The NFL Draft Combine is in the books and some players improved their stocks while others forced scouts to go back to the tape. There are still pro days and free agency is coming, which will affect where guys are drafted, but ultimately the athleticism in this class is special and stands out. Below is my latest three-round mock draft, followed by a team-by-team breakdown.
Full NFL Mock Draft
Round 1
CIN: Joe Burrow, QB (LSU)
WAS: Chase Young, Edge (Ohio State)
DET: Jeffrey Okudah, CB (Ohio State)
NYG: Jedrick Wills, OT (Alabama)
MIA: Tua Tagovailoa, QB (Alabama)
LAC: Justin Herbert, QB (Oregon)
CAR: Derrick Brown, DT (Auburn)
ARZ: Tristian Wirfs, OT (Iowa)
JAX: Isaiah Simmons, ILB (Clemson)
CLE: Andrew Thomas, OT (Georgia)
NYJ: Mekhi Becton, OT (Louisville)
LV: CeeDee Lamb, WR (Oklahoma)
IND: Javon Kinlaw, DT (South Carolina)
TB: K’Lavon Chaisson, Edge (LSU)
DEN: Jerry Jeudy, WR (Alabama)
ATL: CJ Henderson, CB (Florida)
DAL: Kristian Fulton, CB (LSU)
MIA: Austin Jackson, OT (USC)
LV: Kenneth Murray, ILB (Oklahoma)
JAX: AJ Epenesa, Edge (Iowa)
PHI: Henry Ruggs III, WR (Alabama)
BUF: Justin Jefferson, WR (LSU)
NE: Marlon Davidson, IDL (Auburn)
NO: Tee Higgins, WR (Clemson)
MIN: Grant Delpit, S (LSU)
MIA: Jonathan Taylor, RB (Wisconsin)
SEA: Yetur Gross-Matos, Edge (Penn State)
BAL: Patrick Queen, ILB (LSU)
TEN: Zach Baun, Edge (Wisconsin)
GB: James Lynch, IDL (Baylor)
SF: Xavier McKinney, S (Alabama)
KC: Jeff Gladney, CB (TCU)
Round 2
CIN: Cesar Ruiz, IOL (Michigan)
IND: Jordan Love, QB (Utah Sate)
DET: Ross Blacklock, DT (TCU)
NYG: Julian Okwara, Edge (Notre Dame)
LAC: D’Andre Swift, RB (Georgia)
CAR: Trevon Diggs, CB (Alabama)
MIA: Tyler Biadasz, IOL (Wisconsin)
ARZ: Laviska Shenault, WR (Colorado)
CLE: Antoine Winfield Jr, S (Minnesota)
JAX: Cam Akers, RB (Florida State)
CHI: Netane Muti, IOL (Fresno State)
IND: Chase Claypool, WR (Notre Dame)
TB: Jacob Eason, QB (Washington)
DEN: Noah Igbinoghene, CB (Auburn)
ATL: Cole Kmet, TE (Notre Dame)
NYJ: Jalen Reagor, WR (TCU)
PIT: Brycen Hopkins, TE (Purdue)
CHI: KJ Hamler, WR (Penn State)
DAL: Kyle Duggar, S (Lenoir Rhyne)
LAR: Saahidiq Charles, OT (LSU)
PHI: Jaylon Johnson, CB (Utah)
BUF: AJ Terrell, CB (Clemson)
ATL: Bradley Anae, Edge (Utah)
MIA: Justin Madubukie, DT (Texas A&M)
HOU: JK Dobbins, RB (Ohio State)
MIN: Tyler Johnson, WR (Minnesota)
SEA: Neville Gallimore, DT (Oklahoma)
BAL: Terrell Lewis, Edge (Alabama)
TEN: Jake Fromm, QB (Georgia)
GB: Brandon Aiyuk, WR (Arizona State)
KC: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB (LSU)
SEA: AJ Dillion, RB (Boston College)
Round 3
CIN: Damon Arnette, CB (Ohio State)
WAS: Damien Lewis, IOL (LSU)
DET: Matt Hennessy, IOL (Temple)
NYJ: Josh Uche, Edge (Michigan)
CAR: Jordyn Brooks, ILB (Texas Tech)
MIA: Khalid Kareem, Edge (Notre Dame)
LAC: Matt Peart, OT (UConn)
ARZ: Lloyd Cushenberry, IOL (LSU)
JAX: Cameron Dantzler, CB (Mississippi State)
CLE: Denzel Mims, WR (Baylor)
IND: Hunter Bryant, TE (Washington)
TB: Josh Jones, OT (Houston)
DEN: Jordan Elliot, DT (Missouri)
ATL: Malik Harrison, ILB (Ohio State)
NYJ: John Simpson, IOL (Clemson)
LV: Raekwon Davis, IDL (Alabama)
LV: Ashtyn Davis, S (California)
DAL: Albert Okwuegbunam, TE (Missouri)
DEN: Ben Bartch, OT (St. John’s, MN)
LAR: Logan Wilson, ILB (Wyoming)
