After Kansas City’s 31-20 victory over San Francisco, my selfish feelings settle in as now it’s officially draft season. With all the college football all-star games fresh on the mind, mock drafts currently have a little more substance to them than a couple months ago.
Quarterback buzz is growing and this wide receiver group is talented but when does the first one go? Find all the selections below to wet your appetite and then later proceed to your casual NFL Draft conversations at the bar.
| 1. CINCINNATI BENGALS (2-14) |
||
 |
||
| JOE BURROW |
||
| QB // LSU // 6-4 // 216 | ||
| Not much needs to be said here. Joe Burrow put a bow on maybe the best college football season ever after his 60-touchdown season. The Ohio native brings a confident vibe to a team that doesn’t lack the personnel to be a candidate for comeback team of the year in 2020. Burrow has the potential to wake up a very talented receiving corps. |
| 2. WASHINGTON REDSKINS (3-13) |
||
 |
||
| CHASE YOUNG |
||
| DE // Ohio State // 6-5 // 265 | ||
| Even though Washington addressed Preston Smith’s vacancy in last year’s offseason with a first round selection in Montez Sweat, don’t for one second think the front office will lean in a different direction here. You can’t have too many first round defensive linemen (see: San Francisco). Chase Young is a near flawless prospect with the physical makeup of an All-Pro. |
| 3. DETROIT LIONS (3-12-1) |
||
 |
||
| ISAIAH SIMMONS |
||
| LB/UTIL // Clemson // 6-4 // 230 | ||
| Detroit has tried to stress its linebacker unit in recent drafts but no player seems to stand out enough to be satisfied. The likelihood of Isaiah Simmons going at No. 3 is probably unlikely but don’t think that the pick wouldn’t make sense. Simmons would be an ideal candidate to play matchup-specific coverage similar to how Matt Patricia used Patrick Chung in New England, among others. |
| 4. NEW YORK GIANTS (4-12) |
||
 |
||
| JEDRICK WILLS JR. |
||
| OT // Alabama // 6-5 // 320 | ||
| Weeks ago, we pretty much got wave that Dave Gettleman showed his hand on what he was going to do at Pick 4. However, the actual player selection is still up in the air. Wanting to run the ball consistently up the gut, Jedrick Wills Jr. is a perfect fit for the identity of the Giants. Wills is the type of consistency you want protecting and accentuating the skills of your young foundation pieces. |
| 5. MIAMI DOLPHINS (5-11) |
||
 |
||
| TUA TAGOVAILOA |
||
| QB // Alabama // 6-1 // 218 | ||
| Prove the naysayers wrong by winning five games and throwing any idea of tanking out the window and still ending up with your guy at quarterback? What a haul that is for Miami. Though Tua Tagovailoa now comes with more injury baggage, the talent and potential is still very much present. This is a no-brainer for Miami unless some offseason movement occurs, which is doubtful. |
| 6. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (5-11) |
||
 |
||
| JUSTIN HERBERT |
||
| QB // Oregon // 6-6 // 227 | ||
| It’s not hard to put all the signs together that Philip Rivers will not be in Los Angeles much longer. With a recent extension to Anthony Lynn’s contract, the front office trusts the process of him moving forward with a new quarterback. Justin Herbert has all the physical tools to turn into an all-star caliber quarterback. He comes with his flaws and inconsistencies, but has the mental makeup and strong receiving unit to showcase his potential in Year 1. |
| 7. CAROLINA PANTHERS (5-11) |
||
 |
||
| JEFF OKUDAH |
||
| CB // Ohio State // 6-1 // 200 | ||
| Carolina has had major problems finding consistency at cornerback since Josh Norman’s departure in 2016. Though Donte Jackson has held his own, the Panthers need to find a consistent boundary corner to lock up the giant receivers in their division. Jeff Okudah is an instant upgrade on the outside with mirroring abilities and great speed to defend the whole field. |
| 8. ARIZONA CARDINALS (5-10-1) |
||
 |
||
| CEEDEE LAMB |
||
| WR // Oklahoma // 6-2 // 195 | ||
| Depending on how the board falls, Arizona has reasons to address either offensive line or receiver at No. 8. Seemingly having the best wide receiver available for the taking — who is also a former teammate of Kyler Murray — is a hard case to make against. CeeDee Lamb’s ability to stretch the field, operate in the short areas of the field and having the chance to score at any part of the field is something Kliff Kingsbury will have a hard time passing up. |
