The Daily Briefing Monday, April 13, 2020

AROUND THE NFL

Daily Briefing

Peter King with some draft mechanics:

 

NFL HQ. Each year, the NFL’s VP of player personnel, Ken Fiore, is at the head table of the draft, on site, supervising the mechanics of the draft and accepting and confirming trades between the teams. This year, Fiore will do it from his home in Garden City, N.Y., on Long Island, 25 miles east of NFL offices.

 

• The draftees will be in their homes, mostly, and have been told to have no more than six people in the picture when the in-home camera (the league is dispatching 58 of them to top prospects, and a few to college coaches) focuses on them at the time of the pick. In the first round, most of the picks will be shown reacting, and then they’ll be interviewed. Justin Herbert, for instance, will be home in Eugene with his mother, father and two brothers.

 

• Making picks will happen like this: Each team’s designated drafter will be connected to the league’s official Microsoft Teams private and encrypted draft channel, and will make the pick through that channel. There are two fail-safes: A GM can call Fiore or a member of his team directly by landline or cell with the pick. Also, there will be a conference call for the length of the draft with club officials muted; the club official designated to make the pick can unmute his/her line and announce the pick. If the pick is made through Microsoft Teams, Fiore or his representative will announce on the conference call that a pick has been made and the next team is on the clock.

 

TAVARIS JACKSON

 

Sad news as former NFL quarterback Tarvaris Jackson has died in a one-car accident in Alabama.  Kevin Patra of NFL.com:

 

Former NFL quarterback Tarvaris Jackson died in a car crash on Sunday night. He was 36.

 

Jackson died in a crash in Alabama, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported, according to a spokesperson for Tennessee State University.

 

The former NFL signal-caller was TSU’s QB coach.

 

Jackson was a former second-round pick out of Alabama State by the Vikings in 2006. He spent five seasons in Minnesota, starting 20 games.

 

“The entire Vikings family is saddened by the news of Tarvaris Jackson being taken from us too soon,” the Vikings said in a statement. “One of Tarvaris’ greatest attributes was his positive outlook and approach. He genuinely cared about others, was a good friend and will be missed by family, teammates and Vikings fans everywhere. We send out deepest condolences to his family.”

 

The signal-caller generated his most prolific season as a 14-game starter for the Seattle Seahawks in 2011, throwing for 3,091 yards and 14 TDs. Jackson then spent one year with the Buffalo Bills but did not play in a regular-season game. The veteran returned to Seattle as a backup to Russell Wilson from 2013-2015, where he earned a Super Bowl ring.

 

Jackson transitioned into coaching in 2018, joining Alabama State as a quality control coach and QB coach. He moved to TSU in 2019.

 

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Jackson family in this time of bereavement,” said TSU head coach Rod Reed. “We are devastated. He was an awesome young man and he will be missed by our players, our staff and the TSU family.”

 

@PeteCarroll

Tarvaris Jackson was a beloved teammate, competitor, and Seahawk. He will be deeply missed. So heartbroken by the news of his passing and sending our condolences to his family and friends. We love you forever @7tjackson

 

@DangeRussWilson

TJack… you will be missed. Praying for your family…Love you man. 💔

 

@SageRosenfels18

During 2 training camps I competed with Tarvaris Jackson for the starting spot with the @Vikings before Favre arrived both seasons.

 

For two guys fighting for the same job, we got along exceptionally well.

 

TJack loved his family and teammates, and they loved him back. RIP #7

 

More from Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com:

 

According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Jackson was involved in a single-vehicle crash at 8:50 p.m. Sunday; the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro he was driving left the roadway, struck a tree and then overturned. Jackson was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

 

The crash occurred about 7 miles south of Jackson’s hometown of Montgomery, Alabama.

 

Jackson is survived by his wife, Lakitta, and three children, Tarvaris, Takayla and Tyson.

 

NFC WEST

 

ARIZONA

Somehow, WR DeANDRE HOPKINS has gotten together with a doctor.  Kevin Patra of NFL.com:

 

One big piece of the DeAndre Hopkins trade puzzle is locked in place.

 

NFL Network’s James Palmer reported Monday that the star receiver passed his physical, per sources informed of the situation.

 

Both Hopkins and running back David Johnson must complete physicals for the trade to become official. Difficulty in formalizing the medical checks due to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns has delayed the process.

 

The Houston Texans agreed to trade Hopkins and a fourth-round pick to Arizona for Johnson, a second-round pick and a 2021 fourth-rounder.

 

Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury insisted last week that there was “no concern” about the deal being finalized before the NFL draft, which runs April 23-25.

 

Hopkins passing a physical is one big hurdle for the trade to be officially culminated.

 

 

SEATTLE

A Peter King factoid:

 

In the last three drafts, Seattle GM John Schneider has made 26 trades, Chargers GM Tom Telesco one.

 

AFC NORTH

 

CLEVELAND

Another uniform change upcoming – and the Browns are doing it right says Peter King:

 

I think this is a great idea from the Cleveland Browns: They’re rolling out a uniform redesign on Wednesday, and the net proceeds from all new jersey sales will go to COVID-19 relief in Greater Cleveland, a program the team plans to unveil today. Two points:

 

• Jersey profits will go to a fund, “Hats Off To Our Heroes,” aiding health-care professionals, first-responders, education professionals and others on the front line of caring and servicing those affected by the virus. “Having a uniform launch now, we asked ourselves, ‘Are we being tone-deaf?’ “ Browns executive vice president J.W. Johnson said. “We thought we needed some positivity in a tough time for a lot of people.”

 

• This will be the third team in a week (Atlanta and Tampa Bay last week) re-launching the uniform. If it seems it wasn’t that long ago that the Browns changed unis, it wasn’t. It last happened in 2015, and the reaction was pretty sour. “Our fans wanted us to get back to our roots, to our tradition,” Johnson said. “We’ve always had a classic, clean and iconic look. We’re a traditional team, like Green Bay, Pittsburgh, Dallas. Our fans weren’t super-thrilled with our uniform [change] the last time. Now we’ve been able to figure out a way for us to go back to more of a traditional look while giving back to people and to families who need it.” It’s a smart way to help. Now everyone who buys a Browns jersey knows they’re contributing X dollars to those helping the afflicted.

