1. Cincinnati Bengals – QB Joe Burrow – LSU
The Bengals were a special team this year, and not in a good way. While at times they showed flashes of being better than their record suggests, the were really bad. The Andy Dalton ship has sailed and while Cincinnati has a more pressing needs than another QB, its hard to pass up on one who had what may be the greatest season for a college QB ever. From day one Burrow would be slated as the starting QB and would be tasked with doing the unthinkable – winning a playoff game for Cincinnati.
2. Washington Redskins – DE Chase Young – Ohio St
By now I’m sure you’ve heard the comparison to the Bosa Brothers and how Young is better than both of them. When I first heard the comparison, I thought it was crazy because the Bosa’s are incredibly talented. Then I watched Chase Young play. Even though he falls to the 2ndpick, Chase Young enters this draft in my opinion as far and away the best player on the board. This kid has the ability to absolutely disrupt games and should continue to do so for Ron Rivera in DC.
3. Los Angeles Chargers – TRADE – QB Justin Herbert – Oregon
We have our first trade of the draft, although probably one that most wouldn’t think. Most people have gone back and forth on which QB is going first Tua or Herbert, I think it’s Herbert who teams find more valuable. Phillip Rivers was very good for the Chargers, but he has moved on. Herbert is the long-term replacement. Herbert has tremendous arm talent, is smart, and has mobility for when the pocket collapses. LA sends the 6thpick, a 3rdand a day 3 pick to ensure that they get the man of the future and with multiple needs Detroit gladly adds more picks to address them.
4. New York Giants – OT Tristian Wirfs – Iowa
The Giants showed promise last season. Obviously promise only goes so far, but despite all the criticism they got for the first pick last year, Daniel Jones looked like he could be the future at QB for the Giants. The problem for Jones and Saquon Barkley however is the Offensive Line. While 1 O-Lineman won’t fix the problem, it’s a start. Wirfs will immediately slide Nate Soldier from Left Tackle to Right Tackle. The Giants use their 1stpick in the draft to select offense for the 4thyear in a row as Wirfs will be relied upon to protect the last two in Jones and Barkley.
5. Miami Dolphins – QB Tua Tagovailoa – Alabama
Remember before the 2019 season when everyone was talking about how the Dolphins were tanking for Tua. Well somehow the Dolphins managed to make trades to acquire 2 picks in addition to this one, win 5 games, and somehow walk away with the QB they’ve dreamed of for an entire season. While there are definitely questions surrounding Tua’s hip and injury history, when he’s healthy Tua has elite talent. Assuming he can find the durability that eluded him at Alabama, Tua has a chance to help change the culture in Miami.
6. Detroit Lions – TRADE – CB Jeff Okuduh – Ohio St
As we mentioned earlier when the trade was announced, Detroit has many needs. One of those became more noticeable when they trade Darius Slay to Philly. While they signed Desmond Trufant, it’s hard to pass on a corner who was as elite as Okuduh at Ohio St. At Ohio St the kid committed 0 penalties. 0 Penalties! That’s insane for a cornerback in today’s game. While the NFL game and NCAA game are different and he won’t be surrounded by one of the best defenses in the league, Okuduh will immediately fill the hole left by the Slay trade.
7. Carolina Panthers – DEF Isaiah Simmons – Clemson
DEF stands for Defense, and while that’s not a position, that’s how to describe Isaiah Simmons. Simmons can play a little bit of everything it feels like. The Panthers have a need at linebacker after Luke Kuechly retired and they have a need at safety after releasing Eric Reid. Well thankfully for Carolina, Simmons can play both linebacker spots, safety, and even cornerback. At 6’4” 230 lbs., Simmons is an athletic freak running a 4.3 40-yard dash. Carolina gets a steal at 7.
8. Arizona Cardinals – OT Mekhi Becton – Louisville
The Cardinals pulled off the steal of the offseason after acquiring the best receiver in the NFL, in DeAndre Hopkins. For those keeping score that means the Cardinals weapons now in include, Kyler Murray, Kenyon Drake, Nuk, Larry Fitzgerald, Christian Kirk, and Charles Clay. The only problem left to address is the O-line. While its improved from a season ago, the Cardinals need stability for Murray to consistently utilize these weapons. Becton proved at the combine to be an athlete and could be an anchor at either Right or Left Tackle for the foreseeable future.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars – DT Derrick Brown – Auburn
The Jaguars are in the process of beginning a rebuild, as we’ve seen with trading away Jalen Ramsey, Calais Campbell, and AJ Bouye to dismantle the Sacksonville era. Additionally, the speculation is that Yannick Ngakoue will be traded as well. While the Jaguars need some weapons for Minshew-mania to truly begin, they need to fill in some of the holes left by these trades. Derrick Brown isn’t a guy who stands out on film, but he does exactly what he is supposed to as an interior D-lineman. Brown stands his ground and fills his gap and does plays with a high motor. Brown will come in and help lead the rebuild in Jacksonville.
