The NFL Scouting Combine is in the rear-view mirror, which means teams have met with and watched hundreds of the draft’s top prospects up close and personal. Free agency is the next big roster task on the offseason schedule, but it’s time to get to mocking after a busy week in Indianapolis.
Related: Kyle Meinke’s 2020 NFL mock draft 2.0: Why I’m sticking with Ohio State’s Chase Young for Detroit
Let’s get into Ben Raven’s second mock draft of the year:
1. Cincinnati Bengals -- LSU QB Joe Burrow
There have been a couple attempts to get the Tua vs. Burrow conversation started following some positive medical reports, but the LSU quarterback feels like a lock here. The Heisman winner completed 76.3% of his passes with 5,671 yards with 60 touchdowns and only six interceptions while winning a national title.
2. Washington -- Ohio State DE Chase Young
It’s tough not to go with Tua here to be completely honest. Washington spent a first-round pick on Dwayne Haskins last season, and concerns with his ability to develop into a franchise quarterback are legitimate. Alas, it’s Chase Young as Washington spends another Day 1 pick on its defensive line/pass rush. This time, though, it’s a potentially generational disruptor in the Ohio State star for new coach Ron Rivera.
3. Los Angeles Chargers (via trade with Detroit Lions) -- Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa
In my first mock, I had the Dolphins trading up to the No. 3 spot. I’ve changed my tune with the stock of Jordan Love and Justin Herbert on the rise among a couple of other reasons. Miami has three first-round picks and might be best suited to use each of those on its very depleted roster. That’s where the Chargers come in.
Whether or not you’re the biggest believer in Tyrod Taylor, the Chargers have a roster closer to contention with the likes of Nick Bosa, Melvin Ingram, Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen and Derwin James locked up.
Allowing the Alabama quarterback to rest behind a veteran on a roster loaded with some star power should have general manager Tom Telesco ready to pay a king’s ransom -- especially in life after Philip Rivers and San Diego. Detroit could add some Day 2 selections and even stack some assets in 2021 in a trade with the Chargers. LA owns a pick in each round of April’s draft and can afford to part with more opportunities at adding depth than any of the other quarterback-needy teams.
4. New York Giants -- Ohio State CB Jeff Okudah
Sticking with Okudah to the Giants based on his ceiling and the fact some offensive linemen outside of the top tier showed up in a significant way in Indianapolis. New York will have about $60 million to spend in free agency, with the offensive line undoubtedly serving as one of its top priorities.
Okudah projects as a No. 1 cornerback in the NFL that can do it in man coverage and up in the press. That’s worth the No. 4 pick in the draft. The Giants spent their third and final first-round pick last year on DeAndre Baker, but the corner struggled mightily and there likely isn’t a better option than Okudah on the market.
Related: Jeff Okudah: It would be ‘magical’ to play with Darius Slay in Detroit
5. Miami Dolphins -- Oregon QB Justin Herbert
While Todd McShay and Mel Kiper have opened the argument between Jordan Love or Herbert as the No. 3 quarterback, I’m rolling with the Oregon signal-caller. The Dolphins keep their first-round picks and still add a quarterback of the future. Herbert has a cannon and is the most accurate passer in the draft when gifted with a clean pocket. Miami can focus on that whole clean pocket situation here in a minute.
6. Detroit Lions (via trade with Los Angeles Chargers) -- Clemson LB Isaiah Simmons
While not as sexy as stacking first-round selections, Bob Quinn finds a deal that loads Detroit up with picks over the next two drafts, including the rights to No. 6. Throw the questions about Simmons’ position and size out the window. The do-it-all defender feels and has the looks of a perfect prospect for Matt Patricia’s defense. Not just looking at the scheme, but examining the holes that Simmons could fill on the roster as currently projected.
Jarrad Davis and Christian Jones were bad last year. The pair finished as two of the eight-worst graded linebackers in the league per Pro Football Focus. Davis was better when his role and number of tasks were scaled back. Jones signed an extension during the season while struggling in just about every aspect, though.
Simmons, who measured in at 6-foot-4, 238 pounds while running a 4.39-second 40-yard dash, could help get these two off the field more while adding some much-needed athleticism and versatility to the room. He was excellent in coverage while at Clemson despite lining up all over the field.
While his size doesn’t scream safety, his speed and ability to move while in coverage does. Tavon Wilson remains without a deal, Will Harris struggled as a rookie and Tracy Walker might be better suited to drop back to free safety. Simmons somehow fits the mold of a Derwin James-Tyrann Mathieu type of player, which screams elite defender with that treasure chest full of skills. Having someone with his ceiling on the roster is worth the risk of finding that perfect positional fit.
