DALLAS

A scary thought from Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com:

When the Cowboys’ football staff is gathered together in one draft room, owner and General Manager Jerry Jones has final say — but sometimes Jones would get talked out of making a splashy move, most famously when his son Stephen Jones convinced him to draft guard Zack Martin instead of quarterback Johnny Manziel.

This year, Jones will make the Cowboys’ pick from his home, with no one else around. Which means no one will be there to physically restrain him, if it comes to that. And Jones joked that in the past, it would come to that.

“One of the things I’m not going to miss is when I came out of those draft rooms over the weekend, my old shins used to have big old bruises on them,” Jones said. “That was from Stephen kicking me under the table for three straight days relative to some of our decision-making. I know that we have a serious conference here, but I think I’m going to kind of miss that physical punching that goes on. I told him one time, I asked him where he got his strength when he was 16 years old, he had his uncle down, about to kill him, choked him. He was a big boy, that uncle. And I said, ‘I don’t feel that when I’m rasslin with you.’ He said, ‘Well, you don’t squeeze your daddy as hard as you can.’ The point is, I’m going to miss a little of that punching around at the table as we’re conducting this draft.”

Jones says he doesn’t expect any technical difficulties when communicating with the league office or with other teams on trades.

“I’m very comfortable that the technical capability is very much here,” Jones said.

When it’s time for the Cowboys to make the call, it will be Jerry and Jerry alone making it.

WASHINGTON

More on T TRENT WILLIAMS from Nick Shook of NFL.com:

Trent Williams’ time with the Redskins is nearing an end, but the terms of their separation and Williams’ destination have yet to be determined.

That could change soon. The Redskins have talked to multiple teams about a potential trade involving Williams, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported, per sources informed of the situation.

Williams’ trade value is likely at its highest in the next 24 hours. The expectation has been the 31-year-old tackle will only be moved for a significant return, presumably meaning a high draft pick in this year’s draft. Such a swap makes more sense than sending a future high pick to Washington for a tackle whose remaining career length is unknown, especially after he sat out last season and would still need to pass a physical before a trade is complete.

As such, the Redskins have closed the window made available to Williams and his agent, Vince Taylor, to seek a deal with another team, returning to Washington full control of any potential negotiations, Rapoport and NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported. In essence, the Redskins have given Williams and his representation time to find a suitable partner in a desirable destination, and with those options not meeting their requirements for a deal, Washington’s front office is taking matters back into its own hands.

Being up against the clock ahead of the draft undoubtedly influenced this change. If we reach 8 p.m. ET Thursday and Williams remains a Redskin, it is unlikely Washington will get the compensation it has sought since Williams made his trade demands known.

Of course, the lack of movement on Williams in recent weeks has already demonstrated the Redskins might not get what they want anyway, but with the passage of the first round of the draft, their chances of getting a great return significantly decrease — especially in a draft that is loaded at tackle.

If Gronk moved for a fourth minus a seventh, we don’t see why the first round is of any significance here.

And as we go to press, this from Darin Gantt of ProFootballTalk.com:

Washington has rebuffed interest in trade offers for the second overall pick tonight.

But they’re willing to take a second-rounder — or maybe a little less — for wantaway left tackle Trent Williams.

According to Les Carpenter of the Washington Post, the team has been asking for a second-round pick in exchange for Williams, but would be willing to consider multiple later picks if they can reach an equivalent value.

It seems likely they’ll deal him during the draft, as there are multiple teams interesting in adding a tackle one former G.M. said was better than any of the top tackles in this year’s class.

The Post names four teams as having shown the most interest — the Browns, Vikings, Eagles, and Jets.

While Cleveland seems the most natural fit, the inclusion of Philadelphia on that list is interesting.

The Eagles let longtime left tackle Jason Peters walk into free agency this offseason, presumably to clear the way for 2019 first-rounder Andre Dillard in that spot.

Of course, Williams’ desire for a new deal complicates any deal, as a team has to do more than satisfy Washington’s demand for compensation.

ATLANTA

The Falcons tried to trade up to get DE CHASE YOUNG, but the two teams that could make this happen aren’t interested. Curtis Crabtree of ProFootballTalk.com:

The team that once jumped up 21 spots in the first round to select Julio Jones in 2011 has tried to make another sizable leap up into the top 10 of the NFL Draft.

According to Jay Glazer of FOX Sports, the Atlanta Falcons have tried to strike a deal with the Washington Redskins to move up to the No. 2 overall selection in an effort to land Ohio State defensive end Chase Young. The Falcons currently hold the No. 16 overall pick in the first round.

Young isn’t expected to get beyond Washington with the No. 2 pick as they are plenty interested in Young themselves. Per the report, Washington hasn’t been amenable to moving from their current spot.

The Falcons moved from No. 27 to No. 6 in 2011 to draft Jones. In total six picks were exchanged as Atlanta sent their first-, second- and fourth-round picks in 2011 and their first- and fourth-round picks in 2012 to get the rights to the No. 6 overall pick. It doesn’t appear as if their attempts to make such a jump this year will be as successful.

TAMPA BAY

Unless authorities issue injunctions or otherwise make it illegal, the first sporting event in the United States in two months will feature QB TOM BRADY.  Bob Harig of ESPN.com:

A Tiger Woods-Phil Mickelson golf match involving football legends Peyton Manning and Tom Brady is planned for May, according to Turner Sports.

Sources confirmed to ESPN that “The Match: Champions for Charity” will benefit coronavirus relief. The event will air live on TNT — possibly Memorial Day weekend — at an undisclosed location without spectators.

Said Mickelson on Twitter to Woods and Brady: “It’s on now.”

A firm date and location have not been decided, although a source told ESPN that it is expected to be held in Florida. Turner Sports said event organizers are working with state and local government and public health officials to ensure the event follows safety and health protocols.

