With the combine over and teams getting ready for free agency, Jose and I decided to publish our first mock draft. We alternate picks with myself taking the odds and Jose handling the evens. This is a snapshot of where we believe teams would go with their 1st round picks if the draft were held today, let us know what you think in the comments.
Joe Burrow QB LSU- This will come as no surprise to anyone who’s been following the draft this year. Burrow just completed one of the greatest individual college seasons ever, won the Heisman, won the national championship, displays poise and pocket presence to go with good accuracy and ball placement and is athletic enough to make defenses pay for giving him room to run. The Bengals will look to build around the 6’4 23 year old QB in hopes of getting their first playoff win since 1991.
Chase Young EDGE Ohio St.- Washington will flirt with drafting Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa and the prospect of trading back but will ultimately stay put and select arguably the best player in this draft. The 6’5 265 pound edge rusher was dominant in 2019 with 16.5 sacks, 21 TFLs. Young is a gifted athlete who will be a difference maker from day one while developing into one of the elite edge defenders in the NFL.
Jeff Okudah- With the 3rd pick the Lions select Jeff “Cut the tape on” Okudah. Okudah possesses the size (6’1 205) and athleticism (4.48 40, 41 in. vert, 135’ broad jump) to handle any assignment. This pick will begin the process of revamping one of the league’s worst pass defenses, a unit that traded away safety Quandre Diggs and may do the same with corner Darius Slay. If not, Lions fans can look forward to pairing Slay with an elite talent who should spend the next decade plus shutting down the air space at Ford Field.
Tristan Wirfs, OT Iowa - If the Giants are going to give Daniel Jones a chance to be successful they will have to protect him. Jones was sacked 38 times in his rookie year. Tristan Wirfs is the best prospect at tackle and should be an instant starter. Starting him at RT will allow him to slowly transition over to the left side as Nate Solder’s contract comes to an end.
Tua Tagovailoa QB Alabama- The tank didn’t quite work out the way Miami had planned, Flores and Fitzpatrick scrapped their way to 5 wins and the 5th overall pick. Luckily the board fell the way they needed it to and they landed their QB of the future. While lacking ideal height (6’) Tua has the arm to make every throw on the field and enough mobility to make the occasional play with his feet. He was incredibly productive in college football’s toughest conference and proved himself time and again in big games. The only question is his long time durability having suffered knee, ankle and hip injuries over the course of his college career.
Justin Herbert, QB Oregon - Phillip Rivers has moved on, it is time for a new franchise QB to take the helm. Will that be Herbert? I believe the Chargers think so. Herbert has the prototypical frame that coaches love (6’6, 236 lbs). He has all of the tools needed to play at the next level, and with the weapons the Chargers have this could be a good fit.
Isaiah Simmons LB Clemson- What can’t Isaiah Simmons do? The former Tiger played snaps at LB, S, Edge and both outside and slot CB. He racked up 102 tackles 16 TFLs 8 sacks 3 INTs and 9 PDs before going to Indy and wrecking the combine with a 4.39 40 at 238 pounds. He also recorded a 39in vertical and 132in broad jump. With Tristan Wirfs off the board the Panthers get a playmaker with the versatility and athleticism to be the centerpiece of Phil Snow’s defense.
Henry Ruggs III, WR Alabama - Arizona has already made an investment at WR over the last couple of years with the additions of Christian Kirk, KeeSean Johnson, Andy Isabella, and Hakeem Butler. But hey, this is Kliff Kingsbury’s air raid offense. And what this offense doesn’t have is a deep threat WR of Ruggs’ caliber. He runs every bit as fast as his 4.28 40 displayed at the combine. And he’s not just a speed guy, Ruggs is an excellent route runner and has good hands. Ruggs could be the star WR to fill the void that Larry Fitzgerald will probably leave after this year.
Javon Kinlaw DT South Carolina- Kinlaw is an explosive iDL who has played all along the line. Powerful, with an impressive ability to get off the ball, beat his blocker and get downhill, Kinlaw brings more value than his somewhat modest stat line suggests. The Jaguars have lost Ramsey, Bouye, Smith, and seem on the verge of losing Ngakoue and Campbell. Kinlaw will bring youth and a relentless motor to a once great, now rebuilding defense.
Mekhi Becton, OT Louisville - Baker Mayfield had a great rookie season, breaking the rookie TD record and leading the team to a 7-8-1 record. The additions of Odell Beckham and Kareem Hunt raised the Browns’ expectations to that of a Super Bowl contender. But their lack of attention to the O-line was their undoing in 2019 and they finished a disappointing 6-10. Now with new coach Kevin Stefanski, their focus should be protecting Baker Mayfield and getting him back on track with his rookie season. Mekhi Becton is a good place to start rebuilding the O-line. Like Wirfs, Becton will be a day 1 starter at left tackle.
