NFL Mock Draft 2.0
- Sam Muirhead
- Apr 23, 2020
- 21 min read
We have about 18 hours before the draft starts, and I am fresh off my annual “draft day eve” viewing of the greatest movie of all time, Draft Day, so what better time to drop the Saloon’s Mock Draft 2.0. For this mock, I gave the people the chaos they wanted. Trades. Now before anybody reads my picks, I must warn you there are some surprises here. Some of these moves are crazy, but all of them are plausible. I weeded through recent draft rumors trying to find the truth in each storyline, and I pieced together quite a puzzle. I kept all of the no brainers intact, not just Burrow at #1 overall, but even with the Eagles taking a wide receiver at #21. Some things are just bound to happen, no need to get fancy!
They may not all happen, but I think all of the trades below are pretty mutually beneficial, and every trade that helps both teams is certainly not out of the question on draft night. Based on the buzz around the league, fans should be prepared for a lot of trades tomorrow night, and I hope this mock gets you thinking about some trades or picks you would like to see your team make. Feel free to leave a comment about what you want your team to do, or even if you disagree with me! Without further ado, Let’s dive in.
1. Cincinnati Bengals
The Pick: QB Joe Burrow, LSU
This should come as no shock to anybody who doesn’t live under a rock. Burrow has risen his draft stock more than any other prospect in recent memory with one of the best seasons we have ever seen in college football. There is no dispute on Burrow going first overall. The only way I could see the Bengals not picking here is if Miami offers up all three of their draft picks, which is highly unlikely to say the least. The Bengals have their guy, no need to overthink things.
2. Washington Redskins
The Pick: DE Chase Young, Ohio State
Redskins fans must be sick of seeing linemen picked. I sympathize with them as a San Francisco fan (I am still somehow convinced my 9ers will use both of their 1st round picks on defensive linemen this year), but much like the 49ers, the Redskins will be set on defensive linemen after selecting a standout from Ohio State. Chase Young gives the Redskins one of the best young defensive lines in the league, and thus ends the run on 1st round defensive ends. Sheesh.
MIAMI DOLPHINS TRADE PICKS 5 AND 26 TO THE DETROIT LIONS FOR PICK 3
3. Miami Dolphins (From Detroit)
The Pick: QB Justin Herbert, Oregon
Our first trade! The Lions are going to get calls from the Dolphins and the Chargers for this pick, but the Dolphins have 3 draft picks and therefore offer the better trade. And no, you did not read wrong, that does say Justin Herbert. I love Tua just as much as the next guy, but at this point, I feel like there are so many reports about his health being a massive concern. The problem is that his injuries do not come down to just his shoulder, but his throwing wrist and ankle too. The kid is extremely brittle, and I think he falls on draft day. Additionally, while different teams have different views on it, his 13 on the Wonderlic test does more hurt than help. I think teams are scared to take him and watch him succumb to injuries to the point of retiring early. The Dolphins make this trade in the fear the Chargers will leapfrog them, so they give up a first rounder to ensure they are not left paying for Tua’s medical bills for the next 5 years. Herbert is not as talented, but he has serious potential to be a solid starter and has all the physical tools needed to be a great NFL quarterback. He needs some work, but I think Herbert will do nicely in a system that takes the time to build around him.
