Tag: MockDraft

My final NFL Mock Draft before it all goes down has come. With many rumors floating around it’s hard to put a hold on what is real and what is not. With the Covid-19 spreading throughout the world, the NFL Draft is awfully weird. Like come on, a virtual draft? Are we playing Madden 20? These Owners, General Managers, coaches, and scouts have their hands full. Full of promise and hope as well as the slim chance of not being fully prepared from something that no one could’ve expected. I’m hoping the tape I’ve watched and the sources I’ve come in contact with are leading me down the right path, in what will ultimately come down as one of the most memorable drafts in NFL History.

The first and second pick will go as chalk but where will the board start to shake? I won’t partake in any trades because, 1) it’s hard to predict and 2) it is always some random team that comes out of nowhere and wrecks the draft. Here’s my 3rd and final version of how it will all shape out come April 23rd.

1. Cincinnati Bengals

QB Joe Burrow, LSU

This has been the #1 Pick since he beat Alabama. Throughout the process it took awhile but Joe Burrow will get his nickname back, The Bayou Bengal. He will head up to Cincinatti with the likes of A.J. Green, Joe Mixon and Tyler Boyd, not to mention 2019 1st round draft pick Jonah Williams, who will be healthy this season leading the way to protect the former Heisman trophy Quarterback. Can Joe Burrow be more than a one hit wonder? Lets wait and see.

2. Washington Redskins

DE Chase Young, OHST

They said Chase Young only weakness is that he “can’t beat triple teams” and even though that’s a HUGE knock against him, he is the best player in the 2020 NFL Draft and every team knows it. Chase Young would be the first pick in most drafts following guys like J. Clowney and M. Garrett as top picks but it’s fine, he can be Von Miller (2nd overall in 2011) and Nick Bosa (2nd overall in 2019) who both went on to win DROY. Rivera won’t waste time with this decision.

3. Detroit Lions

DB, Jeff Okudah, OHST

Jeff Okudah is one of my favorite players in the draft and will be the 3rd Ohio guy off the board, if the Lions keep the pick. However, everyone has proclaim that Lions GM Bob Quinn would like to trade back, but the question is, how far? The Lions need talent and after trading All Pro CB Darius Slay, the CB position is a dire need. I predicted this defense would be top 8 in the league and my prophet prediction was way off (lions defense ranked 31st in 2019). If the Lions draft Okudah, Matt Patricia could right my wrong. NO BRAINER decision for them here.

4. New York Giants

OT, Jedrick Wills, BAMA

With the ability to play either tackle spot, I have Wills as my highest ranked O-Lineman in the draft. Wills is big (6’5 320 lbs), strong, quick and athletic. Giants have invested in Daniel Jones (6th pick in 2019) and Saquon Barkley (2nd pick in 2018) the only way to protect and clear lanes for those investments is to continue to work the trenches. Daniel Jones fumbled 13 times in 9 games, Giants please give this man some help!

5. Miami Dolphins

QB, Tua Tagovailoa, BAMA

Miami has been toying with the media for awhile throwing everyone off into a loop of which QB they like most, even with GM Chris Grier visited Bama on more than one occasion, could it all be smoke screen? In my opinion, Tua is the best QB in this draft! Don’t let what Joe Burrow did in 1 year overlooked what Tua has done, dating back to the championship comeback vs UGA as a true freshman. Tagovailoa has the highest ceiling and yet the lowest floor. The injuries are concerning but I believe he’s ready to take the NFL by storm. He has a quality arm that can make any throw required in the NFL. Accuracy and poised, no wonder he’s been compared to Drew Brees.

6. Los Angeles Chargers

QB Justin Herbert, ORE

I am not a fan of Justin Herbert but the Chargers probably will not find themselves drafting this high for the likes of Trevor Lawrence or Justin Fields. This roster is ready to win now and with Tyrod Taylor, I think they can. However, we know what Tyrod is and that’s the reason that Herbert is rumored and linked to go here. Will he be the future?

7. Carolina Panthers

LB Isaiah Simmons, CLEM

Superior Being, Freak of Nature, Never Seen Before. I don’t know what to really call Simmons but this is a FOOTBALL PLAYER. He can probably play every position on the field and succeed. With this selection, Simmons will instantly be a top 5 player on the team and have huge holes to fill left by Luke Kuechly, who decided to retire. Simmons is a baller and if used right will be a 1st ballot Hall Of Famer.

