First mock draft of 2020

I managed to squeak this in before the Combine went into full throw! Although, while I was in the process of writing this over the last week a few interesting things managed to happen. 1 – I cannot get credit for my outrageous thoughts on what he Lions should do. 2 – Greg Robinson did what? Per usual, I am going to set this up where I have the Should Pick and the Will Pick scenarios. So, my opinion is heavily waited on who the best players are in the former and my best guess with the traditional mock draft in the latter. Unlike previous years, I am not seeing a bunch of untouchables just yet but I am sure they will surface.

1.    Cincinnati Bengals – I have a scenario with a series of trades that I think could very well happen. Compensation on it might be slightly conservative but it begins with this spot here. That being said, no trading in this scenario so the Bengals stand pat

Should Pick: Joe Burrow QB LSU – The Bengals really should consider trading down from this spot so they can reload across the board. With that being said, Cincinnati is in dire need of a new hope to spark the team. Burrow has a lot of swagger and moxie but you do have to hesitate for a moment since he really was a one season wonder. 

Will Pick: The Same – Cincinnati and Zac Taylor cannot afford to pass on Burrow both from a production standpoint and a fan standpoint.

2.    Washington Redskins – Redskins have a lot of needs but at a certain point you have to take your shot at an elite player regardless of position to make your team better long term.

Should Pick: Chase Young DE Ohio State – These first two picks are pretty easy to predict if both teams stand pat. I am not quite as hot on Chase Young as I was on some former Ohio State Defensive Ends. He needs to show just a bit more technique over just dominating his opponents physically. With that being said, the ceiling is so high here that Washington has to take their shot on a potential once in a decade type of player.

Will Pick: Same – Again, this is a forgone conclusion unless somebody offers a mint to trade up with the Bengals.

3.    Detroit Lions – This is going to be a very coveted pick any way you slice it. I think it is a prime trade down spot for the Lions.

Should Pick: Tua Tagovailoa QB Alabama – Hear me out Detroit Lion Fans who just yelled at me. Apparently, Mel Kiper beat me to the punch here! I guess that is the price I have to pay for not being a professional and I have to do this in my free time. Here is my thinking, the Lions will not have a shot at a guy like this again for a long time. If they stayed here, it would be silly to pass up the best player available who you can ease into a starting role right when Stafford’s contract and best years have expired. Is there any other player really worth it at this spot?

Will Pick: Isaiah Simmons OLB Clemson – I am not buying that they will go with Okuda here, he is not a cannot miss prospect. Simmons may not be either but Patricia knows that a good rush will help the CBs so they can grab one later. Beyond that, Simmons is just a better player than Okudah.

4.    New York Giants – Again, this is going to be a prime trade down spot since I think there will be a run on QBs. Gettlemen is a bit unpredictable in his drafts but in a way, you have to applaud him for better (Daniel Jones who I really liked last year) or worse (Kelvin Benjamin) for sticking to his guns.

Should Pick: Tristan Wirfs OT Iowa – I am a big believer in protecting your young investment. There are countless QBs that fell apart despite being super talented. There are other tackles that are getting more press but I am a bigger fan of Wirfs than any of the other OTs in this draft. His feet are good and he is good at really understanding how to block for a specific play with redirecting defenders. Additionally, you are not going to find too many more experienced tackles coming out of college.

Will Pick: Andrew Thomas OT Georgia – There is a part of me that thinks Gettlemen would flirt with the idea of Isaiah Simmons had he not been taken already. The Giants clearly need to solidify their line and Thomas seems to be the most lauded OT at this point. The “what scares me factor” here is that Thomas was a part of a really solid line so that makes you look a bit better. To me it is a flip of the coin between him and Wills Jr.

5.    Miami Dolphins – Unless there was a major run on QBs due to trades (there will be) then the Dolphins have their shot at one of the top 3 elite ones here.

Should Pick: Justin Herbert QB Oregon – The Dolphins cannot afford to leave this draft without a viable QB. I had hopes (though I did not care for him coming out of College) that Josh Rosen would get on the field and show some potential but it simply did not happen. I am not totally sold on Herbert. He seems a little skittish in the pocket at times but he showed a lot at the Senior Bowl and in his career in general.

Will Pick: Tua Tagovailoa QB Alabama – All of the same things as above but Tua is a much better prospect than Herbert if you ask me. With his hip healing up well this seems like a slam-dunk. I keep asking myself if a healthy Tua deserves to go #1 and I go back and forth on it. If this is how things fall, I think the Dolphins have a top notch QB for a long time.

