P.S. - Everyone please start washing your hands A LOT , wear gloves in public , disinfect as much as you safely can ,wear a mask if you can too , and avoid casual contact whenever possible .
# Is for a player with with reported character or maturity concerns.
** Is for a player with reported injury concerns.
1.CINCINNATI - JOE BURROW - QB - LSU - 6"3' , 221
NFL PLAYER COMP - a leaner ANDREW LUCK - retired
The Bengals WERE clearly rebuilding, and they HAD a ton of needs, but I would have been shocked if they traded this pick before they actually started signing outside free agents. Now I definitely can't imagine someone offering them enough to pass on Joe Burrow , as they look like they are trying to compete quickly . Which is smart because you have a better chance when your franchise QB is on a cheaper rookie deal . A clear cut Stud franchise QB that grew up in OHIO! . Normally I would say , but it's the Bengals . Their owner is Mike Brown . The son of HOF coach and owner Paul Brown . Despite the Bengals being worth about 2 billion Brown is one of the poorest Owners in The NFL , although he's still worth close to a billion last time I checked. They still have plenty of money ,but that's pretty much how the family made their fortune . Despite never winning it all Brown has refused to relinquish power, even though his family members , and the current head coach have some say . His refusal to pay market value for many players is part of why they haven't won, and actually a good argument for keeping this pick and taking Burrow , but it's actually even more cost effective to rebuild the team quicker with a lot more cheap draft picks .Plus there were rumblings in the rumor mill that Burrow may not want to play for the bungals . After Burrow seemed to clear it up at the combine Brown apparently decided the time is now to speed up their chance to compete. Maybe it's because he will be 85 this season, but he has already signed 2 young corners( Trae Waynes & Mackenzie Alexander) and young nose tackle DJ Redaer at market prices . Plus he used the franchise tag to keep AJ Green .It's a good start at the very least . In the 20 plus years I have been breaking down the film on draft prospects the best college QB I have ever seen was Andrew Luck . I was right about him in every way, but one, and that was his commitment to the game . I really don't care what anyone else thinks about this, but I was shocked when Luck retired because of injuries? If it's not going to make you lose your mental capabilities ( concussions) , your ability to walk , or function for the rest of your life you don't retire as a 29 year old well payed QB . Especially now, when you finally have one of the leagues best O-lines , and the leagues rules are specifically designed to protect your primadonna Ass . Burrow doesn't have Lucks long term college track record to bolster his status, but in every other way (except bulk) his on the field performance reminds me of when Luck was still a man . He has lightning fast reads , even slightly faster than Tua , which would have shocked me if anyone had told me that before the season. Poise, athleticism, , balls, accuracy all over the field . Plus he can scramble to buy time, and find the open man with the best of them, but if he has to run he is dangerous there too. Dude just seemed immune to pressure, murdered the blitz all year, and he kept getting better as the season went along . Played a ton of big time teams , and beat them ALL, unlike Luck ! Now it's true he had a great team around him , tons of weapons, a really good O-line, and a new offense that very few college QB's would have the mental capacity to run well, but he aced that offense. In his case he mastered it in one off season, and kept improving in it all year . Never had a bad game this season . Has an average arm, but so did Luck, Tom Brady, Joe Montana, and Peyton Manning . When you read defenses that fast, throw people open early the way he does, and display great accuracy, touch, and timing, who cares ? No one with a brain . The only worry I have with him is frame . He is a former All - State basketball player , and has the build of one. He's measured in at 6 "3" at, 221 lbs at the combine which was a little better than I expected, but it would still help to add another 10-15 pounds of muscle . . My concern for his long term durability would be alleviated then . I am not saying he would need to be as big as Luck , who looked like a small defensive end( a big 6'4' , 240) when he was entered his first training camp . His hands measured at a smallish for a QB "9" , but Mahomes and Rodgers are about the same so I'm not worried about it . People make a big deal about him being a one year wonder, but the guy transferred over really late in 2018. I'm talking about the tigers already being in 2 a days when he showed up. Then he still won the starting job , although it was a different and predictably boring offense . As of now Joe Burrow is my second highest graded QB ever, just had the best college football season of any QB in history , and is now my #1 ranked player in the whole draft .SLAM DUNK PICK !
2.WASHINGTON- CHASE YOUNG - DE - OHIO ST.- 6"5" , 264
NFL PLAYER COMP - MYLES GARRETT - BROWNS
The skins still seem to be rebuilding . Other than bringing in CB Kendall Fuller, and throwing the franchise tag on Pro Bowl guard Brandon Scherff they are mostly bargain shopping in free agency so far . I know some Redskin fans will love this pick, and others will say they need a new left tackle, and both will be right , but there is now a shadow of a hope that Trent Williams would return to the skins under the new regime .New head coach Ron Rivera met with Williams already so that alone is progress . Although I'm guessing they won't get more than a third for Williams if they trade him now. However, unless someone in the first 7 picks, or maybe at worst top 9 offers them a big package of picks to move up this is the best thing to do . Young is the clear cut #2 player on my board, he plays a premium position, and he's probably number one overall for a lot of people . I know you have Ryan Kerrigan and Montez Sweat already, but you never can have enough people that rush the passer well . Young is more talented than both of those other 2 edge rushers . Also Kerrigan will be 32 next season , he will be in the last year of his contract in 2020 , and coming off a season ending injury . I am not suggesting they should cut Ryan for cap savings either . Kerrigan is still a good player, and he's on the cusp of a possible HOF career with a few more good seasons . Like Daniel Snyder or not, but he does love his team . I am sure he would want a guy who has played this well for this long to be career redskin, especially if he gets a gold jacket . A couple more years and he would probably reach that magical 100 sack plateau, maybe even this season if he returns to form. This team has plenty of needs, but QB isn't one, so their best hope is that Tua gets a clean bill of health from a team willing to pay enough to trade up for him. Personally I think it would be a lock if Tua hadn't gotten hurt this year, and this hip injury is a serious one for any player, but I don't buy the talk about them taking Tua and trading Dwayne Haskins . They are trying to get another team to blow them away with a huge offer .It's possible someone even falls for Justin Herbert , but I wouldn't do it , and I don't see a team giving up a lot to move up for him . It's even possible a team wants to move up for Young too, but I doubt the price would be as high in that situation, and unless you wow them I just don't see the skins trading away from an elite prospect . For now I think they stay here ,and take the best player available . Young follows the Bosa brothers into the NFL continuing Ohio State's recent streak of providing premium edge players to the NFL . He's not quite as polished as them, but he does show a lot of the same violent hands, and Young is definitely more athletic with a higher upside . Also after cutting Josh Norman & Paul Richardson they really could use the picks. Plus if Quinton Dunbar holds out , or they decide to trade him , moving back enough to still get Jeff Odukah could still be worth it. Young is such a good prospect that even skipping the combine workout won't hurt his draft stock, although if I were him I would have just wanted to get it over with now, but with Corona he probably will never have to workout .
***PROJECTED TRADE*** The CHARGERS their 1rst rounder ( #6) and their 1rst rounder in 2021 to the LIONS for their 1rst (#3) ***PROJECTED TRADE ***
3.CHARGERS-(lions)- ** - TUA TAGOVAILOA - QB - ALABAMA - 6ft. , 217NFL PLAYER COMP - a leaner ANDREW LUCK - retired
The Bengals WERE clearly rebuilding, and they HAD a ton of needs, but I would have been shocked if they traded this pick before they actually started signing outside free agents. Now I definitely can't imagine someone offering them enough to pass on Joe Burrow , as they look like they are trying to compete quickly . Which is smart because you have a better chance when your franchise QB is on a cheaper rookie deal . A clear cut Stud franchise QB that grew up in OHIO! . Normally I would say , but it's the Bengals . Their owner is Mike Brown . The son of HOF coach and owner Paul Brown . Despite the Bengals being worth about 2 billion Brown is one of the poorest Owners in The NFL , although he's still worth close to a billion last time I checked. They still have plenty of money ,but that's pretty much how the family made their fortune . Despite never winning it all Brown has refused to relinquish power, even though his family members , and the current head coach have some say . His refusal to pay market value for many players is part of why they haven't won, and actually a good argument for keeping this pick and taking Burrow , but it's actually even more cost effective to rebuild the team quicker with a lot more cheap draft picks .Plus there were rumblings in the rumor mill that Burrow may not want to play for the bungals . After Burrow seemed to clear it up at the combine Brown apparently decided the time is now to speed up their chance to compete. Maybe it's because he will be 85 this season, but he has already signed 2 young corners( Trae Waynes & Mackenzie Alexander) and young nose tackle DJ Redaer at market prices . Plus he used the franchise tag to keep AJ Green .It's a good start at the very least . In the 20 plus years I have been breaking down the film on draft prospects the best college QB I have ever seen was Andrew Luck . I was right about him in every way, but one, and that was his commitment to the game . I really don't care what anyone else thinks about this, but I was shocked when Luck retired because of injuries? If it's not going to make you lose your mental capabilities ( concussions) , your ability to walk , or function for the rest of your life you don't retire as a 29 year old well payed QB . Especially now, when you finally have one of the leagues best O-lines , and the leagues rules are specifically designed to protect your primadonna Ass . Burrow doesn't have Lucks long term college track record to bolster his status, but in every other way (except bulk) his on the field performance reminds me of when Luck was still a man . He has lightning fast reads , even slightly faster than Tua , which would have shocked me if anyone had told me that before the season. Poise, athleticism, , balls, accuracy all over the field . Plus he can scramble to buy time, and find the open man with the best of them, but if he has to run he is dangerous there too. Dude just seemed immune to pressure, murdered the blitz all year, and he kept getting better as the season went along . Played a ton of big time teams , and beat them ALL, unlike Luck ! Now it's true he had a great team around him , tons of weapons, a really good O-line, and a new offense that very few college QB's would have the mental capacity to run well, but he aced that offense. In his case he mastered it in one off season, and kept improving in it all year . Never had a bad game this season . Has an average arm, but so did Luck, Tom Brady, Joe Montana, and Peyton Manning . When you read defenses that fast, throw people open early the way he does, and display great accuracy, touch, and timing, who cares ? No one with a brain . The only worry I have with him is frame . He is a former All - State basketball player , and has the build of one. He's measured in at 6 "3" at, 221 lbs at the combine which was a little better than I expected, but it would still help to add another 10-15 pounds of muscle . . My concern for his long term durability would be alleviated then . I am not saying he would need to be as big as Luck , who looked like a small defensive end( a big 6'4' , 240) when he was entered his first training camp . His hands measured at a smallish for a QB "9" , but Mahomes and Rodgers are about the same so I'm not worried about it . People make a big deal about him being a one year wonder, but the guy transferred over really late in 2018. I'm talking about the tigers already being in 2 a days when he showed up. Then he still won the starting job , although it was a different and predictably boring offense . As of now Joe Burrow is my second highest graded QB ever, just had the best college football season of any QB in history , and is now my #1 ranked player in the whole draft .SLAM DUNK PICK !
2.WASHINGTON- CHASE YOUNG - DE - OHIO ST.- 6"5" , 264
NFL PLAYER COMP - MYLES GARRETT - BROWNS
The skins still seem to be rebuilding . Other than bringing in CB Kendall Fuller, and throwing the franchise tag on Pro Bowl guard Brandon Scherff they are mostly bargain shopping in free agency so far . I know some Redskin fans will love this pick, and others will say they need a new left tackle, and both will be right , but there is now a shadow of a hope that Trent Williams would return to the skins under the new regime .New head coach Ron Rivera met with Williams already so that alone is progress . Although I'm guessing they won't get more than a third for Williams if they trade him now. However, unless someone in the first 7 picks, or maybe at worst top 9 offers them a big package of picks to move up this is the best thing to do . Young is the clear cut #2 player on my board, he plays a premium position, and he's probably number one overall for a lot of people . I know you have Ryan Kerrigan and Montez Sweat already, but you never can have enough people that rush the passer well . Young is more talented than both of those other 2 edge rushers . Also Kerrigan will be 32 next season , he will be in the last year of his contract in 2020 , and coming off a season ending injury . I am not suggesting they should cut Ryan for cap savings either . Kerrigan is still a good player, and he's on the cusp of a possible HOF career with a few more good seasons . Like Daniel Snyder or not, but he does love his team . I am sure he would want a guy who has played this well for this long to be career redskin, especially if he gets a gold jacket . A couple more years and he would probably reach that magical 100 sack plateau, maybe even this season if he returns to form. This team has plenty of needs, but QB isn't one, so their best hope is that Tua gets a clean bill of health from a team willing to pay enough to trade up for him. Personally I think it would be a lock if Tua hadn't gotten hurt this year, and this hip injury is a serious one for any player, but I don't buy the talk about them taking Tua and trading Dwayne Haskins . They are trying to get another team to blow them away with a huge offer .It's possible someone even falls for Justin Herbert , but I wouldn't do it , and I don't see a team giving up a lot to move up for him . It's even possible a team wants to move up for Young too, but I doubt the price would be as high in that situation, and unless you wow them I just don't see the skins trading away from an elite prospect . For now I think they stay here ,and take the best player available . Young follows the Bosa brothers into the NFL continuing Ohio State's recent streak of providing premium edge players to the NFL . He's not quite as polished as them, but he does show a lot of the same violent hands, and Young is definitely more athletic with a higher upside . Also after cutting Josh Norman & Paul Richardson they really could use the picks. Plus if Quinton Dunbar holds out , or they decide to trade him , moving back enough to still get Jeff Odukah could still be worth it. Young is such a good prospect that even skipping the combine workout won't hurt his draft stock, although if I were him I would have just wanted to get it over with now, but with Corona he probably will never have to workout .
***PROJECTED TRADE*** The CHARGERS their 1rst rounder ( #6) and their 1rst rounder in 2021 to the LIONS for their 1rst (#3) ***PROJECTED TRADE ***
NFL PLAYER COMP - MARK BRUNELL - retired
The Chargers had a big decision to make at QB. Phillip Rivers was a UFA , and they parted ways with him so he moved his family to Florida . Rivers didn't have his best season, but with the Bolts often injured patchwork O-Line I'm personally surprised he survived the year without a big injury . So I am not even sure if he would have come back and played for the Bolts if they wanted him , but he's a Colt now . The Chargers aren't punting the season either. They have brought in a lot of good( Chris Harris, Bryan Bulaga, and Linval Joseph) veterans , who are past their prime, but still solid players . The Bolts also hoodwinked the Panthers by trading way past his prime LT Russell Okung for 26 year old Pro Bowl guard Trai Turner They also threw the franchise tag on Hunter Henry and resigned Austin Ekeler . The problem with those players is that all of them except Harris & Ekeler either have lengthy injury histories, or were hurt last season. Sadly I have spent most of my life in SOCAL. Trust me other than the weather & good looking women it sucks, but I can attest that there is a large football loving Polynesian population .I have played with and coached a lot of them myself .Don't get me wrong, the excitement of Tua would sell tickets to anyone, but this would also give them an extra boost economically they may lacked since Junior Seau left . With a new stadium opening , and that after a pandemic, they may need all the help they can get selling seats right now .Also, I think Tua would love to be close to the beach . Tua here fits especially if it's going to take him awhile to heal, and I definitely think he needs a red shirt this season , because they already have a good veteran stopgap QB in Tyrod taylor. Tua has elite poise & he already reads defenses like a veteran NFL QB . He is built like a RB ( 6 ft.217 lbs.), and his lack of height will knock him down some boards, and you do see him miss some buzzing backers on tape because of it , but his average arm will also push him down some other boards too. That RB like build is what confuses me with his injury history , as he looks like a shorter Dak Prescott on the field, and I have seen Dak run over a LB & pop up with a smile. Although Dak wished he had Tua's accuracy, ability to throw people open , and quickness reading defenses . He has huge hands( "10" ) like Dak too .Tua has been hurt all 3 years of college, although this years hip injury could be a long term thing. His mobility is one of his great skills, and hip injuries can also really affect your ability to throw the ball , and he didn't have the strongest arm to begin with. If he had come through this year unscathed there would probably be some teams who valued him more than others who would have him as their number #1 QB . Tua would also have been the 3rd overall player in the draft and the 6th player in my elite blue chip tier . In that case the Redskins would be giggling with how much they could extract from a QB needy team that wanted to move up to #2 overall for him. Although that could still happen if his medicals look good at the combine, but I doubt they get healthy Tua prices even if a team buys into him . Now that's unlikely that he worked out , or even gets medical exam before the draft I am moving him farther down my board, because without those things I wouldn't actually take him unless my plan was a full redshirt year . On film Tua is even more accurate than Burrow , and that's saying something , and he has a very quick release. He is a 2 year starter in a NFL offense , in a elite conference, has enough arm to make the throws . Plus he looks like a veteran NFL franchise QB on tape. I have actually heard some complain that Tua has too much talent around him, but that's stupid to me . Burrow had the same thing , and they both play in one of the elite conferences in the NCAA against top competition . Also, I know a few people have sent me messages complaining about the Mark Brunell comp. I personally think Brunell was a very good NFL QB . Steve Young was my obvious choice initially, but he didn't become injury prone until AFTER he turned pro . So I didn't feel comfortable comparing him to an NFL HOFer when I am not confident of his ability to have a lengthy career . A left handed Russell Wilson was another , but not only is Russell extremely durable, Wilson also has an almost supernatural ability to avoid big hits. Tua is just as likely to be the next Sam Bradford as he is the next Steve Young, so I went for another left handed guy in the middle of the 2.
4.NY GIANTS - TRISTAN WIRFS - T/G - IOWA - 6"5" , 320
NFL PLAYER COMP - NFL PLAYER COMP - EVAN MATHIS - retired
The Giants have been active in free agency, but so far the only potential difference makers are young CB James Bradberry & LB Blake Martinez , and Martinez had a down year last season .Unless they bring in Clowney ,and that hasn't happened yet. While I personally wouldn't want to pay a injury prone/inconsistent guy that has never had 10 sacks in season 20 million a year, I'm pretty sure someone will because Clowney is only 27& ridiculously talented . Although having a great draft would help, it might not be enough to make the playoffs this year without a bigger splash, but this pick would help .They've been trying to upgrade their O-Line for years , and while it's has been better, it's still not good. Nate Solder hasn't lived up to his contract . After finishing my top 10 tackles I still have Andrew Thomas at #1 , although Jedrick Wills , Mekhi Bexton, and maybe even Josh Jones could end up in the top 11 with all these tackle needy teams in that range . I personally see Tristan Wirfs as a better fit at guard after finishing his tape, but a tackle needy team may still take him first believing he can play outside , and after that combine it's hard to blame them. However, this is about what the Giants do . I like Wirf's a lot , but apparently not as much as other people who put out draft content or draftniks who follow the draft closely , but I believe he will still go relatively high . I received multiple comments about it when I moved him down my board some , and most of them were so full of insults and F-bombs that I just didn't post them . I did 4 more of his games for this season, and while he definitely has the talent to play outside, I think he is a better fit inside at guard right now. This is not an insult. The history of the NFL is littered with great guards( Gene Upshaw, John Hannah , Larry Allen , Josh Sitton , Evan Mathis, Zack Martin , Brandon Scherff ,Joel Bitonio, Joe Thuney -and that's just off the top of my head) who played OT in college and in some cases the pro's too . Many of them probably could have been solid long term OT's in the NFL , but I doubt they would have all been GREAT outside . I have listed him as a T/G all along for a reason .He struggled with balance regularly on tape for 2 years running . He is also not a consistent natural knee bender , gets high too often , and ends up on the ground too often . On the plus side he is not only very athletic at times , he is also super strong all the time , and he flashes a mean streak in the run game down the field. He has a lot of the same strengths and flaws Tyron Smith had in college as a sophomore, but Smith improved a lot more as a junior when he entered the draft , and he was meaner all the time. Both played RT in college , but Wirfs did flip to the left side for some games when Alaric Jackson got hurt . So both Tyron and Tristan seemed to have the ability to flip over to the blindside if they took to NFL coaching, ,and both were strong enough to play inside if that didn't work out. Like I said Smith improved a lot as a junior and Wirfs not so much, and he didn't end up with Tyron's super long arms, although they are long enough ( 34 inches) to play OT . However the Cards need help at 2 or 3 O-Line spots . So I think he's worth the risk here, and if he doesn't work out at OT, I am comfortable that he would hold up well inside .Wirfs ran a ELITE 4.86 forty and 1.69 ten at the combine ! Both tops of all O-Lineman in Indy . Plus he set the combine O-Line records for the vertical and broad jump , so he may go be the first O-Lineman off the board . I did expect more than 24 reps on the bench, but his functional strength on the field is top notch so no worries .They would be drafting him to be their LT here . I hope it works out for both of them . Bringing in Mark Columbo to coach the O-Line in New York can only help him . I know the Giants would love to have and a DE or CB, but Young is already gone here , and I don't see Gettleman taking a corner at #4, but then again I didn't think they would take a RB at #2 and they took Barkley. I also don't see the Giants drafting a LB in the first round, although GM Dave Gettleman did take Shaq Thompson in the late 1rst when he was running the Panthers, but this is #4 overall . I also think their interior D-Line is one of the few strengths on their team so that leaves out Derrick Brown. I actually think they have pretty good depth at WR too , but I guess Jerry Jeudy are CeeDee Lamb are possibilities as well in some peoples minds, but with the depth of this WR class I expect them both to go outside the top 10 .. However , if they really think Daniel Jones is the answer at QB , and Jones did surprise me with how well he played at times last season , they need to protect him better. So some O-Lineman should be picked if they stay at #4 , and if they take Wirfs at the very least he should be a great guard , but at best he'a decade long blindside protector .
5.MIAMI- ANDREW THOMAS - OT - GEORGIA - 6"5" , 315
NFL PLAYER COMP - NFL PLAYER COMP - DUANE BROWN -
The Dolphins sure seemed like they were trying to " Tank for Tua" heading into the year . Stripping their roster of most of it's established talent and even trading away young potential cornerstone pieces like Laremy Tunsil & Minkah Fitzpatrick . It didn't work. Brian Flores, Ryan Fitzpatrick , and a group of young players & journeyman veterans managed to somehow win 5 games. Flores should have gotten more votes for coach of the year in my opinion, because winning 5 games with that roster is quite an accomplishment . Since they did trade away some key good young players, and traded back a lot in the 2019 draft I expected them to be planning on going all in on a QB in 2021.Trevor Lawrence or maybe even Justin Fields after the awesome season he just had . However,after the year Burrow had in 2020 , the unexpected success the fins had in the 2nd half of the season, the wealth of draft picks ( the most the next 2 years) & cap space( most in the NFL this off season) they currently have , they decided to speed up the rebuild ,and start trying to compete more now . Plus the Brady/Belichick duo has come to an end this off season . .The fins literally HAD needs almost everywhere . Other than Christian Wilkins , Xavien Howard, Devante Parker , Preston Wilson , Vince Biegel , Raekwon McMillan , Davon Godchaux and maybe Mike Gesicki & Reshad Jones they can all be replaced or upgraded . Plus the only Free Agent they have that they might want to resign is 31 year old John Jenkins, and he's probably not going to cost a lot, or be a priority . So that's 10 guys , a few other recent draft picks that they still have hope for ..Not to mention Howard's play dropped off last season ,and he was accused of domestic violence as well. The trade would probably have to be an overpay to get Burrow and I am going to give them the benefit of the doubt, and have them stay at 5, and take the best player available to build for the future .For the record I believe they would have passed on an injured Tua even if he fell here , but it's liars season so we won't really know unless it actually happens, but Tua is gone in this mock so it's irrelevant . I also think they will pass on a game manger like Herbert, even though he is talented enough to be much more . The fins have been very active in free agency, and while I think they have overpaid for most of it they have brought in a lot of veteran talent . Byron Jones & Kyle van Noy are the 2 key additions, and high price or not they are both above average starters . They also brought in Erick Flowers who was solid as a guard for the skins last year after being a bust as a OT . Shaq Lawson & Emmanuel Ogbah are young talented edge rushers who haven't lived up to their draft statuses yet, but they are both upgrades outside anyway . Veteran inside swing man Ted Karras was the starting center for the Patriots last year when David Andrews went down , and he may start at one of the interior positions as well. Plus they now have veteran big back Jordan Howard, and if they get a faster back that can play in the passing game like I expect them too they should have a much improved back field as well . All this makes me think they smell weakness from the Patriots, and that they think they can compete for the the division title now, or at the very least a wildcard berth .Don't forget that there is an extra wildcard team under the new CBA .Plus in addition to improving their team, Van Noy & Karras( patriots) & Lawson( bills) weaken their division rivals . Also, rebuilding the O-line should be a priority so I am giving them Thomas .Andrew has been starting since he was a true freshman at RT, and has been starting at LT the last 2 years . He is a dominant run blocker ,and a good long armed pass blocker, who has the athleticism to be be dominant there too with some technique refinement. His biggest weakness right now is blocking down field , but his feet aren't always consistent in his pass sets either . He will occasionally get off balance and end up on the ground too. He already plays in a pro style offense ,and I see him as a plug and play starter at either tackle spot . Also, in my opinion he has both the highest floor & ceiling of all the potential blindside protectors in this draft . I still think Thomas is the best OT in the draft, but this about how I think the teams will pick so I expect him to be the 2nd or 3rd OT off the board now after hearing the opinions of people during the combine who are plugged in to NFL teams. I am giving him to the Dolphins because he is the best run blocker, and defensive head coaches like Flores want to run the ball a lot . If Rosen or Fitz doesn't work out they might have a top 10 pick in 2021 anyway. That pick combined with the extra 2021 first and 2nd rounders they got from Houston gives them the ammo to move up to number one overall and get Trevor Lawrence in next seasons draft , or maybe Justin Fields if they prefer. Plus I have them acquiring another first rounder for next year later in this draft as well .
6.DETROIT - JEFFREY OKUDAH - CB - OHIO ST. - 6'1", 205
NFL PLAYER COMP - JALEN RAMSEY - JAGUARS
The Lions are another team that may want to trade back for a big package of picks for a QB needy team , and according to the trade value chart it would cost about the equivalent of a mid 2nd round pick less at #3 overall than #2 overall . There is also an outside chance they fall in love with a QB , and take Tua or even Herbert, especially now that Stafford will be 32 and has a back injury . Since Stafford's contract is written in a way that it would be hard to trade him , and stupid to release him , I doubt it happens. They are another team with a lot of needs, but that's usually the case when your picking high in the draft,although they supposedly have an ownership mandate to compete now . I don't buy it. This team is too devoid of talent to make the playoffs this year without a ton going right. Short of a windfall trade their best case scenario is the redskins trading their pick to a QB needy team, and Chase Young falling to them, or the skins losing their minds and passing on Young . Pairing him with Trey Flowers would give them a great edge duo. They lost A'Shawn Robinson and replaced him with Danny Shelton at NT .They wisely traded Darius Slay after he demanded a new contract coming off a crappy season . They replaced him with Desmond Trufant, who may not be as young or have as high an upside, but he was a better player last season. Plus he is cheaper and they got a 3rd and 5th for Slay from the eagles . They also signed LB Jamie Collins ( 3 years, 30 million, 18 million guaranteed) who played well for the Patriots again .Strange- Collins stunk for the Browns when he signed a big deal there, but Patricia knows him , and maybe he thinks he can get him to play well again . Collins is certainly versatile & talented, but I would be wary of a guy who went in the toilet last time he got a big pay day . At LB Jarrad Davis has been a bust , and I love Isiah Simmons. Plus Simmons can also play safety, but in the end I am going with Okudah after a trade back. Patricia comes from the Patriots ,and they are a man coverage team that values corners over pass rushers. So Patricia probably thinks he can scheme a pass rush like Belichick .I only have 5 blue chip elite players in the draft right now after Tua got hurt . Burrow and Young are gone in this scenario , and that leaves Odukah & Simmons, and Brown. Since I think CB's are more valuable unless the interior D-Lineman is an elite pass rusher , I will give them the corner . Okudah is the highest graded corner I have done since Patrick Peterson . Even the best NFL corners are grabby , but they are just slicker at it , and get caught less, but Okudah is slicker than most . No PI penalties this season . He isn't quite as physical or thick, but he is a an excellent press man corner . Jeff has good speed, fluid hips, quick feet , ball skills , a wide wing span ,smarts, an explosive burst to the ball. Also throw in the confidence & swagger you want in a lock down CB . The 4.48 forty is fine by me , although he looks low 4.4's on tape, and his 41 inch vertical confirms that explosiveness. Had to leave the combine after taking a bad fall ( hurt his neck ) in the drills .Still getting him after this trade back ,and also picking up a probably high number one next season is a huge victory in and of itself .
