Tyler Biadasz
Jordan Katz 2020 NFL Mock Draft 2.0
Happy New Year everyone! I hope every one had a terrific New Year’s Eve, and to paraphrase Chris Berman, let me be the first to wish you all a safe, happy, and healthy new year.
Today is more than just the beginning of the new year. With the NFL regular season wrapped up, it’s officially…. drum roll please….
MOCK DRAFT SEASON!
We have got a very interesting set of prospects this year. By now you probably know how good the running backs and receivers are, but this year also has a bevy of talent at the cornerback position as well. The first round projected players are also as good of a group as we have seen in a long time. If you need talent to expedite a rebuild, this group has got it.
For those who are just reading for the first time, this is my own personal mock draft where I take control of all 32 teams and play out the draft process. I try to make what I feel is the best possible move for the team at that point in the draft. For example, if a player is available for the Kansas City Chiefs, but he’s a slightly better fit for the New England Patriots, I do not take that into account. If the Los Angeles Chargers want to trade up but the right scenario is not there, no trade is made. In short, this is what I think each team should do if the draft were taking place tomorrow.
We do have trades in this mock draft, and all trades that took place in said mock are denoted by an asterisk next to the team. If there is no asterisk, then the trade was made prior to the making of the mock draft by the actual teams. Mock Draft SZN is off and running, let’s roll.
ROUND ONE
1) Cincinnati Bengals: Chase Young, EDGE Ohio State- NFL teams are often forced into selecting a Quarterback before they are ready to compete because QBs dominate the current NFL. You have to have one to succeed in any sort of fashion, and there is a lot of pressure on teams to find that guy. The problem with that is, you can wind up ruining your Quarterback before you ever learn what he can be by playing him behind a bad offensive line and with a poor supporting cast. This is why I believe teams should build a roster and then insert their QB of the future.
The Cincinnati Bengals have the easiest excuse in the world to do this. Not only is Chase Young the runaway best player in the country and a Heisman Trophy candidate, but he’s a hometown guy that will sell tickets. The problem NFL teams in a rebuild face when it comes to the QB vs Build the Roster debate is that football is a business, and you have to sell tickets. Nothing sells tickets in the NFL like a young Quarterback with promise.
Having said that, Young went to THE Ohio State. People will show up to see Chase Young ball out. Therefore, not only is Chase Young the right move from a team building standpoint, he’s also the right move from an owner’s perspective.
Editor’s Note: By no means would Joe Burrow be a “wrong selection.” I love Burrow, I think he’s the real deal. I just also think filling out a roster before inserting the QB is the better way to build a team.
2) *Miami Dolphins via Washington Redskins: Joe Burrow, QB LSU- In a weird turn of events, Miami wins too much, but still finds their way into selecting the Franchise QB they need. Burrow is incredibly accurate, and he does a terrific job of letting his playmakers go get 50/50 balls. That’s a skill set to be desired in the modern day NFL. Showing the knowledge of when to take the one-on-one opportunity and having the touch to make the throw is what many passing attacks are all about.
Now for the fans that are wondering why the Dolphins would not also follow the Bengals team building blueprint, Miami still has two other first round selections during the 2020 Draft. They have the capability to move all around the draft board and fill out their roster to the point where Burrow will not be thrown to the wolves. Cincinnati takes Young and waits for Trevor Lawrence next year, Miami takes Burrow to get better right now.
3) *Carolina Panthers via Detroit Lions: Andrew Thomas, OT Georgia- Andrew Thomas is legitimately the best offensive line prospect I have ever scouted. He’s an elite athlete with textbook footwork (I should mention he’s 6’5 320). Thomas has a powerful first punch, as well as an elite counter-punch when working against opposing rushers. To top it all off, the dude is a straight mauler in the run game. Carolina trades up for a franchise changing left tackle.
4) New York Giants: Tristian Wirfs, OT Iowa- There are some rumors around Wirfs going back to school, and this scenario here is why he should not. Too many teams at the top of the draft need offensive line. Even if Joe Burrow went first, Wirfs most likely goes in the top 10. If Young went first, and some panic set in, Wirfs can climb towards the very top of this board because he’s one of only two complete offensive tackles in this class. He’s got NFL size, he’s quick to get his hands on defenders, and much like Thomas, he can drive players backward in the run game with a powerful base and strong hands.