6.    Los Angeles Chargers – The Chargers letting Phillip Rivers is a little bit of a head scratcher to me. They do not have a replacement on their roster (I guess Tyrod Taylor) so they are crossing their fingers that they can get somebody in the draft.

Should Pick: Jedrick Willis Jr. Alabama – The QB well has dried up a bit in this scenario. I am a big believer in the building from the line back. Additionally, I pretty much call for the Chargers to take an OT in the first round every year for some reason. With all that being said, Russell Okung is not the most durable, is getting up there in age, and is expensive. It is time to bring in some young blood and Willis will fit that bill. Let’s see if a veteran finds their way into town or they can grab somebody in round 2.

Will Pick: Justin Herbert QB Oregon – I think Herbert is the last of the QBs worthy of going in the first round and I think there is a big gap ahead of and behind Herbert. With that being said, he is good enough to be a starting QB and the Chargers have backed themselves into a corner here.

7.    Carolina Panthers– The Panthers are in an odd spot here where they are likely to let Cam Newton go and honestly they should. He never had true QB skills exactly, his game was running around to free up his receivers and taking off when need be. But the miles are catching up to him.

Should Pick: Isaiah Simmons OLB Clemson – It is not totally clear as to what defense the Panthers will run but it is likely a 3-4. However, Simmons is the type of guy that should fit any system and will bring some juice to the defense. At this point, there is no way that Simmons should get past the Panthers unless one of the top QBs falls.

Will Pick: Jordan Love QB Utah State – Love is a real gamble at this point but the tools are there. He plays like a wild puppy which comes with both good (crazy good plays) and bad (mistakes). If he can be honed and coached then this might turn out to be a solid pick. Jake Peetz has worked with a young QB in Derek Carr but it was only one season and it was somewhat successful.

8.    Arizona Cardinals – The Cardinals are in a nice spot here to grab the best player available and can set themselves up for the future. Last year, they went with the guy that they thought they needed to be successful and I have a suspicion that they will do the same again this year regardless of who is available.

Should Pick: Derrick Brown DL Auburn – Brown is too dynamic to pass up at this point and he can be a real weapon in a 3-4 as he can play all three positions as well as being a great fit for nickel. Maybe it is not their greatest need on the surface but it is the right pick here.

Will Pick: K’Lavon Chaisson OLB LSU – Chaisson should have an easier transition to OLB in the NFL than any of the other top rushers and it fits the Cardinals need. I am not quite as high on the majority of the edge rushers in this draft. It might also be too hard to pass up on Jeff Okudah here.

9.    Jacksonville Jaguars – The cards have fallen perfectly for the Jaguars here for the second year in a row.

Should Pick: Jeff Okudah CB Ohio State – While I do not think Okudah is quite as dynamic as some of the previous Ohio State Cornerbacks, he is the clear best in this draft and will fix a major hole that the Jaguars have.

Will Pick: Same – How is it possible that the Jags get this lucky two years in a row?

10. Cleveland Browns – The Browns have the pick of the litter at WR here but with this being such a deep draft at WR they instead push that off for later in the draft, as they should.

Should Pick: Andrew Thomas OT Georgia – The Browns have talent all over the team but really need to strengthen up the Offensive Tackles a bit. Greg Robinson really is a stop gap but could hold down the left side this year while Thomas plays on the right for a year. Greg Robinson is going to jail now, so they really need an OT.

Will Pick: Jedrick Wills Jr. OT Alabama – Same thought here just a different player and really, I have the two neck and neck. As I have already said, I prefer Tristan Wirfs among the OTs in this draft but I am in the minority.

11. New York Jets – The Jets need to continue to work on fostering their investment in Sam Darnold, whether that is in protecting him or giving him weapons.

Should Pick: CeeDee Lamb WR Oklahoma – In this scenario, there are not any offensive lineman that I think are worth it. I see a bigger separation between WR in this draft than many and I think Lamb is the clear cut best. The Jets have been in need of a more consistent WR for a while and Lamb could be a legit number 1 receiver in the NFL.

Will Pick: Tristan Wirfs OT Iowa – With Wirfs available here, they have to forgo the need at WR and protect their investment. While not the sexiest pick, it is a smart pick to take the last safe OT in the first round.

