Teams without first round picks:
Indianapolis Colts (DeForest Buckner trade), Pittsburgh Steelers (Minkah Fitzpatrick trade), Chicago Bears (Khalil Mack trade), Los Angeles Rams (Jalen Ramsey trade), Buffalo Bills (Stefon Diggs trade), and the Houston Texans (Laremy Tunsil trade)
*MT represents a mock trade*
NFL.com Prospect Grading System:
8.0 – The perfect prospect
7.3-7.5 – Perennial All-Pro
7.0-7.1 – Pro Bowl talent
6.7-6.8 – Year 1 quality starter
6.5 – Boom or bust prospect
6.3-6.4 – Will be starter within first two seasons
6.1-6.2 – Good backup who could become starter
6.0 – Developmental traits-based prospect
5.8-5.9 – Backup/special-teamer
5.5-5.6 – Chance to make end of roster or practice squad
5.4 – Priority free agent
5.0-5.1 – Chance to be in an NFL training camp
- Cincinnati Bengals – QB Joe Burrow
School: LSU | Year: Senior (RS) Draft Grade: 7.07
2019 Stats: 15 Games, 5671 Pass Yards, 60 Pass TDs, 6 Int, 76.3% Comp Pct., 202.0 Passer Rating
Burrow has held the pole position of the 2020 NFL Draft going on four months now, and it is all but confirmed leading up to the draft that he will soon represent the orange and black of his home state. His numbers in the College Playoff propelled him to the top selection, however eyes across the league will be on him to see if he can live up to the lofty expectations placed upon him. He will be a solid quarterback for years to come, but the biggest question will be if he can be the difference maker in the postseason that Andy Dalton was not quite able to be over the last nine years.
2. Washington Redskins – Edge Chase Young
School: Ohio State | Year: Junior Draft Grade: 7.37
2019 Stats: 12 games, 46 Comb. Tackles, 21 TFLs, 16.5 Sacks, 7 FF, 3 PD
While the Redskins have fielded calls for this pick over the last few days, it needs to be a massive haul for the team to warrant not going with the top prospect in this draft. Young is an immediate difference maker that will propel the Redskins to possessing one of the most talented young defenses in the NFL. While it is unlikely the team can have an instant turnaround into playoff contention without a huge leap from Haskins, they will no longer be the doormat of the NFC and could expect to be much more competitive within the conference moving forward.
3. Detroit Lions – CB Jeff Okudah
School: Ohio State | Year: Junior Draft Grade: 7.15
2019 Stats: 13 games, 34 Comb. Tackles, 21 TFLs, 3 Ints, 9 PD, 1 FF
The Lions have been long rumored to be the hot trade spot for quarterback-needy teams, however it remains to be seen if they can do so without the Lions dropping out of the top 10, which will likely result in missing out on elite defensive prospects such as Derrick Brown, Isaiah Simmons, or Jeff Okudah. Because of doubts of Detroit’s willingness to do so, I have them standing pat and selecting the top corner in the draft. Okudah has been said to be the best corner to enter the draft since Jalen Ramsey in 2016. His length and instincts set himself up to be a contributor quickly opposite newly-acquired Desmond Trufant and plug the massive hole left following the departure of Darius Slay.
4. New York Giants – OT Tristan Wirfs
School: Iowa | Year: Junior Draft Grade: 6.48
It is almost impossible to predict which offensive lineman will be taken first in the draft, however the Giants are the team that will likely get their pick of the crop first. The struggles among their tackles have been well stated and while Giants fans might prefer a splashier pick like Isaiah Simmons, tackle is the much bigger need that GM David Gettleman should address while they are in the position to do so. Wirfs is not by any means the best tackle in the class, but he is a mauler in the run game and it will be smart for the Giants to find a way to allow Saquon Barkley to have a more consistent impact in 2020.
5. Miami Dolphins – OT Jedrick Wills Jr.
School: Alabama | Year: Junior Draft Grade: 6.85
After a season’s worth of “Tanking for Tua,” the Dolphins use their top pick on a….. tackle? While it might be a puzzling move for most to comprehend, Miami could look to take advantage of the draft stock of the top remaining quarterbacks and select one of the better tackles in this class. It is well known that the Dolphins will need to address that need with one of their first round picks, but they might opt to do so from the get-go. After the Chargers, there are not many teams I believe will take a quarterback throughout the rest of the top 15 without a trade up by another team. Miami still holds five other selections in the next 65 picks, so they have plenty of capital to send the way to teams in that range that are willing to trade down. Wills will be a day one starter and will be yet another upgrade to the Dolphins 32nd ranked offensive line last year.
