It is almost draft day and all eyes will be on the future of the NFL. The Dolphins lead the way with 14 picks total this year and many teams will be looking to find their next franchise player. This two-round mock draft has everyone staying put in their original draft position, but we all know there will be moves made each day, so let’s break it all down:
Round 1
1.) Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow, QB (LSU)
There is no debate that Cincinnati is going to take Burrow with the
first pick after the historic season he had last year. The only quarterback question the Bengals have to answer now is what to do with Andy Dalton.
2.) Washington Redskins: Chase Young, EDGE (Ohio St.)
The best overall player in the draft will be the second name called on draft night. Young is a rare talent who will be the face of the Washington defense for years to come.
3.) Detroit Lions: Isaiah Simmons, LB (Clemson)
With the 30th-ranked defense last season, Detroit can’t afford to pass on the best defensive player available. Although Jeffrey Okudah should be in consideration, linebacker help is a more prominent need than the secondary for Detroit. Matt Patricia would love to get his hands on the versatile Simmons.
4.) New York Giants: Tristan Wirfs, OL (Iowa)
Dave Gettleman won’t be happy if he has to miss out on adding Simmons, but now that Daniel Jones has the keys, the Giants need to protect him. With Will Hernandez and Kevin Zeitler already in the mix on the line, adding Wirfs to the outside would be huge for Saquon Barkley going into Year 3, as well as Jones in his second year.
5.) Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa, QB (Alabama)
Holding three picks in the first round, Miami could consider trading up to get their quarterback of the future. If all goes to plan, Miami can stay put and get the high-risk, high-reward player in Tagovailoa. If healthy, he could very well be the best quarterback to come from this draft, but the biggest concern is his health. The Dolphins would be smart to take the Patrick Mahomes approach and sit Tagovailoa for a year to let him learn and heal, then hand over the keys in Year 2.
6.) Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Herbert, QB (Oregon)
The Chargers have been adamant about Tyrod Taylor being their starting quarterback and not going after any free agents, but he is not the long-term answer. The 6-foot-6 signal-caller out of Oregon would be a smart pick for the future. L.A. could take an approach like the Browns did two seasons ago by starting Taylor and having Herbert on standby.
7.) Carolina Panthers: Jeffrey Okudah, CB (Ohio State)
Ranked 23rd last season against the pass, Carolina needs a lot more help on defense than just in the secondary, but Okudah is the best corner in this draft and could be the cornerstone of that defense.
8.) Arizona Cardinals: Jedrick Wills, Jr., OL (Alabama)
After a phenomenal rookie season by Kyler Murray and the addition of DeAndre Hopkins, Arizona needs to protect its mobile quarterback. With one of the worst-ranked offensive lines, adding Wills would be the smart pick to boost the trenches.
9.) Jacksonville Jaguars: Derrick Brown, DL (Auburn)
After Calais Campbell was dealt and Yannick Ngakoue publicly stated his demand for a trade, Jacksonville will need a rebuild on the defensive line. Josh Allen is great on the outside, so by adding the best defensive tackle in this draft, the Jaguars will be starting their rebuild the right way.
10.) Cleveland Browns: Andrew Thomas, OT (Georgia)
For the second straight offseason, Cleveland has added big-time offensive talent with Austin Hooper joining an already stacked offensive unit. Baker Mayfield has all the talent around him he needs to succeed, and adding Andrew Thomas to the mix is even better. Thomas would be a huge upgrade at left tackle to complement Jack Conklin on the right side.
11.) New York Jets: Jerry Jeudy, WR (Alabama)
The smart pick for the Jets would be to go with the best offensive lineman on the board, but they will not be able to resist having their pick of any receiver. Sam Darnold lost his favorite target in Robby Anderson to free agency so Jeudy will come in and make an impact right away.
12.) Las Vegas Raiders: CeeDee Lamb, WR (Oklahoma)
Heading to a new city, the Raiders need to add some juice to the lineup. After the Antonio Brown debacle, the Raiders can take Lamb and make him the focal point of the team. Derek Carr will benefit greatly from having a player like Lamb to throw to.