Related: Clemson’s do-everything Isaiah Simmons cements his place as candidate for Lions with big combine
7. Carolina Panthers -- Iowa OL Tristan Wirfs
Wirfs climbs into the top 10 after setting the record for the highest vertical jump by an offensive lineman at 36.5 inches and then matching the top broad jump mark at 10.1 inches. He even led all offensive linemen with a 4.85-second 40-yard dash. Wirfs improved with each passing year in Iowa City and is a much-needed piece in Carolina, no matter who starts at quarterback.
Related: Tristan Wirfs says Lions’ T.J. Hockenson offered NFL advice while training in Iowa City
8. Arizona Cardinals -- Houston OT Josh Jones
Jones just makes too much sense here despite Alabama’s Jedrick Wills still being on the board. He was a four-year starter in a pass-heavy offense, and PFF’s highest-graded non-major conference tackle ever.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars -- Auburn DT Derrick Brown
Brown could go as high as the top three, and deservedly so. Jacksonville needs to replace Marcell Dareus and Brown was an elite, all-around wrecking ball in the SEC. He projects as the same at the next level and is absolutely in the conversation for the Lions, wherever the team picks from.
Related: Top-10 NFL draft prospect Derrick Brown has good talk with Detroit Lions
10. Cleveland Browns -- Alabama OT Jedrick Wills
Wills fell into the shadow of Wirfs and Mekhi Becton in Indy but remains a smart bet for the top half of the first round. He posted a 90.1 run-blocking grade last season per PFF and allowed only one quarterback pressure in his final five games.
11. New York Jets -- Louisville OT Mekhi Becton
People who measure in at 6-foot-7, 364 pounds aren’t supposed to run 5.11-second 40-yard dashes. Becton is the third-tallest and stands alone as the most massive offensive lineman in the draft. Sam Darnold needs some protection, and Le’Veon Bell could use a little space out of the backfield.
Related: First-round OL prospects Mekhi Becton, Tristan Wirfs wow with ultra-athletic combine showings
12. Las Vegas Raiders -- Oklahoma WR CeeDee Lamb
Lamb remains the first receiver off the board. All the talk surrounding Derek Carr’s future is worth monitoring after he posted a career-high 70.4% completion percentage while severely lacking top-flight options. He’s seemed to click in Jon Gruden’s offense, and Lamb could be just what the doctor ordered. He forced 26 missed tackles last season while averaging 13.2 yards per target. Lamb is a legit No. 1 threat and could extend Carr’s career as a Raider as the team moves to Vegas.
13. Indianapolis Colts -- Alabama WR Jerry Jeudy
No change here despite some impressive combine showings from other Day 1 prospects. Jeudy has drawn comparisons to Colts legend Marvin Harrison, with his combination of route running, fluid movement and underrated flat-out speed.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- Utah State QB Jordan Love
Enough with all the indecisiveness around Jameis Winston. With or without the former first-overall pick, the Buccaneers would be wise to invest in a young quarterback. The Bucs need to fill holes on defense and the offensive line, but wasting the prime of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin’s careers is a mistake the franchise can’t afford to make. Expect Love to continue to rise throughout the draft process with ESPN’s Todd McShay betting Mel Kiper $5,000 (for charity) that the Utah State quarterback would go before Herbert.
Related: Quarterbacks not named Tua the Lions could have their eyes on at NFL combine
15. Denver Broncos -- Alabama WR Henry Ruggs III
Ruggs didn’t break any records, but still cemented himself as the fastest player in this potentially historically deep receiver class. He ran an official 4.27-second 40-yard dash and posted an absurd 42-inch vertical jump. He scored on 24 of his 98 career catches at Alabama, and is a threat to go earlier.
Related: Alabama’s Henry Ruggs III didn’t break records but sits alone as fastest in loaded WR class
16. Atlanta Falcons -- LSU DE K’Lavon Chaisson
This is one of those fits that makes too much sense. The Vic Beasley experience is over, so send in the 6-foot-4, 250-pound edge rusher out of LSU.
17. Dallas Cowboys -- South Carolina DL Javon Kinlaw
While tempted to look at receivers or cornerbacks for the Cowboys, Kinlaw has top-10 talent. He posted PFF pass-rush grades of 88.7 and 90.7 over his final two seasons in college, making him an elite interior prospect.
