NFL 1st Round Mock Draft 1.0

Believe me, I know it is rough. We are on what feels like day 400 without sports, and it does not get any easier! So what does every great sports fan do in that case? Throw themselves into NFL mock drafts of course! For our purposes, this is a no trade mock draft (although one of those might be on its way!). There are some surprises, and some that are already almost a complete lock. Without further ado let’s dive into this draft!

1. Cincinnati Bengals

QB Joe Burrow, LSU

This pick has been set in stone for a while. As fun as it is to have a Winston vs. Mariota or Luck vs RGIII competition for the top spot, there just is no debate. Burrow is coming off one of the greatest seasons of college football we have ever seen. He worked his way up the record books to 1st in single season passing touchdowns (60), 3rd in total passing yards (5,671), and 2nd in single season completion percentage (76.2).

He could do worse in terms of his situation with the Bengals. Joe Mixon looks like a young stud of a running back and wideouts Tyler Boyd and AJ Green both return for the 2020 season. He still needs some help as John Ross III has not proven to be the first round pick they had hoped he would be, and Green still is prone to injuries, but if I am the Bengals I am feeling great about the future at this point with Burrow under center.

2. Washington Redskins

DE Chase Young, Ohio State

Another pick that is seemingly a lock, the Redskins take the best defensive lineman in the draft. They will certainly field calls from teams looking to snatch Tua Tagovailoa away from the Dolphins, but unless it is an absolute no-brainer (a-la John Lynch fleecing the Bears in 2017), they should go with their guy. Defensive end is not necessarily a glaring need, but Young is good enough to start contributing immediately.

His biggest weakness is he does tend to disappear in some big games (see: Clemson in the playoffs), but he is strong, quick, and reminds many of Khalil Mack as a result of his physical dominance mixed with pure athleticism. Adding him to a defensive front that already has Jonathan Allen and Montez Sweat will make any offense facing the Redskins shake in their cleats.

3. Detroit Lions

CB Jeff Okudah, Ohio State

Matt Patricia loves a good cornerback, and boy is he getting a good one here. Okudah has the perfect mix of size, speed, and coverage skills. The Lions have a lot of needs, but for Patricia to do what he wants on defense, he needs a solid secondary to anchor things. Okudah can sometimes be almost too physical, as he tends to stay on blocks a little too long, but for the most part he is one of the most polished cornerbacks to be drafted in recent memory.

The Lions committed to the secondary by signing former 1st round pick Desmond Trufant, but they could easily plug Okudah in on the other side to form one of the best cornerback duos in the league. The Lions need a lot more help, and after this pick they have a few more hours before the second round to decide which running back to pair with Matthew Stafford in the backfield.

4. New York Giants

OT Tristan Wirfs, Iowa

Here is where the draft could get interesting. After 3 no-brainers, the Giants have a lot to consider. The smartest route? Protect your QB at all costs. The Giants are all in on Daniel Jones, it is time to prove that to him. Tristan Wirfs is as dominant on the football field as it gets, and with Nate Solder getting older as well as other questions along the offensive line, he fits in perfectly New York. Wirfs was primarily a right tackle at Iowa, but has the raw power and high IQ to play left tackle or be one of the best guards in the game. Joe Judge will have the summer to find his best combo on the line, and you can bet that Wirfs will make a home for himself quickly.

In the chance that a team trades with The Redskins or Lions for a QB, the Giants would have a shot at either Young or Okudah, and in that case, it would be hard to leave either of them on the board. If I am a Giants fan and I see a trade at 2 or 3, I am jumping off my couch in excitement.

5. Miami Dolphins

QB Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama

Cheers to the Dolphins for trading their star player at the right time. Too often teams hold on to their top guys until they break a hip on a $20 million a year contract. The Minkah Fitzpatrick trade helped them secure three draft picks in the 1stround, and they already have young talent to build around. I love Tua in this spot, as the Dolphins need a young leader who really gives them an edge, and Ryan Fitzpatrick and Josh Rosen offered the team little consistency in the signal-calling department. Tua brings a high IQ and undeniable athleticism and a strong competitive drive.

His biggest drawback are his injuries, and without being able to see him in workouts or pro days, the Dolphins could decide he is not worth the risk. This of course would make Justin Herbert or Jordan Love an option, but Tua’s high football IQ sets him apart here for now.

