crime if the Texans don’t draft an offensive lineman here. Their franchise QB was hit more than any other in the League. Little had a somewhat disappointing senior season, but he looks the part and has tremendous upside as a left tackle.

#24. Oakland- Austin:  Noah Fant; TE

Widely regarded as the number one TE and could be used to add a young player to work off of the production that Jared Cook provided last season.

#25. Eagles- Chris: Josh Jacobs; RB

Eagles need a running back.  In my opinion, Josh Jacobs is the most talented and NFL ready RB in the draft.  This may be a reach here but if the pick works out, the Eagles could have a star ball carrier in the backfield.  Bring in a healthy Carson Wentz, and the Eagles could be on their way to a division title.

#26. Colts- Reggie: Kelvin Harmon; WR

This pick boiled down to getting Luck the necessary weapons that he can rely on. Kelvin Harmon can be a Reggie Wayne type of WR and it has to be a tad bit easier for him being that TY is going to open up the field with his speed. Harmon would be a great fit for luck and coach Reich.

#27. Raiders- Russ: Jachai Polite; EDGE

The Raiders spend a second first round pick on the D-line as the desperately try to fill the void they created when they traded Khalil Mack. Polite has a non-stop Motor and is developing a strong arsenal of pass rushing moves. Having him and Ferrell together could help accelerate the Raiders rebuilding process.

#28. Chargers- Austin: Nassir Adderly; S

The Chargers continue to build towards a young secondary giving Derwin James a counterpart.

#29. Chiefs- Chris: Christian Wilkins; DL

The Chiefs can obviously score, so defense is the most logical place to fill a position.  Christian Wilkins is still on the board and he is a great fit for an aggressive football team.  Known to have a great motor and make plays in the backfield, Wilkins and Dee Ford can lead a young,  improving KC defense.

#30. Packers- Reggie: DeAndre Baker; CB

With a new HC in the chair, it would seem very obvious that the Packers would go with an offensive skilled player right? No, the Packers go with Deandre Baker who will be the best CB in this draft.

#31. Rams-  Russ: Devin Bush; LB

The Rams most pressing needs on their team are the secondary and linebacking core. They elect to address the Lb core by drafting Devin Bush. A few teams may be scared off by his size but when you watch him play, he passes the eye test. Bush should test very well at the combine and could end up being a steal for the Rams.

#32. Patriots- Austin:  Irv Smith; TE

With the future of Rob Gronkowski up in the air the New England Patriots could use a TE ready to replace one of the best all-time players at his position.

Look out during Draft for week for the second edition of our ITH mock draft.

John Ross: Trade Target for the Eagles?

Speedster wide receiver John Ross was a top-ten pick in the 2017 NFL Draft for the Cincinnati Bengals. He was supposed to be the high-end compliment that the Bengals sorely needed for A.J. Green. With Tyler Boyd more than fulfilling that role and John Ross turning in two underwhelming seasons, the Bengals may look to trade him. Ross is best known for his NFL record 4.22 40-yard dash at the combine two years ago but hasn’t done much soon. The Eagles showed plenty of interest in him leading up to the draft, and maybe they still think he can produce opposite of Alshon Jeffery.

The Eagles have been looking for that deep threat outside receiver to pair with AJ, swinging and missing on both Torrey Smith and Mike Wallace. Ross is only 24 years old, and having Ertz/Jeffery/Agholor take pressure off of him could help unlock his value. DeSean Jackson also came up as another possible option, but he makes $10 million in 2019 and is 32 years old. Many reclamation projects fail miserably, and if Philly did acquire Ross, there’s a good chance that he would amount to nothing. Maybe it’s smarter to go for a known commodity like DJax, or even swing for the fences on Antonio Brown (highly unlikely).

The Eagles aren’t set at the slot position either; Golden Tate is on the way out and Nelson Agholor’s 9.3 million dollar option is a potential problem. Cap space is the main issue, but Howie Roseman has proven to be adept at making the most out of difficult situations.

Assuming the Eagles bring him in, he can be a great weapon for years if he lives up to his draft billing. If not, the Eagles will misfire yet again on a deep threat WR.

-By: Micah Jimoh

Brady’s bunch dominates Patriots All-Time team roster

The recent success of the New England Patriots franchise is because they have talented players at almost all positions on the field. Although stars from the past are scattered throughout the roster, most of the All-Time team spots are taken by players who have made their mark since 2000.

