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Evan Mead’s 2020 Mock Draft v2.0

2020 NFL Mock Draft
Evan Mead
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Follow Evan @Evan_Mead0700

This mock draft I have written out for you guys is something different than most. I took both my rankings and teams’ draft history into account. With that being said, there are going to many people that disagree with some of the picks, and many people will be drafted later than where most have them. Team need, best player available, and whether or not the team reaches or moves picks is all taken into account. I have written a lot and spent this week working on this to make it as realistic as possible. I have some picks that are based upon my rankings, but I tried my absolute best to make this realistic as possible.

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1.1 Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Burrow
Photo by Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images

The pick: Joe Burrow, QB, LSU

Joe Burrow is perhaps one of the most talented quarterback prospects since Andrew Luck. Given Andrew Luck was the best quarterback prospect since John Elway, that holds Burrow to a much higher standard than most, and he didn’t disappoint on film. Burrow, who I had a write up on earlier in the season, performed extremely well throughout the entire season and ended up winning the Heisman and the National Championship. The former Ohio State transfer found himself thrust into the spotlight after his standout performance against the Longhorns early on in the season, and has been everyone’s QB1 since.

With Andy Dalton and the Bengals likely parting ways, Burrow is all but a lock in this pick regardless of speculation. Burrow is going to be a day one jump in and impress player after the knowledge he was able to pick up from Joe Brady this past season. The Bengals are a rebuilding team, but should they draft right, they could become a team that could become a big time competitor in only two years. That begins with Burrow.

1.2 Washington Redskins

Chase Young
Photo by Joe Maiorana, USA TODAY Sports

The pick: Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State

So there has been speculation about this pick involving the Redskins’ reported intrigue in Tua Tagovailoa… that means nothing and it’s all a smoke screen. Young, who totaled 16.5 sacks this past season, was one of the  most dominant players in all of college football, and the fear he puts in the offensive line isn’t going to change at the next level. He has elite athleticism, speed, and strength off the edge and the traits he possesses will carry over well to the next level. The Redskins may have much bigger needs than defensive end, but when you have a generational one like Young available, you can’t miss out.

TRADE: DET trades pick 1.3 for MIA picks 1.5, 1.26, and 5.144

1.3 Miami Dolphins (via DET)

Tua Tagovailoa
Photo by John David Mercer, USA TODAY Sports

The pick: Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama

The Dolphins have been linked to Tua since the start of the season, and with the building need to find a franchise quarterback, taking Tua here is the obvious option. The main concern with Tua is his injury history: with the previous ankle problems he’s had and the dislocated hip, he hasn’t proven he can stay healthy.

While there are a lot of needs of the Dolphins, their extra draft picks afford them the opportunity to finally get their franchise quarterback they have been searching for. Getting a quarterback should be every team’s first priority. With Josh Rosen still under contract, they have time to continue to work with Tua and make sure he is 100% before putting him out on the field. Tua solidifies the quarterback role in Miami given no significant injury for a decade or more.

1.4 New York Giants

Isaiah Simmons
Photo by John Byrum, Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The pick: Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson

The Giants in the past two drafts have selected running back Saquon Barkley, quarterback Daniel Jones, defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, and cornerback DeAndre Baker in the first round. Out of those players, Barkley and Jones are the guys they need on their roster to make a run. That said, they haven’t drafted a defensive player that has made a significant impact on their team in the last two seasons. Simmons, who is perhaps the most versatile player we’ve ever witnessed, offers a wide variety of attributes that allows him to line up all over the field. With a defense that doesn’t really have a star player, adding Simmons onto their roster with this pick not only gives them a star, but gets them a guy that can do it all on defense and is an impact playmaker on the ball.

1.5 Detroit Lions (via MIA)

Jeffrey Okudah
Photo by Jay LaPrete, AP Photo

The pick: Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State

The Detroit Lions may have had a bad season, but they aren’t too far away from competing from a talent standpoint. Injuries prompted their demise after a promising 3-0-1 start to their season. One weakness is the secondary, though. Outside of Darius Slay, the Lions didn’t really have any playmakers on the ball on the defensive side. Cornerback is not an easy position to play, and it takes a lot of skill to play it well. Okudah who is the best cornerback I have scouted since Jalen Ramsey and has shown that he can do it all on the defensive side. Adding Okudah in this situation would give them another solid cornerback alongside Slay, and would give them a much improved secondary. Okudah showed an elite level of polished cornerback traits given his versatility to play in the slot, outside, man coverage, and zone coverage on film. He is perhaps even better than Ramsey goes from a prospect standpoint.

