NFL Mock Draft 2.

1. Cincinnati Bengals
The Pick: Joe Burrow (QB, LSU)
This pick is as close to a no-brainer as it gets. Heisman winning
season. Check. Record setting season. Check. Ohio kid. Check. This
pick has been “made” for months and is essentially a formality at this
point. Lets just hope Burrow doesn’t succumb to the wasteland that is
Cincinnati.

2. Washington Football Team

The Pick: Chase Young (EDGE, Ohio State)
This pick would qualify as another no-brainer. At 6’5” 265 Chase
Young was built in a lab and should be ready to play at a pro bowl
level from the moment he steps on the field. 16.5 sacks in 11
games while dominating the big ten and outproducing recent top 3
picks out of Ohio State (Joey and Nick Bosa) should be enough to
give him the nod here. Young also played high-school football at
DeMatha Catholic, just a 15 minute drive from Fedex Field,
meaning he should be more than comfortable being back in the
nations capital.

3. Miami Dolphins (Trade with Detroit Lions)

The Pick: Justin Herbert (QB, Oregon)
The 3rd pick of the draft is where I think we will see the 2020
NFL Draft to truly take shape. Look for the Dolphins to be
aggressive and move up to the 3rd pick to get their guy.
Throughout the process there has been considerable buzz that
Herbert is who they are after and now that teams can not conduct
proper medicals on Tua Tagovailoa this stance should only be
strengthened. Hebert didn’t flash this year as much as hoped and
leave something to be desired in the “fiery leadership style”
department. However at 6’6” with a cannon arm and zero
durability concerns Hebert may be just the right guy for the job.
4. New York Giants
The Pick: Tristian Wirfs (OT, Iowa)
The Giants end up staying put and taking Wirfs at #4 overall. Ideally
the Giants would like to be able to trade down, but with no takers
they could do much worse that drafting a 6’4” 320 pound lineman
that recorded a 36.5-inch vertical and 4.85 second 40 yard dash at
the combine. An incredible athlete, a mauler in the run game, and a
high school state wrestling champion to boot Wirfs would
immediately upgrade the right side of the line for the Giants.
Simmons would be an intriguing choice here, but after drafting
Saquon Barkley and Daniel Jones in the top 6 the past two years the
Giants need to start drafting people to block for them.

5. Detroit Lions (Trade with Miami Dolphins)

The Pick: Jeff Okudah (CB, Ohio State)
This would be the ideal scenario for the Detroit Lions. Move down
to the 5th pick, add the 26th pick in the first round, and still get the
guy they wanted all along. Okudah simply makes too much sense
for the Lions after trading away Darius Slay this past offseason.
The worst pass defense in 2019 could use an influx of young talent
and a true #1 cornerback. After only allowing 15 catches for 178
yards and 1td while playing in the competitive Big Ten, Okudah
looks like he has the talent needed to step up and fill a big void for
Detroit. Look for the combination of him and recently signed
Desmond Trufant to change the complexion of the Lions
secondary.

6. Los Angeles Chargers

The Pick: Tua Tagovailoa (QB, Alabama)
Tua is the ultimate wildcard in this draft. The favorite to go #1
overall before the year has seen his stock slip due to his hip
surgery coupled with Joe Burrow’s explosion. However, make
no mistake about it this could end up being the steal of the
draft. An insanely talented lefty quarterback who has
consistently drawn comparisons to Drew Brees and Russell
Wilson could fill the hole left by Phillip Rivers departure. After
having Rivers as the steadying force of the franchise for the
past 15 years, the Chargers understand the value of a franchise
QB and will turn to Tua to be the guy. Having a stable veteran in Tyrod Taylor that the team can
win games with in 2020 makes it easy for them to give Tua a “redshirt” year on the bench to
learn the NFL game while fully recovering his hip. Look for Tua to take over at the helm of a
talented Chargers team by the 2021 season.
7. Carolina Panthers
The Pick: Isaiah Simmons (OLB, Clemson)
At the 7th pick I see the Panthers taking my best player
available and adding a much needed playmaker to the defense.
OLB, slot corner, safety, defensive end, Simmons played all
these positions last year at a high level and is someone that new
Head Coach Matt Rhule should immediately look to to
transform the defense. Simmons is the best all around defender
in the draft and could help to make up for the losses of Dontari
Poe, Gerald McCoy, and Luke Kuechly from the middle of their
defense. Simmons has a rare blend of athleticism, versatility,
and instincts that should allow him to affect all three levels of
the defense from the moment he steps on the field. I see an even
bigger and faster Derwin James when watching Simmons play and that should be a scary thought
for opposing NFL offenses.

