Don’s 2020 NFL Mock Draft 1.0

The NFL Draft is nearly a month away. With most of the big-name free agents off the market, we now have a better idea of where players will fall. Obviously, it’s almost easier to hit the lottery than getting a perfect mock. Also, adding in a couple trades to make things a little spicier. There is a table at the bottom of the mock that translates each selection to each team for easier view. Enjoy!

MOCK TRADES:

MIA sends 1.05, 1.26, 5.126 to DET for 1.03

CLE sends 1.1, 3.74 to CAR for 1.07

MIN sends 1.22, 2.58, 7.249 to TB for 1.14

ROUND 1

1. CIN- Joe Burrow, QB, LSU

Josh Auzenne/WAFB-TV

Transitioning from Andy Dalton to Joe Burrow will not only rejuvenate AJ Green and John Ross, but the entire Bengal’s team. Pairing Burrow with young head coach Zac Taylor will be something to keep an eye on heading into the 2020 season. With 2019 first round pick Jonah Williams returning, Cincy’s offense is something to keep an eye on.

2. WSH- Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State

With Washington trading for Kyle Allen, it is almost fact that they will not be taking a QB at #2. The only other thing that can happen is the Chargers or Dolphins can trade up above Detroit to take Tua, but that seems less likely than Washington taking Chase here. An elite pass rusher to put across of 2019 first round pick Montez Sweat will give an immediate boost to Washington’s front.

3. MIA (via DET) – Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama

A bidding war between Miami and LA can and will be won by Miami due to their amount of draft capital. I do believe that it is in which ever team that drafts Tua to sit on him for a year, be 100% sure that he is healthy, and come into the 2021 season prepared. Both LA and MIA are capable of this, with Miami sitting on Fitzpatrick/Rosen and LA with Tyrod Taylor. In this case, I see Fitzpatrick starting most of the season, and seeing Rosen appear later in the year to see exactly what he is worth for Miami to ship him off to gain picks in the following year’s drafts. Tua has superstar traits, it just comes down to providing him weapons and protection.

4. NYG – Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa

The Giants will have the first choice at the top offensive line prospects. Wirfs provides versatility, with his ability to play guard and tackle. Scouts believe he will be best playing at guard, but I would like to see him at RT. With a generational running back heading into year 3 in Saquon Barkley, and a young QB in Daniel Jones, investing in a solid piece in Wirfs will be beneficial for all of the weapons the Giants have on offense.

5. DET (via MIA) – Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson

This pick comes down to Simmons or Okudah and the Lions are going with Simmons. With the Lions signing Trufant, that allows them to invest in a playmaker. Trading Slay hurts the secondary, but I believe that Oruwariye is going to take a big step in becoming the Lions CB2. Jarad Davis is not capable of being a starter for the Lions any longer, and with the release of Devon Kennard, the LB group in Detroit needs a boost. Simmons provides versatility that is needed with the amount of times Patricia drops his linebackers into coverage.

6. LAC – Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon

Justin Herbert could be playing for the Arizona Cardinals right now, however, with him staying in school, it hurt his draft stock. I was wrong about Josh Allen coming out of college because I was worried about his accuracy. Similarly, I worry about Herbert’s accuracy. Scouting reports suggest that he is “deadly accurate” and I don’t see it. However, Herbert has the arm and the physical traits that you want in a QB. Putting him in LA to sit behind Tyrod will allow him to learn the offense, and eventually take over for the Chargers.

7. CLE – Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia

The Giants selecting Wirfs puts pressure on Cleveland to move up and grab the next tackle. Cleveland had great signings in free agency, now getting an anchor at LT will provide the much needed protection for Baker Mayfield. All of the hype last season for the Cleveland offense disappointed fans, however, look for a positive bounce back year as the Browns get a full year with Kareem Hunt, as well with the pairing of Austin Hooper and David Njoku.

8. ARZ – Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama

Over the past few months, we have watched Wills fly up draft boards. Wills is a polished blocker, being a two year starter at Alabama. At 6’5, 320lbs, Wills is capable of being one of the top tackles in the league for years to come. With the Cardinals robbing Houston of DeAndre Hopkins, giving Kyler Murray protection is a must and Wills here seems to be a no brainer.

