Seven-round mock drafts are similar to a pitch of a TV series to a network executive. We see the characters and the general plot, but the details will be worked out when the final scripts are written.
Trades and surprising selections are the plot twists that make the NFL draft -- the final script, in this case -- the marquee event of the offseason.
In my final mock of 2019, I've projected some selections that may be off the beaten path, as well as five first-round trades. The order of the other six rounds are kept as scheduled, except for the selections exchanged in the projected Round 1 trades.
As always this time of year, keep in mind that there might be developments over the next several days leading up to the draft -- be it a trade or some other information about a prospect -- that changes the outlook for how things could play out.
I root for surprises during the draft to make things interesting, but here's one 254-pick road map of how the 2019 NFL Draft (April 25-27) may play out.
To see every pick each team holds in the 2019 NFL Draft, click here.
Round 2
Brown's 166-pound frame may scare teams off in the first round, but as a comparison, former second-round pick DeSean Jackson weighed 169 pounds in Indy coming out of Cal in 2008.
Andrew Luck is thrilled after the team lands a receiver who can work all parts of the field.
PROJECTED TRADE WITH RAIDERS. Bolstering the secondary should be a priority for San Francisco, and Savage's versatility and toughness would be a nice fit.
Harry's a size-speed prospect who wins in the red zone, something the team needs after trading Odell Beckham, Jr.
McGary's a similar player to Braden Smith, who solidified the right tackle spot for the Colts in 2018 as a second-round pick.
Peyton Barber re-signed for one year, but he isn't the all-purpose threat that Sanders is, and Ronald Jones disappointed in Year 1. Bruce Arians, who coached David Johnson in Arizona, will be happy to have a versatile back in his offense.
The Bills hope Kevin Johnson can stay healthy in 2019 but they hedge their bets with Oruwariye, a future outside partner for Tre'Davious White.
Campbell's speed gives the Bengals a nice third option with A.J. Green and Tyler Boyd drawing the opposition's best corners.
Rapp is a nice replacement for Glover Quin in the Lions' secondary because of his instincts and leadership qualities.
The Packers are thrilled to find a quality leader and athlete available at a need position in the mid-second round.
I won't be surprised if GM Thomas Dimitroff moves up in the second round to get a pass-rush stud like Winovich.
Washington is in quarterback purgatory right now, with the future of Alex Smith unclear and the acquisition of Case Keenum only a band-aid solution. Finley's going to be a solid NFL quarterback, even if he does not rise to elite-starter level.
Thornhill will pair with Eric Reid to make a formidable safety duo for years to come.
The powerful and agile Howard plugs into the Dolphins' open right tackle spot, vacated by Ja'Wuan James.
Cornerback is a major area of need for the Browns, so Ya-Sin's unwillingness to back down from any receiver will give him a shot to start right away.
Hooker will join Harrison Smith to form a talented safety tandem for the Vikings.
Collier's a powerful player who will step in at defensive end for the Titans as a rookie.
Guys like Josh Jackson and Isaiah Oliver ended up lasting well into the second round in 2018, and Williams is the top-tier CB prospect who could very well be available in Round 2 this year.
Philly signed Rodney McLeod to a one-year deal after he missed all but three games of the 2018 season due to injury, but Gardner-Johnson offers versatility and will eventually start for the Eagles.
Sternberger has become a favorite of scouts for his hands and ability to run past linebackers and safeties.
It is not unusual for teams to use two early picks at cornerback if their need is dire. The Texans take advantage of value here in selecting Love to join Baker, their first-round pick, in the secondary.
Allen's a high-motor edge player who's able to line up across from tackles or off their outside shoulder.
Wilson's experience in Alabama's defense should help him step in to replace Jordan Hicks early on.
Harris is a nice fit behind Zeke, as he can take the load off in third-down situations because of his catching ability and pass protection skills.
Clayton Geathers was re-signed to a one-year deal, but Adderley is the team's future starter next to 2017 first-round pick Malik Hooker.
Tillery's labrum injury may push him down boards a bit, but he'll be a steal for the Chargers, who have a huge need on the defensive interior.
Johnson gives the Chiefs the size and length that they need at cornerback.
Drew Brees is going to love throwing to this guy, as he is as competitive as any receiver prospect we've seen enter the draft in recent years.
Tyreek Hill's status could be affected by the outcome of an ongoing police investigation into alleged battery of a juvenile in which Hill may be involved. Kansas City could look to Hardman's electric after-the-catch and return ability.
William's slow 40-yard dash times probably won't hurt his stock too much. New England must add youth to the secondary in this draft.
Follow Chad Reuter on Twitter _@chadreuter_.