***PROJECTED TRADE*** The BROWNS trade their 1rst rounder (#10) , and their 3rd rounder (#74) to the PANTHERS for their 1rst ( #7) ***PROJECTED TRADE ***
7.CLEVELAND-(panthers)- ISAIAH SIMMONS-S/LB-CLEMSON- 6"4", 238
NFL PLAYER COMP - a bigger DARREN WOODSON - retired
The Browns disappointed again in 2019. I admit I picked them to win the division , and they imploded . This was definitely the most talented team in the division last year, but you wouldn't know it by their record . However, for the 2nd year in a row they have been big players during the off season .They signed the best available RT in Jack Conklin , and even at a reasonable price, unlike most teams paying free agent O-Lineman .TE Austin Hooper was the best available in free agency too, and they got him as well, which is good because new head coach Kevin Stefanski loves to use 2 TE's a lot .I also think NT Andrew Billings and safety Karl Joseph were stealthy good signings on 1 year prove it deals, especially if they play Joseph in the box. Before the 2019 season my big worries were LT , RG, and a rookie head coach, but I confess that Freddie Kitchens was just as bad as their O-line. Both OT's were bad , but the RT was even worse than the left. Both players they played at RG were terrible too. They tried to trade for former Pro Bowler Trent Williams to man the blindside, but stubborn Daniel Snyder wouldn't make the deal , but I bet he will now. Williams says he is adamant about never playing for the skins again without a new deal , although instead of a 1rst and some change I doubt they get more than a 3rd rounder for him now . Williams sat out a whole year , will be 32 this season, failed his physical in a weird way, and he had been already having some injury problems for the previous 3 campaign's . There are also rumors they might be in on 38 year old future HOFer Jason Peters . I would still make that deal for Williams for a 3rd if I was the Browns , as long as he passes his physical , and I didn't have to give him the new contract he wants .Peters would be cheaper though , and he played great last season . Conklin fixes the RT spot already. Another thing that didn't work out was the OBJ trade. He took his diva whiny millennial look at me personality to new heights, continued his history of being injury prone, and did a lot to help undermine his coach and QB . I would trade him, and draft a WR in this very deep class in the 2nd or 3rd round , but I doubt they will. Then we have Baker . Crappy O-Line or not he definitely regressed, and made me think that what I used to think of as cocky young brashness , might in fact be Odell-like myopic millennial divaness . Don't think that one OT , now matter how good is going to fix this all either, but that's why I have them getting 2 one way or another. They probably need to draft multiple O-Lineman & sign or trade for a couple more too . Other than their center or LG all these guys could easily be replaced and upgraded . However, since they did sign a veteran OT, and I also have them drafting one in the 2nd round I will go with another big need . LB Joe Schobert is now a Jag , and often injured Christian Kirksey is a packer. The only LB they have brought in is journeyman backup BJ Goodson . So Simmons finally comes off the board, , it's to a team that really needs him, and it's in a trade up . He's clearly the best player on the board , and I think someone is going trade up for him. Simmons is just a flat out stud. He is the best safety , off the ball LB, and movable defensive chess piece in this draft . He can play the run, cover, rush , and he's just a play-maker wherever they line lined him up, and they lined him up all over the defensive formation . He was everywhere on film, almost to the point that I thought there were 2 of him on the field sometimes, and it often took awhile to find him before the snap . He could go as high as #3 but he also could fall here , and the Panthers would probably have multiple teams bidding to trade up for him .
8.ARIZONA- JEDRICK WILLS - OT - ALABAMA - 6"4" , 312
NFL PLAYER COMP -WILLIE ANDERSON - retired
Ahhhh.... good old Bill O'Brien. The patron saint of other teams . The Cards are the latest team to take advantage of the head coach masquerading as a GM .D-Hop for a 2nd and swap of 4th's, and you had to take on David Jhonson's contract? This move alone may save Steve Keim's job, but I think it's actually just him taking advantage of O'Brien incompetence . Other than that the only possible moves of free agent significance may be bringing in Devon Kennard & Jordan Phillips, but neither have been standouts so far in their careers . The Cardinals got a good start on their rebuild last year , but their O-line isn't very good, although their current O-Line did improve some as pass blockers as the year went along . They do say practice makes perfect, and they pass a lot, but it's also a spread system designed to get rid of the ball quickly & run a ton of plays . However, the only O-lineman they have right now that I think they might be counting on as a long term piece is left tackle DJ Humphries ,and while they did resign him, I still think they overpaid .However, it's imperative that the Cardinals upgrade the O-line to protect their young, undersized, potential franchise QB . So I am not even going to seriously entertain another position here. I was on Bama LT Alex Leatherwood by week 3 of the season , but Wills didn't get on my radar until late in the season . Leatherwood went back to school despite my first round grade on him, but Wills was a pleasant surprise . Jedrick is big , strong, and nasty with surprisingly light feet. He needs a more physical hand punch, but he keeps his hands inside , and I think he could flip over to left tackle if needed. Even as a right tackle he is not far behind Thomas on my board, but Wills has more consistent sets as a pass blocker, and with a left handed QB in Tua he was the blindside protector at Alabama . Plays low and mean in the rin game , and gets to the second level too . In a pass heavy offense like this one the best pass blocker in the draft is a good fit .Maybe he will be good enough to inspire LT Humphries to raise his game to Jedrick's level .
***PROJECTED TRADE*** The JAGUARS trade their 1rst rounder (#9) to the BUCCANEERS for their 1rst rounder (#14) their 3rd rounder (#76) and the 4th round compensatory pick (#140) ***PROJECTED TRADE ***
9.TAMPA BAY-(jaguars)- MEKHI BECTON - OT - LOUISVILLE - 6"7" , 364
NFL PLAYER COMP - ANDREW WHITWORTH - RAMS
The GOAT is now the QB of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and with the offensive weapons ( Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, OJ Howard, and Cameron Brate) on this roster they are now Superbowl contenders in my eyes . I admit I didn't see this one coming , and thought Tampa was just a smoke screen, but I was wrong .Plus as usual Brady took less money than he could have gotten . If he really wanted to go to the highest bidder he would be a Charger .The only other things of note they have done is bring back Shaq Barrett & JPP . Good moves, but Brady is the key to making a run at a title. To make sure they keep their soon to be 43 year old QB healthy they probably need an upgrade at both tackle spots, but they already overpaid LT Donovan Smith on a long term deal last year, but RT Demar Dotson is 34 and yet to be brought back, so they can at least upgrade in one of the 2 OT spots . I spend most of the college season watching guys I haven't watched before, but I had already seen 4 of Becton's 2018 games coming into the season, and I had him projected as a low first rounder . I watched 3 more 2019 games during Seniorbowl week, and WOW ! I was so impressed I will even say it backwards . WOW ! Becton is huge . One of those guys that is so big, wide , and long that he is just hard to get around . He also looks like a a guy who you might want to move to guard , but you would be wrong . As long as he keeps his weight in check he is solid on the edge as a pass protector, and his almost 370 pounds is pretty well distributed, I thought If he could cut down to 340 by the combine he could actually be the first OT drafted , as it would help his quickness on his pass sets ,but even at a put together 364 he still looked great. .He ran a 5.11 forty & 1.77 ten at 357 when he weighed in the 2nd time ! Sometimes guys with his profile like Johnathan Ogden , Andrew Whitworth, or Cordy Glenn just know how to use what they have to kick ass . His brutal hand punch is effective and his anchor is elite . His hands are so big & arms are so long it's hard for him to completely miss with his punch, and a partial punch from him can still throw you off course or stop you in your tracks . He is a physical road grader in the run game as a drive blocker . Most giants don't excel down the field , but he is not your normal giant , and he goes hunting . Other than getting better at picking up stunts & blitzes , and getting more accurate with his punch he is a really good OT prospect . Stunts & blitzes usually just come with time, and if he keeps getting in better shape the sky's the limit. Mekhi is my 3rd ranked OT and #15 overall player . With a little time to keep developing his technique & body he could be a perennial Pro Bowler .Louisville used to flip their OT's , so he has played both tackle spots, but I am convinced he could handle the blindside full time in the NFL, after watching him doing it this year. Once I have caught up and watched all 400 some guys I expect to watch this draft season, I will be looking to post my final ranking for 2020. In those 2 weeks I will watch more tape on the top tier guys I have at each position to separate them and give final grades, but it's hard to imagine a an O-lineman having a better game than the one Mekhi did against Clemson . I wouldn't be surprised if he even moves up a little on my board, and I also wouldn't be surprised that after the combine & free agency shake out ,and some tackle needy teams are left wanting, that 4 O-Lineman go in the top 12. In this case he is the last of those 4 and to make sure they get him the bucs trade up to the 9th pick to make sure that the Browns & Jets don't take him .
***PROJECTED TRADE*** The PATRIOTS trade their 1rst rounder (#23) , their 3rd rounder (#87) their 6th and a 2021 2nd rounder to the PANTHERS for the 1rst ( #10) they got from the BROWNS ***PROJECTED TRADE ***
10.PATRIOTS-(panthers,browns)-**-JUSTIN HERBERT-QB-OREGON-6"6", 236
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON -CARSON WENTZ - EAGLES
Brady & Belichick used to go together like peanut butter & jelly, but not anymore . The Goats have gone their separate ways .The only people who really know why are Brady , Belichick , and maybe Robert Kraft . There is no point rehashing who is definitely ( I think it's Belichick )at fault without knowing the full story so let's deal with the consequences . The Patriots QB options are to 1- Let Jarrett Stidham or Brian Hoyer start , and I really doubt this one because I think it's very unlikely they are playoff contenders that way . 2-trade for or sign a veteran QB like Cam Newton , Jameis Winston, Andy Dalton, or Jacoby Brissett . Probably a very viable option, although I don't see a grandstanding press conference guy like Cam falling in line with the Patriot way . 3- Draft a QB . Justin Herbert , Jordan Love , Jalen Hurts, and Jake Fromm are my next 4 QB's in that order ; and the only ones I think should be drafted in the first 3 rounds. Love turns the ball over too much .and is a project for me , so I only see them taking him if he falls to #23 and they also acquire a better vet to start now . Hurts is interesting . He's a team first leadership guy and Belichick wants one of those . Also, I would bet my left arm he would get a glowing recommendation from Belichick protege Nick Saban, and I bet Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley would be happy to praise him too. Plus Hurts doesn't turn the ball over, would be really cheap for a few years, has played in both a pro style ( Alabama) & spread (Oklahoma) offense, and his mobility would add a new wrinkle to the Pats offense . They have a decent chance of him being there for their 3rd at pick #87, but if they really want him I would package 2 of their 3rds and move up into the 2nd .Also if he doesn't end up a long term starter I promise you Billy would get plenty of uses out of versatile guy like Jalen . Fromm is just a guy who looks like a low level starter or high level backup to me. However he is smart , a leader ,doesn't turn the ball over , and played in pro style offense in college . That lack of arm strength won't be as telling with all the horizontal routes they ran last year, but I think Belichick will change the offense a lot this year to fit his personnel . I also think he would want someone with a higher upside. Herbert on the other hand is a quiet team guy who would probably fall right into line with the Patriot way . Even after Tua's injury Herbert is the 3rd QB on my board , but Tua's a big risk, and I'm not sure many GM's would want to wager their job on an already injury prone QB . So that leaves Herbert . In 2017 Herbert was a spread read option QB with all the tools you could want . Tall with a cannon arm , and a willingness to throw down the field that you don't often see. He had his share of bubble & tunnel screens too, which definitely helped his completion percentage , but he could also fire a 20 yard out or a hit a DIG route on a rope . His accuracy still needed work , especially on those deep balls . During that season when he put more air under the ball to go deep it had a tendency to sail on him, and he also occasionally threw receivers into potentially dangerous hits with late or off target throws . He also broke his collarbone late that season as well . In 2018 he made improvements in those problem areas, and the offense also changed a bit . That year Herbert also started showing the capability of being a strong explosive runner who specialized in moving the chains in short yardage situations , or take off for a bigger gain when the play broke down, or even on the occasional read option . He also showed the smarts on when to slide to protect himself . Despite already being 6"6" 230 pounds his frame has plenty of room for growth and he could easily carry 250 pounds of muscle to help protect himself . In 2019 the offense changed a little more again , and became more run oriented . Justin still has all the physical tools, but I expected a similar jump up this season like the one I saw from 2107 to 2018 , and I didn't see it. While his completion percentage went back up ,and his interceptions went down a little too, I think that was due to the conservative offense that gave him more play action passes . He didn't run as much this season himself either , but showed his legs off in a big way in their bowl game, and ran a 4.68 forty at the combine. All in all he is still a very good QB prospect, but he hasn't stepped up in the big moments the way a guy I would trade up in the top 5 for & then anoint my franchise QB for the long haul should do . There are also some rumors of leadership questions around him because he is not the most outwardly vocal guy, but he is universally loved by his teammates . That's not the end of the world . Eli Manning just retired after a long successful career in New York of all places, and he is not the most loquacious guy either . Also, Herbert is starting from scratch when it comes to being under center . Justin probably would have been a top 5 pick last season, and maybe even #1 overall if Kyler Murray wasn't such perfect fit for Kliff Kingsbury's offense . He returned for a chance at the PAC 12 title , and to play a season with his incoming freshman TE little brother, and I don't think it really hurt his stock much , but he didn't do anything to make it go up for me either . There is nothing wrong with being a game manager , which is what Herbert looked like this season, but there are times you just want to see a QB let it rip & win the game for you, instead of just not losing it. Both are valuable , but the former is a guy who can win it all with A LOT around him like a early career Russell Wilson . The latter is a guy like Wilson is now . A franchise QB that can drag a below average team to the playoffs , and a good team to the the title . Basically after 3 years I expected more than the incremental growth I saw . He still may end up being a franchise QB , but right now he's a guy I would prefer to take if he fell a little . However, he is a QB , and even with so many teams filling their QB needs in free agency I just can't see someone this talented falling too far . In conclusion this guy has all the tools and skills . He just needs to harness them , show more consistency , and a lot more special plays in big moments to convince me he is a long term franchise QB . Justin won the Campbell trophy for his combination of football skill, academics, and community service so there is no doubts about his character . Also he would give Belichick the big mobile QB he lacks, is far more physically talented than Brady, will be cheap for 5 years, will cost a LOT less to trade up for than I expected , is an experienced 4 year starter who should be expected to be the man from day one, . Also he probably won't buck when Billy cracks the whip .
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11.NY JETS -JERRY JEUDY - WR - ALABAMA - 6"1", 193
NFL PLAYER COMP - - AMARI COOPER - COWBOYS
The Jets have botched free agency so far . The only guy they have brought in right now ( despite a lot of cap space) who is guaranteed to be a starter is center Connor Mcgovern. They also re-signed part time starting guard Alex Lewis, WAY overpaid Seattle backup OT George Fant like he is a good starter, and brought in backup interior guy Josh Andrews from the Colts . While it's still an improvement it really looks like a big mismanagement of cap space to me . The Jets still need offensive lineman more than anything , and unluckily for them all the ones worth this pick are gone here . They also need CB & WR help, and they would still need a WR even if they had resigned Robby Anderson, but they haven't resigned him yet either . Derrick Brown and the 3 WR's are the best players left on the board, but the interior D-Line is one of the few strengths of their team , and unless they get a hefty trade offer I think they will go with a WR .Both Ceedee Lamb & Jerry Jeudy are number WR's to me, and both are top 10 values in my book . While I have Lamb slightly ahead in the long run they are more 1A and 1B on my board . Jeudy is more polished & pro ready right now, and he could fit into this offense well. He is an advanced route runner even for a pro player, comes out of a pro style offense , has great feet, separates well, was very productive against big time competition, has great long speed & quicks , is a home run threat all the time, and is a high character guy unlike Anderson . Plus his hands are good, except I wouldn't expect him to win a lot of jump balls , and he has limited tape against press. I really hope they invest in the O-Line more though .
12.LAS VEGAS - CEEDEE LAMB - WR - OKLAHOMA - 6"2" , 198
NFL PLAYER COMP - ODELL BECKHAM JR.
The raiders had a big need at off the ball LB , but between signing FA's Cory Littleton & Nick Kwiatkoski that isn't much of a worry anymore. They also brought in Jason Witten, and while he isn't what he was he is still very solid, and can probably mentor Darren Waller on how to be a more complete TE. Dumping AB actually brought the team together last season. Unless the Raiders decide to draft a QB here, and unless Tua is just sitting there like a blinking light . Although I think if Gruden wanted a QB it wouldn't be a target of opportunity, and that he would trade up for him even earlier . Plus they just signed Marcus Marriots to be a high end backup so I think they are expecting to be a playoff team now . They need CB's ( Eli Apple hasn't shown consistency ) too, but I don't see one being drafted this high after Okudah is gone , although it wouldn't shock me if they took CJ Henderson or even traded up for Simmons . They do still need a # 1 WR , otherwise they wouldn't have tried to bring in the train wreck that is Antonio Brown in the first place . Anytime Gruden wants to trade up to get a blue chip player he holds the reins in Las Vegas , but in this case one falls into their laps. Tyrell Williams profiles well as ( and is paid like ) a good number 2 WR , but CD Lamb look like a number one to me, but if Al Davis was still alive I guarantee you it would be Henry Ruggs instead . Lamb looks to be a little bigger & faster than Jeudy on tape , although Jeudy actually ran a little faster in the 40 at the combine , but Lamb's 4.5 is still good. Lamb is good at the more limited route tree Oklahoma runs, and maybe he still needs work there to fit into a Pro style offense, but he dominates the routes he runs now . He is explosive with great hands , slippery in the open field , plays bigger than he is , a skilled hand fighter who releases well, and has a well above average knack for tracking the ball . Also seems to separate at will, is big play threat both in the regular offense , and as a standout punt returner . Combining that with his ability to play great from both the outside & inside , and I think his long term upside gives him the slight lead in the race to be the # 1 WR in the 2020 draft down the road .
13.49ers-(colts)-DERRICK BROWN - DT - AUBURN - 6"5" , 326
NFL PLAYER COMP - KENNY CLARK - PACKERS
Some trades you just don't see coming and this is one of them, but it is also the rare trade that I think could work out really well for both teams . While I think Buckner was a little better ,and definitely more consistent than Armstead , they were up against the cap and made the trade. Plus resigning Armstead right now allowed them to lower his cap number for this season, and he took a team friendly contract . Armstead got ;ess on a 5 year contract compared to Buckners 4 year deal . Losing Buckner also allowed them to resign Jimmie Ward at a reasonable price even though he was coming off a career year .So their options here are Derek Brown or Javon Kinlaw to replace Buckner , or speedster Henry Ruggs to makeup for the loss of Emmanuel Sanders . In the 3 years that Kyle Shanahan & John Lynch have ran the 49ers they have drafted 3 WR's ( Dante Pettis, Deebo Samuels, and Jalen Hurd ) in the top 100, and none in the first round . The only one who has worked out so far is Deebo Samuel , but it's to early to give up on the other 2 for me, and Marquis Goodwin is still on the roster right now too .Also Hurd missed the whole season with an injury so he may come back and break out this year . Plus it's a deep WR draft, and I expect them to trade back with their second 1rst rounder and take a WR later . The strength of this team is the front 4 and they just lost a huge part of that front in Buckner . Brown is the currently the last blue chip player on my board, and if you can get the 5th best player on the board at # 13 you should do it . Coming into this season I saw Brown as more of a nose tackle as he was an elite run stuffer, but he really improved as a pass rusher this year , and I think he could be a 3 down NT for the niners . He has a great motor, big powerful hands , off the ball quickness, just runs over opposing lineman , dominated LSU's vaunted O-Line, and it's hilarious when people are dumb enough to run at him . His only weakness are a lack of pass rush moves( bull rush, push through a shoulder, or slap the hands down and bull rush is it ) and counters. This guy is a tone setter with a really high floor , and a leader that any coach should be itching to draft . While he is not quite the pass rusher Buckner is, Brown is much better at clogging up the middle against the run .
14.JAGUARS-(tampa bay)-JAVON KINLAW- ** - DT -S. CAROLINA- 6"5" , 324
NFL PLAYER COMP - CHRIS JONES - CHIEFS
After the jags traded Jalen Ramsey I thought it was OK, because they got 2 firsts for him, and I figured they would still be competitive in 2020 . After they traded a 28 year old corner in AJ Bouye for a 4th rounder I started to slightly question my earlier prediction, but since they were in a salary cap crunch I still didn't think it a full rebuild . AJ was coming off a down year but he had 3 good years in a row before it . Then the straw that broke the camels back came in the form of a trade of Calais Campbell for a 5th rounder ? The best player on your team. A leader and stud player who has only gotten better since you signed him to a big money FA deal 3 years ago. I know he's going to be 34 this season, but he has shown no signs of slowing down , and no matter how big his salary was you should have gotten more for him . The only FA's of note they have signed are LB Joe Schobert , and CB Darqueze Dennard , but Dennard missed a lot of time with injuries last year , and he has never been a full time starter . Even after dumping Nick Foles contract off on the bears they still have cap problems. I would have taken Justin Herbert if he fell to me at the 9th pick, but maybe they really are all in on Gardner Minshew like they claim . Also, if you are in a full rebuild trading back & gathering more picks is usually your best strategy when you are in salary cap hell, especially when you need those cheap players just to fill out your roster for this season. They probably would have taken Derrick Brown or Javon Kinlaw at # 9 here anyway . Brown has a higher floor, but Kinlaw has a higher upside. After finishing Javon's tape , and watching how much he dominated the first 2 Senior Bowl practices Kinlaw is the 11th ranked overall player on my board . Although the weird tendinitis flare up does make me nervous , and he also had a torn hip labrum earlier in College ,so his medicals at the combine will be key in where he finally ends up. He has the size, length, motor, strength, and even enough quickness to be a consistent Pro Bowl performer in the league . It's rare for players with his height to play so well inside against the run , and unlike the NFL Pro Bowler he reminds me of he didn't struggle with his pad level as often in college . If he can expand & redefine his pass rush repertoire he has a chance to be a superstar in the NFL, but he already looked improved this year in getting after the passer anyway . Maybe if they can trade Yannick Ngakoue for a 2nd the trade won't be necessary , but in this scenario if they are passing on a QB it's actually the best thing for them long term in my opinion .
15.DENVER - HENRY RUGGS - WR - ALABAMA - 5"11", 188
NFL PLAYER COMP - TYREEK HILL CHIEFS
The Broncs look like a team trying to compete for a playoff berth this season , because while some teams are dumping high price veterans for lower round draft picks , Denver is one of the teams getting those players . Sure it's tough to move on from Chris Harris, but when you get high salary guys like AJ Bouye for a 4th & Jurrell Casey for a 7th you are trying to win now .Denver still has plenty of needs , especially in the secondary & D-Line, and at WR .After Emmannuel Sanders was traded no other WR except Courtland Sutton did much . Ruggs is worth this pic, is a potential elite slot receiver, and has ridiculous ( 4.27) speed . He may be the fastest guy available in the draft . Henry is explosive, has huge strong hands, is fearless over the middle, has great contact balance with the ball in his hands , is stronger than his size would indicate , can win jump balls, and he would be a sick counterpart to their RB's on Jet Sweeps . Not quite as polished a route runner as the other Alabama WR's but he made progress this year, and they had so much talent at WR he was underused in my opinion . Pairing him with Courtland Sutton could give Drew Lock two highlight reel targets of a very different type for the long haul . Also this means my top 15 picks all go in order and I really like that, because I think they are clearly the best 15 players in the draft right now , and that teams without a top 15 pick should be trying to trade up into that range to get one of them .
16.ATLANTA- CJ HENDERSON- CB -FLORIDA - 6"1", 204
NFL PLAYER COMP - MARLON HUMPHREY - RAVENS
The falcons finally got a decent sized edge rusher in FA Dante Folwer but they payed though the nose for him . They also traded for Former Raven 1rst round TE Hayden Hurst for a 2nd and a swap of lower picks . Hurst is at least an every down TE ,and the rookie contract he still has 3 years left on, is a heck of a lot cheaper than what Austin Hooper got from the Browns . They got Todd Gurley on a decent 1 year 6 million contract , and if his knee is sound it's a bargain .They surprisingly cut their only good corner in Desmond Trufant to save cap space ,and they haven't signed a outside corner yet . They brought back CB Blidi Wreh -Wilson , but Jamar Taylor is also a free agent, but neither has done much to claim a full time starting job yet . CJ has a tall long armed lanky frame that allows a quick jam, great feet, oily hips, and has the ball skills of a former WR .CJ also needs to add a little more muscle . He mirrors WR's as good as anyone, but he wasn't as aggressive down field ,and at the catch point as he was in 2018 . Has good speed and is also an excellent blitzer with good timing. Henderson also had a great combine ,and probably solidified himself as the second corner on draft boards throughout the league
***PROJECTED TRADE*** The RAVENS their 1rst rounder ( #28) and their 2nd (#55) they got from the COWBOYS for their 1rst rounder(#17) and their 4th rounder (#123) *** PROJECTED TRADE ***
17.BALTIMORE-(cowboys)- PATRICK QUEEN - LB - LSU - 6 ft. , 229
NFL PLAYER COMP - LAVONTE DAVID - BUCCANEERS
The Ravens are a team that's definitely ALL In this season, and they should be because they already had a contending team before free agency started. Plus they can afford to take on or pay out big contracts while Lamar Jackson is on his rookie deal . Snagging one of the best players in the game in Calais Campbell for a 5th rounder and signing Michael Brockers to a 3 year deal gives them a lot more size up front, and they needed it after Derrick Henry ran the ball 30 times for 195 yards when the titans bounced them out of the playoffs in the Divisional round . Before the draft starts the Ravens have an extra 2nd , 3rd, and 4th rounder , and that gives you a lot of flexibility to do what you want in the draft . The Ravens barely even tried to replace CJ Mosley after he went to the Jets in free agency, and their off the ball LB's were the biggest weakness on their defense this year. Only Josh Bynes played well ,and he isn't a every down guy . I watched 2 more of Patrick Queens games when the weekend after California closed all their schools, and every game I watch makes me love him more . If you want Isaiah Simmons to play LB for you , but don't have a high enough pick , or want to pay the price to move up for him, Queen is the next best off the ball LB in this draft .You can literally see him improving game by game until he finished off the season playing his best ball . I now see him as first rounder, and think he's the second off the ball LB off the board after a good combine . If your ALL In you need guys that are plug and play starters to fill needs in the draft . With Zack Baun being a hybrid who is unproven at playing off the ball every down I wouldn't want to count on him right away unless he's primarily a 3-4 rush backer. Kenneth Murray is too raw as well, so that means you need to get your plug and play guy now. Also 5 of the next 7 teams drafting have LB needs so using some of that pick wealth to get the guy you need makes plenty of sense to me .
18. MIAMI-(steelers)- GRANT DELPIT - S - LSU - 6'2' , 213
NFL PLAYER COMP - MALIK HOOKER - COLTS
At safety the fins just cut former pro bowl, and 8 year Dolphin Reshad Jones in a move that saves over 5 million on this years salary cap ., Eric Rowe is more of box guy, and incoming bargain basement free agent FS Adrian Colbert is nobody to keep you from drafting a new one . I actually thought Grant might end up a top 10 pick coming into this year, but his 2019 tape wasn't as good as last years . Now he had a shoulder & ankle injury , and that could have contributed to even more missed tackles this season. Maybe that's why he took some bad angles .Trying to avoid compounding those injuries would logically explain a lot . Whatever the case he's not a pile inspector who avoids trying to make a tackle, and he does cover a lot of ground in the back half of the secondary . He is still on the mend and because of that Delpit didn't workout at the combine,. Now he probably never will thanks to Corona .Grant is a tall rangy safety who can make really quick reads in zone , and he makes a lot of plays on the ball in coverage. He's not quite as adept in man to man,but maybe with NFL coaching he can sharpen up there . Either way he is a play maker in the back half ,and this defense on the rise could use him .
19.LAS VEGAS-(bears)- JORDAN LOVE - # - QB - UTAH ST. - 6"4" , 224
NFL PLAYER COMP - JAMEIS WINSTON - BUCCANEERS
The raiders need a corner badly, but I think it's lottery ticket time now .Derek Carr already has very little dead money on his deal, and their was a lot of smoke about them getting into the Tom Brady sweepstakes early this off season . I think this team has a chance to compete now if they upgrade their corners, but Gruden made some random choices last season, and I'd bet my nuts that Gruden would love to develop a guy this talented . I didn't watch Love's 2018 tape until right before the 2019 college season, but in hindsight it might have been a blessing . He would have definitely been high n my first 2020 mock draft, but that's because he had better tape in 2018 , and it was logical to expect a better year this year . He didn't . The new offense combined with him losing his four/fifths of his O-Line , and some weapons did not go well. I have a 2nd round grade on him, but he is very talented and QB's tend to go a round early . He has a rocket arm, mobility, and generally solid mechanics. Love also has the ability to make throws off platform on the move, and from a variety of different angles . Sometimes he reminds me of a young Brett Favre in both the good & bad ways . He has that big arm that can make some crazy throws , but he is overconfident and forces too many balls. In addition his reading of defenses needs work . If his first reads not open he doesn't always see it, and then he takes too long to go from the 2nd to the 3rd read. Plus he doesn't have a good feel for the rush, and he struggled against pressure a lot this season. He has a good frame, and a high upside, but a low floor. Basically he seems like a lottery ticket to me, but I thought the same about Mahomes, although he went to a perfect situation with QB whisperer Andy Reid in the NFL in QB whispering . I also think Gruden believes himself to be a QB whisperer too . Since they are bringing back a veteran QB in Carr , and signed a high end veteran backup in Marcus Mariota , they don't need to rush him onto the field this season . That could be the way to unlock his awesome talent . Since the Raiders have this extra first , no second ,and 3 thirds . So they have ammo to move up or down the draft, but unless someone they really like is here at #19 I expect them to trade back , or take a surprise player again . SURPRISE!
20.JAGUARS-(rams)- KRISTIAN FULTON - # - CB - LSU - 6 ft. , 197
NFL PLAYER COMP - TRAMON WILLIAMS - PACKERS
Finally a corner . Another guy who''s tape I finished during the quarantine break, and while I like him ,and have a mid 2nd rounder on him now, a lot of the big media guys with team contacts keep expecting him to go in the first .Plus other than QB's & pass rushers , corners are the most reached for players in the draft year after year .Kristian is a good sized technical CB,and although he may not have great makeup speed on tape , he ran well at the combine. Fulton is also fluid with good ball skills . Needs to be more physical in the run game , and less grabby when he gets beat. He got picked on some in the playoffs, but he was going against very talented WR's, and it was more likely they were avoiding all world true freshman Derek Stingley .Also , Fulton has a high floor , and was reportedly playing hurt this season . After a good combine he made a strong case to be the 3rd corner off the board , and if injuries really were the problem he may even end up being worth this pick .