12. Las Vegas Raiders – The Raiders are in bad need of another WR to take over the number one spot.

Should Pick: Henry Ruggs III WR Alabama – I personally much prefer Ruggs over teammate Jeudy as he makes tougher catches and can do more with the ball in his hands. I would also consider Tee Higgins here as he would add a more physical presence at WR but Ruggs gets the edge with being a better athlete.

Will Pick: CeeDee Lamb WR Oklahoma – In this scenario there should be no hesitation taking Lamb here. A major need and the best one is there for the taking.

13. Indianapolis Colts – While the Colts may not be totally sold on Jacoby Brissett, he is good enough to hang on to and not reach for a QB here. Instead, why not give him some help?

Should Pick: Tee Higgins WR Clemson – Higgins could bully CBs while Hilton and Campbell blow past them. While Higgins has some awkward moments leading to balls he drops, that does not take away from his raw tools that can be molded.

Will Pick: Jerry Jeudy WR Alabama – Jeudy in my opinion has inflated stats. Last year I rated Terry McLaurin ahead of teammate Parris Campbell. Could the colts make the same mistake two years in a row with drafting the wrong teammate at WR? With that comparison being made, both Ruggs and Jeudy are much better players.

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Since this is prior to free agency, who knows what QB finds their way to Tampa but it seems quite likely that the Buccaneers will go with a veteran at QB leaving this pick open to a lot of possibilities.

Should Pick: Mekhi Becton OL Louisville – Becton has a bit of risk associated with him and his weight, so you have to question if he can get that in check first. If he can, then he may turn out to be a steal and play left tackle. If not, we might be looking at Leonard Davis Jr.

Will Pick: Derrick Brown DL Auburn – Plain and simple, they forgo need to grab a player that is too talented to ignore at this point. I know they have invested in a lot of DL high in the draft but Brown could be a dominant piece.

15. Denver Broncos – The Broncos just need to keep bringing in new blood to reinforce their team. There are some clear needs but they at least feel like they have their QB finally.

Should Pick: Bryce Hall CB Virginia – I like Hall a lot as he is athletic and feisty as a football player. Some guys you watch and think they are good players at their position but Hall seems like a good football player in general. When I watch him play he reminds me of LeRoy Butler for some reason. Butler played S in the NFL but was a corner in college not because he could not play corner in the NFL but because he was a game changer that needed to be all over the field. Hall might be of similar ilk.

Will Pick: Henry Ruggs III WR Alabama – It would be tough to argue with this one as Ruggs would be an excellent complement to Sutton. They have greater needs but Ruggs might just be too talented to pass up at this point and it helps your young QB.

16. Atlanta Falcons – The Falcons are still in desperate need of reinforcements on defense as they have made a few wrong guesses…they may make a poor choice here too.

Should Pick: K’Lavon Chaisson Edge LSU – For the Falcons there is a 50/50 shot for Chaisson playing OLB or DE. Either way, he should help them a bit in pushing the pocket and he is a dynamic player.

Will Pick: A.J. Epenesa DE Iowa – I am not seeing the player that other people are seeing on film. If you look at his highlight reel, he looks great. But watch him in a game and you see a guy that is good but not great. His best asset is taking advantage of opportunities which is a great trait to have but he will never be dominant. The Falcons are desperate for a pass rush.

17. Dallas Cowboys – The Cowboys have a few holes but generally speaking they are in a pretty solid place here.

Should Pick: Grant Delpit S LSU – The Cowboys could use a safety and I like Delpit more than Xavier McKinney as he seems to be a bit more aware, more energy, and have a better motor overall. He seems to be a bit too aggressive at times so that is an area he needs to work on. With that being said, serious consideration should be made for both Javon Kinlaw and Yetur Gross-Matos here.

Will Pick: Xavier McKinney S Alabama - The Cowboys need a safety and McKinney fits that bill. With that being said, I just do not see the same energy from him as a few other safeties in this draft.

18. Miami Dolphins– The Dolphins got their QB with their first pick so now they can address other glaring needs to help that investment. Why the Dolphins got rid of Tunsil will puzzle me for years.

Should Pick: Josh Jones OT Houston – Jones has a lot of potential but he still needs some work. If he can drop his hips a little and sustain a strong base he might turn out to be just as good as any OT in this draft. He also might need to play with a little more mean in him.