“There was talks about doing it all along anyway,” Manning told 104.3 The Fan in Denver earlier Wednesday concerning speculation about the event before it was announced. “And now, to have a chance to have a major fundraising event for COVID-19 relief, almost like a telethon if you will … If that can take place, I’m all in for that.”

The PGA Tour, which would need to approve any event in which its players participate in a televised or streamed event, said it has yet to sign off but “is still working to ensure health and safety concerns, among other things.”

Last week, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is in favor of getting sports back amid the coronavirus pandemic, said he would support the event.

“I’d like to see Woods and Mickelson do the golf, or whatever, because that’s social distance,” DeSantis said April 15. “You wouldn’t have a gallery there. You wouldn’t have crowds. But to put that on TV, I think people have been starved for content.”

It would seem to be perfectly harmless and still a month away.  But one never can tell.

– – –

Another misadventure in Tampa for Brady happened back on April 7 per Jenna Laine ofESPN.com:

According to TMZ, on April 7, Brady had planned to visit the home of offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich. Brady walked into the home next door without knocking before coming face-to-face with the homeowner and realizing he was in the wrong home.

A source with knowledge of the situation confirmed the incident to ESPN and said that Brady and Leftwich were trying to follow social distancing guidelines, having Brady come to pick up materials from his new coach rather than staying over there. The source said Leftwich had been expecting him, which might explain why he didn’t knock first.

“I’m sitting here, and I see this big shadow come up to my front door … and I hear my doorknob turning … and I’m like, What the hell? Like, who’s coming in my house?” homeowner David Kramer told the website. “I literally was just sitting here, and I watch this tall guy walk in my house.”

Kramer had left his front door unlocked because he’s selling his home and had multiple people over to see his property, he said. But he wasn’t expecting company at this point.

Brady was carrying duffel bags, and he dropped them on the floor as he looked up at Kramer.

“And he goes, ‘How’s it going, man?'” Kramer said. “And sarcastically I’m like, ‘I don’t know. You tell me, dude.’ Like, who are you? And then he looked at me with the most confused face. I’ll never forget it for the rest of my life.

“He just goes, ‘Am I in the wrong house?!’

“I said, ‘I think so. But who are you looking for? Where are you supposed to be?’ And he said, ‘Is this Byron’s house?'”

INDIANAPOLIS

TE TREY BURTON didn’t stay unemployed long after being cast adrift by the Bears.  Adam Maya of NFL.com:

The Colts continue to add notable pieces to their roster before the NFL draft.

Indianapolis on Wednesday agreed to terms with former Bears tight end Trey Burton, per his agent. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported it’s a one-year deal for the league minimum. Burton is guaranteed to make $4 million from his Chicago contract regardless.

The move reunites the veteran with Colts coach Frank Reich, who served as the Eagles’ offensive coordinator while the pair won a Super Bowl in 2017. Burton was cut by Chicago last week on the heels of an injury-plagued 2019 campaign, which saw him catch just 14 passes for 84 yards and no touchdowns in eight games.

The 28-year-old Burton set career highs with 54 catches, for 569 yards and six touchdowns just two years ago, months after signing a four-year, $32 million deal with the Bears. In Indianapolis, he’ll be slotted alongside Jack Doyle, who caught 43 passes last year.

JACKSONVILLE

The Jaguars have talked with the Raiders about their star DE, but Mike Florio ofProFootballTalk.com hears no trade this weekend:

Yes, the Raiders and Jaguars had a conversation on Wednesday regarding franchise-tagged defensive end Yannick Ngakoue. No, it went nowhere. And nowhere is where it likely will stay, at least for now.

Per a source with knowledge of the situation, there are two impediments to getting a trade accomplished: Jaguars’ trade demands and the player’s contractual demands. The Raiders simply may not have the cash necessary to do a major deal.

So the situation hasn’t, and won’t, get to the question of resolving a potential impasse between the Jaguars wanting No. 12 and the Raiders offering No. 19. According to the source, the likelihood is that there will be no Ngakoue trade this weekend. Between Ngakoue accepting the tender (a precursor to any trade) to working out a long-term deal to finalizing trade compensation to getting a physical performed, there’s a long way to go and a short time to get there.

MIAMI

On its face, this makes zero sense. We boldfaced the sentence that makes us particularly bumfoozled.  Jeremy Bergman of NFL.com:

With just over 24 hours until the 2020 NFL Draft begins, the Miami Dolphins are considering a move up the draft board, but not for the reason you might expect.

Miami has called teams in front of them for a trade up from the No. 5 pick, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday afternoon. The Dolphins, who own three first-round selections (Nos. 5, 18, 26) and a league-high 14 overall, are also gauging the cost of moving up to No. 3 to select an offensive tackle, not a quarterback, as has been mocked by most every draft analyst.

The Dolphins’ interest in shooting up the draft board likely stems from the strength of the top of the offensive line class. Four offensive tackles (Mekhi Becton, Andrew Thomas, Jedrick Wills, Tristan Wirfs, listed alphabetically) are expected to go in the top half of the first round and all could potentially go in the top 11, due to high demand.

After Miami got off to a miserable start early in the 2019 season, rotating Josh Rosen and Ryan Fitzpatrick under center and trading star players (cough, star tackle Laremy Tunsil, cough) for first-round picks, it was presumed that the Fins were focused on securing a franchise quarterback early in the 2020 draft. That narrative has persisted throughout draft season. Most draft analysts have the Dolphins selecting either Tua Tagovailoa or Justin Herbert with the fifth overall selection on Thursday night, with top prospect Joe Burrow going No. 1 to the Bengals.

Wednesday’s report throws a wrench into months of speculation in that direction.