21.PHILADELPHIA- XAVIER McKINNEY - S - ALABAMA - 6 ft. , 201
NFL PLAYER COMP - MINKAH FITZPATRICK - STEELERS
The Eagles big moves so far this off season are NT Javon Hargrave & the trade for Darius Slay, although if you watch last years tape he quit on his team . They also gave Slay a big new contact, but if he returns to his pre-2019 form he may be worth it . The Birds need a WR, but the more tape I watch the more I would prefer to take one in the 2nd or 3rd round because the massive depth at the position in this draft , or trade up and get one of the top 3 in Jeudy, Lamb, and Ruggs. .The Eagles were probably going to move on from at least one of their starting safeties , and in fact their entire secondary was a disappointment last season . Malcolm Jenkins was more of a team leader, and a better player than Rodney McLeod so I expected them to keep him . However, Jenkins is also 32, would have cost more money, and looked to declining some last season. So they moved on from Jenkins .They did resign McLeod , and he is younger & much cheaper .They also re-signed Jalen Mills ,and are finally moving him to safety, but I think they need a better player here . I was surprised by how much Mckinney had improved this year after watching his 2019 tape. Based off last years film I saw him as a box SS and occasional nickle LB who would be a 2nd or 3rd rounder . He really stepped up this year, played all over the field , played well, and I now have a solid first round grade on him. He's a versatile guy who can play high or low ,cover the slot, and is a 2 year starter in Alabama's pro ready defense . Still think the box is his best spot though He's not as fast as the guy he reminds me most of ( Minkah Fitzpatrick), but he can do a lot of the same things .He's got a high football IQ , good athleticism , enough speed for the position , and a high floor .Mckinney didn't run as well as I expected him to at the combine, although 4'64 is fine for a safety. So while he could slip a little in the draft his tape is still first round .
22.VIKINGS-(bills)-JOSH JONES - OT - HOUSTON - 6"5" , 319
NFL PLAYER COMP - LAREMY TUNSIL - TEXANS
The Vikings lost or moved on from a lot of veterans this off season . Former key players like Linval Joseph, Xavier Rhodes , Everson Griffen, and Stefon Diggs are gone now .Also younger veterans corners Trae Waynes and Mackenzie Alexander are also gone .Resigning Kurt Cousins is big deal , but they paid him a ton again, but at least it gave them some cap room for this year .Their overall biggest addition was NT Michael Pierce ,but at best he's a wash for Joseph, and at the very least he is younger . Their O-Line is still vastly overrated . Rookie first rounder Garret Bradbury did not play well, and I admit I was high on him , but I still believe in his future . LT Riley Reiff would be a better fit at guard, and I thought he might need to take a pay a cut to stay, but after the sick money lesser players were getting in free agency paying him 11 million to slide inside to LG might still possibly be a cost effective upgrade . Both current guards are bad. Only RT Brian O'neill can be considered solid to me , and I think he has the athleticism to move to the left side if needed . Jones is not the best player left on my board, but he is the best LT prospect available for me, although he comes out of a spread system . The Vikings are still in a potential championship window right now, and they need to hit on this pick . However, he needs a lot of technique refinement, especially with his hand placement & punch timing on tape. Although he looked improved at the Senior Bowl across the board, especially with his punch and overall aggression . Usually the guy who is the best O-Lineman at the Senior Bowl gets a significant bump in the draft and that guy was Josh Jones this season. Josh has decent size & length, but very quick feet and more than enough athleticism .At first I was surprised he didn't blow up at the combine in the speed & agility drills , but he gained even more weight between the Senior Bowl & combine, so it makes sense . Drafting him to play LT , and kicking Reiff into guard could improve the while left side right away .
23.CAROLINA-(bucs)-TREVON DIGGS -CB - ALABAMA- 6"1", 205
NFL PLAYER COMP - JIMMY SMITH - RAVENS
Incoming head coach Matt Rhule seems intent on putting his own stamp on this team, and they have made it clear that the only players that probably aren't on the trading block during their rebuild are Christian Mccaffery , DJ Moore, and Brian Burns. So trading back multiple times to get more picks so Rhule can bring in players that fit his system is probably likely . The only potential difference maker they have brought in during free agency is new QB Teddy Bridgewater , and the amount of guaranteed( 33 million) money they are paying him likely takes them out of the first round QB market .Plus they signed standout XFL QB PJ Walker . Trevon Diggs is an experienced zone corner out of Alabama , and he has a high floor . He is tall, strong, long, smart, physical, and fast in coverage . Wish he was as good in man , and against the run. He still needs more work finding the ball 1 vs 1 in coverage, and in being more physical as a tackler everywhere, but I have him in my top 32, he would fill a huge hole, and I also think he would be a good FS when he loses a step .Makes big plays , but also gives them up , so I guess it's in the eye of the beholder . Anyway corner is as good a place to start as any, and since none of us have any idea what Rhule is doing because he lacks a NFL track record, and I think he is calling the shots over GM Marty Hurney . So I will go with Diggs here because corner is now an even bigger need than before after the loss of James Bradberry .
24.NEW ORLEANS- AJ TERRELL - CB - CLEMSON - 6'1" , 195
NFL PLAYER COMP - CHIDOBE AWUZIE - COWBOYS
The Saints are ALL IN again now that Brees is back again, and Taysem Hill is too .After having a great team go down with some questionable calls in back to back years to the Vikings I think it would be hard to come back again if they don't win it all this year, and if they do win it I think he definitely retires, but I said the same thing last year so who who knows? . Drew has nothing left to prove. He has a ring, lock HOF stats , could probably run for governor of Louisiana and be a lock there too, but he obviously wants another ring . Plus he took less money than he could have gotten on the open market in a Bradyish move . That allowed them to bring back former saints first rounder Malcolm Jenkins to play SS after a 6 year tour in Philly. They also got a viable number #2 WR by signing Emmanuel Sanders . I don't know why they overpaid to bring back first round bust LG Andrus Peat, but it's their money . The saints don't have a 2nd rounder, so a trade back is possible if they don't have someone they want here when it's their turn. CB and WR are their top needs to me, and they could probably get a contributing WR in the 3rd round in this draft . That's a lot less likely at CB . Terrell is big , physical, and fast. His tape is good but he doesn't make enough plays on the ball, and he got worked by LSU in the National Championship game . He has a high ceiling, but I also feel a low floor. If he applies himself to finding the ball quicker & manning up in the run game he can be a star, but he's got some boom or bust in my eyes . A good combine should help him . I have a 2nd on him, but there is a run on CB's now, and corners regularly get over drafted .
25.MINNESOTA- AJ EPENESA - DE - IOWA - 6"5" , 275
NFL PLAYER COMP - DAVID IRVING - retired
All the teams in the NFC North are a lot more run heavy than they used to be so a guy who can stop the run has more value in this division than he would have in the past . The Vikings need both a 3 technique DT and strong side DE. This guy can help out at both spots . Epenesa is a tall powerful strong side end who still plays with low off the ball. His best position on tape and in the NFL might be as a 3 technique because that's where he could get his best work done as a pass rusher in the NFL. On this team he could be their strong side end on run downs, and then kick inside to wreak havoc on QB's on passing downs . AJ also has an elite frame to be a 3-4 five technique so I don't think he will fall very far. Epenesa's size and strength are sorely needed on this defense . He has been productive for 3 straight seasons, and I think he could go higher , especially since this edge class doesn't look as good as I thought it might heading into the season , After free agency completely shakes out I thought a lot of people might be in the Epenesa business, but he didn't have a great combine so he falls here .
***PROJECTED TRADE*** The PACKERS their 2nd rounder ( #62) and their 2021 1rst rounder to the DOLPHINS for the 1rst rounder (#26) they got from the TEXANS*** PROJECTED TRADE ***
26.GREEN BAY-(dolphins,texans)-ZACK BAUN-LB/DE-WISCONSIN-6"3" , 238
NFL PLAYER COMP - CLAY MATTHEWS - RAMS
Another team that should be ALL In is the packers . Aaron Rodgers didn't look like himself last year, and it could have been the WR's & adjustments to a new offense, but I still think he's only got 2 or 3 years of high level play left because I don't see him as lifer like Brady, Brees, Rivers, or the Mannings who will play until they just can't physically do it . I have hated their off season so far . They swapped in injury prone Christian Kirksey for Blake Martinez . They got a little younger at RT with Rick Wagner, but Bryan Bulaga was finally healthy for the first time since 2016. Plus Bulaga is definitely a better player at his best than Wagner is at his own peak . They need a WR and another off the ball LB most . Baun was more of an edge rusher at Wisconsin, and let me be clear that I think he could make it as a full time 3-4 OLB in the NFL, but many teams won't even try a guy his size outside full time on the edge . I think he could do it, but I also think he can play inside and outside . He is smart, versatile , has a solid array of pass rush moves, strong, quick, and he looked very good at the Senior Bowl practices playing off the ball . He could help out both areas , and he has the athleticism and fluidity to cover well. Plus he reminds of former a Packer great in Clay Matthews , and Clay made the same transition well.
***PROJECTED TRADE*** The RAVENS their 2nd rounder ( #60) and their 3rd (#92) and the 4th (#129) they got from the PATRIOTS to the SEAHAWKS for their 1rst rounder (#27) *** PROJECTED TRADE ***
27.BALTIMORE-(seahawks)-CESAR RUIZ -C/G - MICHIGAN-6"3" , 307
NFL PLAYER COMP - ERIK McCOY - SAINTS
In their quest to go ALL In I believe the Ravens biggest obstacle is replacing future HOFer Marshall Yanda , but the truth is he is irreplaceable. Their is no interior O-Lineman in this draft that could hope to come close to him as a rookie, but after seeing what a mistake it was to not even try to replace CJ Mosely last season I figure they will try harder with Yanda . They also decided center Matt Skura meant so little to them that they didn't even put a tender on him that would give them back a pick if he signed elsewhere, but that could be because he is currently injured , and they think no one will be interested . Bradley Bozeman is the other guard and he hasn't shown himself to be anything special yet either . So an interior O-Lineman is a must. I.have 5 interior O-Lineman with a top 100 grade ,and after watching Cesar's tape over the Valentine's day weekend I was really impressed, and he is now my number one center in this draft . He is an athletic , strong , quick footed center. Michigan is a run heavy team , but Ruiz is also that rare center that is also good in pass pro with a strong punch that regularly hits the mark inside .As a pass blocker Ruiz has the rare ability to make adjustments on the fly , stay locked on , and keep his man in front of him. Also has a strong anchor .Cesar is more of a combo zone blocker in the run game,and while he shows some aptitude for the 2nd level, he also isn't a guy that will dig a nose tackle out of trench one on one .However, he is only 21 and with a few years in a NFL weight room he could become a real people mover . He has primarily been a center, but has played guard in the past , and that versatility will help them get their best 5 guys on the field as starters . Of all the players who actually started on the interior O-Line last year ( so that leaves out Tristan Wirfs) Ruiz is my choice to be first off the board .
28.DALLAS-(ravens)- K'LAVON CHAISSON- ** - OLB/DE-LSU- 6"3", 254
NFL PLAYER COMP - DANIELLE HUNTER - VIKINGS
Dallas had A LOT of cornerstone players hitting free agency , but the only key one they lost that should affect them long term was Byron Jones, although the losses of Robert Quinn & Jason WItten also hurt. I don't blame them for Jones or Quinn because they got ridiculous contracts from other teams, and Dak's stupid franchise tag made it impossible to keep both anyway, but Witten has to hurt Dallas fans everywhere. He was still a better all around TE than Blake Jarwin, but they went with youth & athleticism as a receiver instead. They did keep Amari Cooper ,and that's key because Dak sucked in 2018 until Cooper arrived . Shockingly Dak wants Russell Wilson MONEY. 35 mil per year, because Goff gets 33.5 . Wilson is a Superbowl winning TOP 3 IN THE NFL FOR YEARS ELITE QB, and Dak is not . I didn't bat an eye when Wilson got paid because he deserved it . He dragged that 4-12 without him team to the playoffs 2 years in a row with very little help . He is irreplaceable. Dak is not . If they pay Dak Russell Wilson money they are idiots . Plus Dak would be making more because of the tax differentials if he took the 33 million a year deal they stupidly already offered him , but he turned it down ! I know Dak was a 4th rounder who hasn't made a ton from the cowboys, but he makes plenty in endorsements from being the QB of the most popular team in the league . Plus that 33 million a year guaranteed is too much already, and I bet Cowboy fans will only stomach it if he gets a ring next year. Right now he isn't paid enough for them to hate him when he fails, but they will if he is making a ton and keeps coming up short .I wouldn't have even franchise tagged Dak , unless I thought somebody would sign him and give them 2 first rounders for him . There is no way I would I even consider the exclusive franchise tag. My guess is that Jerry did because he feared the bears sniping Dak because they don't have a first this year, and both teams are in a championship window now . Their were a ton of decent veteran QB'S that are free agents this off season , and I would take Jalen Hurts in the 3rd round to make Dak be more reasonable. On the bright side they finally brought in a good safety in free agency in Ha-Ha Clinton Dix who is a big upgrade over Jeff Heath .The most surprising thing Dallas did to me was get Amari Cooper, Anthony Brown, Gerald McCoy, and HA-HA Clinton-Dix under contract without overpaying .That was nice , and very un-Dallas like in the Jerry Jones era, but with what they are willing to pay Dak they had to save cash somewhere . Maybe they might even get in on Clowney , but I doubt it unless they can get a long term deal done with Dak before Jadaveon signs. Also Gerald McCoy is an upgrade over Maliek Collins at the 3 technique, and hopefully they finally get something out of last years disappointing 2nd rounder Trysten Hill as his rotational backup . Plus long time starter Tyrone Crawford missed 3/4 of the season , will be 31 this year, and they could save about 7 million by moving on from him too. Even if Crawford comes back they still need another edge rusher, and a nose tackle for Mike Nolan's defense. I also expected the boys to bring back Randall Cobb , as they signed him to a one year 5 million dollar deal last off season, and Mike McCarthy loves him. Of course no one expected Bill O'Brien to rear his crazy head again, and pay a lot more than he needed to for a (30 year old this upcoming season )past his prime slot guy coming off an OK year . So the big needs here are CB, NT, Edge rusher, and WR . In this scenario there isn't a player currently at those positions available at #17 that they should be gung ho about so if they get a good trade back offer they should take it . The loss of Robert Quinn means Dallas is currently depending on a lot of question marks to get to the QB off the edge on the right side. Even if Randy Gregory is reinstated before the season, and the NFL's new weed rules allow him to keep playing he is just too unreliable to count on , as he has continuously shown that smoking pot means more to him than playing football. Dorance Armstrong has only shown himself to be a rotational player so far, and Tyrone Crawford is a salary cap cut or reduction candidate for a reason. Also, Mike Nolan has always liked to run a lot of 3-4 in the past , and only one of those 3 guys ( the unreliable Gregory ) looks to me like they could play that position well, especially in coverage . I admit I didn't have K'lavon going in the first round until they played Clemson , but he played the best game of his career that night .Chaisson is a rangy explosive 3-4 OLB with growth potential who has the flexibility to bend the arc outside. He fires off the snap like a bullet , and can press the edge & make OT's over set then dart back inside on the rare occasion that he doesn't just run right by them . He has a lot of pass rush moves including the rare effective spin move . Plays the run tough at times , and is usually technically sound & aware , but he still needs to add some more muscle , size . and strength if he's going to spend more time as a 4-3 DE in the NFL . He has a great motor , he can chase down plays backside and down the field . Had an ACL tear 2 years ago that will need to be checked out, but he was the main guy in making Trevor Lawrence look jittery for the first time in his college career , and since that was in the National Championship in the biggest game of his career the arrow is definitely pointing up for him . Overall his tape is uneven, but he played his best against good OT's, and he finished really strong. I think he goes this high because I believe he will carry the momentum of his big game against Clemson . I was expecting a freaky performance at the combine, but he didn't workout so I moved him back some . I would feel much more comfortable taking him this late in the first round than at #17 . The last time Dallas reached for an edge rusher was Taco Charlton ,and they had to cut that first round bust early in the 3rd year of his career . So a trade back that gives them an extra 2nd, and a chance at Chaisson, Gross Matos , or even Epenesa to be a 5 technique if they are making the move to a 3-4 makes sense to me . Chaisson is the guy who I think is the best fit though .
29.TENNESEE - ISAIAH WILSON - OT - GEORGIA - 6"6" , 350
NFL PLAYER COMP - MARCUS CANNON - PATRIOTS
I think Tennessee is another team that hasn't done too well this off season . Unless Derek Henry is traded or holds out one of the Titans biggest needs is a off the ball LB . Rashaan Evans had a down year and Wesley Woodyard will be a 34 old free agent , but with Kenneth Murray being so raw I'm not sure if a Mike Vrabel in win now mode would want him here . They lost Jack Conklin in free agency , maybe so they could overpay Tannehill and throw the tag on Henry , but they have cap space so I don't get it .They also dumped career Titan Jurrell Casey in a salary dump, which is weird when your in a championship window , but he did show some signs of decline last season .Their one big ticket incoming free agent is former NFL sack leader Vic Beasley, but that was 2016. Although Beasley is still young and might be a much better fit as a 3-4 OLB where he won't see many double teams or get blown off the ball in the run game as often .They also re-singed Dennis Kelly who played OK in pass protection as the replacement LT when Taylor Lewan was suspended to probably be the new starting RT However, it's not a big deal with only 8.75 million guaranteed, and he looks more like a good swing tackle to me. Also this is a run first team, and Kelly was better as pass blocker last season. Kelly really only played in 5 games with a starters snaps . In the 4 games Kelly started for the suspended Lewan & the one game in week 7 when he replaced a injured Conklin at RT and played the majority of the game, Henry ran 97 times for 400 yards, with 4 TD's . That's an average of 19.4 carries , 4.1 YPC, and .08 rushing TD's per game. In the 14 games( including the 3 playoff games) where Conklin and Lewan were the primary OT's Henry ran the ball 289 times, for 1569 yards, and 14 TD's . That's an average of 20.6 carries, 5,42 YPC , and one TD a game . If you want to continue that type of a road grading ball control offense you are going to need a bigger stronger nastier run blocker of a RT . I got just the guy here . Wilson is nasty, huge & has long arms . Isaiah was the biggest surprise of my tape watching at OT . His technique isn't always sound but he gets the job done almost always . He has a giant TE build with very little bad weight on his frame , although he could drop another 20 lbs. like most O-lineman and be even more agile. Isaiah's biggest problem is over aggression , but that's usually the best mistake an O-lineman can make as long as it's not a common one . The reason for that is because sometime even if you block the wrong guy ,especially in the run game, if you move him somewhere the RB can find a hole anyway. Isaiah also ran a 1.79 ten at 350 pounds at the combine .
30.GREEN BAY-LAVISKA SHENAULT JR.- ** - WR-COLORADO- 6"1", 227
NFL PLAYER COMP - AJ BROWN - TITANS
I think their are a few WR's that should be in play if they keep this pick ,but the Pack haven't drafted a WR in the first round since 2002 , and yet I'm still giving them one . Every once in a while you see a player who is the absolute focal point of an entire offense in college . Like Deebo Samuel was in 2018 at S. Carolina, and Shenault is the same . He has lined up at every possible skill position , even QB to run a little wild cat , although I think his primary use should be as a power slot .He is a big powerful guy that is hard to tackle , and you could easily hand him the ball 5 times a game in a variety of ways to take advantage of his explosive running style. He is not afraid to go over the middle, and shows strong hands. Some injuries slowed him this year after a dominant 2018 so he could fall a little farther than I think he should . I love this guy, have a solid first round grade on him, and think he could help every single team in the league . An innovative coach could find a ton of ways to use a versatile player like Laviska . He could be the guy to free up Adams, and give Rodgers a chance to return to form .He is having surgery after the combine, but still ran a 4.58 at 227 pounds while obviously injured. Trust me . He's faster on tape, and he may fall a little, but I believe this is a great value for the pack .
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***PROJECTED TRADE*** The GIANTS their 2nd rounder ( #36) and their 4th (#110) to the 49ers for their 1rst (#31) rounder in this draft ***PROJECTED TRADE ***
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31.NY GIANTS-(49ers)- YETUR GROSS-MATOS - DE - PENN ST. - 6"5" , 266
NFL PLAYER COMP - ROBERT QUINN - COWBOYS
Even if the giants pull off a Clowney signing because they haven't re-signed Markus Golden, and you always need at least 3 edge guys to rotate to keep your main 2 fresh . Matos is an explosive edge rusher that can be star with some technique refinement & an added pass rush repertoire . He has a great frame, nice tools, and he can especially destroy QB's on obvious passing downs. If you see him turn his head inside to watch the snap, when he knows he can pin his ears back you will see a sick lightning jump off the ball. Can bend the arc at times and flashes violent hands. It doesn't work on other downs because his biggest weakness is finding the ball and staying within the scheme. Also can kick inside and out quick a guard . Didn't run the forty or do the 3 cone at the combine , but did show some explosiveness in the broad jump and vertical .If the Fins coaches can get him to see the light more consistently he could be a game wrecker , but he's raw right now .
32.KANSAS CITY - KENNETH MURRAY - LB - OKLAHOMA - 6"2' , 241
NFL PLAYER COMP - JAYLON SMITH - COWBOYS
Congrats to the Chiefs fans everywhere , and while no one can ever take away this title now you will see the downside of being the champs . Here are just 8 things that every championship team needs to be wary of, but their are a lot more . 1-Everyone is now gunning for you-2 -Some of your guys have already reached their dream and aren't as motivated anymore. Good luck figuring out which. - 3- A whole lot of guys want a raise , many of them deserve it, and their is only so much money to go around. It leads to dissension in the locker room , and thin rosters that are hard to repeat with. - 4- It's always really hard to move on from long time veteran players that might not be worth their next years salary anymore , but it's even harder to make those "Belichickian " decisions when those guys just helped you get a title -5- Chris Jones is a UFA, and them placing the franchise tag on him has already severely hampered their chances to repeat because they have almost NO cap space right now. So a big payday should be coming for Jones soon, and since it would lower his cap number a bunch it would really help a lot They don't even have enough money to sign their draft picks as of March 22nd .They also have only signed 2 incoming free agents . A backup CB from the Giants named Antonio Hamilton who has only started 2 games in his 4 year career. The first and last games of the season in 2019 so nothing to write home about. The other is journeyman O-Lineman Mike Remmers who will forever be the turnstile RT Von Miller abused in Superbowl 50 . Remmers is not as bad as a guard, but I would rather have the guy he replaces in Stefan Wisniewski ,because he can also play center & is just a better player, Sadly Stefan is now a Steeler . So neither is anything to write home about . This cap crunch really limits your ability to have the depth you just did on your Superbowl run .6- The limelight. A lot more request for interviews , appearances, commercials, books, and just a lot more chances at revenue for individual players . It often makes a lot of your best players come into next season a little behind and out of shape. Not as prepared as before because they didn't work as hard this off season -7-. Everybody wants to raid your team . They want your players , coaches, and executives for their own team. Frankly the most amazing thing to me about the patriots dynasty is how they keep being successful while losing players that other people will pay more , and coaches and front office people to teams that will gives them a promotion and a raise . Brady , Belichick, and Kraft are the 3 common denominators on those Patriot teams,and deserve a lot of credit . Can Mahomes, Reid, and Veach do the same? Reid will be 62 soon , and they just won their first title together . How much longer will he be around? Belichick was 46 when he won his first ring as a head coach. 8- You have to save Money to pay Mahomes. Right now Mahomes has a chance to be the first 40 million a year NFL player, and while I think that's bad for the game ,by current player salaries you could justify paying it to your fans & teammates .There really needed some sort of cap on QB salaries in the CBA , or teams are going to start getting even thinner , but it didn't happen. On the bright side their are a lot of good & even great NFL players in the final 3rd of their careers that already have money & awards , but just want a ring. They will come play for your team for less money than they could get elsewhere and set a high standard other young guys will follow. However, KC just won the Superbowl and the big thing that stuck out to me was how much pressure the O-Line gave up on Mahomes , but the more tape I watch on interior O-lineman in this draft the more disappointed I have become . One more potential big need could be filled here though . Bashaud Breeland, Morris Claiborne, were all Kendall Fuller are all UFA's at corner for the champs . Fuller was their most consistent CB and he already left for big money in Washington. Damien Williams just had his 2nd big postseason in a row, but very few NFL teams are into paying RB's these days unless they are elite .KC picked up his club option this off season, but he will also be 28 this year , has been injury prone , has never been the full time starter in his 6 years in the league , and is probably pissed that he hasn't got an extension already. So right now they just seem to be getting the negative consequences of winning it all, but their lack of cap space is currently hindering them from getting the positive repercussions of being the champs, like bargain vets chasing a ring. There has already been too many reaches at corner already so I will give them another really talented player who fills a really big need that isn't a huge reach . Murray is a better athlete than football player right now , but they have a coaching staff that is known for teaching . He's a poster boy looking LB who will win the weigh in, has sick athleticism ,and a crash test dummies willingness to attack the ball carrier . I have a 2nd rounder on him, but I think he could be worth the risk here .Great speed ,but he needs to get better at reading the play , moving laterally, and recognizing route combinations in coverage, especially in man . His over aggressiveness gets used against him on tape . Even though he see's it quick sometimes he also comes in too hot , and overruns too many plays . Still needs some more work on his tackling too. Murray is more than willing to take on blocks , but he doesn't always do it right, and his stacking & shedding needs work too. He has a huge upside , but the coaching staff needs to polish up his football IQ and technique . Was having a good combine until he pulled his hammy running his 2nd forty .
2ND ROUND
33.CINCINNATI - JUSTIN JEFFERSON - WR - LSU - 6"1" , 202
NFL PLAYER COMP - NFL PLAYER COMP - REGGIE WAYNE - retired
The Bengals might want to give Joe Burrow another weapon, and this one has already proven to work really well with him at LSU .Jefferson has good height, good speed , is a crafty route runner, is strong handed over the middle , can play inside or outside, and showed out big in both College playoff games . Especially against Oklahoma where he destroyed them with 14 catches , 227 yards, and 4 TD's. Coming off a year where he had over 100 catches, over 1,500 yards ,and 18 TD's , he really surprised me after I watched his tape because he's actually the # 2 WR in this offense . He's kind of lean, but looks like he added some muscle on his frame for the combine , and he didn't lose any speed . His game isn't about being a burner anyway. Great body control , adjustments , and timing on his jumps to high point the ball ..Lanky smooth strider who doesn't appear to be moving as fast he actually is because of long legged gait . Potentially a taller Reggie Wayne . Great combine , a great red zone WR , and someone who will really make the new franchise QB smile .
34.INDIANAPOLIS-(redskins)-TEE HIGGINS -WR - CLEMSON - 6"4" , 216
NFL PLAYER COMP - MIKE WILLIAMS - CHARGERS
I love that 1rst round trade for the Colts. I don't even care that they had to gave Buckner a new massive new ( 4 years 84 million and 44 million guaranteed) contract . Buckner is worth it. He's already proven, just turned 26 , and can fill that gaping hole at the 3 technique that the Colts defense requires to work right.The main free agent the Colts had to worry about was LT Anthony Castonzo , and they brought him back on a 2 year 33 million dollar contract, making him one of the few OT's who got paid that has probably earned his deal . The other huge deal is the upgrade at QB with Phillip Rivers . He is already familiar with this offense, head coach, and offensive coordinator from their time together in San Diego . This should be the best O-Line Rivers has ever played with, and the last time he had an O-Line that was close to this good was between the 2006-2008 seasons . In that 3 year window he had Marcus McNeil at LT, Kris Deilman at LG, and Nick Hardwick at center . 3 pro bowl level players and 2018 was his best season in my eyes , and I had season tickets them so i got a good look .Last years Chargers O-Line was so bad it should have been illegal . So I am going to go with another big need for Indy . The only WR on their team that is a proven serious threat to defenses is TY Hilton , and he has become injury prone lately , although Zach Pascal showed decent signs of becoming a solid # 3 last season .2019 2nd rounder Parris Campbell has a lot of talent, but he didn't do much as a rookie. Drafting a new potential #1 WR might help them get to the Superbowl, and this one has a different profile than the ones the Colts have now. A big tall sure handed WR like the 2 main guys he had in San Diego ( Keenan Allen & Mike Williams) last season, and Higgins actually reminds me of Williams . I dropped Higgins some because he didn't workout at the combine. His tape is good against great competition, but he needed to show some speed and explosiveness to get back in the first round mix. I doubt it now because it's doubtful he will have any Pro day thanks to the Corona virus. Plus it really stood out more after so many receivers did work out ( including guys bigger than him) , and then killed it in Indy .This could be the big WR with the big catch radius that Rivers needs to return to form, and Rivers is the kind of QB that will throw it up to a guy like Higgins , and let him make a play. I watched 3 more game tapes on March 20th , and he's just too good to fall out of the top 8 WR's on my list . I'm not going to be surprised bo matter what order any of them after Lamb, Ruggs, and Jeudy. It will come down to what kind of WR you are looking for ,and what WR fits the individual teams offense . Higgins is an ideal fit for Rivers in this offense .He has also showed he can separate early , beat press, and run through tacklers after the catch .Tee's speed just isn't that important down the field because he can jump higher than most corners can imagine, and come down with balls they probably will think are going out of bounds. Sometimes he just it makes it look easy down the field & in the red zone like a Randy Moss , but without the lighting speed. Pair him up with speedsters like Hilton & Campbell that can freeze and worry safeties , and he should feed all day long .
35.DETROIT - ROSS BLAYLOCK - ** - DT - TCU - 6"3" , 290
NFL PLAYER COMP -SHELDON RICHARDSON - BROWNS
The Lions need another DT to pair with the newly acquired Danny Shelton , and this one needs to be able to get up the field in a hurry . Blacklock is a guy with an explosive first step that shows a lot of flashes on tape. As a 3 technique or 3-4 end , I see him being a lot more productive in the NFL than he was playing the nose in college. He got pushed off the ball a lot when lined up as a NT on tape .He is the kind of guy I expected to wow at the combine with his athleticism and go higher than I have him ( in the 50's ) , but it's a projection . Ross also disappeared for long stretches on film . He's got boom or bust written all over him for me . Also had an Achilles injury that caused him to miss all of 2018 , and had over 30 parking tickets at TCU too. That will need to be investigated , and his best tape was still way back in 2017 . High upside, but low floor.