Will Pick: Mekkhi Becton OT Louisville – The Dolphins need to rebuild the line and Becton is the best one available at this point. I have already outlined my concerns with him a few picks ago so will not revisit that.

19. Las Vegas Raiders – The Raiders have addressed WR already and some solid players are available for them at this spot.

Should Pick: Javin Kinlaw DL South Carolina – The draft has fallen in the Raiders favor and they are rewarded with an excellent pickup to their defense in Kinlaw. This draft features a few very diverse DTs and the separation between Kinlaw and Brown, though they are different players, is not all that great. Too good to pass up at this point and it fills a need.

Will Pick: Same – Kinlaw is available in both scenarios and fills a major need.

20. Jacksonville Jaguars – The Jaguars got their CB with their first pick and now they can take the best player available at an area of need here. A part of me thinks that it is not out of the question to double down and draft two CBs in the first round.

Should Pick: Jerry Jeudy WR Alabama – I feel like Jeudy needs to go to the right place to make his skills work. To me this is an ideal spot for Jeudy where he can complement DJ Chark as the short to intermediate guy while Chark stretches the field.

Will Pick: Grant Delpit S LSU – As I said before, I like Delpit and I think this is going to look like a really great pick here in the long run.

21. Philadelphia Eagles – Unfortunately, the Eagles biggest issue is that Carson Wentz just cannot seem to stay healthy and that puts them in an odd spot. There are other areas that they can shore up to help the team of course so they should consider best player available at this spot.

Should Pick: CJ Henderson CB Florida – Henderson can be that super athletic cover guy that the Eagles lack at this point in time. His lack of physicality is a little concerning but when it comes to CB skills, nobody on the Eagles has that type of talent to cover quick slot WRs.

Will Pick: Tee Higgins WR Clemson – In this scenario, the Eagles would be foolish to pass up a WR like Higgins who could be the muscle and a giant target for Wentz.

22. Buffalo Bills – The Bills need to beef up in a few areas but are fairly solid overall. A big bodied WR makes senses here but the well is a bit dry and there are a few players that might be too good to pass up at this point.

Should Pick: Yetur Gross-Matos Edge Penn State – Tough call here with a few guys that can help them. Certainly one of the CBs still available might be tempting. But in the end, Gross-Matos is just too good of a pass-rusher to let out of their grasp at this point. I really like him both as a player and at this spot.

Will Pick: Same – It makes far too much sense here.

23. New England Patriots – One thing you can count on is that the Patriots will take whoever they darn well please regardless of what anybody else thinks. I do think that there is a good chance that they trade back here.

Should Pick: Jalen Reagor WR TCU – The Patriots system is built for guys like Reagor and he is not going to last until their next pick. They really should just resign Brady or sign another FA QB then take a developmental guy later.

Will Pick: Laviska Shenault Jr. WR Colorado – I am not as hot on Shenault as others and I am very confused on the comparisons I have heard between him and Deebo Samuel? In any case, he has clear talent and it makes a lot more sense than N’Keal Henry did last year. It took everything in me not to put Jake Fromm in this spot. There is a part of me that thinks that they are going to take him at some point in this draft. Perhaps they trade up to that 32^nd spot to do it? Or I am just being eccentric.

24. New Orleans Saints – If the Saints were looking towards their future they would grab a QB here. But I feel like they are in Win now mode and know that they probably only have one more year of Drew Brees.

Should Pick: Jake Fromm QB Georgia – I cannot think of a better fit for both the Saints and Fromm. Fromm is a gamer and one of my favorite QBs in this draft. Brees and Payton can help to groom him and the Saints do not have to worry about this position for another decade or so.

Will Pick: Jalen Reagor WR TCU – Like I said, the Saints are in Win Now mode and Reagor could be an exciting addition to this receiving core. They already have some strong players but nobody like Reagor.

25. Minnesota Vikings – I really really really do not want to say this but…the Vikings actually do need to draft a CB here. But they need to draft the right one, right? Maybe their track record indicates that they should just skip it this year?

Should Pick: Neville Gallimore DL Oklahoma – While CB is an obvious need, they also need to get younger at DT. Gallimore is a high motor player that will compliment what they have at DT and DE/Edge.

Will Pick: Kristian Fulton CB LSU – I personally think that as a pure cover corner CJ Henderson is better but Fulton is a little more physical. The Vikings keep missing at CB in the first round so keep throwing mud at the wall and somebody will stick, right?

