2020 Pre-Combine Mock Draft 1.0

First mock draft of the year. Doing one pre-combine from what I have heard and learned from many outlets like the Draft Network, Bleacher Report, ESPN, NFL.com, and independent twitter scouts and their clips, as well as my own dumb intuition. I have not watched my own film, so I have no idea about any of this. Just doing it for fun. No trades in the first couple of these. I will be watching the combine and paying attention to certain drills/measurables/etc. and will have a mock coming out the week following it.

1.       Cincinnati Bengals – QB Joe Burrow, LSU

Let’s not overthink this. I doubt this changes from now until Vegas.

2.       Washington Redskins – EDGE Chase Young, Ohio St

Same with the above. If Washington trades out of this, they will need a Wentz-like haul.

3.       Detroit Lions – CB Jeffrey Okudah, Ohio St

Once we get trades involved the Miami Dolphins will be selecting here. Am I biased? A little yes but it also makes too much sense. Lions don’t want to move too far and miss Young/Okudah. The QB talk is a smokescreen because Coach and GM will be fired if they don’t make the playoffs and Stafford is untradeable.

4.       New York Giants – OT Jedrick Wills, Alabama

Blocked Tua’s blindside (right side) but will be drafted to be the blindside (left) for Daniel Jones. Giants don’t trade in the 1^st and they get their choice of all the hog mollies. An upset pick I could see being here would be Derrick Brown.

5.       Miami Dolphins – QB Tua Tagovaiola, Alabama

Last don’t overthink this. This is happening. It has been happening since Gase was fired and Ownership said, “we are ok with only winning 3 games”. It was for this man. If the Lions select a player at 3, their will be a shirtless man in Vegas during the draft named Kyle.

6.       Los Angeles Chargers – QB Justin Herbert, Oregon

This pick… is interesting. Could see the Chargers going after Cam and Brady. But if they don’t get a QB I think the guy they will want is Herbert anyway (instead of Tua) because of the big arm (not that Tua doesn’t have that). This is written in light pencil until after free agency.

7.       Carolina Panthers – DL Derrick Brown, Auburn

This may end up being the best pick of the draft that no one talks about. Listen to this though. Carolina fires their coach and hires a first-time head coach to “rebuild” the team. Carolina distances themselves from their best/foundational/franchise players to create cap and flexibility. Carolina has a probable need at QB post-Cam. Carolina begins tanking. Carolina takes a DT in the first round of this draft in prep for tanking for Trevor. (Miami selected DT Christian Wilkins last year in the 1^st round) Sound familiar?

8.       Arizona Cardinals – DL Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina

I know CeeDee and Jeudy are both there and CeeDee played with Murray and they have a “need” at WR… I just don’t feel good about it. Derrick Brown I think is their guy, but they would be happy with Kinlaw as well. I don’t think they trade back but it would make a lot of sense for someone if they wanted Simmons (possibly Raiders). Kinlaw is a wrecking machine but if he falls to the teens because of injury scares don’t be surprised.

9.       Jacksonville Jaguars – LB/S/Playmaker Isaiah Simmons, Clemson

Jacksonville’s 2017 team is long gone. Way to get back to it? Address the defense (losing a lot of players this offseason like Campbell, Yannick, Bouye, Ramsey last year) and hope one of your QB raises their play. Simmons is probably the best defensive player this year but because he is so versatile teams need to have a plan of what they want to do with him. Learning from Myles Jack and being able to roam will be perfect for him.

10.   Cleveland Browns – OT Mekhi Becton, Louisville

I don’t know much about Andrew Berry the new GM. But if the Browns are drafting… generally I don’t trust them. Becton is simply huge. 6’7 300 thousand LBs and moves like a feather in the wind. He has shot up boards because of his ability to move and when he gets his hands on you… so long. But he doesn’t do that very often. To be honest, I think the Browns ruin this kid. I hope not.

11.   New York Jets – OT Andrew Thomas, Georgia

Copy paste the last 2 sentences but replaces Browns with Jets. I think the Jets will want a true tackle in Thomas rather than Wirfs because some people see him as a guard. He was a top 5 pick pre-2019 season but fell this year due to some inconsistencies on his tape. Some games he shows that top-5 player and others he just is kind of there. If Lamb is taken at #8 to Arizona… I would want to change this pick to Jeudy. It really depends on how much voice Gase has in the room on draft day.

12.   Las Vegas Raiders – WR Jerry Jeudy, Alabama

Best player available falls right to them. Jordan Love may get some excitement out of Gruden but Jeudy is a stud and fills a huge need for this team who will be losing Tyrell Williams.

13.   Indianapolis Colts – WR CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma

No one knows what the Colts are going to do. If Costanzo retires (or signs elsewhere), this could easily be Wirfs or any available OT. This is also a trade up spot for Jordan Love for another team to get ahead of Tampa. Colts could also take Love. But I feel they roll with Brissett. They have a ton of cap room and I expect them to sign a good bit of players, but the WR FA’s aren’t too great. Not as good as the possibility of Jeudy or Lamb for sure.

