The NFL Mock Draft Excites Fans

1. Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Burrow, QB, Louisiana State University

This is the biggest no brainer of the draft. Burrow had the best season in college football history in 2019. Burrow will give Bengals fans serious hope for the future. Head coach Zac Taylor has been open in press conferences that the Bengals will not be trading their pick and are in the market for a quarterback. Anyone who remotely pays attention to the draft knows that Burrow will be wearing purple and orange for the Bengals in 2020.

2. Washington Redskins

Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State University (OSU)

There has been some speculation that first-year head coach Ron Rivera will opt to go in a different direction, and potentially shop Dwayne Haskins and take a massive risk in Tua Tagovailoa. Haskins struggled as a rookie, with a 1:1 touchdown to interception ratio. As draft day has gotten closer, it has become almost as much of a given as the Bengals’ pick that the Redskins will be taking Young at two. Young is the next generational pass rusher from OSU, who many people believe will be as good, if not better than, the Bosa brothers. The one bright spot besides young, talented receivers for this organization in 2019 was the pass rush, and the Redskins will turn this strength into a dominant force by taking Young. Young will wreak havoc in the National Football Conference East for years to come. Young is just too good to pass up.

3. Detroit Lions

Jeff Okudah, DB, Ohio State University (OSU)

The Lions need help all over their defense, so Isaiah Simmons could be an option at three, but Okudah seems like the best bet to join his fellow Buckeye in the top three. Okudah is as athletic as they come and has prototypical cornerback height and body type. He is not afraid to get his nose dirty in the run game either, and has put together quite a few highlight-worthy hits in his successful career at OSU. Okudah’s talent and play style should have a smooth transition to the league and, in a division with receivers like Adam Thielen, Davante Adams and Allen Robinson, should give defensive minded head coach Matt Patricia some more leeway in his scheme. Losing Darius Slay to free agency makes taking Okudah the obvious choice at three.

4. New York Giants

Jedrick Wills Jr., OT, University of Alabama

Dave Gettleman loves his “hog mollies,” yet surprisingly has never drafted an offensive lineman in the first round. The Giants have invested their last two first round picks on young assets in their backfield, Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley, and both have panned out so far. Both were plagued, however, at times due to a lack of consistency in pass protection and run blocking alike. If you take a closer look at any team that made a run in the playoffs last year, they all had very strong offensive lines. Wills Jr. is the best tackle in the draft right now, but might lack the upside of Tristan Wirfs and Mekhi Becton. Becton is freakishly big, and moves almost unbelievably well for his size, while Wirfs broke several records at the combine. Here, it makes the most sense to go with Wills Jr.; Gettleman knows he will be getting a really good football player, and new head coach Joe Judge has familiarity with Alabama head coach Nick Saban. Wills Jr. will give the Giants the consistency they need on the offensive line and eventually replace Nate Solder, hopefully sooner than later.

5. Miami Dolphins

Justin Herbert, QB, University of Oregon

Most people have Tua Tagovailoa as the number two quarterback in this class. By all means, the argument could be made that his ceiling is even higher than Joe Burrow’s. However, his history of injuries just makes selecting him over Herbert too much of a risk. Herbert has been fairly consistent at Oregon, and fits the stereotype of a prototypical NFL quarterback. Herbert is big, has a huge arm and can extend plays out of the pocket. Realistically, on draft day, expect for teams to try and trade up to have a shot at one of these two. Miami’s draft room is split on Herbert and Tagovailoa at the moment, but it is safe to say that the tie will go to the healthier player.

6. Los Angeles Chargers

Tua Tagovailoa, QB, University of Alabama

The Chargers have vocalized that they are confident in Tyrod Taylor being their starting QB, but that cannot last too long. Taylor was replaced by Baker Mayfield in Cleveland less than a month into his rookie season, and if Tagovailoa is drafted here, he will have a chance to beat out Taylor right away as well. Tagovailoa will transcend the Chargers’ offense, and has the pieces around him to succeed right away. The Chargers have also been able to add some good defensive players, and adding Tagovailoa will end the Chargers’ brief rebuild.

7. Carolina Panthers

Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson University

First year head coach Matt Rhule would be absolutely insane to pass on Simmons here. After the Panthers lost Luke Kuechly to retirement, a future Hall of Famer who was the backbone of their defense, they will add someone who can make plays from sideline to sideline. Simmons is a prospect unlike any other who has come out of college in recent memory. Simmons looks like a linebacker but runs like a cornerback, and ran an absurd time of 4.39 at the combine. Simmons was the backbone of the Clemson defense for the past two years and will be an instant difference maker for Rhule in Carolina. Rhule has said that the types of players he looked for when turning around the football programs of Temple and Baylor University were long and fast, and Simmons fits that description perfectly. If Simmons slips to seven, he will not be around much longer after that.