6. Los Angeles Chargers – LB Isaiah Simmons
School: Clemson | Year: Junior (RS) Draft Grade: 7.03
2019 Stats: 15 games, 104 Comb. Tackles, 16.5 TFLs, 8 Sacks, 2 FF, 1 FR, 3 Ints, 8 PD
Are you awake yet? Yes, back to back shockers for two teams that were presumably looking to address quarterback pass, the latter of which even taking a player out of left field. Head coach Anthony Lynn stated last week he was in favor of moving forward with Tyrod Taylor under center and while a need for left tackle is evident, Simmons’ talent is just too good to pass up here. He is not their biggest position of need, but if you look at the bigger picture, they are much closer to competing with the Chiefs in the AFC West defensively than admirable attempts to outscore them with a veteran quarterback/rookie combination. The thought of fielding a defense with the likes of Joey Bosa, Derwin James, Casey Heyward, Chris Harris, and rookie Isaiah Simmons is an exciting thought and would be the cherry on top to one of the most talented defenses in the league. It may be impossible to stop Mahomes, but the team does a damn good job of finding talent to containing him moving forward.
7. Miami Dolphins (MT w/ CAR) – QB Tua Tagovailoa
School: Alabama | Year: Junior Draft Grade: 6.77
2019 Stats: 9 Games, 2840 Pass Yards, 33 Pass TDs, 3 Int, 71.4% Comp Pct., 206.9 Passer Rating
TRADE – Told you to be patient! With Carolina considering moving down, Miami leaps other potential trade candidates to snag the guy many have anticipated trading up for, just a few spots lower, ultimately pairing him with fellow Crimson Tide prospect Jedrick Wills. The injury concerns for the lefty are legitimate, but with a veteran quarterback in Ryan Fitzpatrick, the Dolphins can sit Tua and ease him into the fold while they continue to build a quality roster around him. The deal forces the Dolphins to part ways with their remaining first round picks (see trade details below), Miami keeps their two picks in the second round, as well as the two first rounders in 2021 and still come away with two high end talents at premium positions.
8. Denver Broncos (MT w/ ARI) – WR Jerry Jeudy
School: Alabama | Year: Junior Draft Grade: 6.80
2019 Stats: 13 games, 77 Rec, 1163 Rec Yds, 15.1 YPR, 10 TDs
TRADE – A report came out earlier this week that the Broncos are looking to leapfrog receiver-needy teams such as New York, Las Vegas, and San Francisco to land the guy of their choice. Elway did not dispute the reports when asked about them, which leads me to believe Denver will look to be aggressive early to take the first receiver off the board. Jeudy is a high-upside talent that will contribute immediately and has no red flags after concerns about a previous knee surgery came back positive. The Broncos new dynamic offense will be a sight to see in the fall.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars – DT Derrick Brown
School: Auburn | Year: Senior Draft Grade: 7.11
2019 Stats: 12 games, 54 Comb. Tackles, 11.5 TFLs, 4 Sacks, 2 FF, 2 FR, 4 PD
The Jags would be doing a disservice to draft a quarterback like Justin Herbert after ridding themselves of quality veteran players and potential to cut ties with more in the near future. They are the one team that is already looking to 2021 and it would be wise to hold off addressing the position until Trevor Lawrence comes into the fold a year from now. That being said, Derrick Brown is the best player available here and is a big body that has the ability to move interior lineman at will to make plays. He will decrease the impact lost by Pro Bowler Calais Campbell and can be the type of player to build a strong defense and culture around moving forward.
10. Atlanta Falcons (MT w/ CLE) – CB C.J. Henderson
School: Florida | Year: Junior Draft Grade: 6.72
2019 Stats: 9 games, 33 Comb. Tackles, 3 TFLs, 1 Sack, 0 Ints, 11 PD
TRADE – Henderson has crept into top 10 pick conversation in recent weeks, which will make the Falcons considering moving up to swap with the Browns to secure him. GM Thomas Dimitroff is known to be aggressive when it comes to the draft, so it won’t be a surprise that they move up to get the 2nd rated corner in this draft. The former Gator is said to be the best man to man corner in the class, so he will be a big upgrade for the Falcons on the back end.
