NFL Mock Draft

Well it's that time of year again folks, time to take a swing at where i expect the chips to fall in this years upcoming NFL draft. Trades is not something i tried to predict in here, cause that is virtually impossible.

1. Joe Burrow QB, Cincinnati Bengals

This has been a lock for the last three months, the Ohio kid, who just had the best statistical year by a QB in college football history, the Bengals franchise would not live this down if they passed on him, and he became a stud. The days of Andy Dalton just have not gone as planed, and the city of Cincinnati needs rejuvenation, the adding of hope in Burrow will do that for the time being.

2. Chase Young DE/Edge, Washington Redskins

The best talent in the draft no question about it, Young brings that elite pass rushing ability, to a line that is already filled with a bunch of talent. In a division where every team has a quarterback of the future, you need someone to rush them, and disrupt the flow their offenses.

3. Jeff Okudah CB, Detroit Lions

With the departure of Darius Slay, Lions had a massive need to tighten up the back end of that defense, and i believe an Okudah gives them someone they can play on an island right away, and feel confident about it.

4. Isaiah Simmons LB/S, New York Giants

Giants need an impact defender, or tackle, but the number 4 spot seems like a stretch on the tackles in the draft, and the versatility that Simmons brings does not show up in the draft every year. The ability to play Simmons at the linebacker spot, or at safety, gives Patrick Graham the chance to be imaginative with his schemes.

5. Justin Herbert QB, Miami Dolphins

Everyone thought since last year that there was a 'Tank For Tua' campaign going on all year, but Dolphins seem to be getting turned off by Tua's injury history, and a line that is still in the process of building, is not a good combination. Insert 4 year Oregon starter here, Herbert certainly has the NFL arm, and is extremely smart. Dolphins have three picks in the first, so other needs can be filled.

6. Tua Tagovalloa QB, Los Angeles Chargers

It's rare to find a team as complete as the Chargers in the top part of the draft, obviously the only glaring hole is at the quarterback position. I actually think this could be the best landing spot for Tua, with the injuries he needs a solid offensive line, and with the additions of Trai Turner, and Bryan Bulaga the Chargers gave him exactly that. If Tua can hit the ground running, we could see him have success right away with the Chargers.

7. Derrick Brown DT, Carolina Panthers

The losses of Dontari Poe, and Gerald McCoy leave a big gap in that line for Carolina, making the pick of Derrick Brown the obvious choice. He offers an anchor for that defensive line, with his combination of size, and disruptive traits, he consistently is able to beat interior lineman. With the Panthers defense taking a beating this off season, he brings some stability to that unit.

8. Tristan Wirfs OT, Arizona Cardinals

With the addition of Hopkins via trade, and keeping Drake on, its about time to address the offensive line, and the athletic Wirfs becomes the first off the board. The athleticism of the Iowa tackle allows for a potential move to guard, to sure up the interior run game that was almost non existent last year.

9. Jedrick Wills Jr OT, Jacksonville Jaguars

The Cam Robinson experience is not turning out the way that the Jaguars were hoping for, and the need to get protection for Minshew is vital to see if he has what it takes to lead a franchise, and that is why i see the Alabama product Wills here. His ability to get to the second level can also be a huge help for Fournette,and the run game.

10. Mekhi Becton OT, Cleveland Browns

The run on tackles continues, and Cleveland is desperate for one. The interior of the Browns line actually fared pretty well last year, but the tackle position was a liability. The signing of Jack Conklin helps out at the RT slot, but Baker is still in need of a legitimate blindside blocker, and that is where the athletic freak in Becton comes into play. That enormous frame will be a great addition, to a Browns team that could make some noise this year.

11. Andrew Thomas OT, New York Jets

Jets scoop up the last of the elite group of four tackles, and it might be in Sam Darnold's best long term interest, as the Jets have not done anything of substantial value since he was drafted to help him. Yeah a shiny new toy like Jeudy would be nice also, but can't get him the ball if Darnold is always on his behind. The signing of Fant, probably puts Thomas at the RT spot.

12. Javon Kinlaw DT, Oakland Raiders

The Raiders do not necessarily need help on the defensive line, but if we learned anything from the Eagles, and 49ers models of success, you can never have too many rotating bodies on the defensive front. Kinlaw is arguably the best guy on the board at this point, and the Raiders have another pick in the first in which they can grab the wide out. Also with Patrick Mahomes in your division a fierce line is never a bad thing.

13. Ceedee Lamb WR, San Francisco 49ers

Emmanuel Sanders leaving in the off season, the 49ers need to find a receiver that can play opposite of Deebo Samuel. With the ability to play at all three levels, and his knack for yards after the catch he would fit right in to Shanahan's offense without it skipping a beat.

14. Xavier Mckinney S, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Safety has been a position that Tampa Bay has been trying to figure out over the last couple years, and they have not quite figured out the equation yet. There are some in house pieces, but none that are the talent that McKinney is, also the fact that Bruce Arians did not sound exactly sold on them in a press conference earlier in the year, should make you think they'll grab a safety at this position.

15. Jerry Jeudy WR, Denver Broncos

Now that Drew Lock is at the helm, why not give him some toys to play with. Broncos will be that dark horse team of the season that surprises a lot of people, and Jeudy will play a key part on this team. The smooth route running, and the electric speed, will be a great piece to compliment Courtland Sutton, and Noah Fant as receiving options.

