Final 2020 NFL Mock Draft: Three-round mock ahead of draft night!

April 23, 2020April 28, 2020 Chris McGlynn Draft, Football, NFL 2020 NFL Draft, 2020 NFL Mock Draft, Cincinnati Bengals, Joe Burrow, NFL Draft

Welcome to draft day 2020! I am beyond excited to watch the first round unfold tonight. To warp up our run of draft week content, which has included redrafting the first round of the 2015 draft, the whole Aftermath crew’s fifth annual roundtable mock draft, and my top 150 prospects and positional rankings, it is time for my final mock draft of the season.

While some might be determined to predict how the draft will actually happen, I know I am not going to come anywhere close to that. There are too many trades and personal preferences for teams for me to ever manage to accurately predict the draft. So instead, this is what I think SHOULD happen on Thursday and Friday. I poured hours into my final, three-round mock for the 2020 class. There are sure to be some surprises and I know some fans will be furious their favorite team opted to select one player when that other, clearly much better, prospect was still on the board. Much like NFL teams, I have my own preferences on the players in this draft class, which is what makes mock drafts so unique.

If you want to hear me rambling about all of this draft stuff on a podcast, check out For the Love of Sports with Michael Rasile. (Warning: it is really long!) I joined his show for a draft special, which was a ton of fun. I talked through each pick in the first round with him and discussed some larger themes of this draft as well. It’s a very deep dive into the draft, so if you want even more content than just this mock draft, check out that link.

With all of that being said, this is one of the most bizarre times in human history, not to mention the sports calendar. This is the closest thing we have to live sports right now, so just sit back and enjoy it for the next few days, because it might be a really long time before we see anything that resembles live sports for quite a while afterwards.

1. Cincinnati Bengals – Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
Seriously, do I really need to explain this one? I have actually stopped considering quarterback a need for the Bengals because I just assume this pick will be Joe Burrow.

2. Washington – Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State
There is some late rumblings that Atlanta and a few other teams are interesting in trading up to grab Chase Young. Assuming Washington stays at number two, this should be the pick. Young has the ability to completely change a defense. Think Nick Bosa-type impact, but even better.

3. Detroit Lions – Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State
Even before Detroit traded away Darius Slay, corner was a need for them. It also helps that Jeff Okudah is the best player left on my board. He has the tools to be a true shutdown defender. Expect them to make this pick at five or six though after someone trades up for a quarterback.

4. New York Giants – Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
Isaiah Simmons is certainly a possibility here. However, after investing an early pick in a quarterback, the Giants have a duty to protect him. Tristan Wirfs is pro ready, can play anywhere but center and has great potential. He is powerful and moves well for a man his size.

5. Miami Dolphins – Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
Injuries are the main concern with Tua Tagovailoa, who has struggled to stay healthy in his two years as Alabama’s starter. All signs point to him checking out medically though and I think his potential is through the roof. He has incredible touch and gives Miami their franchise quarterback to build around.

6. Los Angeles Chargers – Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
I know there is a lot of hate directed toward Justin Herbert. He is my 16th ranked prospect in this draft. Physically, he checks every box. However, Herbert had some frustrating decision making and bad habits that he developed during his senior season. If Los Angeles passes, he could end up sliding for a bit. I think the Chargers need to figure out their future at quarterback though, and Herbert is by far the best option here.

7. Carolina Panthers – Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson
Out goes Luke Keuchley and in comes Isaiah Simmons. It’s not a perfect swap in terms of play style, but from an impact point of view, this is a home run for Carolina. Simmons can step in as a leader of the defense right away and his ability to line up just about anywhere only increases his value.

8. Arizona Cardinals – Javon Kinlaw, DL, South Carolina
Arizona could head in a lot of directions here. Adding DeAndre Hopkins and locking up D.J. Humphries I think lets the Cardinals focus on the defense. Javon Kinlaw has load of potential as an interior pass rusher. He would provide a massive injection of talent to that Arizona defensive line.

9. Jacksonville Jaguars – Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
Jacksonville seems set to give the Gardner Minshew experience another year. To maximize the evaluation process, finding him an elite receiver to work with is going to be key. Jerry Jeudy is an incredible route runner with the athletic ability to be a top-end receiver in the NFL. Jacksonville can definitely go defense with its second pick of the first round. Don’t rule out a trade down here.

10. Cleveland Browns – Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
Cleveland needs a pro-ready tackle who can start at left tackle. Enter Andrew Thomas. He is a great run blocker and fares well in pass protection as well. Having a more mobile quarterback than Jake Fromm should actually help him as well. He and Jack Conklin should completely reshape the Cleveland offensive line.

11. New York Jets – Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
Receiver would certainly be tempting here. Sam Darnold has not had the best supporting cast through his first two seasons. However, he spent a lot of time running for his life in 2019 and that has to stop in 2020. Jedrick Wills spent most of his time in college at right tackle, but he was blocking Tua Tagovailoa’s blindside. I believe he can slot in on either side and help bring some stability to this unit.

12. Las Vegas Raiders – CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
Derek Carr has not had a true number one receiver since Amari Cooper left town. Tyrell Williams is injury prone and Hunter Renfrow is great in the slot, but they need an outside threat. CeeDee Lamb is a bit raw as a route runner, but he is physically dominant. He will make a lot of plays after the catch and add some playmaking as the franchise moves to Las Vegas.

13. San Francisco 49ers via Indianapolis Colts – Henry Ruggs, WR, Alabama
Emmanuel Sanders made a massive difference for this San Francisco offense upon arriving at the trade deadline. Now he is in New Orleans. Jimmy Garappolo needs someone other than Deebo Samuel to work with in this passing game. This run game is incredible as it is. Adding in a field stretching speed demon like Henry Ruggs would only open things up further. He is more complete than just being a deep threat. He would be fun to watch in Kyle Shanahan’s offense.

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
Tom Brady, meet your new body guard. Mekhi Becton is about as imposing a figure as you could possibly find in this draft class. He has limitless potential given his blend of size and athleticism. However, he is a bit raw and will need some development before he is a reliable starting option. Starting him on the right side is an option as he learns the system and gets up to speed.

15. Denver Broncos – Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
Drew Lock could have a really fun supporting cast following the draft. Courtland Sutton, Justin Jefferson and DaeSean Hamilton would make a promising young group. Add in Melvin Gordon, Phillip Lindsay and Noah Fant and this looks like a complete offense. Jefferson can play outside, but he was incredible in out of the slot last year.

16. Atlanta Falcons – Derrick Brown, DL, Auburn
This is later than most expect Derrick Brown to go. I don’t think he has the pass rushing potential to justify going in the top 10. I think he fits well in this Falcons system as a run stuffer and space eater. He is not quite the size of a nose tackle, but he would pair really well with Grady Jarrett. Good luck running inside against that pair.

17. Dallas Cowboys – K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, LSU
Robert Quinn had fantastic production in 2019, but quickly left for Chicago. Dallas needs someone to play across from DeMarcus Lawrence. I think he has a lot of room for development as a run defender and tackler. He brings impressive physical traits though and really excels at creating pressure. That is worth the pick.

18. Miami Dolphins via Pittsburgh Steelers – Josh Jones, OT, Houston
If the Dolphins draft Tua Tagovailoa, they will need an offensive line to protect him. Josh Jones is a bit raw despite the fact that he is already 23, but he is powerful. He slides well in pass protection. He should be a massive upgrade on this line early on with room to improve.

19. Las Vegas Raiders via Chicago Bears – Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama
With their second pick of the first round, Las Vegas continues to rebuild their secondary. Pairing Xavier McKinney with Jonathan Abram would give the Raiders a great tandem to anchor the backend of their defense. McKinney is a physical, sure tackler who can slide down into the slot on occasion. He should help a unit that really struggled against tight ends last season.

20. Jacksonville Jaguars via Los Angeles Rams – Bryce Hall, CB, Virginia
There is a good chance that this will be local(ish) product CJ Henderson, but I am higher on Bryce Hall’s ability to develop into a starting corner. He missed the second half of the season with an ankle injury that kept him out for the predraft process as well. When he was healthy, he was the best corner in the ACC. He has the length and ball skills to play the position at a high level. This a massive need after the Jags shipped out Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye.

21. Philadelphia Eagles – Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
Before the city flips out, I know the Eagles need a receiver, but with the early run at the position, I just can’t see the organization picking Tee Higgins. He would bring a similar skill set to Alshon Jeffrey and J.J. Arcega-Whiteside. Given the depth at the position, and the need for a linebacker, Philly tabs Patrick Queen instead. He brings the speed and coverage skills defensive coordinators will love. He will help fill the void left by Nigel Bradham.

22. Minnesota Vikings via Buffalo Bills – Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
With the pick acquired for Stefon Diggs, Minnesota will attempt to find his replacement. Tee Higgins is nothing like Diggs. He is a jump ball receiver with an elite catch radius and great ball location skills. Diggs was a crafty and savvy route running who could get open with ease. Higgins should provide a different element for the offense and hopefully find ways to be productive while he improves at generating separation.

23. New England Patriots – Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
No quarterback here for the Patriots. There is some buzz that the organization really like Jarrett Stidham. Instead, New England should look to rebuild it’s depleted linebacking corp. Kyle Van Noy, Jamie Collins and Elandon Roberts all skipped town. Kenneth Murray is the type of downhill hammer that could excel in this defense. He has to work on reading his keys, but that is something I think Bill Belichick can definitely teach him. His speed and tackling will make him an option to see playing time right away.

24. New Orleans Saints – Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
What is the succession plan at quarterback in New Orleans? Putting a first-round tenure on Taysom Hill in restricted free agency would indicate that the Saints view him as a potential solution, but I am not buying it. This would be the perfect situation for Jordan Love, who would get a chance to learn from one of the great quarterbacks in league history in Drew Brees. He would also get to work with a brilliant offensive mind in Sean Payton. Give Love the year to learn and he could be ready to lead this offense in 2021.

25. Minnesota Vikings – CJ Henderson, CB, Florida
After Xavier Rhodes, and Trae Waynes, and MacKenzie Alexander all found new homes, there isn’t really anyone left to play cornerback in Minnesota. They do have 2018 first-round pick Mike Hughes, but that’s not nearly enough. The Vikings can find some to start opposite him in CJ Henderson. Henderson was not as prolific in 2019 as he had been the season before, but he has the requisite size and speed to project well on the outside. It could be a bumpy start, but I imagine he will improve the longer he is in Mike Zimmer’s system.

26. Miami Dolphins – Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE, Penn State
I really can’t imagine Miami will use all three of their first round selections. Whether they trade up or down remains to be seen. For now, let’s assume they hang onto these picks and look to find a pass rusher to add to the mix. Yetur Gross-Matos is high-motor player who leverages himself well in pass rushing situations. He is not a physical freak, but he has the tools to become a reliable edge rusher.

27. Seattle Seahawks – A.J. Epenesa, DL, Iowa
Whether Jadeveon Clowney comes back or not, Seattle needs help along the defensive line. Malik McDowell failed to have much of an impact as a rookie, but if he makes progress in year two, he and A.J. Epenesa could be a fun pairing. Epenesa became something of a sack artist at Iowa, but after testing poorly at the combine, seems more like an interior defensive lineman. He seems like the player you can slide up and down the defensive line to confuse offenses. That should be a boon for a Seahawks team that really struggled to generate pressure last season.