Editor’s Note- We have now hit the “what will David Gettleman do,” portion of the show, so buckle up Giants fan. Remember last year how I told you well in advance that Daniel Jones was going at six, even though everyone knew no one had him at a round one grade besides the Giants? Well here comes round two. Dave Gettleman has never… EEEEEVVVVEEEERRRR (Wrestling reference), selected an OL in round one during his tenure as a GM of the Panthers and the Giants. This pick will most likely be WR1 in the 2020 Draft. Consider this your warning.
5) *Washington Redskins via Miami Dolphins: CeeDee Lamb, WR Oklahoma- As good as Terry McLaurin has looked, most teams need more than one quality receiver to succeed in the modern day NFL. Lamb is explosive with the ball in his hands and he stretches the field as good as anyone in the draft.
6) Los Angeles Chargers: Tua Tagovailoa, QB Alabama- This may be an out of the box idea, but I think it’s the one that has the best long term advantage for the Chargers. Philip Rivers is on the decline, and even if he does have some football left in him, it’s one year at most. That works perfectly for Tagovailoa, who will be recovering from hip surgery this offseason. If he beats out Rivers, that’s great. If not, he can sit a year and learn how to read coverage along with making secondary throws (which is definitely his weak spot); all of which will help him come into the starting role in 2021. I think this is an ideal scenario for both the team and the player.
7) *Detroit Lions via Carolina Panthers: Jeffrey Okudah, CB Ohio State- If Detroit does move on from Darius Slay this offseason, then corner becomes the primary, secondary and tertiary need for them at the top of the draft board. Okudah headlines what has become a very quality cornerback class at the top. He has NFL size and length, and he looks extremely comfortable in multiple looks (although he does excel in man-to-man). This is a natural fit, assuming Matt Patricia returns as head coach.
8) Arizona Cardinals: Derrick Brown, IDL Auburn- You simply cannot teach Derrick Brown’s elite athleticism. He’s lightning quick off the snap of the ball, and can win against opposing offensive linemen with quickness or with power. Putting him up front with Chandler Jones would make an elite combo in Arizona.
9) Jacksonville Jaguars: Isaiah Simmons, LB Clemson- Simmons is the most underrated and underappreciated player in this draft. He is the modern day linebacker; an elite athlete with freakish range from sideline to sideline and the ability to cover tight ends with no help. Oh, and he runs a 4.35 and can do anything you ask of him in the box. This is a player you can build a defense around in the modern game.
10) Cleveland Browns: Jedrick Wills, OT Alabama- Offensive line has to be the primary focus for the Browns during the offseason, particularly on the right side. Fortunately for Cleveland, Jedrick Wills is a natural fit at RT. He’s not an elite athlete, but he’s able to get his hands on opponents quickly and use his power to alter the course of opposing rushers.
11) New York Jets: Henry Ruggs III, WR Alabama- I know what you’re thinking Jets fans, “how are you picking Ruggs over Jerry Jeudy? Isn’t Jeudy the consensus top receiver?”
Look, Jerry Jeudy is a stud, no arguments here. However, even though Jeudy is a phenomenal route runner, he does have his fair share of drops. The difference to me between Lamb and Ruggs versus Jeudy is the two others are the definition of playmakers. They make something on a play with the ball in their hands. And because both are quality route runners in their own right (Ruggs is a better route runner and a more complete receiver than he is given credit for), they both get the nod over Jerry Jeudy on my personal board right now.
12) Oakland Raiders: Jerry Jeudy, WR Alabama- Oakland put together a nice season considering their lack of weapons offensively. To make the jump they want to in 2020, they need to grab a WR1 in round one.
13) Indianapolis Colts: Jacob Eason, QB Washington- 2019 will be highlighted as a season that could have been for the Colts. What could the season have looked like if their offensive weapons stayed healthy? Most importantly, what could the season have looked like if Andrew Luck, not Jacoby Brissett, was the captain of the ship?
Jacob Eason is an ideal fit for how the Colts want to play. They want to run the ball, play action off of the run, and take their chances down the field to TY Hilton when it’s there. Eason is a good play action QB, he has a cannon for an arm, and when the pocket is clean, he can make just about any throw in the book. Much like Tua earlier, this feels like a natural fit for the team and the player.
14) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Grant Delpit, SS LSU- Delpit had a “Derwin James esque,” final season at LSU. His play was inconsistent and his effort was up and down. Having said that, he is still a big time playmaker in the back end. Delpit is best when he’s closer to the line of scrimmage, although he is quick to process the play that’s happening when deeper in the secondary. Hopefully teams learn from the Derwin James fiasco and still take Delpit towards the top of the draft.
15) Denver Broncos: AJ Epenesa, DL Iowa- I think the most natural fit for Epenesa at the next level is playing 3-4 DE. At 6’6 280, Epenesa already shows the ability to beat interior linemen with a bevy of moves and a quick first step. He’s a disciplined player against the run as well. Therefore, seeing as how he’s not a natural “dip and bend,” edge rusher, it might make the most sense to kick him inside at the next level. Denver selects the Iowa standout here as their replacement for Derek Wolfe.
16) Atlanta Falcons: Kristian Fulton, CB LSU- Fulton is a really interesting study. He has the ability to shine in man-to-man as well as off coverage because of elite footwork, impressive athleticism, and really good ball skills. The negative is, he lacks physicality. Fulton is not strong in press coverage and he’s not a great tackler either. I think the positives in his game outweigh the negatives, but it will be interesting to see if the NFL agrees come April.
17) Dallas Cowboys: Paulson Adebo, CB Stanford- Adebo could be my favorite player in this draft, because his upside is so high. As a former wide receiver, Adebo shows aggressiveness in jump ball situations, and already has a great feel for when to break on the football. His footwork does need to improve, particularly his technique with his lower body when mirroring receivers in man coverage. Having said that, what makes him so interesting is that he already shows a terrific understanding of defensive alignments despite only a few years of experience at the cornerback position. Give Adebo some time and he could become a star.
18) Miami Dolphins via Pittsburgh Steelers: Tyler Biadasz, IOL, Wisconsin- If the Dolphins are going to take a Quarterback at the top of the draft, then it makes sense to bolster his offensive line with one of their other first round selections. Biadasz may lack the ideal NFL length, but his technique is flawless. He shows the smarts to pick up blitzes and stunts, and the power to wall off said pass rushers.
19) Oakland Raiders via Chicago Bears: Javon Kinlaw, IDL South Carolina- The Raiders were dead last in sacks during the 2019 campaign. One of the reasons for that is they lack a three technique with the athleticism to change the game. Kinlaw is that dude.
20) Jacksonville Jaguars via Los Angeles Rams: Bryce Hall, CB Virginia- This is a little high for the “tier 2,” of corners, aka the ones after Paulson Adebo, but Jacksonville desperately needs CB help. Hall is a smart corner with good ball skills and shows quality technique in off coverage, but durability and quickness are a concern.
21) Philadelphia Eagles: Laviska Shenault Jr., WR Colorado- Carson Wentz balled out down the stretch of the regular season. You know how I know that? I was called and asked to suit up at receiver because of all their injuries (okay, bad joke, but you get the point).
This offense desperately needs a legitimate playmaker on the outside to compliment Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert. Enter the YAC legend himself, Laviska Shenault.
22) Tennessee Titans: Xavier McKinney, FS/SS Alabama- McKinney may not wow with athleticism the way Grant Delpit does, but he shows NFL level instincts in the back end. He is also very comfortable in cover one, which is a big plus for the Titans defense should he wind up in Nashville.
23) Buffalo Bills: Jalen Reagor, WR TCU- Even with Buffalo’s improved receiver core, the Bills could still benefit from a legitimate threat along the outside. Reagor is a perfect fit in a Josh Allen led offense. He’s a quality route runner, a home run threat, and he can make plays with the ball in space. Drops are a bit of an issue, but Reagor’s future is bright at the next level.
24) Minnesota Vikings: Jeff Gladney, CB TCU- Gladney is one of my favorite cornerbacks in this draft class. He has the ability to mirror receivers from the slot or the boundary position. His hips flip effortlessly and he stays attached really well. If he learns to be more physical and reroute runners with his hands, he could easily earn this spot. Minnesota has a lot of expiring contracts in the secondary, so the fit makes sense.
