The NFL Draft is just two weeks away. Here’s a full two-round mock draft with analysis for each pick.
Round 1
1. Cincinnati Bengals: QB Joe Burrow, LSU
Burrow is the consensus No. 1 pick. The LSU signal-caller had arguably the best college football season of all time, throwing for over 5,600 yards and 60 touchdowns. He will more than likely go to the Bengals as they hope to find their new franchise quarterback.
2. Washington Redskins: DE Chase Young, Ohio State
Young is widely regarded as the best player in the draft and seen as a can’t-miss prospect. Ron Rivera’s defenses have been among the league’s best for the better part of the decade, and adding the elite edge rusher to an already solid young defensive core could set the foundation for the Redskins for years to come.
TRADE:
Las Vegas acquires No. 3 pick from Detroit in exchange for No. 12, 19, and 81 picks.
3. Las Vegas Raiders (from DET): QB Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama
The Raiders are a dark horse candidate to trade up and steal Tua Tagovailoa. We know the quarterback guru that Jon Gruden is, and he likely believes that Derek Carr isn’t his man if he plans on winning a Super Bowl. The Raiders have the capital to make this move and could give Tua the Patrick Mahomes treatment by redshirting him for a year and giving him the reins in 2021.
4. New York Giants: OLB Isaiah Simmons, Clemson
Simmons is possibly the most versatile defensive player in the draft. He can be set as an edge-rusher or dropped back in coverage in a box safety-type role. Simmons tore up the combine, as well, and checks all the boxes for the Giants.
5. Miami Dolphins: QB Justin Herbert, Oregon
The Dolphins have made a lot of splashes in free agency this year, and they are a long-term starter away from taking the next step. Many have put Tua Tagovailoa in a Dolphins uniform, but he likely will not last until five. Herbert is maybe the most athletic of the top quarterbacks in the draft; maybe he’s even a rich man’s Ryan Tannehill. Miami could also sit Herbert for the season while he learns behind Ryan Fitzpatrick, giving him the keys the following season.
6. Los Angeles Chargers: OT Jedrick Wills, Alabama
The Chargers have made improvements to their offensive line with the acquisition of guard Trai Turner from Carolina and signing free agent right tackle Bryan Bulaga. Adding Wills to the left side would complete their overhaul and give them a very solid offensive line going forward. Many have the Chargers going quarterback, but with the top three gone, they look to complete the overhaul of their offensive line which was one of their biggest weaknesses in 2019.
7. Carolina Panthers: DT Derrick Brown, Auburn
The Panthers need help all over their defensive side of the ball, especially following the sudden retirement of Luke Kuechly. That said, they probably start with the front seven and get by far the best interior lineman in this class. Doing this gives them an anchor in their front seven who could quickly develop into an elite defensive tackle. This also allows them to use their early second-round pick on a secondary player.
8. Arizona Cardinals: CB Jeffrey Okudah, Ohio State
The Cardinals fielded the worst pass defense in the league in 2019, and Okudah is the best lockdown corner in the draft. Putting him alongside Patrick Peterson would create a solid duo and also prepare Okudah for taking over as the No. 1 when Peterson is no longer a Cardinal.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars: CB C.J. Henderson, Florida
If it wasn’t clear before that the Jaguars were heading toward a rebuild, but the trading of A.J. Bouye to the Broncos made it clear as day. Jacksonville has completely dismantled the defense from 2017 that made it to the AFC Championship. With that, there are holes that need filling at nearly every position. Henderson puts receivers on an island and is very good in man-to-man coverage. The Gator stays in Florida to become an immediate starter in Jacksonville in 2020.
10. Cleveland Browns: OT Tristan Wirfs, Iowa
Protecting Baker Mayfield needs to be the Browns’ biggest priority, and the signing of Jack Conklin at right tackle says that they know that. Adding Wirfs to protect his blindside and give him more time in the pocket to throw to all of the amazing weapons at his disposal should finally get the Browns into the playoffs.
11. New York Jets: WR Jerry Jeudy, Alabama
With Robby Anderson now gone, the Jets have no go-to receiver. While Joe Douglas may be keen on going with an offensive lineman, but with Jeudy available to pair with Sam Darnold would be too good to pass up. The Jets have the 48th pick in the draft, which they could then use on an offensive lineman to add protection for Darnold, and having a trio of Darnold, Le’Veon Bell, and Jerry Jeudy would be scary for opposing defenses.
12. Detroit Lions (from LVR): CB Kristian Fulton, LSU
The Lions trading Darius Slay left lots of question marks in the secondary. Signing Desmond Trufant was a big addition, but now they need to add someone on the other side of him. Fulton was one of the top corners in the nation at LSU, ranking eighth in the country in passes defended.
TRADE:
New England acquires No. 13 pick from San Francisco in exchange for No. 23, 98, and 125 picks.
