Pick 1
Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
6'3 221 LBS
Burrow's 2019 campaign will go down in history, the National Championship and the Heisman Trophy winner will be the new face of the Bengals franchise. This pick is set in stone.
Pick 2
Washington Redskins
Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State
6'5 264 LBS
Chase Young is arguably the best player in this draft. Adding him to a defensive line that already has the likes of Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, and Montez Sweat could make the Redskins a scary proposition going forward. This pick is a no brainer.
Pick 3
Detroit Lions
Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State
6'1 205 LBS
Now, this is when things start to get interesting. The Lions could very well trade down here but assuming they stay put, they can’t pass on Jeffrey Okudah. They need a replacement for Darius Slade and Okudah is ready to start straight away. Okudah led the team with 3 interceptions and 9 pass breakups, whilst also posting 35 tackles and 2 forced fumbles. No cornerback jumped higher than Okudah’s 41-inch vertical jump or jumped further than his 135- inch Broad Jump score. They could get Henderson later in the first round if they do decide to trade down, they are a team full of needs so the pull of accumulating some picks will probably have the Lions listening to offers. The Chargers may look to jump in front of the Dolphins to try and secure a quarter back.
Pick 4
New York Giants
Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
6'4 312 LBS
The New York Giants Offensive Coordinator, former Cowboys Head Coach Jason Garrett will be asking for some protection for their second-year quarterback Daniel Jones. What better way to get him that protection than drafting arguably the best offensive lineman in this year’s draft Jedrick Wills. Wills is extremely athletic, he's got very quick feet and lightning-fast hands. The Giants may be open to moving down here, they could still get one of the top tier Offensive tackles later on. The Falcons and the Panthers could be interested in moving up to try and get Isaiah Simmons.
Pick 5
Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagoviloa, QB, Alabama
6'0 217 LBS
It is of the opinion that Justin Herbert is the 'safe' pick for the Dolphins due to the Haiwan's hip issues, but I think Miami will take the plunge. They famously passed on Drew Brees TWICE due to injury concerns, time to now not make that same mistake again, and get yourself a Brees prototype. Don't be surprised if the Dolphins elect to go for an Offensive Tackle here, it's a big position of need and I don't see any of my top 4 ranked OTs still being available in time for Miami's second pick. (Becton, Thomas, Wills, and Wirfs)
Pick 6
Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
6’6 236 LBS
The Chargers under-delivered last year, I believe this team with the players they have should be knocking on the door of the playoffs. A good draft here could make the difference, Phillip Rivers is gone and they need a replacement at QB. Herbert has your typical size and arm strength of an NFL QB, he may not be ready to start from Day 1 so we would probably see Tyrod Taylor once again serve the role as a bridge Quarter Back just like he did at the Browns with Baker Mayfield.
Pick 7
Carolina Panthers
Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson
6'4 238 LBS
Only the Dolphins’ defense leaked more points last season than the Panthers. This was a Panthers’ defense that still consisted of 7 time Pro Bowler Luke Kuechly. Simmons would be the perfect way to fill the void left by the Panthers legend, he’s one of the highest regarded players in the whole draft and looks set to be a superstar in the league. Simmons showed his versatility at Clemson, lining up in several different positions along with their defense. Simmons gives you explosive speed, no Linebacker ran faster than him in Combine. He also placed second for linebackers in the broad jump combine rankings, his athleticism is elite.
Pick 8
Arizona Cardinals
Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
6'5 320 LBS
The Cardinals have their franchise quarterback in Kyler Murray and they have plenty of weapons for him, they need to keep him upright. Tristan Wirfs has a combination of power and athleticism that makes him a very exciting prospect for Arizona. His combine was extremely impressive, he set the all-time record for offensive linemen in both the vertical jump and broad jump. His 40-yard dash was also a record for players weighing at least 320 pounds. His 36.5’ vertical jump was higher than the score set by a certain DeAndre Hopkins in his Combine Day. The big man has freakish athleticism and it wouldn’t be a shock if he was the first OT to come off the board.
