1) Cincinnati Bengals (2-14) – Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
Barring some unforeseen event that casts doubt on Joe Burrow’s ability to stay on the field or lead a locker room, this pick is guaranteed. Burrow put forward the best passing season in NCAA history in 2019, setting multiple records on his way to a National Championship. There is no way that the Bengals, who desperately need a quarterback, pass up on one that threw for 60 touchdowns while facing the likes of Clemson, Oklahoma, and the SEC en route to a 14-0 record.
2) Washington Theismanns (3-13) – Chase Young, Edge, Ohio State
Washington has really been on the clock since the National Championship Game. While Cincinnati’s pick seems to be an absolute lock heading into the NFL’s offseason, Washington might not have much trouble settling on their prospect either. Chase Young is just a polished a pass rusher as the Bosa brothers coming out of Ohio State with some added athleticism in his arsenal. While Ron Rivera’s squad would likely benefit more in most scenarios from addressing the offensive line with the second overall pick, Young is too promising of a prospect to pass up at the number two pick.
3) Detroit Lions (3-12-1) – Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
Much was made of Tua Tagovailoa’s hip injury when he originally went down against Mississippi State. Many scouts were quick to speculate on the time he could miss in his first offseason or question the durability of his hip moving forward. However, Tagovailoa will reportedly be available to participate in offseason activities with the team that drafts him. Still, the Lions don’t need to rush the Alabama quarterback out onto the field sooner than he’s ready while they’re fielding Matthew Stafford. While this team has a lot of holes throughout its roster to fix, the Lions might decide that they don’t want to wait for Stafford to fall off the cliff and use this rare opportunity to grab a dream-scenario replacement.
4) New York Giants (4-12) – Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
A lot of offensive linemen have made a name for themselves throughout their final season of collegiate play, but Andrew Thomas remains the best pure left tackle of the bunch. While the Giants splurged on Nate Solder in free agency a couple of years ago, the four-year, $62 million dollar contract that New York signed the former Patriot is now seen as a massive overpay. Thomas is polished in both pass blocking and run blocking and could provide Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley with more consistent protection for the next decade or so.
5) Miami Dolphins (5-11) – Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
While the Dolphins had eyes on tanking the 2019 season, the success of Brian Flores and Ryan Fitzpatrick as the leaders of this unit provided this team hope for the future while also playing them out of the top draft pick. They could be disappointed that neither Burrow or Tagovailoa are available at this point and decide to go with the best player available, but Herbert put on a show at the Senior Bowl and could prove valuable at even the number-five slot if he develops into Miami’s franchise quarterback.
6) New York Jets (from LAC*) – Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State
The Jets have many needs throughout their roster. While the team can address their need for a receiver later due to a deep position group this year and find an edge rusher when there’s a more appropriate value for one, the offensive line and cornerback positions look like potential ways to go for New York. While it’s possible the Jets wait for one of Thomas, Tristan Wirfs, Jedrick Willis, or Mekhi Becton to fall to them at 11, the team might be interested in moving up in order to pick up the consensus number one cornerback in this draft class. Jeff Okudah has the makings of a shutdown corner with some deceiving athleticism, so picking him up at six, even by trading up, would be a solid value pick for Gang Green.
7) Carolina Panthers (5-11) – Tristan Wirfs, OT/G, Iowa
Isaiah Simmons is a tempting fit here due to the loss of Luke Kuechly for Carolina but could prove to be redundant next to another safety-turned-linebacker Shaq Thompson. Instead, the Panthers could properly replace Andrew Norwell after losing him to the Jaguars in free agency a couple of years ago. Wirfs is a versatile force upfront and could upgrade Matt Rhule’s offensive line at any position besides center, which could prove useful if the new head coach would prefer to find a replacement for Daryl Williams at right tackle.