9. JAX – Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn

Derrick Brown is a name that will be known by many next season. He is one of the most complete DT coming into the draft that I have witnessed in recent memory. Brown has incredible strength that allows him to fight off blocks. His run stuffing ability appears to be elite. With Jacksonville sending off Campbell, a boost to their defensive line is needed. Getting Brown here at 9 is fantastic value.

10. CAR – Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina

With Carolina signing Bridgewater, they eliminate themselves with moving up to take Tua or Herbert. In this case, they are able to pick up an extra pick by moving down and still getting an absolute beast. Kinlaw has been relatively flying under the radar, which shocks me because of his talent. Kinlaw provides a pass rushing ability that is superior to that of Derrick Brown’s. That said, I would not be surprised to see Jacksonville grab Kinlaw and Brown to fall here to Carolina.

11. NYJ- Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville

12. LV – CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma

13. SF (via IND) – Jeffery Okudah, CB, Ohio State

Okudah dropping all the way to 13 seems insane. Remember Greedy Williams being a solidified top 10 pick early last year? Okudah is definitely a better prospect and, in my opinion, a better player, so he will not drop far. Pairing Okudah with Sherman, while also reuniting with Nick Bosa, seems unfair. This SF defense only gets better.

14. MIN (via TB) – Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama

15. DEN – Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama

16. ATL – AJ Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa

17. DAL – CJ Henderson, CB, Florida

18. MIA (via PIT) – K’Lavon Chassion, EDGE, LSU

19. LV (via CHI) – Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU

20. JAX (via LAR) – Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU

21. PHI – Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson

22. TB (via MIN, BUF) – Josh Jones, OT, Houston

23. NE – Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE, Penn State

24. NO – Patrick Queen, LB, LSU

25. MIN – Zach Baun, EDGE, Wisconsin

26. DET (via MIA, HOU) – Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU

27. SEA – Curtis Weaver, EDGE, Boise State

28. BAL – Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado

29. TEN – Neville Gallimore, DT, Oklahoma

30. GB – Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU

31. SF – Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor

32. KC – Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma

ROUND 2

33. CIN – Terrell Lewis, EDGE, Alabama

34. IND – Jordan Love, QB, Utah State

35. DET – Cesar Ruiz, OG, Michigan

36. NYG – Bradlee Anae, EDGE, Utah

37. LAC – Austin Jackson, OT, USC

38. CAR – Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama

39. MIA – Lucas Niang, OT, TCU

40. HOU – Lloyd Cushenberry III, OG, LSU

41. CLE – Grant Delpit, S, LSU

42. JAX – AJ Terrell, CB, Clemson

43. CHI – Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama

44. IND – DeAndre Swift, RB, Georgia

45. TB – Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin

46. DEN – Noah Igbinoghene, CB, Auburn

47. ATL – Justin Madubuike, DT, Texas A&M

48. NYJ – Jalen Raegor, WR, TCU

49. PIT – Ben Bartch, OT, St. John’s

50. CHI – Jonah Jackson, OG, Ohio State

51. DAL – Matt Hennessy, OG, Temple

52. LAR – Joshua Uche, EDGE, Michigan

53. PHI – Julian Okwara, EDGE, Notre Dame

54. BUF- Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah

55. BAL – Jordyn Brooks, LB, Texas Tech

56. MIA – J.K Dobbins, RB, Ohio State

57. HOU – Raekwon Davis, DT, Alabama

58. TB – Robert Hunt, OG, Louisiana

59. SEA – Cam Akers, RB, Florida State

60. BAL – Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise State

61. TEN – Jonathan Greenard, EDGE, Florida