Jerry Jeudy WR Alabama- Sam Darnold needs help. I’m not sure anymore explanation is required, but the Jets were one of the worst passing offenses in the league and Robby Anderson may be leaving in free agency. Jeudy is in my opinion the best WR in a deep class and certainly the best route runner. He understands the nuances of creating separation and will provide the Jets and Darnold with a legit #1 target for the foreseeable future.
CeeDee Lamb, WR Oklahoma - The Raiders were expecting to have Antonio Brown as a major contributor to their offense last year. But after a few IG posts, a verbal exchange with Mike Mayock, another Nike commercial-style IG post, and finally his release the Raiders had to go through the season without a true #1 WR. I think they address this with their 1st, 1st rd pick. CeeDee Lamb is the best WR left on the board, and worth taking this high.
Jordan Love QB Utah State- Prototypical size (6’4 224), a strong arm and an excellent 2018 (32 TDs 6 INTs) land Jordan Love in the 1st round. None of those things counted for much in 2019 where Love threw 20 TDs and an FBS leading 17 INTs. He was inaccurate and made poor decisions but his physical gifts are enough to lure in the Colts as they try to recover from Andrew Luck’s sudden retirement. Speculation says they may move on from Jacoby Brissett and bring in the rapidly aging Philip Rivers. In that scenario, Love would get to sit and learn/develop for a season or two before trying to recapture the magic of 2018.
Derrick Brown, IDL Auburn - The only reason Brown falls this far is because of a historically bad 3-cone drill at the combine (and his refusal to do it at his pro day). But that’s all good for Tampa. Derrick Brown will be a force in the middle despite his 3-cone time. There are talks that Bruce Arians wants to bring back Ndamukong Suh, but this pick will allow them to save money while still being strong at the position.
Jedrick Wills OT Alabama- Wills is a strong and athletic tackle with two years of experience starting on the right side. The Broncos have high priced vet Ja’Waun James in that spot but he missed 13 games games in 2019 with a torn MCL. Wills gives them an insurance policy if James goes down again and otherwise a chance to beef up the interior line in an effort to protect new starter Drew Lock. It also gives them the flexibility to move on from James in a year or two and move him to RT should they so choose.
K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE LSU - The Falcons didn’t get to the QB much last season (4th least in the league in sacks). Vic Beasly will likely not be returning after a mostly disappointing career so far. Drafting Chaisson will help the Falcons pass rushing. He has an explosive first step and has good hand technique.Chaisson could have been a top 10 prospect if it weren’t for his ACL tear in 2018. His draft stock decline will benefit the Falcons.
CJ Henderson CB Florida- The Cowboys are letting Byron Jones walk in free agency, leaving a massive hole in their secondary that they will attempt to fill at 17 with Henderson. CJ has the speed to stay with, or catch up to anyone on the pro level and is not shy about making a play on the ball. He has great size and strength as well although he has had struggles with tackling in the past. Confidence, agility and ball skills will make Henderson a day one starter for Dallas
Andrew Thomas OT UGA- Having traded away Laremy Tunsil and drafted Tua Tagovailoa at #5, it’s time to protect the franchise. Andrew Thomas is a plug and play tackle who will keep Tua upright and happily move run defenders off the line. He’s struggled at times with speed rushers, turning and reaching too early but that’s an issue that should be cleaned up early on. The Miami rebuild gets another cornerstone piece at 18.
Kenneth Murray LB Okla.- With their second 1st round pick the Raiders grab another Sooner, this time on defense. Murray is an athletic playmaking linebacker who finished his college career with 37 TFLs and 9 sacks. He’s a 3 down linebacker who can affect the game anywhere on the field. He needs to become more consistent and improve his ability to shed blockers but adding him to the mix with last year’s first rounders (Clelin Ferrell and Johnathan Abram should make for an exciting young defense in the years to come.
Kristian Fulton CB LSU- As mentioned previously, the Jaguars have been hemorrhaging talent on defense since their 2017 run to the conference championship. The rebuild continues with pick 20 and athletic cover man Kristian Fulton. There aren’t many holes in Fulton’s game, you can point to the lack of interceptions but he did finish last season with 14 PDs and will develop into a man corner that QBs avoid testing.
Justin Jefferson WR LSU- Carson Wentz needs help. Think about all the people you saw/interacted with this weekend, chances are one of them started at WR for the Eagles in 2019. Nelson Agholor is a free agent, Alshon has said he would welcome a trade and DeSean Jackson has played 16 games twice in twelve years. Enter Justin Jefferson, with over 2400 yards and 24 TDs in the last two years Jefferson has played his way into first round consideration in this crowded class. With good hands, a large catch radius and the speed to make defenses pay in space, Jefferson should step right in and assume Agholor’s slot role and provide stability for Wentz and the Eagles pass game.
Tee Higgins WR Clemson- A big-time playmaking receiver with tons of experience in high stakes games, Higgins will bring the best out of third-year QB Josh Allen. Higgins will need to sharpen his routes but his hands, catch radius and ability to beat coverage deep will provide an immediate boost to an offense that struggled to put points on the board in 2019.