8. Atlanta Falcons (Trade with Arizona Cardinals)

The Pick: CJ Henderson (CB, Florida)
The Falcons have tons of needs on defense to address coming into the
2020 season and finding a CB to start opposite Isaiah Oliver would be a
good starting point. Henderson is smooth in coverage and has blazing
4.39 speed. After only allowing 20 receptions for 318 yards and 0 tds in
243 snaps lined up as a single high corner over the past two seasons
Henderson has the makings of a #1 CB at the NFL level. Furthermore,
listed at 6’1” 204 pounds Henderson should have the size and speed
necessary to compete with the top receivers in the NFL, many of which
happen to reside in the NFC South.

9. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Pick: Derrick Brown (DT, Auburn)
It’s crazy how much can change in a couple short years, but the Jaguars
are in serious need of help on the defensive side of the football. After
moving back to secure extra draft capital the Jags will be happy to add
Brown to the defense. Brown is the best all around defensive tackle in
the draft and could be an anchor in the middle of the Jaguars defense for
years to come. After losing Marcel Dareus in free agency, trading away
Calais Campbell, and potentially needing to move on from the
disgruntled Yannick Ngakoue being able to draft a stud defensive tackle
at #9 overall would be a great addition for the Jaguars.
10. Cleveland Browns
The Pick: Andrew Thomas (OT, Georgia)
Thomas is viewed as potentially the “safest” of the big four tackle
prospects due to having started for three straight years in the SEC at
both left and right tackle. Furthermore, as an All-American he should
be capable of stepping onto the field and contributing immediately.
The Browns would start him on the left side after adding RT Jack
Conklin in free agency. After bolstering the line through free agency
and the draft all eyes will be on Baker Mayfield to take the next step in
year 3. He will undoubtedly have the weapons and blocking needed to
attempt to make the leap towards stardom.

11. New York Jets

The Pick: Jedrick Wills Jr. (OT, Alabama)
The Jets have massive needs at both WR and OT, but look for them
to address the offensive line if Wills Jr. is around. Getting the
potential #1 OT prospect in the draft at 11th overall could prove to be
a massive steal for the Jets as they look to move forward in their
rebuild. At 6’3” 312 pounds Wills Jr. is a nimble pass protector and
mauler in the run game on the right side. He should be able to help
Le’Veon Bell get going in his 2nd year with the team and take some
pressure off of Sam Darnold.

12. Las Vegas Raiders

The Pick: CeeDee Lamb (WR, Oklahoma)
The first Oklahoma Sooner will come off the board when the Raiders
make Lamb the 12th overall selection in the 2020 draft. Raiders GM
Mike Mayock has made it clear the Raiders are looking to add WR
talent in the draft and there is no better place to start than by adding
arguably the #1 WR prospect in the draft. One of the most complete
WR prospects in recent memory, Lamb can do it all. He has every
route in the route tree at his disposal and when you combine this with
his size, speed, and intelligence it’s easy to see how he made BIG 12
defenders look silly for his entire collegiate career. Lamb should take
over as the Raiders #1 WR in the passing game and form a strong duo
with incumbent pass catching tight end Darren Waller. The two of
them should make life much easier for Derek Carr.
13. Denver Broncos (Trade with San Francisco 49ers)
The Pick: Jerry Jeudy (WR, Alabama)
With the 13th overall pick look for the Denver Broncos to be
aggressive and move up to snag Jeudy. Elway has not been shy about
moving around in the draft and he knows he needs to give 2nd year
QB Drew Lock some weapons. New Broncos Offensive Coordinator
Pat Shurmur will be tasked with helping Drew Lock take a big step
forward in year two. Having Jeudy and budding star Courtland
Sutton across from each other in the formation will be instrumental in
Lock’s development.