14.   Tampa Bay Buccaneers – EDGE K’Lavon Chaisson, LSU

I believe Bruce Arians when he says his primary focus is on the defensive side this offseason. But I don’t believe that Shaq Barrett is going to be in their price range even though he says he would take a hometown discount. If Shaq is back, I think this is Kinlaw’s floor, but he isn’t available and Chaisson is BPA. Bucs aren’t too far away if they can figure out their QB room.

15.   Denver Broncos – WR Henry Ruggs III, Alabama

Courtland Sutton is a WR1. Lock is a lock to be their 2020 starter at QB. They have a couple good RBs and a shiny TE. Defense is 100% in play at this pick. Specifically, at corner or safety is Simmons leaves in FA. However, Lock’s ceiling is the floor if they can’t stretch the field.

16.   Atlanta Falcons – CB Kristian Fulton, LSU

Fulton has already played quite a few games in this shiny new stadium. Chaisson is the pick if he is here, but I think they stay away from Epenesa because he isn’t the bendy type of player Atlanta covets since they have been burned at EDGE in the draft in the past.

17.   Dallas Cowboys – DB Xavier McKinney, Alabama

Offseason Dallas Priorities: Sign Dak long term, sign/tag Amari, let Byron Jones walk because he will be a $14M+ a year player on the open market. Dallas has been looking for a safety for some time now and they get their pick between all of them. Delpit is also very much in this conversation.

18.   Miami Dolphins (from Pittsburgh Steelers) – OT Tristan Wirfs, Iowa

Yea… this probably doesn’t happen. This is his floor though. However, his ceiling is probably 8 to Arizona. Dolphins obviously need to address the OL, so this isn’t a surprise. We may be looking at 4 new OL starters in 2020.

19.   Las Vegas Raiders (from Chicago Bears) – LB Patrick Queen, LSU

It seems like this pick is already in sharpie to most people. However, if Simmons falls to them at 12 the whole draft may already be on its head and there could be a really good player available here like Ruggs. Queen is a sideline to sideline LB who has a couple of nice pass rush moves as well.

20.   Jacksonville Jaguars (from Los Angeles Rams) – CB CJ Henderson, Florida

As I noted before, they lost Ramsey and may be moving on from Bouye as well. Time to get another press man corner. Henderson’s big knock is he doesn’t want to tackle and when he does, he isn’t good at it. But he was a top corner in press man this year, per PFF.

21.   Philadelphia Eagles – WR Laviska Shenault, Colorado

Corner or Wide Receiver. Whichever has the best player available, but these positions literally have crushed the possibility of another Super Bowl for the Eagles the last few years. Shenault is a Darren Sproles at WR. Guess who just retired from the Eagles? Yep…

22.   Buffalo Bills – WR Tee Higgins, Clemson

This one makes too much sense to me. Buffalo has a bunch of smaller guys. Higgins is a huge, outjump anyone type of guy on the boundary. He isn’t a route technician. But he will do a good job with big arm Allen throwing him deep.

23.   New England Patriots – DL AJ Epenesa, Iowa

I hate this. He is such a perfect fit for this system. Detroit, Miami would both love him, and he is in play at 18/26 or if Detroit takes one of these picks from Miami. Big edge player that also scooch inside for these multiple defenses that these teams like to play. A great run defender and a technician with his hands that still gets pressure on the QB.

24.   New Orleans Saints – iOL Lloyd Cushenberry, LSU

This team is so ready for a Super Bowl. Brees is back. The offense is intact. Teddy is gone. Taysom is not a franchise QB. But do the waste 1-2 years left of Brees to take Jordan Love for the future? Or do they go all-in to win the big game? I truly do not know. But I go with Lloyd here because this Saints team is very familiar with this LSU product and it fills a need. If Laviska is available, they are 99.9% taking him.

25.   Minnesota Vikings – CB Jeff Gladney, TCU

Not enough people know about this kid. Really good press man corner in a TCU defense that was often underrated. Vikings are likely losing Trae Waynes and Xavier Rhodes was in the toaster for too long this year. Time to replace them.

26.   Miami Dolphins (from Houston Texans) – RB De’Andre Swift, Georgia

Let me just say that I hate this pick. Happy with Gross-Matos or Diggs or Baun or Delpit or taking another tackle because I hate this so much. But the dolphins have “serious interest” in Swift. It is a huge need for sure, but not a big enough one that we can’t take Dobbins or Akers in round 2.

27.   Seattle Seahawks – EDGE Terrell Lewis, Alabama

Let’s just start this with, Seattle is trading back. However, this pick makes a lot of sense for wherever they trade back to. Terrell has first round talent, but major injury concerns as well. This could also address the interior OL as more of a safe pick but again you can get that type of player in a trade back.