25) *Washington Redskins from Miami Dolphins via Houston Texans: Creed Humphrey, IOL Oklahoma- Humphrey is a very similar prospect to Tyler Biadasz. He’s not as technically sound, but he does have the ideal NFL size and length that Biadasz. Much like Miami with their second first round selections, Washington selects offensive line to help the development of their young QB.
26) Seattle Seahawks: K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE LSU- Chaisson returned from injury and dominated off the edge in 2019. He showed more than just the dip and bend ability, getting to the passer with power and multiple moves as well. His versatility to do just about anything as a rusher will make him a hot commodity come April.
27) *Atlanta Falcons via New England Patriots: JK Dobbins, RB Ohio State- The first of what is a world class running back group comes off the board here. Dobbins can do it all, much like just about all the running backs near the top. His vision along with his ability in open space make him an elite level playmaker from day one. Atlanta uses their assets they got from New England to come up and jump the Chiefs for RB1.
28) New Orleans Saints: CJ Henderson, CB Florida- Very high for Henderson here, but New Orleans needs a cornerback opposite Marshon Lattimore. Henderson has elite athleticism and shows solid mirror skills. His physicality is lacking, which means he will have to show improved technique at the combine in Indianapolis to warrant a top 50 selection.
Editor’s Note: Really aggressive move by me here putting Henderson in round one, but in my defense, this was a trade up by Alex Leatherwood until he went back to school.
29) Kansas City Chiefs: Travis Etienne, RB Clemson- I speak for every member of Draft Twitter when I say that this is the selection we need in April. Etienne’s 4.3 speed in the Chiefs offense would be unstoppable. He’s a perfect scheme fit behind their zone blocking scheme up front as well. This would be the greatest show on turf reincarnated.
30) Green Bay Packers: Justin Jefferson, WR LSU- The once vaunted Packers receiving core has become Davante Adams and nothing else. Priority one, two and three this offseason is getting Aaron Rodgers more weapons.
Jefferson wins one-on-ones from the boundary and slot position, but it’s his ability to separate at the top of the stem that makes him a really quality receiver.
31) *Tampa Bay Buccaneers via San Francisco 49ers: Justin Herbert, QB Oregon- The most ideal scenario for the Bucs this offseason is to franchise tag Jameis Winston and look to trade back into round one for a QB, similar to what Baltimore did a few years ago with Lamar Jackson. If they can execute that plan, the best target for them is Justin Herbert.
Justin Herbert is another really interesting study. His 2019 tape was so vanilla that it’s hard for anyone to change their opinion on him from what he was in 2018. Oregon asked him to play conservative, so he did. His receivers really struggled to separate as well. The one thing you could say with certainty is that he has the ability to make all the throws, but he has a tendency to force a few. I think Herbert would excel with Bruce Arians because Arians would help his decision making from day one.
32) Baltimore Ravens: Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE Penn State- With Matthew Judon most likely departing in free agency, EDGE rusher becomes the top need for the Ravens. I’m a big fan of Gross-Matos. He plays with a high motor, he has multiple moves and can line up at multiple spots along the defensive front, but still be effective as a rusher. This is a really good fit for him.
TRADES IN ROUND ONE
1) Miami Dolphins trade the #5, #25, #70 and a 2021 2nd Round Pick to the Washington Redskins for the #2 and the #130.
2) Carolina Panthers trade the #7, #38 and a 2021 2nd Round Pick to the Detroit Lions for the #3 and a 2021 6th Round Pick.
3) Atlanta Falcons trade the #47 and the #59 to the New England Patriots for the #27 and #115.
4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers trade the #45, a 2021 2nd Round Pick and a 2021 4th Round Pick to the San Francisco 49ers for the #31 and #190.