13. New England Patriots (from SF): QB Jordan Love, Utah State
Now this is something that is fun to consider. Remember, Bill Belichick did Kyle Shanahan a solid by giving him Jimmy Garoppolo for a second-round pick. Now, it is time for Belichick to call Shanahan and say, “Hey, I think it’s time you repay that favor.” The 49ers have no picks in the second, third, or fourth rounds; they would only be moving down 10 spots and still have two first-round picks along with getting mid-round draft capital that they lack. Meanwhile, the Patriots would get their quarterback of the future.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: OT Mekhi Becton, Louisville
The Bucs have the weapons on the outside, they have Tom Brady, and now they just need to give him some protection. The 6-foot-6, 300-pound All-ACC team selection would help immensely.
15. Denver Broncos: WR CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma
With Drew Lock now the man at the helm, he needs a go-to target. Courtland Sutton and DaeSean Hamilton are great, but they are better as a No. 2 and 3, respectively. Lamb would make the improved Broncos even better.
16. Atlanta Falcons: DT Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina
Kinlaw is seen as one of the can’t-miss guys with unlimited potential in this draft. While the Falcons need help in the secondary, getting Kinlaw to anchor the middle and demand attention will open up the pass rush.
17. Dallas Cowboys: CB Trevon Diggs, Alabama
With Byron Jones bound for Miami, the Cowboys’ secondary is vulnerable. Diggs was the top corner on the strong Alabama defense and could be a suitable replacement.
18. Miami Dolphins: OT Andrew Thomas, Georgia
With the addition of their future franchise quarterback, protection for Justin Herbert is a requirement. Thomas was an All-American at Georgia and would be a vital piece in the Dolphins’ foundation going forward.
19. Detroit Lions (from LVR): OLB K’Lavon Chaisson, LSU
The Lions had only 28 sacks in 2019, which was second to last in the league. Chaisson was first-team All-SEC and had 6.5 sacks in 2019 at LSU. If all goes well, the Lions could have a starting cornerback and a young pass-rusher that can elevate their defense.
20. Jacksonville Jaguars: S Xavier McKinney, Alabama
McKinney is very versatile, which would give the Jags a lot of options in terms of where to line him up in different packages. He is more talented than current free safety Jarrod Wilson, but they could also line him up at corner allowing both he and Wilson on the field at the same time. The Jags need to continue revamping their dissected defense, and McKinney would be a great addition to the secondary.
21. Philadelphia Eagles: WR Henry Ruggs III, Alabama
The glaring need for receiver will get addressed by the fastest receiver in the class, which gives Carson Wentz a new toy to play with.
22. Minnesota Vikings: DE A.J. Epenesa, Iowa
The Vikings need a replacement for Everson Griffen. Epenesa was a two-time All-Big Ten selection and would be an immediate impact player.
23. San Francisco 49ers (from NE): CB Jeff Gladney, TCU
With Jason Verrett seemingly not returning, the Niners will need a corner opposite of Richard Sherman.
24. New Orleans Saints: OLB Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma
The Saints are very weak at outside linebacker besides Demario Davis. Murray gives them a starter on the other side.
25. Minnesota Vikings: CB A.J. Terrell, Clemson
With Xavier Rhodes gone, the Vikings need a new starting cornerback. Terrell was an All-ACC first-team selection and would give the Vikings a good, fresh start.
26. Miami Dolphins: RB D’Andre Swift, Georgia
A quarterback, a left tackle, and a playmaking running back would be an all-time first round if all three pan out for Miami. Swift is a versatile threat out of the backfield that could give defenses fits in both the run and pass game.
27. Seattle Seahawks: OT Austin Jackson, USC
Russell Wilson was sacked 47 times in 2019. Giving him more time to throw to Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf is a must in the now-dominant NFC West.
28. Baltimore Ravens: OLB Patrick Queen, LSU
The Ravens have very similar problems to the Saints withh one good outside linebacker but no quality starter on the other side. Matthew Judon was a vital part of their success on defense last year, but other than that, there isn’t a lot to brag about at linebacker. Queen gives them a potential star on the outside.
29. Tennessee Titans: DE Yetur Gross-Matos, Penn State
After trading Jurrell Casey, the Titans lack a starting defensive end. The Hendricks Award finalist could possibly be a starter come Week 1.
30. Green Bay Packers: WR Justin Jefferson, LSU
The receiver play during Davante Adams’s injury made it very clear that Green Bay needs help at the position. Justin Jefferson was the largest beneficiary of Joe Burrow’s immaculate season, and would give the Packers a good No. 2.
31. San Francisco 49ers: WR Denzel Mims, Baylor
Now that Emmanuel Sanders has left for New Orleans, the 49ers very much lack depth at receiver. Mims is a guy that could compliment Marquise Goodwin.
