Here is the third edition of my 2020 MLB Mock Draft.
1. Detroit Tigers- Spencer Torkelson, First Baseman/Left Fielder, Arizona State: It seems like Torkelson is the overwhelming favorite to go first overall. Torkelson was one of the most-feared hitter in all of college baseball throughout the last three seasons. There is a chance that he also blows through the minors and is in the bigs sooner than people expect.
2. Baltimore Orioles- Austin Martin, Third Baseman/Center Fielder, Vanderbilt: The Orioles have a tough decision as they can go with Martin or the best pitcher in the draft with Asa Lacy. They go with Martin dazzles with a hit tool that is easily plus, utilizing a swing with natural loft and double plus bat speed.
3. Miami Marlins- Asa Lacy, LHP, Texas A&M: The Marlins are happy with whomever falls to them whether it's Lacy or Austin Martin. Lacy is someone that is equipped with a four pitch mix, two of which already grade at plus-or-better (fastball and slider) with another (changeup) seemingly on its way.
4. Kansas City Royals- Zac Veen, Outfielder, Spruce Creek HS (FL): The Royals go with the fast rising prep school prospect here with Veen. Many believe he's the best high school player in the draft and his vision at the plate looks advanced well beyond his age and allows his violent swing to barrel up balls with ease, leading to the hit tool grading at average while projecting better at peak.
5. Toronto Blue Jays- Emerson Hancock, RHP, Georgia: There's a case to be made that Hancock is the best pitcher in the draft, but he probably is the safest bet in terms of pure starting pitchers. Hancock presents the same four pitch mix as Asa Lacy (fastball, slider, curveball, changeup) with less electricity but more command and polish.
6. Seattle Mariners- Reid Detmers, LHP, Louisville: This would be a great selection for the Mariners as they could use more young pitching in their farm system. The curveball is unspeakably good when it’s on, and that’s all of the time. He pounds the strike zone great and is great at getting swings and misses.
7. Pittsburgh Pirates- Nick Gonzalez, Second Baseman, New Mexico State: Gonzales is one of the more interesting prospects as we head closer to the draft. Folks are skeptical of him due to putting up great numbers against lesser competition. Some think Gonzales won’t be able to stick at second base long term, but I see his make up and work ethic being able to keep the elite hit tool he carries at the keystone.
8. San Diego Padres- Robert Hassell III, OF, Independence HS (TN): The Padres are in good shape in terms of their farm system, so they can conceivably go in any direction they'd like. Hassell is someone flying up draft boards due to his pure hitting ability and his bat control.
9. Colorado Rockies- Patrick Bailey, Catcher, NC State: The Rockies could go in a number of directions here with their selection. Bailey is a defense first catcher who's shown great athleticism and a switch hitter that's shown power on both sides with solid tools in front and Bailey brings a special combination of the two.
10. Los Angeles Angels- Max Meyer, LHP, Minnesota: The Angels land a possible steal here with Meyer. A former closer who only started 15 games while at Minnesota presents certain reliever risk due to size and durability concerns, but the question marks are overshadowed by the explosive arsenal Meyer brings to the table.
11. Chicago White Sox- Heston Kjerstad, Outfielder, Arkansas: The White Sox are a team that's a bit of an unknown in terms of what direction they'll likely go, but here I have them taking the talented college outfielder with Kjerstad. He is someone that has a unique, complex left handed swing he brings to the table with double plus raw power who many compare to Philadelphia's Rhys Hoskins.
12. Cincinnati Reds- Austin Hendrick, Outfielder, West Allegheny HS (PA): Hendrick is one of the fast rising prospects as the draft is a week away. Hendrick is perhaps the best power hitting prep player in this draft although there are concerns due to a high number of strikeouts.
13. San Francisco Giants- Cade Cavalli, RHP, Oklahoma: The Giants are an interesting team here with this selection. Cavalli was the ace of the Sooners's staff who people are mixed about. This could be a risky pick due to the flaws he has and injury issues. What makes him intriguing is his ability to strike guys out and his great fastball and a devastating slider.
14. Texas Rangers- Garrett Crochet, LHP, Tennessee: This would be a win for the Rangers as they land a very good college arm with this selection. Inconsistency and an early season injury is what will probably cost him from going higher than this, but with a plus slider and a developing changeup, the Tennessee product has some of the best raw stuff in this class.
15. Philadelphia Phillies- Nick Bitsko, RHP, Central Bucks East HS (PA): This pick would make sense for the Phillies, who could use some young arms in their system and this is a local kid as well. Bitsko is someone that can drop out of the first round due to the lack of information due to the shortened season, but he is just as advanced as any prep arm in the pitch feel department.
16. Chicago Cubs- Mike Abel, RHP, Jesuit HS (OR): Another top prospect who was hurt by the shortened 2020 season is off the board here to the Cubs. The righty has a clean, fluid delivery that offers projection and the potential for him to have three above-average pitches. He has all the makings of being a top-of-the-rotation arm.
17. Boston Red Sox- Garrett Mitchell, Center Fielder, UCLA: Mitchell is a prospect that is dropping in a lot of mock drafts. He is a great athlete and generates a ton of power and speed, but there is risk due to his swing and miss concerns and due to his Type-1 diabetes.
18. Arizona Diamondbacks- Pete-Crow Armstrong, Outfielder, Harvard-Westlake HS (CA): The Diamondbacks go with an upside play here with Armstrong, who could go higher than this. The left-handed-hitting center fielder has five-tool potential and is a prototypical, top-of-the-lineup hitter with the defensive abilities to stick in centerfield.