13.) San Francisco 49ers: Henry Ruggs III, WR (Alabama)
San Francisco found their way into the top 15 following a trade with Indianapolis after making a run to the Super Bowl. Emmanuel Sanders is no longer on the team, so adding Ruggs could help the offense possibly win the big game next year. Three of the top receivers could go right in a row if things play out right.
14.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mekhi Becton, OL (Louisville)
Tampa Bay seems to be going all-in this season after giving Tom Brady a new jersey to wear for the first time in his career. Protecting him is a top priority in the draft. Becton stands at 6-foot-7 and 364 pounds and is a freak athlete. He would be a perfect fit for Tampa Bay to add on the outside.
15.) Denver Broncos: Josh Jones, OL (Houston)
The Broncos won’t love that they miss out on the top-tier receivers in this draft, but with a deep wide receiver class, they can still pick one later. The first round is where they can take a stud on the line. Jones is a great pick to protect the young starter in Drew Lock.
16.) Atlanta Falcons: C.J. Henderson, CB (Florida)
Atlanta gave Dante Fowler a contract when free agency opened up and they still have Takkarist McKinley to get to the quarterback, so adding Henderson would do wonders for that defense. He is the second-best corner in the draft and would compete right away to be the starting corner in Atlanta.
17.) Dallas Cowboys: K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE (LSU)
As the Cowboys continue to try to work out a deal with Dak Prescott, their defense could get a major addition if Chaisson is on the board when they pick. His talent would be added to a roster with DeMarcus Lawrence, Randy Gregory, Tyrone Crawford and more. The Cowboys would allow Chaisson to learn and get some snaps in with help all around him.
18.) Miami Dolphins: Javon Kinlaw, DT (South Carolina)
The second of three first-round picks for Miami can help bolster their defensive line with one of the best pass-rushing tackles in this draft. Kinlaw could drop to No. 18 and Miami would add him to continue an already strong offseason.
19.) Las Vegas Raiders: Kristian Fulton, CB (LSU)
The Raiders could come out of this draft with an elite receiver and a lock-down corner. Fulton has the skill set to become a No. 1 corner after a championship season at LSU.
20.) Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevon Diggs, CB (Alabama)
With their second pick in the first round, the Jaguars are going to double-dip on defense and fill a hole that was made when Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye were traded.
21.) Philadelphia Eagles: Justin Jefferson, WR (LSU)
Philadelphia struggled to keep their wide receivers on the field last season but Carson Wentz still found a way to win. Alshon Jeffery, DeSean Jackson and Zach Ertz were all dealing with injuries throughout the year. Jefferson is a big-bodied and reliable receiver for the Eagles.
22.) Minnesota Vikings: Jeff Gladney, CB (TCU)
Gaining another first-rounder from the Stefon Diggs trade means the Vikings can address holes in their secondary after cutting Xavier Rhodes. Gladney is a physical corner who could bolster the secondary.
23.) New England Patriots: Xavier McKinney, S (Alabama)
The Patriots won’t reach for a quarterback yet, especially considering a player like McKinney is still on the board. The best safety in the draft can learn a lot from veterans like Devin McCourty and Patrick Chung. Adding McKinney would be a scary sight for opposing offenses going up against this already-elite secondary.
24.) New Orleans Saints: Kenneth Murray, LB (Oklahoma)
The Saints have a rough past when it comes to the playoffs. After heartbreak three years in a row and with Drew Brees on what seems to be his last two years, they are in win-now mode. Adding Emmanuel Sanders in free agency was huge for that offense. Drafting Murray to learn and play with Demario Davis would be big in taking the next step in building a very strong defense.
25.) Minnesota Vikings: A.J. Epenesa, EDGE (Iowa)
Although Stefon Diggs is no longer a Viking, Adam Thielen is still a great No. 1 option. Adjusting Epenesa to the Vikings’ scheme would be a great addition after the loss of Everson Griffen.
26.) Miami Dolphins: Cesar Ruiz, C (Michigan)
If Miami drafts Tua Tagovailoa to be their next franchise quarterback, he will need all the protection he can get. His injury history should make Miami do everything they can to get the best offensive line. Ruiz is the best center in the draft and adds a surefire starter on the weak offensive line.