28. Baltimore Ravens – Zach Baun, LB, Wisconsin
C.J. Mosley, Terrell Suggs and Patrick Onwuasor have all left over the past two offseasons. Matt Judon could be next as he is playing on the franchise tag this year. Finding some new talent to build around at linebacker feels like a priority. Zach Baun spent most of his Wisconsin career as an edge rusher, but scouts wanted to move him to linebacker at the Senior Bowl and he excelled. That flexibility is a nice bonus for a player who is strong and gritty in the trenches.

29. Tennessee Titans – Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU
It does not seem like the Titans have any interest in re-signing Logan Ryan, so it might be wise to draft his replacement. Jeff Gladney has a similar profile to Ryan. Both a bit undersized, but do a good job locating the ball in coverage and getting into the body of the receiver. I think Gladney has the chops to be a great number two option, but might struggle to become an elite shutdown corner. There is still a lot of value in finding a reliable cover man.

30. Green Bay Packers – Michael Pittman Jr., WR, USC
With so many receivers being discussed as possibilities at the end of the first round, this is my pick of the group. Michael Pittman reminds me a lot of Jordy Nelson and I think he would be a great fit for this Packers offense. He has the body type to win downfield, but he is not afraid to grind underneath as a possession receiver. He lacks elite speed, but still manages to generate separation. I think he will be a steal in this draft given that his draft stock is lower on most other big boards.

31. San Francisco 49ers – Cesar Ruiz, OL, Michigan
Coming off an impressive run to the Super Bowl, the 49ers can continue to build up in the trenches. Cesar Ruiz would be the future at center for this team. San Francisco relied on Ben Garland down the stretch after Weston Richburg went down with an injury. Ruiz could spent a year at guard before taking over at center for the long term. He would help keep Jimmy Garoppolo clean and work well with this powerful run game.

32. Kansas City Chiefs – Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
Even though they are the defending champs, the Chiefs have a few holes to fill. Trevon Diggs is an aggressive corner who could add some physicality to this secondary. Chavarius Ward and Diggs would form a fun young combo to develop over the next few years while Kansas City tries to capitalize on this title window.

Round 2

33. Cincinnati Bengals – Austin Jackson, OT, USC

34. Indianapolis Colts via Washington – Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor

35. Detroit Lions – Ross Blacklock, DL, TCU

36. New York Giants – Matt Hennessy, OL, Temple

37. Los Angeles Chargers – Lucas Niang, OT, TCU

38. Carolina Panthers – Neville Gallimore, DL, Oklahoma

39. Miami Dolphins – J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ohio State

40. Houston Texans via Arizona Cardinals – Noah Igbinoghene, CB, Auburn
41. Cleveland Browns – Grant Delpit, S, LSU

42. Jacksonville Jaguars – Antoine Winfield Jr., S, Minnesota

43. Chicago Bears via Las Vegas Raiders – Lloyd Cushenberry, OL, LSU

44. Indianapolis Colts – Josh Uche, EDGE, Michigan

45. Tampa Buccaneers – D’Andre Swift, RB, Georgia

46. Denver Broncos – Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah

47. Atlanta Falcons – Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU

48. New York Jets – Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State

49. Pittsburgh Steelers – Tyler Biadasz, OL, Wisconsin

50. Chicago Bears – Kyle Dugger, S, Lenoir Rhyne

51. Dallas Cowboys – Jeremy Chinn, S, Southern Illinois

52. Los Angeles Rams – Ben Bartch, OT, St. John (Minn.)

53. Philadelphia Eagles – Chase Claypool, WR, Notre Dame

54. Buffalo Bills – Curtis Weaver, EDGE, Boise State

55. Baltimore Ravens via Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots – John Simpson, G, Clemson

56. Miami Dolphins via New Orleans Saints – Ashtyn Davis, S, California

57. Los Angeles Rams via Houston Texans – Bradlee Anae, EDGE, Utah

58. Minnesota Vikings – Marlon Davidson, DL, Auburn

59. Seattle Seahawks – Prince Tega Wanogho, OT, Auburn

60. Baltimore Ravens – Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado

61. Tennessee Titans – Julian Okwara, EDGE, Notre Dame

62. Green Bay Packers – Cole Kmet, TE, Notre Dame

63. Kansas City Chiefs via San Francisco 49ers – Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, LSU

64. Seattle Seahawks via Kansas City Chiefs – Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU

Round 3

65. Cincinnati Bengals – Jordyn Brooks, LB, Texas Tech

66. Washington – Adam Trautman, TE, Dayton

67. Detroit Lions – Malik Harrison, LB, Ohio State

68. New York Jets via New York Giants – A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson

69. Carolina Panthers – Troy Pride, CB, Notre Dame

70. Miami Dolphins – Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Michigan

71. Los Angeles Chargers – Damon Arnette, CB, Ohio State

72. Arizona Cardinals – Robert Hunt, OL, Lousiana

73. Jacksonville Jaguars – Justin Mandubuike, DL, Texas A&M

74. Cleveland Browns – Troy Dye, LB, Oregon

75. Indianapolis Colts – Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma

76. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Devin Duvernay, WR, Texas

77. Denver Broncos – Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise State

78. Atlanta Falcons – Darrell Taylor, EDGE, Tennessee

79. New York Jets – Kenny Willekes, EDGE, Michigan State

80. Las Vegas Raiders – Amik Robertson, CB, Lousiana Tech

81. Las Vegas Raiders via Chicago Bears – Leki Fotu, DL, Utah

82. Dallas Cowboys – Cameron Dantzler, CB, Mississippi State

83. Denver Broncos via Pittsburgh Steelers – Larrell Murchison, DL, North Carolina State

84. Los Angeles Rams – Logan Wilson, LB, Wyoming

85. Detroit Lions via Philadelphia Eagles – Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin

86. Buffalo Bills – Davon Hamilton, DL, Ohio State

87. New England Patriots – K.J. Hill, WR, Ohio State

88. New Orleans Saints – Van Jefferson, WR, Florida

89. Minnesota Vikings – Terrell Lewis, EDGE, Alabama

90. Houston Texans – James Lynch, DL, Baylor

91. Las Vegas Raiders via Seattle Seahawks – Jacob Eason, QB, Washington

92. Baltimore Ravens – Terrell Burgess, S, Utah

93. Tennessee Titans – Matt Peart, OT, UConn

94. Green Bay Packers – Isaiah Wilson, OT, Georgia

95. Denver Broncos via San Francisco 49ers – Ben Bredeson, OL, Michigan

96. Kansas City Chiefs – Jonah Jackson, OL, Ohio State

97. Cleveland Browns – Thaddeus Moss, TE, LSU

98. New England Patriots – Cam Akers, RB, Florida State

99. New York Giants – Jonathan Greenard, EDGE, Florida

100. New England Patriots – Brycen Hopkins, TE, Purdue

101. Seattle Seahawks – Eno Benjamin, RB, Arizona State

102. Pittsburgh Steelers – Jordan Elliott, DL, Missouri

103. Philadelphia Eagles – K’Von Wallace, S, Clemson

104. Los Angeles Rams – Logan Stenberg, OL, Kentucky

105. Minnesota Vikings – Solomon Kindley, G, Georgia

106. Baltimore Ravens – Trevon Hill, EDGE, Miami

Final 2020 NFL Draft Big Board: Top 150 and Position Rankings

April 22, 2020April 24, 2020 Chris McGlynn Draft, Football, NFL 2020 NFL Draft, Big Board, Chase Young, Isaiah Simmons, Jeffrey Okudah, Jerry Jeudy, Joe Burrow, NFL Draft, Position Rankings

Draft day is practically here. I have thrown myself into draft prep in the midst of the coronavirus shutdown. This is a really amazing draft class to dive into as well. It might be the greatest receiver class in recent memory. There are some special playmakers on defense and a good crop of offensive tackles. It isn’t a bad year to need a quarterback either.

I will definitely have some surprises compared to the consensus here, but that’s what makes big boards worth reading. I know I am a bit higher on Michael Pittman, Bradlee Anae and Tyler Biadasz, whereas I am definitely a lot lower on K.J. Hamler, Raekwon Davis and CJ Henderson. With my final mock draft dropping tomorrow, I am just about ready to sit back and just watch the draft unfold! Here are my top 150 prospects for Thursday’s draft. I have noted along the way where I stopped giving out grades for each round. I am well aware that I have fewer first-round prospects than there are first round picks, but I also have way more second and third-round grades than there are picks.

Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State
Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State
Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson
Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
Javon Kinlaw, DL, South Carolina
Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
Henry Ruggs, WR, Alabama
Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
Derrick Brown, DL, Auburn
Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama
Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, LSU
J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ohio State
Josh Jones, OT, Houston
Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
A.J. Epenesa, DL, Iowa
Bryce Hall, CB, Virginia
Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE, Penn State
CJ Henderson, CB, Florida
D’Andre Swift, RB, Georgia
Zach Baun, LB, Wisconsin (End of round 1 grades)
This cut off feels right for me. After this point, I start to feel a bit less confident in any number of things that makes me feel like taking this player in the first round is not worth the pick. If I am on the clock at pick 30 and all 29 of these players are gone. I am looking to move down.
Ross Blacklock, DL, TCU
Grant Delpit, S, LSU
Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU
Michael Pittman Jr., WR, USC
Cesar Ruiz, C, Michigan
Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
Austin Jackson, OT, USC
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, LSU
Neville Gallimore, DL, Oklahoma
Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
Noah Igbinoghene, CB, Auburn
Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor
Matt Hennessy, OL, Temple
Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State
Antoine Winfield Jr., S, Minnesota
Lucas Niang, OT, TCU
Lloyd Cushenberry, OL, LSU
Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado
Kyle Dugger, S, Lenoir Rhyne
Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah
Josh Uche, EDGE, Michigan
Tyler Biadasz, C, Wisconsin
Chase Claypool, WR, Notre Dame
Jeremy Chinn, S, Southern Illinois
Curtis Weaver, EDGE, Boise State
John Simpson, G, Clemson
Cole Kmet, TE, Notre Dame
Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU
Bradlee Anae, EDGE, Utah
Marlon Davidson, DL, Auburn
Ashtyn Davis, S, Cal
Ben Bartch, OT, St. John (Minn.)
A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson
Julian Okwara, EDGE, Notre Dame
Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Michigan
Prince Tega Wanogho, OT, Auburn
Troy Pride, CB, Notre Dame
Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin (End of round 2 grades)
I think there are going to be a few players worth spending a second round pick on that slip into the third. This second round is loaded with corners and receivers and it would not be a surprise to me to see a run on one or both position groups to happen during the round.
Justin Mandubuike, DL, Texas A&M
Adam Trautman, TE, Dayton
Cam Akers, RB, Florida State
Damon Arnette, CB, Ohio State
Amik Robertson, CB, Louisiana Tech
Jordyn Brooks, LB, Texas Tech
Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma
Malik Harrison, LB, Ohio State
Devin Duvernay, WR, Texas
Cameron Dantzler, CB, Mississippi State
Robert Hunt, OL, Louisiana
Troy Dye, LB, Oregon
Leki Fotu, DL, Utah
Darrell Taylor, EDGE, Tennessee
Terrell Burgess, S, Utah
Larrell Murchison, DL, North Carolina State
Van Jefferson, WR, Florida
Jacob Eason, QB, Washington
Kenny Willekes, EDGE, Michigan State
K’Von Wallace, S, Clemson
Thaddeus Moss, TE, LSU
Terrell Lewis, EDGE, Alabama
Eno Benjamin, RB, Arizona State
Ben Bredeson, OL, Michigan
K.J. Hill, WR, Ohio State
Matt Peart, OT, UConn
Jonah Jackson, OL, Ohio State
Isaiah Wilson, OT, Georgia
Logan Wilson, LB, Wyoming,
Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise State
Davon Hamilton, DL, Ohio State
Jake Fromm, QB, Georgia
Brycen Hopkins, TE, Purdue
Collin Johnson, WR, Texas
Jonathan Grennard, EDGE, Florida
Tyler Johnson, WR, Minnesota
James Lynch, DL, Baylor (End of round 3 grades)
There is a ton of third round talent available. 38 players by my estimation. This is definitely my cut off for players I would look to target on the first two days of the draft. I debated making the cut after Grennard, but Johnson and Lynch had such great years that it would be hard for me to pass on them if they were sitting there at the end of round three.
Logan Stenberg, OL, Kentucky
Jordan Elliott, DL, Missouri
Bryan Edwards, WR, South Carolina
Solomon Kindley, OL, Georgia
Trevon Hill, EDGE, Miami
K.J. Hamler, WR, Penn State
Raekwon Davis, DL, Alabama
Evan Weaver, LB, California
Gabriel Davis, WR, UCF
Darrynton Evans, RB, Appalachian State
Akeem Davis-Gaither, LB, Appalachian State
Jason Strowbridge, DL, UNC
Julian Blackmon, S, Utah
Willie Gay Jr., LB, Mississippi State
Lynn Bowden, WR, Kentucky
Ke’Shawn Vaughn, RB, Vanderbilt
Josiah Deguara, TE, Cincinnati
Quintez Cephus, WR, Wisconsin
A.J. Green, CB, Oklahoma State
Francis Bernard, LB, Utah
Tanner Muse, S, Clemson
David Woodward, LB, Utah State
Shadiq Charles, OT, LSU
Khalid Kareem, EDGE, Notre Dame
Darnay Holmes, CB, UCLA
Alohi Gilman, S, Notre Dame
Isaiah Hodgins, WR, Oregon State
Javelin Guidry, CB, Utah
Alex Highsmith, EDGE, Charlotte
Rashard Lawrence, DL, LSU
Damien Lewis, OL, LSU
Hunter Bryant, TE, Washington
Netane Muti, OL, Fresno State
Nick Harris, OL, Washington
Quartney Davis, WR, Texas A&M
Anthony Gordon, QB, Washington State
Alton Robinson, EDGE, Syracuse
Harrison Bryant, TE, FAU
Nick Coe, EDGE, Auburn
James Proche, WR, SMU
Zach Moss, RB, Utah
Brandon Jones, S, Texas
Dane Jackson, CB, Pittsburgh (End of round 4 grades)
This is where we start to get into players who can contribute on special teams or potentially have some red flags that pushed them down draft boards. The final three rounds are where we see teams start to take more risks on players from small schools or with unique physical traits they hope to develop.
A.J. Dillon, RB, Boston College
Antonio Ganady-Golden, WR, Liberty

So that’s my top 150 prospects! That should get you through at least the first two days of the draft. It is easy to get lost scrolling through that many names, so let’s break it down by position. There are even a couple of names on here that didn’t quite crack my top 150, but were my next favorite player in that position group.

Quarterback

Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma
Jacob Eason, QB, Washington
Jake Fromm, QB, Georgia
Anthony Gordan, QB, Washington State
James Morgan, QB, Florida International
Cole McDonald, QB, Hawaii

Running Back

J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ohio State
D’Andre Swift, RB, Georgia
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, LSU
Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin
Cam Akers, RB, Florida State
Eno Benjamin, RB, Arizona State
Darrynton Evans, RB, Appalachian State
Ke’Shawn Vaughn, RB, Vanderbilt
Zach Moss, RB, Utah
A.J. Dillon, RB, Boston College
Anthony McFarland, RB, Maryland
Antonio Gibson, RB, Memphis
Lamical Perine, RB, Florida
James Robinson, RB, Southern Illinois
Joshua Kelley, RB, UCLA

Wide Receiver

Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
Henry Ruggs, WR, Alabama
Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
Michael Pittman, WR, USC
Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor
Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State
Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado
Chase Claypool, WR, Notre Dame
Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Michigan
Devin Duvernay, WR, Texas
Van Jefferson, WR, Florida
K.J. Hill, WR, Ohio State
Collin Johnson, WR, Texas
Tyler Johnson, WR, Minnesota
Bryan Edwards, WR, South Carolina
K.J. Hamler, WR, Penn State
Gabriel Davis, WR, UCF
Lynn Bowden, WR, Kentucky
Quintez Cephus, WR, Wisconsin
Isaiah Hodgins, WR, Oregon State
Quartney Davis, WR, Texas A&M
James Proche, WR, SMU
Antonio Ganady-Golden, WR, Liberty

Offensive Tackle

Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
Josh Jones, OT, Houston
Austin Jackson, OT, USC
Lucas Niang, OT, TCU
Ben Bartch, OT, St. John (Minn.)
Prince Tega Wanogho, OT, Auburn
Matt Peart, OT, UConn
Isaiah Wilson, OT, Georgia
Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise State
Shadiq Charles, OT, LSU
Jack Driscol, OT, Auburn
Hakeem Adeniji, OT, Kansas

Interior Offensive Lineman

Cesar Ruiz, OL, Michigan
Matt Hennessy, OL, Temple
Lloyd Cushenberry, OL, LSU
Tyler Biadasz, OL, Wisconsin
John Simpson, OL, Clemson
Robert Hunt, OL, Lousiana
Ben Bredeson, OL, Michigan
Jonah Jackson, OL, Ohio State
Logan Stenberg, OL, Kentucky
Solomon Kindley, OL, Georgia
Damien Lewis, OL, LSU
Netane Muti, OL, Fresno State
Nick Harris, OL, Washington
Shane Lemieux, OL, Oregon
Michael Onwenu, OL, Michigan

Tight End

Cole Kmet, TE, Notre Dame
Adam Trautman, TE, Dayton
Thaddeus Moss, TE, LSU
Brycen Hopkins, TE, Purdue
Josiah Deguara, TE, Cincinnati
Hunter Bryant, TE, Washington
Harrison Bryant, TE, Florida Atlantic
Albert Okwuegbunam, TE, Missouri
Colby Parkinson, TE, Stanford
Devin Asiasi, TE, UCLA

Edge Rusher

Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State
K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, LSU
Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE, Penn State
Josh Uche, EDGE, Michigan
Curtis Weaver, EDGE, Boise State
Bradlee Anae, EDGE, Utah
Julian Okwara, EDGE, Notre Dame
Darrell Taylor, EDGE, Tennessee
Kenny Willekes, EDGE, Michigan State
Terrell Lewis, EDGE, Alabama
Jonathan Greenard, EDGE, Florida
Trevon Hill, EDGE, Miami
Khalid Kareem, EDGE, Notre Dame
Alex Highsmith, EDGE, Charlotte
Alton Robinson, EDGE, Syracuse
Nick Coe, EDGE, Auburn
Jabari Zuniga, EDGE, Florida
Anfernee Jennings, EDGE, Alabama
Kendall Coleman, EDGE, Syracuse
Jonathan Garvin, EDGE, Miami

Defensive Lineman

Javon Kinlaw, DL, South Carolina
Derrick Brown, DL, Auburn
A.J. Epenesa, DL, Iowa
Ross Blacklock, DL, TCU
Neville Gallimore, DL, Oklahoma
Marlon Davidson, DL, Auburn
Justin Madubuike, DL, Texas A&M
Leki Fotu, DL, Utah
Larrell Murchison, DL, North Carolina State
Davon Hamilton, DL, Ohio State
James Lynch, DL, Baylor
Jordan Elliott, DL, Missouri
Raekwon Davis, DL, Alabama
Jason Strowbridge, DL, UNC
Rashad Lawrence, DL, LSU

Linebacker

Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson
Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
Jordyn Brooks, LB, Texas Tech
Malik Harrison, LB, Ohio State
Tory Dye, LB, Oregon
Logan Wilson, LB, Wyoming
Evan Weaver, LB, California
Akeem Davis-Gaither, LB, Appalachian State
Willie Gay Jr., LB, Mississippi State
Francis Bernard, LB, Utah
David Woodward, LB, Utah State
Joe Bachie Jr., LB, Michigan State
Justin Strnad, LB, Wake Forest
Markus Bailey, LB, Purdue

Cornerback

Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State
Bryce Hall, CB, Virginia
CJ Henderson, CB, Florida
Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU
Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
Noah Igbinoghene, CB, Auburn
Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah
A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson
Troy Pride Jr., CB, Notre Dame
Damon Arnette, CB, Ohio State
Amik Robertson, CB, Louisiana Tech
Cameron Dantzler, CB, Mississippi State
A.J. Green, CB, Oklahoma State
Darnay Holmes, CB, UCLA
Javelin Guidry, CB, Utah
Dane Jackson, CB, Pittsburgh
Michael Ojumedia, CB, Iowa
Harrison Hand, CB, Temple
Kindle Vildor, CB, Georgia Southern

Safety

Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama
Grant Delpit, S, LSU
Antoine Winfield, S, Minnesota
Kyle Dugger, S, Lenoir Rhyne
Jeremy Chinn, S, Southern Illinois
Ashtyn Davis, S, California
Terrell Burgess, S, Utah
K’Von Wallace, S, Clemson
Julian Blackmon, S, Utah
Tanner Muse, S, Clemson
Alohi Gilman, S, Notre Dame
Brandon Jones, S, Texas
J.R. Reed, S, Georgia
Geno Stone, S, Iowa
Antoine Brooks Jr., S, Maryland

And lastly, as a fun bonus, here is how I think each position group stacks up.

