NFL
By: Ryan Cooley
*This mock draft contains trades
1. Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow (QB) (LSU)
The Bengals take the best QB in this year’s draft. There is a lot of rumors of why it won’t happen, but I would be shocked if Burrow is not in an orange and black uniform after April 23rd.
2. Washington Redskins: Chase Young (Edge) (Ohio State)
It is going to be interesting to see what Rivera does here. I believe he takes the best player in this draft and doesn’t look back.
3. Miami Dolphins (From Lions): Tua Tagovailoa (QB) (Alabama)
This is the most likely trade scenario for the Dolphins. Outside of injuries, Tua is the complete package. I believe the Dolphins will have to give up their 5th and 18th, along with a second or third-rounder to make this trade.
4. New York Giants: Isaiah Simmons (LB) (Clemson)
Many think the Giants will go OT here, and maybe they should, but I don’t think Gettleman will be able to pass up on a player like Simmons.
5. Detroit Lions (From Miami): Jeff Okudah (CB) (Ohio State)
Slay is now in Philidelphia, and CB is a big hole. Luckily the Lions trade back and still get the player they would have selected at 3. Okudah is the best CB prospect since Jalen Ramsey.
6. Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Herbert (QB) (Oregon)
Herbert is a wild card in this draft. Some believe he will go top 5, and some think he will fall. I think if he is sitting there at 6, the Chargers have to take him. He will not be ready for week one, but he has a ton of potential.
7. Carolina Panthers: Derrick Brown (DT) (Auburn)
The Panthers were horrendous against the run last season. Brown is by far the best DT in the draft and will help their defensive line tremendously.
8. Arizona Cardinals: Andrew Thomas (OT) (Georgia)
I thought the Cardinals could take a WR with this pick. However, that was before the Texans practically gave them Deandre Hopkins. Now it is time to get Kyler Murray some protection, and Thoams is my #1 OT in the draft.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars: Javon Kinlaw (DT) (South Carolina)
Kinlaw is climbing up draft boards. His blend of size, length, explosiveness is a recipe for success in the NFL.
10. Cleveland Browns: Jedrick Wills Jr. (OT) (Alabama)
The Browns are desperate for an OT. They attempted to trade for Redskins’ OT Trent Willimas during the season, but Washington didn’t budge. Wills Jr. is my #2 tackle in this draft.
11. New York Jets: Ceedee Lamb (WR) (Oklahoma)
The Jets need a #1 WR for Sam Darnold. Lamb is the complete package, and PFF has compared him to Deandre Hopkins.
12. Las Vegas Raiders: Jerry Jeudy (WR) (Alabama)
The Raiders also need a #1 WR. Jerry Jeudy is the best route runner in this draft, and many have him top WR in this draft.
13. Denver Broncos (From San Francisco): Henry Ruggs (WR) (Alabama)
The Broncos move up two spots fearing the 49ers take Ruggs. Ruggs ran a 4.27 at the combine and would be a great compliment to Courtland Sutton.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tristan Wirfs (OT) (Iowa)
After signing Brady, they should prioritize keeping him upright. They could go defense at this pick, but I think Wirfs is the best player available for them.
15. San Francisco 49ers: (From Denver): Tee Higgins (WR) (Clemson)
After passing on Ruggs, the 49ers get a huge WR. Higgins is 6’4 and has an enormous catch radius and averaged nearly 20 yds/rec last season.
16. Atlanta Falcons: Kristian Fulton (CB) (LSU)
The Falcons are desperate for a CB, and Fulton is my second-ranked CB in the draft. They could go for a pass rusher here, but there is none worthy of the 16th overall pick.
17. Dallas Cowboys: CJ Henderson (CB) (Florida)
Many had the Cowboys taking a safety here, but they signed Ha Ha Clinton-Dix in free agency. After Bryon Jones departed to Miami, they try to fill the hole with Henderson.
18. Detriot Lions (From Miami): Netane Muti (OG) (Fresno State)
The Lions could do a lot of things here, but I think they have to protect Stafford. Glasgow left in free agency, and Muti is the best interior offensive lineman in this draft.
19. Las Vegas Raiders: Grant Delpit (S) (LSU)
After getting Jeudy with their first pick, they go defensive at 19. Abram looked good in his short time on the field, and now they pair him with the best coverage safety in the draft.
20. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jordan Love (QB) (Utah State)
This could be a surprise pick for many. However, Minshew is far from a sure thing. If Love falls to them at 20, they may take a chance on him. Love is the definition of boom or bust. He has a lot of potential, but his inconsistent play and decision makings are a huge concern.
21. Philadelphia Eagles: Justin Jefferson (WR) (LSU)
The Eagles may be the most desperate team for a WR. Justin Jefferson is an outstanding route runner, something Wentz needs. Jefferson will not single-handedly fix their receiving problems, but he is a good first step.
22.Minnesota Vikings: Jonah Jackson (OG) (Ohio State)
PFF gave the Vikings a 63 grade for both run and pass blocking. Jackson will be an excellent addition to this offensive line and is one of the best interior O-lineman in the draft.
23. New England Patriots: Zack Baun (LB) (Wisconsin)
The Patriots could do a lot here. They need help almost everywhere on offense, but after losing Van Noy and Collins, Belichick gets a great OLB. Baun is explosive and fits the Patriots defense.
24. New Orleans Saints: Patrick Queen (LB) (LSU)
After signing Sanders, the Saints will most likely wait later in the draft to select a WR. Many have Queen as the best LB in the draft.
25. Minnesota Vikings: Curtis Weaver (Edge) (Boise State)
After going O-line with their first pick, the Saints go after my #2 edge rusher in this draft. He is an explosive and powerful pass rusher and could have an immediate impact on the Saints’ defense.
26. Miami Dolphins: Mekhi Becton (OT) (Louisville)
I have seen a lot of mock drafts that have Becton going to the Giants at 4. While Becton is a massive OT (6’7 and 370 lbs), I don’t believe his play is worthy of being a top pick. We see every year the media hype up one player that ends up falling, Becton could be that player.
27. Seattle Seahawks: Josh Jones (OT) (Houston)
Wilson needs protection. They have made some moves in free agency to do that, but they could still go O-line, and Jones has a lot of potential. It is time they prioritize keeping one of the best QBs in the league protected.
28. Baltimore Ravens: Kenneth Murray (LB) (Oklahoma)
The Ravens have made it clear from free agency they are trying to improve their defense. They continue that by getting the speedy LB out of Oklahoma.
29. Tennessee Titans: Ross Blacklock (DT) (TCU)
After trading Jurrell Casey, the Titans look to the draft to find his replacement. Blacklock will need time to develop, but his athleticism gives him a lot of potential.
30. Green Bay Packers: Jalen Reagor (WR) (TCU)
Rodgers does not have a lot of weapons outside of Adams. Reagor is an elite athlete and would give the Packers a new element in their offense.
31. San Francisco 49ers: Xavier Mckinney (S) (Alabama)
The 49ers strike gold in this draft. After acquiring a great WR with their first pick, McKinney falls to them all the way at 31. Many have him as the top safety in the draft. He and Ward will be a scary duo and make their secondary even better.
32. Kansas City Chiefs: AJ Terrell (CB) (Clemson)
After losing Fuller and most likely Breeland, the Chiefs need a CB. Terrell needs some work and has some question marks, but he has a lot of potential.