36.SAN FRANCISCO-(giants)- JAYLON JOHNSON- ** -CB -UTAH-6 ft. , 193
NFL PLAYER COMP - VONTAE DAVIS - retired
After their 2 first rounders the 49ers didn't have another pick until the 5th round. This trade gives them a 2nd and 4th for that late first , and probably keeps that front office from going insane, but they are possibly another team that could go all in and trade some of next years picks to win now too . With their cap situation this might make more sense , but I still might have them trading into the 3rd later to get a falling WR when I add a 3rd round . Jhonson's a big physical press corner that I expected to be a first rounder before the season started, but even though he has top 40 tape this year while playing hurt, and had shoulder surgery right after the combine. So the niners get a potential bargain because a guy gutted it out through the pain to help his team chase a National Championship .Jaylon has the football IQ and instincts to be a number one CB . He looks like a potential ball hawk in the NFL where teams will test him more. He's not very technically sound yet , but cover 3 zone, press man , and off man teams will love him anyway. Plus someone who spends that much time watching tape should take to pro coaching ,and be a sponge for veteran CB's too . I think he will fall to the 2nd because of the injury ,but after watching a few more games on my top 15 CB's he is now my number 5 corner, and if a teams Medical guys signed off on him I could see him being the 3rd CB off the board .Also physical against the run too, but not always sound there either, although I think he just needs coaching on some angles . Also an occasional gambler & backfield peeker who could get burned by NFL WR's if he doesn't have a safety over the top . I think a cover 3 team is his best fit right now until he gets coached up , and that's Frisco's main defense .
37.LA CHARGERS - AUSTIN JACKSON - OT - USC - 6"5" , 322
NFL PLAYER COMP - JA'WUAN JAMES - BRONCOS
The Chargers need at least 2 O-lineman in my opinion , and maybe 3 if Trey Pipkins ends up as your swing tackle. Pipkins played about 3 & a half games at the end of the season , and did just about as well as Russell Okung .Kudos to the bolts for hoodwinking the Panthers and getting 26 year old former Pro- Bowl guard Trai Turner in a straight up swap for a well past his prime 32 year old Okung who only played in 6 games last year .Considering their ages it's far more likely Turner makes the Pro Bowl again compared to Okung .So at least one guard spot is now solid .Dan Feeney still hasn't developed and Forest Lamp got hurt again .At center Mike Pouncey got hurt again and looks done. Scott Quesenberry was just as bad , but cheaper . So now they need another OT, because even though they really upgraded the RT spot with Bryan Bulaga he is still a 32 year old guy with a long injury history. Jackson could slide in on the blindside , and the bolts could potentially have young bookend OT's if he & Pipkins develops. Plus he played in the neighborhood at USC .Jackson has plenty of athleticism , and the feet to play LT , but he needs to get stronger .I have a 3rd round grade on him based off his tape & upside, but there is buzz about him sneaking into the first round , although his tape didn't look any better this off season than it did in 2018 to me . No mean streak & he got overpowered by Bradley Anae & AJ Epenesa too often on tape for me to buy that . I watched the Notre Dame tape last night ( March 21rst) , and he got worked by Julian Okwara too. However, all of that may have been due to the fact that he spent the off season donating bone marrow to his sister instead of in the weight room . Best brother EVER ! Still I wouldn't take him before the late 2nd myself ,and have Ezra Cleveland clearly ahead of him, but this pick is about what I think will happen .
***PROJECTED TRADE*** The BROWNS their 2nd rounder ( #41) and their 4th (#115) to the PANTHERS for their 2nd (#38) rounder in this draft ***PROJECTED TRADE ***
38.CLEVELAND-(panthers)-EZRA CLEVELAND- ** -OT- BOISE ST.- 6"6", 311
NFL PLAYER COMP - DAVID BAKHTIARI - PACKERS
Now the Browns get their left tackle of the future . Ezra is a athletic & quick zone LT prospect with good feet , smooth movement , and nice kick step . Gets overpowered at times on tape and needs to hit the weight room more . Accurate punch , but timing is hit and miss. Plays low, good on combos and at the 2nd level . Needs a mean a streak. Too often or just willing to wall off in the run game . Almost too patient in pass pro, and sometimes waits too long to throw his punch . Ran an excellent 4.94 forty & 1.73 ten at the combine ,which doesn't surprise me because they would use him as a TE sometimes on tape, and even handed him the ball once . Just a GREAT overall combine ,where he not only showed off the athleticism you see on tape, but he also looked stronger . This may be too low, and if I wanted a LT I would probably make sure I traded up even higher to get him because I think the gulf between him and Austin Jackson is pretty wide if you just watch the tape . If they end up with a veteran LT Like Jason Peters or Trent Williams I would still make this deal , and have a young swing tackle because those 2 dudes are older & past their prime .
39.MIAMI - D'ANDRE SWIFT - RB - GEORGIA - 5"8' , 212
NFL PLAYER COMP - DEANGELO WILLIAMS - retired
If the Dolphins are standing pat at QB this season, but want to bring in a young one in the 2021 draft the best way to help him succeed would be to give him a O-Line and RB that can protect him when he shows up. They already took an OT in the first ,and now they get the RB . Swift is guy they should have ( and probably were ) considering with their final first rounder, but this makes more sense . Why ? Well - 1 - RB's have never had lower value than they do right now . Melvin Gordon just signed a deal for 7 million a year with only 15 million guaranteed. David Johnson just had his hefty contract dumped to the only guy dumb enough to take it as is( Bill O'Brien) , and the Cards ate a lot of dead cap space to do it. Todd Gurley's albatross deal just got nixed too, with even more dead money, and he only got 1 year and 6 million on his new one . Leveon Bell didn't so squat last year and I'm sure the Jets would trade him for a lower round pick if they could convince someone to take that contract . Kenyan Drake only got the transition tag, which is a one year 8.48 million dollar deal, and that even seems too much to me. Devonta Freeman was cut to save a small amount of cap space ,and is still a free agent . Back to back post season hero Damien Williams just had his option picked up for only about 4.5 million total on a 1 year deal. Derek Henry hasn't gotten a long term contact after carrying that team on his back to the AFC title game . Ezekiel Elliot is the only recent big contract RB who hasn't been cut, and while he is still a premium bell cow back , judging by what's going on now Jerry really overpaid him . I doubt the new Panthers owner will try to cheap out on Christian Mccaffery , but you never know these days. If Mccaffery gets hurt he may not get the deal he has earned. He should be paid more than Zeke , but then again Zeke is being paid too much . The ridiculous QB contracts keep making teams devalue the RB position , but really there should be a cap tied QB max of 15% in my opinion , but I think the agents would never allow that . So unless a RB is really special I just don't think he will go high anymore, unless it's a really weak draft, or some idiot( O'Brien anyone?) is making the pick . Swift is very good, and I like him a lot, but I wouldn't call him a special prospect . After my number one back Travis Etienne went back to school it came down to Swift, JK Dobbins, and Jonathan Taylor for my top RB in this draft. In the end Swift is just a more complete and NFL ready player right now . He can run with speed, power, and wiggle. He can catch, run routes and is a solid blocker . Has good feet, solid vision , and is versatile enough to play in any NFL scheme . He fumbled twice in the playoff game in 2018 , but Taylor has had much bigger ball security issues . Plus Swift just looked a little safer carrying the ball than Dobbins this year too .Great value pick that fills a big need . I didn't drop Swift in my mock because he did anything wrong. It's just a combination of how this mock fell, the depth in the RB class( 6 in my top 64) making me think people might wait on RB's , and my just explained RB devalued position argument . However the value here at pick #39 would be too great for me to pass up if I needed a RB like the Dolphins do.
40.HOUSTON-(arizona)- DENZEL MIMS - WR - BAYLOR - 6'3" , 207
NFL PLAYER COMP - DAVANTE ADAMS - PACKERS
I am probably giving Bill O'brien too much credit with this pick, but he needs a bigger WR and Mims is my best one left .O'Brien think he's Bill Belichick . A head coach and GM, but his moves since he took over the dual role should have shown him how very wrong he is.If you want a head coach who unexpectedly ended up with GM power that rivals O'Brien you should be thinking more along the lines of Hue Jackson with the Raiders . I don't know if it's impatience, inexperience, stupidity, or some combination of all 3 , Whatever the case he should have gotten at least a straight up first rounder in this draft for D-Hop, and that's without taking on David Jhonson's contract or giving back any picks. O'Brien should have gotten at least what the Bills got for Diggs, even if they have to give him a new contract .Then he payed a lot more ( 3 years 27 million with 19 million guaranteed) than he needed to for a (30 year old this upcoming season )past his prime slot guy coming off an OK year . Cobb got a one year 5 million dollar deal last season, and in a draft with this WR class O'brien payed him what ? If you are going to snag a WR from Dallas you should have went after Amari Cooper dude . In addition to Cobbone their current WR's is another smallish slot guy in Keke Coutee who can't stay healthy , or out of the dog house . Then you have Will Fuller. An electric deep threat who seems to always be open, but he also seems to always be hurt, or when the balls in the air its coin flip if he will drop or catch it . Kenny Stills is another smaller guy who at least looks like a good number 2, and he is also a deep threat . Mims was awesome at the scouting combine . I moved him up ,and wouldn't be surprised if he snuck into the bottom of the first round now . The problem is that there are so many WR's with high grades this year, and everybody probably has them different after the top 3 . I am confident. Lamb, Jeudy, and Ruggs will go in the first. I wouldn't be surprised if 7 total WR's went in the first , and 4 is probably the floor, but after that top three I have 7 guys with similar enough grades that none of them would surprise me if they went in the 1rst round .Mims is in that top 10 , and # 8 on my personal list right now . Mims is a great athlete with great hops ,and multiple releases of the LOS . Can get free with physicality or by shaking the DB against press . Almost 6"3 and strong without being heavy . Physical everywhere - hand fighting ,at the catch point, blocking . Hands are just OK on tape, but looked improved at the Senior Bowl and combine . Long arms , an explosive leaper , and body control give him a potentially very wide catch radius too .Great long speed and a sick 3 cone. Quick enough on break on tape. but still needs to improve as a route runner . Can break tackles after the catch . Can go up and get it .Great Senior Bowl week .Ran a 4.38 forty , but injured at the combine . You can finally do something right Billy . Don't let everyone down ... AGAIN .
41.CAROLINA-(browns)-JORDAN ELLIOTT - DT - MISSOURI - 6"4", 302
NFL PLAYER COMP - CAMERON HEYWARD - STEELERS
The panthers have lost Gerald McCoy & Vernon Butler off their interior D-line, and they also declined the option on NT Dontari Poe . So they REALLY NEED D-LINEMAN now . After watching a lot of Elliott's tape I was really impressed . He is big , toolsy , athletic, and has violent hands . Moves all over the formation and flashes everywhere against the run & pass . While his technique lacks consistency he still makes plays , and he has the ability to be the kind of player you have to game plan for once he is coached up more . There just aren't this many big men who move this well , that can hold their ground in the run game , although he doesn't always do well against double teams, and he needs to mind his gap better at times. His talent is extraordinary in flashes, but he is also incredibly raw . Could be a 4-3 three technique , one technique , or a 3-4 five technique. Just learning to play consistently lower could make him a Pro Bowl type player, and if he takes to NFL coaching watch out .
42.JACKONSONVILLE -JULIAN OKWARA - OLB/DE - N. DAME - 6"4 , 252
NFL PLAYER COMP - SIMEON RICE - retired
I still expect the Jags to trade Yannick Ngakoue because they probably won't want to pay him, and he definitely doesn't want to play for them anymore, so they will need another edge player . Okwara is probably best as a 3-4 OLB , but so are Josh Allen & Ngakoue so the more the merrier . He's a long, lean and explosive edge rusher . Julian has the athleticism and flexibility to burst off the line and bend the arc outside . He can get pushed around in the run game at times , but also has the speed and motor to chase plays down backside . Okwara needs to add more muscle to hold up as hand on the ground 4-3 DE . He has the athleticism that could also make him a LEO off the ball rush backer in a Seattle type cover 3 scheme as well, and that's what the jags run. I thought he would test well at the combine too, but he didn't workout . still seeing him as a 2nd rounder because of his current limitations .
NFL PLAYER COMP - NFL PLAYER COMP - EVAN MATHIS - retired
The Giants have been active in free agency, but so far the only potential difference makers are young CB James Bradberry & LB Blake Martinez , and Martinez had a down year last season .Unless they bring in Clowney ,and that hasn't happened yet. While I personally wouldn't want to pay a injury prone/inconsistent guy that has never had 10 sacks in season 20 million a year, I'm pretty sure someone will because Clowney is only 27& ridiculously talented . Although having a great draft would help, it might not be enough to make the playoffs this year without a bigger splash, but this pick would help .They've been trying to upgrade their O-Line for years , and while it's has been better, it's still not good. Nate Solder hasn't lived up to his contract . After finishing my top 10 tackles I still have Andrew Thomas at #1 , although Jedrick Wills , Mekhi Bexton, and maybe even Josh Jones could end up in the top 11 with all these tackle needy teams in that range . I personally see Tristan Wirfs as a better fit at guard after finishing his tape, but a tackle needy team may still take him first believing he can play outside , and after that combine it's hard to blame them. However, this is about what the Giants do . I like Wirf's a lot , but apparently not as much as other people who put out draft content or draftniks who follow the draft closely , but I believe he will still go relatively high . I received multiple comments about it when I moved him down my board some , and most of them were so full of insults and F-bombs that I just didn't post them . I did 4 more of his games for this season, and while he definitely has the talent to play outside, I think he is a better fit inside at guard right now. This is not an insult. The history of the NFL is littered with great guards( Gene Upshaw, John Hannah , Larry Allen , Josh Sitton , Evan Mathis, Zack Martin , Brandon Scherff ,Joel Bitonio, Joe Thuney -and that's just off the top of my head) who played OT in college and in some cases the pro's too . Many of them probably could have been solid long term OT's in the NFL , but I doubt they would have all been GREAT outside . I have listed him as a T/G all along for a reason .He struggled with balance regularly on tape for 2 years running . He is also not a consistent natural knee bender , gets high too often , and ends up on the ground too often . On the plus side he is not only very athletic at times , he is also super strong all the time , and he flashes a mean streak in the run game down the field. He has a lot of the same strengths and flaws Tyron Smith had in college as a sophomore, but Smith improved a lot more as a junior when he entered the draft , and he was meaner all the time. Both played RT in college , but Wirfs did flip to the left side for some games when Alaric Jackson got hurt . So both Tyron and Tristan seemed to have the ability to flip over to the blindside if they took to NFL coaching, ,and both were strong enough to play inside if that didn't work out. Like I said Smith improved a lot as a junior and Wirfs not so much, and he didn't end up with Tyron's super long arms, although they are long enough ( 34 inches) to play OT . However the Cards need help at 2 or 3 O-Line spots . So I think he's worth the risk here, and if he doesn't work out at OT, I am comfortable that he would hold up well inside .Wirfs ran a ELITE 4.86 forty and 1.69 ten at the combine ! Both tops of all O-Lineman in Indy . Plus he set the combine O-Line records for the vertical and broad jump , so he may go be the first O-Lineman off the board . I did expect more than 24 reps on the bench, but his functional strength on the field is top notch so no worries .They would be drafting him to be their LT here . I hope it works out for both of them . Bringing in Mark Columbo to coach the O-Line in New York can only help him . I know the Giants would love to have and a DE or CB, but Young is already gone here , and I don't see Gettleman taking a corner at #4, but then again I didn't think they would take a RB at #2 and they took Barkley. I also don't see the Giants drafting a LB in the first round, although GM Dave Gettleman did take Shaq Thompson in the late 1rst when he was running the Panthers, but this is #4 overall . I also think their interior D-Line is one of the few strengths on their team so that leaves out Derrick Brown. I actually think they have pretty good depth at WR too , but I guess Jerry Jeudy are CeeDee Lamb are possibilities as well in some peoples minds, but with the depth of this WR class I expect them both to go outside the top 10 .. However , if they really think Daniel Jones is the answer at QB , and Jones did surprise me with how well he played at times last season , they need to protect him better. So some O-Lineman should be picked if they stay at #4 , and if they take Wirfs at the very least he should be a great guard , but at best he'a decade long blindside protector .
5.MIAMI- ANDREW THOMAS - OT - GEORGIA - 6"5" , 315
NFL PLAYER COMP - NFL PLAYER COMP - DUANE BROWN -
The Dolphins sure seemed like they were trying to " Tank for Tua" heading into the year . Stripping their roster of most of it's established talent and even trading away young potential cornerstone pieces like Laremy Tunsil & Minkah Fitzpatrick . It didn't work. Brian Flores, Ryan Fitzpatrick , and a group of young players & journeyman veterans managed to somehow win 5 games. Flores should have gotten more votes for coach of the year in my opinion, because winning 5 games with that roster is quite an accomplishment . Since they did trade away some key good young players, and traded back a lot in the 2019 draft I expected them to be planning on going all in on a QB in 2021.Trevor Lawrence or maybe even Justin Fields after the awesome season he just had . However,after the year Burrow had in 2020 , the unexpected success the fins had in the 2nd half of the season, the wealth of draft picks ( the most the next 2 years) & cap space( most in the NFL this off season) they currently have , they decided to speed up the rebuild ,and start trying to compete more now . Plus the Brady/Belichick duo has come to an end this off season . .The fins literally HAD needs almost everywhere . Other than Christian Wilkins , Xavien Howard, Devante Parker , Preston Wilson , Vince Biegel , Raekwon McMillan , Davon Godchaux and maybe Mike Gesicki & Reshad Jones they can all be replaced or upgraded . Plus the only Free Agent they have that they might want to resign is 31 year old John Jenkins, and he's probably not going to cost a lot, or be a priority . So that's 10 guys , a few other recent draft picks that they still have hope for ..Not to mention Howard's play dropped off last season ,and he was accused of domestic violence as well. The trade would probably have to be an overpay to get Burrow and I am going to give them the benefit of the doubt, and have them stay at 5, and take the best player available to build for the future .For the record I believe they would have passed on an injured Tua even if he fell here , but it's liars season so we won't really know unless it actually happens, but Tua is gone in this mock so it's irrelevant . I also think they will pass on a game manger like Herbert, even though he is talented enough to be much more . The fins have been very active in free agency, and while I think they have overpaid for most of it they have brought in a lot of veteran talent . Byron Jones & Kyle van Noy are the 2 key additions, and high price or not they are both above average starters . They also brought in Erick Flowers who was solid as a guard for the skins last year after being a bust as a OT . Shaq Lawson & Emmanuel Ogbah are young talented edge rushers who haven't lived up to their draft statuses yet, but they are both upgrades outside anyway . Veteran inside swing man Ted Karras was the starting center for the Patriots last year when David Andrews went down , and he may start at one of the interior positions as well. Plus they now have veteran big back Jordan Howard, and if they get a faster back that can play in the passing game like I expect them too they should have a much improved back field as well . All this makes me think they smell weakness from the Patriots, and that they think they can compete for the the division title now, or at the very least a wildcard berth .Don't forget that there is an extra wildcard team under the new CBA .Plus in addition to improving their team, Van Noy & Karras( patriots) & Lawson( bills) weaken their division rivals . Also, rebuilding the O-line should be a priority so I am giving them Thomas .Andrew has been starting since he was a true freshman at RT, and has been starting at LT the last 2 years . He is a dominant run blocker ,and a good long armed pass blocker, who has the athleticism to be be dominant there too with some technique refinement. His biggest weakness right now is blocking down field , but his feet aren't always consistent in his pass sets either . He will occasionally get off balance and end up on the ground too. He already plays in a pro style offense ,and I see him as a plug and play starter at either tackle spot . Also, in my opinion he has both the highest floor & ceiling of all the potential blindside protectors in this draft . I still think Thomas is the best OT in the draft, but this about how I think the teams will pick so I expect him to be the 2nd or 3rd OT off the board now after hearing the opinions of people during the combine who are plugged in to NFL teams. I am giving him to the Dolphins because he is the best run blocker, and defensive head coaches like Flores want to run the ball a lot . If Rosen or Fitz doesn't work out they might have a top 10 pick in 2021 anyway. That pick combined with the extra 2021 first and 2nd rounders they got from Houston gives them the ammo to move up to number one overall and get Trevor Lawrence in next seasons draft , or maybe Justin Fields if they prefer. Plus I have them acquiring another first rounder for next year later in this draft as well .
6.DETROIT - JEFFREY OKUDAH - CB - OHIO ST. - 6'1", 205
NFL PLAYER COMP - JALEN RAMSEY - JAGUARS
The Lions are another team that may want to trade back for a big package of picks for a QB needy team , and according to the trade value chart it would cost about the equivalent of a mid 2nd round pick less at #3 overall than #2 overall . There is also an outside chance they fall in love with a QB , and take Tua or even Herbert, especially now that Stafford will be 32 and has a back injury . Since Stafford's contract is written in a way that it would be hard to trade him , and stupid to release him , I doubt it happens. They are another team with a lot of needs, but that's usually the case when your picking high in the draft,although they supposedly have an ownership mandate to compete now . I don't buy it. This team is too devoid of talent to make the playoffs this year without a ton going right. Short of a windfall trade their best case scenario is the redskins trading their pick to a QB needy team, and Chase Young falling to them, or the skins losing their minds and passing on Young . Pairing him with Trey Flowers would give them a great edge duo. They lost A'Shawn Robinson and replaced him with Danny Shelton at NT .They wisely traded Darius Slay after he demanded a new contract coming off a crappy season . They replaced him with Desmond Trufant, who may not be as young or have as high an upside, but he was a better player last season. Plus he is cheaper and they got a 3rd and 5th for Slay from the eagles . They also signed LB Jamie Collins ( 3 years, 30 million, 18 million guaranteed) who played well for the Patriots again .Strange- Collins stunk for the Browns when he signed a big deal there, but Patricia knows him , and maybe he thinks he can get him to play well again . Collins is certainly versatile & talented, but I would be wary of a guy who went in the toilet last time he got a big pay day . At LB Jarrad Davis has been a bust , and I love Isiah Simmons. Plus Simmons can also play safety, but in the end I am going with Okudah after a trade back. Patricia comes from the Patriots ,and they are a man coverage team that values corners over pass rushers. So Patricia probably thinks he can scheme a pass rush like Belichick .I only have 5 blue chip elite players in the draft right now after Tua got hurt . Burrow and Young are gone in this scenario , and that leaves Odukah & Simmons, and Brown. Since I think CB's are more valuable unless the interior D-Lineman is an elite pass rusher , I will give them the corner . Okudah is the highest graded corner I have done since Patrick Peterson . Even the best NFL corners are grabby , but they are just slicker at it , and get caught less, but Okudah is slicker than most . No PI penalties this season . He isn't quite as physical or thick, but he is a an excellent press man corner . Jeff has good speed, fluid hips, quick feet , ball skills , a wide wing span ,smarts, an explosive burst to the ball. Also throw in the confidence & swagger you want in a lock down CB . The 4.48 forty is fine by me , although he looks low 4.4's on tape, and his 41 inch vertical confirms that explosiveness. Had to leave the combine after taking a bad fall ( hurt his neck ) in the drills .Still getting him after this trade back ,and also picking up a probably high number one next season is a huge victory in and of itself .
***PROJECTED TRADE*** The BROWNS trade their 1rst rounder (#10) , and their 3rd rounder (#74) to the PANTHERS for their 1rst ( #7) ***PROJECTED TRADE ***
7.CLEVELAND-(panthers)- ISAIAH SIMMONS-S/LB-CLEMSON- 6"4", 238
NFL PLAYER COMP - a bigger DARREN WOODSON - retired
The Browns disappointed again in 2019. I admit I picked them to win the division , and they imploded . This was definitely the most talented team in the division last year, but you wouldn't know it by their record . However, for the 2nd year in a row they have been big players during the off season .They signed the best available RT in Jack Conklin , and even at a reasonable price, unlike most teams paying free agent O-Lineman .TE Austin Hooper was the best available in free agency too, and they got him as well, which is good because new head coach Kevin Stefanski loves to use 2 TE's a lot .I also think NT Andrew Billings and safety Karl Joseph were stealthy good signings on 1 year prove it deals, especially if they play Joseph in the box. Before the 2019 season my big worries were LT , RG, and a rookie head coach, but I confess that Freddie Kitchens was just as bad as their O-line. Both OT's were bad , but the RT was even worse than the left. Both players they played at RG were terrible too. They tried to trade for former Pro Bowler Trent Williams to man the blindside, but stubborn Daniel Snyder wouldn't make the deal , but I bet he will now. Williams says he is adamant about never playing for the skins again without a new deal , although instead of a 1rst and some change I doubt they get more than a 3rd rounder for him now . Williams sat out a whole year , will be 32 this season, failed his physical in a weird way, and he had been already having some injury problems for the previous 3 campaign's . There are also rumors they might be in on 38 year old future HOFer Jason Peters . I would still make that deal for Williams for a 3rd if I was the Browns , as long as he passes his physical , and I didn't have to give him the new contract he wants .Peters would be cheaper though , and he played great last season . Conklin fixes the RT spot already. Another thing that didn't work out was the OBJ trade. He took his diva whiny millennial look at me personality to new heights, continued his history of being injury prone, and did a lot to help undermine his coach and QB . I would trade him, and draft a WR in this very deep class in the 2nd or 3rd round , but I doubt they will. Then we have Baker . Crappy O-Line or not he definitely regressed, and made me think that what I used to think of as cocky young brashness , might in fact be Odell-like myopic millennial divaness . Don't think that one OT , now matter how good is going to fix this all either, but that's why I have them getting 2 one way or another. They probably need to draft multiple O-Lineman & sign or trade for a couple more too . Other than their center or LG all these guys could easily be replaced and upgraded . However, since they did sign a veteran OT, and I also have them drafting one in the 2nd round I will go with another big need . LB Joe Schobert is now a Jag , and often injured Christian Kirksey is a packer. The only LB they have brought in is journeyman backup BJ Goodson . So Simmons finally comes off the board, , it's to a team that really needs him, and it's in a trade up . He's clearly the best player on the board , and I think someone is going trade up for him. Simmons is just a flat out stud. He is the best safety , off the ball LB, and movable defensive chess piece in this draft . He can play the run, cover, rush , and he's just a play-maker wherever they line lined him up, and they lined him up all over the defensive formation . He was everywhere on film, almost to the point that I thought there were 2 of him on the field sometimes, and it often took awhile to find him before the snap . He could go as high as #3 but he also could fall here , and the Panthers would probably have multiple teams bidding to trade up for him .
8.ARIZONA- JEDRICK WILLS - OT - ALABAMA - 6"4" , 312
NFL PLAYER COMP -WILLIE ANDERSON - retired
Ahhhh.... good old Bill O'Brien. The patron saint of other teams . The Cards are the latest team to take advantage of the head coach masquerading as a GM .D-Hop for a 2nd and swap of 4th's, and you had to take on David Jhonson's contract? This move alone may save Steve Keim's job, but I think it's actually just him taking advantage of O'Brien incompetence . Other than that the only possible moves of free agent significance may be bringing in Devon Kennard & Jordan Phillips, but neither have been standouts so far in their careers . The Cardinals got a good start on their rebuild last year , but their O-line isn't very good, although their current O-Line did improve some as pass blockers as the year went along . They do say practice makes perfect, and they pass a lot, but it's also a spread system designed to get rid of the ball quickly & run a ton of plays . However, the only O-lineman they have right now that I think they might be counting on as a long term piece is left tackle DJ Humphries ,and while they did resign him, I still think they overpaid .However, it's imperative that the Cardinals upgrade the O-line to protect their young, undersized, potential franchise QB . So I am not even going to seriously entertain another position here. I was on Bama LT Alex Leatherwood by week 3 of the season , but Wills didn't get on my radar until late in the season . Leatherwood went back to school despite my first round grade on him, but Wills was a pleasant surprise . Jedrick is big , strong, and nasty with surprisingly light feet. He needs a more physical hand punch, but he keeps his hands inside , and I think he could flip over to left tackle if needed. Even as a right tackle he is not far behind Thomas on my board, but Wills has more consistent sets as a pass blocker, and with a left handed QB in Tua he was the blindside protector at Alabama . Plays low and mean in the rin game , and gets to the second level too . In a pass heavy offense like this one the best pass blocker in the draft is a good fit .Maybe he will be good enough to inspire LT Humphries to raise his game to Jedrick's level .