10. Cleveland Browns – OT Jedrick Wills – Alabama
The Browns have weapons on offense, and the defense, while not great is capable of winning a few games for them. The issue last season came from the lack of protection for Baker Mayfield. That is where Wills comes in; the Browns committed to the offensive line in free agency signing former Titan Jack Conklin to a 3-year, $42 million deal. Wills would play opposite Conklin and ideally provide Mayfield the time to utilize the plethora of weapons the Browns currently have.
11. New York Jets – WR Jerry Jeudy – Alabama
It’s hard to believe that the Jets managed to win enough games to be picking this far back. For those of you who recall, the highlight to the season was how their franchise QB was seeing ghosts. The Jets defense is not terrible, not great, but you can find worse. The offense though is not good. 2018 1strounder Sam Darnold has shown glimpses of being a good QB and Le’Veon Bell is still decent. Aside from that its really bad, last year’s WR #1, Robby Anderson, is now with Carolina and while the O-Line could used improved, they need someone for Darnold to throw to. Now there is debate as to whether Lamb or Jeudy is better, I think Jeudy is the fit. Jeudy isn’t the fastest WR in the draft, but Jeudy proved in college he can play. Jeudy finished college with more yards and touchdowns than former Bama player Julio Jones! Jeudy should instantly make this receiver room better and help take this offense to the next level.
12. Las Vegas Raiders – WR CeeDee Lamb – Oklahoma
I said mentioned with the Jets that there is debate for best receiver, and we see why a pick later. Either way neither receiver makes it very far. The Raiders passing attack last year was pitiful to watch. Whether or not you think Carr is the issue, the WR core leaves little to be desired. While the motto for years for the Raiders has been speed kills, which would point to Henry Ruggs III. But I don’t think fits the need. With the move to Las Vegas coming, the Raiders need a WR who can be the #1 guy from day one. That is CeeDee Lamb the man can flat out play and the more I watch Lamb play, the more I’m think that the fit in Vegas would be a match made in Heaven.
13. San Francisco 49ers (via IND) – WR Henry Ruggs III – Alabama
Wide receiver 3 picks in a row? Yes. But why not fill the hole left by the DeForest Buckner trade with Javon Kinlaw? Because of this past Super Bowl. The 49ers have arguably one of the most valuable pass catchers in the league with George Kittle, but outside of that they don’t have much. And after watching Tyreek Hill go for 9 catches and 109 years, the 49ers look to find their own version of Hill in Henry Ruggs III. While I still have doubts about Ruggs being a #1 receiver, him and Deebo Samuel would seem to be viable options alongside George Kittle.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – OT Andrew Thomas – Georgia
The most talked about team this offseason, Tampa Bay seems to have the pieces to be competitive in the NFC South. And no, I am not one of those people who thinks that Tom Brady instantly makes them a Super Bowl threat. But I think that Tampa does have a chance to make a playoff run. The one thing the offense needs is protection for Brady and someone to help the run game. Andrew Thomas has consistently been projected as a 1strounder for over a year now. Thomas would need to be a contributor right away and I think he might be the most pro ready Offensive Lineman on the board.
15. Denver Broncos – CB CJ Henderson – Florida
There are so many ways this pick could go. The Broncos liked what they saw in the small sample size from Drew Lock and are set at RB with Melvin Gordon and Phillip Lindsey. Edge rusher is another place they are set with Von Miller, Bradley Chubb, and newly acquired Jurrell Casey. While the Broncos seem to have needs at WR#2, Offensive Line, and Linebacker, letting Chris Harris walk to division rival Los Angeles needs addressed. Henderson is a big corner who is fast and has incredible ball skills. Henderson replaces Harris and takes on a big role on day 1.
16. Baltimore Ravens – TRADE – DT Javon Kinlaw – South Carolina
I contemplated leaving the Falcons here to make this pick but the fit just doesn’t seen to be there in my mind. Baltimore however has a need for and interior presence. With Matthew Judon, Calais Campbell, and Derek Wolfe providing an outside rush, the Ravens need a dominant player inside to take that next step as a team. Kinlaw worked his way up draft boards since the season ended and after watching his tape, the man stands out. While his stats might not match the film, Kinlaw has a high motor and with dominant players around him, just needs to do his job to free those players up to get to the QB. To get Kinlaw, Baltimore trades pick #28 and its 3rdand 4throunders which allows the Falcons to try and fill several holes with much needed youth.
17. Dallas Cowboys – CB Trevon Diggs – Alabama
As much as I hate to say it, the Cowboys seemed to be poised to make some noise last season. Needless to say, that didn’t happen. While they could be in the market for another WR to give Dak more weapons, they also just lost one of the better cornerbacks in the league in Byron Jones. In a passing league, teams have found out you need good corners to win. Diggs is a 6’2” shutdown corner who the Cowboys should utilize as the shadow man for every teams’ best receivers. As for the need for pass-catchers, this class is loaded with talent they can get later.