28.   Baltimore Ravens – LB Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma

Ravens reload their defensive weapons every single year without a drop off. They cut Jefferson in the secondary. They may lose Judon at edge. However, the LBing core wasn’t reloaded as normal once CJ Mosley singed in NY.

29.   Tennessee Titans – OT Josh Jones, Houston

The Titans have major free agency issues this year. They are going to have to sign or tag both Derrick Henry and Tannehill. They have Conklin at RT who is the top tackle on the market and will get paid somewhere. I doubt Tennessee matches. Plus, they may lose Logan Ryan at slot corner. I believe they try to get their offensive weapons back and draft the best available tackle on the board. Jones falling to them won’t happen on draft day, but it happens here.

30.   Green Bay Packers – WR Justin Jefferson, LSU

Rodgers has WR weapons and this offense will hum again. Jefferson has strong hands at the catch point and isn’t afraid to run across the middle (Cobb role). Something that Rodgers was missing a lot this year.

31.   San Francisco 49ers – DB Grant Delpit, LSU

7 picks from LSU. Impressive. Delpit was a top 5 pick before this year. He won the Jim Thorpe Award this year based on name value though. He had a very down year and in the 2 Playoff games. For example, he was taking poor routes to get to open field rushers. Everyone saw Derwin James. San Fran could get the steal of the draft if he is 100% healthy (something that many people believe he was not this past year). However, the most likely scenario is a trade back. They have almost zero picks in this draft and not a ton of cap space to improve the team this offseason.

32.   Kansas City Chiefs – DL Marlon Davidson, Auburn

I don’t believe that the Chiefs will be able to afford keeping Chris Jones who was really the difference in the Super Bowl. If that is the case, iDL becomes the biggest need. Marlon Davidson isn’t your nose tackle. But he can line up everywhere on the line and put pressure on the QB which is what Chris Jones did best.

Final 2019 Mock Draft

Kyle Bazin’s Final 2019 Mock Draft

I’m not going to do trades this year because they are so impossible to predict. I am trying to make the prediction of what I think the team will take based on personal research, 30 visits, and gut feeling.

Before I get into the draft, I do want to preface it with some POSSIBLE TRADE SCENARIOS:

a. The Giants or Broncos trade up to 3 to grab Drew Lock or Dwayne Haskins. Teams may be afraid of what the Raiders might do with their “surprise” pick and may want to make sure they get their guy. Jets want to trade back as well. The same scenario for the Broncos or Bengals or Redskins to jump up to 5 to jump in front of the Giants possibly picking a QB. And again, same scenario for the 9th pick to jump ahead of the Broncos. We saw this last year with the Bills and Cardinals jumping in front of Miami to get the Josh QBs.

b. The Dolphins and Falcons trade back to accumulate picks and still get a solid defensive player like DL Clelin Ferrell (Miami might prefer) or CB Greedy Williams (ATL needs corners). Teams that make sense to move up the most is Houston (they NEED OL help so Dillard here would make sense) or possibly the Giants to jump the Redskins to get Daniel Jones or Drew Lock.

c. The Seahawks just sent away Frank Clark for a haul, but they still only have 6 picks this year. I can see them trading back to the 2nd round with one of those picks to pick up some additional picks. Look for a team to jump up for a WR like Marquise Brown or Metcalf to jump the Packers and Patriots who are likely in the market. Someone also could be looking to make the move for Simmons who will redshirt next year thus getting the 5-year max rookie option vs the 4 year on a 2nd rounder deal.

d. Other teams that I could see making a move up: Raiders (because they have the capital to get whoever they want), Chargers (looking at corners that may be gone from PIT/SEA/ATL), Panthers (they need OL help and Edge both positions that you want to make sure you get your guy).

e. Other teams that I could see making a move down: Giants (what if we are all wrong and they are on the Sashi plan all along?), Chargers, Rams, Patriots (all these teams are really solid and could always move back a few picks), Jaguars (for no reason that I think they can get Hockenson or Taylor at pick 11 if Cincy or Denver wanted a QB).

Let’s get into it! As I stated above, I won’t be projecting trades I just want to highlight some things I think could happen on draft night. I’ve had a ton of fun doing these as always. If you enjoyed this, it did take some time to make, so even if you just like my tweet or text me that you read it, that would be greatly appreciated!

1.       Arizona Cardinals - QB Kyler Murray, Oklahoma: There has been some weird some smoke screens recently, but this is going to be the pick. I feel bad for Rosen, but he will land on his feet with the team that doesn’t get a QB. I think he will be traded Friday prior to Day 2 starting up. Kyler is the kid that Kliff was hired for. There is some hope in Arizona.

2.       San Francisco 49ers – Edge Nick Bosa, Ohio State: I don’t know if he is going to be better than his brother Joey. But I do know that he will be better than anything the 49ers currently have as an edge rusher. They will have a great DL with 1st round talent in Buckener, Armstead, Bosa.