4. New York Giants
The Pick: OT Tristan Wirfs, Iowa
As you will see throughout this draft, I pick much more based on need than best available. I actually think linebacker/safety/defensive juggernaut Isaiah Simmons could be the best player in this draft, but I just do not see how the Giants take him here. Daniel Jones is your guy at quarterback, and we have seen what happens to stud quarterbacks who fail to be protected. I bet the Colts would love to go back in time and invest in a better offensive line for Andrew Luck. So please, Giants, do not make their mistake. You draft a quarterback and then you invest in protection. Wirfs can play tackle or guard in the league, which rockets him to the front of the pack of the top 4 linemen. If I’m a Giants fan, I’m hoping Dave Gettleman watches The Blind Side Wednesday night.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS TRADE YANNICK NGAKOUE AND PICK 20 TO THE DETROIT LIONS FOR PICK 5
5. Jacksonville Jaguars (From Detroit)
The Pick: CB Jeffrey Okudah, Ohio State
Let’s break down this trade for a second. The Jaguars reportedly want a 1st round pick for disgruntled Ngakoue. That is not going to happen. As soon as a player comes out and publicly bashes their owner and says he wants out, his trade value diminishes quickly. Additionally, Ngakoue is on the last year of his deal, which means any team trading for him will still need to sign him at the end of the year. The Jaguars have no leverage here, and to make matters worse, they know the Falcons are looking to trade up and jump them for the second-best cornerback in the draft in CJ Henderson. Because I think the Jaguars are in danger of losing out on the two best cornerbacks in the draft and I do not think any team will pay such a steep price, I just struggle to see how Ngakoue has the trade value they want him to have. Ngakoue has already publicly made a serious of negative statements against the Jaguars organization and the owners, and this charade simply cannot move forward anymore. The Jaguars need to understand that they have no leverage to demand a top pick for him.
The best approach here is to trade their second first round pick, get their guy in Okudah, and dump Ngakoue while they can. They still have the 9th pick, so this is actually an ideal situation for them if they are able to be realistic about Ngakoue as a trade piece.
On the other hand, the Lions have effectively won the draft here. Their original offer of Ngakoue and the 9th pick for pick 5 was negotiated down to 20, but they are absolutely fine with that given the amount of talent that will still be on the board. The Lions have the second most cap space in the league that they can use to re-sign Ngakoue, and defensive-minded head coach Matt Patricia will do whatever he can to make him happy in Detroit. A real win for the Lions.
6. Los Angeles Chargers
The Pick: QB Jordan Love, Utah State
I told you Tua was going to fall. After getting out-bid by the Dolphins in the Herbert sweepstakes, the Chargers do not settle for the brittle Tagovailoa, but instead opt for Jordan Love. While he is streaky and needs to learn to take some pressure off of himself, he has all the tools to thrive. I would say his ceiling is just as high as Joe Burrow, but his floor is much lower because he needs more time to adjust. He is risky, but man the kid has talent. Accuracy, strength, and great feet, he really is spectacular and has a tremendous amount of talent. If the Chargers feel he needs a year to develop, they can always ride with Tyrod Taylor for a year, but Jordan Love can be a standout for years to come once he learns the ropes. Some may view it as a reach, bu the same would have been said if the Bears had picked Patrick Mahomes with the second overall pick in 2017. Let’s see how we grade this pick a few years from now.
7. Carolina Panthers
The Pick: LB Isaiah Simmons, Clemson
Think a college Jabrill Peppers but with the ability to be better in the NFL. Simmons has a perfect combination of size, speed, and athleticism and can really do it all. A defense that lost the best linebacker in the league in Luke Kuechly and starts TJ Green and Tre Boston at safety needs Simmons desperately. It is not yet really known how Simmons will be used in the NFL, but at Clemson he played almost every defensive position and he is poised to be an immediate contributor at the next level. Simmons has a real chance to be the best pick in the draft, and the Panthers could use him in a variety of ways to fix their defense.