Pick 9
Jacksonville Jaguars
Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
6'5 326 LBS
The Jags were 31st in rushing touchdowns allowed and opposing yards per carry, they need some reinforcements on their D line. Brown gained first-team Associated Press All-American and first-team All-SEC honours after posting 55 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 4 pass breakups, and 2 forced fumbles. Brown is a disruptive anchor on the interior. He didn’t perform as well as expected in the Combine, but I don’t see this stopping him from being the first Defensive Tackle to be drafted in this year’s draft. He is a great fit for Jacksonville.
Pick 10
Cleveland Browns
Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
6’7 364LBS
The Browns look set to try to upgrade both tackle positions in this draft, and Mehki Becton has the versatility to play either on the left or right side makes him a perfect fit. He has surprising athleticism for his size which will help in pass protection. Becton completed the 40-yard dash in 5.11 seconds, the fastest ever time recorded for someone over 350 pounds. The 6-foot-7, 364-pound Becton would slot into the Browns O Line immediately.
Pick 11
New York Jets
CeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
6'2 198 LBS
CeeDee Lamb is most probably the best wide receiver in the 2020 NFL Draft. His combination of size, athleticism, route-running ability, and tackle-breaking will make him a great weapon for Sam Darnold who needs them. Lamb led the Sooners with 62 receptions for 1,327 yards and 14 touchdowns in 13 starts in 2019.
Pick 12
Oakland Raiders
Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina
6'5 324 LBS
The Raiders are in need of a cornerback but there is great depth in that position later on, so I see them going for a Defensive Tackle here as Maliek Collins only signed a one year deal. Kinlaw is an excellent interior presence with an explosive first step, he earned first-team Associated Press All-America and first-team All-Sec honours in 2019.
Pick 13
San Francisco 49ers
Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
6'1 193 LBS
Jerry Jeudy is a route-running machine with tremendous playmaking ability after the catch who is ready to come in and make an immediate impact. Jeudy fits perfectly into the 49ers system as Kyle Shanahan looks to replace Emmanuel Sanders who moved to New Orleans in the offseason. Jeudy has scored a highly impressive 24 touchdowns over his last 28 games.
Pick 14
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
6’5 315LBS
Signing Tom Brady in the off-season shows the Buccaneers are in win-now mode. Adding Andrew Thomas who is perhaps the most ready-to-play OT in the draft, should provide immediate protection for the Bucs' star acquisition. Thomas was awarded first-team Associated Press All-American and first-team all-conference accolades.
Pick 15
Denver Broncos
Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
5'11 188 LBS
It’s clear the Broncos are set on Drew Lock at QB, they need to give him another weapon because they currently just have Courtland Sutton. Ruggs is a great athlete who will make plays for the Broncos. His 4.27 seconds time in the 40-yard dash at the combine was the fastest in this year’s draft, which is the 4th fastest time since 2006. He showcased his leap at the combine as well reaching 42 inches in the vertical jump, the second-highest score in the combine. With two nice weapons on the outside, Melvin Gordon at running back, and Noah Fant at tight end, Denver will be set with a young talented offensive group. Ruggs would be the second Alabama wide receiver to come off the board.
Pick 16
Atlanta Falcons
C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida
6'1 204 LBS
The Falcons now have plenty of quality options on offense, but the secondary stil needs help. Henderson led the Gators with 11 pass breakups, whilst also making 33 tackles and 3 for loss this is despite starting just 9 games after his season was cut short due to injury. He showed his lightning pace at the Combine recording a time of 4.39 seconds in the 40-yard dash. Henderson could have the biggest upside of any cornerback in the draft class.