Next: The New York Jets

Coach: I’m not sure which choice is more obvious, here or at quarterback. Bill Belichick overcame his subpar stint as coach of the Browns and the dubious way he joined the Patriots and has turned the franchise into a perennial Super Bowl contender. Under his leadership, New England has amassed a 225-79 record in 19 seasons. The team has won 10 or more games 17 times and made the playoffs in 16 seasons. The Patriots have won 10 straight division titles, played in eight straight AFC Championship Games and have gone 6-2 in the Super Bowl. Others of note: Raymond Berry led New England to its first Super Bowl after the 1985 season and went 48-39 in five seasons. Mike Holovak had a 52-46-9 record and led the Patriots to the AFL Championship Game in 1963, which was the only playoff appearance in their first 16 years of existence. Chuck Fairbanks went 46-39 and made the playoffs twice in six years. Finally, Bill Parcells only had a 32-32 record in four seasons, but he guided New England to the Super Bowl after the 1996 season.

Quarterback: The only question here should be where Tom Brady ranks all-time at the position because he is clearly the starter on this team. He is a six-time Super Bowl champion and in four of those wins, he has been the Most Valuable Player. He has been the NFL MVP three times, won two Offensive Player of the Year Awards, has been selected to 14 Pro Bowls and three All-Pro teams. His 70,514 passing yards are fourth on the all-time list and his 517 touchdowns rank third. The man Brady supplanted after injury, Drew Bledsoe, is the primary backup. Bledsoe led the Pats to Super Bowl XXXI, was selected to three Pro Bowls and threw for 29,657 yards, including a league-leading 4,555 in 1994. Steve Grogan was under center for three playoff teams and his 182 touchdown passes are second in team history. Vito “Babe” Parrilli led the Patriots to the AFL Championship Game in 1963, was a three-time Pro Bowler and an All-Pro in 1964.

Running Back: Hall of Famer Curtis Martin spent only three seasons in New England, but he ran for more than 1,100 yards in all of them. He was the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1995 and made two Pro Bowls. His 3,799 yards and 32 touchdowns both rank fourth in team history. Tony Collins ranks third with 4,647 yards, and he was a part of three playoff teams, including Super Bowl XX. His 1,049 rushing yards in 1983 earned him a Pro Bowl selection. Corey Dillon made the Pro Bowl in 2004 and helped the team win its third Super Bowl. His 37 touchdowns ranks third in team history. John Stephens took over for Collins and ran for 1,168 yards and a Pro Bowl selection in 1988. Kevin Faulk was a jack-of-all-trades on five Super Bowl teams in 12 years. He had more than 3,500 yards both rushing and receiving, and his 4,098 kickoff return yards are the most in team history. Don Calhoun was an undervalued runner who played on two playoff teams in the late 1970s.

Fullback: Jim Nance is second in team history with 5,323 yards, and his 45 touchdowns tops the list. He ran for more than 2,600 yards in 1963 and ’64, earning both Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections in both seasons. Sam Cunningham’s 5,453 yards is the most ever by a Patriot, and his 43 touchdowns ranks second. He earned a Pro Bowl nod in 1978.

Wide Receiver: Stanley Morgan holds a team record with 10,352 yards. His 67 touchdowns rank second and his 534 receptions are fourth. He played in Super Bowl XX and was selected to the Pro Bowl four times. Brady’s favorite target, Wes Welker, caught a team-record 672 passes, and his 7,459 yards are third. He is a five-time Pro Bowl and two-time All-Pro selection. Hall of Famer Randy Moss is tied for third with 50 touchdowns, including 23 in the 2007 season. Others on the team include Irving Fryar, who had 5,726 yards and 38 touchdowns in nine seasons; Jim Colclough, who amassed 5,001 yards and made the Pro Bowl in 1962; Troy Brown, who played in five Super Bowls and made the Pro Bowl in 1999; Julian Edelman, a sure-handed slot receiver with nearly 500 receptions for three Super Bowl winners; Deion Branch, the Super Bowl XXXIX MVP; and Terry Glenn, who made the Pro Bowl in 1999.

Tight End: Rob Gronkowski is one of the most dangerous weapons in this offense with 521 catches, 7,861 catches, and a team-record 79 touchdowns. He has played in five Super Bowls (winning three), and he was a five-time Pro Bowler and a four-time All-Pro selection. Ben Coates’ 50 touchdowns are tied with Moss for third on the team’s all-time list. He made five Pro Bowls, two All-Pro teams and played in Super Bowl XXXI. Russ Francis was Grogan’s safety valve, catching 28 scoring passes and making three Pro Bowls.

Tackle: Bruce Armstrong was as solid as a left tackle could be. He played in six Pro Bowls and started 212 games in 14 seasons, including every game over his final eight seasons. On the right side, Tom Neville made six straight Pro Bowls and was an All-Pro in 1963. The backups are Matt Light, a three-time Pro Bowler, and 2007 All-Pro and Shelby Jordan, a starter on three playoff teams in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s.