ATLANTA FALCONS TRADE PICKS 16, 47, AND 143 TO ARIZONA CARDINALS FOR PICK 8
8. Atlanta Falcons (From Arizona)
The Pick: CB CJ Henderson, Florida
There have been multiple reports of the Falcons wanting to trade up to the top 10, and while it is important to not believe every draft week rumor (like the Giants being interested in Herbert at 4. What???), I buy this one. The Falcons desperately need a cornerback, and Okudah and Henderson are widely regarded as the two most pro-ready players at the position. The Jaguars surprised the Falcons by taking Okudah at 5, but what stops them from also taking Henderson with the next pick? The Jaguars lost both of their starting cornerbacks last year, and it is not cray to think they would get both replacements here. It should be noted that Derrick Brown is also on the board, and some would argue he is the better player. However, the Falcons will face Tom Brady and Drew Brees a total of 4 times this year, and without solidifying a top cornerback, they won’t stand a chance. With Desmond Trufant out of the picture, Henderson has the skills and athleticism to be the new face of the Falcons secondary. Atlanta will be pretty proud of this if they can pull it off.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Pick: DT Derrick Brown, Auburn
The Jaguars got their guy a few spots ahead, and with Ngakoue now gone, it is time to address the defensive line. Derrick Brown is an absolute menace on the field with athleticism that simply does not match his large frame. He is spectacular off the snap and can influence the line of scrimmage in a split second. The Jaguars now have 2 of the top 4 defensive players in this draft, and I still do not think they are done. If a top corner falls any further, they could definitely take him. I am sure that if Henderson was available here, they would take him in addition to Okudah. For now, they bolster their secondary and defensive line, and they should be extremely happy not having to deal with the headache that is the Yannick Ngakoue situation.
10. Cleveland Browns
The Pick: OT Jedrick Wills, Alabama
The Browns will field calls for this pick, but ultimately, they will use this to fill out their offensive line. After acquiring Jack Conklin at right tackle, the Browns get their left tackle in Wills, who keeps a long line of successful Alabama offensive linemen going. The Browns would love to see Simmons fall here as their linebacking core is miserable to say the least, but I do not see them wasting draft picks to trade up and get him. Wills is a solid prospect and may help the offense find some stability that they lacked this year. It is not the sexiest pick, but stick around Browns fans, I have a surprise for you later on.
11. New York Jets
The Pick: WR CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma
For the record, I hate this pick. This pick should read OT Mekhi Becton, but the Jets are feeling pressure to perform on the field with Sam Darnold and Le’Veon Bell. This is a position of need, and the Jets seem to be enamored with Lamb due to a combination of their wide receiver room being abysmal and the fact the Lamb simply does not drop passes. He has a massive catch radius, and rarely does he not come down with the ball. I don’t love the pick, but I do like the fit. So it is not all great, but not all bad. Classic Jets, man.
12. Las Vegas Raiders
The Pick: WR Henry Ruggs III, Alabama
Yes, Tua is STILL available here. No, he does not go to the Raiders. For some reason a handful of people have the idea that the Raiders take a quarterback in the first round. Why? Gruden believes in Carr (for now) and they just signed former first round pick Marcus Mariota. Carr needs weapons, and he got a good one in running back Josh Jacobs last year, but Tyrell Williams as a WR1? Not enough. Tyreek Hill of the Kansas City Chiefs gave Gruden headaches twice last year, so I fully expect him to take his football doppelgänger here in Ruggs III, who is just as fast and as dangerous as a deep threat. Carr to Ruggs III could be a great combo, but this is one of Carr’s last chances at the helm of the pirate ship.
13. San Francisco 49ers
The Pick: WR Jerry Jeudy, Alabama
There is no way the 49ers trade this pick away if Jeudy is here. First of all, his knee is fine. Some stories before the draft are credible, some are not. This is the latter. I’d put the chances of John Lynch trading down from this pick at 100% if all three of the top receivers are gone, 50% if Jeudy is gone but the other two remain, and -100% if Jeudy is here. Shanahan should salivate at the idea of having a wide receiver core of Samuel, Kittle, and Jeudy to pair with breakout running back Raheem Mostert. This almost certainly forces the 49ers to trade their other pick in the first round if they want more picks this year, but they just got the best true receiver in the class who will be a perfect fit for their offense. Great pick, even better fit.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Pick: OT Andrew Thomas, Georgia
Gronk is back. The future hall of fame tight end pairs up with old friend Tom Brady in Tampa Bay, and everybody has lost their minds. However, let’s not forget that this is not prime Brady and prime Gronk back together. They are both old and their play has fallen off significantly, not to mention the fact that Gronk took the past year off. Either way, this team needs an offensive line, and Andrew Thomas falling to them here is an ideal situation. Thomas has been battled tested in the SEC over the past 3 years, and he is ready to anchor an NFL offensive line. I really love this fit, but I'll bet 42-year-old Brady will like it even more.