PHI: Ke’Shawn Vaughn, RB (Vanderbilt)
BUF: Darrell Taylor, Edge (Tennessee)
NE: Michael Pittman, WR (USC)
NO: Jonah Jackson, IOL (Ohio State)
MIN: Amik Robertson, CB (Louisiana Tech)
CLE: Curtis Weaver, Edge (Boise State)
LV: Anthony McFarland, RB (Maryland)
BAL: Leki Fotu, DT (Utah)
TEN: Ezra Cleveland, OT (Boise State)
GB: Willie Gay, ILB (Mississippi State)
DEN: Zach Moss, RB (Utah)
KC: Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR (Michigan)
Arizona Cardinals
The Haul
First round: Tristan Wirfs, OT - Iowa
Second round: Laviska Shenault, WR - Colorado
Third round: Lloyd Cushenberry, IOL - LSU
The theme here is simple, help Kyler Murray. With DJ Humphries resigned, Tristan Wirfs slides in as a plug and play right tackle who coupled with Lloyd Cushenberry in third round, solidify the offensive line for Arizona. Laviska Shenault will fall some with his injury concerns but in the second round the Cardinals get a versatile play making threat who can fill in for Larry Fitzgerald when he eventually calls it quits.
Atlanta Falcons
The Haul
First round: CJ Henderson, CB - Florida
Second round: Cole Kmet, TE - Notre Dame
Second round: Bradley Anae, Edge - Utah
Third round: Malik Harrison, LB - Ohio State
CJ Henderson gives the Falcons a strong #2 corner and eventually successor for Desmond Trufant. In Cole Kmet, the Falcons find Matt Ryan a steady underneath presence and replacement for Austin Hooper. Bradley Anae and Malik Harrison step right in for the departing Vic Beasley and De’Vondre Campbell in the front 7, injecting some youth to a defense looking for a spark in 2020.
Baltimore Ravens:
The Haul
First round: Patrick Queen, LB - LSU
Second round: Terrell Lewis, Edge - Alabama
Third round: Leki Fotu, DL - Utah
The Ravens come into this offseason facing a big undertaking with nearly their whole front 7 hitting free agency. Patrick Queen gets them a modern linebacker who can cover backs and run sideline to sideline. Terrell Lewis keeps in the Alabama to Baltimore tradition and will be the running mate or replacement for Matt Judon. Leki Fotu is monument on the interior will eating up space and double teams, while keeping Queen free to make plays.
Buffalo Bills
The Haul
First round: Justin Jefferson, WR - LSU
Second round: AJ Terrell, CB - Clemson
Third round: Darrell Taylor, Edge - Tennessee
Pretty much everyone has the Bills taking a wide receiver. LSU’s Justin Jefferson gives Josh Allen a go-to guy for the next 5 years with excellent hands and route running skills. AJ Terrell in the second round is a strong outside corner and an upgrade at the position. In the third round the Bills take Shaq Lawson’s replacement with Darrell Taylor, a situational pass rusher who can also drop in coverage.
Carolina Panthers
The Haul
First round: Derrick Brown, DT - Auburn
Second round: Trevon Diggs, Edge - Alabama
Third round: Jordyn Brooks, LB - Texas Tech
The new regime in Carolina has everyone excited about the offensive upside, but the Panthers go all in on defense with their first three picks. Derrick Brown is a destroyer of worlds and wrecker of game plans on the interior. Trevon Diggs the long corner out of Alabama will be mixed and matched with Donte Jackson on opposing receivers. In the third, Jordan Brooks steps right in to start at linebacker.
