Mock Draft 5.0

1 Cincinnati Bengals; Joe Burrow, QB, LSU

- Shocker I know, but it’s pretty much a forgone conclusion that LSU’s Joe Burrow goes number one to the Cincinnati Bengals. Ever since he broke nearly every single passing record in college, won the Heisman, and had an undefeated National Championship season we knew he’d go number one in the Draft. Here’s what he did along the way; threw for 5,671 yards (led the nation) and 60 touchdowns (record) while completing 76.3% of his passes (led nation) and having a quarterback rating of 202.0 (record), Burrow went onto win the Heisman Trophy (mentioned above), the Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Award, the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, the Davey O’Brien Award, was named the AP College Player of the Year and the Sporting News Player of the Year, and was named a Unanimous All American as well as First Team All-SEC and was the SEC Offensive Player of the Year. Not only did he win all these individual awards, he led LSU to the National Championship game, becoming the first no.1 seed in the CFP to ever win the Naty by beating Clemson 42-25 and was named the Offensive MVP of the game, throwing for 463 yards and six total touchdowns (five passing one rushing). The Bengals used up all their meeting time with Joe Burrow, I would be absolutely shocked if Burrow doesn’t go first overall tonight.

2 Washington Redskins; Chase Young, DE, Ohio State

- The second lock of the night is Chase Young going to the Washington Redskins. Owner Daniel Snyder has been enamored with Chase Young, so it’s very unlikely the Redskins make a trade out of two unless it’s for someone’s entire Draft (which they have done back in 1999, when the Saints traded away their entire future to draft Texas running back Ricky Williams). Chase Young is by far the best overall player in the Draft and will slot in nicely to a defensive line that’s slowly been building over the years. Young will fit in nicely in the Nation’s Capital.

3 Detroit Lions; Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State

- Logically, the Lions will be looking for a trade partner to get more picks, but will they be able to get that done in time tonight? Only time will tell. So, with the third pick the Lions take the best player on the board in Ohio State’s Jeff Okudah. Last season, the Lions defense was absolutely atrocious, the worst part being their secondary and with the rumors swirling around that they’re looking to trade Darius Slay, this pick kind of picks itself. . Last season, the Detroit Lions had the worst pass defense in the entire league, giving up 284.4 yards per game through the air and 4,551 yards for the entire season and had a league low seven interceptions while allowing 33 touchdowns, pathetic to say the least. Okudah is by far the best corner back in this draft (who also had 0 penalties in college(!)) and will help fill a major hole in the Lions defense.

- Don’t be surprised if the Lions draft Derrick Brown here. After losing Damon Harrison their depth on the interior d-line is pretty much non-existent. Brown would instantly fill that hole left by Harrison. I’m honestly kind of stuck between the two players. Also, I did have a dream recently where the Lions took Isaiah Simmons, if that happens here I’m going to be very mad since I said they’ll draft Okudah.

- Look for Miami to trade up with Detroit for a “tackle.”

4 New York Giants; Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa

- The player who I believe is the best offensive tackle in the Draft goes here to the Giants. Reports dating back to the NFL Combine have said that Dave Gettleman “loves” Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs, enough so to make him the pick here at number four. If you look back at Dave Gettleman’s drafts with the New York Giants, he always drafts the player he “loves,” whether or not it is considered a reach or not. He drafted Saquon Barkley in year one and drafted Daniel Jones at six in year two, now he’s got to protect his new faces of the franchise. When Gettleman was first hired as the GM of the New York Giants, he vowed to fix the offensive line, something he has yet to do in his time as the GM. That’s where Wirfs comes in. As I said above, Gettleman love for Wirfs started after the Combine, and who could blame him? Wirfs put on an absolute show while at the combine, running a 4.85 40 and had a 36” vertical (higher than CeeDee Lamb’s). Now, though impressive, those numbers don’t necessarily translate to on the field success. So, let’s look at how he did at Iowa. At Iowa, Wirfs gave up only one sack as the starting right tackle and was named the Big Ten’s Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2019. Wirfs is talented enough to play ether right or left tackle and would sure up the Giants offensive line for years to come.

- I believe it’s going to be either him or Jedrick Wills. New head coach Joe Judge worked with Wills while he was an assistant at Alabama, so look out for Wills being the pick here. Other reports say Andrew Thomas could be the first tackle off the board, but we’ll have to wait and see about that.

- It stresses me out that I can’t pick between Wirfs and Wills for the Giants. I know one of them will be in a Giants uniform next season.

5 Miami Dolphins; Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama

- Yes. Even with all the noise surrounding Herbert and the Dolphins, they do what their fans want and get Tua Tagovailoa. Not saying that they drafted him for the fans, but it’s definitely what the Dolphins fans want. Comparing Tua’s talent to Herbert’s is really unfair to Herbert. Tua is one of the most accurate and gifted quarterbacks we have had in a draft in quite a while. Yes, Herbert put up decent numbers in college but is not at the same level as Tua. I feel at this moment that there is too much noise around Herbert and the Dolphins to be true (which could 100% be true and I could be very wrong here). Let me take you back to the 2006 NFL offseason. The then San Diego Chargers were moving on from a recently injured Drew Brees. Reports were that Brees’ shoulder was just meat, there was nothing there. The top teams in for Brees at the time were the New Orleans Saints and the Nick Saban led Miami Dolphins. Saban really liked Brees, but Dolphins health staff advised against it, so the Dolphins signed Dante Culpepper. With Culpepper, the Dolphins did jack squat, whereas the Saints and Brees went on to win a Super Bowl with Brees holding almost every significant passing record in NFL history. Tua’s injury history may scare you away, but you cannot deny the talent. I would take Tua over Herbert everyday (which may very well come back to bite me).