CHICAGO BEARS TRADE PICK 50 AND A 2021 1ST ROUND PICK TO THE DENVER BRONCOS FOR PICK 15
15. Chicago Bears (From Denver)
The Pick: QB Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama
Tua finally gets picked. This is a massive slide, but let’s not forget that Aaron Rodgers had a fall even further than this in 2005. Although it was for different reasons, it was still somewhat unexpected. Chicago has a massive problem at quarterback with Trubisky, and it is time to move on. Trubisky is at best a backup in the NFL, and the Bears can either wake up and smell the coffee or continue to drive their organization in the ground. Next year’s quarterback class after Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields is just not very good, so now is the time to make a big move. The Bears still have the 43rd pick in the draft, and they will try to use next year’s first round pick on a quarterback anyways, so why wait and run the risk of missing out on Lawrence or Fields? The time is now, Chicago. Tua has medical concerns, but at 15 he is an absolute steal. On the other hand, after the top 3 wide receivers went off the board, this trade is a no brainer for John Elway. There is not really a prospect that fits with him here, so why not add a second rounder this year and a first next year? I love this move for the Broncos, and while it is a somewhat desperation move for Chicago, if Tua stays healthy, this is a job saver for general manager Ryan Pace.
16. Arizona Cardinals (Atlanta)
The Pick: OT Mekhi Becton, Louisville
I could see Becton going as high as 4 and as low as 25 the Vikings. He is an absolute beast at 6’7” 369, but he does sometime struggle with his weight and can look out of shape at times. At Louisville, Becton would use his frame to simply overpower defenders, but he might not be able to do so in the NFL. His diluted sample at the combine does not concern me because I feel like we see similar situations every year. Often it just means they were seriously hydrating before their workouts. Becton will need to learn to use some better blocking techniques and keep his weight under control, but if he can adjust, he will be a behemoth of a left tackle for Kyler Murray.
CLEVELAND BROWNS TRADE ODELL BECKHAM JR TO DALLAS COWBOYS FOR PICKS 17, 82, AND A 2021 3RD ROUND PICK
17. Cleveland Browns (From Dallas)
The Pick: LB Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma
You are probably laughing at me right now, but let’s break down why this trade works. For the Cowboys, they are probably already looking at moving from this pick. There really isn’t anybody of massive interest here outside of edge rusher Chaisson, but they just signed Aldon Smith and still have Lawrence getting after the quarterback. Dak Prescott is good friends with OBJ, and the Cowboys were one of the teams on his preferred trade list when he was moved from the Giants. The Cowboys have $72 million of cap space, and OBJ’s contract has him signed through 2023 with only $60 million to pay, a very favorable contract for whatever team has him signed. Lining him up alongside Amari Cooper would form the best receiving duo in the league, and he would get to play against the Giants twice a year. Not to mention the Cowboys just hired wide receiver coach Adam Henry, who coached OBJ with LSU, the Giants, and the Browns. Jerry Jones has certainly made crazier moves and always loves having a superstar in town.