8. Arizona Cardinals

Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn University

The best word to describe Brown is a disruptor. Brown was all over defensive backfields during his incredible career at Auburn. Brown did not test well at the combine, but his collegiate tape will more than make up for it. The Cardinals were horrible against the run last year, but Brown could instantly become an anchor for the defensive line in Arizona for years to come.

9. Jacksonville Jaguars

Tristan Wirfs, OT, The University of Iowa

The Jaguars are pretty solid on offense already, but adding Wirfs could transform their run game, led by Leonard Fournette, and provide help in the pass game for second year quarterback Gardner Minshew. Wirfs seems like the most sensible pick for this spot, but solidifying Jalen Ramsey’s replacement with C.J. Henderson is definitely a possibility as well.

10. Cleveland Browns

Mekhi Becton, OT, University of Louisville

Becton is one of the most intriguing prospects in this draft class. Becton moves very well for his size, and he can absolutely transform the run game for Cleveland. Having Becton will change the Cleveland Browns’ offense, and any offensive tackle in this draft will make the Browns a legitimate offensive threat in the American Football Conference North. However, Becton does not have much film in traditional pass blocking sets, so some are unsure of how his play will translate to the next level.

11. New York Jets

CeeDee Lamb, WR, The University of Oklahoma

The Jets have glaring needs on both sides of the ball, but getting Lamb would give the Jets’ Sam Darnold his first legitimate shot at having a true number one receiver. Lamb is a technician of a route runner and can win in both the slot and on the outside. With the top three offensive linemen off the board, the Jets should take the best player available, who also fits a need. C.J. Henderson should also be at play here as the Jets were fielding practice squad players in their secondary on a weekly basis.

12. Las Vegas Raiders - from Chicago Bears

Jerry Jeudy, WR, University of Alabama

Jeudy was thought to have been a potential top three pick before the 2019 season. Jeudy has been dominant throughout college, working out of the slot and on the perimeter. Jeudy has great hands, speed and quickness and is a surefire NFL receiver. Jeudy is currently a tad undersized to be a true number one receiver, but he has a frame that can easily fill out by putting on another 5 to 10 pounds, which will surely do wonders for him when transitioning to the NFL game. Jeudy will give Derek Carr, or his replacement, a legitimate field stretcher at wide receiver.

13. San Francisco 49ers - from Indianapolis Colts

Henry Ruggs, WR, University of Alabama

The 49ers have very few needs on their roster. They have been able to build a dominant defense and rushing attack and were decent in this pass game as well. Ruggs will add another dimension to their offense and can potentially revive Jimmy Garoppolo’s career. Despite taking San Francisco to a Super Bowl, Garoppolo’s ability to be anything more than a game manager has come into question. Look for general manager John Lynch to look for a Tyreek Hill-like player to change the dynamic of the San Francisco offense.

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

C.J. Henderson, CB, University of Florida

With the Bucs suddenly in win-now mode, look for them to add a pro-ready corner who's 6’1,” athletic frame will be needed to compete in a division with Michael Thomas, Julio Jones and D.J. Moore. Henderson is unanimously considered the top corner in this draft outside of Jeff Okudah, and at this point in the draft, he should be a no-brainer for the new-look Bucs.

15. Denver Broncos

Justin Jefferson, WR, Louisiana State University (LSU)

Jefferson was part of the most electric offense in college football at LSU. Jefferson has everything one can ask for in an NFL receiver, and playing opposite Courtland Sutton would do wonders for his development. Jefferson can make magic happen after the catch, and will make quarterback Drew Lock’s life much more pleasant entering year two of his career.

16. Atlanta Falcons

Javon Kinlaw, DT, University of South Carolina

There has been growing buzz surrounding Kinlaw approaching the draft, with some thinking he can go as high as the top ten. Kinlaw had a dominant week at the Senior Bowl and followed it up with a solid workout at the combine. The Falcons would be making a great value pick at 16 and would help out Dante Fowler Jr. in creating a formidable pass rush for the team.

17. Dallas Cowboys

Xavier McKinney, S, University of Alabama

The Cowboys have lost, just as everyone has, to free agency this year, but adding McKinney will help the Cowboys in all aspects of their defense. Losing Byron Jones makes a cornerback enticing, but McKinney is just a really good football player that will do nothing but improve the Cowboys’ defense.

18. Miami Dolphins - from Pittsburgh Steelers

Andrew Thomas, OT, University of Georgia

The Dolphins could use their second first round pick to get a bodyguard for Justin Herbert. Thomas had a tremendous career at Georgia, starting as a freshman, and competed against some of the best edge rushers throughout his career. Thomas will be ready to start right away in Miami and can be an anchor for the next 10 years there.

19. Oakland Raiders - from Pittsburgh Steelers

Jordan Love, QB, Utah State University

Head coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock will finally be able to get their franchise quarterback at 19. Derek Carr is a solid starter in the NFL, but Love’s upside and arm talent is too overwhelming to be passed on. Love will have a year or two to learn the ropes from Carr and will take command of the organization alongside Josh Jacobs in the backfield.