- Dolphins could take Herbert here, obviously.

6 Los Angeles Chargers; Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia

- Our first real shocker of the Draft. The LA Chargers not taking Justin Herbert and solving their offensive line problems and draft Georgia’s Andrew Thomas. I feel the Chargers love for Tyrod Taylor is real and I feel they think they can win with Tyrod at the helm. Anthony Lynn coached Tyrod while in Buffalo and has stated ever since he became the HC of the Chargers that he wants a mobile quarterback running his offense, i.e. Tyrod Taylor. Now, the Chargers biggest holes on the team are left tackle, another defensive playmaker, and an interior d-lineman. Out of all of those, I feel the thing that’s been bothering them the most over the years has been the offensive line, so I feel the Chargers will take Andrew Thomas from Georgia here. Recent reports have come out and said the Chargers “love” Andrew Thomas. The Chargers have done a good job so far of rebuilding their team after a disappointing 5-11 season last year. They have done a very good job at rebuilding the o-line. They signed Bryan Bulaga (Iowa) to start at right tackle and traded former left tackle Russell Okung to Carolina in exchange for guard Trai Turner. Adding them on the right side was a massive upgrade for the Chargers, now they need to focus on getting a guy to protect their QBs blind side. In his last season at Georgia, Thomas was named a Unanimous All-American and won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy for the best blocker in the SEC. Some “experts” have come out recently and said Thomas is the best offensive tackle in this draft. If he is available by the time the sixth pick comes around, don’t be surprised if the Chargers pounce at the chance to sure up their left side for years to come.

- As I said above, d-tackle and linebacker are a need for the Chargers, so don’t be surprised if Simmons or Brown go off the board here. Justin Herbert is obviously an option here but out of the QBs in this draft I feel they like Jalen Hurts or Jordan Love more. We’ll just have to wait and see.

- Also, if Tua is available, they may probably go after him

7 Carolina Panthers; Isaiah Simmons, DEF, Clemson

- With this pick, I feel the Panthers will just take the best defender available, and to me, that’s Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons. I feel Simmons would fit in perfectly to what the Panthers do on defense. Whether you throw him at linebacker or safety, he will make plays on defense. Similar to current Panther linebacker Shaq Thompson, Simmons comes out of college as the most versatile player in the draft. While playing linebacker, safety, defensive end, and corner, Simmons racked up 104 tackles, seven sacks, and three interceptions and has constantly been compared to the likes of Derwin James, Von Miller, and Jalen Ramsey. In that last year at Clemson, Simmons was named a Unanimous All-American, was First Team All-ACC, was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year, and won the Butkus Award for the nation’s best linebacker. Wherever you put Simmons, he’s going to make plays. In a recent interview Simmons says there are 53 men on a roster, you’d get 56 with him. Simmons has the play making ability, the speed, and will to be an absolute beast in the NFL and is the type of player new HC Matt Rhule values in his players. He’d be perfect for Carolina.

- Derrick Brown is an option here as well as CJ Henderson from Florida. Don’t be shocked if they take Justin Herbert, I know they signed Teddy Bridgewater but do they feel he’s the guy for them going into the future? Maybe, but again, don’t be shocked if they take Herbert (if he’s available of course).

8 Arizona Cardinals; Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn

- This may come as a shock to some of you people reading this and rightfully so. As most of you are probably thinking, yes, the Cardinals could definitely draft the best offensive tackle available with this pick, but will they? I feel that if Auburn’s Derrick Brown is available, they’ll take the chance on him. I say take a chance but really he’d be a great fit in the desert. Last season, the Cardinals ranked in the bottom half of the league in rush defense, giving up 120.1 yards per game (1,922 total rushing yards), I feel Derrick Brown would surly help in that regard. In his last season at Auburn, Brown was a part of the third best rush defense in the SEC, behind Georgia and Florida. Along with being stout in the run, Brown can also provide some interior pressure to get after the quarterback, getting 12.5 sacks and 33 tackles for loss while at Auburn. Other than Chandler Jones and Patrick Peterson, the Cardinals don’t have any really talented players on the defensive side of the ball. There were reports last year that said they liked Quinnen Williams, Brown would fill that hole on the Cards defense. They added Jordan Phillips from Buffalo in free agency, now get another stud defender in Derrick Brown and instantly improve your defense.

- Tackle is an obvious need for the Cardinals, but if a defensive player with the skill set of Derrick Brown is available, the Cardinals won’t pass him up.