8) Arizona Cardinals (5-10-1) – CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
This is one of my favorite prospect-to-team fits in the draft. Lamb is a big and athletic receiver who is also crisp with his routes. Pairing the deep threat with his former college teammate in Kyler Murray, a mentor in Larry Fitzgerald, and a slot receiver who complements Lamb for the future in Christian Kirk would provide a scenario that would be nearly impossible to fail in.
9) Jacksonville Jaguars (6-10) – Isaiah Simmons, S/LB, Clemson
The Jaguars have been able to steal some very talented players, such as the likes of Myles Jack and Josh Allen, for their defense in recent drafts and could very well do it again in the 2020 draft. Simmons is a skeleton key for defensive backfields, as he possesses the ability to play any position that is along the defensive line. Jacksonville could allow Allen to do more off the edge as a pass rusher while Simmons replaces the hole left at linebacker since the retirement of Telvin Smith before the 2019 season.
10) Cleveland Browns (6-10) – Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
The Browns have a pressing need at the left tackle position. Luckily for new GM Andrew Berry, the talent at the offensive tackle position in this draft has a lot of high-end talent. Becton needs some time to develop his technique, but the 6’7″, 340-pound offensive tackle has the necessary athleticism to protect Baker Mayfield from blindside pass rushers and the weight to hold his own, even against the strongest defensive linemen.
11) Los Angeles Chargers (from NYJ*) – Jedrick Willis Jr., OT, Alabama
Jedrick Willis is a polished pass protector with the ability to play either tackle position. While probably better suited at the right tackle position, at least to begin his career, Willis proved that he was the most reliable offensive lineman for the Rolling Tide in 2019. If Russell Okung can continue to anchor the left side of the line until Willis is ready to assume that spot, the Chargers will be in a much better position to protect their next quarterback, whoever that may be.
12) Las Vegas Raiders (7-9) – Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
Derrick Brown could easily go in the top ten if the teams selecting in those spots had bigger needs throughout their interior defensive line. However, the scheme-versatile defensive lineman could quickly find a home in Las Vegas if he falls to the Raiders. Brown has the versatility to play anywhere along the defensive line, though ideally he’d be placed in his most natural fit of defensive tackle, next to Maurice Hurst. Clelin Ferrell and Maxx Crosby provide a lot of potential for this team’s pass rush moving forward, so the team would be smart to invest in more linemen to help their rising-sophomore edge rushers to get to the quarterback.
13) Indianapolis Colts (7-9) – Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
Whether or not Jacoby Brissett is the Colts’ starting quarterback in 2020, the receiving corps needs an infusion of talent. T.Y. Hilton didn’t receive the same supplementary help that Eric Ebron provided a year ago and no wide receiver was able to step up when Hilton went down with a hamstring injury. In order to avoid the same situation next year, Indianapolis could use a crisp route-runner like Jerry Jeudy. Jeudy might slide a little bit due to the depth at wide receiver in this draft class, but a team like the Colts won’t be afraid of investing in an instant 1B option.
14) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9) – Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina
The Buccaneers received a lot of value from their one-year signing of Ndukamong Suh, but are unlikely to re-sign the former second-overall pick. Instead, Tampa Bay could look to find a proper long term replacement for former franchise player, Gerald McCoy. Javon Kinlaw could offer Todd Bowles’ unit exactly that. The defensive tackle’s stock has been rising since before the Senior Bowl as teams become more and more aware of the interior pass rusher’s dominance.
15) Denver Broncos (7-9) – Kenneth Murray, ILB, Oklahoma
Denver has needed an inside linebacker since Brandon Marshall was being mistaken for the other Brandon Marshall in the mid-2010s. In this scenario, Vic Fangio is able to fix that gap in his second year as the franchise’s head coach. Kenny Young was all over the field for the Sooners over the last three seasons. This franchise could benefit from someone who can seek out a ballcarrier anywhere on the field, especially one that complied 181 solo tackles and nine and a half sacks in three seasons.