With the Lions trading down to this pick, it allows them to acquire more draft picks in order to fill some other holes that their team has. Adding Okudah here is one less position you have to fill, and gives you a top notch cornerback for many years to come. It works in the Lions’ benefit, and this could be the next 49ers-like turnaround we see.

1.6 Los Angeles Chargers

Justin Herbert
Photo by Vasha Hunt, USA TODAY Sports

The pick: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon

Justin Herbert, who decided to stay in college to play with his brother last season, started the season as my QB2. After a disappointing season, he was going to be my QB4 or QB5 depending on how I felt while grading other players. Herbert displayed very poor mechanics, among other concerns, during the season. After seeing the improvements he had made since the season ending and then at the Senior Bowl, followed by a great showing at the combine, he has solidified his spot as my QB3. Herbert displays high-level arm talent, with great mobility and athleticism that complements his arm well. With the Chargers losing Phillip Rivers after having him as their quarterback for 15 years, Herbert seems likely to be the successor. Herbert does have some fine tuning to do, but after everything he has put on display, this pick seems to be his to lose.

1.7 Carolina Panthers

Derrick Brown
Photo by Wade Rackley, Auburn Athletics

The pick: Derrick Brown, IDL, Auburn

This pick seems as if it is a match made in heaven. Brown, who is currently my number eight ranked player in the draft, has shown time and time again what it is that he brings to the table. He is an absolute monster with the strength that allows him to penetrate and disrupt the quarterback inside the pocket. Although not super fast, he is one of the more polished defensive tackles in this draft. Brown has the ability to be a star given the attributes he offers and if he can improve upon his ability to recognize the run, he could become one of the best within a couple years.

Although the Panthers do need help in other positions in order to truly succeed, getting Brown helps them out greatly due to the fit and need at the position. Brown is pro ready and will go into year one ready to do some damage to the offensive linemen.

1.8 Arizona Cardinals

Jedrick Wills Jr.
Photo by Marvin Gentry, USA TODAY Sports

The pick: Jedrick Wills Jr., OT, Alabama

Jedrick Wills, who is my OT1, seems like a very good pick here for the Cardinals. Wills has been one of the biggest risers since the start of the season, and has put on full display why he should be OT1. He showed great pass blocking ability with aggressive hands and powerful punches. Wills’ versatility as a blocker between pass blocking and run blocking is what makes him such a good tackle.

Kliff Kingsbury is set on Kyler Murray as his quarterback, and so they need to protect him at all costs. Many would argue that CeeDee Lamb should be the pick based upon the need. With that being said however, with how deep this receiver class, the chance to get a tackle as good as Wills here and ability to go after a receiver much later in the draft is the better move with this pick.

TRADE: JAX trades pick 1.09 to PHI for picks 1.23, 2.53, and 5.150

1.9 Philadelphia Eagles (via JAX)

CeeDee Lamb
Photo by Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports

The pick: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma

CeeDee Lamb is perhaps the best receiver in the class, and the biggest playmaker on the offensive side of the ball. Lamb has proven year after year that he is an elite playmaker and a top receiver. Lamb and Jerry Jeudy have gone back and forth throughout the year, but I have officially given CeeDee the edge over Jeudy. 

The Eagles have a lot of holes to fill on their team but given that I had the Cardinals go Wills in this draft, the Eagles trading up to get a playmaker like Lamb who can give Wentz a reliable weapon on the offense seems like a realistic move here. The Eagles at pick 23 are going to have good receivers available, but given that Jeudy and Lamb are obviously much more dynamic playmakers, they’re worth trading up for. The Eagles adding Lamb gives them one less player they need to sign, and one less position to worry about.

1.10 Cleveland Browns

Andrew Thomas
Photo by Jason Getz, USA TODAY Sports

The pick: Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia

Baker Mayfield, the Browns’ franchise quarterback to be, showed a lot of promise in 2018 after getting the team multiple wins. After that season, Mayfield took a big drop off this past season that led to many disruptions in the clubhouse and will likely cause a lot of changes to be made.