9 Atlanta Falcons (trade); CJ Henderson, CB, Florida

- It is no secret that the Falcons want to trade up in this year’s draft. I feel the perfect trade partner for the Falcons is the Jacksonville Jaguars. Why? Well, because current Jaguars GM David Caldwell worked for the Falcons for four years from 2008 to 2012. The relationship is there. All the time you see teams trade up when they have a connection with another organization, much like Caldwell and the Falcons. Now, Caldwell hasn’t traded back before, but the Jags are about to be in a bad place and need to stockpile picks so their suffering won’t last as long as their last time of suffering (most of the 21stcentury). Now back to the pick. I feel the Falcons are going after one of two players. Either Javon Kinlaw from South Carolina to pair with Grady Jarrett on the defensive line or CJ Henderson from Florida to put outside after letting go of Desmond Trufant. With this pick, I’m going to go with the latter. The biggest need on the Falcons going into this draft is corner, and I do not feel they’ll be able to get CJ Henderson with the 16thpick. Henderson has been rising up draft boards at an insane rate recently because of his athletic ability and ball playing skills, with some even ranking him above Ohio State’s Jeff Okudah. I feel he’d be a perfect fit for the Falcons and if they want him, they’re going to go and get him. Henderson has the size, playmaking ability, and athletic ability to be a beast for the Falcons for years to come.

- Look for them to possibly take Javon Kinlaw (like I said above). It would make for a very good interior defensive line pairing him up with Grady Jarrett. Maybe they shock all of us and take Justin Herbert as the heir apparent to Matt Ryan. Hey, stranger things have happened.

10 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (trade); Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama

- If the Bucs really want to protect Thomas Edward Brady, they’re probably going to have to trade up to get their guy. Now, am I confident that Wills will be available by the time this pick comes around? No, I still feel he could go number four to the Giants. But, if he is available, the Bucs have to go and get him. Over the past ten years (probably) the Bucs offensive line has been one of the worst units in the NFL, which is not suitable when you have a quarterback as immobile as Tom Brady. While at Bama, Wills gave up only 12 sacks in 381 pass attempts and only missed seven blocking assignments in 714 snaps at Alabama, which is a 99.9% success rate, giving Brady a clean(er) pocket to throw to the talent core of wide receivers the Bucs have. The Bucs have the weapons, now they’ve got to get the protection. Trade up and get your guy.

- Again, I’m not entirely confident that Wills will be available here, but I feel the Bucs should trade up to get a top tackle since they will probably all be gone by the time the 14thpick comes up.

11 New York Jets; Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville

- Going into this Draft, the Jets know what they have to do, get some help for Sam Darnold, whether that be on the offensive line or a stud wide receiver, especially after losing Robbie Anderson to Carolina. But, with this being a historically deep wide receiver class, I feel the Jets can pass on one for now and take the best offensive tackle available, which in this case is Mekhi Becton from Louisville. In his first two seasons in the NFL, Darnold has been sacked 63 times while playing in only 26 games during that time frame (played 13 games both years). If they want Darnold to be their quarterback of the future, they have to get some help on the o-line so they make sure his head stays attached to his body. Just for comparison, Andrew Luck got sacked 73 times during his first two seasons while playing in 32 games, which is just 2% higher sack rate than Darnold, the Jets surly don’t want the same fate for Darnold that met Luck. Not only would Becton keep Darnold uprate and keep him from looking over his shoulder, he would be a beast in the run game, being a part of a top 30 rushing attack in college football last season. Adding Becton would make both Sam Darnold and Le’Veon Bell very happy. If he’s available here at number 11, I cannot see the Jets passing him up. His upside and size (6’7” 364 lbs.) is just too great to miss out on.

- Current Jets GM Joe Douglas is a former offensive lineman. I’m not saying that makes this a sure fire thing but it helps me with this pick. Look out for CeeDee Lamb here as well, hearing the Jets really like him.

12 Las Vegas Raiders; CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma

- The first wide receiver comes off the board here at number 12 with the Vegas Raiders taking CeeDee Lamb from Oklahoma. Recent reports say that GM Mike Mayock loves Lamb whereas head coach Jon Gruden loves Henry Ruggs due to his ability to stretch the field. Though I’m sure Mayock respects Gruden’s judgement, I feel they won’t pass on the best receiver in the Draft here. The Raiders need some weapons for Derek Carr (or whoever the QB will be). They did a good job at that last year getting Josh Jacobs (1,150 rush yards and seven TDs), Tyrell Williams (though he didn’t play a lot last year he’s still a good no.2), Hunter Renfow (a talented slot guy), and Darren Waller (1,145 receiving yards last year). They also added Nelson “No Hands” Agholor from Philly in free agency but that shouldn’t stop them from taking the best wide receiver on their board. CeeDee Lamb was an absolute beast at OU. While playing for Oklahoma, Lamb forced 26 missed tackles, he had only three drops in 245 targets, averaged over 17 yards per catch in his three years at OU, and tallied 3,292 receiving yards in his career. Dude does everything on the football field. He catches (everything), he runs, and he blocks. Lamb doesn’t drop the ball, he doesn’t go down easy, he can high point any ball, and can stretch the field. If he’s here at number 12, don’t expect the Raiders to pass on him. (get it? Pass because he’s a wide receiver lol)

- Maybe the Raiders shock us and take Javon Kinlaw or another wide receiver, but I feel Lamb is their number one option. Also, don’t be shocked if they take Justin Herbert if he starts to slide. Gruden likes those smart strong armed QBs, something that Derek Carr does not really have. Not saying he has a bad arm, but it’s not as good as Herbert’s.