6. Los Angeles Chargers

QB Justin Herbert, Oregon

The Chargers lost franchise quarterback Philip Rivers in free agency to the Colts, and their only answer at QB is a 30-year-old Tyrod Taylor who has left his best years in the past. Tagovailoa and Herbert could easily be flipped in draft order, as the Chargers will take whoever is left at this spot, but I like the fit here with Herbert better. His arm strength and accuracy were impressive with the Ducks, and while he does need work on breaking down defenses and working through his progressions, he has the talent to quickly become a solid NFL starter.

The Chargers have a plethora of weapons on offense, including one of the best pass-catching running backs in the league in Austin Ekeler. Herbert will quickly learn to love his receiving trio of Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Hunter Henry.

7. Carolina Panthers

LB Isaiah Simmons, Clemson

This is an absolute steal and a perfect fit. Simmons is the most athletic player in the draft and after losing the best linebacker in the league and their leader on defense in Luke Kuechly, the Panthers would love to have a solid replacement. Simmons played all over the field in college, including safety, linebacker, and edge-rusher. His versatility mixed with his 6’4” frame and 4.39 time in the 40-yard dash will make him an absolute stud in the league.

The Panthers have quite a few needs in this draft, but I think Simmons is the best player in this draft, and if he is there at 7, they have no choice but to take him and fill a massive void in their defense both from a talent a leadership perspective. This is the best pick of the draft if it comes to fruition.

8. Arizona Cardinals

IDL Derrick Brown, Auburn

Kliff Kingsbury starts year 2 with the offense he dreamed of having when he moved on from Texas Tech, so now is the time to start investing in their defense. Nose tackle Corey Peters is 31 and has certainly lost pep in his step over the years, and the Cardinals allowed the most yards in the league last season. Brown is a monster on the inside of the line, and at 6’5” 326, he has the power to create a massive push and penetrate the line of scrimmage off the snap.

After drafting starters DE Zach Allen and S Budda Baker in the last 3 years, the Cardinals are getting younger on defense while also sticking with veteran leadership in the form of Chandler Jones and Patrick Peterson. While the offense has plenty of playmakers, including two of the best receivers in the league, the Cardinals should probably look to bolster the offensive line with their next pick.

9. Jacksonville Jaguars

IDL Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina

The Jaguars defense is in shambles. After trading DE Calais Campbell and starting cornerbacks AJ Bouye and Jalen Ramsey, they are left scrambling for answers. It is too early to reach for a cornerback here, so I think they go with Kinlaw to pair with stud DE Josh Allen. This could be a spot to trade back from if they want CB CJ Henderson a few picks later, but for now I think Kinlaw is the best option for them. His first step is explosive, and he has enough moves to create strong penetration off the snap. He will be one of the feel-good stories of the draft after working his way from being homeless to becoming a 1stround NFL pick.

His addition gives the Jaguars a solid defensive line, but with so many holes in the secondary, I would look for them to take a cornerback with their next pick.

10. Cleveland Browns

OT Jedrick Wills, Alabama

The Browns have done a fantastic job acquiring assets and rebuilding their roster, but there are still some definite holes. They would love to have a linebacker available at this spot, but this draft is not very linebacker-heavy, so instead they get their answer at left tackle. Wills played right tackle his entire career at Alabama, but he has the talent and athleticism to be able to make the transition to the left side of the line. We have already seen the Browns commit to protecting Baker Mayfield by signing stud RT Jack Conklin. Hopefully, a strong offensive line will help the offensive problems that we saw last season.

I could definitely see the browns trading back into the first round for linebackers Patrick Queen or Kenneth Murray, but either way, they must draft a top tier linebacker with their next selection.

11. New York Jets

OT Mekhi Becton, Louisville

This could be where we see the run on wide receivers start, but after the Jets had countless quarterback injuries that ruined any hope of having a good season last year, they should choose protection for Sam Darnold. Becton is an absolute monster at 6’7”, 364 pounds. He can also move quickly on his feet, making his ceiling the highest of anybody in this year’s draft. He has some problems with his technique and would definitely need to put in work over the summer, but if this pick hits he could end up being the steal of the draft.