18. Miami Dolphins (via PIT) – S Grant Delpit – LSU
Most people from what I have seen, have the Dolphins selecting Offensive Tackle Josh Jones with this pick. But I don’t see Miami reaching to get him here. Instead they nab Grant Delpit. Delpit seems to have slipped down the boards over the course of the year, but I still believe that he is a top 5 talent in this draft. After trading away Minkah Fitzpatrick for this pick, Delpit in my opinion has the potential to be better than Fitzpatrick. I know what you are thinking, why is he so low on the boards then? Well his numbers did dip from Junior to Senior year but watching the film this dude always seems to be in the right spot at the right time.
19. Las Vegas Raiders (via CHI) – CB Kriston Fulton – LSU
This pick was difficult to decide on. If you would have asked me before Free Agency this pick would have been LB Kenneth Murray from Oklahoma. But the Raiders improved significantly at LB signing Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski, and while they could maybe use another, they need to find the Corner opposite the 2ndrounder pick from last year, Trayvon Mullen. While Fulton still seems raw, he has the potential to become a #1 CB in Vegas and should stand to help a much-improved defense for the Raiders.
20. Jacksonville Jaguars (via LAR) – OT Austin Jackson – USC
Although Jacksonville still has needs on defense, they also have some needs for their new starting QB. As I mentioned earlier, Minshew-mania is taking over. While grabbing Jawaan Taylor in round 2 a year ago solidified the RT position, LT is a major question mark. Cam Robinson is in the final year of his contract and is at his best an average tackle. While Austin Jackson may seem like a stretch, especially with Josh Jones still on the board, I believe Jackson is more ready to make the leap to the next level from day 1.
21. Philadelphia Eagles – WR Tee Higgins – Clemson
It’s no secret the Eagles are looking to upgrade at WR. They finally moved on from Nelson Agholor and the rest of the WR’s on the roster are average at best. Now personally I’m still not entirely sold on the idea of Tee Higgins as a #1 receiver, he far and away the best WR on the board. Higgins had an outstanding career at Clemson and on paper appears to be ready to make the jump. My concern is, while his numbers are great, the ACC competition was not so much.
22. Seattle Seahawks – TRADE (via MIN-BUF) – Edge K’Lavon Chaisson – LSU
The Vikings acquired this pick from Buffalo in the Stefon Diggs trade. I believe their hope is the Higgins falls to them here, unfortunately they are just 1 pick to late. However, Seattle really needs an Edge presence, so they trade pick #27, #64, and a 6throunder to Minnesota who takes the extra picks and think up a new plan. Seattle traded for Jadeveon Clowney before this season and that didn’t have the effects that they had hoped. K’Lavon Chaisson is explosive off the edge and could help restore some of the fire and intensity that Seattle has been missing for a few years. The one thing knock against Chaisson is that he only weighs 240 lbs. and would be going up against 300 pounders on every play.
23. New England Patriots – QB Jordan Love – Utah St
Wow, what an offseason it has been for the New England Patriots. I’ll talk about Tom in a sec. New England lost Jamie Collins, Kyle Van Noy, Danny Shelton, Ted Karras, Elandon Roberts, and Duron Harmon. However, the dynasty took its biggest hit when Tom Brady left. With that being said Jarrett Stidham is not the heir apparent to Tom Brady. A lot of people are very high on Jordan Love, but I don’t quite see him as a top talent. I see Jordan Love as a Dan Marino type prospect, and no I’m not saying he will be the next Dan Marino. I compare the 2 because in the case of both players, their numbers got worse from their Junior to Senior years and as a result they will both be lower 1stround picks. Love is probably thrown in as the starter right away unless Bill Belicheck decides to give the job is to journeyman and bridge gap QB Brian Hoyer.
24. New Orleans Saints – LB Kenneth Murray – Oklahoma
Kenneth Murray’s draft stock really takes a hit simply because this draft has Isaiah Simmons. Murray is the best true Linebacker in the class, but because of the versatility and skill of Simmons, Murray just doesn’t have a set range where he could get picked. I’ve struggled with this pick because I just don’t see the fit here. The Saints are in a good spot and while adding Murray wouldn’t hurt, I think the Saints probably trade down from this pick.
25. Minnesota Vikings – WR Justin Jefferson – LSU
Well after trading back from 22, the Vikings do find a suitable replacement for Stefon Diggs. Justin Jefferson skyrocketed up draft boards late in the season. The former LSU Tiger was one of Joe Burrow’s favorite targets over the last 2 seasons and showed great ability to make contested catches. While not the fastest receiver ever, at 6’1” 200 lbs., Jefferson’s 4.43 40-yard dash should show that Jefferson can create some separation and can be a great duo with Thielen.
