Just like last year, for my final mock draft of the season I will break it down into 3 parts.
Projection – This is your basic mock draft. I take all the insider information, rumors and news that I have compiled over the last several weeks and make my best guess as to what might actually happen in the real draft.
Reflection – I use the same information for my projections to show why I may be wrong, what changes might happen and give some insight into why.
Perfection – I make the selections for every team based on my personal opinion of how the draft should go disregarding any and all opinions from other analysts and online publications by replacing it with my own player evaluations, team needs and potential return on investment.
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| Projection | Reflection | Perfection |
Projection – Picks 1-16
Pick #1
Cincinnati Bengals
QB, Joe Burrow – LSU
The Bengals and head coach Zac Taylor select their franchise arm of the future. Burrow instantly gives Cincinnati a chance to compete for the division within 3 years so long as they stay the course and continue to build around him.
Pick #2
Washington Redskins
DE, Chase Young – Ohio State
Chase Young scored out higher than any previous pass rusher within our system. The Redskins stand on pick #2 and take a generational talent to spearhead new head coach Ron Rivera’s defense.
Pick #3
Los Angeles Chargers (trade/DET)
QB, Justin Herbert – Oregon
The Lions want to move down and the Chargers would rather move up and take Herbert than run the risk of the Dolphins snagging him just one pick in front. The cost to move is likely watered down at this point unless a bidding war to get ahead of the Giants ensues.
Pick #4
New York Giants
LB, Isaiah Simmons – Clemson
New York has the option of taking a premier tackle prospect on a once in a generation athlete for a defense that needs a ton of help. Gettleman opts to go with potentially the most upside in a player in this entire draft class.
Pick #5
Miami Dolphins
OT, Jedrick Wills – Alabama
The Dolphins don’t feel the need to press at quarterback and make the decision to add to the offensive line. Miami selects what some consider the most well rounded tackle prospect in this class.
Pick #6
Detroit Lions (trade LAC)
DL, Derrick Brown – Auburn
After a short move down the board, Detroit decides to select the best interior defensive line prospect in 2020. Derrick Brown has all the makings of an immediate impact player at the next level.
Pick #7
Carolina Panthers
CB, C.J Henderson – Florida
The Panthers may look to move down here but considering the opportunity of taking either of the highest rated defensive backs in this class, Carolina decides to stand and pick. C.J. Henderson is a rock solid cover corner and does have a chance at hearing his name called ahead of Ohio State’s Jeff Okudah.
Pick #8
Denver Broncos (trade ARI)
WR, Henry Ruggs III – Alabama
Denver decides to move up and take a targeted player instead of waiting to see what may fall. Henry Ruggs is an explosive play maker and instantly gives the Broncos a lethal weapon in the passing attack.
Pick #9
Jacksonville Jaguars
CB, Jeffrey Okudah – Ohio State
The Jaguars will have plenty of options at pick #9, including teams sending offers that may look to jump Miami (if Tua does slide some). However, the opportunity to add a rare talent to the defensive backfield is too much to pass up on. Okudah has the potential to be a lock down corner as a pro.
Pick #10
Miami Dolphins (trade CLE)
QB, Tua Tagovailoa – Alabama
Miami manages to remain patient and have a player with a lot of upside, but with some injury concern, fall into their pick at the ten slot. Tagovailoa is a bit of a polarizing prospect for some but he has the potential to become a franchise quarterback. For the Dolphins, taking him if the price levels makes a lot of sense.
Pick #11
New York Jets
OT, Tristan Wirfs – Iowa
The Jets need to protect their quarterback and having a tackle fall into their laps at pick #11 would be a huge win for them. If Sam Darnold is ever going to live up to his high potential it will be because New York found ways to protect him and surround him with weapons.
Pick #12
Las Vegas Raiders
WR, CeeDee Lamb – Oklahoma
Las Vegas gets to select their true #1 wide receiver that they were hoping to when CeeDee is still available at pick #12. Lamb projects as an immediate starter with game changing ability.
Pick #13
Atlanta Falcons (trade SF)
DL, Javon Kinlaw – South Carolina
The Falcons give up a mid-round pick the the 49ers to make a short jump up the board to ensure they get some help on the defensive front. Javon Kinlaw is going to be a fantastic player as a pro and could sneak into the top 10 picks if a team really covets him.
Pick #14
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
OT, Mekhi Becton – Louisville
If you’re Tampa Bay, you want to make sure Tom Brady stays healthy and upright on the field for every home game. It’s the best way to keep those ticket sales high and give the Bucs a shot at competing in the NFC South. Becton may be the most gifted tackle in this class but he does come with some question marks.
Pick #15
Arizona Cardinals (trade DEN)
LB, Kenneth Murray – Oklahoma
The Cardinals need to add to a defense that has to play against the Seahawks, Rams and 49ers. Murray is an easy projection to be a rock solid starter as a pro and Arizona would do well to select him tonight.
Pick #16
San Francisco 49ers (trade ATL)
WR, Jerry Jeudy – Alabama
After a small move down the board the 49ers still have an opportunity to select one of the best available prospects at wide receiver in this class. There are some questions regarding the medical checks with Jeudy but he profiles as a chain moving wide receiver 1 as a professional.
click the link to navigate the mock
| Projection | Reflection | Perfection |