Next up for the Jets should be a wide receiver and an edge rusher, two positions that are in dire need of help for New York. Lucky for them, there are some steals in the mid rounds to look forward to.

12. Las Vegas Raiders

WR Henry Ruggs III, Alabama

The Raiders thought they had their answer at receiver with Antonio Brown, but the only thing he ended up being good for was a solid storyline on Hard Knocks. Derek Carr doesn’t seem like the franchise QB they were hoping he would be, but it is unfair to make a true judgement about him without giving him solid playmakers to work with. Enter Ruggs III, an elite playmaker who ran a 4.27 at the combine. Every time he touches the ball, he is a threat to make a big play. He is an excellent route runner and is great at creating separation.

The Raiders have a great core to build around, but they really need help in the secondary, offensive line, and interior defensive line. Luckily for them, they pick again in the first round.

13. San Francisco 49ers

WR Jerry Jeudy, Alabama

I loved this trade for the 49ers. Parting ways with DeForest Buckner was hard, but his contract was the second highest among all defensive linemen (after Aaron Donald), and with guys like Bosa and Kittle still waiting for a big payday, turning Buckner’s contract into a high 1stround pick was definitely a great move.

John Lynch and Mike Shanahan will be jumping up and down if the draft shakes out like this. After losing Sanders in free agency, they are in need of another playmaker for Jimmy G. Jeudy is not the biggest or the fastest receiver in the draft, but he is an outstanding playmaker with incredible route-running ability and has shined in his 3 years at Alabama. Adding him to a receiving core of Deebo Samuel and George Kittle gives the 49ers an outstanding offensive core to try and win a Super Bowl with.

The 49ers have another pick later in the round, but they will have to see how the rest of the draft turns out before they decide which route to take.

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

OT Andrew Thomas, Georgia

I could write pages about the Tom Brady deal, but I won’t. Just know it was bad. Really bad. But alas, here we are, and now is the time to build around him. I flirted with Jordan Love in this spot because of a combination of not liking next year’s QB class outside of Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields as well as the fact that Tom Brady is not the same anymore. Unfortunately for the Bucs, they cannot afford to find a successor just yet. Tom Brady is 43 years old, and the Bucs need to offer some protection to their $50 million investment. A 3-year starter in the SEC, Thomas has faced the best of the best at left tackle, and while he may not be the strongest or the quickest at the position, he has a high IQ and his fundamentals are nearly perfect.

Round 2 is the time to address the god-awful running back position, but for now, Tom Brady should thank the front office for taking extra lengths to protect him and his career.

15. Denver Broncos

WR CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma

I really love Drew Lock as the quarterback of the future for this team, and not just because he knows all the words to Put On. He has talent and poise, and now all he needs are weapons. CeeDee Lamb is quite an intriguing prospect with explosive big-play tendencies. In 13 games last season he posted 58 rec, 1,208 yards, and 14 TDs. He is a monster with the ball in his hands after the catch, and is probably the best route-runner in this class. Adding him to a receiving core of Courtland Sutton and Noah Fant should bode well for young Lock.

Over the next few rounds the Broncos need to get some better protection up front as well as address their defense that has countless holes.

16. Atlanta Falcons

CB CJ Henderson, Florida

The Falcons better hope the Jaguars don’t snatch Henderson away with the 9thpick. This is a perfect fit for the Falcons, who lost Desmond Trufant to the Lions in the offseason. Henderson is an outstanding cover corner who has spent the last 3 years in the SEC matched up against some of the best wide receivers in the college football. He ran a 4.39 at the combine, so he can run with the best of the best in the NFL. Henderson will need to work on his tackling, but his coverage skills are NFL ready.

The Falcons should look to continue bolstering their defense with their later picks, although a running back to compliment the inconsistent Todd Gurley should be high on the list as well.

17. Dallas Cowboys

EDGE K’Lavon Chaisson, LSU

Nobody can predict Jerry Jones, especially when it comes to the draft. The Cowboys certainly have a lot of needs, and it is unclear which direction Jones will choose to go, but Chaisson is a pick they can’t go wrong with. Coming back from a torn ACL, Chaisson led National Champion LSU in sacks, tackles for loss, and quarterback hurries. His explosive burst off the edge definitely will catch the eye of Jones, and he must salivate at the idea of adding him to a pass rush opposite DeMarcus Lawrence.