 

AFC SOUTH

 

HOUSTON

Peter King looks at what Houston did with WR D’ANDRE HOPKINS:

 

I think, analyzing the two Houston trades involving high-profile wideouts DeAndre Hopkins (traded to the Cards) and Brandin Cooks (acquired from the Rams), these three points stick out:

 

• Eliminating the fluff, Houston acquired Cooks, running back David Johnson, an early second-round pick this year and a fourth-rounder in 2022 for Hopkins and a late second-rounder this year.

 

• For this to not be a colossal mistake for Houston coach Bill O’Brien, Cooks must not get concussed in the next two seasons, and Johnson needs to be a top 10 running back. Both of those things need to happen, and I’m not confident they will.

 

• Hopkins will be motivated to have the best year of his life in 2020, if there is football, and he should be the deep threat Kliff Kingsbury lacks. It’s easy to look at these trades and think Houston got fleeced. I’m on that side. But if there’s a season this year, and Cooks catches 80 passes for 1,150 yards and eight touchdowns, and Johnson rushes for 1,100 yards, and the Texans makes the playoffs—now, all of those things are possible but not likely—then O’Brien will be relatively redeemed. But that’s a lot of ifs.

 

Actually, as you look at it, if DAVID JOHNSON has anything left, it’s not as horrific as many of us first thought.  Also, BRANDIN COOKS needs to stay unconcussed.

 

AFC EAST

 

NEW ENGLAND

Bill Belichick gets all emotional in his first comments about life without TOM BRADY. Or not.  Josh Alper of ProFootballTalk.com:

 

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick opened a Monday conference call by saying it would be impossible to sum up all that Tom Brady meant to the franchise in a few words and that he meant everything he said about him in a statement after Brady signed with the Buccaneers, but that now is the time for the team to move forward.

 

Questions did circle back to Brady’s departure, however, and Belichick was asked if he had a desire to bring Brady back to New England for a 21st season. Brady said in an interview with Howard Stern last week that he “probably knew” he’d be leaving before the season started.

 

“Water under the bridge,” Belichick said, via multiple reporters. “We’re really focused on this season and trying to look at our opportunities and make decisions and plan and prepare to be as competitive as we can this year.”

 

For the moment, the Patriots are moving forward with 2019 fourth-round pick Jarrett Stidham and veteran Brian Hoyer at quarterback. That group could grow during next week’s draft and Belichick was asked his thoughts about the prospects entering the NFL this year.

 

“It’s an interesting group and probably one that has decent depth to it,” Belichick said.

 

That’s not a particularly revealing answer, but one wouldn’t expect much else when it comes to Belichick and his draft plans.

 

 

THIS AND THAT

 

 

FORMER PLAYERS

Peter King on what the signing of DREW BREES to a futures deal means:

 

I think kudos are in order to Andrew Marchand of the New York Post for ferreting out the nugget that NBC Sports has signed Drew Brees to a football broadcasting contract that will begin after he retires—presumably after the 2020 season. Marchand reported that Brees will likely start as an analyst on Notre Dame football games and on the “Football Night in America” studio show, and could work in the booth in the event NBC gets a second NFL package of games during the next TV negotiations. (The NBC, CBS and FOX NFL deals expire after the 2022 season, but there could be talks before then on new network deals.)

 

Marchand also reported Brees “will be groomed as the potential replacement for Cris Collinsworth” on the Sunday night games. Is that possible? I suppose. But I can tell you that the NBC NFL analyst’s job is Collinsworth’s for as long as he wants it. He’s 61, in superb health, loves his job as much as any person alive, and I doubt he’d want to do anything other than announce football games for a long time. So I don’t see Brees taking Collinsworth’s job anytime soon, unless Collinsworth decides to leave the NBC booth, which no one expects.

 

3. I think you have every right to disregard my opinions, because I work for NBC. I’m calling it as I see it. I know how beloved Collinsworth is inside NBC. This deal with Brees was not done to push out Collinsworth.

 

 

XFL

Not only has the XFL folded – it says it is bankrupt.  Charean Williams of ProFootballTalk.com:

 

The XFL confirmed it filed for bankruptcy Monday.

 

“The XFL quickly captured the hearts and imaginations of millions of people who love football,” the spring league said. “Unfortunately, as a new enterprise, we were not insulated from the harsh economic impacts and uncertainties caused by the COVID-19 crisis. Accordingly, we have filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. This is a heartbreaking time for many, including our passionate fans, players and staff, and we are thankful to them, our television partners, and the many Americans who rallied to the XFL for the love of football.”

 

The league laid off all its employees and suspended operations Friday.

 

When the XFL announced last month it was prematurely ending the 2020 season because of COVID-19, the startup league said it would return in 2021. It is possible someone could buy the league, but it seems more likely spring football is done for the foreseeable future after failures — for different reasons — of the Alliance of American Football and the XFL the past two springs.

 

XFL owner Vince McMahon, who is chairman and CEO of the WWE, twice has tried to get the XFL rolling. He has yet to speak publicly about the league folding again.

 

The Chapter 11 filing, officially made by Alpha Entertainment, listed the XFL with assets and liabilities each in the range of $10 million to $50 million, Kevin Seifert of ESPN reports. The St. Louis Sports Commission, at $1.6 million, was the largest creditor.

 

According to Darren Rovell of The Action Network, creditors also include Dallas Renegades coach Bob Stoops ($1.083 million), Tampa Bay Vipers coach Marc Trestman ($777,777), Ticketmaster ($655,148), St. Louis BattleHawks coach Jonathan Hayes ($633,333), other coaches ($583,333 each) and MetLife Stadium lease ($368,000).