Pick 17
Dallas Cowboys
K'Lavon Chaisson, EDGE/LB, LSU
6’3 254 LBS
Chaisson offers the possibility for 2020 production, but you are looking towards the next 3-5 years when taking someone like him. The pass rusher has a huge upside, he's just 20 years old making him one of the younger players in this year's draft. He recorded a team-high 13.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks among his 60 total stops in 13 starts in 2019. Chaisson would be an ideal fit on the opposite side of Demarcus Lawrence.
Pick 18
Miami Dolphins
Josh Jones, OT, Houston
6'5 319 LBS
The Dolphins must address the offensive line in this draft. They have the worst O line in the league, they need to upgrade it significantly in order to let any quarterback they may draft shine. The O line has been an issue for the Dolphins for several years, Drake and Tannehill have shined elsewhere when they were given time to play with better offensive lines. If the Dolphins play this smart, I think they could get Jones further down the line so a trade here would make sense.
Pick 19
Oakland Raiders
Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
6'1 202 LBS
The Raiders are very much in the market for a wide receiver and they are in luck because the 2020 Draft is full of top wide receiver options. Jefferson had a great 2019, he got 111 receptions which was tied for the FBS lead and was finished second in the nation for touchdowns with 18. Jefferson excels on third down and in the red zone plays.
Pick 20
Jacksonville Jaguars
A.J Terrell, CB, Clemson
6'1 195 LBS
The Dynamic Duo of Ramsey and Bouye is a thing of the past, the Jags need a new dominant cornerback. Terrell started in all of Clemson's 15 games in 2019, making 54 tackles, 2 for a loss, 7 pass breakups, and 2 forced fumbles.
Pick 21
Philadelphia Eagles
Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
6'0 229 LBS
The Eagles could go wide receiver here but this a very heavy wide receiver class, so I think they will wait until Day 2. Instead, I see them improving their linebacker options and Patrick Queen possesses rare athleticism and sideline to sideline speed that could prove to be a good fit in Philly. Queen started 12 of the 15 games in LSU's title run, posting 85 stops with 12 tackles for a loss.
Pick 22
Minnesota Vikings
AJ Epeneza, EDGE, Iowa
6'5 275 LBS
A.J. Epenesa's flexibility can help the Vikings at multiple positions on the defensive line. His combine performance has seen his stock fall but his 2019 season can not be overlooked and is bound to still be a first-rounder. The Vikings may look to trade back here to accumulate some picks they are need of a cornerback and there are several good options still on the board that could go in the second round. Ravens may be interested in moving up to get a linebacker.
Pick 23
New England Patriots
Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
6'2 241LBS
The Patriots are often the most difficult team to predict come Draft Day, I don't think they will draft a QB first round but instead go for a linebacker which is a top need for New England. Murray is one of the most athletically gifted linebacker in the 2020 NFL Draft, he has the speed and physicality to make him an impact player week one. Murray collected 17 tackles for loss, 4 sacks and 4 pass breakups in 14 starts in 2019. He has been praised widely for his character, he has helped his parents raise three adopted siblings with special needs.
Pick 24
New Orleans Saints
Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama
6' 201LBS
The Saints have arguably the most stacked team in the NFL, with no real needs. I see them drafting the best player left on the board and in this situation I have McKinney as the best player left and the best Safety in the draft this year. McKinney won the state Class 7A Defensive Player Of The Year award in 2019, he completed 82 tackles, 7 interceptions and 9 pass breakups in his senior season.
Pick 25
Minnesota Vikings
Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
6'4 - 216 LBS
The Vikings are in need of a wide receiver after trading Diggs to the Bills and losing Treadwell in free agency. Higgins would bring some size and red-zone ability to the Vikings' offense. The Bills and Rams may be interested in trading up into the first round to get themselves an edge rusher, with some top quality options still on the board and some teams in need of edge rushers to come.