Chicago Bears
The Haul
Second round: Netane Muti, IOL - Fresno State
Second round: KJ Hamler, WR - Penn State
In the first round of 2019 and 2020 the Chicago Bears select Khalil Mack! Sorry Bears fans, but no first-round pick again this year. With their two second round picks they get replacements for two of their departed players. Netane Muti is a mauler and perfect replacement for Kyle Long. KJ Hamler is Taylor Gabriel 2.0 who will play in the mold of a Tyreek Hill in Matt Nagy’s offense.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Haul
First round: Joe Burrow, QB - LSU
Second round: Cesar Ruiz, QB - Michigan
Third round: Damon Arnette, CB - Ohio State
Joe Burrow is exactly what the Bengals need. He will bring a spark of energy to both the quarterback position and the fanbase of the Bengals with his attitude and play style. With his mobility, Burrow will be able to help the struggling Cincinnati offensive out of some sacks. Speaking of the O-line, Cesar Ruiz brings positional versatility and can start at center or guard immediately upgrading the position. Darqueze Dennard hits free agency where there will be plenty of suitors, and Damon Arnette can step right in and continues the tradition of Ohio State players drafted by the Bengals.
Cleveland Browns
The Haul
First round: Andrew Thomas, OT - Georgia
Second round: Antoine Winfield Jr, S - Minnesota
Third round: Denzel Mims, WR - Baylor
Third round: Curtis Weaver, Edge - Boise State
Another draft, and another new general manager for the Browns. Andrew Thomas is the best pure left tackle in the class and will start on the blind side from day 1. With their second pick the Browns not only steal Antoine Winfield Jr. but get an upgrade over the departing Damarious Randall. In round 3, Denzel Mims and Curtis Weaver serve as complimentary pieces, yet also insurance policies to incendiary superstars Odell Beckham Jr. and Myles Garrett.
Dallas Cowboys
The Haul
First round: Kristian Fulton, CB - LSU
Second round: Kyle Duggar, S - Lenoir Rhyne
Third round: Albert Okwuegbunam, TE - Missouri
The Cowboys must re-sign Dak Prescott, Amari Cooper and Malik Collins leaving corner Byron Jones, safety Jeff Heath and tight end Jason Witten to walk. With Kristian Fulton, the Cowboys get a high character corner to step right into Jones’ shoes. Duggar is a huge upgrade over heath and adds extra athleticism to the back end of the defense. Albert O as he’s known, is the athletic move tight end Mike McCarthy’s offense needs to go and ushers in a new Witten-less era for the Cowboys.
Denver Broncos
The Haul
First round: Jerry Jeudy, WR - Alabama
Second round: Noah Igbinoghene, CB - Auburn
Third round: Ben Bartch, OT/OG - St. Thomas (MN)
Third round: Zach Moss, RB - Utah
What a haul for the Broncos! Jerry Jeudy is the best route runner in the class and perfect complement to Courtland Sutton. Noah Igbinoghene will slide right into the #2 cornerback role or even replace free agent-to-be Chris Harris. In round 3 the Broncos pick up a penetrating 3 tech in Elliot, versatile small school product Ben Bartch to push Garrett Bolles for a starting job and bruising running back Zach Moss to challenge Royce Freeman for the power back share and back up duties behind Phillip Lindsay.
Detroit Lions
The Haul
First round: Jeffrey Okudah, CB - Ohio State
Second round: Ross Blacklock, DT - TCU
Third round: Matt Hennessy, IOL - Temple
The Lions ideally trade back and still get a shot at Jeffrey Okudah, but as things stand right now, they take him straight up at 3 and partner or replace Darius Slay with Okudah. Ross Blacklock who many say is a first-round talent falls to the second round and gets plugged right into the starting lineup. In the third round the Lions get Matt Hennessy to slide into center moving Frank Ragnow to guard and solidifying the line.