ROUND TWO
33) *Jacksonville Jaguars via Cincinnati Bengals: Curtis Weaver, EDGE Boise State
34) Indianapolis Colts via Washington Redskins: Raekwon Davis, IDL Alabama
35) Detroit Lions: Julian Okwara, EDGE Notre Dame
36) New York Giants: Kenneth Murray, ILB Oklahoma
37) Los Angeles Chargers: Mekhi Becton, OT Louisville
38) *Detroit Lions via Carolina Panthers: Hamsah Nasirildeen, FS/SS Florida State
39) Miami Dolphins: D’Andre Swift, RB Georgia
40) Arizona Cardinals: Lucas Niang, OT TCU
41) Cleveland Browns: Alton Robinson, EDGE Syracuse
42) *Cincinnati Bengals via Jacksonville Jaguars: Tee Higgins, WR Clemson
43) Chicago Bears via Oakland Raiders: Brycen Hopkins, TE Purdue
44) Indianapolis Colts: Tyler Johnson, WR Minnesota
45) *San Francisco 49ers via Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Prince Tega Wanogho, OT Auburn
46) Denver Broncos: KJ Hamler, WR Penn State
47) *New England Patriots via Atlanta Falcons: Jared Pinkey, TE Vanderbilt
48) New York Jets: AJ Terrell, CB Clemson
49) Pittsburgh Steelers: Jordan Love, QB Utah State
50) Chicago Bears: Austin Jackson, OT USC
51) Dallas Cowboys: Jabari Zuniga, EDGE Florida
52) Los Angeles Rams: Leki Fotu, IDL Utah
53) Tennessee Titans: Trey Adams, OT Washington
54) Philadelphia Eagles: Cameron Dantzler, CB Mississippi State
55) Minnesota Vikings: Neville Gallimore, IDL Oklahoma
56) Buffalo Bills: Terrell Lewis, EDGE Alabama
57) Houston Texans: Cam Akers, RB Florida State
58) Seattle Seahawks: Nick Harris, IOL Washington
59) *New England Patriots from Atlanta Falcons via New England Patriots: Brandon Jones, FS/SS Texas
60) Miami Dolphins via New Orleans Saints: Devin Duvernay, WR Texas
61) *New York Jets from Seattle Seahawks via San Francisco 49ers: Trey Smith, IOL Tennessee
Editor’s Note: This is pending his medical evaluations coming back clean.
62) *Los Angeles Chargers via Green Bay Packers: Jonathan Taylor, RB Wisconsin
63) Kansas City Chiefs: Jaylon Johnson, CB Utah
64) Baltimore Ravens: Darryl Williams, IOL Mississippi State
TRADES IN ROUND TWO
1) Jacksonville Jaguars trade the #41, #106 and a 2020 4th Round Pick to the Cincinnati Bengals for the #33.
2) New York Jets trade the #68, #110 and a 2021 5th Round Pick to the Seattle Seahawks for #61 and a 2021 6th Round Pick
3) Los Angeles Chargers trade the #71 and the #102 to the Green Bay Packers for the #62 and #223.
Jordan Katz Way Too Early 2020 NFL Mock Draft
WE ARE BAAAAAACCCCCKKKKKKKKK! Even though we are only a quarter of the way into the NFL season, it’s never too early to start looking towards the 2020 draft (and believe me, some teams are already doing that).
The rules for this mock were simple; no trades (because it’s way too early), and the draft order was projected by yours truly. So if you have a complaint on your favorite teams overall record, just know that my prediction will probably go haywire in every possible way.
Keep in mind, this is a very early look into the 2020 draft class. Right now, the quarterback class looks loaded, the skill position group is the most dominant I’ve seen in quite some time, and Chase Young looks better than Nick Bosa. It’s important to remember, there’s still a ton of time left in the collegiate season, and plenty of tape to digest. Plus, there’s the chaos that is Draft SZN. In short, a lot will change from now until April.
With all that being said, Mock Draft Lyfe never sleeps. So let’s get to it.
ROUND ONE
1) Miami Dolphins (Projected Record: 1-15): Tua Tagovailoa, QB Alabama- Miami is in the most obvious tank mode that has ever existed in the NFL. That’s why this pick is based on what they’re likely to do rather than my plans for this rebuild.
Tagovailoa has a big time arm and NFL level athleticism. He still struggles a bit with timing NFL open windows, but we’ve got a long way to go with this season. Right now, he’s the top QB for 2020.
2) Cincinnati Bengals (Projected Record: 2-14): Jacob Eason, QB Washington- Here’s where we shake things up. Many people would have the Bengals take Justin Herbert assuming they go quarterback.
However, Eason has had a much better start to his 2020 campaign. I’ve been impressed with the touch he’s developed on his throws, and he still has a cannon for an arm. Eason still needs to improve his footwork and force fewer throws, but the strides he’s taken so far make me think he has potential to be a big time NFL talent.