Wide Receiver
Incredible top-end talent, tons of depth. This is the best year to need a receiver in a long time. You can definitely find starting quality receivers in the third and fourth rounds in this draft. Devin Duvernay is my 12th ranked receiver, and I really like Duvernay!
Offensive Tackle
There has been a lot of talk about the top four tackles in this class. Honestly, I have a difficult time separating at least three of them. However, there are a couple of solid options beyond that quartet. The depth is not overwhelming, but there a number of interesting project players that should go in the middle rounds.
Quarterback
Joe Burrow stands head and shoulders above the rest. Tua Tagovailoa brings his injury concerns to the table, but comparison to Drew Brees feel apt. Justin Herbert checks all the boxes physically. If a coach can bring him up to speed on reading a defense and making the right decisions, he will thrive. In Jordan Love, some see Patrick Mahomes and others see JaMarcus Russell. He has tons of arm talent. I think comparing him to Josh Allen feels right.
Defensive Tackle
Javon Kinlaw and Derrick Brown headline this class, but there is a lot of depth. I have round three or better grades on 11 interior defensive linemen. Whether you need a nose tackle, a three-tech or a five-tech, just about every team can find the right fit for their system.
Edge Rusher
Chase Young is the cream of the crop, but there is a really wide gap between him and the rest of the class. The depth here is no inspiring. Most of this class comes with a lot of room to grow, or some major question marks about their ability to transition to the next level.
Running Back
At one point, this running back class looked like one of the best position groups of the 2020 draft. Then Travis Etienne, Najee Harris and Chuba Hubbard all returned to school, robbing this class of a lot of it’s depth. With no elite prospect to carry this group like an Ezekiel Elliott or Saquon Barkley, it’s solid, but unspectacular.
Cornerback
Much like the edge rushers, there is one great prospect at the top from Ohio State, and then a drop off. I’m not as high on CJ Henderson as most. The drop off from Okudah to Bryce Hall is steep. There a decent number of purely nickle corners, which I think hurts the overall depth of the group. There will be some solid starters to come out of the group, but the impact might take a few years to be felt.
Linebacker
Isaiah Simmons is an elite prospect, but does he really count as a linebacker. I think that is probably his best fit, so let’s say yes. Patrick Queen and Kenneth Murray earn first-round grades, but there is a massive drop from there. 49 spots to be exact. There are some interesting developmental options in the third and fourth rounds, but this group is lacking in proven talent.
Safety
This group is pretty thin even if you did include Isaiah Simmons as a safety. Xavier McKinney and Grant Delpit could end up in round one. There are a couple of small school studs in Kyle Dugger and Jeremy Chinn as well. Antoine Winfield Jr. is a wildcard as well given his size. Overall, I don’t think this is a great year to be looking for safety help.
Interior Offensive Lineman
This is a rough year for interior offensive line help. No one earned a first round grade from me and I don’t think I am alone in that conclusion. There is a run that should happen early in round two and some potential depth. It doesn’t help that the draft often doesn’t value the position, but I am unimpressed.
Tight End
I am not a fan of this tight end class. I don’t have a single one of them ranked in the top 50. There is some interesting depth down the line, but most of these guys are developmental prospects. I am not buying the ceiling on most of these players.

2020 Aftermath NFL Mock Draft

April 21, 2020April 21, 2020 Chris McGlynn Draft, Football, NFL 2020 NFL Draft, 2020 NFL Mock Draft, Brian Mandel, Cincinnati Bengals, Jack Venezia, Joe Burrow, Matt Luppino, Mock Draft, NFL Draft

Welcome to the annual 2020 Aftermath NFL mock draft. For the fifth year in a row, Jack Venezia, Brian Mandel and Matt Luppino joined me to run through the first round of the draft. This is always one of my favorite exercises of the year. We each take control of eight picks and then make our selections. I think this is always really interesting because we each have our own player preferences. For example, there are players that went in the first round here that I don’t have ranked on my top 100 big board. Multiple perspectives make it a bit more similar to the actual draft where different teams will have varying opinions on prospects.

For the first time though, we decided to allow some trades. There were definitely some group discussions because different people had picks for the same team. Overall though, it was a fun wrinkle to throw into the mix. These are the trades that went down. (I consulted Draft Tek’s trade value chart just to be sure these were fair.)

Miami sends 1.5, 1.26 and 2021 fourth rounder to Detroit for 1.3
Minnesota sends 1.22, 3.89 and 3.105 to Atlanta for 1.16 and 2021 5th rounder
New York sends 2.48 and 3.79 to San Francisco for 1.31
Los Angeles sends 2.37 and 4.112 to Kansas City for 1.32

Here is the result of year five of this mock draft.

1. Cincinnati Bengals – Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
I don’t think this one needs much explanation … next! – ML

2. Washington – Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State
There’s a reason everyone is making this pick: Chase Young had 16.5 sacks last season with Ohio State last year, is one of the best, if not the best, talent in this year’s draft, and he grew up in the literal same town where Washington’s home stadium resides (Hyattsville, Maryland). You’d be crazy not to make this pick. – JV

3. Miami Dolphins via Detroit Lions – Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
If I’m Miami, I am keeping my finger firmly on the pulse of trade offers for the Lions’ and Giants’ picks, and pouncing if need be. Giving up one of their three first round picks is a small price to pay to guarantee your quarterback of the future. If Tua really is healthy, he has both a higher floor AND ceiling than Herbert. Easy trade for me. – ML

4. New York Giants – Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
It was really tempting to grab Isaiah Simmons here. The Giants defense could undoubtedly use an injection of playmaking ability. However, when you spend a top-10 pick on a quarterback, you have to invest in keeping him upright. Wills is the best pass blocker of the top four tackles and has tons of experience playing in the SEC. I think he will transition well and can start at either tackle spot. – CM

5. Detroit Lions via Miami Dolphins – Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State
Once Chase Young, unsurprisingly, did not fall to the third pick, trading back two picks to gain an extra first was the most sensible option. I, like most of the football world, think that Okudah is the best pick for the Lions outside of Young, and I knew that I would still be able draft him with the 5th pick. Even before their offseason trade of Darius Slay, the Lions were in great need of a cornerback. Okudah has all of the tools to become one of the next great shutdown corners in the NFL. Importantly, he churns out big plays without gamboling too much. I predict that Okudah will immediately impact a rebuilding Lions’ defense. – BM

6. Los Angeles Chargers – Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
Phillip Rivers is gone and the Chargers have Tyrod Taylor for now. I don’t hate Taylor, but he is a temporary solution at best. I think the Chargers either trade up or take whatever quarterback available at the sixth pick. In this draft, Herbert was still available, so I took him. – JV

7. Carolina Panthers – Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson
I was shocked to see Simmons still on the board when it was my pick as the Panthers’ general manager. When pundits talk about the type of player that is needed on defense for a modern NFL team, Simmons is the player that they are describing. He has the versatility to be able to stop the run, seamlessly transition to coverage, and blitz. Carolina is in need of a difference maker in multiple areas of their defense. The team will be able to feel good knowing that they are walking away from this draft with a building block. – BM

8. Arizona Cardinals – Javon Kinlaw, DL, South Carolina
I’ve got to be honest, I have no idea what the Cardinals will do on draft day. They feel like a likely candidate to move down. Offensive line is possible as well, but they just locked up D.J. Humphries. I didn’t get a good enough offer to justify passing on Kinlaw. He has enormous potential and a decent track record as a pass rusher. If you are going to invest a top-10 pick in a defensive lineman, he better be able to get after the quarterback. – CM

9. Jacksonville Jaguars – Derrick Brown, DL, Auburn
To say that the Jags defense has regressed since their last playoff appearance is an understatement. There are lots of holes to plug, but the one that sticks out most here along the defensive line for a team that gave up over five yards per carry last year. The best run stopper in the draft easily fits that need, with another first round pick to come. – ML

10. Cleveland Browns – Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
This has to be the most offensive line talent an NFL draft has had in years, and so many teams are desperate for quarterback protection. The Browns had mediocre pass protection and an inconsistent running game last year. Taking one of these lineman will fix that. Thomas also provides flexibility as he can play either tackle position and might just be the most pro-ready of the bunch. – JV

11. New York Jets – Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
This was a tougher pick because there were still a lot of incredible receivers on the board, and the first tier of tackles was quickly disappearing. I decided that drafting an offensive tackle that has the opportunity to protect Sam Darnold for the foreseeable future should be given preference over a possible number one wideout, even if it is still a big need for the Jets. It would be hard for Darnold to continue his development if he still has no pass protection, and Becton should make Le’Veon Bell’s job a little easier too. Becton has the highest ceiling of any offensive tackle in this draft. However, he is extremely raw, and the Jets have their work cut out for them to develop a player with such immense physical gifts. – BM

12. Las Vegas Raiders – Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
Mike Mayock did a nice job restocking his front seven in last year’s draft. I think he is going to focus on retooling the receiving corps and secondary this year. Jeudy is the top remaining player on my draft board and fills a huge need. While there are tons of good receivers in this class, I think Jeudy is a cut above the rest and should have a major impact on the offense right away. – CM

13. San Francisco 49ers – Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
After letting Emmanuel Sanders go, and seeing both CeeDee Lamb and Henry Ruggs still available, this could very easily be a wide receiver here. But remember, this is a very deep receiver draft, and the Niners have another pick at 31 – so why pass up a chance at one of the four best tackles in the draft? Wirfs could be the left tackle of the future in San Francisco. Remember, Joe Staley is 35 and the only person who is undefeated against Father Time so far is Tom Brady. – ML

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Josh Jones, OT, Houston
The Tom Brady Buccaneers need to protect their newly acquired 74-year-old (give or take 30 years) quarterback because who knows how many more sacks that septuagenarian can take before his bones become silly puddy. Josh Jones definitely isn’t their Prom Queen, but he was the best lineman available at the 14^th pick. Don’t be shocked if they trade up, just to be safe. – JV

15. Denver Broncos – CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
Courtland Sutton is a great young receiver, but the position is still a major need for the Broncos coming into this draft. Fortunately, there is still a nice selection of prospects on the board. Although Henry Ruggs is physically more talented than CeeDee Lamb (you cannot teach speed as they say), I drafted the latter. It is not like Lamb does not have all of the physical tools be a number one option. He also has a knack for finding soft spots in coverage. A knock against him might be that the offensive environment of the Big 12 makes it hard to truly evaluate him. Overall, Lamb will come into the league as a complete wide receiver and will be a good injection of talent into the Broncos’ offense. – BM

16. Minnesota Vikings via Atlanta Falcons – Henry Ruggs, WR, Alabama
The Falcons were looking for a trade partner and with multiple late first round picks, the Vikings were willing to jump up. After Stefon Diggs left Minnesota, the Vikings grabbed Tajae Sharpe, but will likely still be looking for a top receiver. As there was a run on wide receivers, Minnesota pounced. Ruggs and Diggs have very different skill sets, but Ruggs should add a new element to the offense with tons of potential. – JV

17. Dallas Cowboys – K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, LSU
The Cowboys could head in a few different directions with this pick. After Byron Jones signed that monster deal with Miami, cornerback became a glaring hole on the Dallas defense. There are plenty of solid options to patch that on day two. One position that is lacking depth in this draft, however, is edge rusher. So the Cowboys do not let one of the best of the bunch get past. – ML

18. Miami Dolphins – Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama
At this point, the Dolphins already got their quarterback early and traded away the 26^th pick to do so. Plus, all of the top offensive lineman are off the board. Therefore, the Dolphins decided to give their flimsy secondary a rock in Xavier McKinney, the best safety in this year’s draft. He, Byron Jones and Xavien Howard would make a talented, young trio for Miami to lean on. – JV