3.       New York Jets – DT Quinnen Williams, Alabama: The best player in the draft in my opinion. I think the Jets want Bosa or Q and if they don’t get it, they will move out. Oliver and Allen are interesting, but I think they would trade back to 6 and risk getting one of them. Jets get a great draft prize to pair with big Leonard Williams.

4.       Oakland Raiders –– DT Ed Oliver, Houston: Mayock loves his edge rushers but I think Gruden will win this pick because Gruden loves freaks. If Oliver can get that push to not take plays off, he will be an instant playmaker.

5.       Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Edge Josh Allen, Kentucky: A lot of people have Devin White here. I had him here as well in one of my mocks. But I didn’t have a guy that had 17 sacks last year on the board still at their pick. He would fit perfectly in Bowles system and to pair with JPP. If this isn’t the pick, it will surely be White or a trade down.

6.       New York Giants – QB Dwayne Haskins, Ohio St: Everyone seems to be saying this isn’t a QB. But the way the board falls… who is it? It could be Jawaan Taylor or Jonah Williams, but you aren’t getting a QB at 17. You just aren’t getting past Denver, Cincy, Washington and the Raiders through a possibly trade up. So, if they are taking one, it is happening here, and I think that they fooled everyone into thinking they are the team that ranks Daniel Jones highest. I think this is Haskins. Gettleman about to screw up my whole draft, isn’t he?

7.       Jacksonville Jaguars – TE TJ Hockenson, Iowa: This is either Jawaan Taylor or Hockenson. At the end of the day, my heart says Jawaan, but my head says they just got “their franchise QB” and they have zero weapons for him. Hockenson could also be like a 6th tackle… just one that runs crispy routes and has great hands.

8.       Detroit Lions – LB Devin White, Louisiana St: I think this is likely situation for the Lions but not one they would like. This pick makes sense to be a defensive player with Patricia being a defensive coach… but there are also some solid OL prospects available. Devin White is the best player available and so that is where GM Bazin goes. Also, I think this is where Montez Sweat could go. Sweat’s heart question marks will make him fall possibly out of the 1st round even but his talent and production make him a top 10 player.

9.       Buffalo Bills – OT Jonah Williams, Alabama: The Bills have met with tackles more than any other position besides WR in the pre-draft process. There is no top 10 WR, but there is a versatile, incredibly smart OL that can play right or left tackle. They traded away Cordy Glenn last year to get ammo to go get Josh Allen. Now they replace him to protect their franchise QB.

10.   Denver Broncos – QB Drew Lock, Missouri: Last year Chubb was their pick with Josh Allen and Rosen both available. This year they replaced Keenum with Flacco. I don’t see how they think Flacco is their franchise QB. To me? He is Alex Smith two years ago in KC. Flacco will play this year and let Elway and Flacco teach some fundamentals to Lock. He needs some help with footwork among other things, but he has the natural ability. Don’t believe the Mahomes comps, but the idea with those is that Lock is raw like Mahomes. He needs some time to grow and he can in Denver.

11.   Cincinnati Bengals – LB Devin Bush, Michigan: This is the pick that I’m completely lost on. The Bengals didn’t have very many visits that were publicized, but they did cut ties with a very big name on their defense. Vontaze is out of Cincy and Bush won’t bring the same thud but LB is all the sudden a position of curiosity. I can see Montez Sweat going here as they brought both in for private visits, but again I just don’t know. I also keep hearing he won’t fall out of the top 12 picks.

12.   Green Bay Packers – OT Jawaan Taylor, Florida: I have changed the Packers pick in every mock. I have literally no idea about this pick. If Hockenson is there, I think it is him, but I don’t think he will be. Burns is going to be a good pro, so I’m not surprised if that is the pick or if they go Fant for that matter. But they go with anything to help Aaron Rodgers and keep him upright for the rest of his playing days. Their Super Bowl window is almost closed. Without Rodgers though, there isn’t even a doggy Super Bowl door. Taylor is a true RT and Bulaga is 30+ right now and has been injured quite a few times.

13.   Miami Dolphins – DL Christian Wilkins, Clemson: With Jawaan Taylor on the board, I think the Dolphins think longer about this one. But in the end, IF THEY STAY at this pick, I think they will go Wilkins. At the end of the day, I think they will accept any trade down offer and will either go corner or one of the other Clemson DL. Wilkins is the ultimate pro and will be a great pick. Only issue is he is already 23 so you may not get him for 10 years.

14.   Atlanta Falcons – CB Deandre Baker, Georgia: They lost 2 corners this offseason and it is vital they target one early in the draft. I think they can trade back to get one though. Regardless, Baker is in their backyard and they should know him the best. He is also the only CB that they have “publicly officially” met with that is regarded as a top 5 corner (Greedy, Ya-Sin, Murphy, Layne).