Guard: Hall of Famer John Hannah is an easy call on the left side. He made nine Pro Bowls (including eight straight), to go along with seven All-Pro selections. His final game was Super Bowl XX. On the right is Len St. Jean, who played 10 seasons with the Patriots and made the Pro Bowl in 1966. Behind them are six-time Pro Bowler and 2010 All-Pro Logan Mankins, three-time Pro Bowler and 2007 All-Pro Matt Light and Sam Adams, a starter on two playoff teams.

Center: Jon Morris made seven straight Pro Bowls and was an All-Pro in 1966. Backing him up will be Dan Koppen, a two-time champion and 2007 Pro Bowler, and Bill Lenkaitis, a stalwart in the 1970s.

Defensive End: Rob Ninkovich was an edge rusher on three Super Bowl teams. His 46 career sacks include eight each in 2012-14. Willie McGinest starts on the other end. He played in four Super Bowls and two Pro Bowls and had 78 sacks, including four seasons with nine or more. Behind them are five-time Pro Bowler, three-time All-Pro and three-time Super Bowl champion Richard Seymour, along with Larry Eisenhauer, who made four Pro Bowls and three All-Pro teams in the 1960s, Julius Adams, a 1980 Pro Bowler and Brent Williams, a 1986 All-Rookie Team selection.

Defensive Tackle: The Patriots have been success using both the 3-4 and 4-3 defensive fronts, but there are quite a few stellar linebackers so for this list, we will go with a 3-4. Jim Lee Hunt and Houston Antwine were both stars in the 1960s, with Antwine making six straight Pro Bowls and being named an All-Pro in 1963 on the right side and Hunt being named to four Pro Bowls on the left. However, the starter will be Vince Wilfork, a road-grader who made five Pro Bowls, was an All-Pro in 2012 and appeared in four Super Bowls.

Outside Linebacker: Two NFL greats will start here. Hall of Famer Andre Tippett mans the left side. He appeared in five straight Pro Bowls, was named an All-Pro twice, and his team-record 100 sacks includes 18.5 in 1984 and 16.5 the following year. Tedy Bruschi played in five Super Bowls, was a Pro Bowler in 2004 and registered 100 or more tackles five times. Behind them are Tom Addison, a four-time Pro Bowler and 1961 All-Pro; Chris Slade, who made the 1997 Pro Bowl and had 51 sacks; and Larry McGrew, a starter in Super Bowl XX.

Inside Linebacker: Mike Vrabel played in four Super Bowls and was both a Pro Bowler and All-Pro in 2007 after registering 12.5 sacks. Ted Johnson started four Super Bowls and had four seasons with 90 or more tackles. The backups include Hall of Famer Nick Buoniconti, who was a five-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro with 24 interceptions in Boston; Steve Nelson started for five playoff teams and made three Pro Bowls, and Vincent Brown made 100 or more tackles five times in eight seasons.

Cornerback: The team record of 36 interceptions is held by both starters at this spot. Hall of Famer Ty Law played in four Super Bowls and four Pro Bowls and was a two-time All-Pro. Raymond Clayborn was named to three Pro Bowls. Maurice Hurst had 27 interceptions and made the All-Rookie Team in 1989; Hall of Famer Mike Haynes made five straight Pro Bowls and was the 1976 Defensive Rookie of the Year; Ronnie Lippett had eight of his 24 interceptions in 1986, and Don Webb made the Pro Bowl in 1969.

Safety: Lawyer Milloy is a strong safety. He played in two Super Bowls and four Pro Bowls and was an All-Pro in 1999. The free safety is Fred Marion, who played in both the Pro Bowl and Super Bowl XX after the 1985 season and had 29 interceptions. The backups include Ron Hall, who made the Pro Bowl in 1963, then was an All-Pro the following season after picking off 11 passes, and Roland James, who had three or more interceptions five times during the 1980s.

Kicker: Stephen Gostkowski has played in six Super Bowls and was selected to four Pro Bowls and two All-Pro teams. His 1,743 points include 12 seasons with 100 or more and five times leading the league. Adam Vinatieri has 10 seasons with 100 or more points as part of his 1,158 in total. He played in four Super Bowls and was a three-time Pro Bowler and a two-time All-Pro. Gino Cappelletti was a five-time Pro Bowler, led the AFL in scoring five times and was also a star receiver in the 1960s.

Punter: Rich Camarillo has a 42.6-yard average over seven seasons and made the Pro Bowl in 1983. Ryan Allen needs one more good season to occupy this spot.

Returners: Faulk is the main kick returner, with 1996 Pro Bowl selection David Meggett capable on both kickoffs and punts. Edelman returned four punts for touchdowns and Brown and Fryar each had three scores.

Special Teams: Matthew Slater made seven straight Pro Bowls, played in five Super Bowls and was an All-Pro in 2016.

-By: Kevin Rakas