19. Las Vegas Raiders – CJ Henderson, CB, Florida
With their first pick in this draft, the Raiders drafted a great receiver for the starting quarterback of their team this year (I do not know if it will still Carr by the end of the year). Now they are able to select a player that helps alleviate their need for talent in the secondary. After Okudah, Henderson is the most complete corner in this draft, and is incredible in coverage. He might have issues with defending against the run at the professional level, and he also had a bit of down year this year after an electric 2018 season. Still, Henderson has the ability to be the number one cornerback that the Raiders are in dire need of. – BM

20. Jacksonville Jaguars – Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
Matt opted for a defensive lineman with their first pick. I think adding a speedy linebacker with good coverage skills would be a nice way to continue rebuilding this defense. Speed on defense is an invaluable trait. Queen definitely rode LSU’s championship wave into first round consideration, but I think he will continue to develop a lot at the next level. – CM

21. Philadelphia Eagles – Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
Patrick Queen would’ve been the only player I considered over a wideout here, so the question becomes which one? Plenty of options make sense for the Eagles, who had 40-year-old backup quarterback Josh McCown on the depth chart for receiver at one point last season, but I like the total package of Jefferson here. He has experience both in the slot and outside. – ML

22. Atlanta Falcons via Minnesota Vikings – Bryce Hall, CB, Virginia
The Falcons slide back a few picks and land a corner that fits their system. Hall is not as highly touted as some of his peers because he went to Virginia and missed the second half of his senior year with an ankle injury. Before he got hurt though, he might have been the best corner in the ACC. He has the size, speed and ball skills to become a top-end starter. – CM

23. New England Patriots – Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
The Patriots defense was incredible this year, but they lost some key contributors in free agency. Drafting Murray will be an important part in retooling the unit before the 2020 season. Murray is an explosive playmaker that is great at defending the run and getting to the quarterback. There are question marks about his coverage skill, however, and that is mostly because scouts have not seen him in coverage situations very often. He has the athleticism to develop them. Another trait of note, Murray is also known to miss tackles sometimes due to decision making. Ultimately, the Patriots will know how to use him effectively and I trust their player development personnel to develop him. – BM

24. New Orleans Saints – Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
I went back and forth on this for a long time. While the Saints putting a first-round tenure on Taysom Hill in restricted free agency would indicate they believe in him as a future starter, I don’t. I think Love has the physical tools to succeed, provided he is given the right coaching. Sean Payton has shown he get the best out of quarterbacks with both Drew Brees and Teddy Bridgewater. I think this is a perfect fit for Love to develop for a year or two before taking over the starting role. – CM

25. Minnesota Vikings – Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
With the Vikings getting their Stefon Diggs replacement in Ruggs earlier, they use this pick to replace their now bare cupboard of corners. Fulton has the size, speed, and pedigree combo that I don’t think others match here – but I am not biased to the national champs, even if four of my seven picks have been Tigers. – ML (Editor’s note: He was totally bias.)

26. Detroit Lions via Miami Dolphins – Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise State
With the pick the Lions received from trading with the Dolphins, I thought that shoring up the offensive line would be best course of action. I know I might be raising some eyebrows by drafting Cleveland so much earlier than he is projected to go, but I think if he is developed correctly, he can be a good tackle in the NFL for a long time. He is a steady blocker in pass protection, and has lots of physical gifts (a theme of mine in the draft this year). If the Lions want to continue with Matt Stafford at quarterback, then they have to make sure he is protected correctly. – BM

27. Seattle Seahawks – A.J. Epenesa, DL, Iowa
The Seahawks have a clear hole along the defensive line whether or not Jadeveon Clowney is back on the team next season. Epenesa does not have the typical build or peripherals of an edge rusher, but I think he can be just as effective. His effectiveness comes from his incredible strength, which will probably see him playing more on the interior. In the end, what’s important for him is whether or not he can pressure the quarterback at the NFL level. I think Epenesa will do just that, just not in the prototypical way. – BM

28. Baltimore Ravens – Zach Baun, LB, Wisconsin
This Ravens linebacking corps has been depleted in recent years. C.J. Mosley, Patrick Onwausor and Terrell Suggs are all gone. Matt Judon is on the franchise tag. Baun gives Baltimore a potential starter right out of the gate with some versatility to rush the passer and play as an off-ball backer. That versatility is valuable and Wisconsin has a history of sending tough, gritty football players to the NFL. That fits really well with how the Ravens do things. – CM

29. Tennessee Titans – Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE, Penn State
Like I have previously mentioned, this is a weaker draft for edge rushers, but Gross-Matos is the best left available before a fairly steep drop-off. Mike Vrabel sees a wonderful interchangeable piece with the newly signed Vic Beasley, Jr., and the consistent Harold Landry off the edge – a strong edge rush rotation. – ML

30. Green Bay Packers – Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
With a deep receiver class, the Packers won’t have to move up in order to find Davante Adams’ partner in crime. Higgins is one of the most naturally gifted receivers in this class, but he needs to be coached up. Green Bay would be the perfect landing spot for him with Rodgers throwing him the ball and the aforementioned Adams showing him the ropes. – JV

31. New York Jets via San Francisco 49ers – Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor
The Jets will still be coming away from this draft with a new target for Darnold to throw to. New York trades back into the first round to nab a projectable, but still slightly raw, wide receiver. Currently, their receiver group is full of possession receivers with varying degrees of talent (I am actually a big fan of Jamison Crowder). Mims is a big play option and adds a new dimension to the unit. Darnold will have a receiver that he can trust will come down with a jump ball even if Mims will have to work on his route running. – BM

32. Los Angeles Chargers via Kansas City Chiefs – Austin Jackson, OT, USC
With the final pick of the first round, the Chiefs move back a few spots to add to their five total draft picks. Picking up a fourth rounder is worth it here. For the Chargers, who already grabbed a potential franchise quarterback, grabbing a tackle to protect him. Jackson is definitely a bit raw, but he has the physical tools to become a great left tackle. He showed flashes of that during an uneven season at USC. Los Angeles can keep him local and build a solid offense line in front of Herbert. – CM

2020 NFL Mock Draft: Post Free-Agency Mock with Trades

March 23, 2020March 23, 2020 Chris McGlynn Draft, Football, Free Agency, NCAAF, NFL 2020 NFL Draft, 2020 NFL Mock Draft, Cincinnati Bengals, Football, Joe Burrow, NFL, NFL Trades, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tom Brady

I never thought I would see the day Tom Brady left the Patriots. I figured he would play as long as he could in New England and then retire. His decision to join the Buccaneers shakes up the entire league. Really, with Brady in Tampa, Philip Rivers in Indy and Teddy Bridgewater in Carolina, the quarterback market has shifted drastically. New England is now a major player, while the obvious candidates like Cincinnati, Miami and Los Angeles still remain.

With free agency mostly behind us, it feels like a good like to reexamine how the first round could shake out. After all, Minnesota and San Francisco now own an extra pick each in the opening round. While players like Jadeveon Clowney, Jameis Winston and Robby Anderson remain unsigned, there aren’t really any others that could influence the decision making behind a first round pick. With the dust mostly settled, here are the trades I like to go down.

Projected Trades:

Dolphins send 1.5 and 1.26 to Lions for 1.3

Buccaneers send 1.14, 2.45 to Arizona for 1.8, 4.114

Vikings send 1.22, 3.89 and 5.155 to Cowboys for 1.17

Broncos send 2.46, 3.83 to 49ers for 1.31

Trying to predict draft day trades is like trying to pick the winning lottery numbers. Fun, but nearly impossible. There will be plenty more moves I never saw coming. With just about a month until the draft gets underway, let’s dive in to this latest mock draft!

1. Cincinnati Bengals – Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
Unless Cincinnati suddenly gets an offer that blows them away, this will likely be the pick. He handles pressure exceptionally well and can throw on the move. Those will be important early on given the Bengals offensive line struggles.

2. Washington – Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State
The likely smokescreen for Tua Tagovailoa took a hit with the coronavirus shutdown of the pre-draft process. I think Washington was always going to take Young. He has the physical tools all coaches crave and will be a Day 1 contributor.

3. Miami Dolphins via Detroit Lions – Tua Tagovailoa, QB Alabama
I still believe Miami needs to move up to secure this deal. If not, I think the Giants will be getting a lot of calls at pick four. Tagovailoa’s medicals looked good the last time we had an update. He would come into a situation where he can fully rehab for a year behind Ryan Fitzpatrick while this team continues to rebuild.

4. New York Giants – Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
I expect the Giants to listen to some trade offers here, but when it’s all settled, I think Dave Gettleman will gladly just take an offensive lineman. They have their pick of a talented bunch and I think they will land on Wills. He is solid as a pass blocker with room for some growth in the run game. Keeping Daniel Jones clean has to be a priority.

5. Detroit Lions via Miami Dolphins – Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State
Detroit moves down and still lands the player everyone expects them to target. Even with Desmond Trufant on the roster, this team needs so much help at corner. Okudah is dominant in man-to-man coverage, using smooth hips and good closing speed to make a lot of disruptive plays.

6. Los Angeles Chargers – Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
Los Angeles is committed to starting Tyrod Taylor in 2020. While that is a mistake for at least a dozen reasons, there is no one on this roster that looks the part of a franchise quarterback. Herbert has his knocks, but his arm strength and experience make him a solid fit for a Chargers team needing to rebuild.

7. Carolina Panthers – Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson
With Luke Keuchley gone, this feels like an obvious move. Carolina could target an offensive tackle here, but I think they trust their recent draft picks to step up. Simmons can be a game-changing player on defense and someone new coach Matt Rhule can rebuild this defense around.

8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers via Arizona Cardinals – Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
They got the future Hall of Fame quarterback. Now Tampa needs to protect Brady. Trading up to get their pick of those remaining is important, and it’s far from a guarantee anyone will still be available at 14. Wirfs can step in and lock down the right side of the line immediately at either guard or tackle. His versatility is intriguing and his long-term potential at left tackle makes him the best option here.

9. Jacksonville Jaguars – Javon Kinlaw, DL, South Carolina
This vaunted Jaguars defense is in shambles. They spent some money on Joe Shobert, but that does not solve the underlying issues. Assuming Yannick Ngakoue stays, Kinlaw would be a great fit next to him. He can collapse the pocket and has the size to plug up the middle against the run.

10. Cleveland Browns – Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
Cleveland found it’s right tackle in Jack Conklin. Now it needs to find its left tackle. Thomas is a pro-ready option who can run block with the best of them. He has some raw power to work with. He is my favorite tackle in this class. I just don’t think his potential is quite as high the rest.

11. New York Jets – Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
Joe Douglas has sunk a lot into the offensive line, but the outlook at tackle is still a bit murky. Becton needs a lot of refining, but based on raw skill and size, he has the highest ceiling of any tackle in this class. He should be in the mix at right tackle right away with the potential to kick to the other side with a bit of seasoning.

12. Las Vegas Raiders – CJ Henderson, CB, Florida
I had been mocking receivers to the Raiders for months. While they haven’t done much to address the need, I think they will wait given the relative depth of the class. Instead, they tab the best corner on the board. I don’t rate Henderson this highly, but it is unlikely he makes it to their second selection this round. He has the athleticism and size to develop into a solid starting option.