16) Atlanta Falcons (7-9) – Yetur Gross-Matos, Edge/DL, Penn State
Yetur Gross-Matos is another versatile defensive lineman that can force pressure on the quarterback from anywhere on the line. The Falcons have gotten very little production from Vic Beasley since his 15.5 sack season in 2016. Whether or not Atlanta retains their former Pro Bowl pass rusher, they would benefit from having Gross-Matos providing extra pressure in the trenches with Grady Jerrett.
17) Dallas Cowboys (8-8) – Grant Delpit, S, LSU
While Grant Delpit struggled a bit throughout the 2019 season, his play picked up in the College Football Playoff and has a stellar resume before his off-season. The star safety could find his footing behind a fearsome front seven and could help re-establish a secondary that will likely be unable to retain stud cornerback Byron Jones in free agency.
18) Miami Dolphins (via PIT) – A.J. Epenesa, DL/Edge, Iowa
The Dolphins need to stock up on talent at crucial positions. If they take a quarterback with their first pick, it’s likely that the team will get Brian Flores some help for an underrated and overperforming defensive unit throughout the latter half of 2019. A.J. Epenesa has had a lot of hype surrounding his name since his days as a five-star recruit and could provide Flores a power rusher in the mold of Trey Flowers to pair next to Christian Wilkins and Davon Godchaux.
19) Las Vegas Raiders (via CHI) – Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado
Tyrell Williams, Hunter Renfrow, and Darren Waller were able to mitigate the damage dealt by the Antonio Brown saga that occurred before this past season, but none of the options above can function as Derek Carr’s go-to in the passing game. Enter Shenault, an all-around playmaker that does a lot with the ball in his hands, and the receiving corps has three talented receivers with varying playing styles to go with one of the best receiving tight ends in the NFL.
20) Jacksonville Jaguars (via LAR) – Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
Kristian Fulton was arguably the Tigers’ best defensive back in 2019. Being that LSU is competing with Ohio State for the title of “DBU” year in and year out, that complement cannot be taken lightly. There are some durability concerns that come with the defensive back, but Fulton offers the Jaguars a replacement for Jalen Ramsey across from A.J. Bouye.
21) Philadelphia Eagles (9-7) – Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
The Eagles are reportedly moving on from Alshon Jeffery this offseason, increasing the need for Philadelphia to add new players at the wide receiver position. While the team could use replacements for Nelson Algholor and possibly DeSean Jackson as well, Jeffery was the receiver that Carson Wentz got the most use out of when he was healthy. Justin Jefferson served as an explosive number-one receiver for Joe Burrow in 2019 and has the necessary size to effectively replace Jeffery as the Eagles’ X receiver.
22) Buffalo Bills (10-6) – Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
Josh Allen could benefit from a John Brown clone running opposite from John Brown in this offense. Henry Ruggs was the fastest receiver on Alabama’s roster last season and proved his value as a deep threat. While Brown might not draw the same defensive attention away from Ruggs like Jerry Jeudy did, the two could exhaust defensive backs that have to chase them down the field constantly.
23) San Fransico 49ers (from NE*) – Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
San Fransisco’s cornerbacks were roasted by Kansas City’s elite receiving corps throughout the Super Bowl. While Richard Sherman and K’Waun Williams proved capable as starters heading into 2020, the team might be interested in picking up another corner to learn the trade from Sherman, one of the most intelligent players in the game today. The 49ers could pounce on a top cornerback if they fall enough in the first round.
24) New Orleans Saints (13-3) – C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida
It is unlikely that both Eli Apple and Janoris Jenkins will retain their positions on this Saints team heading into the 2020 season. Apple particularly struggled as the season wound down to a close. In place of the former Giant, New Orleans could decide to grab a teammate of standout rookie Chauncey Gardner-Johnson during his college days. C.J. Henderson has great ball skills, while Gardner-Johnson and safeties Vonn Bell and Marcus Williams will be able to cover up some of Henderson’s tackling issues in the secondary.