15.   Washington Redskins – QB Daniel Jones, Duke: Washington will not get him at 15, but I think their QB is Jones. It’s either him or Haskins. I think they feel that if they don’t get a QB in the 1st round it will have been a failure, so I think they do whatever is necessary to get to a position to draft one. Jones is a smart guy, but he gets the Eli comparison too much. And to be honest, he feels more like Ryan Tannehill than anyone else. Let me tell you why that concerns me…

16.   Carolina Panthers – OT Andre Dillard, Washington St: This is the reason I feel the Texans will need to move up to get their OL. I think they want Taylor, Dillard or Jonah and they are willing to move to get their guy. Carolina could really use some OL help but if they are all gone… I have a good feeling this is either Sweat, Gary or Burns. Regardless, Matt Khalil and Peppers are both gone and there is a need and plenty of prospects.

17.   New York Giants – DE Rashan Gary, Michigan: I think there is where the fall ends. Everyone talks about Gary’s potential but no true production. I have all the confidence in the world for the Giants to screw everything up in this draft so this feels like a perfect pick that might be a bust. Gary could be an all-pro too, but they just shipped their entire team including Oliver Vernon to the Browns, so they have a serious need on the edge. He is also one of the better players available at this point, so while I am messing with the Giants this also is a good value.

18.   Minnesota Vikings – OG/C Garrett Bradbury, North Carolina St: Minnesota had the worst center in the NFL last year and could use the interior help at guard as well. This pick will be perfect for the Vikings. He will be a solid if not great starter for years and will protect their 84-million-dollar man as well as set up their run first team well.

19.   Tennessee Titans – Edge Clelin Ferrell, Clemson: I feel like this just makes all the sense. Whether it is Wilkins or Clelin or even Dexter, I think any of these Clemson DL are what they want. A few years back they also picked Kevin Dodd who was a DL stand out on Clemson, and he was a complete bust, so we will see but the need is there. Clelin is from a military family and lost his dad when he was in high school. He said that he used his dad’s life to understand patience while perfecting and learning his craft. I don’t think he will be a Kevin Dodd.

20.   Pittsburgh Steelers – CB Byron Murphy, Washington: I think they would like to get Devin Bush possibly, but there is no way that is happening at 20. Therefore, the next best thing would be the best corner on their board. I prefer Greedy here as he is more of a press man corner, but I don’t know if the Steelers go there because I don’t think they play a press man as their base. Byron will be a solid corner regardless but will succeed in a zone scheme.

21.   Seattle Seahawks – Edge Montez Sweat, Mississippi St: Frank Clark is gone you say? Let’s just fill that void real quick. Insiders are saying that the medical staff will need to be a little more progressive because no one in the NFL has ever played long term with his heart condition, but records are meant to be broken. Montez is a beast on the field, and this didn’t stop him in college. Pairing him with Jarran Reed will give him a similar partner to Simmons at school where he should be able to dominate assuming he is cleared to play.

22.   Baltimore Ravens – WR DK Metcalf, Ole Miss: I really don’t like DK Metcalf… but then I looked at the WRs on Baltimore right now. Anyone reading this has only heard of two of them… Willie Snead and Seth Roberts. Neither of them is awe-inspiring, and while they do need to get some help at center… I know I can find a center in round 3-5, but you’re not going to get a prototype WR in the 3rd round or further. Oh, and by the way, they don’t have a 2nd round pick. So, a trade back here also makes a ton of sense too.

23.   Houston Texans – OT/OG Cody Ford, Oklahoma: The Texans are trading up… it’s just how far up do they go and for who. If they somehow did stay put… the only guy left on the board is really Cody Ford who could go anywhere from 22 to 40. Ford has protected the likes of Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray so protecting another quarterback that can be mobile in Watson shouldn’t be much of an issue.

24.   Oakland Raiders – RB Josh Jacobs, Alabama: Like the Seahawks, goodbye incumbent (Marshawn Lynch) and hello rookie! This is totally going to be Jacobs if he is here. The Eagles and Colts are both teams that could jump up to Baltimore to make sure they get him if they want him that bad. But I don’t see jumping in the first round for a running back to be completely honest. Jacobs split the backfield in college but that doesn’t mean he won’t be able to carve out the Kamara role for the Raiders.

25.   Philadelphia Eagles – Edge Brian Burns, Florida St: I don’t like Burns falling this far… but the Eagles sure do! Truthfully though, Burns is a guy that could be in the 12-32 range, but he is a 1st rounder for sure to me. The Eagles realize that edge rushers are always good to have and with Bennett in New England… there is a little opening. Eagles could go Lindstrom from Boston College at Guard or even Abraham at Safety, but Burns is too good of a value to pass up here.

26.   Indianapolis Colts – DT Jeffery Simmons, Mississippi St: The Colts have so few needs that they can afford to redshirt Simmons who tore his ACL in the offseason and had a spell of domestic violence before he was enrolled in school. It sounds like since that day he has not only been a model citizen but has gone above and beyond in his community. The Colts also realize that building through the draft is the way to go and “getting 2 first round picks” next year will be huge for this team’s super bowl window.