32. Kansas City Chiefs: RB Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin
The Chiefs have been a running back by committee over the last few seasons. Though Damien Williams has undoubtedly been a difference-maker, adding Taylor to the mix to create a solid backfield duo would make the Chiefs’ offense (somehow) more dangerous.
Round 2
33. Cincinnati Bengals: OT Josh Jones, Houston
With a new franchise quarterback comes the need to protect a new franchise quarterback. The Bengals finished 2019 tied for the sixth-most sacks given up. If they expect the Joe Burrow project to work, he has to have time to throw.
34. Indianapolis Colts: WR Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona State
The Colts desperately need another receiving threat. Aiyuk will take the pressure off T.Y. Hilton while also putting up solid numbers of his own.
35. Detroit Lions: DT Ross Blacklock, TCU
The departure of Damon Harrison means the Lions need help at defensive tackle. Blacklock was All-Big 12 for a reason, and the Lions should select him if available.
36. New York Giants: OT Ezra Cleveland, Boise State
The Giants gave up 119 QB hits in 2019, the third-most in the NFL. Nate Solder has been a failed investment, as he has given up 20.5 sacks in the past two seasons. A new start at the position is much needed.
37. Los Angeles Chargers: QB Jacob Eason, Washington
Eason will be going in the first two rounds. The Chargers need a quarterback for the future, and depending on how Tyrod Taylor plays, they may end up throwing Eason in sooner than expected. While the Chargers should try to make a move for the No. 3 pick, there are teams (such as the Raiders) who have more capital to make that move, leaving the Bolts with Eason.
38. Carolina Panthers: CB Damon Arnette, Ohio State
The Panthers continue adding to their defense by drafting the man who lined up opposite of Jeffrey Okudah at Ohio State. Arnette ranked 10th in the Big Ten passes defended, and could compete for the number one job upon arrival.
39. Miami Dolphins: S Antoine Winfield Jr., Minnesota
Winfield was the largest part of Minnesota’s rise up the ranks in the Big Ten, and in the AP rankings, peaking at ninth. He led the Big Ten with seven interceptions and pairing him with Eric Rowe, along with the cornerback duo of Bryon Jones and Xavien Howard, could really give opposing defenses fits.
40. Houston Texans: WR Jalen Reagor, TCU
The Texans shocked the NFL world by trading superstar receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Reagor won’t completely fill those shoes, but Deshaun Watson needs someone to throw to.
41. Cleveland Browns: OLB Terrell Lewis, Alabama
The Browns’ defensive line and secondary are very sound; it’s the space in the middle that needs some work. Joe Schobert left for Jacksonville, leaving no quality starters. Adding Lewis would be a start, but they may also want to look to select another outside linebacker or bring one in via free agency.
42. Jacksonville Jaguars: DT Neville Gallimore, Oklahoma
With Calais Campbell gone and Yannick Ngakoue all but out the door, the Jaguars are losing defensive linemen left and right as they continue to dismantle a once-great defense. Tavon Bryant remains, but they need him to take a big leap and a quality partner alongside him. Gallimore had 6.5 sacks from the defensive tackle spot and earned second-team All-Big 12 honors. Adding him to the line would be a solid start to their rebuild.
43. Chicago Bears: C Cesar Ruiz, Michigan
The retirement of Kyle Long leaves the Bears in need of a guard. Ruiz could make the transition from center to guard and start immediately.
44. Indianapolis Colts: DE Julian Okwara, Notre Dame
Justin Houston is 31 and the Colts would benefit getting from a young, promising prospect like Okwara in the building to put under Houston’s wing and eventually take over as the starter.
45. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, LSU
Ronald Jones has been good, but a second man who can both rush and receive like Edwards-Helaire would be that much better. The more weapons at Tom Brady’s disposal, the better.
46. Denver Broncos: OT Isaiah Wilson, Georgia
Garett Bolles has been a failed project and it’s clear a new left tackle is needed to preserve the health of Drew Lock. The 345-pound Wilson earned All-SEC honors in 2019, and maybe the man they need to keep their signal-caller upright.
47. Atlanta Falcons: S Grant Delpit, LSU
Delpit is a guy with first-round talent but will slip due to trades and needs at other positions. The Falcons would be one of the biggest draft winners if they are able to knab both Delpit and Javon Kinlaw to add two huge pieces to their defense.
48. New York Jets: OT Lucas Niang, TCU
Joe Douglas was in the Eagles front office for a long time, and he knows the power of a good offensive line. While Jerry Jeudy would be too hard to pass on as a key weapon for Sam Darnold, he won’t pass on a big left tackle to give him some protection with the 6’7″, 320 pound Niang.
