The Scorcrow NFL Draft Team | April 15th, 2020
The 2020 NFL draft is a week away and it will be a draft like we’ve never seen before. No live events, teams unable to have a war room, and commissioner Rodger Goodell will be announcing the first round of the draft from his basement; all of this is because of COVID-19. Now hopefully, everyone is staying home and staying safe, but being under quarantine can drive a man (or six) bored out of his mind. So with extra time on our hands, six of our NFL draft experts (Mike Fanelli, Givanni Damico, Zach Gotlieb, Mason Thompson, Connor Neal, Brady Podloski) bring you a two-round mock draft.
Before we get started please remember two important things. One, we do hate your favorite team and want them to draft a kicker with every pick. Two, we have no idea what we are talking about, in fact, we had no idea what we are doing and just picked random player names out of a hat. Now, without further ado, the Bengals are on the clock.
Round two is now out! Be sure to check it out!
1) Bengals – Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
This is the most obvious pick possible. There really isn’t another option for them unless someone offers them a historic trade. Don’t believe any of the smoke out there, Burrow is going to be a Bengal. – Connor
2) Redskins – Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State
Could a team offer the Redskins a bounty of picks to move up to grab a quarterback? Possibly. However, with the Panthers out of the quarterback market, there are now just two teams in the top 10 in desperate need of a quarterback. Unless the offer is way too good to pass up, expect Young to join several former Ohio State teammates in D.C. – Mike
*** Lions trade pick #3 to the Chargers for picks #6, #37, #186, and a 2021 fourth-round pick ***
3) Chargers (via Lions) – Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
The Chargers have made a ton of moves this offseason. They added Trai Turner, Bryan Bulaga, Linval Joseph, and Chris Harris Jr. There are two positions the team is sub par at right now, left tackle and quarterback. The team signed Bulaga, who would be the blindside blocker for Tagovailoa. Los Angeles trades up to get their franchise cornerstone player for the next decade. – Mason
4) Giants – Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
With a plethora of options available at this spot, Dave Gettelman decides to go with arguably the best offensive tackles in the draft to protect Daniel Jones. Wirfs provides a skill set that offers the potential of being able to play multiple positions across the line. With the Giants having one of the worst lines in the league consistently over the past few years, Wirfs will be a day one impact starter. – Zach
5) Dolphins – Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
The Dolphins don’t need to waste draft capital trading up for a quarterback when a great one falls right in their lap. Herbert is a safer bet than Tua at this point due to his injury history. The rest of this draft needs to be focused on building around Herbert. – Gio
6) Lions (via Chargers) – Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson
With Young off the board, the Lions were open for moving down and the Chargers wanted to move up to secure Tua. Now on the clock at six overall, the Lions have their choice of defensive star players. The biggest reason why the Lions take Simmons is that the draft class is deep at cornerback and they can get a starting caliber corner in the second round. For more on my decision to take Simmons over Jeffrey Okudah, click here. – Brady
7) Panthers – Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State
Somehow Okudah got pass the Lions not once but twice. However, the Panthers will happily take him here. They lost James Bradberry in free agency and have a huge hole at cornerback. To make matters worse, the NFC South now has two future Hall of Fame quarterbacks and several elite wide receivers, making the need for an elite cornerback all the more important. Thankfully, one landed in their lap. – Mike
8) Cardinals – Jedrick Wills Jr., OT, Alabama
It would be a dream come true if Simmons or Wirfs fell into the Cardinals’ lap but with both off the board, they grab the best offensive lineman available. Wills has experience at right tackle (protecting Tua’s blindside) and would start day one on the right side for the Cardinals. – Brady
9) Jaguars – Javon Kinlaw, DL, South Carolina
Although Derrick Brown was still on the board, I have Kinlaw slightly higher. He may not be as good of a run stuffer as Brown, he is a better pass rusher with an absurdly fast first step. After trading Calais Campbell to the Ravens, the Jaguars need someone to fill his shoes. – Connor
10) Browns – Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
Thomas has the highest floor of any offensive tackle in this draft class and the Browns can’t miss on this pick. He would start day one at left tackle opposite of Jack Conklin. Thomas brings fantastic run-blocking and decent pass-blocking to the table, making him a very safe bet for Cleveland. – Gio