The Browns season was miserable last year, their offense in particular. Odell Beckham, Jarvis Landry, David Njoku, and Nick Chubb, and Kareem Hunt should be able to do more than what they did last year. I think there are just too many big personalities in Cleveland, and it is time to make a change. It was widely reported last week that the Vikings had Browns had been in touch regarding trading for Beckham Jr., but that report was quickly shot down by the Browns front office who claimed the story was completely fabricated (Seems suspicious to say the least…). Too many personalities create problems, and therefore I fully expect him to be on the move. Why not for a pick right here? The Browns definitely need help at linebacker, so why not take the best one in an otherwise weak draft? Kenneth Murray has been an outstanding player at Oklahoma for 3 years now and has proven that he is a physical linebacker with the speed to match. He is an excellent prospect and the Browns ensure the future of their defense is trending positive by getting him now. This is such a deep wide receiver class that the Browns can certainly find a wide receiver in the middle rounds that can replace OBJ. Cleveland now has five picks in the top 100, and hopefully those picks can solve some of their problems.
18. Miami Dolphins
The Pick: OT Josh Jones, Houston
This should not come as a big shock as Miami is in desperate need of offensive line help. After getting their franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert, the Dolphins choose to protect him here with a stud offensive tackle. While Jones is not considered to be in the first tier with the 4 offensive tackles previously selected, he is the no doubt best of the second tier. Jones has a lot to prove after playing against weaker competition at Houston, but few doubt his abilities. This pick is a slam dunk for the Dolphins, and they shouldn’t hesitate to take him.
19. Las Vegas Raiders
The Pick: S Xavier McKinney, Alabama
The Raiders' biggest need is at cornerback, but Henderson went earlier than expected, and McKinney fell into their laps here at 19. One of the biggest points general manager Mike Mayock made in a recent video press conference was that he prioritizes best available over need. Xavier McKinney is easily the best available here, and this pick gives them a starting free safety to pair with hard-hitting strong safety Johnathan Abram. McKinney is extremely fluid and versatile, and can help cover tight ends Travis Kelce, Hunter Henry, and Noah Fant, each of which the Raiders see twice a year. This would quickly be the best safety combo in the league, and we know Mayock and Gruden like to pick guys from elite college programs. This gives them two Alabama skill players in the first round. Quite a good haul.
20. Detroit Lions (from Jaguars)
The Pick: DT Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina
Make no mistake here, Kinlaw is extremely talented. However, he has a couple health concerns that caused his stock to drop a little bit, so that is why he comes here at 20. Kinlaw is the 3rd best defensive lineman in this year’s draft, and his power and burst off the snap are almost unmatched. The Lions essentially used their first pick on pass rushing stud Yannick Ngakoue, and now they get to add in Kinlaw on the inside to form one of the best young defensive lines in the NFL. Owner Martha Ford is putting a lot of pressure on head coach Matt Patricia to get results, and these two new acquisitions are a great start for the organization that ranked 29th in the league in sacks last year.
21. Philadelphia Eagles
The Pick: WR Justin Jefferson, LSU
After a frustrating season of dropped passes and injuries to receivers, the Eagles add a critical piece to their offense. Jefferson has great hands and enough moves to keep cornerbacks guessing at the next level. The top target of first overall pick Joe Burrow will quickly settle into his role with the Eagles and become Carson Wentz’s best friend. The Eagles could go fancy here and take a guy like Patrick Queen or Grant Delpit, but their fanbase has made this pick for them. Jefferson or Philadelphia riots.
22. Minnesota Vikings
The Pick: CB Jeff Gladney, TCU
The Vikings could go so many different directions here and at 25 that it is almost impossible to guess their picks. A lot of fans want a wide receiver here, but this is where many people expect there to be a run on cornerbacks, so I think they Vikings will get who they want before the rest of the league takes their pick. Jeff Gladney is a bit undersized, but he has held his own against some of the top big receivers in college football, including potential first pick Denzel Mims. His aggression is something head coach Mike Zimmer will fall in love with, and Gladney is the perfect fit for this defense and a great replacement for Xavier Rhodes.