13 San Francisco 49ers; Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama

- I feel the Niners will trade at least one of their picks in the first round to acquire more mid round selections (next pick after 31 is 156). That being said, I feel it’s way more likely they trade the 31stpick than this pick, especially if Henry Ruggs is available. Now, I want you to sit back and just imagine Ruggs in Shanahan’s offense. It’d be absolutely terrifying. That’d be a lot of speed outside with him along with Deebo Samuel. Adding Ruggs here, or just any wide receiver, would also take the pressure off of George Kittle as the main option in the Niners offense. Now, remember at the Combine when Ruggs ran a 4.28 in the 40? Yeah, dude was mad he didn’t get faster. That’s real speed right there. If you’re mad you ONLY ran a 4.28, you got some burners. Though he didn’t beat John Ross’ 40 time (4.22), I think he’s a better overall receiver than Ross. While at Bama, Ruggs dropped only one pass in 139 targets, craziness. While being an absolute burner and a legit wide receiver, Ruggs was also often considered the “alpha” of the Bama receivers, something that will translate well in the next level. So, you’re telling me, a guy who will in the fastest player on the field, who dropped only one pass in college, and was considered the leader of an elite wide receiver group will be available for the Niners at 13? Yep, I’m sold. The Niners offense should be fun to watch if they add Ruggs in the Draft.

- Now, they may trade back with this pick. I’ve heard they really like Justin Jefferson from LSU as well, so look for Ruggs or Jefferson to come off the board here at 13. If not a wide receiver, they may add Javon Kinlaw, who would be a like for like replacement for the outgoing DeForest Buckner.

14 New England Patriots (trade); Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon

- This may be one of the surprises on Draft night, Justin Herbert sliding to number 14. Remember, the Browns traded back with Tampa and may very well be looking to trade back again, this time with a team that wants a quarterback. Now, I get they have Jarrett Stidham there, but do the Pats really feel he’s the future of the franchise? I’m not so sure. If Tua’s injury history didn’t concern teams as much I feel this would be about the range Herbert would go, right around the 10 to 15 range. Going into this Draft, the New England Patriots have 12 picks, which is the 2ndmost picks in the Draft right behind their divison rivals in the Miami Dolphins (14). If Herbert starts to slide, I totally expect the Pats to move up and get him, I feel he could be the perfect replacement for the Tampa bound Brady. Hebert has all the skills to be a beast at the next level. He has the size, arm talent, smarts, and mobility to be perfect for the Patriots offense. Herbert is fresh off of winning the William V. Campbell Trophy, which is given to the college player with the best combination of academics, community services, and on-field performance, I feel Herbert could easily master Gruden’s offense. On the field, as we said, he has the mobility and arm strength to be perfect for the NFL. To some, inconsistency has been Herbert’s problem, but he still showed out during his time at Oregon. Throwing for 10,541 yards, 95 touchdowns, and only 22 interceptions while completing 63.9% of his passes, having a career high in every one of those numbers in his senior season at Oregon. If Herbert can be consistent, he will be a very good QB in the NFL. Again, constancy has been Herbert’s biggest issue while in college, I feel he could learn a lot from the greatest coach of all time. He could be the perfect replacement for Brady, I feel this could be a match made in Heaven.

- If Herbert goes in the top 10 like a lot of people suspect, don’t expect the Pats to do anything with him. Look for them to possibly trade back with someone like the Packers, who could take a linebacker, and then select Notre Dame tight end Cole Kmet. The Pats have a big need at tight end, if they trade up to get Herbert, expect them to address that position in the second or third round.

15 Denver Broncos; Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama

- Believe it or not, the Broncos have arguably the best offense nobody really talks about. If Drew Lock can develop, they may actually be pushing for the Playoffs next year. Just look at who they have. The afore mentioned Drew Lock, two stud running backs in Phillip Lindsey and Melvin Gordon (a very solid one two punch right there), a legit number one wide receiver in Courtland Sutton, and a young and talented tight end in Noah Fant (who showed much improvement once Lock was the full time starter). Now, the offensive line needs some work, but I feel they have to get a number two option for Lock going into his second season. Again, Courtland Sutton showed that he is a legit number one wide receiver in the NFL, putting up 1,112 yards and six touchdowns last season, which were good enough to receive (ha, get it?) his first invitation to the Pro Bowl. Other than Sutton though, outside, the Broncos don’t have any options. That’s where Jerry Jeudy comes into play. He may not possess the size of CeeDee Lamb or the killer speed that Henry Ruggs has, but Jeudy is the best pure route runner in this entire draft (just go and look at some of his highlights). While at Bama, Jeudy totaled up 2,742 receiving yards and 26 touchdowns. If Jeudy is available here at number 15, I can’t see the Broncos looking past him, he’s just too good to slip past here. I may even be surprised if he’s here at all. I think Jeudy would be the perfect complement to Sutton and would provide a great one two punch outside for the Denver Broncos.

- If the top wide receivers are gone, look for them to address the defense with either Javon Kinlaw or Kenneth Murray. They may also take Justin Jefferson from LSU, who was one of the best red zone and third down receivers in college last year, which are areas that the Broncos struggled in immensely last season. But based on who’s available, I don’t see them passing on Jeudy.

