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 Top 10 Quarterbacks: 2019 Midseason College Football Rankings

On July 23, 2019, I released my preseason rankings for QB’s here and now I’m back with an updated ranking. We’re seeing four new faces, and a little shifting up and down the list. This list is based off stats, team performance, and my opinion. Let’s get into it.

Honorable Mention: Dillion Gabriel, UCF; Kaleb Barker, Troy; Chris Robinson, Florida Atlantic; Cole McDonald, Hawaii; Jacob Eason, Washington

10. Jamie Newman, Wake Forest

via Andrew Dye, JournalNow.com

Starting off this list is the man leading the UNDEFEATED #19 Wake Forest Demon Deacons. Jamie Newman currently has 1,521 passing yards, 14 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. Along with this, Newman is a top dual-threat QB with 262 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns on 78 rushes. Wake Forest is not only making themselves a name in the ACC, but also nationally. After defeating Utah State week 1, and North Carolina week 3, Jamie Newman will continue his push for the Heisman along into Wake Forest’s big game against Clemson November 16th.

9. Justin Herbert, Oregon

via GoDucks.com

Justin Herbert was my 3rd ranked QB entering the season and has not impressed me thus far. The Ducks suffered a hard loss to Auburn week 1 and since then, Oregon has not been able to put together a good offensive performance (excluding Nevada). Herbert looks great on the stat sheet with 1,341 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and 1 interception. However, I would like to see Herbert be able to dominate the Pac-12 and compete for a national title, but that loss to Auburn and the games against Stanford and Cal were a little to close for comfort for Herbert, who is a top QB prospect in the upcoming 2020 NFL draft. Herbert has a chance to prove me wrong with the games against Washington and Washington State approaching in a few weeks.

8. Anthony Gordon, Washington State

via Michael Wyke, AP

At number 8 is my top Pac-12 QB, Anthony Gordon. Gordon takes over the Washington State offense after Gardner Minshew being taken in the 6th round by the Jacksonville Jaguars. I rank Gordon above Herbert because of how explosive WSU’s offense is. They do have losses to UCLA and Utah, but they are putting up 45 points per game. Gordon himself has 2,146 passing yards (most in NCAA), 22 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions. As mentioned before, Washington State is going to Oregon for a big Pac-12 matchup which should be a great game to see how well Gordon and Herbert compare to one another.

7. Sam Ehlinger, Texas

via Joe Robbins, Getty Images

Texas football is back? Sam Ehlinger thinks so and I do as well. Ehlinger is leading the 4-1 Texas Longhorns with 1,448 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. As Jamie Newman was mentioned to be a dual-threat, Ehlinger is also with 236 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns on 51 carries. The Longhorns only loss is to LSU, which was one of the best games of the season this far. Texas has a big game against Oklahoma this weekend, which will be a true testament of who is the best team in the Big-12.

6. Jake Fromm, Georgia

via 24/7 Sports

The first of the three SEC quarterbacks comes in a #6 with Jake Fromm. Fromm is in his junior season now with the Georgia Bulldogs, who are in contention for a National Championship. Fromm has thrown for 1,076 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. Fromm was able to beat Notre Dame two weeks ago which was his only close call this season. At this rate, an interesting matchup between Alabama and Georgia for the SEC title is setup for the end of the season. Before that, Georgia must take care of Florida and Auburn, two teams that are going to test Fromm and the Bulldogs.

5. Trevor Lawrence, Clemson

via CBS Sports

Five games in and Trevor Lawrence has been incredibly underwhelming for people, myself included, who believed he was the best quarterback in the nation. Lawrence is sitting at 1,131 passing yards, 8 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. Furthermore, Clemson is coming off a narrow victory against North Carolina a week ago. I still believe Trevor Lawrence is one, if not the most, talented QB in the nation. Look for him to shine as the season goes on and Clemson makes their way to another College Football Playoff.