49. Pittsburgh Steelers: RB J.K. Dobbins, Ohio State
This would be one of the picks of the draft if it were to happen. Dobbins would be an upgrade over James Conner and would quickly become the feature back in the Steel City. He is very balanced in terms of speed and power and is a better receiver out of the backfield than Conner. Benny Snell did well as the starter in the absence of Conner due to injury. The Steelers could trade Conner for later picks that they lack much of and move forward with Dobbins and Snell as their two backs.
50. Chicago Bears: WR Michael Pittman Jr., USC
Aside from Allen Robinson, the Bears don’t have a lot of talent at receiver. Pittman’s 101 catches for over 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns solidified him as one of the best receivers in the nation, and whether it be Mitch Trubisky or Nick Foles, both would benefit from having him opposite of Robinson.
51. Dallas Cowboys: WR Laviska Shenault, Colorado
The Cowboys are in a very similar spot like the Bears; both have solidified number ones, but nothing established behind them. Sure, Michael Gallup is a good option, but he is better in the slot and that leaves them without an outside option. Shenault will slip due to injury concerns, but he is worth the risk with the payoff he would bring as a complement to Amari Cooper.
52. Los Angeles Rams: OLB Zack Baun, Wisconsin
The Rams are very weak on the outside. Baun was a finalist for both the Butkus and Bednarik awards and was a consensus first-team All-American in his final year at Wisconsin. The Rams would get a very good value drafting Baun at 52.
53. Philadelphia Eagles: OLB Joshua Uche, Michigan
Along with needing a receiver, the Eagles also need help off the edge. Uche had 14.5 sacks in his last two years combined at Michigan and would start over Alex Singleton very quickly, if not right away.
54. Buffalo Bills: DE Marlon Davidson, Auburn
Jerry Hughes is 31, and Trent Murphy will be 30 before the end of the season. Davidson finished sixth in the SEC with 6.5 sacks and had 11.5 tackles for loss in 2019. He could take over the starting spot in 2021, as Jerry Hughes is in the final year of his deal and will more than likely be playing elsewhere in 2021.
55. Baltimore Ravens: C Lloyd Cushenberry, LSU
The sudden retirement of guard Marshal Yanda leaves a large void in the middle of Baltimore’s offensive line.
TRADE:
New Orleans acquires No. 56 pick from Miami in exchange for No. 88 and 203 picks, as well as 2021 third-round pick.
56. New Orleans Saints (from MIA): QB Jalen Hurts, Oklahoma
Drew Brees is year-to-year at this point, and Taysom Hill is more gimmick player than franchise quarterback. Enter Jalen Hurts. This would be a best-case scenario for both parties involved. The Saints will get a great athlete to let sit and learn behind Drew Brees, and Hurts has the mentorship of one of the greatest to ever play the position, along with playing for one of the most stable organizations in football. Hurts has a big arm, but accuracy questions have centered around him his entire college career. This west coast system would allow him to make the short, quick pass while improving his deep ball accuracy, and also improvise on his feet.
57. Houston Texans: DT Justin Madubuike, Texas A&M
An upgrade at defensive tackle would do the front seven some good. Madubuike had back-to-back seasons of 5.5 sacks and was second-team All-SEC. This would be a good pickup for Houston.
58. Minnesota Vikings: WR Tee Higgins, Clemson
The trading of Stefon Diggs leaves the Vikings without a complement to Adam Thielen. Higgins would be a very good addition because of the difference between he and Thielen. While Thielen is very much a “throw it up and I’ll get it” type of guy, Higgins would be able to take the short passes and make more yards out of them with his nimble playmaking ability.
59. Seattle Seahawks: C Tyler Biadasz, Wisconsin
Biadasz could move from center to guard, but drafting both Jones and Biadasz would solve a lot of their issues up front.
60. Baltimore Ravens: WR K.J. Hamler, Penn State
This would be one of the best fits for any position in the draft. Hamler is such a threat in the slot due to his speed, and he can be used as a gadget player in endarounds and plays of that sort, something that Baltimore would almost certainly use him in. With Hollywood Brown on the outside and Hamler in the slot, the Ravens would have the fastest wide receiver group on football.
61. Tennessee Titans: OT Prince Tega Wanogho, Auburn
With Jack Conklin gone, the Titans need someone to fill that right side. Prince Tega Wanogho could eventually bloom into one of the better tackles in the game while blocking for Derrick Henry.
62. Green Bay Packers: TE Cole Kmet, Notre Dame
Jimmy Graham was a large disappointment, which led to him being let go. If the Packers bring in both Jefferson and the best tight end the draft, that would be a huge success in giving Aaron Rodgers more targets to throw to.
63. Kansas City Chiefs: C Matt Hennessy, Temple
A little more skill on the inside to open up running lanes and prevent inside penetration would be a solid move for Kansas City.
64. Seattle Seahawks: DE Curtis Weaver, Boise State
With Jadeveon Clowney still a free agent, more depth off the edge would be a smart plan.