3) Washington Redskins (Projected Record: 2-14): Chase Young, EDGE Ohio State- Even though Washington took Montez Sweat last year, you need more than one pass rusher in the modern day NFL. Young is an elite talent and the best overall player in the draft right now. His get off is ridiculous, he has insane athleticism around the edge, and he can beat an opposing tackle with just about any move you could teach. Easy pick here for Washington.
4) Denver Broncos (Projected Record: 4-12): Grant Delpit, S LSU- The Broncos secondary is in shambles, and it will only be worse once they inevitably move Chris Harris. Delpit is easily the best secondary play in the draft. He can play close to the line of scrimmage, his coverage abilities are better than the traditional in-the-box safety, and his ball skills are NFL caliber. Delpit and Justin Simmons would make a lethal combination moving forward.
5) Arizona Cardinals (Projected Record: 4-11-1): Andrew Thomas, OT Georgia- Personally, I don’t understand how Thomas does not have more hype at this point. His tape is incredibly complete. He’s a mauler in the run game, with the athleticism to get to the second level. Thomas has incredible power in the pass game as well. The minute he gets his hands on an edge player, it’s game-set-match. He gains leverage with ease, and when he kicks out in pass protection, his first punch is powerful. This is the type of player the Cardinals need on their offensive line.
6) Atlanta Falcons (Projected Record: 5-11): AJ Epenesa, EDGE Iowa- Atlanta has struggled getting to the passer this year, and it’s been the downfall of their defense. Vic Beasley is not worthy of a contract extension, and Takk McKinley has just half a sack in four games. Epenesa is a complete defensive end. He can set the edge against the run, and then come off the blocks to make plays in the backfield. Epenesa has a quality set of moves, which allows him to be a presence in the passing game. If he becomes a more fluid dip and bend guy, Epenesa could go top five in April.
7) Oakland Raiders (Projected Record: 5-11): Jerry Jeudy, WR Alabama- I don’t know if you’ve heard, but Oakland made a move for a receiver this offseason and it didn’t quite work out. That’s right…. I’m talking about JJ Nelson.
JJ Nelson’s elite route running has been sorely missed in this passing attack. Fortunately, this draft is loaded at receiver, and at the top of the class is the best route runner I’ve seen at the collegiate level in a long time. Jeudy cuts on a dime and his explosiveness adds to his abilities as a route runner. So to replace…. JJ Nelson…. Oakland adds Jeudy.
8) New York Giants (Projected Record: 6-10): Tristan Wirfs, OT Iowa- The Giants offense looks a lot better through two weeks with Danny Dimes at the helm, but there’s still work to be done. Nate Solder looks a step slow against athletic edge rushers, and Mike Remmers is, well, Mike Remmers.
Wirfs has really quick feet, plus NFL level length. He’s consistent with his footwork in pass protection, and he has a strong counter-punch against an opposing pass rusher. He’s 1A to Andrew Thomas in this draft.
9) New York Jets (Projected Record: 6-10): Henry Ruggs III, WR Alabama- With the top two tackles off the board, the Jets move to their next big need on offense. Ruggs is ridiculously fast and a big time playmaker with the ball in his hands. What has surprised many so far this year is the development in his precision as a route runner. He still has room for improvement in that area, but if he can combine separating at the line of scrimmage with his 4.2 speed, this kid could dominate NFL corners for years to come.
10) Indianapolis Colts (Projected Record: 6-10): Justin Herbert, QB Oregon- Indianapolis is trying to navigate this season with Jacoby Brissett at the helm, and while they did opt to extend him, a short term extension does not show a great deal of faith. The golden situation for a quarterback heading into the NFL is being selected by a team with a really strong offensive line. The Colts have that now, but not having one for a long time might have costed them Andrew Luck’s career. It will not cost them the career of Justin Herbert.
11) Carolina Panthers (Projected Record: 6-10): Isaiah Simmons, LB Clemson- Simmons has elite level athleticism. Don’t believe me? He outran Travis Etienne in a 40 yard dash this summer.
Let me say that again. A linebacker, outran a running back with 4.4 speed, in a 40 yard dash. He’s that kind of athlete.
Having said that, athleticism is not the only facet of his game. Simmons has experience at safety, which helps his ability in coverage as a linebacker. He’s a sure tackler with elite sideline to sideline speed. Most importantly, he’s the new age linebacker defenses are looking for. Putting him next to Luke Keuchly is most certainly what you want if you’re a Panthers fan.