Green Bay Packers
The Haul
First round: James Lynch, IDL - Baylor
Second round: Brandon Aiyuk, WR - Arizona State
Third round: Willie Gay Jr, ILB - Mississippi State
The Packers defense was exposed against the 49ers and needs an upgrade. James Lynch can take on double teams at the point of attack and rush the passer on third down, Kenny Clark needs a running mate and Lynch is an upgrade over anyone else the Packers have at defensive end. Brandon Aiyuk is a YAC machine and great athlete to compliment Davante Adams and Allen Lazard in 3 wide receiver sets. Willie Gay brings and element of speed desperately needed at the second level of the Packers defense.
Houston Texans
The Haul
Second round: JK Dobbins, RB - Ohio State
The Texans need to trade back here and regain some of the draft capital they gave up acquiring Laremy Tunsil and Kenny Stills. If they do stay put, this is an ideal landing spot for JK Dobbins to join an already great offense and give Deshaun Watson another weapon.
Indianapolis Colts
The Haul
First round: Javon Kinlaw, DT - South Carolina
Second round: Jordan Love, QB- Utah State
Second round: Chase Claypool, WR - Notre Dame
Third round: Hunter Bryant, TE - Missouri
The Colts get one of the biggest draft risers in Javon Kinlaw to be a penetrator up front and keep Darius Leonard clean to roam and make tackles. In the second they get their potential quarterback of the future Jordan Love and local product wide receiver Chase Claypool who adds size and speed to an already fast group of receivers. Hunter Bryant a round later jumps right into the move tight end role vacated by Eric Ebron and couple with Claypool as another weapon for whoever ends up playing quarterback for the Colts in 2020.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Haul
First round: Isaiah Simmons, ILB - Clemson
First round: AJ Epenesa, DL/Edge - Iowa
Second round: Cam Akers, RB - Florida State
Third round: Cameron Dantzler, CB - Mississippi State
A.J. Bouye and Yannick Ngakoue are out, but adding Isaiah Simmons, AJ Epenesa and Cameron Dantzler to a defense with Myles Jack and Josh Allen gives the Jags a young core on defense to build around. Leonard Fournette had his fifth-year option declined and he doesn’t play well on third downs as it is. Cam Akers brings more juice to the Jags backfield and will be able to stay in the game as a threat out of the backfield on third downs.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Haul
First round: Jeff Gladney, CB - TCU
Second round: Clyde Edward-Helaire, RB - LSU
Third round: Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR - Michigan
As with most super bowl rosters turnover is inevitable. Jeff Gladney joins a very thin Chiefs secondary and brings some tenacity fellow defensive back Tyrann Mathieu will appreciate. As if Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes needed more weapons, they get shift running Clyde Edwards-Helaire and dynamic athlete Donovan Peoples-Jones to boost their already potent offense and in DPJ’s case potential fill the shoes of likely cap casualty Sammy Watkins.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Haul
First round: Justin Herbert, QB - Oregon
Second round: D’Andre Swift, RB - Georgia
Third round: Matt Peart, OT - Uconn
The Chargers are turning over a new leaf letting long time starter Phillip Rivers walk and drafting his replacement in Oregon star Justin Herbert. Also expected to leave is star running back Melvin Gordon who D’Andre Swift can replace and share the load with Austin Ekler in 2020. In the third round the Chargers add Matt Peart, a development tackle who might be able to step in and start at right tackle right away.
Los Angeles Rams
The Haul
Second round: Saahidiq Charles, OT - LSU
Third round: Logan Wilson, LB - Wyoming
The Rams don’t believe in first round picks but still have some holes on their roster to fill. A trade back in the second round could be worth it, but if they stay put Saahidiq Charles the left tackle for national champion LSU Tigers to take the reins from Andrew Whitworth. Logan Wilson can be the cheap alternative to a potential expensive resigning of free agent linebacker Corey Littleton.
Miami Dolphins
The Haul
First round: Tua Tagovailoa, QB - Alabama
First round: Austin Jackson, OT - USC
First round: Jonathan Taylor, RB - Wisconsin
Second round: Tyler Biadasz, IOL - Wisconsin
Second round: Justin Madubukie, IDL - Texas A&M
Third round: Khalid Kareem, Edge - Notre Dame
Tank for Tua succeeds! The Bama signal caller heads to Miami to turn around the downtrodden franchise. The best friend to a rookie quarterback is a strong running game. Jonathan Taylor can tout the rock and take pressure off Tua early in his career. Miami rebuilds their offense adding not only quality players, but high character guys as well. Austin Jackson and Tyler Biadasz played hurt in 2020 and their tape suffered because of it, both players have a high upside and will be upgrades for Miami. Justin Madubukie and Khalid Kareem bring a steady rush presence and solidify the front seven for Brian Flores’ squad.