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Pick: Mekhi Becton (OT, Louisville)
The Bucs would love for the draft to play out like this as they could sit
back at 14th overall and get a big time tackle prospect. Becton could be
the first tackle off the board, but look for him to slide a little after his
flagged drug test at the NFL Combine.The Bucs just signed the
G.O.A.T and now it’s time to get him some proper help on the offensive
line. A 6’7” 364 pound tackle who ran a 5.1 40 yard dash is a rare
commodity and could be a building block for the franchise to have on
the left side of the offensive line. Becton could provide some much
needed stability for Tom Brady’s blindside.

15. Philadelphia Eagles (Trade with San Francisco 49ers)

The Pick: Henry Ruggs III (WR, Alabama)
The Eagles will be aggressive and move up to get one of the consensus
top three wide receivers in the 2020 NFL Draft. Ruggs III has been
flying up draft boards recently and it’s easy to see why. With 4.27 speed
and 24 TDs on only 98 career receptions in college Ruggs III is a big-
play machine. The Eagles are starved for playmakers on the outside and
Ruggs III would be a perfect fit. Carson Wentz has shown he can be a
MVP level quarterback and the help the Eagles provided him with last
season was outright embarrassing. Ruggs III, Ertz, Goedert, Jeffery, and
Desean Jackson would provide Wentz with more depth and playmaking
on the outside.
16. Arizona Cardinals (Trade with Atlanta Falcons)
The Pick: Javon Kinlaw (DT, South Carolina)
After moving back to secure extra draft capital (no 2nd round pick
due to the Deandre Hopkins trade) the Cardinals will be happy to
add Kinlaw to the defense. At 6’5” 324 pounds while proving he
can provide pressure up the middle (6 sacks in 2019) Kinlaw could
be an anchor in the middle of the Cardinals defense for years to
come. After struggling mightly on defense last year the Cardinals
are able to move back in the draft and add a difference maker in the
middle.

17. Dallas Cowboys

The Pick: K’Lavon Chaisson (EDGE, LSU)
After losing Robert Quinn this past offseason look for the
Cowboys to add Chaisson at 17th overall. The Cowboys would
probably love to take a CB to replace Byron Jones, but value and
need don’t meet here so look for them to go best player
available. Chaisson is the classic edge rusher each year that gets
drafted higher than his production says he should be. However,
with all the physical tools needed to succeed at the NFL level,
high character (he wore the #18 jersey at LSU), and some big
time production down the stretch for LSU the Cowboys will be
hoping they have a steal at #17.

18. Miami Dolphins

The Pick: Josh Jones (OT, Houston)
After selecting Herbert at #3 overall the Dolphins add someone to block
for him in Josh Jones. Jones started 45 games at LT for the cougars
throughout his collegiate career and only allowed 4 pass blocking
pressures all of last season. Some teams project Jones to move inside to
guard, but whether he stays at LT or moves inside he would be a great get
for the rebuilding Dolphins. At 6’5” 320 pounds Jones could help to
provide stability to an offensive line that is in some major need of help.
Whoever it is that ends up starting at QB for the Dolphins in 2020 they
will be happy the team added Jones at 18th overall.
19. Las Vegas Raiders (from Chicago Bears)
The Pick: Kristian Fulton (CB, LSU)
After adding a WR at #12 overall the Raiders will look to strengthen
the secondary with their second selection in the first round. The
raiders greatly need help on the back end and after taking a corner in
the first round last year look for them to do the same in 2020. After
the two two cornerbacks there is no true consensus, but Fulton
would fit in well with the Raiders defense. Per PFF he had the
highest coverage grade of any corner in this class during college and
it it easy to see why. At 6’ tall 200 pounds with long arms and high-
end athleticism Fulton has all the tools needed to be a #1 CB at the
next level. Furthermore, defensive coordinator Paul Guenther’s
scheme which combines a lot of man and zone coverage will allow for Fulton to thrive.