Since writing this, Aldon Smith was signed by Dallas (yes. THAT Aldon Smith), but I still really like Chaisson here. Smith is 30 and hasn’t played since 2016, so I wouldn’t look to him as the answer to the problem. Chaisson is a spectacular athlete who could be productive in the league for years to come.

18. Miami Dolphins

RB D’Andre Swift, Georgia

Sorry Miami, but Jordan Howard? Really? I don’t think so. After bringing in their franchise QB, the Dolphins get their franchise RB. They could wait to snag Taylor or Dobbins in the second round, but Swift is just that much better than those two. A perfect combination of size, power, and speed, Swift is the clear number one running back in what is a pretty deep class at the position. This gives the Dolphins 5 years of control over their franchise quarterback and running back, not a bad thing to have.

The Dolphins have yet another pick in the first round, and I think they use it once again on the offensive side of the ball.

19. Las Vegas Raiders

S Xavier McKinney, Alabama

With this pick, the Raiders secure the best young safety duo in the NFL. This pick moves hard-hitting Johnathan Abram to the box and gives free safety duties to McKinney. While the Raiders could choose to grab a cornerback with this pick, McKinney is excellent in coverage and with a division loaded with elite tight ends, he could be the perfect matchup to throw against them. Taking two Alabama skill players in the 1stround rarely ever proves to be a wrong decision. With not another pick until the 3rdround, the Raiders should be sitting back pretty happy with this haul.

20. Jacksonville Jaguars

CB Kristian Fulton, LSU

After being a 5-star recruit, Fulton struggled early on at LSU, but he really came into his own towards the end of his collegiate career. He is extremely talented and has good size for a franchise CB. He may not be the fastest after running a 4.46 at the combine, but he has spectacular instincts and fills a massive void for the Jaguars. We’ll see if the Jags would rather have CJ Henderson at 9, but in such a deep draft at cornerback, it makes the most sense to use this pick on a guy like Fulton. The Jags have now filled their biggest holes on defense with stud players who can make a difference in their first year.

21. Philadelphia Eagles

WR Justin Jefferson, LSU

The Eagles have had serious problems with their wide receivers these past few years. Alshon Jeffrey has not been the same player since Chicago, and DeSean Jackson is already 33. Jefferson is a phenomenal talent who can play either in the slot or on the outside with great burst and quickness. He is a phenomenal route runner and fights to the ball in the air. While he is the clear WR4 in this class after the three that have been previously selected, that speaks more to just how good the top 3 are rather than to Jefferson’s abilities.

The Eagles are pretty close to being a fantastic team, especially after trading for CB Darius Slay. The problem are their receivers, so I expect them to take another flier on one later in the draft, just to cover their bases.

22. Minnesota Vikings

CB Jeff Gladney, TCU

After trading wide receiver Stefon Diggs to the Buffalo Bills, there are a lot of people who think the Vikings find his replacement with this pick. However, the top 4 receivers in the class are all likely to be gone by now, and after also losing cornerback Xavier Rhodes, the Vikings should take one of the top cornerbacks in the draft to fill that void. The wide receiver class is just so deep, but after the first few cornerbacks go off the board, there aren’t many who can start right away.

Gladney is a spectacular defender out of TCU (apparently, they play defense in the Big 12. Who knew?!), and while he does not have a perfect frame, he makes up for it with his athletic ability as well as his fantastic skills in both man coverage and against the run. Gladney is a fierce competitor who Vikings fans will learn to absolutely love. But don’t turn off your TVs in Minnesota yet, the Vikings have another pick coming up shortly.

23. New England Patriots

LB Zach Baun, Wisconsin

Any mock draft that has Jordan Love in this spot should be discredited. Let’s be real for a second. This is a quarterback class with some decent depth, and after Belichick’s history of drafting Brady in the 6th, Jimmy G late in the 2nd, and Stidham in the 4th, there is no way he spends a valuable 1stround pick on a quarterback. Instead, I think he decides to bolster his defense with linebacker Zach Baun. Often compared to former Patriots LB Kyle Van Noy, Baun is spectacular in coverage to go along with impressive blitzing ability. Last year, the Patriots found a gem in Chase Winovich out of Michigan, and I think Belichick tests his luck with another Big 10 athlete with a high motor.