For Miami to move up, it would need to find an amenable trade partner in either the Lions (No. 3) or the Giants (No. 4); Cincy is expected to take Burrow, and Washington is slated to reject trade offers to take Chase Young. Both Detroit and New York have expressed through proxies the openness to move back in the draft for the right offer; of the two teams, the Giants are more likely to take an offensive lineman.

Will the Dolphins jump Big Blue and prove millions of mocks wrong? We’ll find out Thursday evening.

We actually can make a case (and have) that the Dolphins should draft a player at another position who is a sure thing at #5, rather than wishing and hoping on a quarterback there.

But, if there are four good offensive tackles, why would anyone give up significant assets to move two up spots?  Is there one of the four tackles that the Dolphins see as being head over shoulders better than the other three?  Because that would be the only reason you would jump two spots ahead of the Giants for a tackle.  You have to feel one of the tackles is superior, the other three (as well as any other available players such as the cornerbacks) are awful – and the Giants see things the same way you do and will take not only a tackle, but the same superior tackle you have identified.

– – –

Or, are the Dolphins ready to make a crazy offer to Cincinnati?  Mike Florio ofProFootballTalk.com:

It’s one thing for the Dolphins to attempt to engage the Bengals in trade talks for the first overall pick in the draft and be rebuffed. It’s quite another for the Dolphins to start making significant offers for the selection.

As first explained in January, Dolphins owner Stephen Ross wants Joe Burrow to be a Dolphin. And Ross, who turns 80 on May 10, potentially sees Burrow as the team’s last, best chance to find a franchise quarterback during the owner’s last, and from his perspective hopefully best, years of running the team. So regardless of whether the Bengals have said “no” to general overtures, the question becomes whether they’ll say “no” to specific offers — especially if those offers get larger and larger and larger.

A league source suggested on Thursday morning that, at some point, Ross will need to engage Bengals owner Mike Brown directly, cutting through minions and middlemen and having a frank, candid conversation about what the Dolphins will offer and whether the Bengals will say “yes.”

It’s easy to say the Bengals will continue to resist. But consider this: How many players in the NFL are truly untouchable when it comes to a potential trade? Patrick Mahomes, Russell Wilson, Lamar Jackson, maybe Aaron Donald. Beyond those four, is there any player right now that cannot be bought at any price? Does Burrow make it a quintet, without ever playing a down in the NFL?

So if Burrow isn’t a guy who would never be traded under any circumstance, what circumstance would it take to trade him? If the Dolphins offer all three of their 2020 first-round picks, would that be enough? How about all three 2020 first-round picks and next year’s No. 1?

Eight years ago, Washington gave up the sixth overall pick, two future first-round picks, and a second-round pick to secure quarterback Robert Griffin III via the second selection. Would three 2020 first-round picks be enough for Cincinnati? Would a fourth first-round pick make it an offer Brown can’t refuse?

The chances of a deal happening remain low, but it’s more clear than ever that the Dolphins are interested. The question becomes whether that interest becomes specific offers made today that force the Bengals to make a very difficult choice between a Burrow in the hand and multiple other first-round picks that could in theory become a thriving nucleus of starting-caliber players over the next five to 10 years.

So, if you are the Bengals – let’s look at two possible teams:

The expected Bengals – Joe Burrow and pick #33 (let’s call him T EZRA CLEVELAND, Boise State)

Now – off this “needs” list from CBS Sports.com:

Quarterback – Jameis Winston (signing) and Josh Rosen (from Miami)

Offensive tackle – T Tristan Wirfs at #5

Wide receiver – WR Justin Jefferson, LSU at #25 (or TEE HIGGINS or others)

Edge rusher – EDGE K’Lavon Chaisson, LSU at #18

Interior offensive line – C CARLOS RUIZ at #33

Or maybe you get JERRY JEUDY or HENRY RUGGS III at #18 and you can get EDGE YETUR GROSS-MATOS at #25?

Which team is better off?

THIS AND THAT

PROSPECT PROFILES

Our last two Prospect Profiles before the draft are the two top running backs according to most Mocks – D’ANDRE SWIFT of Georgia and CLYDE EDWARDS-HELAIRE of LSU.  They seem to have moved ahead of Wisconsin’s JONATHAN TAYLOR and others on most “expert” boards.  Both are relatively short backs who went to all-boys Catholic high schools before productive careers in the rugged SEC.

D’ANDRE SWIFT

Although Swift went to Georgia, he grew up in the Mt. Airy neighborhood of Philadelphia (for the most part, apparently his family did spend three years in Atlanta).  His father is Dwight, his mother is Ayanna.  How they supported the family is unclear, but they seem to be loving, god-fearing conventional parents.  D’Andre chose to go to one of the city’s finest schools, St. Joseph’s Prep, after a tough love, nothing is promised recruiting pitch that beat out another Catholic school, LaSalle.

By all accounts, Swift thrived on and off the field at Prep and led an undefeated state title as a senior.  In fact, he was on three state title teams, teaming with WR OLAMIDE ZACCHEAUS, now of the Falcons, and CB JOHN REID who went to Penn State and could be drafted this fall. Swift was named the Philadelphia area’s top player of the past decade.

Tyler Tynes of The Ringer:

Darren and Ayanna wanted their son to go to Saint Joseph’s Prep, another all-boys, Catholic football powerhouse. It would be a defining moment in his life.

“To be honest, I didn’t like anything about Prep,” D’Andre says. “It was my mom and dad’s decision. I didn’t want to go there at all.”

“I didn’t think I was going to like it at all. All I knew was La Salle. … I didn’t really know too much about Prep. I’d never seen it. Never talked to any coaches. Didn’t know anybody that played there. It was more of a parent decision because they thought it was best for me. Which was the best decision that was made in my life so far.”