25) Minnesota Vikings (10-6) – Austin Jackson, OT, USC
The Vikings’ offensive line has continued to struggle despite spending a lot of recent draft capital at the position. Bryan O’Neil and Garrett Bradbury are worth keeping for the future, but Minnesota could stand to develop Jackson for a year behind incumbent left tackle Riley Reiff before pairing with O’Neil to be one of the most athletic tackle duos in the NFL.
26) Miami Dolphins (via HOU) – D’andre Swift, RB, Georgia
One of the best offensive prospects in the draft could possibly fall into the second round if a team like the Dolphins or Chiefs address more pressing needs in round one. However, the Dolphins do have the ability to address two other positional needs, including quarterback, before surrounding their franchise quarterback with as much talent as possible. Swift is a better prospect coming out of Georgia than Sony Michel was in 2018 and could provide the Dolphins with a guaranteed legitimate weapon out of the backfield.
27) Seattle Seahawks (11-5) – Terrell Lewis, Edge, Alabama
Jadaveon Clowney might leave Seattle in 2020 for another contender. Even if Clowney stays, the Seahawks can use a second edge rusher to complement the former first-overall pick. Lewis comes with some injury and technique issues, but the tremendous production against SEC competition remains impressive for the many teams that are in need of some help off of the edge.
28) Baltimore Ravens (14-2) – Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
The Ravens need to find a formal replacement for C.J. Mosely, especially after trading Kenny Young to the Rams before the trade deadline. L.J. Fort looked impressive as a stop-gap starter, but Baltimore could use someone next to him in 3-4 sets. Queen’s name picked up buzz, as the linebacker was seemingly everywhere on the field for LSU’s defense and could serve a similar role, as the Ravens’ vaunted secondary will allow Queen to be moved all over the field.
29) Tennessee Titans (9-7) – K’Lavon Chaisson, Edge, LSU
The run on SEC prospects (excluding Austin Jackson) continues. The Titans need to find an edge rusher that can apply pressure to opposing quarterbacks and close in some outside runs. The loss of Brian Orakpo to retirement seemed to hurt Tennessee against the Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game, so Mike Vrabel might look to a prospect like K’Lavon Chaisson to fill the need opposite of Harold Landry. Chaisson has all of the tools to become a perennial Pro Bowl pass rusher if he develops properly, though the team gets an athletic run stopper with some impressive pass-rushing moves to start with. Not bad.
30) Green Bay Packers (13-3) – Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
Aaron Rodgers needs help anywhere the Packers can give it to him. While the team doesn’t have a glaring weakness in its roster, various positions could use improvement. While the receiver position in this draft possesses a lot of depth and the team could likely find another serviceable wide receiver in the next couple rounds, Higgins gives Rodgers the instant boost of having a jump-ball threat that can out-muscle most cornerbacks. The size-speed freak could help pull down a lot of 50-50 balls for whichever team drafts him.
31) New England Patriots (from SF*) – Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama
Devin McCourty might not play much longer. The standout safety has considered retirement in the past and could move on from New England or even his playing career if New England fails to achieve the same heights going forward. If that becomes the case, McKinney could serve as a worthy replacement for the cornerback-turned-safety. McKinney outperformed former Alabama standout Deionte Thompson in the defensive backfield and arguably outplayed LSU standout safety Grant Delpit throughout 2019.
32) Kansas City Chiefs (12-4) – Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin
Swift and Johnathan Taylor are the two running backs that are rated head-and-shoulders above the rest of this class. Andy Reid has gotten a lot of use out of a committee backfield in Kansas City since Kareem Hunt’s suspension and release, but Taylor could be durable enough to weather the wear-and-tear of a handful of quality NFL seasons, especially if he can be paired with a back that can catch the ball out of the backfield like Damien Williams.
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