27.   Oakland Raiders – TE Noah Fant, Iowa: The Raiders would’ve taken him at 24 but realize that neither the Eagles nor Colts are needing a TE so unless a team trades up to get him (i.e. Patriots or Packers) the Raiders can get their new running back and tight end for Carr. Plenty of new toys for Chucky this offseason. Fant is a pass catching tight end but there have been concerns in circles about him and there is clearly a reason he isn’t in the same conversation as Hockenson as a top 12 pick when there are other tight end needy teams up there.

28.   Los Angeles Chargers – CB Rock Ya-Sin, Temple: This feels like the Chargers are in the perfect range for a corner and with the departure of Jason Verrett, they are back in the market. Greedy Williams is still on the board but as you can see, I am going with Rock here. Though I won’t be surprised if he goes here either. It seems like Rock has flown up draft boards and is going to be a great addition to Derwin at safety, Hayward at corner and King in the slot. That’s a great secondary and overall defense.

29.   Seattle Seahawks – CB Greedy Williams, Louisiana St: I don’t have Greedy falling farther than Seattle’s second pick. Rams and Patriots will always value a corner even if they don’t have an immediate need. But Seattle does! Their defense has always been their identity even with Russell getting his monster deal. Greedy is a get in your face press man slap your booty type of press man corner. I love him and he is going to crush it out in the pacific northwest.

30.   Green Bay Packers – WR Marquise Brown, Oklahoma: The Sooners will tie Clemson, Mississippi St, and Alabama with the most 1st rounders in this year’s draft (total of 3 each) once he is taken in the late 1st round. The Packers first round was about protecting Rodgers so he can stay upright and finish his contract. This pick is so he has another target because Marquez-Valdez Scantling ain’t doing it. Brown is going to crush it in the slot in Green Bay and fill the void the Cobb leaves. LOVE this guy to the Pack.

31.   Los Angeles Rams – S Johnathan Abraham, Mississippi St: The Rams just lost Lamarcus Joyner to the Raiders this offseason and can replace him with this thumper. The safeties are all about the same range and there is no consensus number one guy, but Abraham is mine. The Rams could also go with Dexter Lawrence from Clemson here because they lost Suh or virtually any edge rusher (maybe they climb up to get Burns if he falls). But in this case, I have the immediate loss of Joyner as more pressing.

32.   New England Patriots – DL Dexter Lawrence, Clemson: Of course, the Patriots land with this baller. And yeah I could’ve put Lawrence above like I mentioned and given the Patriots someone worse, but honestly when do I ever get what I want? Dexter is a big bellied beast and will dominate with Lawrence Guy along the interior. Totally a Patriots type pick and I’m not happy about it.

That is all I’ve got. I hope you enjoyed. Thanks for reading this far! If you did read, send me a message saying “Papaya’s in the morning” so I know you’ve read this far. I love you.

Sources: WalterFootball.com, Matt Miller Bleacher Report Big Board, my brain

2019 Mock Draft 1.0

Mock Draft 1.0

Rules: I’m not going to do trades this year because they are so impossible to predict. I am trying to make the prediction of what I think the team will take based on personal research, 30 visits, and gut feeling.

1.      Arizona Cardinals - QB Kyler Murray, Oklahoma: 2 years in a row a Sooner QB is drafted first overall. Sam Bradford would be proud. Honestly though, I feel bad for Josh Rosen. As a Cardinals fan though, I’m excited. This pick should signal the high-flying offense that was the exact opposite as last year. The future looks bright for this team.

2.      San Francisco 49ers – Edge Nick Bosa, Ohio State: I don’t think he is the best player in the draft. Nor do I think that Kyler is. But regardless, the 49ers go with the best EDGE player available and the family name that has dominated the NFL for some time.

3.      New York Jets – Edge Josh Allen, Kentucky: Still not the best player in this draft class. However, the Jets don’t need that position. But you pair a young DL stud to go with their young QB for the next 12 years and I’m kinda not happy that the Jets are in my division anymore.

4.      Oakland Raiders – DT Quinnen Williams, Alabama – THE RAIDAAAAZ somehow get the best player in this draft at 4. This guy isn’t your Aaron Donald type but he is easily your Suh and is probably better than him. I have a really hard time finding someone that has any complaint about him. He can’t replace Mack but he will make an impact that is uncommon at the DT position.

5.      Tampa Bay Buccaneers – DE Rashan Gary, Michigan: Honestly… I have no idea what happens at this pick. There is a need now at LB so Devin White from LSU would fit here. They could pick from either Sweat or Gary here but I am going off the fact that they have done some serious looking at Gary per WalterFootball.com. It’s not like you can ever have enough pass rushers either and the potential here is off the charts. But a lot of people complain that while the potential is there and that Michigan didn’t play the scheme for him to be successful, it is somewhat noteworthy that there is virtually no good tape to be able to back this top 5 pick up.