Saint Joe’s Prep was a football factory when D’Andre enrolled. Eagles assistant coach Marty Mornhinweg’s son played quarterback there. So did Chiefs coach Andy Reid’s son. The sons of former Colts receiver Marvin Harrison, Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, and Eagles offensive lineman Jon Runyan also played there.

“I think that was harder than a college,” D’Andre says. “Made me the young man I am today.”

– – –

D’Andre was one of the few black students at Saint Joseph’s Prep, a predominantly white, wealthy school, whose students were more likely to go to the Ivy League than the SEC. It was an extreme departure from what he was used to in Philly. He had trouble acclimating, not just to the academic and athletic workload, but to the impression from others that he was only there because of his football talent.

“That’s the ignorance that comes along with a high-profile athlete like him at a school like the Prep,” says Joe Coyle, an English teacher at the school who taught D’Andre and remains a close family friend. “When you see other students and you say, ‘Oh, well. He’s going to Penn,’ or, ‘He’s going to Penn State.’ He’s going here. Oh, yeah, but D’Andre is going to Georgia. ‘Oh, that’s because he played football.’”

There were days when D’Andre would walk to football practice and see the same drug dealers line the corners near his home. His coach, Tim Roken, sometimes picked him up to alleviate those moments of stress. “Growing up in some tough areas, and seeing some tough things, Darren kept him very grounded and secluded from stuff around that area,” Roken tells me. “Going to the Prep got him out of that.” The decision to attend Georgia—and get out of Philly—became an easy one when Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart offered D’Andre a scholarship.

He plays in memory of “Pop Pop”, his maternal grandfather Henry Holloway who made quite an impression on young D’Andre before passing away when Swift was six years old.  When he was watching TV games with Holloway, Swift would say, “Pop Pop, I’m going to play on the box.”

Swift was good enough as a true freshman to see action even though Georgia also had a pair of star backs in NICK CHUBB and SONY MICHEL.  Georgia never over-used him, he only had about 11 carries per game in his 43-game career with a robust 6.6 yards per carry average.  He is 5-9, 215 – about the same size as Emmitt Smith and LaDainian Tomlinson.  Right now, his recent draft comps from various “experts” include fellow Pennsylvanian LeSean McCoy, Alvin Kamara and Dalvin Cook.

Here is the report from Walter Football:

Swift does not have the speed of Chris Johnson, but he is a fast back who provides a speed mismatch out of the backfield. In the NFL, Swift will be a threat to break off long runs with rare quickness for a starting back.

On top of being fast, Swift is a natural runner. He has excellent vision and body lean, runs behind his pads, and is patient. Swift sets up blocks and uses his speed to dart through holes before they close. Defenders really struggle to get a hold of Swift, who has great feet that make him very elusive. He is sudden with his ability to cut and change direction. To go along with a nasty spin move, Swift has a devastating jab step with cuts back to the inside, and he routinely uses it to make tacklers grab air. His abrupt juke even works on defensive backs. With his change-of-direction skills and quick feet, Swift can create for himself, turning bad looks into big runs all on his own, plus he is an asset to bail out his line when blocking assignments are missed. Swift is a devastating runner who can overwhelm defenses.

While Swift is not the biggest of backs, he does have strength to his build and is able to break tackles while picking up yards after contact. He is not overpowering for the NFL, but he will be able to shed tacklers to pick up additional yards. Swift also finishes runs well, delivering some blows to defenders while falling forward.

Swift is well-suited for the passing-driven NFL because he is a talented receiving back. He runs good routes out of the backfield and has soft hands. All college backs need to be coached up and groomed for blitz protection in the pros, and Swift will have that learning curve as well. However, he has the potential to be a contributing blitz protector in the NFL.

Sources from a handful of teams say D’Andre Swift is worthy of being a top-20 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. He may not go that high because of team needs. Some southeast area scouts say that Swift is a better prospect than Nick Chubb, Sony Michel and Josh Jacobs. Swift has the potential to be an impactful back in the NFL as a three-down starter and could be a Pro Bowler early in his career.

So elite talent, a clean personal history, good character and personality – Swift will be a hit when he does land.  He did have a shoulder injury late in 2019, but it wasn’t serious and he’s healthy now.

Running backs are funny in the draft.  For a number of reasons, you don’t take them early, but when you do finally draft a good one (and Swift is close to a sure thing), they make your team significantly better immediately.

If he lasts to the Chiefs, the Super Bowl champs are upgraded.  If the DB were the Buccaneers, or the Browns, or the Lions or a bunch of other teams, we’d jump into the bottom of the first round and draft him.

CLYDE EDWARDS-HELAIRE

The hyphenated name you ask?

Edwards is for his father, also Clyde, who was arrested as a drug dealer when Clyde, Jr. was just one and ended up spending 14 years in prison (of a 30-year sentence).  By all accounts, Clyde Edwards turned his life around behind bars and now is remarried and works as a used car salesman.  While CE-H was in high school, the two resumed a relationship and they shared an emotional hug after CE-H made big plays in the win at Alabama.

Helaire is for Shannon Helaire who CE-H’s mother married while Clyde was in prison.  A former narcotics agent and counselor, Helaire did all the right things as a father and earned the respect of Edwards.  “His stepdad stepped up to the plate and did the things that I wasn’t able to do,” Edwards said.  When CE-H was 14, he visited a lawyer on his own and added Helaire to his name.

CE-H went to Catholic High School in Baton Rouge, following in the running back footsteps of Warrick Dunn and Darrius Guice who also starred for the Bears.  Major League players Aaron and Austin Nola also went to Catholic, as did Carl Weiss (the doctor who shot Huey Long).