The Browns, while a fairly young team with a lot of needs, do have consistency with Nick Chubb at running back. Thomas, who is my OT2, seems to be a great fit given the offense in Cleveland. The Browns need to find a level of consistency, and that revolves around Chubb. Thomas, who isn’t a great mechanical pass blocker, is a fantastic run blocker and will allow the Browns to improve their line.

1.11 New York Jets

Tristan Wirfs
Photo by University of Iowa Athletics

The pick: Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa

Tristan Wirfs, who had a fantastic combine, is likely to be the pick here. Wirfs had to rotate from right to left tackle this past season when Alaric Jackson got hurt, but played well, which kept his stock high due to his versatility. Wirfs is a tremedous player and is freakishly athletic given his frame. With the Jets having quarterback Sam Darnold, and as of now running back Le’veon Bell, they are going to need to improve upon their offensive line to improve that offense greatly. Darnold didn’t get much time to throw the ball this year, and the line didn’t give the opportunities to Bell that he needed to succeed. Wirfs at this pick will be a start to improving their all around team. With Brady possibly gone in New England, a good off-season and draft could give the Bills a run for their money in that division.

1.12 Las Vegas Raiders

Jerry Jeudy
Photo by Vasha Hunt, AP Photo

The pick: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama

Jerry Jeudy is a top receiver not only in this class, but in all the receivers I’ve scouted. Jeudy has remarkable and generational talent that shouldn’t go unnoticed. Jeudy’s footwork and route running is some of the best that I’ve ever seen. Most receivers have to have speed and strength in order to get off press coverage, but he can get separation from most cornerbacks simply due to his route running ability. 

The Raiders have struggled recently due to the inability to find a receiver that can truly be a receiver one on a team. They got lucky enough that they didn’t need to trade in order to find that receiver the offense desperately needs. Jeudy can be that guy, and he will be that guy from day one. The need and value of this pick may be a steal of the draft.

1.13 Indianapolis Colts

Jordan Love
Photo by Mike Carter, USA TODAY Sports

The pick: Jordan Love, QB, Utah State

The Colts have been linked to quarterback Jordan Love for some time now. I wasn’t very fond of Love to start the season, but I’ve found myself growing on him. Love shows a high ceiling, but also a low floor which is why I don’t see value with this pick given it’s a risk. He shows remarkable arm talent on film and upside due to his athleticism. The Colts are searching for a new quarterback, and Love could offer a great upside pick here. If they were to sign Philip Rivers like some reports have said, Love sitting behind him could offer a beneficial Alex Smith/Patrick Mahomes effect.

Love sitting out a year and learning from a veteran quarterback who has succeeded in this league could offer a massive amount of improvement from the next time we see Love. He has talent, but he has flaws within his awareness and just overall understanding of defensive coverages which is where his mistakes originate from.

1.14 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Javon Kinlaw
Photo by Jeff Blake, USA TODAY Sports

The pick: Javon Kinlaw, IDL, South Carolina

Javon Kinlaw is a talent that shouldn’t go undervalued because he will 100% prove you wrong. Kinlaw is one of the most disrupting defensive players in this draft. He was easily the most standout player at the Senior Bowl before getting hurt and sitting out as a precaution. Kinlaw, who grew up homeless with a mother who’s still homeless, has always played his heart and soul out to make sure he can provide for her. Kinlaw has elite athleticism and speed, and with his frame, he is one of the scariest guys on the field at all times. 

The Buccaneers have struggled on the defensive side of the ball for a couple years for now, and adding Kinlaw here at this pick will immediately improve their defensive front. After drafting Vita Vea, and then franchise tagging Shaquill Barrett, adding Kinlaw to that front will be scary. As a big believer in Kinlaw, I’m excited to see how he does at the next level.

1.15 Denver Broncos

Henry Ruggs III
Photo by University of Alabama Athletics

The pick: Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama

The Broncos at this pick could go a couple different ways based upon needs and players they are losing. I have them taking Ruggs here. Ruggs is a dynamic playmaker with electrifying speed, and athleticism. He has the potential to be a dominant player within that offense with Drew Lock, who is known for his arm. Ruggs, although not the biggest body, would join a team that has Courtland Sutton, and Tim Patrick, who have the size but need speed. Ruggs is the perfect fit for the Broncos here. I’ve had Ruggs go here for a majority of the season, and I think this is all but a lock for this pick here.