***PROJECTED TRADE*** The JAGUARS trade their 1rst rounder (#9) to the BUCCANEERS for their 1rst rounder (#14) their 3rd rounder (#76) and the 4th round compensatory pick (#140) ***PROJECTED TRADE ***
9.TAMPA BAY-(jaguars)- MEKHI BECTON - OT - LOUISVILLE - 6"7" , 364
NFL PLAYER COMP - ANDREW WHITWORTH - RAMS
The GOAT is now the QB of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and with the offensive weapons ( Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, OJ Howard, and Cameron Brate) on this roster they are now Superbowl contenders in my eyes . I admit I didn't see this one coming , and thought Tampa was just a smoke screen, but I was wrong .Plus as usual Brady took less money than he could have gotten . If he really wanted to go to the highest bidder he would be a Charger .The only other things of note they have done is bring back Shaq Barrett & JPP . Good moves, but Brady is the key to making a run at a title. To make sure they keep their soon to be 43 year old QB healthy they probably need an upgrade at both tackle spots, but they already overpaid LT Donovan Smith on a long term deal last year, but RT Demar Dotson is 34 and yet to be brought back, so they can at least upgrade in one of the 2 OT spots . I spend most of the college season watching guys I haven't watched before, but I had already seen 4 of Becton's 2018 games coming into the season, and I had him projected as a low first rounder . I watched 3 more 2019 games during Seniorbowl week, and WOW ! I was so impressed I will even say it backwards . WOW ! Becton is huge . One of those guys that is so big, wide , and long that he is just hard to get around . He also looks like a a guy who you might want to move to guard , but you would be wrong . As long as he keeps his weight in check he is solid on the edge as a pass protector, and his almost 370 pounds is pretty well distributed, I thought If he could cut down to 340 by the combine he could actually be the first OT drafted , as it would help his quickness on his pass sets ,but even at a put together 364 he still looked great. .He ran a 5.11 forty & 1.77 ten at 357 when he weighed in the 2nd time ! Sometimes guys with his profile like Johnathan Ogden , Andrew Whitworth, or Cordy Glenn just know how to use what they have to kick ass . His brutal hand punch is effective and his anchor is elite . His hands are so big & arms are so long it's hard for him to completely miss with his punch, and a partial punch from him can still throw you off course or stop you in your tracks . He is a physical road grader in the run game as a drive blocker . Most giants don't excel down the field , but he is not your normal giant , and he goes hunting . Other than getting better at picking up stunts & blitzes , and getting more accurate with his punch he is a really good OT prospect . Stunts & blitzes usually just come with time, and if he keeps getting in better shape the sky's the limit. Mekhi is my 3rd ranked OT and #15 overall player . With a little time to keep developing his technique & body he could be a perennial Pro Bowler .Louisville used to flip their OT's , so he has played both tackle spots, but I am convinced he could handle the blindside full time in the NFL, after watching him doing it this year. Once I have caught up and watched all 400 some guys I expect to watch this draft season, I will be looking to post my final ranking for 2020. In those 2 weeks I will watch more tape on the top tier guys I have at each position to separate them and give final grades, but it's hard to imagine a an O-lineman having a better game than the one Mekhi did against Clemson . I wouldn't be surprised if he even moves up a little on my board, and I also wouldn't be surprised that after the combine & free agency shake out ,and some tackle needy teams are left wanting, that 4 O-Lineman go in the top 12. In this case he is the last of those 4 and to make sure they get him the bucs trade up to the 9th pick to make sure that the Browns & Jets don't take him .
***PROJECTED TRADE*** The PATRIOTS trade their 1rst rounder (#23) , their 3rd rounder (#87) their 6th and a 2021 2nd rounder to the PANTHERS for the 1rst ( #10) they got from the BROWNS ***PROJECTED TRADE ***
10.PATRIOTS-(panthers,browns)-**-JUSTIN HERBERT-QB-OREGON-6"6", 236
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON -CARSON WENTZ - EAGLES
Brady & Belichick used to go together like peanut butter & jelly, but not anymore . The Goats have gone their separate ways .The only people who really know why are Brady , Belichick , and maybe Robert Kraft . There is no point rehashing who is definitely ( I think it's Belichick )at fault without knowing the full story so let's deal with the consequences . The Patriots QB options are to 1- Let Jarrett Stidham or Brian Hoyer start , and I really doubt this one because I think it's very unlikely they are playoff contenders that way . 2-trade for or sign a veteran QB like Cam Newton , Jameis Winston, Andy Dalton, or Jacoby Brissett . Probably a very viable option, although I don't see a grandstanding press conference guy like Cam falling in line with the Patriot way . 3- Draft a QB . Justin Herbert , Jordan Love , Jalen Hurts, and Jake Fromm are my next 4 QB's in that order ; and the only ones I think should be drafted in the first 3 rounds. Love turns the ball over too much .and is a project for me , so I only see them taking him if he falls to #23 and they also acquire a better vet to start now . Hurts is interesting . He's a team first leadership guy and Belichick wants one of those . Also, I would bet my left arm he would get a glowing recommendation from Belichick protege Nick Saban, and I bet Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley would be happy to praise him too. Plus Hurts doesn't turn the ball over, would be really cheap for a few years, has played in both a pro style ( Alabama) & spread (Oklahoma) offense, and his mobility would add a new wrinkle to the Pats offense . They have a decent chance of him being there for their 3rd at pick #87, but if they really want him I would package 2 of their 3rds and move up into the 2nd .Also if he doesn't end up a long term starter I promise you Billy would get plenty of uses out of versatile guy like Jalen . Fromm is just a guy who looks like a low level starter or high level backup to me. However he is smart , a leader ,doesn't turn the ball over , and played in pro style offense in college . That lack of arm strength won't be as telling with all the horizontal routes they ran last year, but I think Belichick will change the offense a lot this year to fit his personnel . I also think he would want someone with a higher upside. Herbert on the other hand is a quiet team guy who would probably fall right into line with the Patriot way . Even after Tua's injury Herbert is the 3rd QB on my board , but Tua's a big risk, and I'm not sure many GM's would want to wager their job on an already injury prone QB . So that leaves Herbert . In 2017 Herbert was a spread read option QB with all the tools you could want . Tall with a cannon arm , and a willingness to throw down the field that you don't often see. He had his share of bubble & tunnel screens too, which definitely helped his completion percentage , but he could also fire a 20 yard out or a hit a DIG route on a rope . His accuracy still needed work , especially on those deep balls . During that season when he put more air under the ball to go deep it had a tendency to sail on him, and he also occasionally threw receivers into potentially dangerous hits with late or off target throws . He also broke his collarbone late that season as well . In 2018 he made improvements in those problem areas, and the offense also changed a bit . That year Herbert also started showing the capability of being a strong explosive runner who specialized in moving the chains in short yardage situations , or take off for a bigger gain when the play broke down, or even on the occasional read option . He also showed the smarts on when to slide to protect himself . Despite already being 6"6" 230 pounds his frame has plenty of room for growth and he could easily carry 250 pounds of muscle to help protect himself . In 2019 the offense changed a little more again , and became more run oriented . Justin still has all the physical tools, but I expected a similar jump up this season like the one I saw from 2107 to 2018 , and I didn't see it. While his completion percentage went back up ,and his interceptions went down a little too, I think that was due to the conservative offense that gave him more play action passes . He didn't run as much this season himself either , but showed his legs off in a big way in their bowl game, and ran a 4.68 forty at the combine. All in all he is still a very good QB prospect, but he hasn't stepped up in the big moments the way a guy I would trade up in the top 5 for & then anoint my franchise QB for the long haul should do . There are also some rumors of leadership questions around him because he is not the most outwardly vocal guy, but he is universally loved by his teammates . That's not the end of the world . Eli Manning just retired after a long successful career in New York of all places, and he is not the most loquacious guy either . Also, Herbert is starting from scratch when it comes to being under center . Justin probably would have been a top 5 pick last season, and maybe even #1 overall if Kyler Murray wasn't such perfect fit for Kliff Kingsbury's offense . He returned for a chance at the PAC 12 title , and to play a season with his incoming freshman TE little brother, and I don't think it really hurt his stock much , but he didn't do anything to make it go up for me either . There is nothing wrong with being a game manager , which is what Herbert looked like this season, but there are times you just want to see a QB let it rip & win the game for you, instead of just not losing it. Both are valuable , but the former is a guy who can win it all with A LOT around him like a early career Russell Wilson . The latter is a guy like Wilson is now . A franchise QB that can drag a below average team to the playoffs , and a good team to the the title . Basically after 3 years I expected more than the incremental growth I saw . He still may end up being a franchise QB , but right now he's a guy I would prefer to take if he fell a little . However, he is a QB , and even with so many teams filling their QB needs in free agency I just can't see someone this talented falling too far . In conclusion this guy has all the tools and skills . He just needs to harness them , show more consistency , and a lot more special plays in big moments to convince me he is a long term franchise QB . Justin won the Campbell trophy for his combination of football skill, academics, and community service so there is no doubts about his character . Also he would give Belichick the big mobile QB he lacks, is far more physically talented than Brady, will be cheap for 5 years, will cost a LOT less to trade up for than I expected , is an experienced 4 year starter who should be expected to be the man from day one, . Also he probably won't buck when Billy cracks the whip .
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11.NY JETS -JERRY JEUDY - WR - ALABAMA - 6"1", 193
NFL PLAYER COMP - - AMARI COOPER - COWBOYS
The Jets have botched free agency so far . The only guy they have brought in right now ( despite a lot of cap space) who is guaranteed to be a starter is center Connor Mcgovern. They also re-signed part time starting guard Alex Lewis, WAY overpaid Seattle backup OT George Fant like he is a good starter, and brought in backup interior guy Josh Andrews from the Colts . While it's still an improvement it really looks like a big mismanagement of cap space to me . The Jets still need offensive lineman more than anything , and unluckily for them all the ones worth this pick are gone here . They also need CB & WR help, and they would still need a WR even if they had resigned Robby Anderson, but they haven't resigned him yet either . Derrick Brown and the 3 WR's are the best players left on the board, but the interior D-Line is one of the few strengths of their team , and unless they get a hefty trade offer I think they will go with a WR .Both Ceedee Lamb & Jerry Jeudy are number WR's to me, and both are top 10 values in my book . While I have Lamb slightly ahead in the long run they are more 1A and 1B on my board . Jeudy is more polished & pro ready right now, and he could fit into this offense well. He is an advanced route runner even for a pro player, comes out of a pro style offense , has great feet, separates well, was very productive against big time competition, has great long speed & quicks , is a home run threat all the time, and is a high character guy unlike Anderson . Plus his hands are good, except I wouldn't expect him to win a lot of jump balls , and he has limited tape against press. I really hope they invest in the O-Line more though .
12.LAS VEGAS - CEEDEE LAMB - WR - OKLAHOMA - 6"2" , 198
NFL PLAYER COMP - ODELL BECKHAM JR.
The raiders had a big need at off the ball LB , but between signing FA's Cory Littleton & Nick Kwiatkoski that isn't much of a worry anymore. They also brought in Jason Witten, and while he isn't what he was he is still very solid, and can probably mentor Darren Waller on how to be a more complete TE. Dumping AB actually brought the team together last season. Unless the Raiders decide to draft a QB here, and unless Tua is just sitting there like a blinking light . Although I think if Gruden wanted a QB it wouldn't be a target of opportunity, and that he would trade up for him even earlier . Plus they just signed Marcus Marriots to be a high end backup so I think they are expecting to be a playoff team now . They need CB's ( Eli Apple hasn't shown consistency ) too, but I don't see one being drafted this high after Okudah is gone , although it wouldn't shock me if they took CJ Henderson or even traded up for Simmons . They do still need a # 1 WR , otherwise they wouldn't have tried to bring in the train wreck that is Antonio Brown in the first place . Anytime Gruden wants to trade up to get a blue chip player he holds the reins in Las Vegas , but in this case one falls into their laps. Tyrell Williams profiles well as ( and is paid like ) a good number 2 WR , but CD Lamb look like a number one to me, but if Al Davis was still alive I guarantee you it would be Henry Ruggs instead . Lamb looks to be a little bigger & faster than Jeudy on tape , although Jeudy actually ran a little faster in the 40 at the combine , but Lamb's 4.5 is still good. Lamb is good at the more limited route tree Oklahoma runs, and maybe he still needs work there to fit into a Pro style offense, but he dominates the routes he runs now . He is explosive with great hands , slippery in the open field , plays bigger than he is , a skilled hand fighter who releases well, and has a well above average knack for tracking the ball . Also seems to separate at will, is big play threat both in the regular offense , and as a standout punt returner . Combining that with his ability to play great from both the outside & inside , and I think his long term upside gives him the slight lead in the race to be the # 1 WR in the 2020 draft down the road .
13.49ers-(colts)-DERRICK BROWN - DT - AUBURN - 6"5" , 326
NFL PLAYER COMP - KENNY CLARK - PACKERS
Some trades you just don't see coming and this is one of them, but it is also the rare trade that I think could work out really well for both teams . While I think Buckner was a little better ,and definitely more consistent than Armstead , they were up against the cap and made the trade. Plus resigning Armstead right now allowed them to lower his cap number for this season, and he took a team friendly contract . Armstead got ;ess on a 5 year contract compared to Buckners 4 year deal . Losing Buckner also allowed them to resign Jimmie Ward at a reasonable price even though he was coming off a career year .So their options here are Derek Brown or Javon Kinlaw to replace Buckner , or speedster Henry Ruggs to makeup for the loss of Emmanuel Sanders . In the 3 years that Kyle Shanahan & John Lynch have ran the 49ers they have drafted 3 WR's ( Dante Pettis, Deebo Samuels, and Jalen Hurd ) in the top 100, and none in the first round . The only one who has worked out so far is Deebo Samuel , but it's to early to give up on the other 2 for me, and Marquis Goodwin is still on the roster right now too .Also Hurd missed the whole season with an injury so he may come back and break out this year . Plus it's a deep WR draft, and I expect them to trade back with their second 1rst rounder and take a WR later . The strength of this team is the front 4 and they just lost a huge part of that front in Buckner . Brown is the currently the last blue chip player on my board, and if you can get the 5th best player on the board at # 13 you should do it . Coming into this season I saw Brown as more of a nose tackle as he was an elite run stuffer, but he really improved as a pass rusher this year , and I think he could be a 3 down NT for the niners . He has a great motor, big powerful hands , off the ball quickness, just runs over opposing lineman , dominated LSU's vaunted O-Line, and it's hilarious when people are dumb enough to run at him . His only weakness are a lack of pass rush moves( bull rush, push through a shoulder, or slap the hands down and bull rush is it ) and counters. This guy is a tone setter with a really high floor , and a leader that any coach should be itching to draft . While he is not quite the pass rusher Buckner is, Brown is much better at clogging up the middle against the run .
14.JAGUARS-(tampa bay)-JAVON KINLAW- ** - DT -S. CAROLINA- 6"5" , 324
NFL PLAYER COMP - CHRIS JONES - CHIEFS
After the jags traded Jalen Ramsey I thought it was OK, because they got 2 firsts for him, and I figured they would still be competitive in 2020 . After they traded a 28 year old corner in AJ Bouye for a 4th rounder I started to slightly question my earlier prediction, but since they were in a salary cap crunch I still didn't think it a full rebuild . AJ was coming off a down year but he had 3 good years in a row before it . Then the straw that broke the camels back came in the form of a trade of Calais Campbell for a 5th rounder ? The best player on your team. A leader and stud player who has only gotten better since you signed him to a big money FA deal 3 years ago. I know he's going to be 34 this season, but he has shown no signs of slowing down , and no matter how big his salary was you should have gotten more for him . The only FA's of note they have signed are LB Joe Schobert , and CB Darqueze Dennard , but Dennard missed a lot of time with injuries last year , and he has never been a full time starter . Even after dumping Nick Foles contract off on the bears they still have cap problems. I would have taken Justin Herbert if he fell to me at the 9th pick, but maybe they really are all in on Gardner Minshew like they claim . Also, if you are in a full rebuild trading back & gathering more picks is usually your best strategy when you are in salary cap hell, especially when you need those cheap players just to fill out your roster for this season. They probably would have taken Derrick Brown or Javon Kinlaw at # 9 here anyway . Brown has a higher floor, but Kinlaw has a higher upside. After finishing Javon's tape , and watching how much he dominated the first 2 Senior Bowl practices Kinlaw is the 11th ranked overall player on my board . Although the weird tendinitis flare up does make me nervous , and he also had a torn hip labrum earlier in College ,so his medicals at the combine will be key in where he finally ends up. He has the size, length, motor, strength, and even enough quickness to be a consistent Pro Bowl performer in the league . It's rare for players with his height to play so well inside against the run , and unlike the NFL Pro Bowler he reminds me of he didn't struggle with his pad level as often in college . If he can expand & redefine his pass rush repertoire he has a chance to be a superstar in the NFL, but he already looked improved this year in getting after the passer anyway . Maybe if they can trade Yannick Ngakoue for a 2nd the trade won't be necessary , but in this scenario if they are passing on a QB it's actually the best thing for them long term in my opinion .
15.DENVER - HENRY RUGGS - WR - ALABAMA - 5"11", 188
NFL PLAYER COMP - TYREEK HILL CHIEFS
The Broncs look like a team trying to compete for a playoff berth this season , because while some teams are dumping high price veterans for lower round draft picks , Denver is one of the teams getting those players . Sure it's tough to move on from Chris Harris, but when you get high salary guys like AJ Bouye for a 4th & Jurrell Casey for a 7th you are trying to win now .Denver still has plenty of needs , especially in the secondary & D-Line, and at WR .After Emmannuel Sanders was traded no other WR except Courtland Sutton did much . Ruggs is worth this pic, is a potential elite slot receiver, and has ridiculous ( 4.27) speed . He may be the fastest guy available in the draft . Henry is explosive, has huge strong hands, is fearless over the middle, has great contact balance with the ball in his hands , is stronger than his size would indicate , can win jump balls, and he would be a sick counterpart to their RB's on Jet Sweeps . Not quite as polished a route runner as the other Alabama WR's but he made progress this year, and they had so much talent at WR he was underused in my opinion . Pairing him with Courtland Sutton could give Drew Lock two highlight reel targets of a very different type for the long haul . Also this means my top 15 picks all go in order and I really like that, because I think they are clearly the best 15 players in the draft right now , and that teams without a top 15 pick should be trying to trade up into that range to get one of them .
16.ATLANTA- CJ HENDERSON- CB -FLORIDA - 6"1", 204
NFL PLAYER COMP - MARLON HUMPHREY - RAVENS
The falcons finally got a decent sized edge rusher in FA Dante Folwer but they payed though the nose for him . They also traded for Former Raven 1rst round TE Hayden Hurst for a 2nd and a swap of lower picks . Hurst is at least an every down TE ,and the rookie contract he still has 3 years left on, is a heck of a lot cheaper than what Austin Hooper got from the Browns . They got Todd Gurley on a decent 1 year 6 million contract , and if his knee is sound it's a bargain .They surprisingly cut their only good corner in Desmond Trufant to save cap space ,and they haven't signed a outside corner yet . They brought back CB Blidi Wreh -Wilson , but Jamar Taylor is also a free agent, but neither has done much to claim a full time starting job yet . CJ has a tall long armed lanky frame that allows a quick jam, great feet, oily hips, and has the ball skills of a former WR .CJ also needs to add a little more muscle . He mirrors WR's as good as anyone, but he wasn't as aggressive down field ,and at the catch point as he was in 2018 . Has good speed and is also an excellent blitzer with good timing. Henderson also had a great combine ,and probably solidified himself as the second corner on draft boards throughout the league
***PROJECTED TRADE*** The RAVENS their 1rst rounder ( #28) and their 2nd (#55) they got from the COWBOYS for their 1rst rounder(#17) and their 4th rounder (#123) *** PROJECTED TRADE ***
17.BALTIMORE-(cowboys)- PATRICK QUEEN - LB - LSU - 6 ft. , 229
NFL PLAYER COMP - LAVONTE DAVID - BUCCANEERS
The Ravens are a team that's definitely ALL In this season, and they should be because they already had a contending team before free agency started. Plus they can afford to take on or pay out big contracts while Lamar Jackson is on his rookie deal . Snagging one of the best players in the game in Calais Campbell for a 5th rounder and signing Michael Brockers to a 3 year deal gives them a lot more size up front, and they needed it after Derrick Henry ran the ball 30 times for 195 yards when the titans bounced them out of the playoffs in the Divisional round . Before the draft starts the Ravens have an extra 2nd , 3rd, and 4th rounder , and that gives you a lot of flexibility to do what you want in the draft . The Ravens barely even tried to replace CJ Mosley after he went to the Jets in free agency, and their off the ball LB's were the biggest weakness on their defense this year. Only Josh Bynes played well ,and he isn't a every down guy . I watched 2 more of Patrick Queens games when the weekend after California closed all their schools, and every game I watch makes me love him more . If you want Isaiah Simmons to play LB for you , but don't have a high enough pick , or want to pay the price to move up for him, Queen is the next best off the ball LB in this draft .You can literally see him improving game by game until he finished off the season playing his best ball . I now see him as first rounder, and think he's the second off the ball LB off the board after a good combine . If your ALL In you need guys that are plug and play starters to fill needs in the draft . With Zack Baun being a hybrid who is unproven at playing off the ball every down I wouldn't want to count on him right away unless he's primarily a 3-4 rush backer. Kenneth Murray is too raw as well, so that means you need to get your plug and play guy now. Also 5 of the next 7 teams drafting have LB needs so using some of that pick wealth to get the guy you need makes plenty of sense to me .
18. MIAMI-(steelers)- GRANT DELPIT - S - LSU - 6'2' , 213
NFL PLAYER COMP - MALIK HOOKER - COLTS
At safety the fins just cut former pro bowl, and 8 year Dolphin Reshad Jones in a move that saves over 5 million on this years salary cap ., Eric Rowe is more of box guy, and incoming bargain basement free agent FS Adrian Colbert is nobody to keep you from drafting a new one . I actually thought Grant might end up a top 10 pick coming into this year, but his 2019 tape wasn't as good as last years . Now he had a shoulder & ankle injury , and that could have contributed to even more missed tackles this season. Maybe that's why he took some bad angles .Trying to avoid compounding those injuries would logically explain a lot . Whatever the case he's not a pile inspector who avoids trying to make a tackle, and he does cover a lot of ground in the back half of the secondary . He is still on the mend and because of that Delpit didn't workout at the combine,. Now he probably never will thanks to Corona .Grant is a tall rangy safety who can make really quick reads in zone , and he makes a lot of plays on the ball in coverage. He's not quite as adept in man to man,but maybe with NFL coaching he can sharpen up there . Either way he is a play maker in the back half ,and this defense on the rise could use him .
19.LAS VEGAS-(bears)- JORDAN LOVE - # - QB - UTAH ST. - 6"4" , 224
NFL PLAYER COMP - JAMEIS WINSTON - BUCCANEERS
The raiders need a corner badly, but I think it's lottery ticket time now .Derek Carr already has very little dead money on his deal, and their was a lot of smoke about them getting into the Tom Brady sweepstakes early this off season . I think this team has a chance to compete now if they upgrade their corners, but Gruden made some random choices last season, and I'd bet my nuts that Gruden would love to develop a guy this talented . I didn't watch Love's 2018 tape until right before the 2019 college season, but in hindsight it might have been a blessing . He would have definitely been high n my first 2020 mock draft, but that's because he had better tape in 2018 , and it was logical to expect a better year this year . He didn't . The new offense combined with him losing his four/fifths of his O-Line , and some weapons did not go well. I have a 2nd round grade on him, but he is very talented and QB's tend to go a round early . He has a rocket arm, mobility, and generally solid mechanics. Love also has the ability to make throws off platform on the move, and from a variety of different angles . Sometimes he reminds me of a young Brett Favre in both the good & bad ways . He has that big arm that can make some crazy throws , but he is overconfident and forces too many balls. In addition his reading of defenses needs work . If his first reads not open he doesn't always see it, and then he takes too long to go from the 2nd to the 3rd read. Plus he doesn't have a good feel for the rush, and he struggled against pressure a lot this season. He has a good frame, and a high upside, but a low floor. Basically he seems like a lottery ticket to me, but I thought the same about Mahomes, although he went to a perfect situation with QB whisperer Andy Reid in the NFL in QB whispering . I also think Gruden believes himself to be a QB whisperer too . Since they are bringing back a veteran QB in Carr , and signed a high end veteran backup in Marcus Mariota , they don't need to rush him onto the field this season . That could be the way to unlock his awesome talent . Since the Raiders have this extra first , no second ,and 3 thirds . So they have ammo to move up or down the draft, but unless someone they really like is here at #19 I expect them to trade back , or take a surprise player again . SURPRISE!
NFL PLAYER COMP - TRAMON WILLIAMS - PACKERS
Finally a corner . Another guy who''s tape I finished during the quarantine break, and while I like him ,and have a mid 2nd rounder on him now, a lot of the big media guys with team contacts keep expecting him to go in the first .Plus other than QB's & pass rushers , corners are the most reached for players in the draft year after year .Kristian is a good sized technical CB,and although he may not have great makeup speed on tape , he ran well at the combine. Fulton is also fluid with good ball skills . Needs to be more physical in the run game , and less grabby when he gets beat. He got picked on some in the playoffs, but he was going against very talented WR's, and it was more likely they were avoiding all world true freshman Derek Stingley .Also , Fulton has a high floor , and was reportedly playing hurt this season . After a good combine he made a strong case to be the 3rd corner off the board , and if injuries really were the problem he may even end up being worth this pick .
21.PHILADELPHIA- XAVIER McKINNEY - S - ALABAMA - 6 ft. , 201
NFL PLAYER COMP - MINKAH FITZPATRICK - STEELERS
The Eagles big moves so far this off season are NT Javon Hargrave & the trade for Darius Slay, although if you watch last years tape he quit on his team . They also gave Slay a big new contact, but if he returns to his pre-2019 form he may be worth it . The Birds need a WR, but the more tape I watch the more I would prefer to take one in the 2nd or 3rd round because the massive depth at the position in this draft , or trade up and get one of the top 3 in Jeudy, Lamb, and Ruggs. .The Eagles were probably going to move on from at least one of their starting safeties , and in fact their entire secondary was a disappointment last season . Malcolm Jenkins was more of a team leader, and a better player than Rodney McLeod so I expected them to keep him . However, Jenkins is also 32, would have cost more money, and looked to declining some last season. So they moved on from Jenkins .They did resign McLeod , and he is younger & much cheaper .They also re-signed Jalen Mills ,and are finally moving him to safety, but I think they need a better player here . I was surprised by how much Mckinney had improved this year after watching his 2019 tape. Based off last years film I saw him as a box SS and occasional nickle LB who would be a 2nd or 3rd rounder . He really stepped up this year, played all over the field , played well, and I now have a solid first round grade on him. He's a versatile guy who can play high or low ,cover the slot, and is a 2 year starter in Alabama's pro ready defense . Still think the box is his best spot though He's not as fast as the guy he reminds me most of ( Minkah Fitzpatrick), but he can do a lot of the same things .He's got a high football IQ , good athleticism , enough speed for the position , and a high floor .Mckinney didn't run as well as I expected him to at the combine, although 4'64 is fine for a safety. So while he could slip a little in the draft his tape is still first round .
22.VIKINGS-(bills)-JOSH JONES - OT - HOUSTON - 6"5" , 319
NFL PLAYER COMP - LAREMY TUNSIL - TEXANS
The Vikings lost or moved on from a lot of veterans this off season . Former key players like Linval Joseph, Xavier Rhodes , Everson Griffen, and Stefon Diggs are gone now .Also younger veterans corners Trae Waynes and Mackenzie Alexander are also gone .Resigning Kurt Cousins is big deal , but they paid him a ton again, but at least it gave them some cap room for this year .Their overall biggest addition was NT Michael Pierce ,but at best he's a wash for Joseph, and at the very least he is younger . Their O-Line is still vastly overrated . Rookie first rounder Garret Bradbury did not play well, and I admit I was high on him , but I still believe in his future . LT Riley Reiff would be a better fit at guard, and I thought he might need to take a pay a cut to stay, but after the sick money lesser players were getting in free agency paying him 11 million to slide inside to LG might still possibly be a cost effective upgrade . Both current guards are bad. Only RT Brian O'neill can be considered solid to me , and I think he has the athleticism to move to the left side if needed . Jones is not the best player left on my board, but he is the best LT prospect available for me, although he comes out of a spread system . The Vikings are still in a potential championship window right now, and they need to hit on this pick . However, he needs a lot of technique refinement, especially with his hand placement & punch timing on tape. Although he looked improved at the Senior Bowl across the board, especially with his punch and overall aggression . Usually the guy who is the best O-Lineman at the Senior Bowl gets a significant bump in the draft and that guy was Josh Jones this season. Josh has decent size & length, but very quick feet and more than enough athleticism .At first I was surprised he didn't blow up at the combine in the speed & agility drills , but he gained even more weight between the Senior Bowl & combine, so it makes sense . Drafting him to play LT , and kicking Reiff into guard could improve the while left side right away .
23.CAROLINA-(bucs)-TREVON DIGGS -CB - ALABAMA- 6"1", 205
NFL PLAYER COMP - JIMMY SMITH - RAVENS
Incoming head coach Matt Rhule seems intent on putting his own stamp on this team, and they have made it clear that the only players that probably aren't on the trading block during their rebuild are Christian Mccaffery , DJ Moore, and Brian Burns. So trading back multiple times to get more picks so Rhule can bring in players that fit his system is probably likely . The only potential difference maker they have brought in during free agency is new QB Teddy Bridgewater , and the amount of guaranteed( 33 million) money they are paying him likely takes them out of the first round QB market .Plus they signed standout XFL QB PJ Walker . Trevon Diggs is an experienced zone corner out of Alabama , and he has a high floor . He is tall, strong, long, smart, physical, and fast in coverage . Wish he was as good in man , and against the run. He still needs more work finding the ball 1 vs 1 in coverage, and in being more physical as a tackler everywhere, but I have him in my top 32, he would fill a huge hole, and I also think he would be a good FS when he loses a step .Makes big plays , but also gives them up , so I guess it's in the eye of the beholder . Anyway corner is as good a place to start as any, and since none of us have any idea what Rhule is doing because he lacks a NFL track record, and I think he is calling the shots over GM Marty Hurney . So I will go with Diggs here because corner is now an even bigger need than before after the loss of James Bradberry .
24.NEW ORLEANS- AJ TERRELL - CB - CLEMSON - 6'1" , 195
NFL PLAYER COMP - CHIDOBE AWUZIE - COWBOYS
The Saints are ALL IN again now that Brees is back again, and Taysem Hill is too .After having a great team go down with some questionable calls in back to back years to the Vikings I think it would be hard to come back again if they don't win it all this year, and if they do win it I think he definitely retires, but I said the same thing last year so who who knows? . Drew has nothing left to prove. He has a ring, lock HOF stats , could probably run for governor of Louisiana and be a lock there too, but he obviously wants another ring . Plus he took less money than he could have gotten on the open market in a Bradyish move . That allowed them to bring back former saints first rounder Malcolm Jenkins to play SS after a 6 year tour in Philly. They also got a viable number #2 WR by signing Emmanuel Sanders . I don't know why they overpaid to bring back first round bust LG Andrus Peat, but it's their money . The saints don't have a 2nd rounder, so a trade back is possible if they don't have someone they want here when it's their turn. CB and WR are their top needs to me, and they could probably get a contributing WR in the 3rd round in this draft . That's a lot less likely at CB . Terrell is big , physical, and fast. His tape is good but he doesn't make enough plays on the ball, and he got worked by LSU in the National Championship game . He has a high ceiling, but I also feel a low floor. If he applies himself to finding the ball quicker & manning up in the run game he can be a star, but he's got some boom or bust in my eyes . A good combine should help him . I have a 2nd on him, but there is a run on CB's now, and corners regularly get over drafted .