13. San Francisco 49ers – Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
The defensive line was getting too expensive to keep together, so John Lynch pulled a masterclass move to position himself to find his receiver of the future. Jeudy is the best route runner in the class and has plenty of athleticism. With Emmanuel Sanders headed to New Orleans, this fills a huge need.

14. Arizona Cardinals via Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Derrick Brown, DL, Auburn
Arizona can recoup the second round pick it gave up in the trade for DeAndre Hopkins. This might be best case scenario as well for the Cardinals defense as they land a talented interior option. Brown shows flashes of being an elite pass rusher and should contribute against the run. He fits the build of a 3-4 end with good upside.

15. Denver Broncos – CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
Courtland Sutton is a great starting option. However, he needs a partner in crime. Lamb should benefit from playing with an arm like Drew Lock’s. Sutton and Lamb have the potential to develop into the best tandem in the NFL in a few years. This would be a huge step in the Broncos turning this roster around.

16. Atlanta Falcons – K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, LSU
Picking up Dante Fowler is a nice addition, but Atlanta can’t count on that being enough. Chaisson brings impressive strength for his size. I see him as being a situational rusher for the Falcons while he continues to develop other parts of his game. He has a long way to go as a run defender.

17. Minnesota Vikings via Dallas Cowboys – Henry Ruggs, WR, Alabama
With two first round picks and a ton of of mid round options, Minnesota can afford to be aggressive in finding its replacement for Stefon Diggs. Ruggs has dynamite speed with a bigger frame than most realize. He has a different skill set than Diggs, but should help this Vikings offense add a new dimension to the passing game.

18. Miami Dolphins – Josh Jones, OT, Houston
Miami made some questionable moves in free agency, but did not find it’s offensive tackle of the future, so taking a flier on Jones feels like a smart move. He is a bit raw despite being a little older than some of the other tackles in this class. However, he brings an impressive blend of mobility and power to the table and should be able to help the Dolphins in both the short term and long term.

19. Las Vegas Raiders via Chicago Bears – Tee Higgins, WR, Alabama
Mike Mayock loves Clemson players. Even if the Raiders GM hadn’t spent three picks on former Tigers in 2019, this would be a great landing spot for Higgins. His size and ball skills make him a matchup nightmare with tons of potential to contribute in the red zone. He didn’t run at the combine, so he might never get to answer questions about his speed for teams, but his game tape makes him worth a top-20 pick.

20. Jacksonville Jaguars via Los Angeles Rams – Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
Gardner Minshew is the best option Jacksonville has for 2020, but beyond that, that is up for debate. Love is an unfinished product with lots of potential. After shipping off Nick Foles, this team could use another option to build around going forward.

21. Philadelphia Eagles – Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
After trading for Darius Slay and signing Jonathan Hargreave, Philly has set themselves up to target a receiver early in this draft. Jefferson is a great fit given his size and playmaking ability. Given the team’s struggles at receiver this past season, this will be a welcome addition.

22. Dallas Cowboys via Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills – Bryce Hall, CB, Virginia
Dallas slides back a few spots and still lands a solid corner with some potential to contribute for next season. Hall is coming off an injury, but he was putting together a really strong senior year before going down. He tracks the ball well in coverage and has the size to be a prototypical starter. With Byron Jones now in Miami, this is a huge need.

23. New England Patriots – Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
What comes next for the Patriots without Tom Brady is anyone’s guess. What feels like a Bill Belichick move is to grab a linebacker with great coverage ability and range. Queen is the perfect fit for New England’s defense with the loss of Kyle van Noy.

24. New Orleans Saints – Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
Emmanuel Sanders is 32 and does not solve New Orleans’ long-term need for a receiver, but it does give them flexibility in the draft. Adding a downhill linebacker with good speed and instincts is never a bad thing. The Saints have been trying to solidify their linebacking corps for years. Murray might actually help them do it.

25. Minnesota Vikings – Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU
The Vikings went bold and grabbed a top-end receiver, but they still need to patch up the secondary. Gladney is a bit undersized, but he plays the ball well and plays his man even better. He is a bit rough around the edges, but he should be capable of contributing early on in his NFL career.

26. Detroit Lions via Miami Dolphins and Houston Texans – A.J. Epenesa, DL, Iowa
Adding Danny Shelton was a good move, but it does not solve all of Detroit’s defensive line needs. Epenesa has really good play strength and some versatility as a pass rusher. He is a bit inconsistent, but when he is on, he has the talent of a top-10 player in this draft. This is not the biggest need on Detroit’s board, but he is the best player left available and they pick again early in round 2.

27. Seattle Seahawks – Ross Blacklock, DL, TCU
Rumors point to Jadeveon Clowney returning to Seattle, who at the time of writing, is still unsigned. If Clowney does come back, Blacklock could slot in well next to him and create a dynamic front four for the Seahawks. He rarely loses ground in the trenches and often drew double teams at TCU. It would be fun to see him run free because Clowney would definitely be drawing the majority of the attention.

28. Baltimore Ravens – Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama
Baltimore made some savvy moves to restock the defense without breaking the bank, but those moves were in the front seven. To round out the defense, the Ravens can tab a rangy safety who likes to play down in the box. McKinney should help soften the blow of Tony Jefferson’s departure and give John Harbaugh another starting option in the secondary.

29. Tennessee Titans – Austin Jackson, OT, USC
Jack Conklin is now a Brown. That means the Titans desperately need help on the right side of the line. Jackson is a bit of a project. However, he has great size and measurables along with some solid moments on tape. Putting him on the right side could hide some of his deficiencies while he develops.

30. Green Bay Packers – Michael Pittman Jr., WR, USC
Here is my comp for Pittman: Jordy Nelson. Nelson is 6’3″, 217 pounds and ran a 4.51 40 time. Pittman is 6’4″, 223 pounds and ran a 4.52 40 time. We know what Aaron Rodgers did with Nelson. I think Pittman could be the perfect complement to Davante Adam’s and help jumpstart this offense.

31. Denver Broncos via San Francisco 49ers – Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
With a bunch of mid-round picks, Denver can get aggressive in moving up to find Chris Harris’ replacement. Yes, they traded for A.J. Bouye, but when you play in the same division as Patrick Mahomes, you need a few good corners. Fulton is aggressive and played against some great competition this year. He is a bit inconsistent, but at his best, he is a lockdown corner.

32. Kansas City Chiefs – Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
Given the way the board broke for the Chiefs, I could see them trading out. Instead, Kansas City should tag the lengthy Diggs to help rebuild a decimate cornerback room. His size and physicality would bring a different element to this Chiefs secondary and it should be a welcome one.

For more NFL Draft coverage, check out the Aftermath’s NFL Draft Podcast, with new episodes every Thursday.

2020 NFL Mock Draft: Post Super Bowl 3-Round Mock

February 3, 2020February 3, 2020 Chris McGlynn Draft, Football, NCAA, NCAAF, NFL 2020 NFL Draft, 2020 NFL Mock Draft, Chase Young, Cincinnati Bengals, Draft, Football, Joe Burrow, Mock Draft, NFL

That’s all she wrote! The NFL season came to a thrilling conclusion that for once didn’t involved Tom Brady. Patrick Mahomes proved he truly is the golden boy and delivered Kansas City’s first Super Bowl title in 50 years. With that, the draft order is officially set and now the offseason begins. As a Jets fan, I am used to being more excited about the offseason than the actual season because it means my team can finally start to fill the glaring holes on the roster. Browns and Buccaneers fans should know what I am talking about. With the next major event on the NFL calendar being the scouting combine in Indianapolis, every team now shifts its attention to the NFL draft.

On the heels of the Senior Bowl, which led to some major movement in my latest big board, this new mock draft should look very different than my last one. With player declarations behind us and the combine still to come, this is how I think things will go down in Vegas when draft day finally rolls around. Quick notes: no trades were allowed (but I will be rolling out some mock drafts with trades in the coming months) and the draft order is according to Tankathon with compensatory picks calculated by Over The Cap.

1. Cincinnati Bengals (2-14) – Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
This is pretty much solidified at this point. But then again, I never would have thought that Kyler Murray or Baker Mayfield would be the top pick at this point in the past two drafts. Joe Burrow has the accuracy and mobility to be a Pro Bowl quarterback.

2. Washington (3-13) – Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State
Regardless of position, Chase Young is the best player in this draft. He is an elite pass rusher who excels against the run as well. He is a plug-and-play option with Hall of Fame potential.

3. Detroit Lions (3-12-1) – Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State
With Detroit not able to trade down in this mock, Jeff Okudah fills a huge need and is the best player available. His closing speed is impressive and he can fit into either a man or zone scheme.

4. New York Giants (4-12) – Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson
New York desperately needs an infusion of talent on the defensive side of the football. Isaiah Simmons brings an incredible blend of versatility and playmaking. He has lined up at outside corner, slot corner, linebacker and safety for Clemson. Play him wherever you like.

5. Miami Dolphins (5-11) – Tua Tagovailoa, QB Alabama
This pick will remain Tua Taogovailoa until further notice. Miami has a veteran quarterback in Ryan Fitzpatrick to help the transition for Tua as he recovers from his hip injury. When healthy, his accuracy is the best in the class.

6. Los Angeles Chargers (5-11) – Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
Justin Herbert answered some questions about his ability to lead at the Senior Bowl. With reports surfacing that Philip Rivers has severed ties with Los Angeles, this franchise needs to identify its quarterback of the future. Herbert has the talent to develop into just that.

7. Carolina Panthers (5-11) – Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
Could Jordan Love go in the top 10? It’s not out the question, but Carolina has a trio of potential options, so adding a top-tier offensive lineman feels like a more pressing need. Andrew Thomas has impressive play strength. He has some room for development as a pass blocker.

8. Arizona Cardinals (5-10-1) – Javon Kinlaw, DL, South Carolina
Following a dominant week at the Senior Bowl, Javon Kinlaw has himself in the top 10. He showed out as a pass rusher in Mobile and showed the potential he flashed at South Carolina. Slot him into a terrible Arizona defensive line and he should make an immediate impact.

9. Jacksonville Jaguars (6-10) – Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
Gardner Minshew is set to be the quarterback for 2020 in Jacksonville and he will need some targets to throw to. DJ Chark and Chris Conley feel like nice complementary pieces, whereas Jerry Jeudy would be a true No. 1 receiver. He is the best route runner in the class and with sneaky good athleticism.

10. Cleveland Browns (6-10) – Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
Meet the most polished pass blocker and the answer to Baker Mayfield’s prayers. Cleveland struggled to keep Baker clean this year and needs a player like Jedrick Wills to fix that. Wills should be a day one starter.

11. New York Jets (7-9) – Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
While the hype around Mekhi Becton has continued to build, Tristan Wirfs is a more polished version of him. He has the size and power to transition well to the NFL. He also fills a major need for the Jets.

12. Las Vegas Raiders (7-9) – CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
Rumors are swirling that the Raiders are interesting in a certain veteran quarterback with six Super Bowl rings. Regardless of who is at quarterback, they need a top-tier receiving option. CeeDee Lamb is a menace after the catch and shows up whenever you watch Oklahoma play.