CE-H had a somewhat typical progression – bit player as a true freshman in 2017, 655 rush yards in 2018 and then 1,414 rush yards and 55 catches for the undefeated national champs.  He averaged 6.6 yards per carry in ’19.

He is only 5-7 (had been listed at 5-8) but still over 200 pounds.  His coach, Ed Orgeron, has compared him to Maurice Jones-Drew, who also was short and has a hyphen in his last name.  Mark Ingram has also been mentioned.

He surely has a lot of long runs where defenders fall behind him as he motors to the end zone, but his clocking in the 40 at the Combine was “only” 4.6.

We’re not sure that three extra games in December-January is a good excuse for a slow 40 time, as made here by Todd McShay.  But McShay (and Mel Kiper, Jr.) do make some other good points:

“Here’s the tough part — everyone in the league wants them to work out, right?” McShay said. “And I get it. And we all do. We want to see how they work out, what their numbers are. But you’ve got to understand, like, the players from LSU played three additional games, compared to a lot of other schools, and were playing three, four weeks later than a lot of other schools.

“So Clyde Edwards-Helaire comes out and he doesn’t run a great — what was it, 4.61 in the 40-yard dash. Who cares? Put him in the slot, put him out wide. Watch his vision. Study his tape. This guy’s a player. Watch his center of gravity and the ability to grind out 3-to-9 yards, just with his lower-body strength, even though he’s not the biggest back in the world. So I get why some guys wouldn’t come out and compete, in the case of K’Lavon (Chaisson).

“But I also (get) when Edwards-Helaire shows up and says, ‘You know, I’m not going to run well, but I’m still going to compete,’ I love that, too. So I don’t put a ton of stock into all of this. I just think you’ve got to really study the tape and know these players and put some of this stuff into perspective. And also, there’s going to be an LSU pro day I think on April the 3rd and maybe he’ll run a little bit better and we’ll kind of compare those times.”

Kiper referenced the 40 time of Devin Singletary, who rushed for almost 800 yards as a rookie for the Buffalo Bills last season, as proof that testing numbers are often overblown.

“You mentioned Clyde Edwards-Helaire with the 4.61,” Kiper said. “We mentioned Devin Singletary last year with the 4.66. It doesn’t matter.”

On the other hand, D’ANDRE SWIFT his 4.46.

MOCK DRAFT – MIKE FREEMAN

From veteran scribe Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report – which seems to be a what they will do Mock, not a what they should do Mock.  His big surprise?  The Falcons take QB JORDAN LOVE at #16!

It’s difficult to believe Bill Belichick will go into the season with Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer as his quarterbacks, goes the thinking in some league circles. ESPN’s Matt Bowen says to watch New England and the University of Washington’s Jacob Eason.

The point is, while the Patriots are always huge players in the draft because, well, they’re the Patriots and they’ve won seven trillion Super Bowls, this might be one of their more aggressive drafts as they begin maneuvering in a post-Tom Brady world.

Whatever happens, this will be more wild than usual, especially when the Russians hack the draft and have the Bengals picking Ivan Drago.

So how will Thursday’s Round 1 play out? Let’s take a look based on the latest intel to come across the 10PS radar:     

1. Bengals—QB Joe Burrow, LSU: Can’t find anyone in the league who believes Burrow is going anywhere but Cincinnati. I don’t think the Bengals would trade Burrow if God offered them planet Earth.

2. Washington—DE Chase Young, Ohio State: “[Washington is] always a wild card because of that owner,” one AFC general manager says of Daniel Snyder. “But they seem locked on [Young].”

3. Lions—CB Jeff Okudah, Ohio State: I’ve heard several assistant coaches describe Okudah as one of the more physically gifted players they’ve seen in the past four or five years.

4. Giants—OL Jedrick Wills, Alabama: This pick makes the most sense of almost any in the draft. Get a great offensive lineman to protect a young QB. However, some team personnel people believe the pressure on general manager Dave Gettleman to do something, anything, smart puts pressure on him to make some type of move—and he normally doesn’t make huge moves in the draft. So watch this space.

5. Dolphins—QB Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama: The Dolphins really like Tagovailoa—despite what you may hear. Not saying it’s a done deal, but they like him.

6. Chargers—LB Isaiah Simmons, Clemson: “You’re going to see teams in the AFC West load up on defensive athletes because of the Chiefs,” said one NFC scout. “Simmons typifies the versatile and explosive athlete.”

7. Panthers—DL Derrick Brown, Auburn: A decimated defense needs a big-time player on that side of the ball. Several scouts also added we could see the Panthers move down several spots to get another good defensive player. With so many holes to fill, they could go in a lot of different directions.

8. Cardinals—OL Tristan Wirfs, Iowa: “They are building a nice passing offense,” one AFC assistant GM said. “Protect the quarterback. Pretty simple.”

9. Patriots (after trade with Jaguars)—QB Justin Herbert, Oregon: “I find it hard to believe the Patriots go into this season with just those two quarterbacks [Stidham and Hoyer],” one NFC scout said. “If there was ever a year for them to make a big move, this is it.”

10. Browns—OL Mekhi Becton, Louisville: Some of the problems with quarterback Baker Mayfield’s pass protection came from his holding on to the football too long, but some of it was simply poor line play. This pick will help fortify one of several Browns needs.

11. Jets—OL Andrew Thomas, Georgia: Said one NFC scout: “I wouldn’t be shocked if they moved way back in the first round and took an offensive lineman there and then a receiver in the second round. Or two of them in the second round.”

12. Raiders—WR Jerry Jeudy, Alabama: The Raiders need a lot more offensive firepower. Note that some team officials think the Raiders go quarterback here despite Oakland, er, Las Vegas, adding Marcus Mariota.

13. 49ers—WR CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma: A good replacement for Emmanuel Sanders, who went to New Orleans.