| 9. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (6-10) |
||
 |
||
| JERRY JEUDY |
||
| WR // Alabama // 6-1 // 192 | ||
| DJ Chark blossomed into a star in Jacksonville and the timing was perfect. Despite his WR1 status, another wideout is needed as the drop off is steep after him. Jerry Jeudy’s dynamic ability to win at every area of the field is exactly what Jacksonville needs: a chess piece at wideout to be utilized in a stale offense. |
| 10. CLEVELAND BROWNS (6-10) |
||
 |
||
| ANDREW THOMAS |
||
| OT // Georgia // 6-5 // 320 | ||
| Chris Hubbard was a near liability last season and Greg Robinson was fine but probably won’t re-sign. Cleveland must get better upfront in order to take that next step forward. In a hit-you-in-the-mouth type offense at Georgia, Andrew Thomas brings that toughness and physical nature to continue to press Nick Chubb’s physical running nature. Thomas’ consistent pass pro gives Baker Mayfield a clean pocket to work in. |
| 11. NEW YORK JETS (7-9) |
||
 |
||
| HENRY RUGGS III |
||
| WR // Alabama // 6-0 // 190 | ||
| Statistically, Sam Darnold had a fine year hitting the 3,000-yard mark and just a toss shy of 20 touchdowns. And even with the group of receivers being slightly above average last season, the Jets are still long overdue for an upgrade in that unit. Henry Ruggs provides world class speed and the nuances to be a consistent and comfortable target for Darnold. New York must take advantage of this strong receiver class early in the draft with its opportunity to grab one of the top dogs. |
| 12. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (7-9) |
||
 |
||
| DERRICK BROWN |
||
| DT // Auburn // 6-5 // 318 | ||
| Oakland has hit on some players across the defensive line in Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden’s short stay thus far. With its move to Las Vegas, (host city for the 2020 NFL Draft) the front office needs to make a splash. That splash could be one of the best players in the class falling in their lap. Derrick Brown is a powerful interior presence that dominates in both facets of the game. His prowess and athleticism would provide a beautiful complement to Maurice Hurst. |
| 13. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (7-9) |
||
 |
||
| JAVON KINLAW |
||
| DT // South Carolina // 6-5 // 315 | ||
| Indianapolis’ defensive line isn’t lacking but it needs a splash. Javon Kinlaw adds just that. His length and power has dominating potential at the 3-tech which is often used in passing situations in Indy’s game plan. With heavy rushing offenses in the division, Kinlaw’s length and physical presence is a near dire need for the Colts. |
| 14. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (7-9) |
||
 |
||
| TRISTAN WIRFS |
||
| OT // Iowa // 6-5 // 322 | ||
| Though one can’t blame all of Jameis Winston’s mishaps on pressure, it didn’t help that the Tampa OL surrendered 106 QB hits and gave up 47 sacks last season. To achieve the epitome of Bruce Arians’ aerial, vertical attack, the front office must address its tackle situation. Tristan Wirfs is as consistent as they come: a balanced pass protector with long limbs and swift feet. His dominating run presence is a major plus. |
| 15. DENVER BRONCOS (7-9) |
||
 |
||
| MEKHI BECTON |
||
| OT // Louisville // 6-7 // 369 | ||
| Drew Lock shined in his few games last season and finding consistent protection for him is John Elway’s next task. Garett Bolles is too inconsistent to count on at left tackle which provides another opportunity for Denver to select one in Round 1. Mekhi Becton is a powerful, bully of a run blocker with potential to be a smooth pass protector. His mass, strength and mobility checks plenty of the key boxes when searching for a blindside protector. |
| 16. ATLANTA FALCONS (7-9) |
||
 |
||
| K’LAVON CHAISSON |
||
| EDGE // LSU // 6-4 // 250 | ||