*** Jets trade picks #11 to the Broncos for picks #15, #77, and #178 ***
11) Broncos (via Jets) – Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
It took a substantial package to get up to this pick for the Broncos, but if you have a chance to get your guy, go get him. Ruggs is an ideal fit for the Broncos and their lack of outside threats beyond Courtland Sutton capped them last year. What they more specifically needed from a new number two receiver with speed and Ruggs has plenty of it. He’s got good hands and decent route-running skills that can be further developed. His ability to play in the slot and at the Z-receiver position will make him valuable for a developing offense looking to score more points. – Zach
*** Raiders trade picks #12 to the Saints for picks #24, 2021 first and third-round picks ***
12) Saints (via Raiders) – Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
The Saints are one of the most aggressive teams in terms of trading draft picks and moving up, as they did in 2018 for Marcus Davenport. In that trade, they gave up a future first-round pick and they do the same here. Love is one of the biggest boom or bust prospects in the draft and has elite arm talent. However, he also needs a lot of work when it comes to making decisions with the ball. The Saints are the best landing spot for him, as they will be able to let him sit and learn from Drew Brees for a least a year. – Brady
13) 49ers (via Colts) – Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
The 49ers don’t have many needs but wide receiver is one of them. With Jeudy still being on the board, they can’t pass on him. It would be smart for the 49ers to trade down since they don’t have a pick in rounds two, three, and four but if they can’t work out a trade, taking Jeudy is a good call. – Connor
14) Buccaneers – Derrick Brown, DL, Auburn
The Buccaneers hit a home run signing Tom Brady this offseason, which hopefully put them over the top on offense. While the defense is underrated, they could still use another few pieces. While there’s concern about Brown’s sustainability, there should be no concerns about his ability. He plays with great strength, power, and technique. He’s one of the best defensive line prospects in recent memory and would be a huge addition to the Buccaneers’ defensive front. – Zach
15) Jets (via Broncos) – CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
After trading back with the Broncos, the Jets add two picks, including a critical third-rounder and still get their guy. Lamb will fill arguably the Jets’ biggest need and give Sam Darnold a true number one wide receiver. I believe he is the best receiver in the class and for him to be the third drafted is criminal. He can line up in any receiver spot and is most dangerous after the catch. – Brady
16) Falcons – C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida
The Falcons already had a hole at cornerback and then cut Desmond Trufant. Henderson would slot in as Atlanta’s number one cornerback the second he is drafted. In a division that has Michael Thomas, Chris Godwin, and Mike Evans, the Falcons need to add a cornerback or two. – Mason
*** Cowboys trade pick #17 to the Jaguars for picks #20, #116, and #165 ***
17) Jaguars (via Cowboys) – Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
With Becton sliding, the Jaguars happily throw the Cowboys a few mid-rounds picks to jump the Dolphins for the last franchise tackle in the draft. With Becton on the roster, it gives Gardner Minshew II better protection and allows them to move Cam Robinson inside to guard. – Connor
18) Dolphins (via Steelers) – Josh Jones, OT, Houston
Not the flashiest pick, but Herbert needs protection. Jones is a bit of work and progress, but he’s a good athlete. He has good measurables, but his ability to anchor could use some work. While the Dolphins will never admit it, they would have been much happier seeing Becton slide one more pick. – Gio
19) Raiders (via Bears) – Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
While trading back cost them the chance to draft Jeudy, Lamb, and Henderson, adding an extra first and third-round pick next year is just too much for the Raiders to pass up. Now at pick 19, the Raiders turn to the best cornerback left on the board. Last year’s second-round pick Trayvon Mullen has one starting cornerback spot locked up but the other is an open competition. I expect Fulton to easily win that job as a rookie. – Mike
20) Cowboys (via Jaguars, Rams) – Xavier McKinney, SAF, Alabama
After moving back a few spots and adding a pair of mid-round picks, the Cowboys still get their guy. Many fans will hate this pick and scream “we don’t need a safety” but that’s not true. First off, McKinney isn’t just a safety, he has experience playing in several spots much like former Cowboy Byron Jones. Second, both Xavier Woods and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix are free agents after the 2020 season, and with potentially limited cap space, the Cowboys might not be able to re-sign either. – Mike
21) Eagles – Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