 

 

2020 DRAFT

Peter King tells us what he hears about the draft:

 

1. CINCINNATI. So there’s little chance the Bengals will trade out of this pick. LSU’s Joe Burrow makes too much sense for the long-term best interests of the franchise. But Cincinnati trading out of the top spot is not unprecedented for the Brown family. After Steve Young signed with the USFL’s L.A. Express in March 1984, they Bengals dealt the top overall pick to New England. The Pats dealt first, first, fifth and 10th-round picks (that’s how long ago it was; there were 12 rounds in ’84) to be able to snag wideout Irving Fryar first overall. The Bengals got shafted, essentially; they picked a pretty good guard (Brian Blados) and got nothing else of substance out of the deal. But the Bengals never would have made the trade had Young been there for them. With Burrow, an Ohioan, on the board, the Bengals should probably sit and take him.

 

2. WASHINGTON. No one in my sphere thinks Ron Rivera will do anything but log on to the NFL’s secure Microsoft Teams draft channel when Washington is on the clock and enter Chase Young, Ohio State.

 

3. DETROIT. Defensive player or trade down. Lions would love to find a partner to supply them with a fifth pick in the top 90 of a top-heavy draft. Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah or Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown would be Matt Patricia types. But how about this counter-culture idea from one smart GM on Saturday: “I bet 40 percent of the teams in the league have C.J. Henderson higher on their boards than Okudah. Better cover guy.” Hmmmm. Even a trade down for slightly less value would be smart for Lions GM Bob Quinn.

 

4. NEW YORK GIANTS. Hard to see Dave Gettleman go anywhere but tackle in this urgent draft for the G-men. Gettleman shocked the world with Daniel Jones at six last year, but the meat-and-potatoes GM is likely to go meat-and-potatoes this year with a tackle. Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs or Alabama’s Jedrick Wills are 1-2 or 2-1 on many draft boards.

 

5. MIAMI. In free agency 14 years ago, the most fateful decision in the NFL was quarterback-desperate Miami bypassing Drew Brees because of a major shoulder injury in favor of Daunte Culpepper. That, of course, changed the course of pro football history. In the draft this year, the most fateful decision will be another medical one, and it’s in quarterback-desperate Miami’s hands again: to draft Tua Tagovailoa with his injury history, or to pass him by.

 

Interesting to note that Chris Grier, the current GM, was a Miami national scout in 2006 and watched the organization make the safer, and ultimately dead-wrong, call. Interesting, too, that Grier was Miami’s director of college scouting under football boss Bill Parcells from 2008 to 2010—and one of Parcells’ favorite bromides is, “The most important part of ability is availability.” Tough call for Grier.

 

I do hear that he and coach Brian Flores are very much against trading the farm to move up to get Burrow—which some in the organization want to do. I doubt owner Stephen Ross will pull the owner card and force a mega-offer to try to move up to number one, but we’ll see. “You can’t say anything with certainty on Tua,” Mel Kiper says.

 

One last point, and I can’t take credit for it; a smart GM told me this Saturday. Imagine the buzzkill if the Dolphins take Tagovailoa, and there’s a huge virtual celebration, and Adam Schefter or Chris Mortensen take the TV throw from Trey Wingo and say: “Trey, I’ve been told that more than one NFL team gave Tua Tagovailoa a failing grade on his physical exam.” Welcome to Miami, kid.

 

6. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS. Top-five GM poker-player in the league: Tom Telesco. (So you ask: Who is the top one? Easy. Jacksonville’s Dave Caldwell, who keeps the Jags’ picks from his wife.) A quarterback or long-term tackle makes the most sense; a GM friend of Telesco’s thinks he’s very high on Justin Herbert. But head coach Anthony Lynn is legitimately bullish on Tyrod Taylor, and maybe for more than one year. Talked to Telesco on my podcast this week, and he said the final board gets made, virtually, this week by video conference.

 

9. JACKSONVILLE. Not a quarterback, I hear. “They really want to give Gardner Minshew a real shot,” one FOC (Friend of Caldwell) says. Defensive impact player like Swiss-Army-knifish Isaiah Simmons makes sense. Biggest question for Jags on draft weekend revolves around the latest really good cornerstone player who wants out, Yannick Ngakoue. Can Caldwell find a fair deal for the defensive end?

 

10. CLEVELAND. New GM Andrew Berry:

 

• Is a good friend of Joe Thomas and saw his value in his previous Cleveland tenure;

 

• Was most recently schooled in the Eagles’ ethos of when-in-doubt-take-an-offensive-lineman;

 

• Sees a tackle position on the Browns in tatters;

 

• Watches 2019 Browns tape and sees Baker Mayfield running for his life.

 

I mean, how does Berry not take one of the four hot-prospect tackles right here? “I agree,” one Browns-watcher on another team said Saturday. “But they love that Boise tackle, and maybe they think they can get him in the second round.” What an apt pick: With the 41st overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Browns select Ezra Cleveland, tackle, Boise State.

 

11. NEW YORK JETS. Big needs are tackle, wide receiver and pass-rusher. Joe Douglas, the GM with a six-year contract, knows there isn’t a pass-rusher worthy of the pick here, and knows he can get a first-round-caliber wideout at pick 48 in the second round, and sees the best value by far here at tackle. If a value player like Louisville’s Mekhi Becton or Andrew Thomas of Georgia is still on the board, I’m betting tackle here.

 

12. LAS VEGAS. Jon Gruden’s been grousing that he’s got no home-run playmakers at wideout. Mike Mayock wants clean character guys. Ceedee Lamb seems pretty logical.

 

13. SAN FRANCISCO. Defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw. Another defensive lineman in the first round?!! This sounds crazy, and maybe it is, after all the first-round defensive-line capital the Niners have used up. (Consider Arik Armstead, DeForest Buckner, Solomon Thomas, Nick Bosa in the last five drafts.) But I hear the Niners are desperate for a space-eating defensive tackle who can threaten the pocket, and that’s what the 315-pound and athletic Kinlaw does.