Minnesota Vikings
The Haul
First round: Grant Delpit, S - LSU
Second round: Tyler Johnson, WR - Minnesota
Third round: Amik Robertson, CB - Louisiana Tech
The Vikings have a big offseason in front of them with players like Anthony Harris, Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander hitting free agency. Grant Delpit is an ideal fit to play alongside Harrison Smith and roam the back end in Mike Zimmer’s defense in place of Harris. Amik Robertson has great instincts and could be a potential upgrade over Alexander. With their second-round pick, the Vikings taking local product Tyler Johnson to upgrade at receiver and potential replace the disgruntled Stefon Diggs.
New England Patriots
The Haul
First round: Marlon Davidson, DT - Auburn
Third round: Michael Pittman, WR - USC
Bill Belichick would love to trade down here, but in this scenario the Patriots take Marlon Davidson to bolster the defensive line and provide pass rush on third downs. Davidson’s dominance was overshadowed at times by teammate Derrick Brown, but he still is an impactful player. In the third round the Patriots pick up Michael Pittman another big physical receiver to box out defenders and win 50/50 balls.
New Orleans Saints
The Haul
First round: Tee Higgins, WR - Clemson
Third round: Jonah Jackson, IOL - Ohio Sate
The Saints will most likely aim to trade back and regain a second-round pick. If they stay put at pick 24 drafting another weapon to go along with Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas makes most sense. Tee Higgins isn’t the speed threat of a Ted Ginn but still provides vertical threat and brings additional value as a big body red zone threat. Jonah Jackson in the third round is a plug and play guard to step in for Andrus Peat.
New York Giants
The Haul
First round: Jedrick Wills, OT - Alabama
Second round: Julian Okwara, Edge - Notre Dame
Jedrick Wills is everything the Giants need in a tackle. He’s a pass protector for Daniel Jones and a road grader for Saquon Barkley. I expect him to start at right tackle from day one. A few years ago, everyone knew the Giants loved Leonard Floyd. Julian Okwara plays a very similar style to the current Chicago Bear and brings a pass rush element the Giants lacked in 2019.
New York Jets
The Haul
First round: Mekhi Becton, OT - Louisville
Second round: Jalen Reagor, WR - TCU
Third round: Josh Uche, Edge - Michigan
Third round: John Simpson, IOL - Clemson
Mekhi Becton is a game changer for the Jets and will solidify one of the 2 starting tackle spots immediately, coupled with third round pick John Simpson the Jets can remake an entire side of their offensive line for 2020. In the second round Jalen Reagor jumps right into the vacant receiver spot vacated by Robby Anderson leaving in free agency. I expect the Jets to attack their pass rush in free agency and the draft. They do that here with Josh Uche the speed rusher out of Michigan.
Oakland Raiders
The Haul
First round: Ceedee Lamb, WR - Oklahoma
First round: Kenneth Murray, LB - Oklahoma
Third round: Rawkwon Davis, DT - Alabama
Third round: Ashtyn Davis, S - California
Third round: Anthony McFarland, RB - Maryland
I doubt the Raiders keep all their third-round picks and I also doubt they take a quarterback based on Mike Mayock’s comments at the draft. Instead, they get a go-to receiver with Ceedee Lamb and a tone setting leader of their defense with linebacker Kenneth Murray in the first round. In the third round they continue to address the defense with interior defensive lineman Raekwon Davis who should step right into the defensive line rotation and Cal safety Ashtyn Davis who’s track speed on the back end will help be an equalizer again division deep threats like Tyreek Hill. With their final pick in the third round the Raiders take Anthony McFarland and his speed as the yin to the yang that is the power of Josh Jacobs.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Haul
First round: Henry Ruggs III, WR - Alabama
Second round: Jaylon Johnson, CB - Utah
Third round: Ke’Shawn Vaughn, RB - Vanderbilt
Doug Peterson is one of the best play callers in the league and gets his version of Tyreek Hill with Henry Ruggs and his 4.2 speed on the outside. Utah’s Jaylon Johnson will help bolster a secondary that has struggled to produce turnovers and preformed inconsistently in 2019. Ke’Shawn Vaughn in the third round gives the Eagles another running back to pair in rotation with Myles Sanders.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Haul
Second round: Brycen Hopkins, TE - Purdue
The Steelers traded their first-round pick for Minkah Fitzpatrick which worked out well for them. They will most likely trade down and try to recoup draft assets, but if they stay put in the second round Purdue tight end Brycen Hopkins makes a lot of sense. Hopkins is a move tight end with solid athleticism for the position who can stretch the field vertically and be a threat in the red zone.