25.MINNESOTA- AJ EPENESA - DE - IOWA - 6"5" , 275
NFL PLAYER COMP - DAVID IRVING - retired
All the teams in the NFC North are a lot more run heavy than they used to be so a guy who can stop the run has more value in this division than he would have in the past . The Vikings need both a 3 technique DT and strong side DE. This guy can help out at both spots . Epenesa is a tall powerful strong side end who still plays with low off the ball. His best position on tape and in the NFL might be as a 3 technique because that's where he could get his best work done as a pass rusher in the NFL. On this team he could be their strong side end on run downs, and then kick inside to wreak havoc on QB's on passing downs . AJ also has an elite frame to be a 3-4 five technique so I don't think he will fall very far. Epenesa's size and strength are sorely needed on this defense . He has been productive for 3 straight seasons, and I think he could go higher , especially since this edge class doesn't look as good as I thought it might heading into the season , After free agency completely shakes out I thought a lot of people might be in the Epenesa business, but he didn't have a great combine so he falls here .
***PROJECTED TRADE*** The PACKERS their 2nd rounder ( #62) and their 2021 1rst rounder to the DOLPHINS for the 1rst rounder (#26) they got from the TEXANS*** PROJECTED TRADE ***
26.GREEN BAY-(dolphins,texans)-ZACK BAUN-LB/DE-WISCONSIN-6"3" , 238
NFL PLAYER COMP - CLAY MATTHEWS - RAMS
Another team that should be ALL In is the packers . Aaron Rodgers didn't look like himself last year, and it could have been the WR's & adjustments to a new offense, but I still think he's only got 2 or 3 years of high level play left because I don't see him as lifer like Brady, Brees, Rivers, or the Mannings who will play until they just can't physically do it . I have hated their off season so far . They swapped in injury prone Christian Kirksey for Blake Martinez . They got a little younger at RT with Rick Wagner, but Bryan Bulaga was finally healthy for the first time since 2016. Plus Bulaga is definitely a better player at his best than Wagner is at his own peak . They need a WR and another off the ball LB most . Baun was more of an edge rusher at Wisconsin, and let me be clear that I think he could make it as a full time 3-4 OLB in the NFL, but many teams won't even try a guy his size outside full time on the edge . I think he could do it, but I also think he can play inside and outside . He is smart, versatile , has a solid array of pass rush moves, strong, quick, and he looked very good at the Senior Bowl practices playing off the ball . He could help out both areas , and he has the athleticism and fluidity to cover well. Plus he reminds of former a Packer great in Clay Matthews , and Clay made the same transition well.
***PROJECTED TRADE*** The RAVENS their 2nd rounder ( #60) and their 3rd (#92) and the 4th (#129) they got from the PATRIOTS to the SEAHAWKS for their 1rst rounder (#27) *** PROJECTED TRADE ***
27.BALTIMORE-(seahawks)-CESAR RUIZ -C/G - MICHIGAN-6"3" , 307
NFL PLAYER COMP - ERIK McCOY - SAINTS
In their quest to go ALL In I believe the Ravens biggest obstacle is replacing future HOFer Marshall Yanda , but the truth is he is irreplaceable. Their is no interior O-Lineman in this draft that could hope to come close to him as a rookie, but after seeing what a mistake it was to not even try to replace CJ Mosely last season I figure they will try harder with Yanda . They also decided center Matt Skura meant so little to them that they didn't even put a tender on him that would give them back a pick if he signed elsewhere, but that could be because he is currently injured , and they think no one will be interested . Bradley Bozeman is the other guard and he hasn't shown himself to be anything special yet either . So an interior O-Lineman is a must. I.have 5 interior O-Lineman with a top 100 grade ,and after watching Cesar's tape over the Valentine's day weekend I was really impressed, and he is now my number one center in this draft . He is an athletic , strong , quick footed center. Michigan is a run heavy team , but Ruiz is also that rare center that is also good in pass pro with a strong punch that regularly hits the mark inside .As a pass blocker Ruiz has the rare ability to make adjustments on the fly , stay locked on , and keep his man in front of him. Also has a strong anchor .Cesar is more of a combo zone blocker in the run game,and while he shows some aptitude for the 2nd level, he also isn't a guy that will dig a nose tackle out of trench one on one .However, he is only 21 and with a few years in a NFL weight room he could become a real people mover . He has primarily been a center, but has played guard in the past , and that versatility will help them get their best 5 guys on the field as starters . Of all the players who actually started on the interior O-Line last year ( so that leaves out Tristan Wirfs) Ruiz is my choice to be first off the board .
28.DALLAS-(ravens)- K'LAVON CHAISSON- ** - OLB/DE-LSU- 6"3", 254
NFL PLAYER COMP - DANIELLE HUNTER - VIKINGS
Dallas had A LOT of cornerstone players hitting free agency , but the only key one they lost that should affect them long term was Byron Jones, although the losses of Robert Quinn & Jason WItten also hurt. I don't blame them for Jones or Quinn because they got ridiculous contracts from other teams, and Dak's stupid franchise tag made it impossible to keep both anyway, but Witten has to hurt Dallas fans everywhere. He was still a better all around TE than Blake Jarwin, but they went with youth & athleticism as a receiver instead. They did keep Amari Cooper ,and that's key because Dak sucked in 2018 until Cooper arrived . Shockingly Dak wants Russell Wilson MONEY. 35 mil per year, because Goff gets 33.5 . Wilson is a Superbowl winning TOP 3 IN THE NFL FOR YEARS ELITE QB, and Dak is not . I didn't bat an eye when Wilson got paid because he deserved it . He dragged that 4-12 without him team to the playoffs 2 years in a row with very little help . He is irreplaceable. Dak is not . If they pay Dak Russell Wilson money they are idiots . Plus Dak would be making more because of the tax differentials if he took the 33 million a year deal they stupidly already offered him , but he turned it down ! I know Dak was a 4th rounder who hasn't made a ton from the cowboys, but he makes plenty in endorsements from being the QB of the most popular team in the league . Plus that 33 million a year guaranteed is too much already, and I bet Cowboy fans will only stomach it if he gets a ring next year. Right now he isn't paid enough for them to hate him when he fails, but they will if he is making a ton and keeps coming up short .I wouldn't have even franchise tagged Dak , unless I thought somebody would sign him and give them 2 first rounders for him . There is no way I would I even consider the exclusive franchise tag. My guess is that Jerry did because he feared the bears sniping Dak because they don't have a first this year, and both teams are in a championship window now . Their were a ton of decent veteran QB'S that are free agents this off season , and I would take Jalen Hurts in the 3rd round to make Dak be more reasonable. On the bright side they finally brought in a good safety in free agency in Ha-Ha Clinton Dix who is a big upgrade over Jeff Heath .The most surprising thing Dallas did to me was get Amari Cooper, Anthony Brown, Gerald McCoy, and HA-HA Clinton-Dix under contract without overpaying .That was nice , and very un-Dallas like in the Jerry Jones era, but with what they are willing to pay Dak they had to save cash somewhere . Maybe they might even get in on Clowney , but I doubt it unless they can get a long term deal done with Dak before Jadaveon signs. Also Gerald McCoy is an upgrade over Maliek Collins at the 3 technique, and hopefully they finally get something out of last years disappointing 2nd rounder Trysten Hill as his rotational backup . Plus long time starter Tyrone Crawford missed 3/4 of the season , will be 31 this year, and they could save about 7 million by moving on from him too. Even if Crawford comes back they still need another edge rusher, and a nose tackle for Mike Nolan's defense. I also expected the boys to bring back Randall Cobb , as they signed him to a one year 5 million dollar deal last off season, and Mike McCarthy loves him. Of course no one expected Bill O'Brien to rear his crazy head again, and pay a lot more than he needed to for a (30 year old this upcoming season )past his prime slot guy coming off an OK year . So the big needs here are CB, NT, Edge rusher, and WR . In this scenario there isn't a player currently at those positions available at #17 that they should be gung ho about so if they get a good trade back offer they should take it . The loss of Robert Quinn means Dallas is currently depending on a lot of question marks to get to the QB off the edge on the right side. Even if Randy Gregory is reinstated before the season, and the NFL's new weed rules allow him to keep playing he is just too unreliable to count on , as he has continuously shown that smoking pot means more to him than playing football. Dorance Armstrong has only shown himself to be a rotational player so far, and Tyrone Crawford is a salary cap cut or reduction candidate for a reason. Also, Mike Nolan has always liked to run a lot of 3-4 in the past , and only one of those 3 guys ( the unreliable Gregory ) looks to me like they could play that position well, especially in coverage . I admit I didn't have K'lavon going in the first round until they played Clemson , but he played the best game of his career that night .Chaisson is a rangy explosive 3-4 OLB with growth potential who has the flexibility to bend the arc outside. He fires off the snap like a bullet , and can press the edge & make OT's over set then dart back inside on the rare occasion that he doesn't just run right by them . He has a lot of pass rush moves including the rare effective spin move . Plays the run tough at times , and is usually technically sound & aware , but he still needs to add some more muscle , size . and strength if he's going to spend more time as a 4-3 DE in the NFL . He has a great motor , he can chase down plays backside and down the field . Had an ACL tear 2 years ago that will need to be checked out, but he was the main guy in making Trevor Lawrence look jittery for the first time in his college career , and since that was in the National Championship in the biggest game of his career the arrow is definitely pointing up for him . Overall his tape is uneven, but he played his best against good OT's, and he finished really strong. I think he goes this high because I believe he will carry the momentum of his big game against Clemson . I was expecting a freaky performance at the combine, but he didn't workout so I moved him back some . I would feel much more comfortable taking him this late in the first round than at #17 . The last time Dallas reached for an edge rusher was Taco Charlton ,and they had to cut that first round bust early in the 3rd year of his career . So a trade back that gives them an extra 2nd, and a chance at Chaisson, Gross Matos , or even Epenesa to be a 5 technique if they are making the move to a 3-4 makes sense to me . Chaisson is the guy who I think is the best fit though .
29.TENNESEE - ISAIAH WILSON - OT - GEORGIA - 6"6" , 350
NFL PLAYER COMP - MARCUS CANNON - PATRIOTS
I think Tennessee is another team that hasn't done too well this off season . Unless Derek Henry is traded or holds out one of the Titans biggest needs is a off the ball LB . Rashaan Evans had a down year and Wesley Woodyard will be a 34 old free agent , but with Kenneth Murray being so raw I'm not sure if a Mike Vrabel in win now mode would want him here . They lost Jack Conklin in free agency , maybe so they could overpay Tannehill and throw the tag on Henry , but they have cap space so I don't get it .They also dumped career Titan Jurrell Casey in a salary dump, which is weird when your in a championship window , but he did show some signs of decline last season .Their one big ticket incoming free agent is former NFL sack leader Vic Beasley, but that was 2016. Although Beasley is still young and might be a much better fit as a 3-4 OLB where he won't see many double teams or get blown off the ball in the run game as often .They also re-singed Dennis Kelly who played OK in pass protection as the replacement LT when Taylor Lewan was suspended to probably be the new starting RT However, it's not a big deal with only 8.75 million guaranteed, and he looks more like a good swing tackle to me. Also this is a run first team, and Kelly was better as pass blocker last season. Kelly really only played in 5 games with a starters snaps . In the 4 games Kelly started for the suspended Lewan & the one game in week 7 when he replaced a injured Conklin at RT and played the majority of the game, Henry ran 97 times for 400 yards, with 4 TD's . That's an average of 19.4 carries , 4.1 YPC, and .08 rushing TD's per game. In the 14 games( including the 3 playoff games) where Conklin and Lewan were the primary OT's Henry ran the ball 289 times, for 1569 yards, and 14 TD's . That's an average of 20.6 carries, 5,42 YPC , and one TD a game . If you want to continue that type of a road grading ball control offense you are going to need a bigger stronger nastier run blocker of a RT . I got just the guy here . Wilson is nasty, huge & has long arms . Isaiah was the biggest surprise of my tape watching at OT . His technique isn't always sound but he gets the job done almost always . He has a giant TE build with very little bad weight on his frame , although he could drop another 20 lbs. like most O-lineman and be even more agile. Isaiah's biggest problem is over aggression , but that's usually the best mistake an O-lineman can make as long as it's not a common one . The reason for that is because sometime even if you block the wrong guy ,especially in the run game, if you move him somewhere the RB can find a hole anyway. Isaiah also ran a 1.79 ten at 350 pounds at the combine .
30.GREEN BAY-LAVISKA SHENAULT JR.- ** - WR-COLORADO- 6"1", 227
NFL PLAYER COMP - AJ BROWN - TITANS
I think their are a few WR's that should be in play if they keep this pick ,but the Pack haven't drafted a WR in the first round since 2002 , and yet I'm still giving them one . Every once in a while you see a player who is the absolute focal point of an entire offense in college . Like Deebo Samuel was in 2018 at S. Carolina, and Shenault is the same . He has lined up at every possible skill position , even QB to run a little wild cat , although I think his primary use should be as a power slot .He is a big powerful guy that is hard to tackle , and you could easily hand him the ball 5 times a game in a variety of ways to take advantage of his explosive running style. He is not afraid to go over the middle, and shows strong hands. Some injuries slowed him this year after a dominant 2018 so he could fall a little farther than I think he should . I love this guy, have a solid first round grade on him, and think he could help every single team in the league . An innovative coach could find a ton of ways to use a versatile player like Laviska . He could be the guy to free up Adams, and give Rodgers a chance to return to form .He is having surgery after the combine, but still ran a 4.58 at 227 pounds while obviously injured. Trust me . He's faster on tape, and he may fall a little, but I believe this is a great value for the pack .
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***PROJECTED TRADE*** The GIANTS their 2nd rounder ( #36) and their 4th (#110) to the 49ers for their 1rst (#31) rounder in this draft ***PROJECTED TRADE ***
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31.NY GIANTS-(49ers)- YETUR GROSS-MATOS - DE - PENN ST. - 6"5" , 266
NFL PLAYER COMP - ROBERT QUINN - COWBOYS
Even if the giants pull off a Clowney signing because they haven't re-signed Markus Golden, and you always need at least 3 edge guys to rotate to keep your main 2 fresh . Matos is an explosive edge rusher that can be star with some technique refinement & an added pass rush repertoire . He has a great frame, nice tools, and he can especially destroy QB's on obvious passing downs. If you see him turn his head inside to watch the snap, when he knows he can pin his ears back you will see a sick lightning jump off the ball. Can bend the arc at times and flashes violent hands. It doesn't work on other downs because his biggest weakness is finding the ball and staying within the scheme. Also can kick inside and out quick a guard . Didn't run the forty or do the 3 cone at the combine , but did show some explosiveness in the broad jump and vertical .If the Fins coaches can get him to see the light more consistently he could be a game wrecker , but he's raw right now .
32.KANSAS CITY - KENNETH MURRAY - LB - OKLAHOMA - 6"2' , 241
NFL PLAYER COMP - JAYLON SMITH - COWBOYS
Congrats to the Chiefs fans everywhere , and while no one can ever take away this title now you will see the downside of being the champs . Here are just 8 things that every championship team needs to be wary of, but their are a lot more . 1-Everyone is now gunning for you-2 -Some of your guys have already reached their dream and aren't as motivated anymore. Good luck figuring out which. - 3- A whole lot of guys want a raise , many of them deserve it, and their is only so much money to go around. It leads to dissension in the locker room , and thin rosters that are hard to repeat with. - 4- It's always really hard to move on from long time veteran players that might not be worth their next years salary anymore , but it's even harder to make those "Belichickian " decisions when those guys just helped you get a title -5- Chris Jones is a UFA, and them placing the franchise tag on him has already severely hampered their chances to repeat because they have almost NO cap space right now. So a big payday should be coming for Jones soon, and since it would lower his cap number a bunch it would really help a lot They don't even have enough money to sign their draft picks as of March 22nd .They also have only signed 2 incoming free agents . A backup CB from the Giants named Antonio Hamilton who has only started 2 games in his 4 year career. The first and last games of the season in 2019 so nothing to write home about. The other is journeyman O-Lineman Mike Remmers who will forever be the turnstile RT Von Miller abused in Superbowl 50 . Remmers is not as bad as a guard, but I would rather have the guy he replaces in Stefan Wisniewski ,because he can also play center & is just a better player, Sadly Stefan is now a Steeler . So neither is anything to write home about . This cap crunch really limits your ability to have the depth you just did on your Superbowl run .6- The limelight. A lot more request for interviews , appearances, commercials, books, and just a lot more chances at revenue for individual players . It often makes a lot of your best players come into next season a little behind and out of shape. Not as prepared as before because they didn't work as hard this off season -7-. Everybody wants to raid your team . They want your players , coaches, and executives for their own team. Frankly the most amazing thing to me about the patriots dynasty is how they keep being successful while losing players that other people will pay more , and coaches and front office people to teams that will gives them a promotion and a raise . Brady , Belichick, and Kraft are the 3 common denominators on those Patriot teams,and deserve a lot of credit . Can Mahomes, Reid, and Veach do the same? Reid will be 62 soon , and they just won their first title together . How much longer will he be around? Belichick was 46 when he won his first ring as a head coach. 8- You have to save Money to pay Mahomes. Right now Mahomes has a chance to be the first 40 million a year NFL player, and while I think that's bad for the game ,by current player salaries you could justify paying it to your fans & teammates .There really needed some sort of cap on QB salaries in the CBA , or teams are going to start getting even thinner , but it didn't happen. On the bright side their are a lot of good & even great NFL players in the final 3rd of their careers that already have money & awards , but just want a ring. They will come play for your team for less money than they could get elsewhere and set a high standard other young guys will follow. However, KC just won the Superbowl and the big thing that stuck out to me was how much pressure the O-Line gave up on Mahomes , but the more tape I watch on interior O-lineman in this draft the more disappointed I have become . One more potential big need could be filled here though . Bashaud Breeland, Morris Claiborne, were all Kendall Fuller are all UFA's at corner for the champs . Fuller was their most consistent CB and he already left for big money in Washington. Damien Williams just had his 2nd big postseason in a row, but very few NFL teams are into paying RB's these days unless they are elite .KC picked up his club option this off season, but he will also be 28 this year , has been injury prone , has never been the full time starter in his 6 years in the league , and is probably pissed that he hasn't got an extension already. So right now they just seem to be getting the negative consequences of winning it all, but their lack of cap space is currently hindering them from getting the positive repercussions of being the champs, like bargain vets chasing a ring. There has already been too many reaches at corner already so I will give them another really talented player who fills a really big need that isn't a huge reach . Murray is a better athlete than football player right now , but they have a coaching staff that is known for teaching . He's a poster boy looking LB who will win the weigh in, has sick athleticism ,and a crash test dummies willingness to attack the ball carrier . I have a 2nd rounder on him, but I think he could be worth the risk here .Great speed ,but he needs to get better at reading the play , moving laterally, and recognizing route combinations in coverage, especially in man . His over aggressiveness gets used against him on tape . Even though he see's it quick sometimes he also comes in too hot , and overruns too many plays . Still needs some more work on his tackling too. Murray is more than willing to take on blocks , but he doesn't always do it right, and his stacking & shedding needs work too. He has a huge upside , but the coaching staff needs to polish up his football IQ and technique . Was having a good combine until he pulled his hammy running his 2nd forty .
2ND ROUND
33.CINCINNATI - JUSTIN JEFFERSON - WR - LSU - 6"1" , 202
NFL PLAYER COMP - NFL PLAYER COMP - REGGIE WAYNE - retired
The Bengals might want to give Joe Burrow another weapon, and this one has already proven to work really well with him at LSU .Jefferson has good height, good speed , is a crafty route runner, is strong handed over the middle , can play inside or outside, and showed out big in both College playoff games . Especially against Oklahoma where he destroyed them with 14 catches , 227 yards, and 4 TD's. Coming off a year where he had over 100 catches, over 1,500 yards ,and 18 TD's , he really surprised me after I watched his tape because he's actually the # 2 WR in this offense . He's kind of lean, but looks like he added some muscle on his frame for the combine , and he didn't lose any speed . His game isn't about being a burner anyway. Great body control , adjustments , and timing on his jumps to high point the ball ..Lanky smooth strider who doesn't appear to be moving as fast he actually is because of long legged gait . Potentially a taller Reggie Wayne . Great combine , a great red zone WR , and someone who will really make the new franchise QB smile .
34.INDIANAPOLIS-(redskins)-TEE HIGGINS -WR - CLEMSON - 6"4" , 216
NFL PLAYER COMP - MIKE WILLIAMS - CHARGERS
I love that 1rst round trade for the Colts. I don't even care that they had to gave Buckner a new massive new ( 4 years 84 million and 44 million guaranteed) contract . Buckner is worth it. He's already proven, just turned 26 , and can fill that gaping hole at the 3 technique that the Colts defense requires to work right.The main free agent the Colts had to worry about was LT Anthony Castonzo , and they brought him back on a 2 year 33 million dollar contract, making him one of the few OT's who got paid that has probably earned his deal . The other huge deal is the upgrade at QB with Phillip Rivers . He is already familiar with this offense, head coach, and offensive coordinator from their time together in San Diego . This should be the best O-Line Rivers has ever played with, and the last time he had an O-Line that was close to this good was between the 2006-2008 seasons . In that 3 year window he had Marcus McNeil at LT, Kris Deilman at LG, and Nick Hardwick at center . 3 pro bowl level players and 2018 was his best season in my eyes , and I had season tickets them so i got a good look .Last years Chargers O-Line was so bad it should have been illegal . So I am going to go with another big need for Indy . The only WR on their team that is a proven serious threat to defenses is TY Hilton , and he has become injury prone lately , although Zach Pascal showed decent signs of becoming a solid # 3 last season .2019 2nd rounder Parris Campbell has a lot of talent, but he didn't do much as a rookie. Drafting a new potential #1 WR might help them get to the Superbowl, and this one has a different profile than the ones the Colts have now. A big tall sure handed WR like the 2 main guys he had in San Diego ( Keenan Allen & Mike Williams) last season, and Higgins actually reminds me of Williams . I dropped Higgins some because he didn't workout at the combine. His tape is good against great competition, but he needed to show some speed and explosiveness to get back in the first round mix. I doubt it now because it's doubtful he will have any Pro day thanks to the Corona virus. Plus it really stood out more after so many receivers did work out ( including guys bigger than him) , and then killed it in Indy .This could be the big WR with the big catch radius that Rivers needs to return to form, and Rivers is the kind of QB that will throw it up to a guy like Higgins , and let him make a play. I watched 3 more game tapes on March 20th , and he's just too good to fall out of the top 8 WR's on my list . I'm not going to be surprised bo matter what order any of them after Lamb, Ruggs, and Jeudy. It will come down to what kind of WR you are looking for ,and what WR fits the individual teams offense . Higgins is an ideal fit for Rivers in this offense .He has also showed he can separate early , beat press, and run through tacklers after the catch .Tee's speed just isn't that important down the field because he can jump higher than most corners can imagine, and come down with balls they probably will think are going out of bounds. Sometimes he just it makes it look easy down the field & in the red zone like a Randy Moss , but without the lighting speed. Pair him up with speedsters like Hilton & Campbell that can freeze and worry safeties , and he should feed all day long .
35.DETROIT - ROSS BLAYLOCK - ** - DT - TCU - 6"3" , 290
NFL PLAYER COMP -SHELDON RICHARDSON - BROWNS
The Lions need another DT to pair with the newly acquired Danny Shelton , and this one needs to be able to get up the field in a hurry . Blacklock is a guy with an explosive first step that shows a lot of flashes on tape. As a 3 technique or 3-4 end , I see him being a lot more productive in the NFL than he was playing the nose in college. He got pushed off the ball a lot when lined up as a NT on tape .He is the kind of guy I expected to wow at the combine with his athleticism and go higher than I have him ( in the 50's ) , but it's a projection . Ross also disappeared for long stretches on film . He's got boom or bust written all over him for me . Also had an Achilles injury that caused him to miss all of 2018 , and had over 30 parking tickets at TCU too. That will need to be investigated , and his best tape was still way back in 2017 . High upside, but low floor.
36.SAN FRANCISCO-(giants)- JAYLON JOHNSON- ** -CB -UTAH-6 ft. , 193
NFL PLAYER COMP - VONTAE DAVIS - retired
After their 2 first rounders the 49ers didn't have another pick until the 5th round. This trade gives them a 2nd and 4th for that late first , and probably keeps that front office from going insane, but they are possibly another team that could go all in and trade some of next years picks to win now too . With their cap situation this might make more sense , but I still might have them trading into the 3rd later to get a falling WR when I add a 3rd round . Jhonson's a big physical press corner that I expected to be a first rounder before the season started, but even though he has top 40 tape this year while playing hurt, and had shoulder surgery right after the combine. So the niners get a potential bargain because a guy gutted it out through the pain to help his team chase a National Championship .Jaylon has the football IQ and instincts to be a number one CB . He looks like a potential ball hawk in the NFL where teams will test him more. He's not very technically sound yet , but cover 3 zone, press man , and off man teams will love him anyway. Plus someone who spends that much time watching tape should take to pro coaching ,and be a sponge for veteran CB's too . I think he will fall to the 2nd because of the injury ,but after watching a few more games on my top 15 CB's he is now my number 5 corner, and if a teams Medical guys signed off on him I could see him being the 3rd CB off the board .Also physical against the run too, but not always sound there either, although I think he just needs coaching on some angles . Also an occasional gambler & backfield peeker who could get burned by NFL WR's if he doesn't have a safety over the top . I think a cover 3 team is his best fit right now until he gets coached up , and that's Frisco's main defense .
37.LA CHARGERS - AUSTIN JACKSON - OT - USC - 6"5" , 322
NFL PLAYER COMP - JA'WUAN JAMES - BRONCOS
The Chargers need at least 2 O-lineman in my opinion , and maybe 3 if Trey Pipkins ends up as your swing tackle. Pipkins played about 3 & a half games at the end of the season , and did just about as well as Russell Okung .Kudos to the bolts for hoodwinking the Panthers and getting 26 year old former Pro- Bowl guard Trai Turner in a straight up swap for a well past his prime 32 year old Okung who only played in 6 games last year .Considering their ages it's far more likely Turner makes the Pro Bowl again compared to Okung .So at least one guard spot is now solid .Dan Feeney still hasn't developed and Forest Lamp got hurt again .At center Mike Pouncey got hurt again and looks done. Scott Quesenberry was just as bad , but cheaper . So now they need another OT, because even though they really upgraded the RT spot with Bryan Bulaga he is still a 32 year old guy with a long injury history. Jackson could slide in on the blindside , and the bolts could potentially have young bookend OT's if he & Pipkins develops. Plus he played in the neighborhood at USC .Jackson has plenty of athleticism , and the feet to play LT , but he needs to get stronger .I have a 3rd round grade on him based off his tape & upside, but there is buzz about him sneaking into the first round , although his tape didn't look any better this off season than it did in 2018 to me . No mean streak & he got overpowered by Bradley Anae & AJ Epenesa too often on tape for me to buy that . I watched the Notre Dame tape last night ( March 21rst) , and he got worked by Julian Okwara too. However, all of that may have been due to the fact that he spent the off season donating bone marrow to his sister instead of in the weight room . Best brother EVER ! Still I wouldn't take him before the late 2nd myself ,and have Ezra Cleveland clearly ahead of him, but this pick is about what I think will happen .
***PROJECTED TRADE*** The BROWNS their 2nd rounder ( #41) and their 4th (#115) to the PANTHERS for their 2nd (#38) rounder in this draft ***PROJECTED TRADE ***
38.CLEVELAND-(panthers)-EZRA CLEVELAND- ** -OT- BOISE ST.- 6"6", 311
NFL PLAYER COMP - DAVID BAKHTIARI - PACKERS
Now the Browns get their left tackle of the future . Ezra is a athletic & quick zone LT prospect with good feet , smooth movement , and nice kick step . Gets overpowered at times on tape and needs to hit the weight room more . Accurate punch , but timing is hit and miss. Plays low, good on combos and at the 2nd level . Needs a mean a streak. Too often or just willing to wall off in the run game . Almost too patient in pass pro, and sometimes waits too long to throw his punch . Ran an excellent 4.94 forty & 1.73 ten at the combine ,which doesn't surprise me because they would use him as a TE sometimes on tape, and even handed him the ball once . Just a GREAT overall combine ,where he not only showed off the athleticism you see on tape, but he also looked stronger . This may be too low, and if I wanted a LT I would probably make sure I traded up even higher to get him because I think the gulf between him and Austin Jackson is pretty wide if you just watch the tape . If they end up with a veteran LT Like Jason Peters or Trent Williams I would still make this deal , and have a young swing tackle because those 2 dudes are older & past their prime .