| From Week 1 to the final kickoff of the college football season, there aren’t many more players in this year’s crop to improve as much as K’Lavon Chaisson did. Returning from an injury last year, and having only glimpses of consistent pass-rush moves, Chaisson showcased his attractive potential this fall. Atlanta struggled mightily to get to the quarterback a year ago and should take the best pass rusher with this pick. Others to consider: AJ Epenesa, Yetur Gross-Matos and Curtis Weaver. |
| 17. DALLAS COWBOYS (8-8) |
||
 |
||
| XAVIER MCKINNEY |
||
| SAF // Alabama // 6-1 // 200 | ||
| Dallas had inconsistencies in the secondary spread out throughout the entire season. Some were due to injuries; some were due to poor play. Xavier McKinney is one of the more versatile players in the draft. His skillset provides him to be utilized in a multitude of ways with creative ways to match up. |
| 18. MIAMI DOLPHINS *from Pittsburgh (8-8) |
||
 |
||
| KRISTIAN FULTON |
||
| CB // LSU // 6-0 // 200 | ||
| Naturally, when receiving this pick from Pittsburgh for Minkah Fitzpatrick, the first reaction is to select a cornerback. It’s hard to shy away from that idea. Kristian Fulton is the purest cover corner in this class — and, yes, that’s including Okudah. A Xavien Howard (assuming he returns to full strength) and Fulton combination gives Miami an incredible duo in the secondary. |
| 19. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS *from Chicago (8-8) |
||
 |
||
| KENNETH MURRAY |
||
| LB // Oklahoma // 6-2 // 243 | ||
| Let’s attack it head on: Oakland’s linebackers were not good last season. Yet, somehow, they supported a strong rush defense with splash plays from Will Compton. Despite some victories within the unit, the group must be upgraded as soon as possible. Kenneth Murray adds sideline to sideline speed and consistent traits as a run defender with impressive vision and recognition. |
| 20. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS *from LA Rams (8-8) |
||
 |
||
| CJ HENDERSON |
||
| CB // Florida // 6-1 // 202 | ||
| With the pick Jacksonville got for Jalen Ramsey, it has to use it on his replacement, right? Assuming the Jaguars don’t address the obvious need with their first round pick, they will have a handful of solid corners at the back end of the first round. CJ Henderson’s overall tackling consistency is his biggest knock but his coverage skills are solid along with his movement skills. Jacksonville would be silly not to take advantage of snagging Henderson here. |
| 21. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (9-7) |
||
 |
||
| TEE HIGGINS |
||
| WR // Clemson // 6-4 // 210 | ||
| It seems as each of the past, say, four years a primary draft need for Philadelphia is a wide receiver. That holds true this time around, as well. The Nelson Agholor saga continues to fester. DeSean Jackson’s injury theme is a status quo. Same with Alshon Jeffery. JJ Arcega-Whiteside has potential, but only as a WR3 with separation limitations. Tee Higgins fills a much needed void. His ability to stretch the field, win underneath and battle in physical contests gives Philadelphia a sense of satisfaction on Day 1 of the draft. |
| 22. BUFFALO BILLS (10-6) |
||
 |
||
| LAVISKA SHENAULT JR. |
||
| WR // Colorado // 6-2 // 220 | ||
| Many Buffalo wide receivers took steps forward a year ago but given their skillset, they may have reached their ceiling. Finding more pieces to make Josh Allen comfortable — which is a big must — should start with Brandon Beane’s first selection despite some needs on the defensive front. Laviska Sheanult provides a fun skillset that cannot be pigeonholed. His versatility and aggressive demeanor gives Buffalo, and the NFL, something different. |
| 23. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (12-4) |
||
 |
||
| MARLON DAVIDSON |
||
| DE // Auburn // 6-3 // 297 | ||
| New England was a productive pass-rushing team last season but finding a more consistent stalwart upfront should be on the agenda this offseason. Marlon Davidson put on some extra (good) weight making him a versatile fit in any system. His versatility across a multitude of alignments on the defensive line gives New England a chess piece upfront. |
| 24. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (13-3) |
||
 |
||
| JORDAN LOVE |
||
| QB // Utah State // 6-3 // 223 | ||