27.) Seattle Seahawks: Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE (Penn St.)
Seattle has always been known for their defense, but in the past few seasons, their defense has been lacking in some respects. Gross-Matos is a monster in the trenches and learning from players like Bobby Wagner and Bruce Irvin would be huge in his development.
28.) Baltimore Ravens: Patrick Queen, LB (LSU)
Baltimore felt the loss of linebacker C.J. Mosley last season and could add one of the most athletic linebackers in the first round. Queen has blazing speed after running a 4.45 40-yard dash at the combine.
29.) Tennessee Titans: Austin Jackson, OT (USC)
Tennessee now has Derrick Henry on the franchise tag for next season but they lost out on starting right tackle Jack Conklin in free agency. Replacing Conklin will not be easy, but adding versatile Austin Jackson could be a step in the right direction. If the Titans want to make another deep playoff push, they will need to rely heavily on the run game again.
30.) Green Bay Packers: Denzel Mims, WR (Baylor)
Aaron Rodgers is not getting any younger, and he needs some help on the offensive side of the ball. Davante Adams can only do so much in the passing game. With the addition of Devin Funchess, Green Bay could stack the receiver room, especially if they add Mims. His speed, size and ball skills would complement Adams and he could be the perfect addition to the Green Bay offense.
31.) San Francisco 49ers: A.J. Terrell, CB (Clemson)
If San Francisco decides to go offense with their first pick, why not add to an already-stacked defense with their second first-round pick? Terrell adds some much-needed help to the secondary to oppose Sherman and compete with Emmanuel Mosley.
32.) Kansas City Chiefs: D’Andre Swift, RB (Georgia)
We could see the first running back taken with the final pick of the first round. The defending Super Bowl champions would love to add a top-tier corner, but with a playmaker like Swift on the board, it would be hard to pass up. Damien Williams and Darwin Thompson are nice pieces, but Swift could become a feature back that Mahomes would love to use.
Round 2:
33.) Cincinnati Bengals: Zach Baun, LB (Wisconsin)
The Bengals got their leader on offense and now add a leader on defense.
34.) Indianapolis Colts: Jordan Love, QB (Utah St.)
Love can sit and learn behind Philip Rivers and potentially take over next season.
35.) Detroit Lions: Ross Blacklock, DT (TCU)
Blacklock is considered a high-end defensive tackle in this draft and can lock up the line for the Lions after they selected Simmons earlier.
36.) New York Giants: Malik Harrison, LB (Ohio St.)
Losing out on Markus Golden leaves a hole at linebacker, and Harrison is the best option.
37.) Los Angeles Chargers: Ezra Cleveland, OT (Boise St.)
If Justin Herbert is the answer to the future, the Chargers need to fix the offensive line.
38.) Carolina Panthers: Terrell Lewis, EDGE (Alabama)
Lewis has had some health issues, but if healthy, he can be one of the best edge rushers in the draft.
39.) Miami Dolphins: Jonathan Taylor, RB (Wisconsin)
Miami got their quarterback at No. 5, but now he needs weapons. Taylor is one of the best backs in the draft.
40.) Houston Texans: Lloyd Cushenberry III, OL (LSU)
Houston needs to help Watson as much as they can. Cushenberry is a reliable center in whom Watson can put his trust.
41.) Cleveland Browns: Grant Delpit, S (LSU)
Delpit could be quite the steal if he winds up with the Browns, solidifying a secondary that already has Greedy Williams and Denzel Ward.
42.) Jacksonville Jaguars: Ashtyn Davis, S (California)
After going corner in the first round, Jacksonville can round out the secondary with Davis, who is a ball-hawk.
43.) Chicago Bears: Noah Igbinoghene, CB (Auburn)
Chicago already has a dominant defense, but help in the secondary is much-needed. Igbinoghene is a physical corner who can lock it down.
44.) Indianapolis Colts: Jalen Reagor, WR (TCU)
Now that Rivers is the starting quarterback, more weapons will be needed in Indy. Reagor is a speedster who can complement T.Y. Hilton well and give the Colts another playmaker.