16. K'Lavon Chaisson, Defensive End/Edge, Atlanta Falcons

I think Chaisson is the home run pick here for a team that was 28th in adjusted sack rate last year. Also the loss of De'Vondre Campbell, and Vic Beasley make this pick even more needed, even though they added Dante Fowler. Chaisson has all the ability to be a game altering pass rusher for the Falcons

17. C.J Henderson CB, Dallas Cowboys

For a team that only really has one glaring hole, the secondary, the departure of Byron Jones made it so there was no other option than the secondary in the draft, and the value of a corner out ways the one of a safety leading to the pick of Henderson, best available corner on the board. The Florida product has good size, and premium athleticism, he also does a very good job at closing the distance.

18. Josh Jones OT, Miami Dolphins

The offensive line was massive need coming into 2020, as they gave up 56 sacks, and was one of the worst units in the league last year. Jones could be a solid pick with the right coaching around him, hes very raw, but the potential is certainly there to be a great starting left tackle in the league. Miami could potentially have found two main pieces for their future in this draft.

19. Henry Ruggs III WR, Oakland Raiders

Time for Jon Gruden to get a new toy, and Derek Carr a legitimate deep threat. The speed that Ruggs has is track level speed, and he has the ability to take the top off of any defense. You pair him with a Hunter Renfrow who likes to work the short, and intermediate parts of the field a lot, you have quite the potent combination.

20. Kristian Fulton CB, Jacksonville Jaguars

After the offensive line choice with their first pick, this is the glaring hole on the team after key departures of Ramsey, and Bouye. The gritty corner in Fulton, actually has a lot in common with Bouye, as he battles on every snap, and rarely allows an easy reception.

21. Tee Higgins WR, Philadelphia Eagles

Anyone that watched the Eagles last year saw that this was an absolute need this year, especially when you had the practice squad/former QB as your primary target for a good portion of 2019. The AJ Green prototype, Higgins has the versatility to play all three receivers spots, giving Doug Pederson the ability to be imaginative with him.

22. A.J. Terrell CB, Minnesota Vikings

Vikings could use an offensive lineman, but that seems like a reach at the 22nd pick, so replacing Xavier Rhodes is the next best thing that makes sense. You could plug, and play Terrell day one, he offers you above average athleticism, and a knack to win 50/50 balls.

23. A.J Epenesa DE/Edge, New England Patriots

Everyone thinks Bill will make a move for Jordan Love here possibly, but i think the need for an edge rusher is much higher, since they had some major free agents leave town. The Iowa product has the ability to play in a 3-4, or 4-3 system, which is a great trait because Bill Belichick likes to deploy a variety of different of defensive sets.

24. Patrick Queen LB, New Orleans Saints

Saints can really use an anchor linebacker, that offers speed along with great field vision, and Queen offers all that. He will step right into the void that A.J Klein left when he went to the Buffalo Bills in free agency. If Queen can flash like he did on his tape from his LSU days, the Saints will have a special players on their hands.

25. Justin Jefferson WR, Minnesota Vikings

The departure of Stefan Diggs to the Buffalo Bills via trade opened up a major whole at the WR2 spot opposite of Adam Thielen, and Jefferson is the man to fill it. He is a quarterbacks best friend with his ability to make contested catches, and separation skills. The slot would be the ideal spot for him, while Thielen works on the outside.

26. Cesar Ruiz C, Miami Dolphins

Now this is an interesting pick for the Dolphins here, but it is the best value, due to the fact that the amount of quality interior lineman in the draft is not the greatest, and Ruiz is by far the best of the group. A tenacious, and versatile lineman who can play in any scheme, will pair well with the earlier pick of Josh Jones. Dolphins have two second round picks that they can grab the skill position player, or secondary piece with.

27. Yetur Gross-Matos DE/EDGE, Seattle Seahawks

An odd spot for the Seahawks, as they wait to hear what Clowney's plans are. Assuming the worst at this point is probably the safest option, and going with one of the last top end edge talents in Yetur is a nice safety blanket to have in case Clowney decides to go elsewhere. You can Pencil him in besides LJ Collier, last year top draft pick, or possibly have a rotation with Bruce Irvin.

28. Kenneth Murray LB, Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore has been looking for that Ray Lewis type of middle linebacker replacement for years, now i am not calling Murray a perennial All Pro, but he has potential. He has the ability to get sideline to sideline, due to his speed, and fill gaps very well. Murray will slide into that linebacker unit with Judon, and Fort nicely.

29. Trevon Diggs CB, Tennessee Titans

With Logan Ryan in limbo, the Titans are looking for a cornerback that can work out of the slot for 2020, and probably a more prominent role in the future. The former receiver, turned corner, shows a very instinctive nature for what his opponent will do, paired with his elite size, and strength, the Titans will be happy to take him here.

30. Denzel Mims WR, Green Bay Packers

I think its about time the Packers get Rodgers another weapon to play with, instead of always picking out of the discount bin for a receiver to play besides Adams. Mims gives him a receiver with a great catch radius, that can be a vital weapon in the redzone. During his time at Baylor, Mims flashed the ability to take over big games, a great example of this would be the game at Texas this year.

31. Grant Delpit S, San Francisco 49ers

A little risk to this pick due to the lack luster 2019 campaign, but if you throw on the 2018 tape you will not be disappointed. The Super Bowl runner ups could use a strong safety that has the capability to help out in the run game very well. He also has the potential to come in on nickle packages.

32. D'Andre Swift RB, Kansas City Chiefs

Feel bad for Damien Williams, the man who should have been the Super Bowl MVP, but i just don't think Reid has the full confidence in him to handle the whole workload. Swift is the perfect running back for this offensive system, a player who can play all three downs, and with tempo. He will be just another weapon in this high powered offense.