26. Miami Dolphins (via HOU) – OT Josh Jones – Houston
I said I don’t see the Dolphins reaching for Josh Jones at #18 and here is why. While Jones has moved up the boards since the season ended, I’m not entirely convinced he’s an elite level tackle worth being picked in the Top 25. With that being said, Miami has a history of finding talented OT’s in the 1stround, and Jones could be the next player to prove that. Miami gets a tackle to protect their new franchise QB and what should be an improved offense.
27. Minnesota Vikings – TRADE – OG Netane Muti – Fresno St
Minnesota has needed Offensive Line help for years and cutting Josh Kline who they just signed last season. Netane Muti is a bit of an unknown as he is coming off 2 seasons in which he only started and played in 5 games. Injuries are a concern here, but Muti is pure strength as he proved at the combine by putting up 44 reps on the bench press. And at Fresno St, he only allowed QB pressure on 3 plays out of 193 pass blocking attempts, meaning its not easy to get to Muti’s QB when he is at full strength and healthy.
28. Atlanta Falcons – TRADE – CB Jeff Gladney – TCU
The Falcons are an absolute mess, from my vantage point anyways. Somehow, this team managed to finish 7-9 last year but I have no idea how. This offseason hasn’t helped, they let Austin Hooper walk, cut Devonta Freeman and Desmond Trufant, and signed Todd Gurley. This team truly has a lot of needs and I really struggled to make a pick for them. However, one thing I’ve seen is they need to replace Desmond Trufant. Gladney isn’t my favorite CB prospect, but I think he is the best available CB on the board. Gladney isn’t the fastest player, as his 4.48 40-yard dash suggests, but he is a ball hawk which I do like. Now this can lead him to be susceptible to getting beat by the deep ball, but Gladney has raw potential and could be a good add to a group that showed a lot of improvement after Raheem Morris took over as DB Coach.
29. Tennessee Titans – DE Yetur Gross-Matos – Penn St
The Cinderella story of the 2019 playoffs, the Titans look to be on the rise. Unfortunately, the Titans did not have a great offseason. Marcus Mariota was an expect departure, but then they lost Jack Conklin to the Browns, Delaine Walker was released, and star D-Lineman Jurrell Casey was traded to Denver. The lose of Conklin will hurt the most, but without Casey the Titans lack a suitable pass-rusher. Yetur Gross-Matos is raw and still needs to develop, but he is one of the biggest edge rushers (6’5”) in the draft and has potential to be very disruptive. Matos may not come in day 1 and be a dominating force, but with the right coaching, he could become one of the best edge rushers in the league.
30. Green Bay Packers – WR Denzel Mims – Baylor
It seems difficult to pinpoint 1 need to address here for Green Bay. They could potentially go for a Right Tackle or Linebacker, but I don’t really see a fit at those positions with this pick. One thing that Aaron Rodgers does need however is a WR opposite Devante Adams. Allen Lazard was a nice find for Green Bay last season, but he only totaled the 5thmost receiving yards on the team. Jimmy Graham is gone now and the 2ndand 3rdmost receiving yards came from the backfield. Rodgers loves the deep ball and Mims speed would appeal to that need. Mims 4.38 second 40-yard dash was the 3rdbest in this class, but Mims will need to show more urgency to get down the field and fight for the ball to be an effective #2 WR for the Packers.
31. San Francisco 49ers – DE AJ Epenesa – Iowa
The 49ers addressed the WR need at pick 13 which means they could go a few different ways here. Right Guard is a need to replace Mike Person. They could also go for a Corner as Richard Sherman won’t play forever and the other CB spot could stand to be improved. However, the DeForest Buckner trade should be address first. The 49ers D-Line made life miserable for opposing QB’s, and that helps the secondary tremendously. And while he’s not exactly Buckner, AJ Epenesa does seem like a similar player. They are similar in size and despite both being first round picks, there are questions about their transition to the next level. Epenesa should be able to join an already elite D-Line and contribute to wreaking havoc on the rest of the league.
32. Kansas City Chiefs – CB AJ Terrell – Clemson
As a Raiders fan it pains me to say that the Chiefs have put together one of the greatest offenses that the NFL has ever seen. Add sadly they could even improve upon it. Imagine how dangerous it would be if Kansas City was able to add a dominant O-Lineman to give Maholmes even more protection. With that being said, the Chiefs defense still needs to improve. The Chiefs need cornerbacks more than any other position. So far this offseason their top corner left and corners #2 and #3 are still in free agency. AJ Terrell comes from a winning tradition at Clemson and is considered one of the better corners in the class. But his last game at Clemson was not a good one as Joe Burrow and the LSU receivers picked on him often without much resistance.
Comments