11. New York Jets – OT Andrew Thomas
School: Georgia | Year: Junior Draft Grade: 6.49
The Jets luck into having multiple tackle prospects to choose from after three top 10 trades, but they end up going with the more polished prospect in Andrew Thomas. The experience Thomas has on both sides of the ball should be sought after more over the athletic prowess Mekhi Becton possesses. Receiver is a definite need, but the drop off on the o-line is much more significant after the top five or six prospects compared to the group of 25 or so receiver prospects that could go before day two of the draft is over. GM Joe Douglas would be smart to find another protector for Sam Darnold here in his first draft.
12. Las Vegas Raiders – WR CeeDee Lamb
School: Oklahoma | Year: Junior Draft Grade: 6.81
2019 Stats: 13 games, 62 Rec, 1327 Rec Yds, 21.4 YPR, 15 Total TDs
It is no secret the Raiders need an outside threat from the receiver position, and I am sure they would be more than happy to watch CeeDee Lamb fall into their lap here. Mike Mayock reportedly loves his game, so this would really make a lot of sense, even if Jeudy was still on the board at this point. The only question with Lamb is if his production can translate into an NFL that is full of quality defensive backs, unlike the pass-happy Big 12. C.J. Henderson would be an interesting name if he fell here, but they could very well address their secondary with the 19th pick.
13. New England Patriots (MT w/ SF from IND) – QB Justin Herbert
School: Oregon | Year: Senior Draft Grade: 6.45
2019 Stats: 14 Games, 3471 Pass Yards, 32 Pass TDs, 6 Int, 66.8% Comp Pct., 156.8 Passer Rating
TRADE – I had the Patriots boldly trading up to take Herbert in my first mock and after what I have heard, I am sticking with that prediction a few slots back in this one. Typically when someone uses the tired argument of “look at his size/arm strength,” I tend to become weary of the prospect after seeing plenty of those types of quarterbacks come and go throughout the years. Herbert will be productive in the NFL, but only in the right situation. Adding him as the successor to Brady would probably give them the best situation to transition into a new era. The Patriots have plenty of draft capital to make a deal with the pick-needy 49ers, and with 22 selections currently over the next two drafts, you won’t be putting your franchise in a bind packaging three or four selections to the Bay area.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – OT Mekhi Becton
School: Louisville | Year: Junior Draft Grade: 6.70
Tampa Bay made the first splashy move during draft week, acquiring tight end Rob Gronkowski and bringing him back to the NFL to pair with the only quarterback he has played for in his NFL career. While the offensive line isn’t as bad as most would assume, they still need to address the tackle position after letting Demar Dotson walk in free agency. As a result, they are able to land perhaps the most polarizing prospect at the position. Becton has the making of beast on either side of the ball, but at the same time has the same type of rise about his athleticism that has 157 reasons to think about why he was unable to live up to expectations. Without significant salary cap space, they likely don’t have room to add a veteran like Jason Peters or Trent Williams, so it is best to select the best player available here.
15. Arizona Cardinals (MT w/ DEN) – DT Javon Kinlaw
School: South Carolina | Year: Senior Draft Grade: 6.70
2019 Stats: 12 games, 35 Comb. Tackles, 6 TFLs, 6 Sacks, 2 FR, 2 PD
While the Cardinals would look even better sliding back to 15 only to have a top 4 tackles, they would still be ecstatic to find a top 10 prospect like Kinlaw available here. He is a distruptive presence that can be flexible along the defensive line. Injuries are a concern here, but grabbing a day one starter while reclaiming a 2nd round pick that you lost in the trade for DeAndre Hopkins is the type of move the successfully rebuilds a franchise.
16. Philadelphia Eagles (MT w/ PHI from MT w/ ATL) – WR Henry Ruggs III
School: Alabama | Year: Junior
2019 Stats: 12 games, 40 Rec, 746 Rec Yds, 18.7 YPR, 8 Total TDs
TRADE – Philly refuses to stand pat and move up five spots to take the speedy Ruggs, who dipped after a trade back from the 49ers. It is clear the Eagles needed a player with the ability to take the defense over the top late last season and giving Wentz the fastest player in the draft could make that happen. His athleticism never contributed to eye popping on field production, but that could very well be contributed to Alabama’s embarrassment of riches at wide receiver over the last few seasons. Just Ruggs’ presence alone will keep defenses honest and it can lead the team to have a much more potent offense next season.