26. Miami Dolphins – The Dolphins address offense with their first two picks so it is time to change gears a bit here and strengthen up that defense.

Should Pick: Curtis Weaver Edge Boise State – Getting another pass rusher is going to be key in the Dolphins defense being successful. Weaver is a very good all around player showing good pass rushing skills and coverage skills for a pass rusher. He also has a pretty high motor and is fairly aware on the field so there are less hit or miss plays like many of the other pass rushers in this draft.

Will Pick: D'Andre Swift RB Georgia – It might be a little odd to go all offense with three first round picks but the Dolphins need to build a strong core and Swift will be much more dynamic than anybody else on this team. He could really be a good piece here in both the running and passing game and compliments what they currently have at RB.

27. Seattle Seahawks – I said it at the time but Seattle’s selection of LJ Collier was such a head scratcher last year. This year, they need to not reach and just grab the best player available that can help them.

Should Pick: A.J. Epenesa DE Iowa – I do not see Epenesa’s skills translating to a lot of teams but his high motor play and attitude fit perfectly with what the Seahawks do. This will help to erase last year’s reach with Collier and allow them to let older guys walk to free up some cash.

Will Pick: Jonathan Taylor RB Wisconsin – It is time to stop messing around and bring in a legit top running back. Taylor will be able to solidify the position and add a dynamic trait that has been missing from the Seahawks for some time now.

28. Baltimore Ravens – The Ravens are pretty well stocked at most positions so they can avoid reaching at this point.

Should Pick: Ashtyn Davis S California – The Ravens could really do themselves a favor and bring in a good solid safety in Davis. He will learn the ropes from Thomas and be a dynamic player in the future.

Will Pick: Neville Gallimore DT Oklahoma – While on the surface an edge rusher is a greater need, Gallimore will provide a better pass rush from the Defensive line and is versatile enough to move around. He is simply too good to pass up at this point.

29. Tennessee Titans – At this point, the Titans need to secure Tannehill at QB as he was one of the reasons they made it as far as they did. From there, they can really attack this draft based on need. If they lose Jack Conklin then Tackle becomes a greater need, though they do not have to absolutely use a first to find a replacement.

Should Pick: Kristian Fulton CB LSU – Fulton would be a really nice compliment to Adoree Jackson where they could strategize matchups. I am not totally blown away by Fulton but he should be solid.

Will Pick: Terrell Lewis Edge Alabama – The Titans will work to increase their pass rush by grabbing Lewis. I think he pins his ears back a bit too much and his effort at times when the play is away from him leaves a bit to be desired.

30. Green Bay Packers – Brian Gutekunst has made it pretty clear that he is looking at one of two spots here, LB and WR. There are good ones there too. Tough to say if any will truly make it this far though.

Should Pick: Kenneth Murray Oklahoma – This would be ideal for the Packers as Murray is going to be very good. Which is why I am wondering how I managed to have him last this long. When watching tape on somebody else I picked them versus Oklahoma and Murray stuck out more than anybody else on the field.

Will Pick: Same – If he is there, this is ideal for the Packers.

31. San Francisco 49ers – The sting of losing the Super Bowl will push the 49ers to focus on getting some reinforcements in the secondary. They went all in last year so they are going to need to make every pick count.

Should Pick: Isaiah Wilson OL Georgia – The smart thing to do here is to strengthen up your offensive line and Wilson can start out at G to strengthen the center of the line. If he is able to after his rookie year, then he moves out to tackle. If not, then you have a big strong versatile guard in the middle so it is a win.

Will Pick: CJ Henderson CB Florida – The 49ers lack a good quick twitch athlete in the Secondary so Henderson makes a great deal of sense here. I am a fan of Henderson’s coverage skills so he can help there and maybe Sherman can help him to work on his physicality.

32. Kansas City Chiefs – The Chiefs have the potential to lose a few guys on defense in free agency so this is a bit dependent on who they lose. With that being said, I also would be very surprised if there were not enough teams jockeying to get this slot so the Chiefs decide to trade out.

Should Pick: D’Andre Swift RB Georgia – The Chiefs seem to like versatility and Swift has that edge over Taylor. Despite a great Superbowl by Damien Williams, they Chiefs would be smart to bring in Swift here.

Will Pick: Curtis Weaver Edge Boise State – Weaver will allow for the Chiefs to handle losing Frank Clark when he decides to do something goofy or go off the deep end. He is a high motor tough football player that should fit in well with the Chiefs.