14. Buccaneers—OL Josh Jones, Houston: Protect Brady. Repeat. Protect Brady.

15. Broncos—WR Henry Ruggs III, Alabama: The AFC West is in the midst of an arms race, and the Broncos are starting to assemble a ton of offensive talent. Ruggs adds to an already deep attack.

16. Falcons—QB Jordan Love, Utah State: “To me, the Falcons taking a quarterback is a no-brainer,” said one NFC assistant coach, who added the reason he thinks that is Matt Ryan’s play is beginning to deteriorate.

17. Cowboys—CB C.J. Henderson, Florida: The Cowboys get a steal and fill a big need. Also, teams say they don’t believe rumors Dallas is interested in a quarterback here.

18. Dolphins—DE K’Lavon Chaisson, LSU: After getting their QB, the Dolphins get a talented pass-rusher.

19. Raiders—S Xavier McKinney, Alabama: The Chiefs’ air attack isn’t going to stop itself.

20. Jaguars—DL Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina: It’s expected Yannick Ngakoue will be gone eventually, as his Twitter beef with team exec Tony Khan this week made clear. While Kinlaw isn’t an edge-rusher, he’s the best interior pass-rusher in the draft, and the Jaguars really like him. (And—spoiler alert—they have another pick in first round.)

21. Eagles—WR Justin Jefferson, LSU: “He’s as good as any receiver in the draft,” one AFC scout said.

22. Vikings—WR Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona State: When Stefon Diggs was shipped to Buffalo, it put the Vikings in the market for a wideout.

23. Jaguars (via trade with Patriots)—QB Jalen Hurts, Oklahoma: “I don’t think the Jaguars leave the first round without a quarterback,” one AFC scout said.

DB aside – we threw out the Jaguars moving up to take Justin Herbert in our Mock.  Freeman says they will have the chance to take him at #9, give up the pick to the Patriots to do just that, and then take JALEN HURTS at #23?  To repeat, he thinks Herbert falls to #9, but that Hurts needs to be taken at #23 before someone else does?

24. Saints—LB Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma: Some teams don’t believe the Saints will take a quarterback because they think New Orleans sees Taysom Hill as the replacement for Drew Brees.

25. Vikings—CB Jeff Gladney, TCU: Gladney would be almost guaranteed to start for Minnesota next year.

26. Dolphins—OL Ezra Cleveland, Boise State: More help for an offensive line that sorely needs it.

27. Seahawks—DE Yetur Gross-Matos, Penn State: If the Seahawks don’t trade out of this spot and into the second round—and they probably will—they’ll address a potentially huge need should they not come to an agreement with Jadeveon Clowney.

28. Ravens—LB Patrick Queen, LSU: The Ravens have few holes on the entire roster. Linebacker is one of them.

29. Titans—CB Kristian Fulton, LSU: The Titans are a Super Bowl contender; the only thing lacking is depth in their defensive backfield.

30. Packers—WR Jalen Reagor, TCU: I’ve heard teams are higher on Reagor than most know. He’s fast, a good route-runner and would pair well with Aaron Rodgers.

31. 49ers—CB Trevon Diggs, Alabama: Another team without an abundance of weaknesses. Diggs will add to one of the most athletic defenses in the sport.

32. Chiefs—OL Cesar Ruiz, Michigan: Everyone thinks the Chiefs will trade out of this spot. One scout told me he thinks they’ll trade back and get Georgia running back D’Andre Swift. But other teams think Ruiz is the pick here.

PRO FOOTBALL TALK MOCK DRAFT

It’s unclear exactly how Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com put this draft together, certainly with outside input from in the business.  And in this case, the Dolphins don’t have to pick TUA TAGOVIOLA at #5:

Much of the pre-draft process is about CYA. And there’s no better way to CYA than to point to the widespread groupthink reflected in the various media mock drafts, most of which are shaped not by film study by supposed draft experts but by what scouts and coaches and General Managers tell those crafting the drafts.

So instead of taking a bunch of time to track down and harmonize and homogenize a consensus in a year when one hasn’t developed like it usually does, I’ve turned over the process to a proven executive whose name would be instantly recognized, and whose opinion would have much more credibility than mine or anyone else’s currently in the media.

Thus, if you like it, credit the unnamed expert. If you don’t like it, blame the unnamed expert. Either way, here it is.

1. Bengals: Joe Burrow, QB, LSU.

2. Washington: Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State.

3. Lions: Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State.

4. Giants: Mekhi Becton, OL, Louisville.

5. Dolphins: Tristan Wirfs, OL, Iowa.

6. Chargers: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon.

7. Panthers: Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn.

8. Cardinals: Jedrick Wills, OL, Alabama.

9. Jaguars: Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson.

10. Browns: Andrew Thomas, OL, Georgia.

11. Jets: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama.

12. Raiders: C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida.

13. 49ers (from Colts): CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma.

14. Buccaneers: Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma.

15. Broncos: A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson.

16. Falcons: K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, LSU.

17. Cowboys: Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama.

18. Dolphins (from Steelers): Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama.

19. Raiders (from Bears): Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama.

20. Jacksonville (from Rams): Javon Kinlaw, DL, South Carolina.

21. Eagles: Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State.

22. Vikings (from Bills): Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU.

23. Patriots: Austin Jackson, OL, USC.

24. Saints: Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU.

25. Vikings: Raekwon Davis, DT, Alabama.

26. Dolphins (from Texans): Patrick Queen, LB, LSU.

27. Seahawks: Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE, Penn State.

28. Ravens: Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado.

29. Titans: Michael Pittman Jr., WR, USC.

30. Packers: Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama.

31. 49ers: Marlon Davidson, DL, Auburn.

32. Chiefs: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, LSU.

MOCK DRAFT – Mel Kiper, Jr.