17. Baltimore Ravens (MT w/ DAL) – LB Patrick Queen
School: LSU | Year: Junior Draft Grade: 6.71
2019 Stats: 15 games, 85 Comb. Tackles, 12 TFLs, 3 Sacks, 1 FR, 1 Int
TRADE – Baltimore moves up to secure Queen with the uncertainty that he will be available at 28. It only seems right that the Ravens build a dominating defense around a linebacker, and losing C.J. Mosley last off-season was a significant contributor to their inability to stop the run in the playoffs. Queen is an off-ball linebacker with the ability to cover, a combination that Baltimore should be looking to add early in this draft.
18. Carolina Panthers (MT w/ MIA from PIT) – LB Kenneth Murray
School: Oklahoma | Year: Junior
2019 Stats: 14 games, 102 Comb. Tackles, 17 TFLs, 4 Sacks, 4 PD
This is not a player-to-team combination that has been talked about, but one that is necessary should the Panthers drop back into this range of picks. Losing Kuechly was a significant blow to a team looking to retool with new head coach Matt Rhule, but they can address that loss, even with a trade back. While Murray is not the most technically sound prospect, he jumps off the tape. Flying all over the field to make plays, while not missing a start over the last two years is plenty of reason to believe he can be a solid successor to the NFL’s best linebacker over the last decade.
19. Las Vegas Raiders (from CHI) – CB A.J. Terrell
School: Clemson | Year: Junior Draft Grade: 6.36
2019 Stats: 14 games, 34 Comb. Tackles, 2 Ints, 3 PD
The Raiders look into the Clemson pipeline to snag their 4th Tiger in the last two drafts to answer their need at corner. Terrell is an intriguing prospect that has flown up the draft boards to be nearly a lock as a first rounder with several teams in need of a corner. Is he the clear cut third-best corner? I’m not sure. But in the end, it is all about scheme fit, and I believe Terrell fits the mold here.
20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from LAR) – CB Kristian Fulton
School: LSU | Year: Senior Draft Grade: 6.29
2019 Stats: 15 games, 38 Comb. Tackles, 1 Int, 14 PD
Fulton is another one of those wild card prospects that could fit plenty of needs, but it remains to be seen which team pulls the trigger on him. He has a high motor as a corner, with the ability to play to ball in the air effectively. The Jaguars need to address corner early in the draft, and Fulton has a chance to become a quality starter for years to come.
21. Cleveland Browns (MT w/ PHI) – OT Ezra Cleveland
School: Boise State | Year: Junior (RS) Draft Grade: 6.29
Cleveland to Cleveland, makes sense to me. A report came out about a week ago stating the Browns’ willingness to trade down to select the Boise State product. There is little reason to believe that he will not be there at 16 or even here at 21, resulting in Cleveland moving back a few times. I still believe Trent Williams is in play for the franchise, but after losing out on the top two linebackers, there are not a whole lot of significant needs to address other than offensive line. Cleveland, the player, can at the very least provide significant depth behind Williams and Conklin, take over the left side, or even potentially be kicked inside. A win-win for a Browns team looking to live up to the hype in 2020.
22. Minnesota Vikings (from BUF) – WR Justin Jefferson
School: LSU | Year: Junior Draft Grade: 6.43
2019 Stats: 15 games, 111 Rec, 1540 Rec Yds, 13.9 YPR, 18 TDs
Vikings fans should be elated if Jefferson were to fall to 22 to allow the receiver to continue repping the colors of his alma mater. He is in my mind the clear next-best receiver in this class and has a translatable skillset to the NFL. He played mostly out of the slot at LSU, but has the capabilities to be a burner on the outside, as well. The only question is if he will be available here, but if he is, I do not see Minnesota passing on him.