39.MIAMI - D'ANDRE SWIFT - RB - GEORGIA - 5"8' , 212
NFL PLAYER COMP - DEANGELO WILLIAMS - retired
If the Dolphins are standing pat at QB this season, but want to bring in a young one in the 2021 draft the best way to help him succeed would be to give him a O-Line and RB that can protect him when he shows up. They already took an OT in the first ,and now they get the RB . Swift is guy they should have ( and probably were ) considering with their final first rounder, but this makes more sense . Why ? Well - 1 - RB's have never had lower value than they do right now . Melvin Gordon just signed a deal for 7 million a year with only 15 million guaranteed. David Johnson just had his hefty contract dumped to the only guy dumb enough to take it as is( Bill O'Brien) , and the Cards ate a lot of dead cap space to do it. Todd Gurley's albatross deal just got nixed too, with even more dead money, and he only got 1 year and 6 million on his new one . Leveon Bell didn't so squat last year and I'm sure the Jets would trade him for a lower round pick if they could convince someone to take that contract . Kenyan Drake only got the transition tag, which is a one year 8.48 million dollar deal, and that even seems too much to me. Devonta Freeman was cut to save a small amount of cap space ,and is still a free agent . Back to back post season hero Damien Williams just had his option picked up for only about 4.5 million total on a 1 year deal. Derek Henry hasn't gotten a long term contact after carrying that team on his back to the AFC title game . Ezekiel Elliot is the only recent big contract RB who hasn't been cut, and while he is still a premium bell cow back , judging by what's going on now Jerry really overpaid him . I doubt the new Panthers owner will try to cheap out on Christian Mccaffery , but you never know these days. If Mccaffery gets hurt he may not get the deal he has earned. He should be paid more than Zeke , but then again Zeke is being paid too much . The ridiculous QB contracts keep making teams devalue the RB position , but really there should be a cap tied QB max of 15% in my opinion , but I think the agents would never allow that . So unless a RB is really special I just don't think he will go high anymore, unless it's a really weak draft, or some idiot( O'Brien anyone?) is making the pick . Swift is very good, and I like him a lot, but I wouldn't call him a special prospect . After my number one back Travis Etienne went back to school it came down to Swift, JK Dobbins, and Jonathan Taylor for my top RB in this draft. In the end Swift is just a more complete and NFL ready player right now . He can run with speed, power, and wiggle. He can catch, run routes and is a solid blocker . Has good feet, solid vision , and is versatile enough to play in any NFL scheme . He fumbled twice in the playoff game in 2018 , but Taylor has had much bigger ball security issues . Plus Swift just looked a little safer carrying the ball than Dobbins this year too .Great value pick that fills a big need . I didn't drop Swift in my mock because he did anything wrong. It's just a combination of how this mock fell, the depth in the RB class( 6 in my top 64) making me think people might wait on RB's , and my just explained RB devalued position argument . However the value here at pick #39 would be too great for me to pass up if I needed a RB like the Dolphins do.
40.HOUSTON-(arizona)- DENZEL MIMS - WR - BAYLOR - 6'3" , 207
NFL PLAYER COMP - DAVANTE ADAMS - PACKERS
I am probably giving Bill O'brien too much credit with this pick, but he needs a bigger WR and Mims is my best one left .O'Brien think he's Bill Belichick . A head coach and GM, but his moves since he took over the dual role should have shown him how very wrong he is.If you want a head coach who unexpectedly ended up with GM power that rivals O'Brien you should be thinking more along the lines of Hue Jackson with the Raiders . I don't know if it's impatience, inexperience, stupidity, or some combination of all 3 , Whatever the case he should have gotten at least a straight up first rounder in this draft for D-Hop, and that's without taking on David Jhonson's contract or giving back any picks. O'Brien should have gotten at least what the Bills got for Diggs, even if they have to give him a new contract .Then he payed a lot more ( 3 years 27 million with 19 million guaranteed) than he needed to for a (30 year old this upcoming season )past his prime slot guy coming off an OK year . Cobb got a one year 5 million dollar deal last season, and in a draft with this WR class O'brien payed him what ? If you are going to snag a WR from Dallas you should have went after Amari Cooper dude . In addition to Cobbone their current WR's is another smallish slot guy in Keke Coutee who can't stay healthy , or out of the dog house . Then you have Will Fuller. An electric deep threat who seems to always be open, but he also seems to always be hurt, or when the balls in the air its coin flip if he will drop or catch it . Kenny Stills is another smaller guy who at least looks like a good number 2, and he is also a deep threat . Mims was awesome at the scouting combine . I moved him up ,and wouldn't be surprised if he snuck into the bottom of the first round now . The problem is that there are so many WR's with high grades this year, and everybody probably has them different after the top 3 . I am confident. Lamb, Jeudy, and Ruggs will go in the first. I wouldn't be surprised if 7 total WR's went in the first , and 4 is probably the floor, but after that top three I have 7 guys with similar enough grades that none of them would surprise me if they went in the 1rst round .Mims is in that top 10 , and # 8 on my personal list right now . Mims is a great athlete with great hops ,and multiple releases of the LOS . Can get free with physicality or by shaking the DB against press . Almost 6"3 and strong without being heavy . Physical everywhere - hand fighting ,at the catch point, blocking . Hands are just OK on tape, but looked improved at the Senior Bowl and combine . Long arms , an explosive leaper , and body control give him a potentially very wide catch radius too .Great long speed and a sick 3 cone. Quick enough on break on tape. but still needs to improve as a route runner . Can break tackles after the catch . Can go up and get it .Great Senior Bowl week .Ran a 4.38 forty , but injured at the combine . You can finally do something right Billy . Don't let everyone down ... AGAIN .
41.CAROLINA-(browns)-JORDAN ELLIOTT - DT - MISSOURI - 6"4", 302
NFL PLAYER COMP - CAMERON HEYWARD - STEELERS
The panthers have lost Gerald McCoy & Vernon Butler off their interior D-line, and they also declined the option on NT Dontari Poe . So they REALLY NEED D-LINEMAN now . After watching a lot of Elliott's tape I was really impressed . He is big , toolsy , athletic, and has violent hands . Moves all over the formation and flashes everywhere against the run & pass . While his technique lacks consistency he still makes plays , and he has the ability to be the kind of player you have to game plan for once he is coached up more . There just aren't this many big men who move this well , that can hold their ground in the run game , although he doesn't always do well against double teams, and he needs to mind his gap better at times. His talent is extraordinary in flashes, but he is also incredibly raw . Could be a 4-3 three technique , one technique , or a 3-4 five technique. Just learning to play consistently lower could make him a Pro Bowl type player, and if he takes to NFL coaching watch out .
42.JACKONSONVILLE -JULIAN OKWARA - OLB/DE - N. DAME - 6"4 , 252
NFL PLAYER COMP - SIMEON RICE - retired
I still expect the Jags to trade Yannick Ngakoue because they probably won't want to pay him, and he definitely doesn't want to play for them anymore, so they will need another edge player . Okwara is probably best as a 3-4 OLB , but so are Josh Allen & Ngakoue so the more the merrier . He's a long, lean and explosive edge rusher . Julian has the athleticism and flexibility to burst off the line and bend the arc outside . He can get pushed around in the run game at times , but also has the speed and motor to chase plays down backside . Okwara needs to add more muscle to hold up as hand on the ground 4-3 DE . He has the athleticism that could also make him a LEO off the ball rush backer in a Seattle type cover 3 scheme as well, and that's what the jags run. I thought he would test well at the combine too, but he didn't workout . still seeing him as a 2nd rounder because of his current limitations .
43.CHICAGO-(raiders)- ASHTYN DAVIS - ** - S - CAL - 6"1", 202
NFL PLAYER COMP - MARCUS WILLIAMS - SAINTS
The Bears didn't have much cap room, don't have a 1rst rounder again, and they also lack a 3rd & 4th this season, but on the bright side they have 2 seconds .They found a way to fit Nick Foles contract under the cap anyway ,and he's why they don't have a 4th . So maybe Trubisky won't be dragging them down again, but that's a big " IF" based on Foles actually staying healthy .For a CAP strapped team they also found a way to overpay Robert Quinn , Danny Trevathan , and Jimmy Graham . Not that they aren't solid players , but they are not worth what they got paid by the Bears , and I think the best they can hope for is that all of them summon up one more good season this year as they make a run . FS Ha-Ha Clinton Dix is gone too . Davis is FAST on tape, which makes plenty of sense for the former track star . He's still raw as a football player, but he has a great motor and the work ethic of the walk on he was . He's getting by on athleticism, motor, and will right now. Once he is coached up , limited to primarily FS instead of moving all over, and given time to just focus on football he could be a game breaker . He's twitchy enough , has the feet, speed, and fluidity to be a corner in time . Flashes in man, but right now he's a better fit in zone schemes . He's flashes as hard charger in the run game, but also comes in hot , takes some bad angles, and overruns plays at times. At other times he seems to puss out when having to take on blockers ,College is over , and now his only class is football . I think he will develop quickly and be a reliable starter late in his rookie season if he goes to a heavy cover 2 or 3 zone scheme like the Bears . His durability & upside on an already stretched this roster is why I think they will take him over injury prone , but clearly better player on tape right now Antoine Winfield JR . I have a 3rd on him, but I believe he will go higher than that because of his upside & athleticism .
44.INDIANAPOLIS-COLE KMET - TE - N. DAME - 6"6" , 262
NFL PLAYER COMP - KYLE RUDOLPH - VIKINGS
Phillip Rivers loves big targets and throwing to the TE ( Antonio gates & then Hunter Henry) is one of the things he does best . They already have Jack Doyle but they are also one of the most 2 TE set heavy teams in the league under Frank Reich . I would take Harrison Bryant, but I'm starting to think I have him ranked higher than everyone else .Kmet is huge ,and he has the highest upside in this TE class . He looks like an old school in line Y TE , but he still needs polish as a blocker which is crucial in this run first offense. He is a big sure handed target already . N' Dame TE's almost always end up good blockers in the NFL, and he will get plenty of practice in this offense .So listen up Cole - bend your knees, head up, jab step , positioning step , strike a blow, hands inside, explode your hips,and drive your feet .
45.TAMPA BAY - JK DOBBINS - RB - OHIO ST. - 5"9' , 209
NFL PLAYER COMP - NICK CHUBB - BROWNS
The bucs haven't found a bell cow back yet . Peyton Barber is solid, but he lacks the speed to make a defense commit 8 in the box , and he is a free agent . Ronald Jones was better in his 2nd season last year ,but he no longer looks like the potential 3 down back I think we all expected when Tampa took him in the 2nd in 2018 , and his ball security issues make him an unlikely bell cow back candidate. Brady loves throwing to RB's so one with good hands is a must , and he's going to need to be able to pass protect as well. Dobbins is a powerful runner with great vision , and some burst, and a give me the ball mentality . Willing to step up in pass pro ,and also improved as a receiver, but he still needs refinement in the passing game. I have a first round grade on him and think this would be not only a big upgrade, but also a steal here in the mid second round .
46.DENVER- LEKI FOTU - DT - UTAH - 6"5" , 330
NFL PLAYER COMP - VITA VEA - BUCCANEERS
With Derek Wolfe & Shelby Harris still free , and Mike Price on Minnesota the only interior D-Line guy they can count on right now is Jurrell Casey . Since he is going to be 31 this season & showed some signs of decline last year , the Bronco D-Line needs to look for a younger less expensive player to fill at least one of those spots . Fotu is a load inside with man strength . A space eater that can push the pocket and help their run defense by protecting their linebackers & secondary so they can run to the ball . He's not an every down player right now . He does have a quick get off for a man his size, can make plays between the tackles, and at least still help out collapsing that pocket & clogging his gaps up with stacked up bodies . Fotu is a late 2/early 3 in my book now that I have finished his tape, because I see him more of one gap plugger now now. He gets too high when trying to penetrate & also his pads rise some when he tires If he can just drop a little weight & amp up his stamina & snap count this could be great pick, and keep his pads lower down in & down out he could develop into a true 2 gapping 3 down NT . Plus the only 2 true NT's left that could go this high are him and Davon Hamilton, but I'm going to take Leki because of his higher upside, and more dominant flashes on tape. Although a trade back and then taking one of the 2 would make more sense to me right now .
47.ATLANTA - ANTOINE WINFIELD JR.- ** -S- MINNESOTA- 5"9" , 203
NFL PLAYER COMP - ANTOINE BETHEA - GIANTS
The Falcons have been trying to run the Seattle cover 3 without a free safety that can reliably play single high for years, and it hasn't worked. Winfield JR had a great year in 2019 with 7 picks after a previously injury checkered ( medical redshirts in both 2017 and 2108 ) past . His 2019 tape jumps off the screen . Makes plays against the run or pass . Flashes what looks like makeup speed multiple times to make picks, but it may just be that he was baiting the QB and then burst . Despite his lack of height he is thick . Played more at FS last year, but also spent plenty of time at SS in the box , and spent enough time in the slot to show it's doable . Makes plays in both the run & passing games, a good blitzer, and like most 2nd generation NFL players he shows a high football IQ & instincts . Unexpectedly great combine probably pushes him up from a 2-3 to a solid 2 .
48.NY JETS - JEFF GLADNEY - ** - CB - TCU - 5"10" , 191
NFL PLAYER COMP - TROY HILL - RAMS
The Jets didn't make the big free agent splash I expected at CB either . They re-signed slot corner Brian Poole , and signed Colts castoff Pierre Desir, while losing 4th CB Maurice Candy to Dallas . They really need a potential #1 corner . Gladney is a 4 year starter and really stands out on tape in a conference not known for defense , especially at the CB position with all the spread offenses he faces . Gladney is the rare CB that is a force in the run game and as a blitzer too. Despite not being a big guy he is just nasty and physical all over the field. In coverage he has speed, agility, and willingness to attack the ball to be a thorn in any WR's side . Plays inside & out , is a ball hawk, shows the ability to recognize route combinations and just make plays . Also he's an ace special teams player who played his high school & college ball in Texas, and Jerry loves him some Texas players .Nobody did a better job on Denzel Mims one on one this season . Initially I wasn't sure if Gladney would fall this far after watching his tape . He had have meniscus surgery right after the combine, but he still looked good there, so I unless there are complications I expect him to go in the 2nd anyway. Also he looks a lot faster than the 4.48 he ran at the combine (which I still a good time) on tape .Dude just plays like he's pissed off at the other team, and wants revenge .
49.PITTSBURGH -ROBERT HUNT - ** - G/T - LA. LAFAYETTE - 6"5" , 323
NFL PLAYER COMP - VERNON CAREY - retired
The Steelers decided to franchise tag Bud Dupree , and they lost NT Javon Hargrave to the in state rival eagles . Also long time left guard Ramon foster retired, and backup interior guy BJ Finney signed with the Seahawks. They did pick up 30 year old veteran interior guy Stefan Wisniweski, and while he gave the Chiefs some good snaps last year as a injury fill in , they may want some youth on the interior while making Stefan a game day swing guy . RG David Decastro is about to turn 31 . Center Maurkice Pouncey missed 3 games last season , is on the decline, and is also about to turn 31 too . Hunt can play tackle or guard, but I like him inside , because his technique flaws would be exposed badly outside in the NFL. Once he learns to play low , keep his hands inside, and refines his overall technique who knows ? The 4 year starter stands out on tape against small school competition, . He's just bigger, stronger, more aggressive ,more athletic ,and quicker than most guys he goes against by a large margin . Held his own against Mississippi ST and APP ST, but the difference was definitely noticeable on film .Was having a great year before an injury ended his season . Raw , but big , physical, and productive with a mean streak . I expect him to go in the 2nd round , and if I was Pittsburgh I would take Hunt or Jonah Jackson here . I am giving them Hunt because he is the more powerful & better run blocker, and the Steelers like to use a power run game a lot .
50.CHICAGO - JONAH JACKSON - G - OHIO ST. - 6"3" , 306
NFL PLAYER COMP - JOSH SITTON - retired
The Bears also probably need to get another guard, because Kyle Long's talented when healthy body has finally completely broken down , and he wisely retired after looking like a shell of himself last season . Plus everyone else that played there last season was bad too .So they have to hit on the picks they have . Jackson can play Guard or Center , is an excellent pass protector , and really stood out at the Senior Bowl . It's rare for a 5th year graduate Senior to really bump up his stock in his final season, but after 4 years at Rutgers Jackson transferred to the Buckeyes . He started right away , and since he has already played for 5 different offensive coordinators in his time in college he is very experienced and versatile. He needs to buff up his legs some, lower his center of gravity ,and avoid his occasional tendency to get caught leaning .On the bright side he consistently shows tremendous feet & quickness down in and down out in pass pro . As a run blocker he isn't a people mover. and needs to be in a zone scheme with a lot of combo blocks to make it in a NFL run game .In the pass happy NFL this pick makes a lot of sense .I know Foles & Trubisky would appreciate it .
51.DALLAS - BRANDON AIYUK - ** - WR - AZ. ST. - 6 ft. , 205
52.LA RAMS - AKEEM DAVIS-GAITHER - LB - APP. ST. - 6"1" , 224
NFL PLAYER COMP - CORY LITTLETON - RAIDERS
The Rams are another team up against the cap. They have spent the last 2 years going ALL IN and it didn't work . Now just to remain competitive they have some huge decisions to make because they had or still have bloated contracts for Jared Goff , Todd Gurley, and Brandin Cooks . Gurley was a problem too because of his knee , and they cut him to save cap space, but it also just piled up more dead money on their salary cap .Then you have the huge deal they are now obligated to pay Jalen Ramsey after trading two 1rst rounders for him last year . LT Andrew Whitworth is still a good player, and they brought him and guard Austin Blythe back with new deals so that's one worry down . So Goff a chance to justify his ridiculous contract .That contract could get the GM fired , and maybe the coach too in the long run . They let Michael Brockers & Dante Fowler leave in free agency, and replaced them with younger cheaper guys in A'shawn Robinson & Leonard Floyd. That's a wash at best, but based off l last season it's a down grade in both areas . They also lost LB Cory Littleton , who excelled in coverage to the Raiders . Then they cut Clay Mathews ,and that hurts them at off the ball LB & edge rusher . Davis is a lot like Littleton. He excels in coverage and as bkitzer . He looks more like a safety , but fits today's NFL as a do it all stay on the field 3 down LB . I have only down 3 of his games so far, but I love what I have seen, and I expect to do 3 more this week . .
53.PHILADELPHIA - JALEN REAGOR - WR - TCU - 5"11" , 206
NFL PLAYER COMP - STEVE SMITH SR. - retired
There is a chance that the birds will move on from all 3 of their proven veteran WR's this off season . So no more Jeffery , DeSean , or Agholor . The younger guys played alright late in the season, but if they are going to take advantage of their window they need a WR that can make plays down the field . Raegor is fierce, fast, and plays bigger than he is His QB play this year sucked, and that may keep him out of the first round, but his tape says first round , or very close to it for me. He's the big play deep threat they need, and an All purpose weapon that should be star punt returner out of the gate too . Steal .
54.BUFFALO - BRYCE HALL - ** - CB/S - VIRGINIA - 6"1" , 202
NFL PLAYER COMP - RASHAAN MELVIN - LIONS -
The Bills starting wideouts are 5"10" speedster John Brown and 5 "8" quickster Cole Beasley . You have this giant cannon armed QB with spotty accuracy, and you give him little guys with little catch radius's ? Weird . Stefon Diggs is bigger, has great hands, a wide catch radius, still has good deep speed, and has a manageable contract for a # 1 WR .Cost is usually an issue in Buffalo, as according to my Bills fan buddy Matty " The quickest way to get out of Buffalo is to make the pro bowl and deserve a raise . So I call the trade a win for the Bills, and if Diggs tries to get a new contract that he hasn't earned there, I doubt he will get it. Especially since he just got one last year so hopefully he won't start chirping for at least 2 more years .Buffalo doesn't have as many big needs as you might think . The Bills could also really use another edge rusher or interior D-Lineman because Lorenzo Alexander retired , Shaq Lawson signed with The rival Dolphins , but they did bring in situational pass rusher Mario Addison to come off the edge so that helps some .They switched out NT Jordan Phillips with Vernon Butler which is probably a wash .The Bills are under new ownership , and might actually retain their good players now & in the future . In the end I'm going with another need .They also brought in Josh Norman on a one year 6 million deal, and while he looked well past his prime last season he is also at his best in a zone heavy scheme like Buffalo runs. Norman is also going to turn 33 this season so another corner is a need, and that's where I think they go, but this one needs to be bigger than the the rest of their CB's . Bryce is a big ball hawk with long arms and good tape in 2017 & 2018 . I also think he would have been a first rounder if he had entered last years draft . He's a former WR who tracks and plays the ball in the air like one . Instead he returned to school , broke his ankle , his tape wasn't anywhere near as good this season , and he only played in 6 games .Wasn't healthy enough to run at the combine, and now he probably never will work out before the draft, but since he's not a speedster it may work to his benefit .In a zone heavy one scheme he could be a star , especially cover 3 , but he's not a burner . He's a beast when pressing someone at the LOS. A guy with his size, instincts, and physicality could also be a safety down the road once he loses a step, and he's already a little stiff when he has to turn & run . Will need to play the run like he did prior to this year too, but whether it was injuries or Senioritis he is worth the risk here to me , especially for this team .
55.DALLAS-(ravens,falcons,patriots)-CAMERON DANTZLER - CB - MISSISSIPPI ST. - 6"2" , 188
NFL PLAYER COMP - AL HARRIS - retired
I hadn't watched Danzler until the day after Valentine's day, but I am glad I did. He is one of those players that you end up watching more games than you initially intended to because the tape is so impressive . Danzler is a tall lean corner with a high football IQ, good feet, and the ability to stay glued to his man all over the field .No other CB in college football did what he did this season. He Shut down LSU WR Jamarr Chase, and followed him all over the field like a skinny Patrick Peterson . If Chase was in this draft he would be my 3rd WR right being CD Lamb & Jerry Jeudy . As a matter of fact no other CB played as well against LSU or Alabama's elite WR cores as Danzler. After the combine he is now my number #3 overall CB behind Okudah & Henderson, although I doubt he will be the 3rd CB taken in the draft . I don't care . I love his tape . Needs to get stronger , although he is pretty skilled as a ankle biting tackler. He is physical in press at the line ,but you see him get out-muscled at the catch point at times, and when trying to tackle larger ball carriers down the field. Cameron showed up at the combine at 188, and he still needs to add another 10-15 pounds of muscle in my opinion . Didn't run well ( 4.64 forty) at the combine, and his arm length was only average,which may hurt him with some cover 3 heavy teams. He looked really good in the drills though .He sticks with his man on tape so I'm sticking with him . Plus Al Harris wasn't a burner either, but he was a great corner in the NFL with a 14 year career. One of my favorite players in the whole draft .
56.MIAMI-(saints)- MICHAEL PITTMAN - WR - USC - 6"4" , 223
NFL PLAYER COMP - MARQUES COLSTON
Devante Parker and Preston Wilson are young talented guys , but if one guy goes down it will be easy to double the other, Plus no one is scared of Albert Wilson or Allen Hurns, and most teams run 3 wide sets at least two thirds of the time. I considered a center here, but went with the highest graded player because they have a lack of premium talent and should probably go BPA the rest of the draft . Pittman is going to be a 2nd generation NFL player . A BIG, strong, physical possession receiver who would kill it as power slot in this offense. Knows how to use his size to shield defenders, and a physical runner after the catch, but he lacks the speed to run away from most guys and won't be a big separator . Can win jump balls ,and also a standout special teams guy with multiple blocked punts to his name .Ran a 4.52 and 4.54 forty at the combine ,which surprised me because I though he would be a high 4.5 -low 4.6 guy. Nasty run blocker too . .
57.MINESOTA-DAMON ARNETTE - # - CB - OHIO ST.- 6 ft. , 195
NFL PLAYER COMP - JOSH NORMAN - BILLS
Other than Mike Hughes & Hilton Hill the Vikings are currently bereft of corners . Arnette is a first round talent with first round tape in 2019, but many teams worry when a guy only plays up to his talent when he's about to get paid . Also rumors about character & maturity concerns are a warning signal , so buyer beware for me. 2-3 round grade with everything added in. Feisty , physical , better in zone corner . Plays the run like a man though, and could be a good safety once he grows up & his speed dips farther .
58.HOUSTON - TROY PRIDE - CB - N. DAME - 5"11" , 193
NFL PLAYER COMP - DENZEL WARD - BROWNS
Houston has Bradley Roby, Vernon Hargreaves, and Phillip Gaines as their top 3 corner right now . Ouch!, Only Roby has ever shown some semblance of high level play in the NFL to this point . I'm still a big Troy Pride guy myself , but after watching more tape I had to move him into the 3rd round on my board. Pride has speed and quicks, excels in man coverage , and was the best CB at the Senior Bowl . Had a pick in the game and an excellent week of practice . Size limits him from playing for some teams, and others will just want him only as a slot guy , but I see him as a every down starter who can play inside and out . After a great combine I expected him to move up for some teams , but he is still a bit raw . Troy has yet learn to stop peeking into the back field and being mesmerized by what he sees . Once he can do that and make more plays on the ball I think he will be stud, but on this team he should start as soon as he gets coached up on his route recognition & develops a little more instincts .
NFL PLAYER COMP - MARCUS WILLIAMS - SAINTS
The Bears didn't have much cap room, don't have a 1rst rounder again, and they also lack a 3rd & 4th this season, but on the bright side they have 2 seconds .They found a way to fit Nick Foles contract under the cap anyway ,and he's why they don't have a 4th . So maybe Trubisky won't be dragging them down again, but that's a big " IF" based on Foles actually staying healthy .For a CAP strapped team they also found a way to overpay Robert Quinn , Danny Trevathan , and Jimmy Graham . Not that they aren't solid players , but they are not worth what they got paid by the Bears , and I think the best they can hope for is that all of them summon up one more good season this year as they make a run . FS Ha-Ha Clinton Dix is gone too . Davis is FAST on tape, which makes plenty of sense for the former track star . He's still raw as a football player, but he has a great motor and the work ethic of the walk on he was . He's getting by on athleticism, motor, and will right now. Once he is coached up , limited to primarily FS instead of moving all over, and given time to just focus on football he could be a game breaker . He's twitchy enough , has the feet, speed, and fluidity to be a corner in time . Flashes in man, but right now he's a better fit in zone schemes . He's flashes as hard charger in the run game, but also comes in hot , takes some bad angles, and overruns plays at times. At other times he seems to puss out when having to take on blockers ,College is over , and now his only class is football . I think he will develop quickly and be a reliable starter late in his rookie season if he goes to a heavy cover 2 or 3 zone scheme like the Bears . His durability & upside on an already stretched this roster is why I think they will take him over injury prone , but clearly better player on tape right now Antoine Winfield JR . I have a 3rd on him, but I believe he will go higher than that because of his upside & athleticism .
44.INDIANAPOLIS-COLE KMET - TE - N. DAME - 6"6" , 262
NFL PLAYER COMP - KYLE RUDOLPH - VIKINGS
Phillip Rivers loves big targets and throwing to the TE ( Antonio gates & then Hunter Henry) is one of the things he does best . They already have Jack Doyle but they are also one of the most 2 TE set heavy teams in the league under Frank Reich . I would take Harrison Bryant, but I'm starting to think I have him ranked higher than everyone else .Kmet is huge ,and he has the highest upside in this TE class . He looks like an old school in line Y TE , but he still needs polish as a blocker which is crucial in this run first offense. He is a big sure handed target already . N' Dame TE's almost always end up good blockers in the NFL, and he will get plenty of practice in this offense .So listen up Cole - bend your knees, head up, jab step , positioning step , strike a blow, hands inside, explode your hips,and drive your feet .
45.TAMPA BAY - JK DOBBINS - RB - OHIO ST. - 5"9' , 209
NFL PLAYER COMP - NICK CHUBB - BROWNS
The bucs haven't found a bell cow back yet . Peyton Barber is solid, but he lacks the speed to make a defense commit 8 in the box , and he is a free agent . Ronald Jones was better in his 2nd season last year ,but he no longer looks like the potential 3 down back I think we all expected when Tampa took him in the 2nd in 2018 , and his ball security issues make him an unlikely bell cow back candidate. Brady loves throwing to RB's so one with good hands is a must , and he's going to need to be able to pass protect as well. Dobbins is a powerful runner with great vision , and some burst, and a give me the ball mentality . Willing to step up in pass pro ,and also improved as a receiver, but he still needs refinement in the passing game. I have a first round grade on him and think this would be not only a big upgrade, but also a steal here in the mid second round .
46.DENVER- LEKI FOTU - DT - UTAH - 6"5" , 330
NFL PLAYER COMP - VITA VEA - BUCCANEERS
With Derek Wolfe & Shelby Harris still free , and Mike Price on Minnesota the only interior D-Line guy they can count on right now is Jurrell Casey . Since he is going to be 31 this season & showed some signs of decline last year , the Bronco D-Line needs to look for a younger less expensive player to fill at least one of those spots . Fotu is a load inside with man strength . A space eater that can push the pocket and help their run defense by protecting their linebackers & secondary so they can run to the ball . He's not an every down player right now . He does have a quick get off for a man his size, can make plays between the tackles, and at least still help out collapsing that pocket & clogging his gaps up with stacked up bodies . Fotu is a late 2/early 3 in my book now that I have finished his tape, because I see him more of one gap plugger now now. He gets too high when trying to penetrate & also his pads rise some when he tires If he can just drop a little weight & amp up his stamina & snap count this could be great pick, and keep his pads lower down in & down out he could develop into a true 2 gapping 3 down NT . Plus the only 2 true NT's left that could go this high are him and Davon Hamilton, but I'm going to take Leki because of his higher upside, and more dominant flashes on tape. Although a trade back and then taking one of the 2 would make more sense to me right now .
47.ATLANTA - ANTOINE WINFIELD JR.- ** -S- MINNESOTA- 5"9" , 203
NFL PLAYER COMP - ANTOINE BETHEA - GIANTS
The Falcons have been trying to run the Seattle cover 3 without a free safety that can reliably play single high for years, and it hasn't worked. Winfield JR had a great year in 2019 with 7 picks after a previously injury checkered ( medical redshirts in both 2017 and 2108 ) past . His 2019 tape jumps off the screen . Makes plays against the run or pass . Flashes what looks like makeup speed multiple times to make picks, but it may just be that he was baiting the QB and then burst . Despite his lack of height he is thick . Played more at FS last year, but also spent plenty of time at SS in the box , and spent enough time in the slot to show it's doable . Makes plays in both the run & passing games, a good blitzer, and like most 2nd generation NFL players he shows a high football IQ & instincts . Unexpectedly great combine probably pushes him up from a 2-3 to a solid 2 .