8. Arizona Cardinals

IDL Derrick Brown, AUB

Cardinals pulled off a heist of a trade by acquiring DHop from the Houston Texans. They filled the need at WR that they desperately needed. Now Kingsbury has to pay attention to the defense side of the ball. Every great pass rusher needs an interior lineman that can leave them 1 on 1. How can the Cardinals help Chandler Jones? Derrick Brown is the guy at 8.

9. Jacksonville Jaguars

IDL Javon Kinlaw, SCAR

Another IDL off the board in back to back picks. Kinlaw is another favorite of mine and 1B for my rankings with Interior DLine play. Just like the Cardinals, Josh Allen need someone in the middle to eat up blocks and pressure the QB from the inside. Kinlaw has been seen to squat bench press over 2,000 lbs, in the WWE we called this ‘A monster among men.’

10. Cleveland Browns

OT Tristian Wirfs, IOWA

Jack Conklin was signed in FA to protect Baker Mayfield, even that is not enough, Wirfs was very impressive at the combine with measurements and his on the field workouts. He comes in as a day 1 Franchise Left Tackle in this offense giving them two anchor positions at both Tackles spots.

11. New York Jets

OT Andrew Thomas, UGA

The Jets did a good job with the OL in FA but still it’s a need important enough to draft in the 1st round. The Jets really need weapons and with all WRs on the board, it is very hard to pass it up. What good does it do if Darnold is laying on his back?

12. Las Vegas Raiders

WR Henry Ruggs, BAMA

Raiders will value speed here. I think Henry Ruggs will be the best WR in this class. He is a complete WR, it just so happens he has blazing speed with it. Ruggs III will go down as the steal of this draft. ‘Prophet Prediction’

13. San Francisco 49ers (via IND)

WR Ceedee Lamb, OKLA

49ers moved Buckner to the Colts and acquired a top 15 pick. With the uncertainty of the position, why wouldn’t Shanahan get a star in the making? The best way to prop up Jimmy G is to surround him with talent. Ceedee Lamb is one of the smoothest players I’ve ever seen coming out. He’s a difference maker on an already made team.

14. Tampa Bay Bucs

OT Mechi Becton, LOU

The biggest giant to ever play football — thats Becton. That’s all I can say, but he’s the right pick for a team who just signed a 40+ year old QB. Now that Brady finally has the weapons, it does him no good if he has to run for his life, and lets be honest, Brady wouldn’t get far.

15. Denver Broncos

WR Jerry Jeudy, BAMA

The Broncos have big plans in 2020 and Jerry Jeudy could be the icing on the cake. Drew Lock went 4-1 as a starter, adding Melvin Gordon in the running game and a special talent in the passing game can elevate Lock to another level. Pat Shurmur is getting back to the play calling duties and what fun he’ll have with Jeudy to play with.

16. Atlanta Falcons

CB CJ Henderson, UF

The Falcons signed Dante Fowler to lower the need for a pass rusher in the 1st round. Dan Quinn needs to get back in his Seattle days with elite DB play. CJ Henderson is clearly the pick here to boost up the secondary. Hopefully he doesn’t fall in the trend for most Gator DBs.

17. Dallas Cowboys

EDGE K’Lavon Chaisson, LSU

The second best pass rusher in the group behind Chase Young. Chaisson is raw but he has all the tools to help the Cowboys Front. Cowboys messed up a few years back taking Taco Charlton over TJ Watt, this a can’t miss selection that even Ray Charles could see.

18. Miami Dolphins (via PIT)

WR Justin Jefferson, LSU

I know, Justin Jefferson!? Well, if you invest in a QB like the Dolphins have with the 5th pick in the draft, getting Tua the weapons is very necessary. Devante Parker finally showed up to his 1st rd billing and Preston Williams came on strong. The dolphins receiving core is also brittle (Wilson, Hurns, Grant, Williams injuries) but a guy like Justin Jefferson, who’s interchangeable with any WR position can make this WR group special.