23. San Francisco 49ers (MT w/ NE) – WR Brandon Aiyuk
School: Arizona State | Year: Senior Draft Grade: 6.38
2019 Stats: 12 games, 65 Rec, 1192 Rec Yds, 18.3 YPR, 8 TDs, 14 PR, 16.1 Return Avg, 1 TD
San Fran would be smart to trade back from 13, even with a receiver like Ruggs available to gain draft capital, otherwise they would be without a pick for the next three rounds. There is plenty of value teams would love to trade up for, and it would be hard to look at the 49ers funny getting a quality receiver like Aiyuk, while earning three extra draft selections to continue addressing depth concerns on the team. There is buzz growing around the former Sun Devil and his athleticism shown at the combine, along with his breakout year as both a receiver and punt returner, is enough reason to give me confidence in pairing him with Deebo Samuel.
24. Indianapolis Colts (MT w/ NO) – QB Jordan Love
School: Utah State | Year: Junior (RS) Draft Grade: 6.36
2019 Stats: 13 Games, 3402 Pass Yards, 20 Pass TDs, 17 Int, 61.9% Comp Pct., 129.1 Passer Rating
TRADE – I have a hard time believing Love will fall out of round one, which brings the Colts back into first round conversation to take on the project. While it may be questionable to go into the 2020 season with three quarterbacks on the roster, the Colts need to look at a long term answer. It is clear with the signing of Rivers to a one year deal this off-season that they don’t view Brissett as the future, and with neither quarterback under contract past this year, it makes sense to bring in Love to sit, not to mention the 5th year option he would get as a first rounder. His talent is undeniable, but his inconsistencies show he is not ready to be a day one starter. This is a great situation for him and for a franchise looking to find a successor to Andrew Luck.
25. Minnesota Vikings – CB Jeff Gladney
School: TCU | Year: Senior (RS) Draft Grade: 6.40
2019 Stats: 15 games, 31 Comb. Tackles, 1.5 TFLs, 1 Int, 14 PD
The Vikings address their other glaring need with the selection of Gladney out of TCU. He is a prospect that ranges from late teens to the mid-second round in all the mock drafts I have seen, but has drawn first round buzz of late. Would not be surprised to see Minnesota trade down here, but I believe he is a player capable of filling the void of the departed Xavier Rhodes and Trae Waynes.
26. Carolina Panthers (MT w/ MIA from HOU) – CB Jaylon Johnson
School: Utah | Year: Junior Draft Grade: 6.37
2019 Stats: 13 games, 36 Comb. Tackles, 2 Ints, 11 PD
Air raids are about to rain down in the NFC South with the high powered offenses in Atlanta, New Orleans and Tampa Bay, so it would be smart for Carolina to address their secondary with this pick. Johnson is one of my favorite players in this draft and is a physical corner that is not afraid to step up to the kind of challenge of covering Jones, Thomas and Evans early on. He may not win those battles initially, but it will be great experience to become a successful corner early in his career.
27. Seattle Seahawks – Edge K’Lavon Chaisson
School: LSU | Year: Sophomore (RS) Draft Grade: 6.50
2019 Stats: 13 games, 60 Comb. Tackles, 13.5 TFLs, 6.5 Sacks, 1 FF, 2 PD
While Seattle has been rumored to move down recently, I believe they find themselves with a player too good to pass up here at 27. Clowney is looking more likely to leave at this point, and if that is the case, it is necessary to address the pass rush early in this draft and snagging the draft’s second-best draft prospect would do just that. Chaisson has boom-or-bust written all over him, but moving northwest could give him the best chance to succeed on a defense of Seattle’s caliber.
28. Dallas Cowboys – S Xavier McKinney
School: Alabama | Year: Junior Draft Grade: 6.38
2019 Stats: 13 games, 95 Comb. Tackles, 5.5 TFLs, 3 Sacks, 3 Ints, 4 FF, 1 FR, 5 PD, 1 TD
Dallas needs to address the loss of Byron Jones, but McKinney may be too good to pass up here after trading down from 17. It is noted that Clinton-Dix and Woods are quality starters on the back end, but neither are under contract in 2021. McKinney has the ability to play all over the field and creating turnovers is more so what the Cowboys need than anything else. His five interceptions and six forced fumbles and six sacks in the span of two years is the exact type of production they need. The trade back leaves them with two 2nd rounders to continue to address the depth lost by all the departures this off-season.