45.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB (LSU)
The Buccaneers struggled to run the ball last season, but Edwards-Helaire can come in and be an immediate weapon for Brady.
46.) Denver Broncos: Laviska Shenault, Jr., WR (Colorado)
Denver can find first-round talent in the second round if everything plays out in their favor. If it weren’t for injury concerns, Shenault would be a top-rated receiver in this draft.
47.) Atlanta Falcons: Josh Uche, EDGE (Michigan)
Uche is on the smaller side but has the speed to be a great off the edge. Uche led the Michigan defense with 7.5 sacks last year.
48.) New York Jets: Lucas Niang, OL (TCU)
Building a wall for Darnold is a top priority this offseason. Niang dealt with some injuries, but when healthy, he could be a reliable starter for New York.
49.) Pittsburgh Steelers: Brandon Aiyuk, WR (Arizona St.)
With Big Ben returning this season, it is clear that Pittsburgh needs some playmakers on offense. Aiyuk is a raw talent but has loads of potential.
50.) Chicago Bears: Julian Okwara, EDGE (Notre Dame)
Okwara has first-round talent, but because of a season-ending injury last year at Notre Dame, his draft stock has dropped him to No. 50.
51.) Dallas Cowboys: Bryce Hall, CB (Virginia)
Byron Jones will not be easy to replace, but Hall is a smart pick. He will transition well and has the potential to be a No. 1 corner.
52.) Los Angeles Rams: Isaiah Wilson, OL (Georgia)
The Rams had one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL last season. The 350-pound Wilson would definitely help out Goff and the Rams.
53.) Philadelphia Eagles: Kyle Dugger, S (Lenoir-Rhyne)
Dugger could be the steal of the draft and the Eagles could be a perfect fit for him. The Philadelphia secondary struggled last season and Dugger could help the defense from Day 1.
54.) Buffalo Bills: Jaylon Johnson, CB (Utah)
If it weren’t for surgery in March, Johnson would be a first-round pick. The All-Pac 12 corner could be a great piece to have opposite Tre’Davious White.
55.) Baltimore Ravens: Neville Gallimore, DT (Oklahoma)
Baltimore had no problem scoring last year, but the defense could use help on the line. Gallimore is a great tackle who can help out up front for the Ravens.
56.) Miami Dolphins: Troy Dye, LB (Oregon)
Dye is a fantastic sideline-to-sideline linebacker who could learn a lot from newly-acquired Kyle Van Noy in the Miami defense.
57.) Los Angeles Rams: Antoine Winfield Jr, S (Minnesota)
The Rams have Jalen Ramsey in their secondary but still struggled to stop the pass last year. Winfield has some injury concerns but dons first-round talent.
58.) Minnesota Vikings: K.J. Hamler, WR (Penn State)
The Vikings don’t need to replace Stefon Diggs since Adam Thielen is more than capable. Nevertheless, Hamler can be another weapon for Cousins and learn to become a dominant wideout.
59.) Seattle Seahawks: J.K. Dobbins, RB (Ohio St.)
Since Marshawn Lynch, Seattle hasn’t been able to have a consistent run game. Russell Wilson would love to have a player like Dobbins behind him.
60.) Baltimore Ravens: Tee Higgins, WR (Clemson)
There are a lot of questions about Higgins, but he is a big, physical receiver who can complement Marquise Brown. If the Ravens are willing to take a chance on Higgins, it could pay off big time.
61.) Tennessee Titans: Curtis Weaver, EDGE (Boise St.)
Weaver has his flaws but would be a nice piece to add; he would build up the already-strong Tennessee defense.
62.) Green Bay Packers: Akeem Davis-Gaither, LB (App. St.)
The Packers added Christian Kirksey in free agency but could still add some depth on defense with this Appalachian State linebacker.
63.) Kansas City Chiefs: Marlon Davidson, DT (Auburn)
The Chiefs won the Super Bowl with a dynamic offense and a good-enough defense. Davidson would be huge for them if he is still on the board.
64.) Seattle Seahawks: Prince Tega Wanogho, OL (Auburn)
Wanogho is 6-foot-5, 308-pound lineman with a ton of potential. He could be a nice project for Seattle and turn into a very solid pick.