19. Las Vegas Raiders (via CHI)

LB Kenneth Murray, OKLA

Murray is a fast and physical linebacker who flies around the field and is always around the ball. He is very well put together and a good tackler. Raiders drafting the WR-LB combo with their 2 draft picks are a win-win for this organization.

20. Jacksonville Jaguars (via LAR)

CB Kristian Fulton, LSU

Fulton has slowly fell down in the latest mocks and he does the same for me here. He’s no Jalen Ramsey but he knows that he has the over top type of abilities with the confidence to match. Jaguars remaking this team and are a few years away. Kinlaw and Fulton will be a very good start.

21. Philadelphia Eagles

LB Patrick Queen, LSU

WR is the biggest need for the Eagles and Howie Roseman doesn’t draft Linebackers in the 1st round. That’s two statements that are already against me but adding Hargrave and Slay tells me that the Eagles want to sure up the defense. Instead of patching it up — let’s get a right away starter who has all the instincts to be a leader.

22. Minnesota Vikings (via BUF)

CB Jeff Gladney, TCU

The Rhodes are closed now and The Vikings has lost 3 starting CBs in Free Agency. Jeff Gladney has real cover skills to run with receivers and prevent separation. Zimmer will fall in love with his length even though he’s a smaller Corner. He can be lined up as an outside or inside corner and can excel around a talented football team.

23. New England Patriots

IOL Cesar Ruiz, MICH

Ruiz just seems like he was born to be a Patriot. He’s an IOL who can play at Center or at either guard position. The Patriots have issues everywhere on the roster, but nothing like the OL. Shaq Mason regressed, Thuney is on a franchise tag (NE is financially strapped) and David Andrews can’t stay healthy. Ruiz is a well-balanced blocker in the ground game and in pass protection. Bill should be looking to build the trenches again.

24. New Orleans Saints

EDGE Yetur Gross-Matos, PSU

I believe the Offense is to blame for their shortcomings in the playoffs but most believe it’s the defense. A way to keep pressure off the offense is for the defense to continue to get after the QB. Davenport, Rankins and All Pro DE Cam Jordan could use another pass rusher to sure up the line. I love Gross-Matos’s motor and relentless pursuer of the football. How many sacks can he get down at the Bayou?

25. Minnesota Vikings

WR Denzel Mims, BAY

Two things about Mims that would be similar to Stefon Diggs, are his ability to make contested catches and his run after the catch ability. Those two traits for WRs are the main reasons I love Denzel Mims here. With an accurate QB in Kirk Cousins mixed with Mims’ size, this could be a dream pick for the Vikings.

26. Miami Dolphins (Texans)

S Xavier Mckinney, BAMA

Mckinney has moved up on my board as the #1 Safety ways ahead of Delpit and Winfield Jr. McKinney is the jack-of-all-trades in the secondary, as he is able cover tight ends and wide receivers, can play deep zone free safety, also has the strength to tackle and can be the eighth man in the box. McKinney has size, speed, athleticism and upside to be the perfect safety in the NFL. Dolphins just hit a A+ Draft and it’s only the first round.

27. Seattle Seahawks

OT Josh Jones, HOU

Another tackle off the board with this pick here. I am not a big fan of Seattle’s roster. I still believe it’s Russ or a bust. The only way to prevent Russell Wilson from injury is to protect him. This OL stills struggle, Josh Jones falls into a High Ceiling and Low floor player. Seattle should take the risk.

28. Baltimore Ravens

DE AJ Epenesa, IOWA

Ravens have to replace Judon as he plays 2020 on the franchise tag. Epenesa at 6’6 and 280, he has all the power from the edge. Epenesa can play the solid base end on 4-3 defense but is best suited as a five-technique end in a 3-4, either way, Ravens will gear up to get after the QB.

29. Tennessee Titans

OT Austin Jackson, USC

Titans lost Conklin to Free Agency and to fill the void at tackle, they’ll select Austin Jackson. He easily gets to the second level on the backside of run plays and does a good job getting on LBs in space and for King Henry and the Titans, that fits perfect.

30. Green Bay Packers

WR Jalen Reagor, TCU

I’m a huge Reagor fan. They have a lot of options here but at the end of the day, Devante Adams needs help and signing Jimmy Graham didn’t help that. Reagor has the ability to take the top off the defense and is a home run hitter. Great change of pace option for Rodgers.