 

16. ATLANTA. Falcons fan? NFL fan? Click on the video on top of this column to see what I’m guessing will be the coolest draft-weekend setup any GM in the NFL will have. Thomas Dimitroff did my podcast Saturday, and it’s a video pod, and he was good enough to show me the draft lair he’s set up in his Atlanta home. You’ll love it.

 

Desperate for some edge presence, Atlanta signed Dante Fowler (Rams, 2019: 11.5 sacks) in free agency. Dimitroff could double-dip with the second-best edge rusher in the draft: LSU’s K’Lavon Chaisson.

 

17. DALLAS. “It’s too high for a center,” said one personnel wag, “but they love the Michigan center (Cesar Ruiz), and they could trade down a few spots and still be sure of getting him.” Interesting: a plug-and-play heir to Travis Frederick.

 

19. LAS VEGAS. Mike Mayock won’t be able to pass on Florida corner C.J. Henderson if he’s here (and I wouldn’t be surprised at a Raider tradeup for him), not after formerly Raider-bound Eli Apple failed his physical and the Raiders got outbid on Byron Jones. Of course, they could go Henderson at 11 and an excellent wideout at 19 too.

 

21. PHILADELPHIA. The Eagles, understandably, didn’t want to give up the 53rd overall pick for Brandin Cooks. Mocks from Caribou to Carlsbad will give Philly a wide receiver, and I probably will too, a week from today. Give me some time on that one.

 

23. NEW ENGLAND. “They love Justin Herbert, but enough to trade up for him?” one rival GM said. Pats do have 12 picks—second-most in the draft—for ammo, but only one of those comes in the top 85. If they want Herbert, they’d likely have to be willing to part with the 2021 first-rounder in a trove of picks. After losing out on Hayden Hurst in their latest hunt for a tight end, no way the Pats could reach for versatile Notre Damer Cole Kmet here to solve the tight end problem, is there?

 

27. SEATTLE. Best quote that I mined this week, from an AFC GM: “Only two sure things in this draft: Joe Borrow to the Bengals and John Schneider trades down in the first round.” In the eight drafts since 2012, Schneider has traded his first-round pick every year . . . and twice in 2017 and 2019. Eight first rounds, 10 trades. Whatever happens on draft weekend, my money is on Schneider to add a pass-rusher, probably Jadeveon Clowney or Everson Griffen, in the next two weeks.

 

One last note, from a GM who has been in the quarterback market, on the number four QB in the draft: “Jordan Love’s a polarizing player. He’s the most exciting quarterback in the draft. He’s not Mahomes, but coached well, he could become a really good player.”

 

My lone mock of the year will be out next Monday, and I’m going to turn it into a video production as well, hosted by NBC’s Paul Burmeister. More information on that next Monday in FMIA.

– – –

This from Mel Kiper, Jr:

 

“In terms of depth, it’s probably the best wide-receiver class ever. I’m going almost 40 deep with receivers who have a chance to play in this league. I have 33 receivers with grades inside the first four rounds.”

 

– – –

Dane Brugler of The Athletic offers a seven-round monster of a Mock Draft.  We’ll skip his round recaps after the first two, but we do have you his team-by-by recaps:

 

It’s an exhaustive exercise because I’m not focusing just on team needs. I also pay close attention to fit (scheme and culture) and the breadcrumbs (draft trends, visits, workouts, etc.). However, it was tougher this year without the 30 visits and one-on-one workouts. We have knowledge of team meetings at the combine and FaceTime or Skype calls, but teams are allowed unlimited virtual meetings as long as they stay under an hour in length.

 

Like always, I included a team-by-team view of each organization’s draft class at the bottom so it is easier to see each team’s draft haul.

 

Here we go.

 

First Round

 

1. Cincinnati Bengals – Joe Burrow, QB, LSU

The Bengals do things their own way, but it would still be a shock if Burrow is not the top pick to Cincinnati. Nothing more to say here.

 

2. Washington Redskins – Chase Young, Edge, Ohio State

No surprise at No. 1 and no surprise at No. 2. Young has been the top player in the draft since the summer and nothing has changed. It is highly unlikely the Redskins will receive a lucrative enough trade offer to move away from this pick.

 

3. Detroit Lions – Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State

The Lions are hoping a team trades up to No. 2 for a quarterback so Chase Young falls in their laps, but if that doesn’t happen (and they don’t receive a trade offer to move back), they will be just fine with his Ohio State teammate. With Darius Slay now in Philadelphia, Okudah will grow into the CB1 role in Detroit.

 

4. New York Giants – Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa

The Giants’ decision could come down to their highest-ranked tackle or a defensive playmaker like Isaiah Simmons. One of the reasons I think they will lean toward tackle is the impact that will make on other recent first-round picks like Saquon Barkley and Daniel Jones.

 

5. Miami Dolphins – Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon

We are all guessing when it comes to the Dolphins and which player they will draft here. Many around the league feel strongly that this will be a quarterback, but there is no consensus on which one. Since the Combine, I have leaned towards Herbert.

 

6. Los Angeles Chargers – Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama

We aren’t talking enough about Tagovailoa and the potential of him dropping farther than this due to the durability and medical concerns. Each team has its own appetite for risk and we don’t know how the Chargers feel, but it might be worth the risk for that organization.

 

7. Carolina Panthers – Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson

As Matt Rhule builds the roster his way, he is looking for dynamic athletes with football character and Simmons falls in that category. And especially with the retirement of Luke Kuechly, Simmons brings another impact player who can fill multiple roles.

 

8. Arizona Cardinals – Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn

There is a good chance this pick comes down to the trenches, either offensive or defensive line. And while I think upgrading the right tackle spot should be the priority, the Cardinals have been searching for that hog molly on the defensive line who can help reset the line of scrimmage.

 

9. Jacksonville Jaguars – CJ Henderson, CB, Florida

The Jaguars cornerback depth chart is a group of replacement-level players and Henderson is worthy of top-10 consideration so this pick is about talent and need. Henderson with his 4.3 speed and 6-1 size won’t be available when Jacksonville drafts again at No. 20

 

10. Cleveland Browns – Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville

The Browns made a sizable upgrade at right tackle with the signing of Jack Conklin, but left tackle remains a large question mark. You could make an argument for any of these top tackles here or even a trade down for a player like Ezra Cleveland, but I think Becton fits what they want on offense.