Related: 8 potential Lions fits who were big winners at Senior Bowl practices
18. Miami Dolphins -- Georgia OT Andrew Thomas
Here are those Dolphins looking to shore up that offensive line. Thomas was a three-year starter in the SEC and posted elite all-around numbers as a junior per PFF.
19. Las Vegas Raiders -- LSU CB Kristian Fulton
Fulton screams NFL-ready cornerback with his elite man coverage ability. It’s hard to turn down someone who logged 306 snaps in the press while forcing an incompletion rate of 29.1% against the level of competition in the SEC.
20. Jacksonville Jaguars -- Alabama CB Trevon Diggs
Jalen Ramsey is in Los Angeles and A.J. Bouye now resides in Denver. Diggs comes in at 6-foot-2 as one of the most well-regarded corners in college football with his elite 90.1 PFF coverage grade.
21. Philadelphia Eagles -- LSU WR Justin Jefferson
Carson Wentz needs some serious help, and fast. Jefferson caught 111 passes for 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns last season and then wowed at the combine. The junior ran a surprising 4.43-second 40-yard dash. It’s also important to remember not a single receiver topped 500 yards last season in Philadelphia.
22. Buffalo Bills -- Clemson WR Tee Higgins
Josh Allen was aided by impressive seasons out of veteran receivers John Brown and Cole Beasley last season, but that doesn’t change the need here. Higgins averaged 19.8 yards per catch last season and could improve Buffalo’s offense fresh off a rare playoff appearance.
23. New England Patriots -- LSU S Grant Delpit
While the focus is justifiably on Tom Brady, the Patriots could also soon face life without Devin McCourty. Delpit is the top safety in the draft despite some tackling issues in 2019. He chalked those issues up to a lingering ankle ailment he was battling all season while at the combine.
24. New Orleans Saints -- TCU WR Jalen Reagor
Michael Thomas is coming off one of the most impressive seasons at his position in NFL history, but that doesn’t change the fact the Saints need to bolster their receiver corps. Ted Ginn Jr. isn’t getting any younger, and Reagor has an impressive combination of speed and agility. This might be considered a reach, but the need is difficult to ignore with the clock ticking on the Drew Brees era.
25. Minnesota Vikings -- Iowa EDGE A.J. Epenesa
Epenesa is an absolute first-round talent, and his increased exposure to the interior of the defensive line will only draw teams like the Vikings closer. He lined up on the interior 98 times this past season, which was a career-high for the pass-rushing specialist.
26. Miami Dolphins -- Baylor WR Denzel Mims
Mims is another riser coming out of the combine. The 6-foot-3, 207-pound receiver ran a 4.38-second 40-yard dash with a 38.5-inch vertical and could form a scary duo with DeVante Parker.
27. Seattle Seahawks -- Wisconsin LB Zack Baun
Baun was one of the most effective pass-rushing linebackers in college football last season with 12.5 sacks and a 91.0 PFF grade.
28. Baltimore Ravens -- Oklahoma LB Kenneth Murray
Murray probably deserves to go higher, but pass-rushing linebackers with more athletic traits are a hot commodity. Throughout his last 27 games at Oklahoma, though, Murray racked up 257 tackles, 29.5 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks.
29. Tennessee Titans -- Ohio State RB J.K. Dobbins
Tennessee could be without both Derrick Henry and Dion Lewis next season. Even if one of those two returns, the Titans need to add some depth out of the backfield. Dobbins is one of the most productive backs college football has to offer fresh off a 2,003-yard junior season.
30. Green Bay Packers -- Colorado WR Laviska Shenault Jr.
Shenault will reportedly undergo surgery for a core muscle injury, but that isn’t enough to knock him past Day 1. Green Bay notoriously doesn’t pick receivers this early, but the time is now with such a deep receiver class and a versatile weapon like this falling to No. 30.
31. San Francisco 49ers -- Georgia RB D’Andre Swift
What was it about the rich getting richer? The 49ers are loaded on the defensive line and could afford to throw a potential No. 1 back into the league’s top rushing attack.
32. Kansas City Chiefs -- Florida CB C.J. Henderson
Henderson’s 4.39-second 40-yard dash at 6-foot-1, 204 pounds is sure to keep him in the conversation on Day 1. He allowed just 28 first-down catches on 637 coverage snaps over the last two years. That’ll do.
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2020-03-11 11:53:38Z
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