Pick 26
Miami Dolphins
D'Andre Swift, RB, Georgia
5'8 212 LBS
No team had less rushing yards than the Dolphins last year, they are destined to be drafting a running back in the early rounds. In Swift they would have the best running back in this draft, in 2019 Swift earned first-team All-SEC honours with 1,218 rushing yards (6.2 yards per attempt) and 7 touchdowns, whilst also making 24 catches for 216 yards (9 yards per catch). I would not be surprised if the Dolphins do try to trade this pick, they could still get a top-quality running back in the Second Round. They may also fancy the guard Cesar Ruiz for this pick as they look to further improve their abysmal O line. The Bills could be interested in trading into the first round here if they really like the look of either Gross-Matos or Baun.
Pick 27
Seattle Seahawks
Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE, Penn State
6'5 266 LBS
Only the Dolphins produced fewer sacks than the Seahawks last season, they desperately need an edge rusher. Gross-Matos was named Penn State's Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2018, after leading the team with 20 tackles for loss and 8 sacks in 13 starts. I think it will come as no surprise if the Seahawks trade down here, the last time they didn't trade away their first pick was in 2011. The Texans could look to trade into the first round here and pick up either an EDGE or Defensive Tackle with both Baun and Blacklock still on the table. The Jaguars could also be interested in making a move up to secure Ross Blacklock.
Pick 28
Baltimore Ravens
Zack Baun, EDGE/OLB, Wisconsin
6'2 238 LBS
Baun is one of the most versatile linebackers in this year's draft, this should suit a team like the Ravens who value defensive flexibility. Inside linebacker seems the most uncertain position on the Ravens roster and Baun could come in and fill that need. Baun's stock rose in 2019, with him recording 19.5 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks which earned him second-team Associated Press All-American and first-team All-Big Ten honours.
Pick 29
Tennessee Titans
Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU
6'3 290 LBS
Following the trade of Jurrell Casey to the Broncos this offseason, I see the Titans looking to add some options to their defensive line. Ross Blacklock is one of the most exciting Defensive Tackles in this year's draft, he earned first-team All-Big 12 honours with 40 tackles, 9 for loss and 3.5 sacks in 12 starts last year. An achilles injury sidelined him for the entire season of 2018 and this may concern some teams but if he can stay healthy Blacklock could be a great pick for the Titans.
Pick 30
Green Bay Packers
Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State
6'0 205 LBS
Green Bay finally seems to have sorted their defense out, now I see them giving Rodgers another weapon to play with. Aiyuk picked up third-team Associated Press All-American and first-team All-Pac- 12 honours after leading the Sun Devils with 65 receptions for 1,192 yards and 8 touchdowns. He also excelled as both a kick and punt returner, he could be utilised on Special Teams from the get-go in Green Bay.
Pick 31
San Francisco 49ers
Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
6' 197LBS
Kristian Fulton is a very exciting proposition that should still be available late in the first round, he showcased both his explosive pace and agility at the combine. Sherman has one year left on his contract, they need his long term replacement and Fulton could fill his boots. Teams may have character concerns as in 2017, as he attempted to tamper with a drug test that saw him sit out the entire season. Fulton is coming off the back of an impressive year, which saw him play every game in LSU's title run posting 38 stops and a team-high 14 pass breakups. The 49ers have no picks in the 2nd, 3rd or 4th rounds, I’m expecting them to entertain offers to trade down to stockpile some picks. They can find some good value to add to their offensive line in the later rounds. The Jaguars and the Colts may be interested in trading up to secure Jordan Love if he's still on the board.
Pick 32
Kansas City Chiefs
Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU
5'10 191LBS
Cornerback would most probably be the number one priority for the Chiefs, with Kendall Fuller leaving in free agency and Bashaud Breeland having just one year left on his contract. Gladney's slender physique and below-average size may worry some teams but the Chiefs would be getting a reliable cornerback that will contest the vast majority of throws.
Hope you enjoyed the article, let me know what you think will happen in tonight's draft on twitter @brandon_hamme
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