16 Jacksonville Jaguars (trade); Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina

- The Jags get a guy they could’ve probably got at number nine in Javon Kinlaw. The Jaguars are reverting back to their mid 21stcentury ways by getting rid of everybody that made them good and not getting the right replacements. Just in the last year or so they’ve traded Jalen Ramsey to LA, AJ Bouye to Denver, Calais Campbell to Baltimore, and soon to be Yannick Ngakoue to anywhere other than Jacksonville. I feel Kinlaw would be able to fill at least one hole on the Jaguars defense, thinking he could be the perfect replacement for Campbell. Kinlaw is an absolute monster. Standing at 6’6” and weighing in at 310 lbs., he is truly a force to be reckoned with inside. This past season at South Carolina, Kinlaw was named first team All-SEC and amassed 35 total tackles, six sacks (career high), and two fumble recoveries. Kinlaw has all the talent and size to be an elite threat at the next level. Last season for Jacksonville, Taven Bryan (who they drafted in 2018) was their leading sacker when it came to interior pressure with a grand total of two sacks. I feel it would be in the Jags best interest to take Kinlaw here and not look back. I feel he could be the perfect player for what the Jags do on defense.

- Maybe look for them to take wide receiver Justin Jefferson here at 16, I don’t think that’d be a reach. I do think though they should address the defensive side of the ball with their first pick, and Kinlaw is just too good to pass up here.

17 Dallas Cowboys; K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, LSU

- If you look at the Cowboys roster, on paper, it should be a Playoff team every year. The reality of it is though that it’s the Cowboys, so they’ll go around .500 and miss the Playoffs, no matter how talented their roster is. It’s the Cowboy way. I feel in order to buck that trend, you have to improve in the most important positions on the field, which to me around the quarterback, the left tackle, and the pass rushers. As we stand right now, the Cowboys have a decent option at QB, one of the best left tackles in football, and a beast rushing the QB. The problem is though, unlike the first two positions, there are two edge rushers, the Cowboys have one good one and a few average to below average ones. I know they signed Aldon Smith but dude hasn’t had meaningful playing time since 2015. FIVE YEARS AGO. They have to get someone to partner Lawrence on the outside and I feel the best option for the ‘Boys here is K’Lavon Chaisson from LSU. Chaisson has everything you look for in today’s edge rushers. He has the size, length, and speed to be an elite pass rusher. At LSU, Chaisson had 60 tackles, 13.5 for loss, 6.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. In the Playoff, he had 20 pressures, five sacks, four quarterback hits, 11 hurries, 4.5 tackles for loss and 18 total tackles. I feel he’d be a perfect fit in Dallas and will cause opposing quarterbacks a lot of problems in the coming years.

- The Dallas Cowboys could do a couple things here. I feel they could draft Cesar Ruiz here to replace Travis Frederick, I feel they could take Justin Jefferson, the best slot receiver in the draft, to replace the Houston bound Randall Cobb, or they could take Kenneth Murray from Oklahoma to learn from and eventually replace Sean Lee. But I feel their main need to get someone who can rush the passer with DeMarcus Lawrence, so that’s why I have them taken Chaisson here.

- They could also draft a corner so look out for that too. AJ Terrell being the main target out of the corners IMO.

18 Miami Dolphins; Austin Jackson, OT, USC

- A player who is being talked about in regard to going higher than expected is USC offensive tackle Austin Jackson. Jackson is one of the youngest players in the Draft, turning 21 next month, and that’s what is appealing to NFL teams prior to the Draft, his potential. A thing we see more than ever now a days is looking at a players potential rather than what they have done in college, Jackson is a prime example of that. Reports are that Jackson will most likely need some time to develop but the upside of getting him is just too high. The Dolphins need help on the offensive line in the worst way possible. After losing both of their starting tackles last season (free agency and trade), they have two massive holes on the o-line. Jackson has all the things teams are looking for in a legit blind side protector. Jackson started 25 games for the Trojans at left tackle and has the ideal size (6’5” 322 lbs.), long arms, big hands, and is very athletic to where, again, he could play every position on the o-line. The Dolphins are going to address the o-line at some point in the first round, so why not do it here at pick 18 so you can guarantee you get your guy? I think this would be a very solid pick for Miami and would solve a big problem for their team.

- Maybe they take another tackle here, i.e. Josh Jones, Ezra Cleveland or someone else. They could also target an edge rusher or safety with this pick as well, but I feel they could address that with their third first round pick since those needs aren’t greater than the need for an offensive tackle.

19 Las Vegas Raiders; AJ Terrell, CB, Clemson

- For the second time in the first round the Raiders are back on the clock. They addressed a big need at wide receiver with their first pick, now they got to solve another big need here, corner. Now, I feel that if the Raiders got Eli Apple this offseason they would either trade back or select another position, but with no Apple, the Raiders stand pat and take the best corner available in AJ Terrell. Last year, the Raiders took another Clemson corner, Trayvon Mullins, with their second round pick. While at Clemson together, Mullins and Terrell formed one of the best cornerback duos in college football, ranking as a top 20 pass defense. The next year (last season), Clemson had the best pass defense in football, with Terrell being a big reason why their pass defense was so good last year. Though he struggled in the National Championship against Ja’Marr Chase (which was more on Burrow and Chase having an insane connection than Terrell playing bad), he still put forth a very good season, being named First Team All-ACC as Clemson’s shut down corner. Though his numbers from his sophomore to junior season are “worse,” it’s mostly because teams didn’t want to target him, expect for Joe Burrow, who didn’t really fear anyone all season. Last season, the Raiders were in the bottom 10 in regard to pass defense, adding Terrell to pair with Mullins would make their defense instantly better.