Signing Javon Hargrave and trading for Darius Slay to replace Timmy Jernigan and Ronald Darby were two excellent moves. However, the Eagles have a big hole at linebacker that needs to be plugged. Murray would step in day one and become the leader of the linebacker unit. With the additions of Hargrave, Slay, and Murray, the Eagles would finally have a great defense on all three levels. – Mike
22) Vikings (via Bills) – Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor
After trading Stefon Diggs, the Vikings need a second receiver to run with Adam Thielen. Mims may not be a part of the “elite three” receivers that topped the board, but he can be a truly dynamic receiver, combining elite size with impressive speed. His skill level may not be as high or ever reach it, but I get the vibe of Calvin Johnson in terms of his skill set. – Zach
*** Patriots trade picks #23 to the Jets for picks #48, #77, #178, and 2021 fourth-round pick ***
23) Jets (via Patriots) – K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, LSU
Trading within the division is tough but the Jets had to make this move. With the depth at edge rusher, Chaisson started to slide down the board and while it cost them two of their day two picks, the Jets land themselves a pass rusher with a lot of potential. I almost took him with the 11th pick but to get him with the 23rd pick is a steal. Chaisson has the athleticism, bend, and length to develop into a 10 plus sack a year player. – Brady
24) Raiders (via Saints) – Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
The Raiders missed out on one of the “big three” wide receivers but Jefferson is no consolation prize. During his final season at LSU, Jefferson had 111 catches for 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns. The Raiders never replaced Antonio Brown and they need to give Derek Carr a true number one wide receiver. – Mike
25) Vikings – Zack Baun, EDGE, Wisconsin
Baun is a versatile linebacker that can stop the run, pass rush, and drop into coverage. He does a lot of things really well, just nothing particularly great. Baun could find himself starting at some point this year across from Anthony Barr and definitely have a special teams role. – Zach
26) Dolphins (via Texans) – Cesar Ruiz, iOL, Michigan
Keep bringing in the big men upfront to protect Herbert! Ruiz is a day-one starter at either center or guard. He brings good leadership to the team as well as versatility as a pass-blocker and run-blocker. The Dolphins need all the help they can get upfront as keeping Herbert standing upright is critical. – Gio
27) Seahawks – Isaiah Wilson, OT, Georgia
After years of Russell Wilson running for his life and making magical plays outside of the pocket, it’s long past time to fully invest in giving him protection. There are some value players that can be picked later on, but with Wilson on the board, it’s a big pickup for the Seattle offense. Wilson has all the physical ability, just needs to lock in on his technique and he’ll be a really good player for years to come and most importantly necessary protection for Russell. – Zach
28) Ravens – Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
The Ravens are another team that doesn’t have a lot of needs but linebacker is their biggest. After losing Patrick Onwuasor and Josh Bynes in free agency, Queen would fill in nicely. – Connor
29) Titans – A.J. Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa
Tennessee added Vic Beasley in free agency but still needs pass rush help. Epenesa slipped in this mock and could potentially play edge or move inside for the Titans. With no major hole to fill, the Titans could pick the best player available. – Mason
30) Packers – Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU
I know what you’re thinking, “the Packers have spent so many first-round picks to attempt to fix their secondary in the last few years”. Well, with the top three linebackers are off the board, and the receivers are dropping as well, the Packers add another cornerback. In a division with several good wide receivers, the Packers can’t have too many good cornerbacks. – Mason
31) 49ers – Lloyd Cushenberry III, iOL, LSU
Besides wide receiver, the 49ers need help along the interior of the offensive line. Cushenberry is regarded by many as the top interior offensive line prospect in this draft. He would be an impact starter for the 49ers and would help protect Jimmy Garoppolo. – Connor
32) Chiefs – Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE, Penn State
Somehow, someway Gross-Matos almost falls out of the first round. However, the Chiefs wisely snatch him up to end round one. Last year just two players had more than six sacks for the Chiefs; Chris Jones and Frank Clark. Jones’ future with the franchise is up in the air after having the franchise tag placed on him while Clark saw his sack production drop in his first year in Kansas City. Over his last two years at Penn State, Gross-Matos had 17 sacks and 34.5 tackles for a loss. He would be a day one starter opposite of Clark. – Mike
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