1.16 Atlanta Falcons

K'Lavon Chaisson
Photo by Marianna Massey, Getty Images

The pick: K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, LSU

Since the season ended, I’ve had A.J. Epenesa go here given he was my EDGE2 for the entire season up until very recently. Chaisson, however, offers a wide range of versatility off the edge. Although a raw talent off the edge on his film, he offers surprising strength given his smaller frame, and he is very quick with his first step off the edge. He displays a good amount of hand use, but seems stiff off the edge. Chaisson, although a very good pass rusher, has shown his ability to play against the run and make the tackles behind the line of scrimmage is one of the best in this class. He also shows his ability to line up in coverage off the edge. His versatility would allow the Falcons to improve upon their defense drastically, and give them an improvement upon their pass rush which they need desperately.

1.17 Dallas Cowboys

Grant Delpit, S, LSU
Photo by Marianna Massey, Getty Images

The pick: Grant Delpit, S, LSU

The Cowboys have a couple different needs at this pick: they could go with a cornerback in order to replace Byron Jones, or they can get a safety. As you can tell by the pick I gave them safety Grant Delpit. 

Jones was an All-Pro cornerback, not that it means much anymore, who was a very fluid and good coverage cornerback. But this past season, their biggest need was safety and that isn’t going to go anywhere. In this draft, the safety position isn’t all that deep in my opinion, but the cornerback class has a lot of talent you can find in round two or three. 

Grant Delpit is a very good safety who had a down year due to an injury he says that he suffered. Delpit, although raw in coverage, showed much more improvement within the playoffs while only missing two tackles. Delpit was a top player in this class to start the year and he took a drastic hit in his stock with his poor performance this season. With the ability to get back to his healthy self, he could be a great pick here within the Cowboys defense.

1.18 Miami Dolphins (via PIT)

Mekhi Becton
Photo by Joe Robbins, Getty Images

The pick: Mekhi Bection, OT, Louisville

The Dolphins have a lot of needs and holes that need to be filled at some point this off-season to make their roster rebuild worth it. After trading away Laremy Tunsil to the Texans, Miami needs to replace him on their offensive line. Becton, who shot up the charts recently, is looking like the pick here. Becton displays a constant amount of speed and power within his game that allows him to bulldoze the opposition he faces. Although known as a run blocking tackle, he has the tools that could allow him to develop to become a pass blocking tackle as well. Given the Dolphins get Tua this draft which seems all but set, he could see himself needing to block the pass much more than the run. The Dolphins could develop him with little work due to his frame and strength, not to mention his ability to downfield block, This is a steal here.

TRADE: LVR trades pick 1.19 to GB for picks 1.30 and 3.94

1.19 Green Bay Packers (via LVR via CHI)

Patrick Queen
Photo by Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images

The Pick: Patrick Queen, LB, LSU

The Packers are consistently given a receiver with their pick at 30, but linebacker is likely a bigger need for them. After deciding to part ways with linebacker Blake Martinez, they need to fill that void. I had the Packers trade up here because by the time their pick would come around, the linebackers worth taking would be gone.

Patrick Queen is a very all around great linebacker and given that the injury that appeared during the combine isn’t serious, he is likely to be the second linebacker taken based upon his versatility and all-around game. Queen’s ability to get to the ball and make plays and make sure he completes the play is something that stood out to me. He has great awareness when finding the ball and constantly finishes the plays. He is an outstanding and polished fundamental tackler, and it’s rare that you see him miss a tackle. On top of being a great tackler, he also shows great ability to find the ball while in coverage. He is a very polished linebacker and if it weren’t for the higher value of other positions, he could be a top player taken in most draft classes.

1.20 Jacksonville Jaguars (via LAR)

Kenneth Murray
Photo by Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports

The pick: Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma

The Jaguars have many needs in order to take a step up in a tough division. Kenneth Murray here fills a one man hole in the linebacker position. With Myles Jack there, but Telvin Smith taking time off, they need to fill that gaping void that Smith had left. Murray is a quick and young linebacker who offers a lot of talent to a defense. Murray is quick and insitinctive as a talentedd linebacker from Oklahoma. As a need for the Jaguars this pick here can help their defense take a jump in the right direction but they are from done after Ramsey’s departure, and Bouye taking a big step down since two years ago. Murray is a quick linebacker with great instincts and can play well in the zone coverage scheme that you see a lot in Jacksonville.