31. San Francisco 49ers

S Antoine Winfield Jr. MINN

His dad was a great corner, his son can potentially be a great safety. A couple injuries but he’s another jack-of-all trades, who’s a ball hawk, high IQ safety. Continuing to add help on that defense is the smart thing to do, John Lynch will love him.

32. Kansas City Chiefs

RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, LSU

The Chiefs have to hit on draft picks due to the Mahomes contract that will follow. With that being said the Chiefs should select someone who can be a star on a cheap deal. Although Damien Williams was the star of the Super Bowl, Andy Reid may throw a curveball and have my only RB to go in the 1st RD. CEH is my #1 running back in this class and is easily the best 3 down RB. I haven’t found a weakness in his game yet and pairing him alongside the best player in the NFL, the league should watch out.

Best Available (no order)

Cam Akers, RB, FSU

Tee Higgins, WR, CLEM

Jordan Love, QB, USU

Jermey Chinn, S, SIU

Jaylon Johnson, CB, UTAH

Brandon Aiyuk, WR, ASU

AJ Terrell, CB, CLEM

Trevon Diggs, CB, BAMA

The NFL combine is here and everyone who loves the draft, like myself, are all tuned in. Owners, General Managers, coaches, scouts finally get to see what the best athletes in college has to offer. From the measurements and interviews to showing what they can do out there on the field, this is the time to answer the most of the important questions. Let’s not get carried away on who has the fastest 40 time or who can have the most reps at the but pay attention to what will translate.

The draft order has been set for a month, with Kansas City Chiefs winning the Super Bowl over the San Francisco 49ers in Miami. The Chiefs moved up in the draft through trade to select, future Super Bowl MVP, Patrick Mahomes in the 1st round in 2017 and drafted Eric Fisher 1st overall in 2013. So who will select their future Super Bowl Champion — Here’s my 2nd version of how it will shape out come April.

1. Cincinnati Bengals

QB Joe Burrow, LSU

Even though his words from recent interviews haven’t embraced the nickname of ‘the Bayou Bengal’, I will continue to pick Joe Burrow here first, every single time. Will he pull an Eli Manning – I’m not sure if he has the leverage to do so. While everything went right for Burrow and LSU in 2019, to me, there lies a concern about him being a 1-year wonder, but the Bengals know Zac Taylor needs everything to succeed and that includes the most important position in football.

2. Washington Redskins

DE Chase Young, OHST

Young is the best player in the 2020 NFL Draft and every team knows it. Chase Young would be the first pick in most drafts following guys like Clowney and Garrett as top picks but it’s fine, he can be Von Miller (2^nd overall in 2011) and Nick Bosa (2^nd overall in 2019) who both went on to win DROY. Rivera won’t waste time with this decision

3. Detroit Lions

DB, Jeff Okudah, OHST

Jeff Okudah is one of my favorite players in the draft and will be the 3^rd Ohio guy off the board. There have been talks that Lions GM Bob Quinn would like to trade back but how far? Lions need a star, with Darius Slay contract looming, with Slay or without the CB position is a dire need. I predicted this defense would be top 8 in the league and that prophet prediction was way off (lions defense ranked 31^st in 2019).  The thing I like about Okudah is he’s phenomenal in pass coverage and to prevent separation with a combination of size, speed, athleticism and instincts. NO BRAINER.

4. New York Giants

OT, Jedrick Wills, BAMA

With the ability to play either tackle spot, I have Wills as my highest ranked O-Lineman in the draft. Wills is big (6’5 320 lbs), strong, quick and athletic. Giants have invested in Daniel Jones (6^th pick in 2019) and Saquon Barkley (2^nd pick in 2018) the only way to protect and clear lanes for those investments is to continue to work on the OL. Daniel Jones fumbled 13 times in 9 games, Giants please help!

5. Miami Dolphins

QB, Tua Tagovailoa, BAMA

Tua is the best QB in this draft! Don’t let what Joe Burrow did in 1 year overlooked what Tua has done dating back to the championship comeback vs UGA as a true freshman. Tagovailoa has a quality arm that can make any throw required in the NFL. Accuracy and poised, no wonder he’s been compared to Drew Brees.