The Patriots will absolutely take a quarterback this year, but I am looking more at a guy like James Morgan out of FIU, who will most likely slip into day 3 for them.

24. New Orleans Saints

QB Jordan Love, Utah State

Sean Payton, please be real with us. You cannot seriously see 30-year-old Taysom Hill as the successor to Drew Brees. For starters, Payton loves to use Hill in a variety of different ways. We have seen him as a wide receiver, tight end, running back, fullback, kick returner, you name it. I don’t buy Payton viewing him as the team’s next QB because he is too valuable in a utility role. That’s why this is a perfect spot for Jordan Love to be in. His ceiling is remarkably high, but he is not a plug and play player at this point. He has incredible arm strength and mobility, but he did throw 17 interceptions last year. Most scouts attribute that to him trying to be the main guy on a subpar Utah State team, but either way, he could use a year or two to develop under the watchful eyes of Payton and Brees.

Most people would say to wait until next year, but the Saints do not project to be a top pick next year, and outside of Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields (who will both be top 10 picks), there is not talent like Love. I think the Saints use this pick for the future and give Love a mentor in Drew Brees, who is in my opinion, a top 5 quarterback of all time.

25. Minnesota Vikings

EDGE AJ Epenesa, Iowa

Sorry to Vikings fans everywhere, but they do not take a wide receiver with either pick in the first round. The Vikings are built on a solid defense, and losing CB Xavier Rhodes and EDGE Everson Griffen has left the defense with some serious weak spots. In one of the worst pass-rushing classes of recent memory, the Vikings get their replacement early. Epenesa thrived in the Big 10, and has the perfect frame, quickness, and power to be a solid NFL starter. His fundamentals are sound, and he has great body control to power his way past offensive linemen.

The Vikings leave the first round feeling really good about adding two immediate starters to a defense that already includes Danielle Hunter, Anthony Barr, and Harrison Smith. The next pick is where the Vikings find their replacement to Stefon Diggs.

26. Miami Dolphins

OT Josh Jones, Houston

Picking your new franchise QB and RB means absolutely nothing if you have a bad offensive line. While cleaning house, the Dolphins traded away starting left tackle Laremy Tunsil to the Houston Texans and received a package containing this pick. With it, they find his replacement to protect Tagovailoa. A four-year starter at Houston, Jones is a menace at the tackle position, and while he is not from a Power 5 conference, he held his own in Senior Bowl practices against pass-rushers from all over the country. The Dolphins are lucky to be able to take such a talent at 26, but this is a great OT class and even if Jones is not available here, there are plenty of guys Miami could feel comfortable with in this spot.

The Dolphins win the first round, as their offense is now completely overhauled. I fully expect them to take a wide receiver and maybe another piece or two on the offensive line, but their defense now gets star treatment with their next few picks.

27. Seattle Seahawks

EDGE Yetur Gross-Matos, Penn State

The Seahawks need a surprising amount of help for a team that went 11-5 last year. Going off of what I said with the last Vikings pick, Gross-Matos is really the last “elite” pass-rusher in the draft. There are diamonds in the rough, and I personally believe Joshua Uche is an absolute steal in the 2nd round, but the Seahawks pick late on day 2 and I doubt I am the only one who sees Uche’s ability. Gross-Matos makes the most sense for the Seahawks here, as they could really use help along the defensive line. His movement and ability for his size at 6’5”, 266 is impressive, and while he will need a little bit of polishing, the Seahawks can plug him in to start immediately.

I expect the Seahawks to address the offensive line, the linebacking core, the secondary, and their running back room with their next picks in the draft. They also would be wise to draft a backup to Russell Wilson at some point.

28. Baltimore Ravens

LB Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma

Mark my words, if the Ravens have a successful draft, they will win the Super Bowl this year. They are maybe 3-4 pieces away from becoming the most talented team in the league, and it starts with finally replacing CJ Mosley. Kenneth Murray is an outstanding linebacker who leaves offensive players bruised after every game. His mix of power tackling, speed, and quickness is perfect to be an excellent middle linebacker. Murray was a leader and a captain on Oklahoma, and John Harbaugh will love to have him in the locker room. Murray fills arguably the Ravens biggest hole, and now Baltimore needs just a few more hits in this draft to be an absolute dynasty.