1.21 Jacksonville Jaguars (via PHI)

Kristian Fulton
Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The pick: Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU

The Jaguars now have very few cornerbacks on their roster with the trades of AJ Bouye and Jalen Ramsey, but this trade allows them to improve upon their roster a little more. Fulton is my CB2, and with the need at cornerback plus the value of this pick, you truly just can’t pass this opportunity up. Fulton offers the ability to play in both man and zone coverages and plays them with such nuance and fluidity that it makes him a very good corner against the faster receivers.

TRADE: BUF trades pick 1.22 to IND for picks 2.44, 3.75, and 5.142

1.22 Indianapolis Colts (via BUF)

Denzel Mims
Photo by Baylor University Athletics

The pick: Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor

The Colts have many needs this year, and I feel that they could look at this pick here as something realistic. Mims, after a standout combine and Senior Bowl, along with his great film, has proved that adding him on their roster at this pick’s value could benefit their team. Mims offers great upside, due to his elite tracking and hands, which make him able to be the guy that the Colts are currently missing within that offense. The Colts have Parris Campbell and TY Hilton, but they are lacking a guy who can go up and get it in traffic in redzone situations. They do have a couple low end receivers, but Mims offers an uncommon skillset for someone of his frame. The Colts and Mims seems like such a good fit.

1.23 New England Patriots

AJ Epenesa
Photo by Kim Klement, USA TODAY Sports

The pick: AJ Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa

The Patriots have always found a way to get steals with their picks: Sony Michel a couple years ago, Tom Brady, N’Keal Harry, the list goes on and on. This pick is right there with the rest of them. After a poor combine performance, Epenesa has found his stock in the late first round instead of a top talent, and the Patriots are truly getting a remarkable player. Epenesa is a strong edge rusher who has questionable athleticism, but with the power move and rush that he offers, he can become a force on the edge. I predict due to talent he will transition inside as more of a 3 tech, but with the talent that he offers and the potential to increase his speed, he could become an extremely great pass rusher. If he can pick up on some things that Belichick teaches him, he could be very good. The Patriots needed pass rush help after a disappointing season on the pass rushing side.

1.24 New Orleans Saints

Justin Jefferson
Photo by Jason Getz, USA TODAY Sports

The pick: Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU

Justin Jefferson broke out this season with quarterback Joe Burrow throwing the passes. Now, he’s found himself as a top receiver in this draft. Playing for the Saints after his career at LSU seems like a dream come true for Jefferson. The Saints’ corps, led by Michael Thomas and Tre’Quan Smith, could use some extra help in the room. Jefferson shows the route running ability to become a great threat on underneath routes, and with great hands and tracking ability, the fit here seems too good to be true with the other receiving talent they have there.

1.25 Minnesota Vikings

CJ Henderson
Photo by Phelan M. Ebenhack, AP Photo

The pick: CJ Henderson, CB, Florida

The Vikings have a need within their secondary and are getting a very good cornerback here. Xavier Rhodes and Trae Waynes are both likely leaving and so they need to find someone to replace those. Henderson would be able to fill the void that Rhodes and Waynes would leave on the team. Henderson has some amazing athleticism, and with the speed and range that he offers, Mike Zimmer is the head coach most likely to take a swing on him. Under Zimmer, Henderson could become a great cornerback. He offers a wide variety of traits that are unteachable, but with below-average strength, he lacks tackling ability. Once taught better tackling technique, he could become a great cornerback in no time. The Vikings do have other needs, and some would argue they should choose Josh Jones here, but given the value of the pick and the need at cornerback, it trumps them choosing a tackle.

1.26 Detroit Lions (via MIA via HOU)

Xavier McKinney

The pick: Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama

The Lions, after trading Quandre Diggs last season, need to find a new safety to replace him and improve that secondary. The Lions selected Jeffrey Okudah with pick five, but adding McKinney to that secondary would allow them to improve upon their defense greatly. McKinney offers versatility with his ability to play in coverage or as more of a box linebacker on blitz packages. McKinney, who rose to my S2 from the start of the season, has found himself as a late first rounder for me. Although not a complete tackler with some mistakes when doing 1v1, he does show that with his ability to be an upfield safety, and play well in the box, he could become a great safety under coach Matt Patricia.