- Like I said above, the Raiders may look to trade back. I feel if they do that it will be for someone like Ross Blacklock to add some interior pressure on opposing quarterbacks. I know Mel Kiper had Jordan Love going here but I just don’t see that happening. It could happen, I just can’t really see it.

20 Jacksonville Jaguars; Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU

- The Jaguars just cut often injured Marquis Lee a few days ago, I feel that’s a sign they’ll be going after a wide receiver in the draft at some point, likely the first round. Though they got a good season out of DJ Chark last time out, I wouldn’t be fully comfortable with him as my main guy quite yet because he put up 174 yards in his first season in the NFL. I feel the Jags need to address the receiver position, and I feel Justin Jefferson would be a great weapon for second year quarterback Gardner Minshew. I think Jefferson could easily go before this, with teams like the Broncos and 49ers possibly eyeing him, but if he falls, I don’t see him going that far past Jacksonville (Philly will take him if the Jags don’t). The thing that’s so appealing to scouts about Jefferson is his ability to play the slot and play outside. While at LSU, Jefferson put up some godly numbers. He put up 1,540 yards (3rd) and 18 touchdowns (2nd) during his last season at LSU while also coming away with a National Championship. Those numbers, though very impressive, were not the best on the team believe it or not, Ja’Marr Chase was first in both categories, but Jefferson still deserves the love. Number one overall pick Joe Burrow called Jefferson “his guy” in a recent interview, I’d say that’s a pretty good recommendation to take a guy. Jefferson can play in the slot and on the outside, showing off great speed in his 40 yard dash, surprising most with his 4.43 40 time. If you pair Chark with Jefferson, it could make for some fun offensive displays from the Jags in the coming years.

- I feel the Jags could also address the corner back or safety positions here, but Jefferson will be too hard to pass up if he’s available here at number 20.

21 Baltimore Ravens (trade); Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma

- Out of all the player/team matches in the Draft, I feel this is the best one. I just feel Kenneth Murray was born and raised to be the middle linebacker of the Baltimore Ravens. Now, I doubt he’ll be available by the time the 28thpick comes around, so I have them trading up with Philly to get him. Recently, Kenneth Murray has been rising up Draft boards, with some having him go as high as 15 to the Denver Broncos. I feel, if the Ravens can get Murray, they’ll go up and get him. After CJ Mosely left for the Jets last offseason, the Ravens have had a hole in the middle of their defense. I feel that Ravens need a guy like him, and now they may have to trade up to get him. In three seasons at Oklahoma, Murray totaled 334 tackles and was second in the nation in tackles his sophomore tallying 155 tackles, he also tallied 9.5 sacks for his career and six pass deflections. Murray is an extremely active linebacker that the Ravens very much need and could definitely use. Murray is an alpha, a leader, and a gamer, similar to Ravens legend Ray Lewis, someone who Murray looked up to growing up. I feel this would be a great get for Baltimore and would make an already elite defense even better.

- Maybe the Ravens stay put at 28 and take either Patrick Queen or Cesar Ruiz to replace Marshal Yanda. I could also see them going after an edge rusher to partner Matthew Judon. I just feel the Ravens really want Murray and I think he’d be the perfect fit for their defense.

22 Minnesota Vikings; Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah

- I feel that in this Draft the Vikings have to address a few positions. With their first pick, I feel they have to get a number one corner. After releasing Xavier Rhodes and losing Trae Waynes in free agency, the Vikings have a massive gap on their defense. I think Jaylon Johnson could be the perfect fit for Mike Zimmer’s defense. Johnson has the size and playmaking ability to fit very nicely in Minnesota’s defense. While at Utah, Johsnon had seven interceptions and 21 pass breakups in his three years there while also being named First Team All-PAC 12 two years in a row (2018 and 2019). He can play both press and zone very well and I feel he’s the perfect player to replace Xavier Rhodes in Minnesota.

- If not Johnson, I feel the Vikings could draft TCU’s Jeff Gladney, who some call a “Mike Zimmer type player.” I just think with this pick they’ll take a corner, whoever they feel the best one is will be the one they take here at 22.

23 Cleveland Browns (trade); Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise State

- After their second trade down in the Draft, the Browns select someone that reports say they “covet” in Boise State’s Ezra Cleveland. This past offseason the Browns fired HC Freddie Kitchens and GM John Dorsey and brought in former Minnesota Vikings OC Kevin Stefanski and an analytically driven GM in Andrew Berry. All those analytically driven people like to get as many picks as possible, which is why I have them moving back twice. After the Combine, reports were that Cleveland really loved the kid that shares his surname with the city in Ezra Cleveland. While at Boise, Cleveland started 39 games out of 40 and was twice named First Team All-Mountain West. Cleveland is a very good athlete who showed that off at the combine, running a 4.93 40 while in Indy. Dude has the ideal size and mobility to play tackle for the Browns for a long time. If you’re a Browns fan, going into next season getting Hooper, Conklin, and now adding Cleveland in the Draft, I would be pretty excited for next season.

- Maybe the Browns stay put at 10, but I don’t think that will happen. Berry is going to want picks and I honestly feel they really like Ezra Cleveland. They could also target a linebacker here and trade back into the first round for Cleveland or vice versa.