12) Miami Dolphins via Pittsburgh Steelers (Projected Record: 7-9): Tyler Biadasz, OG/C Wisconsin- “Offensive Line University,” is back with the nation’s top interior offensive linemen for 2020. Biadasz could’ve been a first round pick if he came out last year, but going back to school is going to catapult him into the top 15. His game is clean with very little weaknesses. Biadasz can win one-on-one reps in the pass game, and he moves with athleticism and power in both the pass and run game. Miami gets a future Pro Bowl Center with this pick.
13) Jacksonville Jaguars (Projected Record: 7-9): Jeffrey Okudah, CB Ohio State- My belief is that the Jaguars will trade Jalen Ramsey instead of paying him, which puts cornerback atop their wish list in 2020. The top corners in 2020 can all play big time man coverage, but the best of the bunch is Okudah. I’m a sucker for corners that can excel in cover one and cover three, and that is Okudah in a nutshell.
14) Detroit Lions (Projected Record: 7-8-1): Bryce Hall, CB Virginia- Speaking of man cover corners, Hall has big time skills in cover one and cover three along with quality ball skills. I think the one thing that still needs to improve for Hall is his footwork in off coverage. Having said that, putting him opposite Darius Slay would create an elite secondary in Detroit.
15) Minnesota Vikings (Projected Record: 8-8): Derrick Brown, DL Auburn- Brown is a menace along the interior. He wins with power in both the run and pass game, showing a strong lower base and the ability to stack and shed. He’s got powerful strikes and really quality rip move as a rusher. Brown should be a quality pro.
16) Tennessee Titans (Projected Record: 8-8): Joe Burrow, QB LSU- I think Marcus Mariota still has the ability to be a modern day game manager in the NFL. The problem is, I don’t know if you can pay that person 11-13 percent of the cap in the modern day NFL. Even if the Titans choose to franchise tag Mariota, that could put the Titans in the market for a quarterback in 2020.
Burrow has took the 2019 collegiate season by storm, dominating as the signal caller for LSU’s new look, high octane offense. He does not have the biggest arm, but he can read the defense well and he gets rid of the ball quickly. Right now, Burrow is easily the biggest riser during the early portion of the 2019 campaign (he’s also what people think Jake Fromm can be in the NFL, but that’s a different story for a later mock draft).
17) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Projected Record: 8-8): Creed Humphrey, OG Oklahoma- This might be a little high for Humphrey when we look back on this mock a few months from now, but OL is also the biggest need for Tampa Bay. Humphrey is terrific at gaining leverage at the point of attack. He mauls opponents in the run game. Now his pass protection needs some polishing, he can get off balance at points in time. Still, Humphrey is a quality prospect.
18) San Francisco 49ers (Projected Record: 9-7): Kristian Fulton, CB LSU- Fulton is another elite level man cover corner in the 2020 NFL Draft. Unlike Okudah and Hall, Fulton has a ton of reps as a press cover corner. He’s physical at the line of scrimmage, and he has the athleticism to trail receivers in man coverage. The Niners really need a number one corner, Richard Sherman is not that guy anymore. Fulton can be that guy.
19) Baltimore Ravens (Projected Record: 9-7): CeeDee Lamb, WR Oklahoma- Baltimore’s new look offense is scoring in bunches right now, but they still need a playmaker to complete this offense. Having just picked Hollywood Brown, why not go back to the well and pick his counterpart from Oklahoma?
Lamb is explosive, he’s dynamic with the ball, and he can make just about any play you can ask with the ball in the air. Deep ball ability? Check. High point ability? Check.
Hollywood-CeeDee-Mark Andrews would make for an elite level offensive unit in Baltimore.
20) Philadelphia Eagles (Projected Record: 10-6): Paulson Adebo, CB Stanford- Adebo rounds out the big four corners in this draft. He shows a higher IQ than the other three, particularly with his ability in off coverage. His technique out of his backpedal is much better than the other three. After the rest of the season, Adebo could jump the other corners in this draft.
21) Buffalo Bills (Projected Record: 10-6): Laviska Shenault Jr., WR Colorado- Buffalo’s offense still needs a number one wide receiver. Shenault has big play ability, he’s the best deep threat in this draft class. And for a team with Josh Allen at the helm, the deep play ability is crucial.