20. Jacksonville Jaguars

Patrick Queen, LB, Louisiana State University (LSU)

Front offices and analysts alike are in limbo on Queen vs. Kenneth Murray, but the Jaguars will take Queen based on sheer upside from his one year as the star of an incredible LSU defense. Queen has elite speed and instincts and will instantly reignite the front seven of the Jaguars in the post Calias Campbell era.

21. Philadelphia Eagles

Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State University

The Eagles have lacked any sort of consistency at the receiver position in the last two seasons. Aiyuk is a fast receiver who is a bit raw but can instantly change the dynamic of the Eagles’ offense by giving them not only a true vertical threat, but someone that is really good after the catch.

22. Minnesota Vikings - from Buffalo Bills

Kenneth Murray, LB, The University of Oklahoma

Murray will instantly give the Vikings explosiveness on the defensive side of the ball. Murray has great character and will fit in well in Minnesota. Murray can turn any good defense into a great one, and it will not take long for Murray to prove he belongs.

23. New England Patriots

Jacob Eason, QB, University of Washington

Owner Robert Kraft will get his next franchise quarterback in Eason at 23. Almost no one has Eason going in the first round, but in a quarterback heavy draft, it is hard to ignore Eason’s ceiling. Eason has an absolute cannon of an arm and can benefit from spending a year behind a veteran, so the Patriots might bring in a veteran quarterback to play for the next year or so. Andy Dalton is a potential name to watch out for. Eason can make every throw and has great size to go with his arm.

24. New Orleans Saints

A.J. Epenesa, EDGE, University of Iowa

Epenesa lacks some of the quick twitch pass rushing moves of some of the other top pass rushers in the draft, but his production in college cannot be denied. Epenesa is a power rusher who would give a nice boost to the Saints’ defense and his powerful pass rush skillset could be a nice complement to the likes of Marcus Davenport and Cameron Jordan. The Saints could look to add Drew Brees’ future successor here, but the more likely scenario is that they will look to take a chance on someone like Jalen Hurts.

25. Minnesota Vikings

Austin Jackson, OT, University of Southern California (USC)

The Vikings have been very inconsistent on the offensive line. Jackson had a very solid career at USC and will likely be a second round pick. Reaching for Jackson makes sense here for Minnesota as Jackson has a very high ceiling, a great need for the organization. Jackson is extremely athletic and has a frame that can put on even more weight. He has great feet for his size and is an underrated member of a very deep class of offensive tackles.

26. Miami Dolphins

Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE, Penn State University

The Dolphins already have their quarterback, an offensive tackle and now have their defensive playmaker. Gross-Matos is a polished pass rusher who has great athletic traits for his position. Gross-Matos had a productive career at Penn State that should warrant his name being called in the back half of the first round on day one of the draft.

27. Seattle Seahawks

Zack Baun, LB, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Baun is not an elite athlete, but he does have the instincts, explosiveness and pass rushing repertoire of a first round pick. Baun made plays all year for Wisconsin, and always showed up in big time games. Baun did test positive for a diluted sample at the combine, which could hurt his draft stock, but the most he will drop will be to the beginning of the second round.

28. Baltimore Ravens

Curtis Weaver, EDGE, Boise State University

The Ravens were probably the best team in football last year, but lacked a consistent pass rush. Weaver had great production in college and would be an instant help to the Ravens.

29. Tennessee Titans

A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson University

College football fans saw Louisiana State University receiver Ja’marr Chase torch Terrell in the National Championship, but Terell is a top notch corner and played pretty well in that game, considering he was up against the best receiver in the nation.

30. Green Bay Packers

Jalen Reagor, WR, Texas Christian University (TCU)

Reagor’s speed will be dangerous opposite Davante Adams in head coach Matt LaFleur’s potent offense. Reagor was clocked in his pro day 40-yard dash, running a 4.22. Reagor’s play at TCU absolutely justifies a first round consideration, and he could certainly help take the passing attack of the Packers to the next level.

31. San Francisco 49ers

Ross Blacklock, DT, Texas Christian University

Blacklock will join Jalen Reagor as the second consecutive Horned Frog to go at the end of the first round. The 49ers will be able to add another interior pass rusher to make their front seven even scarier than it already is. Blacklock has elite quickness for his size and rushes like a defensive end. Blacklock will make the 49ers even more of a force on the defensive side of the ball.

32. Kansas City Chiefs

Jonathan Taylor, RB, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Taylor will be a game changer for the Chiefs as the only running back selected in the first round. The Chiefs managed to win Super Bowl LIV with a nonexistent run game. Taylor is big, fast and has great vision. His power in the run game would be a great complement to the Chiefs’ explosive passing attack behind Patrick Mahomes.