13. Indianapolis Colts (7-9) – Derrick Brown, DL, Auburn
While fans are desperate for a new quarterback, I don’t see Indianapolis moving for Jordan Love. Instead, they snag a run stuffing interior lineman that fills a huge need in what has been a run-heavy division. Derrick Brown will be an upgrade on the inside.

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9) – Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
Tampa Bay does not want to pay Jameis Winston this offseason. Instead, they draft Jameis Winston 2.0 in Jordan Love. He has all the arm talent in the world, but his decision making is rough. Love has loads of potential, but he could end up as a gunslinger just like Winston as well.

15. Denver Broncos (7-9) – Henry Ruggs, WR, Alabama
With a speedster like Henry Ruggs on the board, Denver can pair him with Courtland Sutton and give Drew Lock a great tandem at receiver. Ruggs is the fastest player in this draft, but his game is more diverse than that. He could have a Tyreek Hill-type impact on the offense.

16. Atlanta Falcons (7-9) – A.J. Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa
A.J. Epenesa fits the mold of a disruptive 4-3 defensive end. Atlanta is in desperate need of pass rushing help, which Epenesa should provide plenty of. He is a steal at this spot.

17. Dallas Cowboys (8-8) – Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
Dallas seems set to franchise tag Dak Prescott, which means Amari Cooper and Byron Jones could hit free agency. With a ton of depth at receiver in this class, the Cowboys opt to bolster the secondary with the physical and aggressive Kristian Fulton.

18. Miami Dolphins via Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8) – Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
With the quarterback position set, Miami needs to protect its investment. Mekhi Becton is a bit of a project, but his potential is massive, literally. He is 6’8″ and 365 pounds. That frame is exactly what offensive line coaches want to work with.

19. Las Vegas Raiders via Chicago Bears (8-8) – Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
Las Vegas can double dip on Sooners. The defense needs more speed up the middle. Kenneth Murray fits to modern day mold at linebacker. He is quick and explosive. He reacts fast to plays in front of him and should help with the Raiders’ continuing defensive remodel.

20. Jacksonville Jaguars via Los Angeles Rams (9-7) – CJ Henderson, CB, Florida
After landing the top receiver in the class, Jacksonville turns to the other side of the ball. CJ Henderson won’t fill the void Jalen Ramsey left, but he has the size and athleticism to develop into a high-end starter.

21. Philadelphia Eagles (9-7) – Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama
With Henderson and Fulton off the board, Philly bolsters its porous secondary in another way. Xavier McKinney is a heat-seeking missile who should add some much needed playmaking to the back end of the defense.

22. Buffalo Bills (10-6) – Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
Buffalo has some good depth at receiver, but needs a No. 1 option. Tee Higgins is the perfect complement to John Brown and Cole Beasley. He has excellent body control and excels on jump balls. He has to work on generating separation, but he should be an immediate boost to the red zone offense.

23. New England Patriots (12-4) – Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE, Penn State
Will Tom Brady be back? That question will dictate the Patriots’ offseason plans. Assuming he returns to New England, the defense needs an infusion of young talent. Yetur Gross-Matos can stand up or play with his hand in the dirt. That type of versatility is something this team will love.

24. New Orleans Saints (13-3) – Laviska Shenault Jr., WR, Colorado
Much like the Patriots, the Saints face the similar quarterback conundrum. If Drew Brees returns, New Orleans will be eager to find him another receiver to play across from Michael Thomas. Laviska Shenault’s versatile skill set would be fun to watch in Sean Payton’s offense.

25. Minnesota Vikings (10-6) – Bryce Hall, CB, Virginia
Minnesota lacked consistency at the cornerback position all season long. Bryce Hall should rise up some draft boards if he can test at the combine. He has the size and technique that should turn some heads.

26. Miami Dolphins via Houston Texans (11-5) – Terrell Lewis, EDGE, Alabama
No one had fewer sacks in 2019 than the Dolphins. Terrell Lewis bounced back well after injury kept him out for all of 2018. He will likely need to bulk up a little bit, but he should serve well as a pass rushing linebacker.

27. Seattle Seahawks (11-5) – Bradlee Anae, EDGE, Utah
The only team that finished with fewer sacks than the Seahawks last season was the Dolphins. Bradlee Anae looked like an NFL-ready pass rusher in the Senior Bowl. He showcased a full arsenal of pass rushing moves in Mobile.

28. Baltimore Ravens (14-2) – K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, LSU
Baltimore does not have a ton of needs after a fantastic regular season. Matthew Judon could be gone next season though, so finding another edge rusher has to be a priority. K’Lavon Chaisson has a good blend of power and speed. He has a long way to go as a run defender.

29. Tennessee Titans (9-7) – Tyler Biadasz, C, Wisconsin
Tennessee made a remarkable run in the postseason, but still has some room for growth. The interior of the offensive line could use an upgrade. Tyler Biadasz is an old school road grader. He fits the type of player the Titans want in their power run scheme.

30. Green Bay Packers (13-3) – Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
There is no question Green Bay’s passing offense took a huge step back this year. Davante Adams missed some time and Green Bay desperately needs someone to play across from him. Justin Jefferson tore up opposing secondaries this year. He has the size and speed to be an effective weapon for Aaron Rodgers.

31. San Francisco 49ers (13-3) – Josh Jones, OT, Houston
San Francisco capped off a great season with a Super Bowl appearance. In order to return, the 49ers need to prep for the future. Joe Staley only has a few years left in his playing career and Josh Jones could the 49ers’ next left tackle. He is physical and powerful, but needs a bit of refining.

32. Kansas City Chiefs (12-4) – Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
The Mahomes Magic will end with a trip to Disney! Kansas City’s defense took major steps in 2019, but still needs some more playmaking. Patrick Qeuen’s speed alone should help.

33. Cincinnati Bengals (2-14) – Michael Pittman, WR, USC
With a new quarterback in the mix, he will need players to throw to. Michael Pittman is a possession receiver with great size and hands. He can quickly become a quarterback’s best friend.

34. Indianapolis Colts via Washington (7-9) – Jacob Eason, QB, Washington
Jacoby Brissett did not lock up the starting role this year. Jacob Eason is not pro ready, but he has a huge arm. He isn’t very mobile, but he would be playing behind one of the best lines in the NFL.

35. Detroit Lions (3-12-1) – Curtis Weaver, EDGE, Boise State
They missed out on Chase Young, but Curtis Weaver is a solid edge rusher to integrate into the defense. He was extremely productive in college.

36. New York Giants (4-12) – Julian Okwara, EDGE, Notre Dame
New York should continue to retool its defense. Julian Okwara is a high-upside 4-3 defensive end who can rush the passer.

37. Los Angeles Chargers (5-11) – Austin Jackson, OT, USC
LA needs some new blood along its offensive line. Austin Jackson is big and raw, but could develop into Justin Herbert’s blindside blocker.

38. Carolina Panthers (5-11) – Neville Gallimore, DL, Oklahoma
The Panthers are in a weird state of flux and need to rebuild in the trenches. Neville Gallimore will provide a boost to a terrible Carolina run defense.

39. Miami Dolphins (5-11) – J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ohio State
Miami had a revolving door at running back this season. J.K. Dobbins’ combination of power and speed should provide some consistency at the position.

40. Arizona Cardinals (5-10-1) – Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
After trade rumors swirled last year regarding Patrick Peterson and his contract up after 2020, Arizona can get ahead of the curve by drafting Trevon Diggs. He is a big-body corner who looks the part of a future starter.

41. Cleveland Browns (6-10) – Grant Delpit, S, LSU
Damorious Randall is set for free agency. If he doesn’t come back, Grant Delpit should be a starting option right away. He needs to clean up his technique and tackling, but he has the tools of a playmaker.

42. Jacksonville Jaguars (6-10) – Ross Blacklock, DL, TCU
Jacksonville finished in the bottom five in rushing yards allowed and yards allowed per carry. Ross Blacklock moves well and should help plug up the middle.

43. Chicago Bears via Las Vegas Raiders (7-9) – Matt Hennessy, C, Temple
While many point to Mitchell Trubisky’s struggles, Chicago fell apart trying to run the ball. Matt Hennessy is an excellent zone run blocker who should help open some holes.

44. Indianapolis Colts (7-9) – Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State
Whoever is under center next year, they need someone else to throw to other than T.Y. Hilton. Brandon Aiyuk and Paris Campbell should round out a dynamic trio.

45. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9) – Prince Tega Wanogho, OT, Auburn
Tampa Bay could use a rework of the right side of the line. Prince Tega Wanogho is impressive as a pass blocker. He is battle tested as well coming from the SEC.

46. Denver Broncos (7-9) – Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU
Chris Harris is not likely to return. Bryce Callahan should finally suit up, but Jeff Gladney will round out the group. He is a bit undersized, but his ball skills make up for that.

47. Atlanta Falcons (7-9) – D’Andre Swift, RB, Georgia
Devonta Freeman can’t stay on the field and there is not a clear successor to him. D’Andre Swift can be used in the passing game as well. Keep the Bulldog instate.

48. New York Jets (7-9) – Lloyd Cushenberry, C, LSU
Sam Darnold needs time to throw. Lloyd Cushenberry should be the next step for the Jets rebuilding their offensive line.

49. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8) – Zach Baun, LB, Wisconsin
There are needs for this Steelers team across the board. Zach Baun is not overly athletic, but he is versatile as a coverage linebacker and edge rusher.

50. Chicago Bears (8-8) – Cole Kmet, TE, Notre Dame
For most of the year, I was unable to identify most of the players starting at tight end for the Bears. Cole Kmet should stop the carousel. He can create separation and give Trubisky another target to work with.

51. Dallas Cowboys (8-8) – Ashtyn Davis, S, California
The Cowboys can continue their secondary makeover by adding the speedy and rangy Ashtyn Davis. He is a bit raw, but he was a track athlete at Cal.

52. Los Angeles Rams (9-7) – Cesar Ruiz, C, Michigan
Jared Goff struggled a lot more this season without a proven offensive line in front of him. Cesar Ruiz can step in and play any spot along the interior of the line right away.

53. Philadelphia Eagles (9-7) – Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU
Give Carson Wentz a healthy receiver and see what happens. Jalen Reagor struggled with drops in 2019, but his speed makes him electric. He can play the slot right away.

54. Buffalo Bills (10-6) – Marlon Davidson, DL, Auburn
Buffalo has a lot of talent on that defense, but they can continue to build depth and build for the future. Marlon Davidson can line up all over the defensive line and should provide some power.

55. Atlanta Falcons via New England Patriots (12-4) – Damon Arnette, CB, Ohio State
After an impressive national semifinal game, Damon Arnette should hear his name called by the end of round two. He could develop into a player to start across from Desmond Trufant.

56. Miami Dolphins via New Orleans Saints (13-3) – Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Michigan
Donovan Peoples-Jones is almost something of a luxury pick for Miami. After addressing a number of key positions, the Dolphins add a high-upside receiver to grow with their rookie quarterback.

57. Houston Texans (11-5) – Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin
With just one pick in the first 100 selections, spending that on a running back might feel odd. However, Jonathan Taylor is a powerful runner who can help Houston in the short term with Carlos Hyde set for free agency. Taylor does need to take care of the football though.