24 New Orleans Saints; Jordan Love, QB, Utah State

- As we get closer to the Draft (which is today), the less and less confident I get about where Jordan Love will go in the Draft. In my last one I had him going sixth to the Chargers, but I’m not as confident in that as I was a few weeks ago. Reports on Love are insane, with people saying he could go anywhere from number five all the way to number 25. I think Love has all the skills to succeed in the NFL and all the tools he possesses are what the NFL is looking for in today’s quarterbacks. Love has a very strong arm, is a very good athlete, and is smart. They only think that concerns the league about Love is the turnovers, going from six interceptions to 17 in a season is not ideal. Now, that can be drawn to Love having really no help on the o-line or on the outside comparing his sophomore to junior season. I feel Love will be a very good quarterback in the NFL as long as he has the right tutor, and I don’t feel they could get much better than future Hall of Famer Drew Brees. The Saints know this season will be Brees’ last, as he signed a contract with NBC for next year. There was already a rumor that this was his last season until he signed that one year extension with New Orleans. The Saints have to get their quarterback of the future. They can say all they want about how they believe Taysom Hill is a QB and that he is another version of Lamar Jackson, but the simple answer is he is not Lamar Jackson. If he was, he would’ve gone in at quarterback when Brees got hurt, not Teddy Bridgewater. The fact of the matter is Ladainian Tomlinson has more career passing yards than Taysom Hill, who is already 29 years old and is going to be 30 in August. I think Jordan Love would thrive in Sean Payton’s offense once Brees retires. I think it’d be a match made in football Heaven and I don’t really think the Saints would have move very far to get him (if they even need to move at all).

- If not Love, I think the Saints could go after LSU linebacker Patrick Queen, which is the only real position of need on this Saints team. Maybe they look at a wide receiver as well but I feel that if Love is available, they should take him. I think it’d be a great fit.

25 Minnesota Vikings; Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor

- After getting their new number one corner, they now have to get a guy to replace new Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs. Not only should they draft a receiver to replace Diggs, they should just draft one regardless because other than Adam Thielen, the Vikings receiving core is pretty week. Go look at their current depth chart and tell me who their number two option is (I’m talking about receivers so Rudolph and Smith Jr. don’t count). Reports are they are looking for someone who can stretch the field, and a receiver who can certainly do that is Baylor’s Denzel Mims. Mims is the prototypical deep threat for today’s NFL. Standing at 6’3” and weighing 207 lbs. he has the size to pair with the speed to be a beast for the Vikings. Running a 4.38 at the Combine and having a 38.5 inch vertical, Mims possesses all the traits you look for in a deep threat. The main problem with Mims is that his route tree may not be developed all the way, which seems to be a common theme with Baylor wide receivers, but I’m not going to let that bother me here. I feel Mims would be the perfect replacement for Stefon Diggs and would be a nice number two option out wide for Captain Kirk.

- The Vikings could definitely draft an edge rusher, tackle, or interior o-lineman with this pick, but I feel wide receiver should be their main target here. Reports are they may trade out as well, so look out for that.

26 Miami Dolphins; Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama

- The third and final first round pick for the Miami Dolphins. I feel this was a very successful draft for the Dolphins who improving a lot with the acquisitions they made this offseason. One of the main holes on their improved defense is at safety. After trading away Minkah Fitzpatrick to Pittsburgh midway through last season, they need to get someone to replace him, I feel McKinney could be the perfect guy to slot in that spot in Miami. Along with Simmons, McKinney possesses great versatility, playing both corner and safety while at Alabama. Throughout each year at Alabama, McKinney improved in every statistical category. His senior year he had 95 total tackles, three sacks, four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, three interceptions and was named First Team All-SEC. He was also named the Orange Bowl MVP in 2018. McKinney is the complete safety and could be perfect for an already much improved Dolphins defense.

- Look for them to maybe take Cesar Ruiz here to solve all of their problems on the offensive line. They may also look to draft a running back with this pick, D’Andre Swift is my number one back but I’ve read they like JK Dobbins a lot, so they will more than likely target a RB in the second or third round, where a lot of them will go off the board.

27 Green Bay Packers (trade); Patrick Queen, LB, LSU

- The Green Bay Packers lost stud linebacker Blake Martinez this offseason in free agency to the New York Giants. Martinez was a do everything linebacker for the Packers, who lead the team in tackles three seasons in a row and was constantly near the top of the entire NFL in total tackles. I feel Queen could be the “do everything” linebacker the Packers need to replace Martinez. Though he’s a little undersized for the position, he makes up for it in speed and all around play making ability. Last season at LSU, Queen finished with 85 total tackles (37 solo 48 assisted), 12 tackles for loss, three sacks, and one interception and fumble recovery. Couple those things together with him walking away with a National Championship ring to his name, a game in which he was named the Defensive MVP (eight tackles, 2.5 for loss and a combined sack on future number one pick Trevor Lawrence), and you’ve got yourself a nice “do everything” linebacker. I think he’d be a great fit in Green Bay.

- The Packers may go after a tackle after losing Bryan Bulaga (Iowa) to the Chargers or get another wide receiver to partner Adams outside. I just feel Queen is a great fit for what the Packers do.