48.NY JETS - JEFF GLADNEY - ** - CB - TCU - 5"10" , 191
NFL PLAYER COMP - TROY HILL - RAMS
The Jets didn't make the big free agent splash I expected at CB either . They re-signed slot corner Brian Poole , and signed Colts castoff Pierre Desir, while losing 4th CB Maurice Candy to Dallas . They really need a potential #1 corner . Gladney is a 4 year starter and really stands out on tape in a conference not known for defense , especially at the CB position with all the spread offenses he faces . Gladney is the rare CB that is a force in the run game and as a blitzer too. Despite not being a big guy he is just nasty and physical all over the field. In coverage he has speed, agility, and willingness to attack the ball to be a thorn in any WR's side . Plays inside & out , is a ball hawk, shows the ability to recognize route combinations and just make plays . Also he's an ace special teams player who played his high school & college ball in Texas, and Jerry loves him some Texas players .Nobody did a better job on Denzel Mims one on one this season . Initially I wasn't sure if Gladney would fall this far after watching his tape . He had have meniscus surgery right after the combine, but he still looked good there, so I unless there are complications I expect him to go in the 2nd anyway. Also he looks a lot faster than the 4.48 he ran at the combine (which I still a good time) on tape .Dude just plays like he's pissed off at the other team, and wants revenge .
49.PITTSBURGH -ROBERT HUNT - ** - G/T - LA. LAFAYETTE - 6"5" , 323
NFL PLAYER COMP - VERNON CAREY - retired
The Steelers decided to franchise tag Bud Dupree , and they lost NT Javon Hargrave to the in state rival eagles . Also long time left guard Ramon foster retired, and backup interior guy BJ Finney signed with the Seahawks. They did pick up 30 year old veteran interior guy Stefan Wisniweski, and while he gave the Chiefs some good snaps last year as a injury fill in , they may want some youth on the interior while making Stefan a game day swing guy . RG David Decastro is about to turn 31 . Center Maurkice Pouncey missed 3 games last season , is on the decline, and is also about to turn 31 too . Hunt can play tackle or guard, but I like him inside , because his technique flaws would be exposed badly outside in the NFL. Once he learns to play low , keep his hands inside, and refines his overall technique who knows ? The 4 year starter stands out on tape against small school competition, . He's just bigger, stronger, more aggressive ,more athletic ,and quicker than most guys he goes against by a large margin . Held his own against Mississippi ST and APP ST, but the difference was definitely noticeable on film .Was having a great year before an injury ended his season . Raw , but big , physical, and productive with a mean streak . I expect him to go in the 2nd round , and if I was Pittsburgh I would take Hunt or Jonah Jackson here . I am giving them Hunt because he is the more powerful & better run blocker, and the Steelers like to use a power run game a lot .
50.CHICAGO - JONAH JACKSON - G - OHIO ST. - 6"3" , 306
NFL PLAYER COMP - JOSH SITTON - retired
The Bears also probably need to get another guard, because Kyle Long's talented when healthy body has finally completely broken down , and he wisely retired after looking like a shell of himself last season . Plus everyone else that played there last season was bad too .So they have to hit on the picks they have . Jackson can play Guard or Center , is an excellent pass protector , and really stood out at the Senior Bowl . It's rare for a 5th year graduate Senior to really bump up his stock in his final season, but after 4 years at Rutgers Jackson transferred to the Buckeyes . He started right away , and since he has already played for 5 different offensive coordinators in his time in college he is very experienced and versatile. He needs to buff up his legs some, lower his center of gravity ,and avoid his occasional tendency to get caught leaning .On the bright side he consistently shows tremendous feet & quickness down in and down out in pass pro . As a run blocker he isn't a people mover. and needs to be in a zone scheme with a lot of combo blocks to make it in a NFL run game .In the pass happy NFL this pick makes a lot of sense .I know Foles & Trubisky would appreciate it .
51.DALLAS - BRANDON AIYUK - ** - WR - AZ. ST. - 6 ft. , 205
NFL PLAYER COMP - a bigger JOEY GALLOWAY - retired
It's a legitimate need now with Cobb gone to the Texnas .So Cowboy fans shouldn't be pissed at me for making this pick .He is the best player available at a position of need, and with him they could now rotate Cooper, Gallup, ans Ayuk through the slot.which would make their offense much harder to scheme against . Even with an abdominal injury that caused him to fail his Senior Bowl physical Brandon still had a good combine, and you know he isn't 100% either . He ran a 4.5 forty and had a 40 inch vert while playing hurt , and his definitely faster than that on tape when healthy . His tape says he could sneak into the first round. In addition to being a big play WR Aiyuk is also a big time return man with all the explosiveness you could want, which is also a big need for Dallas . Also plays bigger than he is. Has long arms , and big natural hands that make him a serious threat . Dak does better with bigger targets because he is not very accurate on tape so a revolving door of 6 foot plus receivers in the slot should suit him well . Needs to work on beating press and winning jump balls, but I think he's so used to just running away from guys he doesn't have much practice at it yet . Great value pick , and they can still get a CB with their other 2nd they got from the trade back in the first .
52.LA RAMS - AKEEM DAVIS-GAITHER - LB - APP. ST. - 6"1" , 224
NFL PLAYER COMP - CORY LITTLETON - RAIDERS
The Rams are another team up against the cap. They have spent the last 2 years going ALL IN and it didn't work . Now just to remain competitive they have some huge decisions to make because they had or still have bloated contracts for Jared Goff , Todd Gurley, and Brandin Cooks . Gurley was a problem too because of his knee , and they cut him to save cap space, but it also just piled up more dead money on their salary cap .Then you have the huge deal they are now obligated to pay Jalen Ramsey after trading two 1rst rounders for him last year . LT Andrew Whitworth is still a good player, and they brought him and guard Austin Blythe back with new deals so that's one worry down . So Goff a chance to justify his ridiculous contract .That contract could get the GM fired , and maybe the coach too in the long run . They let Michael Brockers & Dante Fowler leave in free agency, and replaced them with younger cheaper guys in A'shawn Robinson & Leonard Floyd. That's a wash at best, but based off l last season it's a down grade in both areas . They also lost LB Cory Littleton , who excelled in coverage to the Raiders . Then they cut Clay Mathews ,and that hurts them at off the ball LB & edge rusher . Davis is a lot like Littleton. He excels in coverage and as bkitzer . He looks more like a safety , but fits today's NFL as a do it all stay on the field 3 down LB . I have only down 3 of his games so far, but I love what I have seen, and I expect to do 3 more this week . .
53.PHILADELPHIA - JALEN REAGOR - WR - TCU - 5"11" , 206
NFL PLAYER COMP - STEVE SMITH SR. - retired
There is a chance that the birds will move on from all 3 of their proven veteran WR's this off season . So no more Jeffery , DeSean , or Agholor . The younger guys played alright late in the season, but if they are going to take advantage of their window they need a WR that can make plays down the field . Raegor is fierce, fast, and plays bigger than he is His QB play this year sucked, and that may keep him out of the first round, but his tape says first round , or very close to it for me. He's the big play deep threat they need, and an All purpose weapon that should be star punt returner out of the gate too . Steal .
54.BUFFALO - BRYCE HALL - ** - CB/S - VIRGINIA - 6"1" , 202
NFL PLAYER COMP - RASHAAN MELVIN - LIONS -
The Bills starting wideouts are 5"10" speedster John Brown and 5 "8" quickster Cole Beasley . You have this giant cannon armed QB with spotty accuracy, and you give him little guys with little catch radius's ? Weird . Stefon Diggs is bigger, has great hands, a wide catch radius, still has good deep speed, and has a manageable contract for a # 1 WR .Cost is usually an issue in Buffalo, as according to my Bills fan buddy Matty " The quickest way to get out of Buffalo is to make the pro bowl and deserve a raise . So I call the trade a win for the Bills, and if Diggs tries to get a new contract that he hasn't earned there, I doubt he will get it. Especially since he just got one last year so hopefully he won't start chirping for at least 2 more years .Buffalo doesn't have as many big needs as you might think . The Bills could also really use another edge rusher or interior D-Lineman because Lorenzo Alexander retired , Shaq Lawson signed with The rival Dolphins , but they did bring in situational pass rusher Mario Addison to come off the edge so that helps some .They switched out NT Jordan Phillips with Vernon Butler which is probably a wash .The Bills are under new ownership , and might actually retain their good players now & in the future . In the end I'm going with another need .They also brought in Josh Norman on a one year 6 million deal, and while he looked well past his prime last season he is also at his best in a zone heavy scheme like Buffalo runs. Norman is also going to turn 33 this season so another corner is a need, and that's where I think they go, but this one needs to be bigger than the the rest of their CB's . Bryce is a big ball hawk with long arms and good tape in 2017 & 2018 . I also think he would have been a first rounder if he had entered last years draft . He's a former WR who tracks and plays the ball in the air like one . Instead he returned to school , broke his ankle , his tape wasn't anywhere near as good this season , and he only played in 6 games .Wasn't healthy enough to run at the combine, and now he probably never will work out before the draft, but since he's not a speedster it may work to his benefit .In a zone heavy one scheme he could be a star , especially cover 3 , but he's not a burner . He's a beast when pressing someone at the LOS. A guy with his size, instincts, and physicality could also be a safety down the road once he loses a step, and he's already a little stiff when he has to turn & run . Will need to play the run like he did prior to this year too, but whether it was injuries or Senioritis he is worth the risk here to me , especially for this team .
55.DALLAS-(ravens,falcons,patriots)-CAMERON DANTZLER - CB - MISSISSIPPI ST. - 6"2" , 188
NFL PLAYER COMP - AL HARRIS - retired
I hadn't watched Danzler until the day after Valentine's day, but I am glad I did. He is one of those players that you end up watching more games than you initially intended to because the tape is so impressive . Danzler is a tall lean corner with a high football IQ, good feet, and the ability to stay glued to his man all over the field .No other CB in college football did what he did this season. He Shut down LSU WR Jamarr Chase, and followed him all over the field like a skinny Patrick Peterson . If Chase was in this draft he would be my 3rd WR right being CD Lamb & Jerry Jeudy . As a matter of fact no other CB played as well against LSU or Alabama's elite WR cores as Danzler. After the combine he is now my number #3 overall CB behind Okudah & Henderson, although I doubt he will be the 3rd CB taken in the draft . I don't care . I love his tape . Needs to get stronger , although he is pretty skilled as a ankle biting tackler. He is physical in press at the line ,but you see him get out-muscled at the catch point at times, and when trying to tackle larger ball carriers down the field. Cameron showed up at the combine at 188, and he still needs to add another 10-15 pounds of muscle in my opinion . Didn't run well ( 4.64 forty) at the combine, and his arm length was only average,which may hurt him with some cover 3 heavy teams. He looked really good in the drills though .He sticks with his man on tape so I'm sticking with him . Plus Al Harris wasn't a burner either, but he was a great corner in the NFL with a 14 year career. One of my favorite players in the whole draft .
56.MIAMI-(saints)- MICHAEL PITTMAN - WR - USC - 6"4" , 223
NFL PLAYER COMP - MARQUES COLSTON
Devante Parker and Preston Wilson are young talented guys , but if one guy goes down it will be easy to double the other, Plus no one is scared of Albert Wilson or Allen Hurns, and most teams run 3 wide sets at least two thirds of the time. I considered a center here, but went with the highest graded player because they have a lack of premium talent and should probably go BPA the rest of the draft . Pittman is going to be a 2nd generation NFL player . A BIG, strong, physical possession receiver who would kill it as power slot in this offense. Knows how to use his size to shield defenders, and a physical runner after the catch, but he lacks the speed to run away from most guys and won't be a big separator . Can win jump balls ,and also a standout special teams guy with multiple blocked punts to his name .Ran a 4.52 and 4.54 forty at the combine ,which surprised me because I though he would be a high 4.5 -low 4.6 guy. Nasty run blocker too . .
57.MINESOTA-DAMON ARNETTE - # - CB - OHIO ST.- 6 ft. , 195
NFL PLAYER COMP - JOSH NORMAN - BILLS
Other than Mike Hughes & Hilton Hill the Vikings are currently bereft of corners . Arnette is a first round talent with first round tape in 2019, but many teams worry when a guy only plays up to his talent when he's about to get paid . Also rumors about character & maturity concerns are a warning signal , so buyer beware for me. 2-3 round grade with everything added in. Feisty , physical , better in zone corner . Plays the run like a man though, and could be a good safety once he grows up & his speed dips farther .
58.HOUSTON - TROY PRIDE - CB - N. DAME - 5"11" , 193
NFL PLAYER COMP - DENZEL WARD - BROWNS
Houston has Bradley Roby, Vernon Hargreaves, and Phillip Gaines as their top 3 corner right now . Ouch!, Only Roby has ever shown some semblance of high level play in the NFL to this point . I'm still a big Troy Pride guy myself , but after watching more tape I had to move him into the 3rd round on my board. Pride has speed and quicks, excels in man coverage , and was the best CB at the Senior Bowl . Had a pick in the game and an excellent week of practice . Size limits him from playing for some teams, and others will just want him only as a slot guy , but I see him as a every down starter who can play inside and out . After a great combine I expected him to move up for some teams , but he is still a bit raw . Troy has yet learn to stop peeking into the back field and being mesmerized by what he sees . Once he can do that and make more plays on the ball I think he will be stud, but on this team he should start as soon as he gets coached up on his route recognition & develops a little more instincts .
59.SEATTLE - KYLE DUGGAR - S/LB - LENOIR RYHNE - 6"1" , 217
NFL PLAYER COMP - RESHAD JONES - DOLPHINS
In the Pete Carrol era the Seahawks have either traded out of the first round or made a bad pick every year from 2013 on . Since they are saving their cash to try and keep Jadaveon Clowney they need as many picks as possible, and they also are a team that has succeeded with many developmental players taken later in the draft . Hence the trade that gives them their third 3rd second rounder, and another 3rd , and 4th .Since Kam Chancellor retired the hawks have lacked that explosive physical enforcer in the middle of their defense. Bradley Mcdougal is solid, but he doesn't fit what this team needs and is on the last year of his relatively inexpensive deal that they can save 2 million off the cap by moving on from. Duggar is physical freak of a late bloomer from a small school . He has the build to move to weakside backer if needed , but best as a box safety, although you do see him playing deep on tape .. Will be 24 as a rookie as he spent 6 years in college and at a low level of competition . Good week at the Senior Bowl really boosted his stock , and after a good combine where killed it athletically & reportedly in meetings too he should go in the 2nd .Dugger fits all the thresholds for the analytically driven Seahawks . Ran a fast (4.5) and leaped out of the building ( 42 inch vertical ) in Indy .
60.SEATTLE-(ravens)- LUCAS NAING - ** - OT - TCU - 6"6" , 315
NFL PLAYER COMP - NFL PLAYER COMP - TYTUS HOWARD - TEXANS
Every year I feel like I'm watch Russell Wilson drag this OK at best team into contention, and every year I see him running for his life way too often when he has to pass. The Hawks have tried to put resources into the O-Line in both the draft, free agency, and even traded for LT Duane Brown. Brown is the only one of them I would feel comfortable with if I was Russell . The worst of them is former 1rst rounder German Ifedi who is blessedly a UFA that hasn't been resigned yet, but they did sign a similar player in likewise first round bust Cedrick Ogbuehi, and he is probably first on the depth chart at RT right now . I liked both of those guys in the draft too. They were both athletic with long arms, but the NFL rarely works out for those who don't improve after they have leveled up .Ifedi is so talented, he flashes once in a while, but he is also wildly inconsistent & a penalty waiting to happen . Ogbuehi isn't as prone to penalties, but he also lacks Ifedi's mean streak . The hawks also brought in backup interior swing guy BJ Finney , who may even start on this crappy O-Line, and he has started 13 different games at guard or center over the last 4 years as a injury replacement in Pittsburgh. I'm going to go with a RT for Wilson's sake . Lucas is simply the best RT I have left ,and even if it's a little early he should be able to beat out Ogbuehi & quickly and start at RT . Niang started for most of 3 seasons at RT in college . Skinny legs needs to hit the squat rack .Has 3rd round tape this year at RT, but had hip labrum surgery after getting hurt in the middle of the season , and missed the combine .Technique needs to re-built from scratch , especially in pass pro, but he is still effective without it . Good frame . Long enough arms (34 and 1/4) to meet NFL teams threshold to stay outside .Smart and aware for stunts and blitzes .Throws his punch but it's tentative at times. Hit and miss and he needs to hit the chest more . Didn't give up a lot of pressure on tape, and good against power players with a strong anchor in pass pro, but I think he would struggle against speed as a rookie outside with his current pass set . At least he's not grabby and that's a big bonus after Ifedi .Physical run blocker but he's a waist bender , and can get caught leaning .Once he learns how to bend his knees I think he could kick inside in a zone scheme .Best bet would be as a RT in a run heavy offense early . If he's healthy he should compete for a starting job as a rookie, and at least be your swing tackle, but he needs NFL coaching badly. The Seahwaks are good at teaching raw players so he fits here .
61.TENNESSEE - CHASE CLAYPOOL - WR - N. DAME -6"4" , 238
NFL PLAYER COMP - ANDRE JHONSON - retired
Just going with a hunch here .Claypool's combine was "Megatronesque" . He's huge and fast. A mismatch that can outrun or out physical you . Can play inside or out, win jump balls, and be a red zone, or short yardage target . Nasty blocker , huge strong hands, and a gunner on the special teams . He could be the power slot this team needs to go to the next level . I had only done 3 games by the start of the combine, but he's one of the many guys I have to dig in on a lot more now that it's over. The arrow is pointing up now..He could even end up in the first round because guys with his freakish toolbox & special teams try hard demeanor don't come along very often, but I think more likely he goes in the late second because of the depth of this WR class .A big WR/TE hybrid who is a committed blocker fits the spirit of what this team wants to do .
62.MIAMI-(packers)-HARRISON BRYANT - TE - FAU - 6"5" , 234
NFL PLAYER COMP - ZACH ERTZ - EAGLES
Best player available, and other than Mike Gisecki they don't have a decent TE on the roster , but he is soft & can only be counted on to be a receiver . Bryant played OT in high school and then moved to TE , and he blocks like it . Spent most of his time in the slot and got a lot of deep separation . Tracks the ball well . Surprisingly not a inline Y TE right now but he an effective blocker down the field on tape, and I think he will become better inline with time in the weight room . Had more drops than I like , but also broke a lot of tackles .At the very least he is good move TE for your QB right away .I think he will still be productive while polishing up his route running against man, and excel against zone early. He is my number one TE in this draft, and while he might not have quite the same ceiling as Kmet or Trautman, Harrison has a higher floor & to me he's clearly the best of the bunch on tape right now.
63.SEATTLE-(49ers,chiefs)-TERRELL LEWIS-**-OLB/DE-ALABAMA-6"5", 262
NFL PLAYER COMP - ZIGGY ANSAH - SEAHAWKS
Clowney and Ansah are unsigned FA's and 2019 first rounder LJ Collier was a disappointment as a rookie off the edge . The Hawks have the cap room to bring back Clowney,,but he may get a lot more from someone ( Colts, giants, etc.) else, and they can't franchise tag him . If you didn't know about Terrell's injury history and just watched the games he did play in he would probably be your number 2 edge rusher in this draft . He's got explosiveness , length, , and plenty of pass rush ability , but he has missed A LOT of games . 2 full seasons with real potentially long term injuries . If he stays healthy and takes to coaching he could be the next TJ Watt, but I think to more likely he is a perennially injured , but tantalizing when healthy guy like Ansah . He fits the Seahawks this late , might be worth the risk anyway , and it's a huge need.
64.KANSAS CITY - JONATHAN TAYLOR - RB - WISCONSIN - 5"10" , 226
NFL PLAYER COMP - DeMARCO MURRAY - retired
This is the workhouse RB that can take some pressure off Mahomes, and if he falls this far they would be stupid not to take him . Taylor is a steal at this spot just for his running ability alone. Over 6,000 yards in 3 years!. Size speed, burst, vision, power- He has it all as a runner. Improved as a receiver, but is still raw in pass pro ,and needs to sharpen up his ball security some . At #64 it's a slam dunk pick in my eyes ,even with all the miles on his tires .
NFL PLAYER COMP - RESHAD JONES - DOLPHINS
In the Pete Carrol era the Seahawks have either traded out of the first round or made a bad pick every year from 2013 on . Since they are saving their cash to try and keep Jadaveon Clowney they need as many picks as possible, and they also are a team that has succeeded with many developmental players taken later in the draft . Hence the trade that gives them their third 3rd second rounder, and another 3rd , and 4th .Since Kam Chancellor retired the hawks have lacked that explosive physical enforcer in the middle of their defense. Bradley Mcdougal is solid, but he doesn't fit what this team needs and is on the last year of his relatively inexpensive deal that they can save 2 million off the cap by moving on from. Duggar is physical freak of a late bloomer from a small school . He has the build to move to weakside backer if needed , but best as a box safety, although you do see him playing deep on tape .. Will be 24 as a rookie as he spent 6 years in college and at a low level of competition . Good week at the Senior Bowl really boosted his stock , and after a good combine where killed it athletically & reportedly in meetings too he should go in the 2nd .Dugger fits all the thresholds for the analytically driven Seahawks . Ran a fast (4.5) and leaped out of the building ( 42 inch vertical ) in Indy .
60.SEATTLE-(ravens)- LUCAS NAING - ** - OT - TCU - 6"6" , 315
NFL PLAYER COMP - NFL PLAYER COMP - TYTUS HOWARD - TEXANS
Every year I feel like I'm watch Russell Wilson drag this OK at best team into contention, and every year I see him running for his life way too often when he has to pass. The Hawks have tried to put resources into the O-Line in both the draft, free agency, and even traded for LT Duane Brown. Brown is the only one of them I would feel comfortable with if I was Russell . The worst of them is former 1rst rounder German Ifedi who is blessedly a UFA that hasn't been resigned yet, but they did sign a similar player in likewise first round bust Cedrick Ogbuehi, and he is probably first on the depth chart at RT right now . I liked both of those guys in the draft too. They were both athletic with long arms, but the NFL rarely works out for those who don't improve after they have leveled up .Ifedi is so talented, he flashes once in a while, but he is also wildly inconsistent & a penalty waiting to happen . Ogbuehi isn't as prone to penalties, but he also lacks Ifedi's mean streak . The hawks also brought in backup interior swing guy BJ Finney , who may even start on this crappy O-Line, and he has started 13 different games at guard or center over the last 4 years as a injury replacement in Pittsburgh. I'm going to go with a RT for Wilson's sake . Lucas is simply the best RT I have left ,and even if it's a little early he should be able to beat out Ogbuehi & quickly and start at RT . Niang started for most of 3 seasons at RT in college . Skinny legs needs to hit the squat rack .Has 3rd round tape this year at RT, but had hip labrum surgery after getting hurt in the middle of the season , and missed the combine .Technique needs to re-built from scratch , especially in pass pro, but he is still effective without it . Good frame . Long enough arms (34 and 1/4) to meet NFL teams threshold to stay outside .Smart and aware for stunts and blitzes .Throws his punch but it's tentative at times. Hit and miss and he needs to hit the chest more . Didn't give up a lot of pressure on tape, and good against power players with a strong anchor in pass pro, but I think he would struggle against speed as a rookie outside with his current pass set . At least he's not grabby and that's a big bonus after Ifedi .Physical run blocker but he's a waist bender , and can get caught leaning .Once he learns how to bend his knees I think he could kick inside in a zone scheme .Best bet would be as a RT in a run heavy offense early . If he's healthy he should compete for a starting job as a rookie, and at least be your swing tackle, but he needs NFL coaching badly. The Seahwaks are good at teaching raw players so he fits here .
61.TENNESSEE - CHASE CLAYPOOL - WR - N. DAME -6"4" , 238
NFL PLAYER COMP - ANDRE JHONSON - retired
Just going with a hunch here .Claypool's combine was "Megatronesque" . He's huge and fast. A mismatch that can outrun or out physical you . Can play inside or out, win jump balls, and be a red zone, or short yardage target . Nasty blocker , huge strong hands, and a gunner on the special teams . He could be the power slot this team needs to go to the next level . I had only done 3 games by the start of the combine, but he's one of the many guys I have to dig in on a lot more now that it's over. The arrow is pointing up now..He could even end up in the first round because guys with his freakish toolbox & special teams try hard demeanor don't come along very often, but I think more likely he goes in the late second because of the depth of this WR class .A big WR/TE hybrid who is a committed blocker fits the spirit of what this team wants to do .
62.MIAMI-(packers)-HARRISON BRYANT - TE - FAU - 6"5" , 234
NFL PLAYER COMP - ZACH ERTZ - EAGLES
Best player available, and other than Mike Gisecki they don't have a decent TE on the roster , but he is soft & can only be counted on to be a receiver . Bryant played OT in high school and then moved to TE , and he blocks like it . Spent most of his time in the slot and got a lot of deep separation . Tracks the ball well . Surprisingly not a inline Y TE right now but he an effective blocker down the field on tape, and I think he will become better inline with time in the weight room . Had more drops than I like , but also broke a lot of tackles .At the very least he is good move TE for your QB right away .I think he will still be productive while polishing up his route running against man, and excel against zone early. He is my number one TE in this draft, and while he might not have quite the same ceiling as Kmet or Trautman, Harrison has a higher floor & to me he's clearly the best of the bunch on tape right now.
63.SEATTLE-(49ers,chiefs)-TERRELL LEWIS-**-OLB/DE-ALABAMA-6"5", 262
NFL PLAYER COMP - ZIGGY ANSAH - SEAHAWKS
Clowney and Ansah are unsigned FA's and 2019 first rounder LJ Collier was a disappointment as a rookie off the edge . The Hawks have the cap room to bring back Clowney,,but he may get a lot more from someone ( Colts, giants, etc.) else, and they can't franchise tag him . If you didn't know about Terrell's injury history and just watched the games he did play in he would probably be your number 2 edge rusher in this draft . He's got explosiveness , length, , and plenty of pass rush ability , but he has missed A LOT of games . 2 full seasons with real potentially long term injuries . If he stays healthy and takes to coaching he could be the next TJ Watt, but I think to more likely he is a perennially injured , but tantalizing when healthy guy like Ansah . He fits the Seahawks this late , might be worth the risk anyway , and it's a huge need.
64.KANSAS CITY - JONATHAN TAYLOR - RB - WISCONSIN - 5"10" , 226
NFL PLAYER COMP - DeMARCO MURRAY - retired
This is the workhouse RB that can take some pressure off Mahomes, and if he falls this far they would be stupid not to take him . Taylor is a steal at this spot just for his running ability alone. Over 6,000 yards in 3 years!. Size speed, burst, vision, power- He has it all as a runner. Improved as a receiver, but is still raw in pass pro ,and needs to sharpen up his ball security some . At #64 it's a slam dunk pick in my eyes ,even with all the miles on his tires .
Wow, I REALLY hope Cleveland doesn't do either of these trades. I think Simmons will be a bust (jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none syndrom) and Ezra Cleveland is not the answer at OT. I hope they take any of the 4 OTs (Thomas, Wirfs, Wills, Becton) @10 and save their draft capital for BPA
ReplyDeleteEXCELLEENT job!
ReplyDeleteThanks . That's always nice to here .
DeleteThey very well may. I have had many mocks where they stayed at #10 and took a OT , but I have to show different looks . Since you already invested big money in your new RT , and didn't sign a starting caliber LB it make sense to me . I also said you should trade for or sign a veteran LT like Jason Peters or Trent Williams , and make Ezra your swing tackle to start. Personally I am a big Ezra Cleveland fan, and a even bigger Isaiah Simmons fan . In my opinion the only way Simmons is a bust besides the obvious ( injury & off the field stuff that can happen to any player ) is if you have a dumb Defensive Coordinator . Any DC that doesn't know how to use or get value out of Simmons should be fired in my opinion . Anyway, I guess we will find out a month from now . Take care .
ReplyDeleteWell thought out and creative. I do question the Pats moving up so far with practically only a 3rd and next year 2nd. A pick that is a year away is typically valued as a round later than it is. Hard to see the Panthers getting so little to move back 13 spots in the first. I agree that Patriots would love to have Herbert though, and you clearly did your homework on teams needs. Well done!
ReplyDeleteFirst off. Thanks for the kind words. I understand your point about the cost of the Patriots trade up and, and it's a valid one . Maybe I should have stressed my points better . Most teams use the trade chart created by Jimmy Johnson ( https://gbnreport.com/2015-nfl-draft/nfl-draft-trade-value-chart) or some variation of it . The 10th pick is worth 1300 points . The 23rd pick, 155th pick, and 195th pick = 1045 points. So a difference of 265 points .I agree that next years picks are worth less, although if you think the team you are trading with isn't going to be as good as they do , the value of that pick is in the eye of the beholder . The top pick in the 3rd round on the trade chart is worth 266 . SO it's actually an over pay . Now Belichick probably thinks he will have a late first (playoff team - 21rst to 32nd pick if they don't add the 2 new playoff teams this season) rounder . If you make it a round less because it's next years it's the equivalent of the 21rst pick of the 2nd round ( worth 370 points) and the 32nd pick of the 2nd round ( worth 270 points) . Then I also take into account that I believe all the Panthers current moves are pointing to rebuilding to compete next season , and that they are willing to take even less than market value to accumulate picks to rebuild quicker. Also, that the Patriots still want to compete now, and as long as it's not too big an overpay Belichick will do it . Alos, I need to keep showing different possibilities that can happen based on current information . The Pats could sign Winston or another vet this week , or even trade for one , and that change everything . I Hope that clears it up. Take care .
ReplyDelete