20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Los Angeles Rams)

The Pick: Xavier McKinney (S, Alabama)
After adding Derrick Brown earlier in the 1st round the Jaguars will
add another playmaker from the SEC to the defense. CB is the more
pressing need for the Jaguars, but they have also been decimated at
safety in recent years and McKinney could fill a hole for them.
McKinney did it all for Alabama, lining up at safety, in the slot, and
in the box. For many teams he can be seen as a mini version of
Clemson LB Isaiah Simmons. McKinney could immediately provide
a leader for the Jaguars defense and begin to form a strong nucleus
with Brown.

21. San Francisco 49ers (Trade with Philadelphia Eagles)

The Pick: Justin Jefferson (WR, LSU)
After coming off a monster season the 49ers will move back twice
and select Jefferson at #21 overall. Jefferson just put up 111 catches
for 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns last season while helping lead
LSU to an undefeated national championship. Pairing him with
Deebo Samuel, last years 2nd round pick, would provide Jimmy
Garoppolo with a potentially devastating duo out wide. After seeing
how hard it was to contain the chiefs talented receivers in last years
Super Bowl the 49ers will be happy to have two young ones of their
own.
22. Minnesota Vikings (from Buffalo Bills)
The Pick: Jaylon Johnson (CB, Utah)
The Vikings need help at both CB and WR and look for them to
address at least one of these needs with their two first round picks. At
22 overall the Vikings will address the secondary and take CB Jaylon
Johnson. With the Lions, Packers, and Bears all having big physical #1
receivers it is imperative the Vikings have someone in the secondary
that can match up with them. Mike Zimmer loves taking cornerbacks
in the first round and Johnson fits the mold of those he’s taken the past.
A physical corner that is built for press coverage, Johnson is the kind
of CB that Zimmer loves and he will greatly improve the Vikings
secondary heading into the 2020 season.

23. Baltimore Ravens (Trade with New England Patriots)

The Pick: Kenneth Murray (LB, Oklahoma)
After allowing C.J. Mosley to sign with the Jets in 2019 the
Ravens need to draft a LB to replace him in the middle of the
defense. Look for them to be aggressive and move up to snag
Murray. There were many times throughout last season where
the Ravens felt the loss of Mosley, and Murray could step in
to fill the void. Murray had a strong finish to last season
against high quality competition and is a perfect fit for the
modern NFL. At 240 pounds Murray is equipped to fly around
the entire field and make plays for the Baltimore defense. After
finding recent success with draft picks out of Oklahoma the Ravens are hoping that Murray can
follow in their footsteps.

24. New Orleans Saints

The Pick: Patrick Queen (LB, LSU)
The Saints have one of the deepest and most complete rosters in the NFL
heading into 2020 and will be looking to make another deep playoff run
before Drew Brees finally decides to call it a career. With one of their few
holes being at LB after the departure of A.J. Klein, Queen could form a
strong duo with incumbent Demario Davis. Queen was a tackling
machine in the middle of the LSU defense last season. He plays
incredibly fast and can makes plays from sideline to sideline due to his
immense athletic ability. Queen could contribute from day 1 on the saints
without the pressure of needing to transform their defense. Furthermore,
he would be the first 1st round draft pick out of LSU made by the Saints
so he could be a hometown hero of sorts.
25. Minnesota Vikings
The Pick: Ezra Cleveland (OT, Boise State)
Recent reports have suggested that Cleveland has flown onto the first
round radar and that the Vikings are one of the teams with their sights set
on him. Although on most draft boards he is considered a day two
prospect he would be a strong addition to the Vikings offensive line. At
6’6” 310 while running a 4.93 and putting up 30 reps on the bench press
Cleveland has the strength and athleticism to play a variety of position
on the line. He could slot in at tackle or guard and help the Vikings keep
their dominant ground attack. Look for the Vikings to dress WR on day
2 of the draft.