And the final Mock Draft in the DB of 2020 goes to Mel Kiper, Jr. of ESPN (who never anticipates trades):

1. Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Burrow, QB, LSU

Burrow is just what the Bengals need after a 2-14 season. The Heisman Trophy winner can step in and be the starter from day one. He’s the clear top quarterback in this class.

2. Washington Redskins

Chase Young, DE, Ohio State

Ron Rivera said Washington has talked to teams about trades for this pick, but I’m not buying that being serious. Rivera is a defensive coach, and he can’t pass up Young, the best overall prospect in this class and an elite edge rusher.

3. Detroit Lions

Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn

Detroit needs to go defense here — cornerback Jeff Okudah also makes sense — and Brown fills a huge hole in the middle of this front seven. Plus, he’s more than just a run-plugger. This is a spot to watch for a trade.

4. New York Giants

Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa

My thinking here is that the Giants’ void at tackle is too great for them to pass on one here. Wirfs is an instant upgrade at right tackle. As I wrote on Wednesday, though, the Giants’ best-case scenario would be to trade down a couple of spots and still get Wirfs.

5. Miami Dolphins

Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama

It’s smoke screen season, and I’ve gone back and forth on this pick a few times. But I just can’t see Miami passing on a quarterback, and Tagovailoa is higher on my board than the rest of the QBs.

6. Los Angeles Chargers

Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon

This scenario would leave Herbert for the Chargers, and he’s a great fit for a team that has some weapons on offense. That said, I wouldn’t be shocked if L.A. skipped quarterback altogether, drafted an offensive tackle and went all-in on Tyrod Taylor for 2020.

7. Carolina Panthers

Isaiah Simmons, OLB, Clemson

I just can’t see Simmons falling out of the top 10, though not every team will prioritize an off-ball linebacker this early. I have called Simmons the safest pick in the draft, and Carolina’s defense has undergone an offseason makeover.

8. Arizona Cardinals

Jedrick Wills Jr., OT, Alabama

I know Kyler Murray wants a receiver here, but Arizona has a bigger need at offensive tackle. Murray was sacked 48 times last season, tied for most in the NFL.

9. Jacksonville Jaguars

Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State

This is a little bit of a drop for Okudah, but it’s a coup for the Jaguars, who can replace Jalen Ramsey with the best cornerback in this class. Jacksonville is also a candidate to take the first wide receiver off the board.

10. Cleveland Browns

Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia

It should be offensive tackle all the way for Cleveland, and Thomas is a three-year starter with versatility to play on the left or right side.

11. New York Jets

Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville

With the wide receiver class so deep, the Jets could grab a starter in Round 2. They can’t afford to miss on the top tier of this tackle class, though, and Becton is an athletic player with outstanding feet.

12. Las Vegas Raiders

CJ Henderson, CB, Florida

The Raiders have two first-round picks and holes at cornerback and wide receiver, and they could get starters at both spots. Henderson won’t be on the board at No. 19, though. This could be a spot to watch for Atlanta trying to trade up.

13. San Francisco 49ers (from IND)

Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama

Finally, a wide receiver comes off the board, and this could start a run. San Francisco has two first-round picks but no picks in the second, third or fourth rounds, so keep an eye on No. 13 or No. 31 being dealt.

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU

Another pass-catcher for Tom Brady? With three offensive tackles off the board, the Bucs might not like who’s left. Jefferson is the best slot receiver in this class, and he’d get a bunch of short targets in Tampa.

15. Denver Broncos

CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma

Lamb is tremendous after the catch, and he’d be a good fit on the other side of Courtland Sutton. Denver could also take one of the offensive tackles.

16. Atlanta Falcons

K’Lavon Chaisson, OLB, LSU

Chaisson is the second-best edge rusher in this class, though he’s still raw. If Atlanta wants to get back to the playoffs — especially in a tougher NFC South — it has to rebuild its pass rush, and adding Chaisson and free-agent signing Dante Fowler Jr. would be a great start.

17. Dallas Cowboys

Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama

The Cowboys’ secondary has been depleted this offseason, and McKinney is the best pure safety in this draft. If one of the top wide receivers falls to No. 17, could Dallas pass?

18. Miami Dolphins (from PIT)

Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina

This is great value for Kinlaw, who is my 11th-ranked prospect. Put him next to 2019 first-round pick Christian Wilkins, and that’s an outstanding interior defensive line. Miami still has another first-round pick to get a tackle.

19. Las Vegas Raiders (from CHI)

Jordan Love, QB, Utah State

I’m sticking with Love to the Raiders because I still think he’s going to go somewhere in Round 1. Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock can get their young quarterback to build around.

20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from LAR)

Austin Jackson, OT, USC

There are a few teams that have Jackson graded as a first-rounder, though he’s No. 48 on my board. This feels like a good fit at right tackle for a rebuilding Jags team.

21. Philadelphia Eagles

Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma

Philadelphia has a major need at wide receiver, but it could address the position in the second round. Murray is a tackling machine and leader in the locker room.

22. Minnesota Vikings (from BUF)

Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama

Minnesota is another team that needs a wideout, but it could also go after a defensive end or cornerback here. Ruggs is one of the fastest prospects in this class. He won’t replace Stefon Diggs’ downfield ability right away, but he has star upside.

23. New England Patriots

Cesar Ruiz, C/G, Michigan

Bill Belichick loves to trade down, and I could see the Patriots adding picks and then taking a quarterback like Jalen Hurts in the second round. But Ruiz could be a replacement for guard Joe Thuney, who was franchise tagged but could be traded.

24. New Orleans Saints

Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State

I thought about a cornerback or linebacker here — ILB Jordyn Brooks is a name to watch at the end of Round 1 — but New Orleans needs to find a solid No. 2 receiver behind Michael Thomas. Aiyuk is a playmaker with some versatility, and he’s dynamic after the catch.