58. Minnesota Vikings (10-6) – Leki Fotu, DL, Utah
For what he lacks in stamina, Leki Fotu makes up for in explosiveness. Minnesota can add another disruptive defensive lineman to make it a clear strength.

59. Seattle Seahawks (11-5) – Noah Igbinoghene, CB, Auburn
After nabbing an edge rusher, Seattle can continue to add depth to the defense by adding a raw corner. Noah Igbinoghene has a lot of potential, but will need some work to clean up his technique.

60. Baltimore Ravens (14-2) – Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor
Looking at this roster, Baltimore needs to continue to surrounding Lamar Jackson with playmakers. Denzel Mims has excellent body control and routinely finds soft spots in zone coverage.

61. Tennessee Titans (9-7) – Jonathan Greenard, EDGE, Florida
While the Titans defense was fierce this season, it still lacks edge rushers. Jonathan Greenard has the tenacity to rush the passer and handle facing the run.

62. Green Bay Packers (13-3) – Malik Harrison, LB, Ohio State
After addressing its need at receiver, Green Bay needs to find a future middle linebacker. Blake Martinez will be a free agent and Malik Harrison can take his place. He is a bit rough around the edges, but he plays downhill.

63. Kansas City Chiefs via San Francisco 49ers (12-4) – Josh Uche, EDGE, Michigan
Kansas City went after Terrell Suggs for a reason. They need to find more edge rushers. Josh Uche brings tons of the speed to the position and should help out as a rotational rusher right away.

64. Seattle Seahawks via Kansas City Chiefs (13-3) – John Simpson, G, Clemson
Seattle wants to run the football a lot and needs to beef up his offensive line. John Simpson was an All-American for a reason. He has some raw power to work with.

65. Cincinnati Bengals (2-14) – Matt Peart, OT, UConn
Cincinnati will get 2019 first round pick Jonah Williams back this year. Adding another tackle to develop could turn this line around.

66. Washington (3-13) – Trey Adams, OT, Washington
If he is able to get back to full health, he could be their future franchise tackle. However, there are so many red flags with injuries that Trey Adams will likely find his way into the third round.

67. Detroit Lions (3-12-1) – K.J. Hamler, WR, Penn State
With Kenny Golladay locked in as the top receiving option, K.J. Hamler would be a great option out of the slot.

68. New York Jets via New York Giants (4-12) – Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah
There are a ton of holes on this Jets roster. Cornerback is one of the highest priorities to address. Jaylon Johnson plays like a shutdown corner, but has a long way to go in his development.

69. Carolina Panthers (5-11) – Jared Pinkney, TE, Vanderbilt
Greg Olsen will not be back as a Carolina Panther. Whoever is playing quarterback will need a target to find across the middle. Even with Ian Thomas, Jared Pinkney is a worthy add in round three.

70. Miami Dolphins (5-11) – Ben Bredeson, G, Michigan
NFL games are won in the trenches. Miami snagged Mekhi Becton in the first round, but could use some depth along the interior. Ben Bredeson could slide into either guard spot.

71. Los Angeles Chargers (5-11) – A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson
Playing in a division with Patrick Mahomes means your secondary has to be ready to drop into coverage a lot. A.J. Terrell has the technique to develop into a solid No. 2 corner.

72. Arizona Cardinals (5-10-1) – Devin Duvernay, WR, Texas
Devin Duvernay seems like the type of crafty route runner with decent speed to help move this offense along. He has the makings of a great slot receiver.

73. Jacksonville Jaguars (6-10) – Troy Dye, LB, Oregon
Telvin Smith probably isn’t coming back, so adding another quick, aggressive linebacker feels like a necessary move.

74. Cleveland Browns (6-10) – Justin Madubuike, DL, Texas A&M
Cleveland needs to seek out talented players that can make a difference in the next year or two. Justin Madubuike should be a rotational option who can develop into a starter.

75. Indianapolis Colts (7-9) – Kenny Willekes, EDGE, Michigan State
Kenny Willekes might not have eye-popping measurables, but he is a high-motor difference maker. He had a very productive career at Michigan State and should fit well as a tone-setting 4-3 end.

76. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9) – Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, LSU
Tampa Bay had absolutely no running game to lean on this season. Clyde Edwards-Helaire would provide a versatile option with good power. He lacks elite speed, but he can still pick up chunk plays.

77. Denver Broncos (7-9) – Lucas Niang, OT, TCU
Lucas Niang has some raw ability and size to work with. Denver will count on their ability to develop offensive linemen in drafting him.

78. Atlanta Falcons (7-9) – Raekwon Davis, DL, Alabama
Raekwon Davis has tons of potential, but he has failed to improve in either of his past two years at Alabama. Atlanta is willing to take a chance on helping him take the next step.

79. New York Jets (7-9) – Ben Bartch, OT, St. John’s
If you watched the Jets play this season, you know that there probably is no such thing as too many picks invested on the offensive line. Ben Bartch will need some time to acclimate, but he showed at the Senior Bowl he can be brought up to speed quickly.

80. Las Vegas Raiders (7-9) – Cameron Dantzler, CB, Mississippi State
Even after hitting with Trayvon Mullen last year, Las Vegas still needs secondary help. They shipped out Gareon Conley after all. Cameron Dantzler is a bit of a project, but his physical skill is enticing.

81. Las Vegas Raiders via Chicago Bears (8-8) – Kyle Dugger, S, Lenoir Rhyne
Pairing Kyle Dugger with Johnathan Abram should give Las Vegas an exciting safety combo. Dugger showed he can hang with the big boys at the Senior Bowl despite coming from a small school.

82. Dallas Cowboys (8-8) – Adam Trautman, TE, Dayton
Jason Witten played well in his return from retirement, but the fact that he was their top option makes tight end a need. Adam Trautman has the size and dependability needed to make the transition. He caught 110 passes over his past two seasons.

83. Denver Broncos via Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8) – Troy Pride, CB, Notre Dame
Denver’s wealth of picks allows them to double up at corner and find a player to develop. Troy Pride has the speed to be an elite corner, but needs some seasoning before he is ready to contribute.

84. Los Angeles Rams (9-7) – Isaiah Wilson, OT, Georgia
They might have needs elsewhere, but this team is going to struggle until it rebuilds the offensive line. Isaiah Wilson can slot in at right tackle or possibly kick inside to guard given his size.

85. Philadelphia Eagles (9-7) – A.J. Green, CB, Oklahoma State
Philadelphia desperately needs some swagger in its secondary. Xavier McKinney should bring that and so should A.J. Green. His long frame and physical play style make him an intriguing prospect.

86. Buffalo Bills (10-6) – Dane Jackson, CB, Pittsburgh
Buffalo does not have a whole lot of proven options at corner opposite Tre’Davious White. Dane Jackson should come in and compete for a spot. If not, he will provide some much-needed depth.

87. New England Patriots (12-4) – Jake Fromm, QB, Georgia
Who is the heir apparent in New England? It might be Jared Stidham, but his brief audition this year led the Patriots to sign Cody Kessler. Jake Fromm is the type of quarterback that can succeed in this offense, bringing poise, accuracy and high football IQ to the position.

88. New Orleans Saints (13-3) – Logan Stenberg, G, Kentucky
Part of the Saints’ success in recent years has been the play of the offensive line. Adding Logan Stenberg provides a future starter, especially if Andrus Peat leaves in free agency.

89. Minnesota Vikings (10-6) – K.J. Hill, WR, Ohio State
Between Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs, Minnesota has a great one-two punch. However, the depth at the receiver position is non-existent. K.J. Hill could work out of the slot right away.

90. Cleveland Browns via Houston Texans (10-6) – Robert Hunt, OL, Lousiana
After grabbing some defensive playmakers, Cleveland returns to addressing the offensive line. Robert Hunt has good power. He could potentially play at tackle, but could also end up at guard.

91. Las Vegas Raiders via Seattle Seahawks (11-5) – Chase Claypool, WR, Notre Dame
Even after spending a first round pick at receiver, the Raiders can afford to grab another. Plus, this is their third pick of the round. Chase Claypool is a jump ball winner who can separate downfield. He should carve a nice role in Vegas.

92. Baltimore Ravens (14-2) – Jordyn Brooks, LB, Texas Tech
In a league where mobile quarterbacks are becoming increasingly common (see: Jackson, Lamar), finding a player who can effectively spy on them is useful. Jordyn Brooks has the speed and savvy to limit scramble opportunities.

93. Tennessee Titans (9-7) – Cam Akers, RB, Florida State
Derrick Henry is a free agent. Even if the Titans bring him back, they could use a complement in the backfield. Cam Akers is elusive with plenty of pass catching experience.

94. Green Bay Packers (13-3) – Brycen Hopkins, TE, Purdue
Jimmy Graham is 33 and Green Bay could use a more reliable option at tight end. Brycen Hopkins is one of the best receivers in this class.

95. Denver Broncos via San Francisco 49ers (13-3) – Larrell Murchison, DL, NC State
With uncertainty about the futures of Derek Wolfe and Shelby Harris, Larrell Murchison feels like an important add. He looked sharp at the Senior Bowl and could be a solid interior option for Denver.

96. Kansas City Chiefs (12-4) – Damien Lewis, G, LSU
I had initially gone with a running back here, but Damien Williams and eventually Darwin Thompson should be able to hold down the backfield. Instead, Kansas City adds someone to block for them and keep Patrick Mahomes upright in Damien Lewis.

97. New England Patriots (12-4) – Van Jefferson, WR, Florida
It is no secret the Patriots need help at receiver. Van Jefferson showed in Mobile that he can make contested catches and create windows to throw into.

98. New York Giants (4-12) – Nick Harris, C, Washington
He struggled in Mobile, but Nick Harris has some impressive film to fall back on. The Giants should continue to invest in building an offensive line, especially after going defense with their first two picks.

99. New England Patriots (12-4) – Hunter Bryant, TE, Washington
Keep adding weapons to this offense. Hunter Bryant is a great receiving tight end. He is limited as a blocker though. I could see that being a hang up for New England, but he is the best available option here.

100. Seattle Seahawks (12-4) – James Lynch, DL, Baylor
James Lynch tore up the Big 12 this season. He is a little small for a true defensive tackle, but Seattle could find some use moving him around the line as a situational pass rusher.

101. Houston Texans (10-6) – Darrell Taylor Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
In terms of raw physical athleticism, Darrell Taylor is up near the top of the class. He gives Houston an edge rusher to develop.

102. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) – Gabriel Davis, WR, UCF
This front office loves drafting receivers in the middle rounds and turning them into starters. Pittsburgh struggled to find a secondary option after Juju Smith-Schuster. Gabriel Davis should be able to work his way into the mix pretty quickly.

103. Philadelphia Eagles (9-7) – Evan Weaver, LB, California
With Nigel Bradham a potential salary cap casualty, adding Evan Weaver makes a ton of sense. He is a proven tackler who can contribute on special teams.

For more NFL Draft coverage, check out the Aftermath’s NFL Draft Podcast, with new episodes every Thursday.

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