1.27 Seattle Seahawks

Tyler Biadasz

The pick: Tyler Biadasz, IOL, Wisconsin

Tyler Biasdasz is my IOL2, but the draft history of the Seahawks suggests they’ll reach for players that are more down on my board. Two years ago they got Rashaad Penny, last year they got L.J. Collier, and this year I predict them going with Biasdasz at this pick. The Seahawks have their quarterback in Russell Wilson and need to make sure they protect him at all costs, and given their previous draft history, this seems very much like a Seahawks pick. Biasdasz, who started the season as my IOL1, didn’t take the step that everyone expected him to take which has decreased his draft stock. With some professional coaching, he could get back to that point, and given the need this pick I feel is realistic.

1.28 Baltimore Ravens

Tee Higgins

The pick: Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson

The Ravens have Lamar Jackson at quarterback, but they need to find a way to improve the offense more. This past season he showed a big second year jump, but they lack weapons that can help him out. They drafted Marquise Brown last season who brought a level of speed to that offense in the receiving corps. With Mark Andrews, Marquise Brown, and Hayden Hurst, they have talent, but adding a receiver like Tee Higgins brings them a skillset they’re lacking with those three.

Higgins, who has some of the best hands in the class, has been a top receiver of mine throughout the entire season. He has great athleticism and his background in basketball shows with his ability to play physical and tough with strong hands. He is a threat with his speed to get downfield, but he is also a threat in redzone sets because of his ability to come down with the ball in traffic. His ability to do both better than most receivers is what raises his draft stock into the first round I feel.

1.29 Tennessee Titans

Jonathan Taylor

The pick: Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin

I expect the Titans to franchise tag Derrick Henry, leading to a potential holdout and the team looking for a new running back. Taylor is currently my RB2 and I could see him being a perfect fit in Tennessee. Taylor shows similarities given his power running style, and ability to break tackles; he could be a great fit with Tennessee’s offense. Taylor, who on film didn’t show explosive speed, shocked the scouting community with his 4.39 40 yard dash time. He now has found himself likely the only running back taken in the first round this year. The Titans could look at Taylor at this pick given the many uncertainties that the Titans have regarding both Henry and QB Ryan Tannehill.

1.30 Las Vegas Raiders (via GB)

Trevon Diggs

The pick: Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama

The Raiders now have pick 30 after I had them move down with the Packers earlier in the round. The Raiders’ style is to take raw talent players and develop their traits to produce impact players. They drafted Clelin Ferrell, Trayvon Mullen, and Maxx Crosby who were all raw talents coming out. With the way Diggs plays, it seems likely they could go with Diggs here. After trading away Gareon Conley, the Raiders are looking to find his replacement, and Diggs seems to be the guy we could see them going with this pick.

Trevon Diggs is a very physical cornerback who shows potential within being a ballhawk. Diggs started at Alabama as a receiver/cornerback, but was taken off the receiving end to become a full-time cornerback. His biggest strength is his physicality, but he’s a very unpolished cornerback. With raw technique when lining up in man, he shows very aggressive behavior that often leads to him getting beat down the sideline and doesn’t offer much zone coverage upside. However, with the right coaching, there is a high upside with this pick.

1.31 San Francisco 49ers

Lloyd Cushenberry

The pick: Lloyd Cushenberry III, IOL, LSU

Lloyd Cushenberry, who blocked for Burrow this past season, has found himself a late riser this draft season. Cushenberry started the season in the 20s, then found himself slowly but surely moving up to just outside my top 10, and now has found his way to the top interior offensive linemen spot in my rankings. He shows good scheme versatility and offers the ability to become a very solid run and pass blocking center.

The 49ers made a big jump this season from the second overall pick to the Super Bowl. The Niners have a lot of good players on both sides of the ball, but one of the things I’ve noticed as a weakness is their pass blocking and run blocking up the middle of the line. Cushenberry would be a great fit with that offense.

1.32 Kansas City Chiefs

Jeff Gladney

The pick: Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU

The Chiefs owe credit to their much improved defense for their Super Bowl run this past season, but they’re losing multiple players this off-season. The Chiefs have a good secondary with Charvarius Ward, Juan Thornhill, and Tyraan Matheiu, but are lacking cornerbacks for next season. Gladney, who is currently my CB2, offers a talent that would allow the Chiefs to keep with faster receivers. With some improvement upon his strength, Gladney also has the ability to be able to play press man against the stronger receivers. The Chiefs are expected to bring back Bashaud Breeland, so letting Gladney develop a little bit while seeing the NFL competition could turn him into a nice fit with Steve Spagnuolo’s system.