4. Justin Fields, Ohio State

via Kevin Allen, USA Today

I mentioned in my initial rankings that I’d expect Justin Fields to make this list come mid season and here he is in the top 5. After transferring from Georgia and not being able to beat out Jake Fromm as the starting quarterback for the Bulldogs, Fields is leading a Buckeyes team that looks to be the best team in the country. Fields is at 1,293 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, 1 interception, 283 rushing yards, and 8 touchdowns. Incredible numbers as the first year starter is leading the undefeated, #3 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes who are almost a certain team to reach the playoffs. Fields is coming up against the top teams in the B1G-10 with Wisconsin, Penn State, and Michigan all left on their schedule. If Fields is able to keep this up, look for him to rise on my rankings at the end of the season.

3. Joe Burrow, LSU

via Brody Miller, The Athletic

Joe Burrow has shocked the nation after leading an LSU team that most thought would be centered around their defense. Burrow led the Tigers past their win against Texas, while averaging 55 points a game. Burrow has thrown for 1,864 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions in 2019. LSU still has Florida, Auburn, and Alabama left on their schedule. We have witnessed what Auburn’s defense is able to do, as they defeated Justin Herbert and the Oregon Ducks week 1. Alabama is the number one team in the country. If LSU gets through this schedule undefeated, Joe Burrow has a chance to lead this team to a national championship.

2. Jalen Hurts, Oklahoma

via SoonerSports.com

Jalen Hurts is another shock to the country, but not as much as Burrow considering how we saw him lead Alabama as a freshman. After losing his job to Tua Tagovailoa, Jalen Hurts stayed on Alabama for a year before transferring to the team that sent consecutive #1 overall draft pick QB’s to the NFL. Jalen Hurts is considered as the front runner for the Heisman trophy, which will also be the third Oklahoma QB to win the Heisman in the third consecutive year. Jalen Hurts is sitting at 1,523 passing yards, 499 rushing yards, 21 total touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. Hurts is leading an Oklahoma team that is battling against Texas for the B1G-12 title, as well as also competing for a national championship. Just as I said with Ehlinger, the Texas/Oklahoma game will be crucial for both teams to reach the College Football Playoff.

1. Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama

via RollTide.com

Just as I ranked him in the preseason, Tua Tagovailoa is still the number one QB in the nation. Tua has been near perfect with a 76.4% completion rate, 1,718 passing yards, 23 passing touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. Alabama has the top receiving group in the nation and Tua is making great use. As of now, he is the top QB prospect in college while also leading the Heisman race. As Alabama begins the tail end of the season, they will be looking forward to showcasing their talent against the likes of LSU and Auburn along with a possible SEC championship game against Georgia. It is a criticism of Alabama that they play a weak schedule, however, they have to overcome great teams to reach the National Championship game once again.

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 Quarterbacks: 2019 College Football Rankings

While doing the Top 10 Running Backs and Wide Receivers, I struggled with the lists because of how much talent there is in college in those positions. While making this list, I found that the top 3 QB’s are no doubt in my mind. However, after that, no QB really gave me the definite, concrete evidence on why they are top 10. I did not include QB’s that are going into their first starting season because they do not have tape for me to really judge. At the end of the season, I do expect Justin Fields and Jacob Eason to crack the top 10. Let’s get into it.

Honorable Mention: Jordan Love, Utah State; Adrian Martinez, Nebraska; Ian Book, Notre Dame; Justin Fields, Ohio State; Jacob Eason, Washington 

10. D’Eriq King, Houston

via Houston Athletics

D’Eriq King comes in at the 10 spot after an incredible first season at Houston. Throwing for 36 touchdowns and rushing for 14, King might be the best dual-threat QB in college. King has a chance to solidify himself as a top QB this year when he opens the season against Jalen Hurts and Oklahoma week 1. I expect that game to be the typical, exciting, high-scoring game that all fans need and love. Week 1, Houston vs Oklahoma, get ready.

