Givanni Damico | March 4th, 2020
The combine changes a lot of aspects of the upcoming NFL Draft. This year was no different. Some guys rose up in my overall rankings (as well as in this draft), while others faltered. Let’s see how your team did. Maybe I can appease every fanbase this time (in my dreams)!
1) Cincinnati Bengals – Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
Permanent. Ink. The Bengals have their franchise quarterback.
2) Washington Redskins – Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State
Enough of the speculation that the Redskins should trade down or not draft Chase Young. Young is a generational talent that the Redskins cannot miss out on.
** Lions trade pick #3 to Dolphins for pick #5, pick #39, 2021 2nd
3) Miami Dolphins (via DET) – Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
Herbert is getting all the hype after the combine. The Dolphins struggled in their interview with Tua Tagovailoa, leaving him confused about where they stand with him. There are a lot of critics against Herbert, but he is definitely NFL-ready. He’s got the athleticism and arm talent that it takes to be a franchise quarterback for years to come.
4) New York Giants – Isaiah Simmons, LB/SAF/SCB, Clemson
The Giants could go with an offensive tackle here, but it would be a mistake to pass up on the athletic talent that is Isaiah Simmons. He can line up almost anywhere on the defense. There is nobody else like him in the draft or in free agency, whereas I can see the Giants addressing tackle elsewhere.
5) Detroit Lions (via MIA) – Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State
Okudah performed well at the combine and is still the clear-cut CB1 in this draft. He interviewed very well and made one interviewer backtrack when he asked about Okudah’s penalties. Okudah responded that he did not have a single holding or pass interference penalty. This guy is confident in his game and will be a stud for Detroit.
6) Los Angeles Chargers – Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
As I said in my last mock draft, Tyrod Taylor is most certainly not the answer. The Chargers will likely either have Herbert or Tua fall to them, and they need to take advantage of this opportunity and draft their future quarterback.
7) Carolina Panthers – Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
Despite his poor agility performances at the Combine, Brown is still a space-eating monster who has so much natural talent. He clearly didn’t try too hard to prepare for his 3-cone drill, but he put haters to rest on Twitter when he redid his 3-cone drill and recorded a significantly better time. It seems like a lot of fanbases don’t want Brown but if he’s here and the Panthers pass him up, they may be left regretting it for years to come.
** Cardinals trade pick #8 to Broncos for pick #15, #77, #95, 2021 5th **
8) Denver Broncos (via AZ) – Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
Wirfs’s combine was out of this world incredible. He tested in the 99th percentile for every single athletic test and would replace the struggling Garrett Bolles on the Broncos’ offensive line. This trade-up was necessary to get ahead of the Browns, Jets, and Buccaneers, all of whom are threats to take a tackle.
** Jaguars trade pick #9 to the Raiders for pick #12, pick #91, 2021 6th **
9) Las Vegas Raiders (via JAX) – CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
It’s pretty obvious to me that Lamb is the best all-around talent at the receiver position in this draft. Lamb is electric after the catch and makes highlight-reel plays every game. The Raiders lack explosiveness at the receiver position, so this pick would allow Lamb to jump in and be WR1 for Oakland immediately.
10) Cleveland Browns – Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
Becton tested amazing for his size and the Browns seem to love him. He is a physical player who would be a bully up front in Cleveland and allow more time for Baker Mayfield to get rid of the ball. None of what Becton does is sloppy; he’s an extreme athlete who is in amazing shape. It would be a blessing to see him fall to them.
11) New York Jets – Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
A few weeks ago, Wills was my clear-cut OT1 in this class, but a lot can change in a few weeks. Tristan Wirfs proved to be an all-around beast with insane athleticism. Becton has the same grade as Wills for me but I think he’s a better fit in Cleveland. All of this being said, the Jets need to protect Sam Darnold and the gap between Wirfs and Wills isn’t enough to scoff at. Wills is an outstanding player who could end up being a franchise offensive tackle.
12) Jacksonville Jaguars (via LVR) – Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
With the loss of Jalen Ramsey last season, and the recent trade of A.J. Bouye due to cap space issues, the Jaguars need some help in their secondary. Even before trading Bouye, the Jags needed help at cornerback. Tre Herndon looked solid last year but Fulton is an upgrade. He tested well at the combine and is worth a top-15 pick.
13) Indianapolis Colts – Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
The Colts get their franchise quarterback with Love. Love had a good combine and he has extremely high potential. Jacoby Brissett is not the future of the Colts franchise. A lot of fans may not like this pick, but they can’t hold out for anything better.
14) Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina
Kinlaw didn’t work out at the combine, but he didn’t really need to because we already know his value. He’s up there with Derrick Brown; the gap is not as big between the two as people think. Kinlaw would be a great addition to the Buccaneers front seven to pair with Vita Vea.