| Rumors or not, Drew Brees’ time is coming to an end in New Orleans (I think). Whether he sticks around for another season or hangs his hat up, New Orleans has to begin looking for the next man up. Regardless of what Sean Payton said, Taysom Hill is not a franchise quarterback. Jordan Love may not be either but with all the physical tools, athleticism and ability to consistently spray the ball down the field, it’s hard to make a case that Payton would not be a fan of the Utah State senior. |
| 25. MINNESOTA VIKINGS (10-6) |
||
 |
||
| TREVON DIGGS |
||
| CB // Alabama // 6-2 // 207 | ||
| Despite his late addition to the Pro Bowl, Xavier Rhodes has dipped in play and Minnesota has an upcoming decision on Trae Waynes’ contract situation. A long, physical corner that can run has become the norm in Minnesota’s secondary and that is exactly what Trevon Diggs provides. Diggs has island capabilities which should be the direction Minnesota is looking in. |
| 26. MIAMI DOLPHINS *from Houston (10-6) |
||
 |
||
| AJ EPENESA |
||
| DE // Iowa // 6-5 // 280 | ||
| A strong, agile defensive end presence fits the exact mold Miami needs in its 3-4 front. AJ Epenesa’s frame matches the qualification and his athleticism, pass rush toolkit and consistency on all three downs gives Miami a foundation piece upfront alongside 2019 first round pick Christian Wilkins. |
| 27. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (11-5) |
||
 |
||
| JALEN REAGOR |
||
| WR // TCU // 5-11 // 195 | ||
| Though Seattle’s need for receiver isn’t as great as once thought, Jalen Reagor would be a nice complement to an already strong one-two punch with Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf. |
| 28. BALTIMORE RAVENS (14-2) |
||
 |
||
| YETUR GROSS-MATOS |
||
| DE // Penn State // 6-5 // 265 | ||
| Even though some dominating defensive performances this season, Baltimore ranked 21st in total sacks (37). Finding consistent edge pressure is high on Baltimore’s priority list this offseason and not having much cash to throw around in free agency, the need will most likely be focused on in the draft. Yetur Gross-Matos took a dramatic step forward in his pass-rushing arsenal showing more creativity and consistency in his upper-body movements. He matches the prototype of what Baltimore yearns for this offseason. |
| 29. TENNESSEE TITANS (9-7) |
||
 |
||
| JOSH JONES |
||
| OT // Houston // 6-5 // 311 | ||
| Opting not to buy into Jack Conklin’s future with his injury-riddled start to his career, Tennessee will look to address the right tackle at some point in this draft. Despite having all 45 career starts at left tackle, Josh Jones’ athleticism and size provides a comforting partner for Taylor Lewan on the bookends. It may not be a home run fit scheme wise, but Jones is the top tackle left on the board and Tennessee cannot afford to gamble on one later in the draft. |
| 30. GREEN BAY PACKERS (13-3) |
||
 |
||
| BRANDON AIYUK |
||
| WR // Arizona State // 6-1 // 206 | ||
| Outside of Davante Adams (83 catches, 996 yards), the Packers struggled to find consistency at the receiver position. Shoring up a second option at wideout is a must. The second most productive receiver this past season, Allen Lazard, ranked second in yards but fifth in receptions. Brandon Aiyuk provides the appropriate complement to Adams and is an electrifying yards after the catch specimen that Green Bay badly needs. |
| 31. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (13-3) |
||
 |
||
| GRANT DELPIT |
||
| SAF // LSU // 6-3 // 203 | ||
| Grant Delpit was a surefire top 10 pick entering the season but with his overall tackling concerns, his stock slipped. San Francisco is happy to have an above average safety fall into their laps this late in the process. Jimmie Ward is an unrestricted free agent and snagging Delpit with its first round selection, should satisfy San Francisco. |
| 32. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (12-4) |
||
 |
||
| JK DOBBINS |
||
| RB // Ohio State // 5-10 // 215 | ||
| Despite a strong rushing performance in the Super Bowl, Kansas City should still be eyeing a consistent No. 1 running back in the backfield. JK Dobbins fits the mold of a shifty back that has experience toting the ball in a zone blocking scheme. His receiving ability should be icing on the cake for Kansas City. |
*all photos are from ESPN or the official athletic site of the player’s school.
0 Comments