62. GB – Cameron Dantzler, CB, Mississippi State

63. KC – Damon Arnette, CB, Ohio State

64. SEA – Isaiah Wilson, OT, Georgia

Picks By Team

ARZ	Wills, OT
ATL	Epenesa, EDGE	Madubuike, DT
BAL	Shenault, WR	Brooks, LB	Cleveland, OT
BUF	Johnson, CB
CAR	Brown, DT	Diggs, CB
CHI	McKinney, S	Jackson,OG
CIN	Burrow, QB	Lewis, EDGE
CLE	Thomas, OT	Delpit, S
DAL	Henderson, CB
DEN	Ruggs III, WR	Hennessy, OG
DET	Simmons, LB	Blacklock, DT	Ruiz, OG
GB	Jefferson, WR	Dantzler, CB
HOU	Cushenberry, OG	Davis, DT
IND	Love, QB	Swift, RB
JAX	Kinlaw, DT	Gladney, CB	Terrell, CB
KC	Murray, LB	Arnette, CB
LV	Lamb, WR	Fulton, CB
LAC	Herbert, QB	Jackson, OT
LAR	Uche, EDGE
MIA	Tagovailoa, QB	Chassion, EDGE	Niang, OT	Dobbins, RB
MIN	Jeudy, WR	Baun, EDGE
NE	Gross-Matos, EDGE
NO	Queen, LB
NYG	Wirfs, OT	Anae, EDGE
NYJ	Bechton, OT	Raegor, WR
PHI	Higgins, WR	Okwara, EDGE
PIT	Bartch, OT
SF	Okudah, CB	Mims, WR
SEA	Weaver, EDGE	Igbinoghene, CB	Akers, RB	Wilson, OT
TB	Jones, OT	Taylor, RB	Hunt, OG
TEN	Gallimore, DT	Greenard, EDGE
WSH	Young, EDGE

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Don’s 2019 College Football Preseason All-American Team

OFFENSE

QB: Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama

RB: Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin

RB: Travis Etienne, Clemson

WR: Jerry Jeudy, Alabama

WR: CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma

TE: Jared Pinkney, Vanderbilt

C: Tyler Biadasz, Wisconsin

OT: Andrew Thomas, Georgia

OT: Prince Tega-Wanogho, Auburn

OG: Shane Lemieux, Oregon

OG: Ben Bredeson, Michigan

DEFENSE

DL: Chase Young, Ohio State

DL: AJ Epenesa, Iowa

DL: Kenny Willekes, Michigan State

DL: Derrick Brown, Auburn

LB: Isaiah Simmons, Clemson

LB: Paddy Fisher, Northwestern

LB: Joe Bachie, Michigan State

DB: Bryce Hall, Virginia

DB: Lavert Hill, Michigan

DB: Grant Delpit, LSU

DB: Paulson Abedo, Stanford

SPECIAL TEAMS

K: Rodrigo Blankenship, Georgia

P: Braden Mann, Texas A&M

All-Purpose: Rondale Moore, Purdue

All-Purpose: KJ Hamler, Penn State

Don’s Top 10 Wide Receivers: 2019 College Football Rankings

Looking forward to the 2020 NFL Draft, it is expected that the wide receiver class coming out will be just as good, if not better, than the 2014 Draft (OBJ, Mike Evans, Jarvis Landry, Davante Adams, Allen Robinson, Brandin Cooks). Names are going to be left off this list that I wish wouldn’t be, however, these ten are sure talent. Furthermore, I think most of these guys are going to be exceptional talents at the next level. The craziest thing is that two receivers from both Alabama and Clemson made this list, and a third from Alabama was just shy of cracking my top ten. Let’s get into it.

1. Jerry Jeudy, Alabama

via RollTide.com

Jerry Jeudy is now a household name across the nation, being praised by many college football experts. NFL scouts are looking at Jeudy as a possible OBJ type of player. If you turn on Jeudy’s tape, every play gets better and better. His route-running is Pro-Bowl caliber, which coincides with his catching ability. Jeudy beats defenders down the field, and if defenders are able to keep up, he is still catching the ball. The dynamic between Tua and Jeudy is the best in college football. In 2018, Jeudy racked up over 1,300 yards with 14 touchdowns. With the abundance of talent down in Tuscaloosa, I don’t expect Jeudy to have an astronomical season on the stat sheet, but he is going to be fun to watch.

2. Laviska Shenault Jr., Colorado

via Sports Illustrated

Laviska Shenault is my favorite receiver as of right now. Last year it was N’Keal Harry, who I see the same resemblance of play-making ability. Laviska is a big body that can run, catch, and score. What more could you possibly ask for? In 2018, Shenault caught 86 passes for 1,011 yards and 6 touchdowns. Along with that, he had 17 rushes for 115 yards and 5 touchdowns. He is Colorado’s heart and soul, and I’m excited to see what he brings into the 2019 season.