15) Arizona Cardinals (via DEN) – Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
The fact that Jeudy could fall outside of the top 10 astonishes some people, but the talent in this draft may be the best in the last few years. Jeudy would be a fantastic addition to a receiving corps that does not seem to have an identity right now. Kyler Murray and Jeudy would be an electrifying duo that would draw in many fans.
16) Atlanta Falcons – K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, LSU
Oh, I do not want to hear it from Falcons fans here. “We don’t want another undersized pass-rusher.” Alright, guys, not everyone is Vic Beasley. Chaisson has fantastic athletic ability and explosiveness. His bend is impeccable. He projects a lot better than Beasley did coming out of college.
17) Dallas Cowboys – C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida
Henderson is an incredible athlete who had a fantastic combine. He is a lock-down man coverage corner, but he struggles with zone coverage and tackling ability. I’m not worried about his tackling if he shuts down opposing receivers, though.
18) Miami Dolphins – Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
The Dolphins need to add some protection up front. Thomas didn’t “wow” anyone at the combine but he did enough to solidify his top-20 status. He would be a dream come true for the Dolphins right here, and for them to pass him up would be a huge mistake.
19) Las Vegas Raiders – Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
Queen’s hamstring injury is nothing to be concerned about. The Raiders could use an athletic talent like Queen who simply does it all. He has shot up draft boards lately (including mine) and hopefully, Mike Mayock understands the tremendous need at the position.
20) Jacksonville Jaguars – Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
With Myles Jack being the only reputable member of the linebacker corps in Jacksonville (yes, there are other solid players, but nobody of real starting caliber), the Jaguars need Murray. He’s extremely explosive and his tackling is efficient, although his technique could use improvement. Nevertheless, Murray has to be the pick at this point in the draft.
21) Philadelphia Eagles – Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
Ruggs may not fall this far, but if he does, there is no way that the Eagles can pass him up. The man is a straight speed demon. Their receiving corps was debilitated last year so Ruggs coming in would sure up any issues there.
22) Buffalo Bills – Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
Jefferson tested great at the combine; his 4.43 speed made it clear that he would not fall out of the first round. Jefferson is a big-bodied receiver who can move; he projects much better than Tee Higgins in my opinion.
23) New England Patriots – Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE, Penn State
The Patriots did not bring enough pressure last year. Their secondary was fantastic, their linebackers were serviceable, but the defensive line needs improvement. Gross-Matos is a guy that can get you seven or more sacks per season if he’s given a good snap count. I don’t think he’s going to dominate the league, but he would certainly be an upgrade for New England.
** New Orleans trades pick #24 to Seattle for pick #27, pick #123, 2021 4th **
24) Seattle Seahawks (via NO) – Josh Jones, OT, Houston
With Justin Jefferson off the board and no one else of good value for the Saints to select, they trade back with Seattle who will try to revamp their offensive line. Seattle had to move ahead of Minnesota here. Josh Jones is an athletic tackle who will be a developmental player. The sky is the limit for this kid and he can definitely be a cornerstone of the offensive line.
25) Minnesota Vikings – Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU
The Rhodes were wide open last year. Xavier Rhodes was awful and the Vikings have no true CB2 on their roster right now. Gladney is very athletically-gifted and will make the Vikings’ secondary a bit more intimidating.
26) Miami Dolphins – Zack Baun, EDGE/LB, Wisconsin
Baun is a truly gifted pass-rusher. He did well at the combine, proving his ability to play EDGE or linebacker. I think it would be a mistake to move Baun to linebacker because of how well he looked like an edge rusher. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The Dolphins need a presence like him to go after the quarterback.
27) New Orleans Saints (via SEA) – Lloyd Cushenberry III, IOL, LSU
Cushenberry stays home in Louisiana as the Saints select him to solidify their interior offensive line. Cushenberry is the best interior lineman in this class, with Cesar Ruiz as a close second. Many Saints’ fans wanted me to give them a lineman in my last draft, so luckily for you guys, it happened to fall that way.
28) Baltimore Ravens – Antoine Winfield, Jr, SAF, Minnesota
I did not think the combine would make me put Winfield as my SAF1 but it did. His 40-time was much better than everybody expected. Partner that with his all-around ability at the safety position and the Ravens would be foolish to pass on him after letting Tony Jefferson go.
29) Tennessee Titans – A.J. Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa
Epenesa tested very poorly at the combine, but this may work to the Titans’ advantage. He was projected to go sooner until now, so he will fall right into Tennessee’s lap. Trust me, I considered Austin Jackson and Jonathan Taylor here as well, but I think the Titans need to focus on pressuring the quarterback and that’s the name of A.J.’s game.
30) Green Bay Packers – Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor
Mims had one of the best weeks out of anyone at the combine. His speed partnered with his size makes this a fantastic pick for Green Bay, giving Aaron Rodgers another reliable target outside of Davante Adams.