6. Los Angeles Chargers

DE Derrick Brown, AUB

Yes, Philip Rivers will no longer be the QB at the helm. No, the Chargers shouldn’t panic and draft a QB. Derrick Brown from Auburn is a monster. Interior DL has been the chargers weakness for years and they have the opportunity to fix it. With Ingram and Bosa on the edge and Derwin James at safety this defense can bounce back and be one of the best. He’s a monster in the ground game and as a pass rusher – take BPA (best player available) and don’t look back.

7. Carolina Panthers

OT Tristan Wirfs, IOWA

Good in both sets, plays with good leverage as a run blocker and sustains his blocks well enough to make room for the stud running back in Christian Mccaffery and blocking for whoever is at the helm for QB next season, if its Cam Newton or Kyle Allen, someone needs to protect. Carolina has a long rebuild ahead. Tackle is not the sexiest move but a building block.

8. Arizona Cardinals

OT Mekhi Becton, UL

He’s a late riser and physical freak, for his size he has great athleticism – much need blocker for Kyler Murray. Kingsbury need his QB to have more time to execute the offense and this is the start.

9. Jacksonville Jaguars

LB Isiah Simmons, CLEM

Versatility is my favorite attribute. Simmons can play Linebacker, Safety, Slot Corner, Running Back, and Quarterback….. You get my point. With Telvin Smith not coming back, no Jalen Ramsey, this defense needs talent. Imagine Simmons and Myles Jack controlling the middle of the field for years.

10. Cleveland Browns

OT Andrew Thomas, UGA

Kevin Stefanski did a great job last year as the Vikings OC with a suspect OL and this was Baker Mayfield’s problem last year. He looked like he was seeing ghost so it’s best to add a much need tackle to the team. Baker has everything to succeed from a weapon standpoint but the OL needs to protect and that’s what Thomas from UGA can bring.

11. New York Jets

WR Jerry Jeudy, BAMA

My WR1 in this draft class, with Robbie Anderson looming, either way Jets need a #1 guy for Sam Darnold. Jeudy has been impressive since day 1 with his route running ability. He has the skills to be very dynamic and walk on the team as an instant star. Getting Darnold the tools is succeed should be priorty one.

12. Las Vegas Raiders

WR Ceedee Lamb, OKLA

Since Jeudy is off the board, the Raiders will run up to the podium to select Lamb. A lot of people say that Lamb doesn’t have the speed but the Raiders need someone who can get open. Good size, good hands and route running ability, I don’t see Gruden passing up on WR of this caliber.

13. Indianapolis  Colts

DT, Javon Kinlaw, SCAR

The story of Kinlaw should amaze everyone. He’s work extremely hard to get to this point and getting drafted top 15 is the icing on the cake. Kinlaw was the best player at Senior Bowl practices from either team and the first thing that stands out about Kinlaw is his size. He is quick to close and has strength to fight off blockers. Notice I didn’t spend this pick on a QB – it’s because I’m not a fan of the Jordan Love hype train to go this high so take Kinlaw.

14. Tampa Bay Bucs

QB Justin Herbert, ORE

I think Jamies Winston will be back but Bruce Arians may be looking for someone to groom. Herbert has something in common with Big Ben, Peyton Manning, and Carson Palmer,ho all played under Arians, the similarity is they all are TALL with a BIG ARM. Learning what NOT to do by watching Jamies can also help.

15. Denver Broncos

WR Henry Ruggs

Henry Ruggs may have been the 2^nd best WR on this team but he was one of the best in the country. Ruggs will have the fastest 40 yard time at the combine and that enough will move him ahead in the draft. If Drew Lock continue to be the starter having the TE set, the RBS and your #1 WR Cortland Sutton, adding Ruggs as the deep threat would be a perfect fit.

16. Atlanta Falcons

DE K’Lavon Chaisson, LSU

The Falcons aren’t bringing back Beasley, Chaisson from LSU has great bend around the edge and the ability to create chaos for a team that was toward the bottom in sacks. Chaisson doesn’t have the numbers but if you watch the games, the impact was felt.

17. Dallas Cowboys

S, Xavier Mckinney, Bama

Mckinney has moved up on my board as the #1 Safety ways ahead of Delpit. McKinney is the jack-of-all-trades in the secondary, as he is able cover tight ends and wide receivers, can play deep zone free safety, also has the strength to tackle and can be the eighth man in the box. McKinney has size, speed, athleticism and upside for the NFL. He’ll be a can’t miss prospect for the Dallas Cowboys.