6.      New York Giants – QB Daniel Jones, Duke: God I hope I’m wrong here and that the smoke screens are just fooling me because as a Dolphins fan I know how this one goes. This guy is Ryan Tannehill 2.0. Surprisngly mobile, not incredibly accurate, not a great deep ball. His teammates had a ton of drops so people will point to that but I just want to see more out of the 2^nd QB taken and am confused as to why it isn’t Haskins or Lock. Though Daniel Jones or Haskins does kinda remind me of Eli to an extent.

7.      Jacksonville Jaguars – OT Jawaan Taylor, Florida: This seems to be a unanimous pick here. Jacksonville is still on board with continuing to beef up this team so they can run down their throat and protect their new franchise QB. Jawaan will fill a void on the right side of that line and is definitely a tackle where some people guess about that with Jonah Williams.

8.      Detroit Lions – DE Montez Sweat, Mississippi St: This pick makes a ton of sense. First, probably the best guy on the board still. Second, “aww man we just lost Ansah, we gotta fill that void. Oh hi Montez!” Sweat looks like a workout warrior and a beast, my only worry is how much of that was a product of another beast on that DL Jeffery Simmons eating up multiple blockers. Solid, safe, smart pick here.

9.      Buffalo Bills – OT Jonah Williams, Alabama: This pick is a tough one too. This feels like a OL or DL pick. Buffalo also wants to be a ground and pound team. They traded their starting tackle last year to the Bengals (Cordy Glenn) and their two DEs are not likely to be on the team in 2020, but I have kinda leaned either Dillard or Williams over Oliver and Co. (see what I did there 😉) . At the end of the day though I don’t know if this pick messed up the next few picks because….

10.   Denver Broncos – QB Drew Lock, Missouri: John Elway has been picking up the wrong part of the QB trade for a little bit from Case Keenum to Trevor Siemian to Paxton Lynch and now he brings in Joe “Cool” Flacco. While Flacco while make some great plays this year up in mile high, I expect him to take the Chiefs model and go with what I feel is the 3^rd best QB in this draft over Haskins.

11.   Cincinnati Bengals – QB Dwayne Haskins, Ohio St: And it’s not like Haskins will wait very long to hear his name. Only reason I’m not completely sold on this pick is that Zac Taylors introductory press conference was half about raving on Andy Dalton. Not sure why you would sell your soul for Dalton but alas… they did. If Cincy doesn’t take him here, I am very confident that some other team (hint hint Washington) will trade up to get above Miami because they don’t want to take the chance and trading from 15 to 11 isn’t going to be worth the whole ranch.

12.   Green Bay Packers – DT Ed Oliver, Houston: I’m not gonna speculate on this one because to be honest I have no idea what the Packers will do. They have like no official visits that have been reported. They have plenty of defensive needs as always and I’d like to be able to pick an edge here but they didn’t visit with Brian Burns but they did with Ed Oliver who could play various positions for the Green & Gold.

13.   Miami Dolphins – DE Brian Burns, Florida St: Firstly before I say anything about this pick… PLEASE TRADE BACK! Especially if this is how the board falls. Second, the Dolphins I think really want Sweat or Gary and possibly Oliver. They’ve done a lot of work with Sweat and Gary but they won’t trade up to get them. They like the Clemson DL too between Wilkins, Lawrence and Ferrell, I think that Wilkins would be their guy if they go that route. The ONLY reason I am picking Burns here is because a reporter I trust, Armando Salguero, reported that Burns would be his pick based on his college tape and potential vs other kids like Gary that only have potential and no tape. He isn’t the Dolphins and this pick will likely be changed in 2.0 next week, but this is where I land for now.

14.   Atlanta Falcons – CB Jerome Baker, Georgia: One of the biggest needs here is at DB with them losing one of their boundary and slot corners this offseason. Jerome is a local product and if the Falcons let a guy that plays college ball in their backyard get away they may just be kicking themselves. The cornerback big board is different for every team and while I love Greedy Williams, Baker and Murphy might just be a little safer for teams in the middle of the 1^st round.

15.   Washington Redskins – WR DK Metcalf, Ole Miss: Let’s be clear here. I am not a fan of DK. He has bust written all over him to me. People will look at his great combine numbers but I keep getting stuck on his 3 cone drill. I really don’t want my 1^st round talent WR to be as stiff as a board and not be able to divert from a straight line. No he isn’t a lot and he is good at highpointing the ball, but if it isn’t in his area how is he gonna get there? This pick is honestly just a product of all of the QBs gone and I can see a trade back here if someone really wants Jonah Williams or Andre Dillard.

16.   Carolina Panthers – OL Jonah Williams, Alabama: And the reason they will need to trade up is because Carolina could really use a tackle. Some teams view him as a guard rather than a tackle so it will be interesting to see who takes him and where he plays because he much prefers to be a tackle. That said, when picking between Jonah and Andre, most will go with the sure Alabama prospect rather than a Washington State Cougar.