31) San Francisco 49ers – Xavier McKinney, SAF, Alabama
The 49ers have to make this pick count because they don’t pick until day three after this. Trust me, I thought deeply about having them trade back but I feel like they can’t miss on Xavier McKinney to make their secondary nearly complete.
32) Kansas City Chiefs – Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
Diggs squeezed back into the first-round for me because he’s exactly what the Chiefs need. He’s fantastic in man coverage while his zone coverage needs a bit of work. He will be an upgrade over their current secondary which may lose Kendall Fuller as well.
Round 2
33) Cincinnati Bengals – Cesar Ruiz, IOL, Michigan
34) Indianapolis Colts – Laviska Shenault Jr., WR, Colorado
35) Detroit Lions – Grant Delpit, SAF, LSU
36) New York Giants – Austin Jackson, OT, USC
37) Los Angeles Chargers – Lucas Niang, OT, TCU
38) Carolina Panthers – Noah Igbinoghene, CB, Auburn
39) Detroit Lions (via MIA) – Julian Okwara, EDGE, Notre Dame
40) Arizona Cardinals – Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU
41) Cleveland Browns – Kyle Dugger, SAF, Lenoir-Rhyme
42) Jacksonville Jaguars – Marlon Davidson, DT/EDGE, Auburn
43) Chicago Bears – Netane Muti, IOL, Fresno State
44) Indianapolis Colts – Justin Madubuike, DT, Texas A&M
45) Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin
46) Denver Broncos – Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State
47) Atlanta Falcons – D’Andre Swift, RB, Georgia
48) New York Jets – Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
49) Pittsburgh Steelers – Neville Gallimore, DT, Oklahoma
50) Chicago Bears – A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson
51) Dallas Cowboys – Ashtyn Davis, SAF, California
52) Los Angeles Rams – Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise State
53) Philadelphia Eagles – Damon Arnette, CB, Ohio State
54) Buffalo Bills – Joshua Uche, EDGE, Michigan
55) Atlanta Falcons – Raekwon Davis, DL, Alabama
56) Miami Dolphins – J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ohio State
57) Houston Texans – Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, LSU
58) Minnesota Vikings – Jonah Jackson, IOL, Ohio State
59) Seattle Seahawks – Terrell Lewis, EDGE, Alabama
60) Baltimore Ravens – Curtis Weaver, EDGE, Boise State
61) Tennessee Titans – Prince Tega Wanogho, OT, Auburn
62) Green Bay Packers – Matthew Peart, OT, UConn
63) Kansas City Chiefs – Cam Akers, RB, Florida State
64) Seattle Seahawks – K.J. Hamler, WR, Penn State
Round 3
65) Cincinnati Bengals – Bradlee Anae, EDGE, Utah
66) Washington Redskins – Chase Claypool, WR, Notre Dame
67) Detroit Lions – Willie Gay Jr., Mississippi State
68) New York Jets – Matt Hennessy, IOL, Temple
69) Carolina Panthers – Isaiah Wilson, OT, Georgia
70) Miami Dolphins – Jeremy Chinn, SAF, Southern Illinois
71) Los Angeles Chargers – Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah
72) Arizona Cardinals – Robert Hunt, IOL, Louisiana
73) Jacksonville Jaguars – Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU
74) Cleveland Browns – Troy Dye, LB, Oregon
75) Indianapolis Colts – Jonathan Greenard, EDGE, Florida
76) Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Nick Harris, IOL, Washington
77) Arizona Cardinals (via DEN) – Malik Harrison, LB, Ohio State
78) Atlanta Falcons – Bryce Hall, CB, Virginia
*** Jets trade pick #79 to the Packers for pick #94, #158 ***
79) Green Bay Packers (via NYJ) – Cole Kmet, TE, Notre Dame
80) Oakland Raiders – Cameron Dantzler, CB, Mississippi State
81) Oakland Raiders – Alohi Gilman, SAF, Notre Dame
82) Dallas Cowboys – Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Michigan
83) Denver Broncos – Darnay Holmes, CB, UCLA
84) Los Angeles Rams – Evan Weaver, LB, California
85) Philadelphia Eagles – Damien Lewis, IOL, LSU
86) Buffalo Bills – Zack Moss, RB, Utah
87) New England Patriots – Adam Trautman, TE, Dayton
88) New Orleans Saints – Jacob Eason, QB, Washington
89) Minnesota Vikings – Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma
90) Cleveland Browns – Rashard Lawrence, DL, LSU
91) Jacksonville Jaguars (via LVG) – Darrell Taylor, EDGE, Tennessee
92) Baltimore Ravens – Akeem Davis-Gaither, LB, Appalachian State
93) Tennessee Titans – Davon Hamilton, DL, Ohio State
94) New York Jets – Ben Bartch, OT, St. John
95) Arizona Cardinals (via DEN) – Saahdiq Charles, OT, LSU
96) Kansas City Chiefs – Jordyn Brooks, LB, Texas Tech
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