 

11. New York Jets – Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama

The Jets have a solid interior line, but the tackles are still an area that needs to be addressed. The biggest concern with Wills is he has been a right tackle only his entire life so a move to left tackle would be a projection, but he has all the talent to make the move and thrive.

 

12. Las Vegas Raiders – CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma

If Henderson is still available, I could easily see the Raiders going CB and then WR with their two first-round picks. But with him off the board, they get their choice of the top receiver and Lamb seems to be a great fit with his ball skills, football IQ and YAC skills.

 

13. San Francisco 49ers (from IND) – Henry Ruggs, WR, Alabama

The 49ers will be hunting for another offensive playmaker in this draft and Ruggs could be that guy. He is a ridiculous athlete who could be a lot of fun in Kyle Shanahan’s offense, forcing defenses to account for him, Deebo Samuel and George Kittle.

 

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia

The Buccaneers know they have a window to win right now and the best way to do that is help protect Tom Brady. Right tackle is currently a question spot, but Thomas would give them immediate depth with the potential to be a high-end starter.

 

15. Denver Broncos – Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama

The Broncos are looking for another playmaker opposite Courtland Sutton and I hear they really like CeeDee Lamb and Denzel Mims. But they also really like Jerry Jeudy with his brake-and-balance skills to uncover at will mid-route.

 

16. Atlanta Falcons – K’Lavon Chaisson, Edge, LSU

The Falcons were busy in free agency as they looked to upgrade at edge rusher, but they are far from set at the position. Chaisson is similar to Vic Beasley in some ways, but he has the potential for more diversity as an NFL player, both rushing the passer and dropping in space.

 

17. Dallas Cowboys – Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama

The Falcons break the Cowboys heart because Chaisson is who Dallas wants. And with their top two options (Chaisson, Henderson) off the board, I think the Cowboys’ focus might shift to the Alabama secondary where Diggs or Xavier McKinney make sense.

 

18. Miami Dolphins (from PIT) – Austin Jackson, OT, USC

Regardless of which quarterback the Dolphins draft, Miami needs to add reinforcements at tackle to help protect him. Jackson will make youthful mistakes as a rookie, but he might also outplay his draft spot if he lives up to his immense potential.

 

19. Las Vegas Raiders (from CHI) – A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson

The Raiders-Clemson pipeline is alive and well. Terrell is a big-bodied corner with speed to stay attached to routes up and down the field. His last college game wasn’t pretty vs. LSU’s Ja’Marr Chase, but his body of work as a player could land him in the top-25.

 

20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from LAR) – Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina

Kinlaw isn’t the most clean prospect with his average production and minor medical concerns, but his talent is unquestioned. The Jaguars went to the SEC with their first two picks last year (Josh Allen and Jawaan Taylor) and they might do it again with Henderson and Kinlaw.

 

21. Philadelphia Eagles – Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma

Under Howie Roseman, the Eagles traditionally draft the best player available at a position of relative need in the first round and Murray fits that criteria. He can be late to sort at times, but his play speed and competitive energy will quickly make him a fan favorite in Philadelphia.

 

22. Minnesota Vikings (from BUF) – Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor

With the first-rounder they received from Buffalo in the Stefon Diggs trade, the Vikings might turn around and add his replacement at receiver. No player has helped himself more since the end of the season than Mims, who several teams grade as a top-25 caliber prospect in this draft.

 

23. New England Patriots – Marlon Davidson, DL, Auburn

Some NFL scouts see Davidson as a “Jumbo” end while others see a penetrating three-technique. I’m guessing Bill Belichick sees a natural disruptor who offers inside-outside versatility in his front. His balance and hand use allow him to shake free from blockers.

 

24. New Orleans Saints – Patrick Queen, LB, LSU

Queen was one of the top prep athletes in Louisiana and was a critical piece of LSU’s national championship team this past season. Being drafted to his home state Saints would be a great next chapter in his story, giving New Orleans an explosive and rangy defender.

 

25. Minnesota Vikings – Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise State

The Vikings drafted one of this year’s top risers with their initial first-rounder and they take another riser here. Cleveland played the entire 2019 season with a turf toe issue and still produced quality tape. That combined with his testing and football character and he has a great shot of landing in Round One.

 

26. Miami Dolphins (from HOU) – J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ohio State

It is tough to find landing spots for running backs in this year’s first round, but the Dolphins could be one of the destinations. Brian Flores is looking for a tone-setting back who can help create an offensive identity and Dobbins fits that mold.

 

27. Seattle Seahawks – Josh Uche, Edge, Michigan

The Seahawks are always a wild card on draft day so I wouldn’t be surprised to see a stunner here like Wisconsin’s Jonathan Taylor. But I’m going with Uche, who gives Seattle an explosive edge threat and a player just scratching the surface of his ability.

 

28. Baltimore Ravens – Zack Baun, LB, Wisconsin

Although he was almost exclusively a rusher at Wisconsin, Baun showed flashes of being able to do everything for the Badgers. He can be an off-ball linebacker for the Ravens while also giving them blitzing options on subpackages.

 

29. Tennessee Titans – Yetur Gross-Matos, Edge, Penn State

The Titans added Vic Beasley and Harold Landry is a promising player, but more edge rushing depth is needed in Tennessee. Gross-Matos has the versatile talent where he can stand up, put his hand on the ground or even reduce inside as a three-technique in some packages – the type of versatility that will appeal to Mike Vrabel.

 

30. Green Bay Packers – Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU

The Packers traditionally are a team that waits until Day 2 to draft receivers (Javon Walker in 2002 is the only receiver Green Bay has drafted in the first round since 1989). But it will be tough to pass up a talent like Jefferson and the impact he would make on the Packers’ offense.