22) Oakland Raiders via Chicago Bears (Bears Projected Record: 10-6): Dylan Moses, ILB Alabama- Okay, here’s the deal. Yes, Dylan Moses blew out his knee. Yes, there are other defensive options here for the Oakland Raiders.
However, the Raiders need a captain of the defense, and a healthy Dylan Moses is a top ten player in this class. He will have plenty of time to heal from the injury, and could make a day one impact for any NFL team.
23) Miami Dolphins via Houston Texans (Texans Projected Record: 10-6): K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE LSU- In the spirit of “Miami needs just about everything,” they simply take the best player on the board, who also happens to have the most upside of anyone left.
Chaisson has elite dip and bend ability, and he’s shown the ability to long arm opposing tackles. Had Chaisson not been hurt last year, his buzz would be much higher right now.
24) Los Angeles Rams (Projected Record: 11-5): Raekwon Davis, DL Alabama- The Rams defensive line has not looked the same in 2019. Davis is quick off the snap and he has elite size and length for an interior defensive linemen.
My big concern with him moving forward is consistency. He flashes a quality club move, he stacks and sheds, and he can long arm opposing offensive linemen. The problem is, he’s just not consistent. He does not have elite pass rushing moves and he doesn’t dissect plays as well as his counterpart from 2018, Quinnen Williams. If he becomes more consistent during the rest of this season, Davis can move up the draft board.
25) Cleveland Browns (Projected Record: 10-6): Prince Tega Wanogho, OT Auburn- Here’s the problem with every offensive tackle in this class not named Thomas or Wirfs; the rest of the tackles have NFL size and length, but they lack the technique to excel in the NFL. Prince Tega Wanogho (ELIte level name) has big time length and quickness, but that technique is what will determine if he’s a first round talent, or a day two selection.
26) Los Angeles Chargers (Projected Record: 11-5): Travis Etienne, RB Clemson- The Chargers will be in the market for a running back after they opt to not pay Melvin Gordon this offseason. Etienne is my top running back among what is a loaded running back class. He’s an elite one cut runner with top end speed as good as anyone in the NFL right now. D’Andre Swift may be shiftier, but I’ll take Etienne’s home run ability and quality vision.
27) Green Bay Packers (Projected Record: 11-5): Tee Higgins, WR Clemson- Davante Adams is an elite wide receiver, no question about it. Opposite Davante Adams, however, is… well… nothing. Higgins is a big, physical receiver that high points the ball well and dominates in the red zone. He’s a perfect match for Aaron Rodgers.
28) Dallas Cowboys (Projected Record: 12-4): Xavier McKinney, S Alabama- Dallas does not have many weaknesses, but one of them is Xavier Woods constantly being injured. McKinney is a quality cover safety in the back end, and he’s also able to come up into the slot and play man coverage. I think his versatility is perfect for Dallas.
29) New Orleans Saints (Projected Record: 12-4): Trevon Diggs, CB Alabama- Diggs is physical in press coverage, using his length and strength to throw opposing receivers off their routes. Technically he still needs refinement, and he can get over aggressive in man-to-man situations. Despite this, his skill set matches the Saints aggressive defense, which could make this a perfect match in the back end of round one.
30) Kansas City Chiefs (Projected Record: 13-3): D’Andre Swift, RB Georgia- Imagine this; the “O Show,” which is what the Chiefs offense calls themselves (it’s also the best nickname I’ve heard this year), adds a game changing running back with elite quickness and sharp cuts. Some say the best defense is a good offense. This offense would be unreal.
31) Seattle Seahawks (Projected Record: 12-4): Lucas Niang, OT TCU- Much like Prince Tega Wanogho, Niang has elite size, length and quick feet. He also needs to clean up his technique. At times he plays high, and I think he can also play down to his competition in terms of his physicality. When he wants to, he’s got the raw power to dominate on the right side of an NFL offensive line.
32) New England Patriots (Projected Record: 14-2): Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE Penn State- I just give up on the Patriots. At this point, their dynasty will never die. After going a, projected, 14-2, and winning another, projected, Super Bowl, they luck themselves into an elite edge athlete in Gross-Matos. The rich get richer, yada yada yada.
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