26. Detroit Lions (Trade with Miami Dolphins, from Houston Texans)
The Pick: A.J. Epenesa (DE, Iowa)
With the pick they acquired in the trade with the Miami Dolphins the
Lions will continue to strengthen the defense and add Epenesa. Epenesa
recorded 11.5 sacks last year while playing in the Big Ten and has
incredibly strong tape. With great instincts and a deep arsenal of pass
rushing moves Epenesa should be able to translate his college production
over to the pros even without elite athleticism. If Epenesa were more
athletic he could easily be going much higher than the bottom half of the
first round. Taking Epenesa and Okudah in the first round would be a
much needed infusion of youth for a Lions defense that struggled mightly
last year.

27. Indianapolis Colts (Trade with Seattle Seahawks)

The Pick: Jordan Love (QB, Utah State)
The Seahawks love to trade back and the Colts will happily move
up to grab their QB of the future. Jacoby Brissett was adequate
last year, but the team was clearly not sold on him after deciding
to sign Phillip Rivers in free agency this offseason. Rivers is
nothing more than a stopgap though as he is clearly on his last
legs. Enter Jordan Love. After a monster 2018 in which he threw
for 32 TDs against only 6 INTS Love took a bit of a step back
last year although much of that can be attributed to massive
changeover on offense. Standing 6’4” while being uber athletic,
Love has teams salivating over his potential and hoping he more
closely resembles the 2018 version of himself. With the ability to
make every throw from every angle Love could end up being a major “boom” for the Colts as
they move on from the Andrew Luck era.
28. New England Patriots (Trade with Baltimore Ravens)
The Pick: Cesar Ruiz (C/G, Michigan)
After moving back in the first round Belichick adds Ruiz to help
bolster the offensive line. An offseason trade of the franchise
tagged OG Joe Thuney is very possible as Belichick has shown
caution about handing out massive contracts in the past. Ruiz
could step in for Thuney and help to keep the line as a strong
point. Smart, versatile, and a tenacious competitor Ruiz would
help strengthen what is already considered a staunch running
game. Adding some talent to the front 7 is also a possibility
here.

29. Tennessee Titans

The Pick: Isaiah Wilson (OT, Georgia)
The Titans rode a tough physical running game to the brink of the Super
Bowl last season and after letting RT Jack Conklin walk in free agency
they replace him with Wilson. Starting at RT for Georgia the past couple of
years Wilson is a mammoth human being listed at 6’6” 350 pounds. With
long arms and big hands he is a load to deal with once he gets his hands on
you, especially in the running game. Wilson can replace Conklin as the
Titans gear up to make another deep playoff run.

30. Green Bay Packers

The Pick: Jalen Reagor (WR, TCU)
The Packers desperately need to give Aaron Rodgers some help on the
outside. Davante Adams is a star, but beyond him they don’t have too
much. Relying on Lazard, MVS, and the newly signed Devin Funchess
heading into the 2020 season is a recipe for disaster. Enter Jalen
Reagor, a 5’11” playmaker out wide who ran a 4.47 second 40 at the
combine. A lot of talk has surfaced recently of Reagor sneaking into the
first round and the Packers would be happy to snag him. With a 42 inch
vertical and a 11.5 ft broad jump Reagor has special open field talent.
Adams and RB Aaron Jones can moves the chains for the Packers
while Reagor finds space behind the defense to make chunk plays for
the Packer offense.
31. Houston Texans (Trade with San Francisco 49ers)
The Pick: Zach Baun (LB, Wisconsin)
The Texans trade up into the first round and draft Baun, someone to
provide pressure off the edge and compliment J.J. Watt. Baun, a
converted high school quarterback is a freak athlete and put up monsters
numbers last season. With 76 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, and 12.5
sacks he could have an immediate impact for Bill O’Briens
defense.

32. Kansas City Chiefs

The Pick: D’Andre Swift (RB, Georgia)
The Super Bowl Champion Chiefs could use some help at
corner back, but adding Swift to the NFL’s move high-
powered offense is a scary thought. With Mahomes, Hill, and
Kelce causing headaches for defenses around the league Swift
should be able to find loads of running room. Furthermore,
Head Coach Andy Reid could his skill-set out of the backfield,
adding another dimension to the Chiefs high-powered offense.
Good luck stopping this offense next season (or in the seasons
to come).