3. Rondale Moore, Purdue

via PurdueSports.com

If you haven’t heard of this kid, do a quick search. He was the freshman sensation last year that torched Ohio State. In fact, go back and watch his film from that game. Similarly to Shenault, Moore is Purdue’s offense. He is not as big as Shenault, but he plays similarly. In his freshman season, Moore caught 114 passes for 1,258 yards and 12 touchdowns. He was also utilized in Purdue’s run game, having 21 carries for 213 yards and 2 touchdowns. We still have two seasons of Moore, and I expect Moore to be at the top of my list next year.

4. CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma

via Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

Last year we had Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, this year we have CeeDee “Showtime” Lamb. With no Kyler Murray, Lamb is still in great shape with former Alabama QB Jalen Hurts leading Oklahoma’s offense. Lamb is a more intriguing prospect than Brown in my opinion due to his size and speed. Also, let’s not forget his catch radius. If Hurts can throw anywhere around Lamb, he is catching the ball, no question.

5. Tee Higgins, Clemson

via Mike Comer/Getty Images

The first of the Clemson dynamic duo, Tee Higgins is Trevor Lawrence’s sure target. He is similar to Lamb in the fact that just throw the ball in his general area, and he will find a way to make the catch. Not to mention, Higgins is 6’4. If Lawrence throws the ball up, Higgins is jumping over the defender to make the catch, as he did plenty of times in the 2018 season. It’s going to be interesting to watch this Clemson team with the abundance of talent they have on that offense.

6. Tylan Wallace, Oklahoma State

via Brian Bahr/Getty Images

Tylan Wallace attracted much attention last year after decimating defenses with his ability to track down the long ball. With over 1,400 yards last season, I expect Wallace to cement himself as a top 5 receiver in the nation this upcoming season. His ability to beat defenders is almost second to none. Last season, Wallace was just shy of 1,500 receiving yards with only 86 catches. He averages over 17 yards a catch, absolute insanity.

7. Justyn Ross, Clemson

via Sports Illustrated

Speed. That’s what I get when I watch Justyn Ross. He is the perfect duo to match with Higgins for Trevor Lawrence. After beating the corner down the sideline countless times, Ross is able to run a hard comeback, use his agility to make the corner miss him, and outrun any defender around him. Some argue that Ross is a better receiver than Higgins, so I’m keeping a close eye on the two heading into next season.

8. Henry Ruggs III, Alabama

via RollTide.com

Look, I know Eric Waddle can be put here, but Henry Ruggs III has the best hands in college football. Watching him catch the football is a beautiful sight. The process of him making a catch is so fluid, it’s satisfying to watch with Tua throwing his way. This Alabama receiving group may go down as one of the best ever.

9. K.J. Hamler, Penn State

via Mark Selders, Penn State Athletics

K.J. Hamler is Penn State’s new play-maker. First it was Saquon Barkley, then Miles Sanders, now it’s the K.J. Hamler show. Even last year, some argued that Hamler out shined Sanders. He plays all around the offense, from the X to the Z to the H. He can line up in the backfield, he can motion across the line, he can really do it all. Hell, he even returns kicks for Penn State. Entering the 2019 season, eyes are on Penn State to see what they can do to compete in the Big-10 East, and their leader is K.J. Hamler.

10. Jalen Reagor, TCU

via TCU Athletics

Jalen Reagor is now starting to get the recognition he deserves. He’s quick, fluid, and shifty. Once he gets into open space, good riddance. Expect Reagor to shoot up draft boards once the season gets under way, because he is a big time deep threat for TCU. Me saying big time doesn’t really do it justice. Reagor is reported to run a 4.29 40, and honestly from his film, it shows. He gets to top speed quickly, and there is no catching him.

Honorable Mention: Amon-Ra St. Brown, USC; Jaylen Waddle, Alabama; Nico Collins, Michigan; Collin Johnson, Texas; Justin Jefferson, Texas