18. Miami Dolphins (Steelers)

CB Kristian Fulton, LSU

Aqib Talib is old and Xavien Howard is in legal trouble. He’s a clean prospect and can help a secondary right away. I don’t know if I see star but I do see a good piece.

19. Las Vegas Raiders (Bears)

LB Kenneth Murray, OKLA

Murray is a fast and physical linebacker who flies around the field and is always around the ball. He is put together well and a good tackler. Raiders drafting the WR-LB combo with their 2 draft picks are a win-win for this organization.

20. Jacksonville Jaguars (Rams)

CB Trevon Diggs, BAMA                                   

A very physical corner but Diggs is not the Jalen Ramsey replacement, he has above-average instincts but is not a natural defender converting to a CB not too long ago, but he could sneak into the first round because of his skill set.

21. Philadelphia Eagles

WR Laviska Shenault, COL

WR is the biggest need for the Eagles. Definitely can be a #1 WR with Carson Wentz – has the speed to be a big playmaker year 1. With all those injuries he can be poised for a BIG year.

22. Buffalo Bills

DE Yetur Gross-Matos, PSU

The defense is getting older, Gross-Matos has fallen but maybe the combine is what he needs to insert his name higher in the draft. He’s a good run defender and an improving pass-rusher. Jerry Hughes over 30 getting the replacement could be the selection.

23. New England Patriots

IOL Cesar Ruiz, MICH

He just seems like a Patriot, he’s a lineman who can play at Center or at either guard position. He is a well-balanced blocker in the ground game and in pass protection which can help them get the ground game going and buy time for WRs to get open.

24. New Orleans Saints

WR Brandon Aiyuk, ASU

The Saints need to help Michael Thomas; Aiyuk has the speed and ability to make it a dangerous duo. Scouts believe that Aiyuk was better than N’Keal Harry, if Harry was a 1^st rounder so can Aiyuk.

25. Minnesota Vikings

CB Jeff Gladney, TCU

Rhodes is closed now and Waynes should be on the way out tool. Gladney has real cover skills to run with receivers and prevent separation and can be lined up as an outside or inside corner.

26. Miami Dolphins (Texans)

RB DeAndre Swift, UGA

Swift ran well for Georgia showing his speed, vision, cutting ability, and versatility. He’s a 3 down back and Dolphins doesn’t have a running back on the roster of his caliber.

27. Seattle Seahawks

DT Ross Blacklock, TCU

Could be a one hit wonder but 6’4 and 305 Seattle could fall in love with him and drafting at this spot. Blacklock does have medical issues.

28. Baltimore Ravens

DE AJ Epenesa, IOWA

Ravens have to replace Judon if he leaves in FA, Epenesa at 6’6 280 he has all the power from the edge.  Epenesa can play the solid base end on 4-3 defense but is best suited as a five-technique end in a 3-4.

29. Tennessee Titans

OT Josh Jones, HOU

Probably will lose Conklin to FA, fill the void at tackle with Josh Jones who has good size with length, athleticism and agility. Not an overpowering athlete, but he has some functional strength to manipulate and lean on defenders.

30. Green Bay Packers

WR Jalen Reagor, TCU

Same reason with the Saints taking a WR, Devante Adams needs help. Reagor has the ability to take the top off the defense, he’s a speed demon and a home run hitter for the NFL that coaches drool over.

31. San Francisco 49ers

S Antoine Winfield Jr. MINN

His dad was a great corner, his son can potentially be a great safety. A couple injuries but he’s another jack-of-all- trades who’s a ball hawk safety. Continuing to add help on that defense is the smart thing to do, John Lynch will love him.

32. Kansas City Chiefs

LB Patrick Queen, LSU

The Chiefs has to hit on draft picks due to the Mahomes contract that will follow. With that being said the Chiefs should select someone who can be a star on a cheap deal. Enter Patrick Queen. Queen is a fast linebacker who can go sideline-to-sideline and has three-down starting potential for the next level. He has special speed and athleticism that make him a valuable linebacker in pass coverage