 

31. San Francisco 49ers – Cesar Ruiz, iOL, Michigan

With the 49ers not picking again until the fifth round, good bet they look to trade back (maybe for a team looking to trade up for Jordan Love?). But if they stay put, upgrading the interior offensive line is on the priority list and Ruiz has big upside as a center-guard.

 

32. Kansas City Chiefs – Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah

After Okudah and Henderson, there are differing opinions about the order the next corners will come off the board. And Johnson is right there in the mix to be drafted in the first round.

 

Second Round

33. Cincinnati Bengals – Josh Jones, OT, Houston

34. Indianapolis Colts (from WAS) – Jordan Love, QB, Utah State

There is a good chance a team trades into the first round to draft Love, but that could be the Colts or he could fall to them in the second round, giving the organization a quarterback succession plan for the future.

35. Detroit Lions – Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin

36. New York Giants – A.J. Epenesa, Edge, Iowa

37. Los Angeles Chargers – Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State

38. Carolina Panthers – Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU

39. Miami Dolphins – Xavier McKinney, DS, Alabama

40. Houston Texans (from ARI) – Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU

41. Cleveland Browns – Jeremy Chinn, DS, Southern Illinois

42. Jacksonville Jaguars – Grant Delpit, DS, LSU

43. Chicago Bears (from LVR) – Lloyd Cushenberry, iOL, LSU

44. Indianapolis Colts – Michael Pittman, WR, USC

Of all the picks in this mock draft, this might be my favorite fit. The Colts are looking for players with high football character and Pittman also fits the mold of the power forward receiver who can outrebound the football downfield.

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

46. Denver Broncos – Noah Igbinoghene, CB, Auburn

47. Atlanta Falcons – Jordan Elliott, DT, Missouri

48. New York Jets – Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado

49. Pittsburgh Steelers – Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, LSU

50. Chicago Bears – Curtis Weaver, Edge, Boise State

51. Dallas Cowboys – Terrell Lewis, Edge, Alabama

52. Los Angeles Rams – Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson

The Rams unloaded Brandin Cooks, but with Cooper Kupp best in the slot, they might be looking for an outside receiver who can be a matchup type downfield. Higgins has the catch radius and reflexes to be a specialized weapon in the NFL.

53. Philadelphia Eagles – Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU

54. Buffalo Bills – Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU

55. Baltimore Ravens (from ATL) – KJ Hamler, WR, Penn State

56. Miami Dolphins (from NO) – Jonathan Greenard, Edge, Florida

57. Los Angeles Rams – Isaiah Wilson, OT, Georgia

Wilson is a tough player to get a read on – some teams think he will be a first-round pick while others think he falls outside the top 50. He falls a little in this scenario, but that works out for the Rams, who find their eventual replacement for Andrew Whitworth.

58. Minnesota Vikings – Antoine Winfield Jr., DS, Minnesota

59. Seattle Seahawks – Kyle Dugger, DS, Lenoir-Rhyne

60. Baltimore Ravens – Robert Hunt, iOL, Louisiana

61. Tennessee Titans – Damon Arnette, CB, Ohio State

62. Green Bay Packers – Ben Bartch, OT, St. John’s (Minn.)

63. Kansas City Chiefs (from SF) – Chase Claypool, WR/TE, Notre Dame

The Chiefs have plenty of bodies at the receiver position, but Claypool gives them a different type of pass catcher who can play inside or outside and provide immediate depth at the receiver and tight end positions.

64. Seattle Seahawks (from KC) – Matt Peart, OT, Connecticut

 

Team-by-team draft results:

 

Cincinnati Bengals

1 (1) QB Joe Burrow, LSU

2 (33) OT Josh Jones, Houston

3 (65) LB Akeem Davis-Gaither, Appalachian State

4 (107) OG Ben Bredeson, Michigan

5 (147) TE Brycen Hopkins, Purdue

6 (180) CB Harrison Hand, Temple

7 (215) EDGE Azur Kamara

 

Washington Redskins

1 (2) EDGE Chase Young, Ohio State

3 (66) TE Cole Kmet, Notre Dame

4 (108) CB Josiah Scott, Michigan State

4 (142) LB Francis Bernard, Utah

5 (162) OT Saahdiq Charles, LSU

7 (216) LB David Woodward, Utah State

7 (229) QB Cole McDonald, Hawaii

 

Detroit Lions

1 (3) CB Jeff Okudah, Ohio State

2 (35) RB Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin

3 (67) DT Justin Madubuike, Texas A&M

3 (85) OT Prince Tega Wanogho, Auburn

4 (109) OG Jonah Jackson, Ohio State

5 (149) WR Tyler Johnson, Minnesota

5 (166) QB Anthony Gordon, Washington State

6 (182) PT Braden Mann, Texas A&M

7 (235) LB Cale Garrett, Missouri

 

New York Giants

1 (4) OT Tristan Wirfs, Iowa

2 (36) EDGE A.J. Epenesa, Iowa

3 (99) WR Bryan Edwards, South Carolina

4 (110) DS Kenny Robinson, XFL

5 (150) OC Keith Ismael, San Diego State

6 (183) LB Evan Weaver, California

7 (218) PK Rodrigo Blankenship, Georgia

7 (238) TE Jared Pinkney, Vanderbilt

7 (247) RB Rico Dowdle, South Carolina

7 (255) CB Stantley Thomas-Oliver III, FIU

 

Miami Dolphins

1 (5) QB Justin Herbert, Oregon

1 (18) OT Austin Jackson, USC

1 (26) RB J.K. Dobbins, Ohio State

2 (39) DS Xavier McKinney, Alabama

2 (56) EDGE Jonathan Greenard, Florida

3 (70) OC Matt Hennessy, Temple

4 (141) DB Julian Blackmon, Utah

5 (153) CB Stanford Samuels, Florida State

5 (154) DL Rashard Lawrence, LSU

5 (173) OG Netane Muti, Fresno State

6 (185) WR John Hightower, Boise State

7 (227) DL Jonah Williams, Weber State

7 (246) LS Blake Ferguson, LSU

7 (251) WR Juwan Johnson, Oregon

 