17.   New York Giants – LB Devin White, Louisiana St: If the Bengals and Broncos both go QB… honestly I’m not sure where the Devin’s fit. Sure White could go to the Bucs to fill a need or even to Detroit or Buffalo… but I just don’t have it here. There are so many great defensive players and LBs have been getting the butt of all the jokes because they don’t sack the quarterback or create interceptions. White is a sideline to sideline guy and will be a stud for the GMen.

18.   Minnesota Vikings – OG/C Garrett Bradbury, North Carolina St: This could be Jonah if he falls but I have a feeling that the Vikings will want to protect their 84 MILLION DOLLAR boy and get back to a ground and pound attack with Dalvin Cook. Bradbury is a mauler upfront and can play guard and allow Pat Elfelin to stay at Center.

19.   Tennessee Titans – DL Christian Wilkins, Clemson: A few years ago the Titans took a Clemson defensive lineman in Kevin Dodd and it was thought of as a steal. While this won’t be a steal, it also won’t end up the same as Dodd’s poor career. Wilkins is a beast in the middle and should be at least a solid starter for awhile.

20.   Pittsburgh Steelers – CB Byron Murphy, Washington: What an awful pick Artie Burns was a few years back. It was shocking and the awful reviews turned out to be correct. Byron is a solid safe player that will be playing for the Steelers for awhile. He won’t be as flashy as Greedy Williams will, but the Steelers just need something solid for now to shore up their awful secondary.

21.   Seattle Seahawks – CB Greedy Williams, Louisiana State: Seattle doesn’t have the biggest need at corner (although you can always use a shutdown defender), but this just feels like such a Carrol/Schneider pick. A young ballhawk to play on the outside and dominate these young NFC West QBs (Goff, Kyler, JimmyG is young in snaps).

22.   Baltimore Ravens – LB Devin Bush, Michigan: I don’t know if this is such an old Baltimore regime type pick but they love getting their defensive studs and with CJ Mosley going to Gang Green here is a great backer for the rangy Ravens.

23.   Houston Texans – OT Andre Dillard, Washington State: This makes all the sense. Texans need to do anything to help Deshaun Watson stay healthy and on his feet. They’ve met with Andre twice and he is the best OL on the board by a good margin.

24.   Oakland Raiders – TE TJ Hockenson, Iowa: Another player that I feel like fell way too far but that the QBs make drop. The Raiders somehow get a player that could be drafted in the top 10 by the Lions or Bills or Broncos. He won’t last this long but anything is possible on draft night.

25.   Philadelphia Eagles – CB Rock Ya-Sin, Temple: The later the draft goes, the harder it gets to slot picks in because these teams don’t have many obvious holes. The Eagles secondary however could be worked on. Another home ball player that even plays his home games at the Linc. I expect that Philly will have done their homework and this is about the beginning of Ya-Sin’s range.

26.   Indianapolis Colts – DT Jeffery Simmmons, Mississippi St: In my opinion, Jeffery is one of the biggest reasons for Montez Sweat’s success. Constantly in double teams but he falls so far because he tore his ACL in the draft process. I don’t know if he will fall as Sidney Jones did a few years ago because of his supreme talent. I really hope the Dolphins have a shot at him in the 2^nd but I doubt he lasts that long.

27.   Oakland Raiders – DL Clelin Ferrell, Clemson – Probably one of the best guys still on the board and at a position that the Raiders are lacking a bit (at least they got 2 1^st rounders from Chicago). Ferrell was on one of the best DLs college football has seen in awhile. This should be a solid pick and a little more comforting knowing they got two top 10 talent guys (Q Williams and Hockenson) as well as an additional edge rushers. Great first draft for Mayock and Gruden.

28.   Los Angeles Chargers - DL Dre’Mont Jones, Ohio State: I’m at the point of the mock where you aren’t reading anymore and I’m running out of people that I know to put here on teams that are to be honest pretty stacked. The Chargers have more or less zero holes but you can always use more big bodies.

29.   Kansas City Chiefs – S Johnathan Abraham, Mississippi State: Kansas City lost their emotional leader in Eric Berry. While Abraham didn’t beat cancer TWICE, this player is one of the most emotional trash talkers on the field. The Chiefs need a dog in their secondary because to be honest it looks like it is just puppys back there.

30.   Green Bay Packers – OG Cody Ford, Oklahoma – This guy can literally go anywhere. I’ve seen him as high as pick 11 to a 2^nd rounder. I fully expect the Packers to be pumped to get a replacement for Brian Bulaga after his retirement.

31.   Los Angeles Rams – TE Noah Fant, Iowa: Why not? The rich get richer right? I don’t see a lot of immediate needs. Maybe pass rusher but there aren’t a ton that are of a great value like Fant here. I’m sure the Patriots are pissed HAHA TOO BAD NEW ENGLAND.

32.   New England Patriots – DL Dexter Lawrence, Clemson: And it isn’t like the Patriots still don’t get a great player. Lawrence is a smaller DT but he is a bully. Belichick will figure it out with him I’m sure which is just plain annoying.

Sources: WalterFootball.com, Matt Miller Bleacher Report Big Board, my brain