23. New England Patriots
The Pick: EDGE K’Lavon Chaisson, LSU
This could be the steal of the draft here. Chaisson has incredible athleticism, but also was an honor roll student at LSU. He was given the coveted number 18, awarded to the LSU player who best represents the team both on the field on off the field. Athletic and smart with a great work ethic and leadership skills? If that is not Belichick’s dream player, I don’t know who is. His explosiveness and athleticism could actually make him an upgrade over former linebacker Kyle Van Noy. He would be scary on the Patriots, as they would definitely allow him to reach his full potential. Brady is gone, but the Patriots still have the greatest coach of all time. Trust him.
24. New Orleans Saints
The Pick: LB Patrick Queen, LSU
It would be fascinating to see the Saints to pick Jordan Love here to fill in for Drew Brees after he retires, but Love is gone already, and I think the Saints make a move to win one more Super Bowl with one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. The Saints honestly do not have many needs, but linebacker is one of them. Kiko Alonso brings solid leadership to the position, but there are not enough pieces around him. With Queen, the Saints get a solid linebacker with power, speed, and great processing ability. Many would argue Queen was the sceond most important player on LSU after Burrow, and he is ready to prove his worth at the next level.
25. Minnesota Vikings
The Pick: WR Denzel Mims, Baylor
This is where the Vikings get their receiver, and honestly, I really love this pick. Replacing Stefon Diggs is no easy task, but I think Mims is ready for it. Mims ran a 4.38 at the combine (Diggs ran a 4.46), and Mims is 3 inches taller at 6’3”. He needs work on his route running, but this is a great spot for him to be the second option for Kirk Cousins after Adam Thielen. His athleticism is spectacular, and I love the way he fights for the ball in the air. Mike Zimmer gets two Big 12 players who are just as aggressive as they are fast, just the way he likes his players to be.
26. Detroit Lions (From Miami)
The Pick: G/C Cesar Ruiz, Michigan
The Lions make their last of three picks here, and while many think they could take a cornerback, I actually like them to bolster their offensive line here. The Lions made a massive mistake when they let offensive lineman Graham Glasgow walk away in free agency. Here, they get his replacement in the form of the best interior lineman in the draft. Ruiz can play anywhere on the interior and he is as NFL ready as any prospect in this draft. A fantastic run blocker, Ruiz might need a little work on his pass protection, but his power and mobility for a big man is astounding. The Lions have the 35th pick in the draft, where I expect them to take one of the many cornerbacks still remaining, but Ruiz will be gone by then. I love this pick. The Lions win the first round right here. Yes, the Lions. Crazy times, man.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS TRADE PICKS 45 AND 76 TO SEATTLE SEAHAWKS FOR PICK 27
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (From Seattle)
The Pick: RB D’Andre Swift, Georgia
The Buccaneers are in win-now mode. They have traded for Gronk and they have Tom Brady for a year or two. What Brady needs is a solid running back to both take the pressure off him in his older age as well as catch the ball out of the backfield. The Bucs do not have very good running backs, so they make a move up here to take the best one in the draft. Swift has power, quickness, and phenomenal pass-catching ability that makes him immediately ready for reps in the NFL. If I am a Bucs fan, I do not want to see my team be casual in this draft. I would love to see them make moves and be aggressive, like with this pick for Swift. This leaves the Bucs with no more picks until the 5th round, but I fully expect them to trade either OJ Howard or Cameron Brate for a mid-round pick, so this move is not too crazy.
CINCINNATI BENGALS TRADE PICKS 33 AND 107 TO THE BATLIMORE RAVENS FOR PICK 28
28. Cincinnati Bengals (From Baltimore)
The Pick: OT Austin Jackson, USC
With both of the top linebackers gone, I like the Ravens to move back here and snag an extra pick. The Bengals cannot afford to wait on their guy in Austin Jackson with so many teams from 28-33 waiting for an offensive tackle. Jackson can line up at either tackle position for the Bengals, and his power and length will be extremely beneficial to him at the next level. His draft stock has fallen a little bit as he did not have the best 2019 season, but his frame is excellent and should be able to slot in pretty quickly. His technique and footwork need some help, but he is a spectacular prospect who is great at anticipating the moves of the defender lining up against him. This is a great pick for the Bengals to protect Joe Burrow.