Second Round

NEville Gallimore
Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports

2.33 CIN – Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State

2.34 IND (via WAS) – Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE, Penn State

2.35 DET – Jacob Eason, QB, Washington

2.36 NYG – Josh Jones, OT, Houston

2.37 LAC – D’Andre Swift, RB, Georgia

2.38 CAR – Cesar Ruiz, IOL, Michigan

2.39 MIAJK Dobbins, RB, Ohio State

2.40 ARI – Laviska Shenault Jr., WR, Colorado

2.41 CLE – Kyle Dugger, S, Lenoir-Rhyne

2.42 JAX – Neville Gallimore, IDL, Oklahoma

2.43 CHI (via LVR) – Cole Kmet, TE, Notre Dame

2.44 BUF (via IND) – Terrell Lewis, EDGE, Alabama

2.45 HOU (via TB) – Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, LSU

2.46 DEN – Jordyn Brooks, LB, Texas Tech

2.47 ATL – Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah

2.48 NYJJalen Reagor, WR, TCU

2.49 PIT – Bryce Hall, CB, Virginia

2.50 CHI – Jake Fromm, QB, Georgia

2.51 DAL – Noah Igbinoghene, CB, Auburn

2.52 LAR – Lucas Niang, OT, TCU

2.53 JAX (via PHI) – Brycen Hopkins, TE, Purdue

2.54 BUF – Michael Pittman Jr., WR, USC

2.55 ATL (via HOU) – Ross Blacklock, DL, TCU

2.56 MIA (via NO) – Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Michigan

2.57 TB – Zack Moss, RB, Utah

2.58 MIN – Justin Madubuike, DL, Texas A&M

2.59 SEA – Zack Baun, EDGE, Wisconsin

2.60 BAL – Malik Harrison, LB, Ohio State

2.61 TEN – Bradlee Anae, EDGE, Utah

2.62 GB – KJ Hamler, WR, Penn State

2.63 KC (via SF) – Akeem Davis-Gaither, LB, Appalachian State

2.64 SEA (via KC) – Austin Jackson, OT, USC

Third Round

Ashtyn Davis
(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

3.65 CIN – Ben Bredeson, IOL, Michigan

3.66 WAS – Collin Johnson, WR, Texas

3.67 DET – Troy Dye, LB, Oregon

3.68 NYJ (via NYG) – Alton Robinson, EDGE, Syracuse

3.69 CAR – Adam Trautman, TE, Dayton

3.70 MIA – AJ Terrell, CB, Clemson

3.71 LAC – Ben Bartch, OT, St. John’s (MN)

3.72 ARI – Jason Strowbridge, DL/EDGE, North Carolina

3.73 JAX – Ashtyn Davis, S, California

3.74 CLE – Willie Gay Jr., LB, Mississippi State

3.75 BUF (via IND) – Damon Arnette, CB, Ohio State

3.76 TB – Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma

3.77 DEN – Prince Tega Wanogho, OT, Auburn

3.78 ATL – Eno Benjamin, RB, Arizona State

3.79 NYJ – Cameron Dantzler, CB, Mississippi State

3.80 LVR – Antoine Winfield Jr., S, Minnesota

3.81 LVR (via CHI) – Raekwon Davis, DL, Alabama

3.82 DAL – Thaddeus Moss, TE, LSU

3.83 DEN (via PIT) – Darnay Holmes, CB, UCLA

3.84 LAR – Brandon Jones, S, Texas

3.85 PHI – Jeremy Chinn, S, Southern Illinois

3.86 BUF – Leki Fotu, DL, Utah

3.87 NE – Chase Claypool, WR, Notre Dame

3.88 NO – Francis Bernard, LB, Utah

3.89 MIN – Matthew Peart, OT, UConn

3.90 CLE (via HOU) – Marlon Davidson, DL, Auburn

3.91 LVR (via SEA) – Julian Okwara, EDGE, Notre Dame

3.92 BAL – Darrell Taylor, EDGE, Tennessee

3.93 TEN – Trey Adams, OT, Washington

3.94 LVR (via GB) – Jacob Phillips, LB, LSU

3.95 DEN (via SF) – Rashard Lawrence, DL, LSU

3.96 KC – Van Jefferson, WR, Florida

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