29. Tennessee Titans – OT Joshua Jones
School: Houston | Year: Senior (RS) Draft Grade: 6.37
Replacing defensive tackle Jurrell Casey or right tackle Jack Conklin is what this decision comes down to. There are quality prospects available at both positions here, but Jones has upside that makes a lot of sense here. He is projected as a mid-to-late 1st round pick and provides solid value here. The fit might be questionable, but he is only of the only remaining tackles available the Titans met with at the combine. Would not be surprised if they went with defensive lineman Ross Blacklock here, but picking a prospect in front of Henry and Tannehill might be a slightly bigger necessity.
30. Green Bay Packers – OT Austin Jackson
School: USC | Year: Junior Draft Grade: 6.34
Many want the Packers to go receiver here, but the franchise has shown a reluctance to address the position early in recent years. Replacing Bryan Bulaga needs to be a priority and signing Ricky Wagner is not going to cut it. There is a lot of like about the 20 year-old, and he has the potential to work on his craft to become a quality right tackle in the league. His story is phenomenal and this is a pick Green Bay should love as Rodgers moves into the twilight of his career.
31. Detroit Lions (MT w/ SF) – DE A.J. Epenesa
School: Iowa | Year: Junior Draft Grade: 6.36
2019 Stats: 13 games, 49 Comb. Tackles, 14 TFLs, 11.5 Sacks, 4 FF, 3 PD
TRADE – I just have a hard time believing the ultra-productive Iowa prospect will fall out of round one, so here comes Detroit with an extra 4th rounder to move up a couple of slots to take him. He lacks athleticism desired in the modern NFL, but he has continued to win against quality Big Ten offensive lines with sound technique and precision. As he gets stronger, he will become a versatile defensive end than will fit multiple schemes. Don’t look for him to affect with the game with big numbers, but instead solid film and durability. General Manager Bob Quinn does a great job addressing defensive needs with the selections of Okudah and Epenesa.
32. Kansas City Chiefs – RB Jonathan Taylor
School: Wisconsin | Year: Junior
2019 Stats: 15 Games, 320 Car, 2003 Rush Yds, 6.3 YPC, 26 Rec, 252 Rec Yds, 9.7 YPR, 26 Total TDs
This is far from the biggest need for the Chiefs, but wouldn’t it be amazing to see the NFL’s top offense become even more of a threat? Of course they could go corner here, but I could see the Chiefs adding a running back to give Mahomes yet another weapon to work with. Coming off a 2nd straight 2,000 yard season, Taylor is a dynamic back with sneaky quickness and underrated abilities catching passes out of the backfield. Sure, there is plenty of wear on his tires already, but he did not miss a game in his collegiate career and giving him a 5th year option as a running back will provide the Chiefs with a relatively cheap option at the position. Look for him to be an immediate 1,000 yard rusher immediately, even in a passing offense such as Kansas City.
Mock Trades:
MIA: 18th overall pick, 26th overall pick
For
CAR: 7th overall pick, 2020 4th rounder (113th)
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DEN: 15th overall pick, 2020 2nd rounder (46th)
For
Ari: 8th overall pick, 2020 4th rounder (114th)
—
ATL: 16th overall pick, 2020 2nd rounder (47th)
For
CLE: 10th overall pick, 2020 4th rounder (97th)
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NE: 23rd overall pick, 2020 3rd rounder (87th), 2020 3rd rounder (100th), 2021 2nd rounder
For
SF: 13th overall pick
—
PHI: 21st overall pick, 2020 3rd rounder (103rd), 2020 5th rounder (158th)
For
CLE: 16th overall pick
—
BAL: 28th overall pick, 2020 2nd rounder (55th)
For
DAL: 17th overall pick
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IND: 2020 2nd rounder (34th), 2020 3rd rounder (75th) and 2020 7th rounder (197th)
For
NO: 24th overall pick
—
DET: 2020 2nd rounder (35th), 2020 4th rounder (109th)
For
SF: 31st overall pick
—
CLE: 2020 3rd rounder (74th)
For
WAS: LT Trent Williams
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SEA: 2020 2nd rounder (64th)
For
JAC: DE Yannick Ngakoue
—
TB: O.J. Howard, 2021 7th rounder
For
GB: 2020 3rd rounder (94th)
—
JAC: Leonard Fournette
For
MIA: 2020 4th round pick (141st)
This Just In 