29. Tennessee Titans
The Pick: OT, Ezra Cleveland, Boise State
The Titans lost right tackle Jack Conklin to the Browns, so they are in desperate need of a replacement. Cleveland’s stock has been rising quickly, but his abilities are best used in an offense with a heavy run game, such as the Titans. This team made it as far as they did last season because of the heroics of Derrick Henry, so the right thing to do is repay the man with a good offensive line. As I’ve said before, there are so many cornerbacks in this draft, so the first round is the time to really take guys at weaker positions. Cleveland is one of the last offensive tackles available in the second tier, so Tennessee uses him to anchor their line at 29.
30. Green Bay Packers
The Pick: CB AJ Terrell, Clemson
The Packers have one of the best cornerbacks in the league in Jaire Alexander, but on the other side of the defense, Kevin King was absolutely horrible. This is going to be a really tough decision for the Packers as they are going to have to ask themselves if there will be a better cornerback or wide receiver available with their next pick at 62. My bet is wide receiver, so the Packers go with Terrell here to pair with Alexander. In Clemson’s first 14 games of the year, Terrell did not allow a single receiver he faced tally over 60 yards. The first team all-ACC cornerback is ready for the NFL, and it would be really hard for the Packers to pass on him.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS TRADE PICKS 42 AND 73 TO THE SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS FOR PICKS 31, 156 AND MARQUISE GOODWIN.
31. Jacksonville Jaguars (From San Francisco)
The Pick: DE AJ Epenesa, Iowa
I like this trade for a lot of reasons. For starters, the 49ers are actively trying to trade Goodwin, and the best value for them would be to trade him in part of a package such as this one. Trading Goodwin opens up cap space for the 49ers to sign this year’s draft class as well as sign Kittle and Bosa to long term deals in the future. This trade gives John Lynch an extra pick to work with, but more important it spreads them out more, something he obsesses over.
For the Jaguars, Goodwin is another speedy receiver to add to a horrible receiving core. Minshew needs weapons, and moving up while also getting a solid receiver is a great move for the Jags. After trading Ngakoue, they need an end to pair with Josh Allen, so they move up after seeing one of the best pass rushers in the class fall this far. Epenesa is an absolute beast with an extremely high motor and is spectacular in the run game. I love the move the Jaguars make to move up and get him here, as they have now secured the best cornerback in the draft, the best defensive tackle in the draft, a solid day 1 starter to replace Ngakoue, and a sure-handed speedy receiver for their offense. All of a sudden, the cupboard doesn't seem so bare for Jacksonville.
BUFFALO BILLS TRADE PICKS 54, 86, AND 188 TO THE KANSAS CITY CHIEFS FOR PICK 32
32. Buffalo Bills (From Kansas City)
The Pick: DE Yetur Gross-Matos, Penn State
If Epenesa or Gross-Matos fall in the draft, expect the Bills to also trade up to get one of them. After losing Shaq Lawson this offseason, the Bills starting defensive ends are 32 and 33 years old. That is not ideal. After Gross-Matos, the talent at pass rusher falls off, and after Joshua Uche gets picked in the second round, the talent drops off significantly. Gross-Matos is ready to be a cornerstone of a defense, he just needs to find a good situation to be drafted into. Bills fans will love watching him play as he uses his length and power to both rush the passer and stop the run. This is not a cheap price to pay, as they lose two draft picks, but the Bills simply do not have a lot of needs on their roster, and making a big splash for a guy who can anchor their defensive line for the next 5 years is definitely the right move. The Chiefs will love adding two picks, but the Bills will walk away thinking they won this one.
Comments