25. Minnesota Vikings

Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah

Mike Zimmer needs to go defense with his second pick, and Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander are all gone from last year’s team. I don’t have a first-round grade on Johnson, but it only takes one team in Round 1 to like him.

26. Miami Dolphins (from HOU)

Josh Jones, OT, Houston

This is where the Dolphins can get an offensive tackle. Jones made 45 career starts at left tackle for the Cougars. If Miami is going to take a quarterback at No. 5, it should protect him.

27. Seattle Seahawks

Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson

Seattle likes bigger receivers, and Higgins could be a threat in the red zone. This is also a spot to watch for interior offensive lineman Cesar Ruiz, who could be an upgrade for the Seahawks.

28. Baltimore Ravens

Patrick Queen, ILB, LSU

I have had Queen to the Ravens on my previous mock drafts, and I don’t see a reason to move away. If Queen is off the board, however, don’t be surprised if Baltimore snags a wide receiver.

29. Tennessee Titans

Yetur Gross-Matos, DE, Penn State

Tennessee is another team to watch for an offensive tackle, but the front seven could use a boost. Gross-Matos could help fill the void left by Jurrell Casey’s departure.

30. Green Bay Packers

Cole Kmet, TE, Notre Dame

Kmet is the only tight end with a chance to go in Round 1, and the Packers could get Aaron Rodgers some help in a pass-catcher and blocker. Did you know that Rodgers was the most recent skill position player Green Bay picked in the first round? And that was 2005. If Tee Higgins is still on the board, he could be another option.

31. San Francisco 49ers

Antoine Winfield Jr., S/CB, Minnesota

Again, keep an eye on the 49ers trading down. But if they stay here, defensive back is the position they should target, and Winfield could play deep safety or slot corner. Noah Igbinoghene, whose parents were both Olympians, is another corner to watch at the end of Round 1.

32. Kansas City Chiefs

Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin

Taylor was prolific for the Badgers, and his 4.39 40-yard dash time at the combine opened some eyes. Kansas City hasn’t picked a running back in the first round since Larry Johnson in 2003.

And here is a consensus Mock Draft at MockDraftDatabase.com that really isn’t much a consensus starting with the Giants pick at #4.

The consensus mock draft is a compilation of all the mocks in our database. We then scoured through all of the mocks and selected the most commonly found player. The percentage listed along with the player selection represents the amount of mock drafts that have predicted the player going to the team at that pick. Check back in daily as this consensus mock draft is frequently updated to give you the most up to date consensus mock around!

NOTE: This mock selects the most common unique player for each team’s pick. Therefore a player who is expected to end up going in the 1st round, may not show up in this mock because they are not the most common selection.

1 Bengals

Joe Burrow QB | LSU

Mock Draft Popularity:97%

2 Redskins

Chase Young  EDGE | Ohio State

Mock Draft Popularity:92%

3 Lions

Jeffrey Okudah CB | Ohio State

Mock Draft Popularity:75%

4 Giants

Isaiah Simmons LB | Clemson

Mock Draft Popularity:26%

5 Dolphins

Tua Tagovailoa  QB | Alabama

Mock Draft Popularity:60%

6 Chargers

Justin Herbert  QB | Oregon

Mock Draft Popularity:56%

7 Panthers

Derrick Brown DT | Auburn

Mock Draft Popularity:43%

8 Cardinals

Jedrick Wills Jr.  OT | Alabama

Mock Draft Popularity:26%

9 Jaguars

C.J. Henderson CB | Florida

Mock Draft Popularity:12%

10 Browns

Andrew Thomas  OT | Georgia

Mock Draft Popularity:27%

11 Jets

CeeDee Lamb  WR | Oklahoma

Mock Draft Popularity:21%

12 Raiders

Jerry Jeudy  WR | Alabama

Mock Draft Popularity:35%

13 49ers

Henry Ruggs III WR | Alabama

Mock Draft Popularity:27%

14 Buccaneers

Javon Kinlaw DT | South Carolina

Mock Draft Popularity:13%

15 Broncos

Justin Jefferson  WR | LSU

Mock Draft Popularity:5%

16 Falcons

K’Lavon Chaisson  EDGE | LSU

Mock Draft Popularity:29%

17 Cowboys

Xavier McKinney S | Alabama

Mock Draft Popularity:13%

18 Dolphins

Josh Jones  OT | Houston

Mock Draft Popularity:21%

19 Raiders

Kenneth Murray  LB | Oklahoma

Mock Draft Popularity:17%

20 Jaguars

Kristian Fulton  CB | LSU

Mock Draft Popularity:12%

21 Eagles

Tee Higgins   WR | Clemson

Mock Draft Popularity:8%

22 Vikings

Denzel Mims  WR | Baylor

Mock Draft Popularity:11%

23 Patriots

Jordan Love  QB | Utah State

Mock Draft Popularity:19%

24 Saints

Patrick Queen  LB | LSU

Mock Draft Popularity:25%

25 Vikings

Jeff Gladney  CB | TCU

Mock Draft Popularity:9%

26 Dolphins

D’Andre Swift  RB | Georgia

Mock Draft Popularity:20%

27  Seahawks

Yetur Gross-Matos  EDGE | Penn State

Mock Draft Popularity:29%

28 Ravens

Zack Baun   LB | Wisconsin

Mock Draft Popularity:9%

29 Titans

Austin Jackson  OT | USC

Mock Draft Popularity:8%

30 Packers

Jalen Reagor  WR | TCU

Mock Draft Popularity:10%

31 49ers

Trevon Diggs CB | Alabama

Mock Draft Popularity:12%

32 Chiefs

Cesar Ruiz  C | Michigan

Mock Draft Popularity:10%