San Francisco 49ers
The Haul
First round: Xavier McKinny, S - Alabama
San Francisco has no second or third round picks in the 2020 draft so a trade down into the second round is a likely move. However, with nearly the entire 2019 team returning in 2020, Lynch may opt to add a piece like Xavier McKinny to round out the defense. McKinny’s biggest asset is his versatility allowing defensive coordinator Robert Saleh to deploy him in multiple areas as chess piece and match up player.
Seattle Seahawks
The Haul
First round: Yetur Gross-Matos, Edge - Penn State
Second round: Neville Gallimore, DT - Oklahoma
Second round: AJ Dillion, RB - Boston College
The Seahawks defensive line is likely to be ravaged by free agency. Even if they can re-sign players like Jadeveon Clowney and Jarran Reed the Seahawks can still use more depth along the line and Yetur Gross-Matos has the potential to be a double-digit sack artist down the road. Neville Gallimore has the size and quickness to be a be an interior disruptor. AJ Dillion is the wild card here, the Seahawks enjoyed success with power backs like Shaun Alexander and Marshawn Lynch, but have gone away from those types of backs recently. With Dillion they get a true power back to run inside and set up the play action game.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Haul
First round: K’Lavon Chaisson, Edge - LSU
Second round: Jacob Eason, QB - Washington
Third round: Josh Jones, OT - Houston
Tampa Bay has a big decision on its hands regarding their future at quarterback. At 15, they pass on quarterback for K’Lavon Chaisson, the toolsy edge rusher from LSU who can replace or partner with Shaq Barrett. In the second round the Bucs get Arians his big armed quarterback with Jacob Eason who ideally won’t throw 30 interceptions in his first season. In the third round the Bucs get Josh Jones who I have falling due to over inconsistencies in his technique and a poor showing at the combine. Jones is a developmental tackle who could blossom into a starting left tackle with the right coaching.
Tennessee Titans
The Haul
First round: Zach Baun, Edge/Linebacker - Wisconsin
Second round: Jake Fromm, QB - Georgia
Third round: Ezra Cleveland, OT - Boise State
Cameron Wake can’t play forever, and Harold Landry needs another running mate on the edge. In steps Zach Baun, a versatile linebacker who can both rush off the edge and drop into coverage when asked. Ryan Tannehill had a great year but is on the wrong side of 30 with an injury history that is not promising. In Jake Fromm, Tennessee head coach Mike Vrable may see his version of Tom Brady, ultra-competitive, student of the game who with a great supporting cast can consistently win. By declining Jack Conklin’s fifth year option the Titans signaled before the season they would be in the market for a new right tackle. Ezra Cleveland offers a bit more athleticism and had a great showing at the combine to boost his draft stock into day two.
Washington Redskins
The Haul
First round: Chase Young, Edge - Ohio State
Third round: Damien Lewis, IOL - LSU
Adding Chase Young with former first rounders Jonathan Allen, Ryan Kerrigan, Daron Payne and Montez Sweat makes an already formidable Washington pass rush downright scary. Washington could entertain offers for the #2 pick but moving any lower than 6 and losing out on one of Young, Isaiah Simmons, Derrick Brown or Jeffrey Okudah would be disappointing to say the least. Damien Lewis in the third is an instant upgrade over Ereck Flowers at guard or at minimum a solid replacement for Brandon Scherff should he choose to leave in free agency.
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