9. K.J. Costello, Stanford

via Grant Shorin, Stanford Athletics

Stanford is coming off an 8-4 season with a bowl win against a tough Pittsburgh team. Leading this is QB KJ Costello, who threw for over 3,500 yards and added 29 touchdowns with that. The problem I see with Costello is his 11 interceptions. Costello is a 2020 NFL prospect, so I’m expecting him to bring those interceptions down. With Whiteside now playing on Sundays, Costello needs to find a way to lead Stanford past a tough schedule.

8. Mason Fine, North Texas

via North Texas Athletics

Mason Fine is heading into his senior season at North Texas with almost 10,000 yards under his belt. He’s been the CUSA Player of the Year for the past two seasons, and has only progressed forward. Look for Mason Fine to have a terrific year, with NFL scouts eyeing him. A 4,000 yard season with 35+ touchdowns is expected, and I think will be the bar for Fine.

7. Shea Patterson, Michigan

via Michigan Athletics

Out of everyone on this list, everybody’s job is relatively safe. Shea Patterson, on the other hand, must deal with two promising QB’s behind him on the depth chart, Dylan McCaffery and Joe Milton. Patterson’s numbers do not jump off the sheet, but, with Josh Gattis now leading Michigan’s offense, I’m hoping, as all Michigan’s fans are, that Patterson lights it up this season.

6. Sam Ehlinger, Texas

via Texas Athletics

When talking about dual threats, Sam Ehlinger is in that conversation. Over the last few years, critics have talked about whether “Texas Football” is back. Well, Ehlinger has made Texas relevant again. In 2018, Ehlinger threw for nearly 3,300 yards with 25 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. Along with that, Ehlinger rushed for 480 yards and 16 touchdowns. Texas and Ehlinger’s true test this season will be week 2 when LSU comes into town.

5. Jalen Hurts, Oklahoma

via Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

What a roller coaster Jalen Hurts and his story has been over the course of his college career. He went from being the 2016 SEC Player of the Year and leading the Crimson Tide to two national championship games (2016 & 2017) to being benched in the 2017 National Championship, to then end up transferring to Oklahoma. This story is one that I will be most intrigued with this season, just because I want Oklahoma to take down Alabama because of this whole situation. Hurts has some big shoes to fill as well, with Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray being the last two QB’s that have played for Oklahoma.

4. Jake Fromm, Georgia

via Jeff Sentell/DawgNation

Jake Fromm broke out during his freshmen season, leading Georgia to the National Championship. Many believed he would be the next face of college football, and although he has not played poorly, he hasn’t been what everyone once believed. Regardless, Fromm is still a top 5 QB, with a Georgia team that should make some noise in 2019. Look for Fromm to make or break his NFL draft stock this season.

3. Justin Herbert, Oregon

via Oregon Athletics

Justin Herbert may have been the number one overall pick if he would have entered the 2019 NFL Draft. However, Herbert decided to return to the Oregon Ducks with hopes of leading them to the title game. Physically, Herbert may be the most gifted of all NFL Draft prospects. However, he needs to improve his completion percentage and interception rate to really bring this Oregon team to the next level.

2. Trevor Lawrence, Clemson

via Sports Illustrated

Here is what is going to bring the argument to the table. Lawrence vs Tagovailoa. At first, I had Lawrence ahead of Tua, no questions asked. That’s just from what I watched during last year’s national championship game. I think Lawrence is a heisman favorite this year, and he will lead Clemson to another national championship. He threw for over 3,000 yards with 30 touchdowns and only 4 interceptions. Along with this, he is returning Tee Higgins and Justyn Ross to his weaponry. This offense has the possibility of being an all-time great unit.

1. Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama

via Alabama Athletics

Tua Tagovailoa is the best QB in college. He was just shy of throwing for 4,000 yards last season and added 43 touchdowns to that number. It’s easy to hate Alabama, and I love seeing them down, but I can’t bet against Tua. He throws to three of the best college receivers in the nation. Me saying that should take away some sort of acknowledgement because it could be said that they make him look better than he is, but I think that Tua would excel with anyone catching his ball. The Tua vs Lawrence argument is going to be a fun thing to watch.