28 Philadelphia Eagles (trade); Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU

- After trading back with the Baltimore Ravens, the Eagles get a guy that has that electric speed that a lot of teams are looking for in today’s NFL. Jalen Reagor is up there with Ruggs for fastest player in the Draft, and would make for an excellent option for Carson Wentz on the outside. Fact of the matter is the Eagles have to get Carson Wentz a weapon outside, whether that be in the first round or later rounds, they need to get him some sort of weapon outside. Now, though Reagor possesses that elite speed, he does have inconsistent hands, which is something Eagles fans probably don’t want with the guy that’s going to replace Nelson Agholor. As NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah said last night, Reagor is a “polarizing player in personnel circles.” He could be a nice little deep option for the Eagles and would be a nice weapon on the outside for Carson Wentz. You got to help Wentz out Eagles.

- Reports are that they will trade up to get their main target at wide receiver, but I don’t know how realistic the trade up options are. So, I’ll have them either staying put at 21 or trading back, in this situation, it’s the trade back. Just get a wide receiver. If not, look for Cesar Ruiz. The Eagles drafted Andre Dillard to eventually replace Jason Peters, Ruiz could do the same thing with Kelce, who looks like is in his final NFL season. Could be a smart pick if they don’t go receiver.

29 Tennessee Titans; Isaiah Wilson, OT, Georgia

- The Titans lost starting right tackle Jack Conklin in free agency this past offseason to the Cleveland Browns. Now they have a pretty nice sized hole on that size of the o-line. Due to recent reports I’ve been hearing, Isaiah Wilson from Georgia is sneaking into the first round. After playing right tackle at Georgia opposite Andrew Thomas, I feel this is a perfect fit, no positional change needed. Wilson has that Becton size that people are taking a liking to in this Draft. Standing at 6’6” and weighing in at 350 lbs., Wilson, like Becton, is an absolute unit of the right side of the o-line. At Georgia, Wilson started 24 out of 25 games at right tackle and was named Second Team All-SEC last season. If the Titans want to get a replacement for Conklin, drafting Wilson here could be a smart pick. A natural right tackle with that size is very appealing to the Titans.

- If not Wilson, Josh Jones would be another option here. Jones started around 45 games at left tackle for Houston, but I think Wilson’s size gives him the here for the Titans. Look for Tennessee to possibly go corner here as well after letting Logan Ryan walk in free agency.

30 Seattle Seahawks (trade); Yetur Gross-Matos, DE, Penn State

- There are very few things that are consistent in the NFL Draft. Out of the things that are consistent though is the Seattle Seahawks trading back either out of the first round or just a few picks back. Last season, the Seattle Seahawks ranked joint second to last in the league in sacks with 28, and that’s with trading for Clowney and drafting LJ Collier in the first round last year. This year, I feel the Seahawks go to the pass rushing well again and take the “Greek god” that is Penn State d-end Yetur Gross-Matos. Standing at 6’5” and weighing in at 266 lbs., he is an insane athlete coming off the edge. At Penn State, Gross-Matos got 19 sacks and 111 total tackles, setting a career high in sacks in his junior year (9.5). The two time First Team All-Big Ten selection is an “athletic marvel.” Some consider him to have the most upside out of most players in this Draft because of his physical gifts. Though he’s raw, he’s got the size, he’s got the length, he’s got the hands, and he’s got the heart to be an absolute beast for Seattle.

- Maybe the Seahawks taking AJ Epenesa or Zack Baun here, they just need to take an edge rusher in the first round. They may also look at an offensive tackle but come on, do we really believe the Seahawks would draft line help for Russell Wilson? That’s not what they’re about. (sadly for Russ)

31 San Francisco 49ers; Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU

- With the first pick the 49ers got some legit speed on the outside, now they are going to get a replacement for DeForest Buckner. I feel Ross Blacklock will fit in nicely with the 49ers defensive line. He is a very versatile player along the defensive line and has great power/pursuit and great speed off the ball. While playing for the Horned Frogs, Blacklock secured First Team All-Big 12 Honors in his Junior season while also being named a Freshman All-American and Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the year as a Senior (obviously kidding). According to Daniel Jeremiah, Blacklock may be the biggest mystery in the whole Draft, but his upside makes him extremely desirable. Dude has the size, length, power, flexibility, athleticism, and technique to be an absolute beast at the next level. I feel he would slot in nicely into that defense, and give the Niners another interior option to rush the quarterback in Buckner’s absence.

- I really feel they’ll try to trade out of this spot, I just can’t pick a team that I think will trade back into the first round, so I have the Niners staying put here at 31. I was going to have Dallas trade back up and take Cesar Ruiz from Michigan, but reports say they are confident in the in house options they have. After this, it’s a long time before the Niners pick again, they’ll trade back, I just can’t decide where.

- Look for them to go corner if not d-tackle. A young/athletic corner is a position of need for them.

32 Kansas City Chiefs; Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU

- The final pick of Mock Draft 5.0 belongs to the Chiefs, who get a corner to replace the outgoing Fuller, who has made his way back to the Nation’s Capital. The Chiefs are fresh off a Super Bowl victory, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have their share of holes on their roster and arguably, corner is their biggest one. Again, Kendall Fuller is gone and Breeland is only on a one-year contract, drafting a corner would be smart for KC. Gladney I feel could go before this, it not, he’ll slot in nicely in Kansas City. Gladney is a very feisty and competitive corner who can play both man and zone coverage very well. I feel, if the Chiefs pick in the first round, Gladney will be the choice if he’s not already gone.

- D-tackle or interior o-lineman could be an option here for Kansas City. Running back could be in play here as well but I feel they fancy Williams for his track speed.