Patrick Queen LB LSU- With Jamie Collins and Kyle Van Noy free agents and Dont’a Hightower turning 30 with a big cap number the Patriots opt to inject some youth and versatility in their LB corps. Queen is a 3 down linebacker with the ability to cover, rush and wrap up in the open field. He was a one year starter at LSU and could work in slowly behind Hightower until New England is ready to make the switch.
Denzel Mims WR Baylor- Size speed, agility, explosiveness- all on full display during Denzel Mims’ combine workout. The 6’3 deep threat specialist ran a 4.38 with a 38.5’ vertical and a 6.66 3 cone drill. He put on a show that will likely land him in the first round and New Orleans desperately needs an answer opposite Michael Thomas. On the field Mims wasn’t quite as impressive- rounding off routes, struggling at the line against press coverage and frequently taking plays off. If those issues can be corrected though, New Orleans gets a terrifying home run hitter who will open up the field for the rest of the offense.
Xavier McKinney- The Vikings have Everson Griffen, Trae Waynes, Mackensie Alexander and 3 of their 4 safeties hitting free agency and currently have $1.3 million in cap room. Enter Xavier McKinney, a smart, athletic, ball hawking safety who also spent time in the slot and has shown skill against the run and blitzing. For a team like the Vikings who have multiple holes to fill McKinney is a gift at this point in the first.
D’Andre Swift RB UGA- I’m sure many of you are saying this is too early for a RB, and it may be, but…did you see their run game last year? Just be glad they waited til their third pick. D’Andre Swift gives the Dolphins a 3 down RB who can operate as a steady workhorse as Tua matures and takes the reins of the offense. Swift is an intelligent and patient runner and will solidify the position for years to come. Also “never draft a RB in the 1st” is for teams not named the Dolphins who can actually find RB talent elsewhere. Seriously, Ryan Fitzpatrick was their leading rusher. Yes, the one that went to Harvard.
A.J. Epenesa EDGE Iowa- 14.5 TFLs 11.5 sacks and 4 force fumbles are what A.J. produced in his Junior season and demonstrate what you’ll be getting when you draft him: A solid all around DE who can play in a 4-3 or move inside in a 3-4 with ease. He’s not outstanding in any particular phase of the game but plays the run effectively and can make life very uncomfortable for QBs in the pass game. Seattle may be losing Clowney and Ansah in free agency and Epenesa would be a good start at replenishing their front seven.
Laviska Shenault WR Col- The Ravens need help on defense but opt to continue building around their superstar QB. In Laviska they get a receiver who can line up anywhere and be effective at every level. Like most rookie receivers he needs work on his route running but Shenault is already adept at using his body to box out defenders and give his QB a target. He’s got great hands and the natural ability to make defenders miss (or go through them) in the open field. The Ravens need to transition to being more of a passing team to continue their success and Shenault is a great piece to add to their developing WR corps.
Zach Baun EDGE Wisconsin.- Kamalei Correa is a free agent and Cameron Wake will likely be a cap casualty. Even if he’s not he registered just 2.5 sacks in 9 games last year and is 38 years old. 19.5 TFLs and 12.5 sacks in his senior season after converting from QB upon arriving at Wisconsin. Baun is a good athlete, particularly when it comes to changing direction, and is just getting started in his development as an edge rusher. This pick will give the Titans a chance at a fearsome duo on the edge along with former 2nd round pick Harold Landry.
Jalen Reagor WR TCU- The Packers put in a good deal of work on their defense last off season and now it’s time for the offense to get some love. In 2019 the Packers went without drafting a WR for the first time since 2012, and unfortunately their WR corps is in dire straits. Jalen Reagor brings home run potential on every touch. He’s not the most polished receiver in this class but if Coach LaFleur can get the ball in his hands in space defenses will pay, often. Rodgers to Adams is one of the best connections in the league, with this pick Green Bay takes a little pressure off that duo and gives opposing defenses another player to worry about.
Jeff Gladney CB TCU- Gladney can play man or zone and has more than enough athleticism to hang at the NFL level. He brings attitude and fight to a defensive unit. He’s aggressive going after the ball, sometimes to a fault, and finished this season with a very impressive 14 PDs. The 49ers are a defense first organization and that led them to the super bowl last year…where they gave up 21 points in the 4th quarter. Richard Sherman was victimized during that run and while I’m not saying he’s finished, the 49ers need to be thinking about his eventual replacement.
Yetur Gross-Matos Penn St.- Kansas City has Pat Mahomes and one of the best offenses in the league. They put up points in bunches and as such are routinely playing with a lead. Their concern on defense needs to be getting to the opposing QB. Chris Jones and Frank Clark are an imposing duo already, now add in the 6’5 266 with room to grow Gross-Matos, and QBs won’t have time to find any holes that may exist in the secondary. Gross-Matos can start opposite Clark on day one and with proper coaching, the sky is the limit for the Penn State product.