Also, I did some research to justify my criticism of defense in the Big 12, if Murray and Gladney both get selected in the first round, they will be the first pair of Big 12 defenders selected in the first round of the draft since 2014 (Justin Gilbert and Jason Verrett). Let’s hope this duo fares better in the league.

29. Tennessee Titans

OT Ezra Cleveland, Boise State

The Titans are in a really weird spot here. They need an edge rusher, a cornerback, and a right tackle, so they’ll take a look at cornerbacks Diggs and Terrell, edge rushers Okwara and Lewis, and offensive tackles Austin Jackson and Ezra Cleveland. I honestly think offensive tackles can be found for a better value later in the draft, but I just do not see the Titans taking that chance. This entire past season for the Titans ran through Derrick Henry. He was the team MVP, and without a proper offensive line to make holes for him and to protect Ryan Tannehill, the team falls apart. After losing starting right tackle Jack Conklin, the Titans need to quickly find someone on the line. Cleveland has quickly moved up draft boards after an impressive combine where he got top marks across the board. A 3-year starter at Boise State, Cleveland possesses all the skills and experience necessary to be a stud right tackle. This pick may be criticized by some, but as soon as Cleveland takes the field, he will prove doubters wrong.

Edge rush and cornerback need to be addressed within the next two picks, and the Titans could easily make some trades to secure the players they desire.

30. Green Bay Packers

WR Denzel Mims, Baylor

I’ve seen this pick a lot for the Packers, and it honestly makes so much sense. I flirted with Laviska Shenault Jr. out of Colorado, but I just didn’t like the fit in the Packer’s offense. The Packers need a top receiver to come in and compete for the WR2 spot immediately. Denzel Mims gives them that talent. He ran a 4.38 at the combine and pairs that with a seriously impressive catch radius at 6’3”. Probably his best attribute, however, is his blocking. It doesn’t hurt to be a fantastic blocking receiver coming out of college, and it just goes to show you that Mims is ready.

With their next picks the Packers need to address their secondary in addition to their linebacking core, but I’d be very happy with the first pick of pairing Mims with Davante Adams.

31. San Francisco 49ers

IOL Cesar Ruiz, Michigan

I would put a good amount of money on the 49ers not making this pick. With 0 picks in the 2-4 rounds of the draft, there is no way John Lynch is content making this pick and then sitting out day 2 and the first half of day 3. I fully expect them to trade down a few picks, but knowing the wizard John Lynch is, I still think he gets his guy. Ruiz is a proven lineman who can play any position on the interior of the line. What really sticks out on his film is his mobility, as he often is downfield blocking in space, a cornerstone of both Michigan and San Francisco’s offenses. I absolutely love this fit, but I would love it more if they could get him later in the 30s and add some more draft capital.

After filling their biggest two needs on offense, the 49ers can now feel free to move on and stick to the defense for the next few picks.

32. Kansas City Chiefs

LB Patrick Queen, LSU

The Chiefs will also likely trade out of this spot, but certainly not if Queen is there this late. There is no real reason he should fall this late, only that other teams have bigger needs than linebacker. You could argue that the Chiefs have a bigger need at cornerback, but right now Trevon Diggs, AJ Terrell, Noah Igbinoghene, and Bryce Hall are all still available in round 2. Those guys are all outstanding talents, so I definitely would rather take one of the best true linebackers in the class. Queen has an extremely high IQ that allows him to quickly break down plays in front of him as well as sideline to sideline speed and toughness that allows him to attack the ball. Queen will be a mainstay on the Chiefs defense for years to come and will quickly be a leader on the team, just like at LSU.

The Falcons better hope the Jaguars don’t snatch Henderson away with the 9th pick. This is a perfect fit for the Falcons, who lost Desmond Trufant to the Lions in the offseason. Henderson is an outstanding cover corner who has spent the last 3 years in the SEC matched up against some of the best wide receivers in the college football. He ran a 4.39 at the combine, so he can run with the best of the best in the NFL. Henderson will need to work on his tackling, but his coverage skills are NFL ready.