Los Angeles Chargers

1 (6) QB Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama

2 (37) WR Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona State

3 (71) FS Ashtyn Davis, California

4 (112) EDGE Alex Highsmith, Charlotte

5 (151) LB Joe Bachie, Michigan State

6 (186) OT Trey Adams, Washington

7 (220) TE Dalton Keene, Virginia Tech

 

Carolina Panthers

1 (7) LB Isaiah Simmons, Clemson

2 (38) CB Kristian Fulton, LSU

3 (69) DT James Lynch, Baylor

4 (113) OC Tyler Biadasz, Wisconsin

5 (148) OT Tyre Phillips, Mississippi State

5 (152) EDGE Kenny Willekes, Michigan State

6 (184) WR Isaiah Coulter, Rhode Island

7 (221) RB JaMychal Hasty, Baylor

 

Arizona Cardinals

1 (8) DT Derrick Brown, Auburn

3 (72) RB Cam Akers, Florida State

4 (114) TE Hunter Bryant, Washington

4 (131) CB Michael Ojemudia, Iowa

6 (202) EDGE James Smith-Williams, NC State

7 (222) LB Cam Brown, Penn State

 

Jacksonville Jaguars

1 (9) CB CJ Henderson, Florida

1 (20) DT Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina

2 (42) DS Grant Delpit, LSU

3 (73) RB Darrynton Evans, Appalachian State

4 (116) EDGE D.J. Wonnum, South Carolina

4 (137) WR Collin Johnson, Texas

4 (140) OG Kevin Dotson, Louisiana

5 (157) OT Charlie Heck, North Carolina

5 (165) CB Javaris Davis, Auburn

6 (189) LB Clay Johnston, Baylor

6 (206) TE/HB Josiah Deguara, Cincinnati

7 (223) DT Raequan Williams, Michigan State

 

Cleveland Browns

1 (10) OT Mekhi Becton, Louisville

2 (41) DS Jeremy Chinn, Southern Illinois

3 (74) LB Jordyn Brooks, Texas Tech

3 (97) EDGE Trevis Gipson, Tulsa

4 (115) WR Donovan Peoples-Jones, Michigan

6 (187) CB John Reid, Penn State

7 (244) TE Cheyenne O’Grady, Arkansas

 

New York Jets

1 (11) OT Jedrick Wills, Alabama

2 (48) WR Laviska Shenault, Colorado

3 (68) CB Cameron Dantzler, Mississippi State

3 (79) EDGE Julian Okwara, Notre Dame

4 (120) OG Shane Lemiuex, Oregon

5 (158) TE Colby Parkinson, Stanford

6 (191) QB James Morgan, FIU

6 (211) RB Michael Warren, Cincinnati

 

Las Vegas Raiders

1 (12) WR CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma

1 (19) CB A.J. Terrell, Clemson

3 (80) QB Jalen Hurts, Oklahoma

3 (81) OG John Simpson, Clemson

3 (91) FS Terrell Burgess, Utah

4 (121) DT Leki Fotu, Utah

5 (159) LB Tanner Muse, Clemson

 

Indianapolis Colts

2 (34) QB Jordan Love, Utah State

2 (44) WR Michael Pittman, USC

3 (75) TE Adam Trautman, Dayton

4 (122) DS Brandon Jones, Texas

5 (160) DL Jason Strowbridge, North Carolina

6 (193) RB DeeJay Dallas, Miami (Fla.)

6 (197) DB Brian Cole, Mississippi State

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

1 (14) OT Andrew Thomas, Georgia

2 (45) RB D’Andre Swift, Georgia

3 (76) QB Jacob Eason, Washington

4 (117) WR Devin Duvernay, Texas

4 (139) DT McTelvin Agim, Arkansas

5 (161) DS Josh Metellus, Michigan

6 (194) OG/C Darryl Williams, Mississippi State

 

Denver Broncos

1 (15) WR Jerry Jeudy, Alabama

2 (46) CB Noah Igbinoghene, Auburn

3 (77) LB Willlie Gay, Mississippi State

3 (83) DT Davon Hamilton, Ohio State

3 (95) OT/G Hakeem Adeniji, Kansas

4 (118) DS K’Von Wallace, Clemson

5 (178) WR Isaiah Hodgins, Oregon State

6 (181) EDGE Carter Coughlin, Minnesota

7 (252) OT/G Justin Herron, Wake Forest

7 (254) CB Zane Lewis, Air Force

 

Atlanta Falcons

1 (16) EDGE K’Lavon Chaisson, LSU

2 (47) DT Jordan Elliott, Missouri

3 (78) QB Jake Fromm, Georgia

4 (119) RB Antonio Gibson, Memphis

4 (143) CB Darnay Holmes, UCLA

7 (228) WR Quintez Cephus, Wisconsin

 

Dallas Cowboys

1 (17) CB Trevon Diggs, Alabama

2 (51) EDGE Terrell Lewis, Alabama

3 (82) LB Logan Wilson, Wyoming

4 (123) TE Devin Asiasi, UCLA

5 (164) OT Jack Driscoll, Auburn

5 (179) DS Jordan Fuller, Ohio State

7 (231) OG Cordel Iwuagwu, TCU

 

Pittsburgh Steelers

2 (49) RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, LSU

3 (102) WR Antonio Gandy-Golden, Liberty

4 (124) LB Troy Dye, Oregon

4 (135) OG Logan Stenberg, Kentucky

6 (198) DT Broderick Washington, Texas Tech

7 (232) EDGE Trevon Hill, Miami (Fla.)

 

Chicago Bears

2 (43) OG/C Lloyd Cushenberry, LSU

2 (50) EDGE Curtis Weaver, Boise State

5 (163) FS J.R. Reed, Georgia

6 (196) RB Ke’Shawn Vaughn, Vanderbilt

6 (200) WR Quez Watkins, Southern Miss

7 (226) CB Parnell Motley, Oklahoma

7 (233) OT Colton McKivitz, West Virginia

 

Los Angeles Rams

2 (52) WR Tee Higgins, Clemson

2 (57) OT Isaiah Wilson, Georgia

3 (84) CB Amik Robertson, Louisiana Tech

3 (104) LB Malik Harrison, Ohio State

4 (126) EDGE Jonathan Garvin, Miami (Fla.)

6 (199) OG Solomon Kindley, Georgia

7 (234) WR Trishton Jackson, Syracuse

 

Philadelphia Eagles

1 (21) LB Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma

2 (53) WR Jalen Reagor, TCU

3 (103) CB Reggie Robinson, Tulsa

4 (127) RB AJ Dillon, Boston College

4 (145) DS Geno Stone, Iowa

4 (146) WR James Proche, SMU

5 (168) EDGE Derrek Tuszka, North Dakota State

6 (190) LB Kamal Martin, Minnesota

 

Buffalo Bills

2 (54) CB Jeff Gladney, TCU

3 (86) EDGE Darrell Taylor, Tennessee

4 (128) RB Joshua Kelley, UCLA

5 (167) LB Jacob Phillips, LSU

6 (188) OT/G Jon Runyan, Michigan

6 (207) DS Antoine Brooks, Maryland

7 (239) PT Michael Turk, Arizona State

 

New England Patriots

1 (23) DL Marlon Davidson, Auburn

3 (87) TE Harrison Bryant, Florida Atlantic

3 (98) EDGE Jabari Zuniga, Florida

3 (100) WR KJ Hill, Ohio State

4 (125) LB Davion Taylor, Colorado

5 (172) EDGE Anfernee Jennings, Alabama

6 (195) PK Tyler Bass, Georgia Southern

6 (204) QB Jake Luton, Oregon State

6 (212) OG Tremayne Anchrum, Clemson

6 (213) CB Kindle Vildor, Georgia Southern

7 (230) WR Joe Reed, Virginia

7 (241) OT Terence Steele, Texas Tech

 

New Orleans Saints

1 (24) LB Patrick Queen, LSU

3 (88) WR Van Jefferson, Florida

4 (130) CB Troy Pride Jr., Notre Dame

5 (169) DT Larrell Murchison, NC State

6 (203) RB Raymond Calais, Louisiana

 

Minnesota Vikings

1 (22) WR Denzel Mims, Baylor

1 (25) OT Ezra Cleveland, Boise State

2 (58) DB Antoine Winfield, Minnesota

3 (89) DT Neville Gallimore, Oklahoma

3 (105) CB Bryce Hall, Virginia

4 (132) EDGE Khalid Kareem, Notre Dame

5 (155) OT/G Cameron Clark, Charlotte

6 (201) LB Shaquille Quarterman, Miami (Fla.)

6 (205) OG Michael Onwenu, Michigan

7 (219) WR Jauan Jennings, Tennessee

7 (249) CB DeMarkus Acy, Missouri

7 (253) LB Kyahva Tezino, San Diego State

 

Houston Texans

2 (40) DT Ross Blacklock, TCU

3 (90) EDGE Bradlee Anae, Utah

4 (111) WR Gabriel Davis, UCF

5 (171) OG Danny Pinter, Ball State

7 (240) CB Lamar Jackson, Nebraska

7 (248) RB Sewo Olonilua, TCU

7 (250) WR Josh Pearson, Jacksonville State

 

Seattle Seahawks

1 (27) EDGE Josh Uche, Michigan

2 (59) DS Kyle Dugger, Lenoir-Rhyne

2 (64) OT Matt Peart, UConn

3 (101) OC Nick Harris, Washington

4 (133) WR Lynn Bowden, Kentucky

4 (144) CB Dane Jackson, Pittsburgh

6 (214) RB James Robinson, Illinois State

 

Baltimore Ravens

1 (28) LB Zach Baun, Wisconsin

2 (55) WR KJ Hamler, Penn State

2 (60) OG Robert Hunt, Louisiana

3 (92) DL Raekwon Davis, Alabama

3 (106) RB Zack Moss, Utah

4 (129) EDGE Alton Robinson, Syracuse

4 (134) LB Markus Bailey, Purdue

5 (170) TE Thaddeus Moss, LSU

7 (225) OC Cohl Cabral, Arizona State

 

Tennessee Titans

1 (29) EDGE Yetur Gross-Matos, Penn State

2 (61) CB Damon Arnette, Ohio State

3 (93) OT Lucas Niang, TCU

5 (174) RB Anthony McFarland, Maryland

7 (224) DT Khalil Davis, Nebraska

7 (237) WR Kalija Lipscomb, Vanderbilt

7 (243) iOL Kyle Hinton, Washburn

 

Green Bay Packers

1 (30) WR Justin Jefferson, LSU

2 (62) OT Ben Bartch, St. John’s (Minn.)

3 (94) TE Albert Okwuegbunam, Missouri

4 (136) LB Justin Strnad, Wake Forest

5 (175) CB A.J. Green, Oklahoma State

6 (192) RB Lamical Perine, Florida

6 (208) DL Robert Windsor, Penn State

6 (209) DS Daniel Thomas, Auburn

7 (236) WR Quartney Davis, Texas A&M

7 (242) OG/C Calvin Throckmorton, Oregon

 

San Francisco 49ers

1 (13) WR Henry Ruggs, Alabama

1 (31) OG/C Cesar Ruiz, Michigan

5 (156) CB L’Jarius Sneed, Louisiana Tech

5 (176) OT Alex Taylor, South Carolina State

6 (210) DS Alohi Gilman, Notre Dame

7 (217) DL Malcolm Roach, Texas

7 (245) TE Sean McKeon, Michigan

 

Kansas City Chiefs

1 (32) CB Jaylon Johnson, Utah

2 (63) WR/TE Chase Claypool, Notre Dame

3 (96) OG Damien Lewis, LSU

4 (138) RB Eno Benjamin, Arizona State

5 (177) DT Benito Jones, Ole Miss