19. New York Mets- Tanner Burns, RHP, Auburn: The Mets go with the talented college arm in Burns here. He has three above average pitches with his fastball, curveball, changeup and he throws them with solid command. Burns also has great pitching history in the SEC, which matters to a lot of scouts.
20. Milwaukee Brewers- Clayton Beeter, RHP, Texas Tech: The Brewers have perhaps the worst farm system in baseball and they need to nail this pick. Beeter is rising up draft boards due to his big velocity on the fastball and great spin on the out-pitch curveball.
21. St. Louis Cardinals- Ed Howard, Shortstop, Mount Carmel HS (IL): The Cardinals could go in a number of directions here with the selection. Here I have them snagging the talented prep shortstop in Howard, who has ability to make all the plays necessary to stick at shortstop stands out and can seem to cover ground effortlessly without having a plus speed tool.
22. Washington Nationals- JT Ginn, RHP, Mississippi State: Ginn was someone that was drafted a few years ago, but opted to go back to school. Blowing out his elbow and getting Tommy John Surgery is what perhaps cost Ginn to go in the top 10. The Nationals are a team that has a history of taking players with risks, so they continue that track record here.
23. Cleveland Indians- Jared Kelley, RHP, Refugio HS (Texas): The Indians get themselves a steal here with the prep arm in Kelley, who many people think can go in the top fifteen. Many people project Kelley to be a front-line starter and has confidence in his swing-and-miss changeup and displays potential with his slider.
24. Tampa Bay Rays- Nick Loftin, Shortstop, Baylor: The Rays are in great shape farm system wise so they can go in any direction they'd like. Loftin is someone a lot of people feel will go higher than this due to his bat-to-ball skills and his ability to stay up the middle defensively.
25. Atlanta Braves- Chris McMahon, RHP, Miami: The Braves are another team that's in good shape in terms of it's farm system. Here I have them taking the polished righty in McMahon, who flashes an exciting three pitch mix that all possess above-average-or-better qualities.
26. Oakland Athletics- Justin Foscue, Second Baseman, Mississippi State: The Athletics are a team that loves taking college players and here I have them taking one with Foscue. He is someone that has a chance to be an impact hitter, but he is limited defensively.
27. Minnesota Twins- Carmen Mlodzinski, RHP, South Carolina: The Twins have options, but they go with a fascinating pitching prospect in Mlodzinski, who looked amazing in the Cape Cod league, but spotty versus better competition. He has shown flashes with a few good pitches in college, but this is what makes him a wild card in the draft.
28. New York Yankees- Austin Wells, Catcher/Outfielder, Arizona: The Yankees have been linked to college bats this draft season and here I have them snagging a versatile one in Wells. He shows good qualities as a backstop with a big arm and great leadership, but he struggles with breaking balls and doesn’t move particularly well.
29. Los Angeles Dodgers- Jordan Westburg, Third Baseman/Shortstop, Mississippi State: The Dodgers are in excellent shape farm system wise so they can go in any direction they'd like. Westburg is super versatile and possesses above average power and speed, with a decent shot to stick at shortstop defensively to boot.
Wednesday, June 3, 2020
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
2020 MLB Mock Draft: Second Edition
Here is the second edition of my 2020 MLB Mock Draft.
1. Detroit Tigers- Spencer Torkelson, First Baseman/Left Fielder, Arizona State: It seems like Torkelson is the overwhelming favorite to go first overall. Torkelson was one of the most-feared hitter in all of college baseball throughout the last three seasons. There is a chance that he also blows through the minors and is in the bigs sooner than people expect.
2. Baltimore Orioles- Austin Martin, Third Baseman/Center Fielder, Vanderbilt: The Orioles have a tough decision as they can go with Martin or the best pitcher in the draft with Asa Lacy. They go with Martin dazzles with a hit tool that is easily plus, utilizing a swing with natural loft and double plus bat speed.
3. Miami Marlins- Asa Lacy, LHP, Texas A&M: The Marlins are happy with whomever falls to them whether it's Lacy or Austin Martin. Lacy is someone that is equipped with a four pitch mix, two of which already grade at plus-or-better (fastball and slider) with another (changeup) seemingly on its way.
4. Kansas City Royals- Nick Gonzalez, Second Baseman, New Mexico State: Gonzales is one of the more interesting prospects as we head closer to the draft. Folks are skeptical of him due to putting up great numbers against lesser competition. Some think Gonzales won’t be able to stick at second base long term, but I see his make up and work ethic being able to keep the elite hit tool he carries at the keystone.
5. Toronto Blue Jays- Zac Veen, Outfielder, Spruce Creek HS (FL): The Blue Jays could go in a number of directions here with this selection. Veen is the best prep school prospect in this draft class and he has high upside. His vision at the plate looks advanced well beyond his age and allows his violent swing to barrel up balls with ease, leading to the hit tool grading at average while projecting better at peak.
6. Seattle Mariners- Emerson Hancock, RHP, Georgia: There's a case to be made that Hancock is the best pitcher in the draft, but he probably is the safest bet in terms of pure starting pitchers. Hancock presents the same four pitch mix as Asa Lacy (fastball, slider, curveball, changeup) with less electricity but more command and polish.
7. Pittsburgh Pirates- Reid Detmers, LHP, Louisville: This would be a great selection for the Pirates as they need more young pitching in their farm system. The curveball is unspeakably good when it’s on, and that’s all of the time. He pounds the strike zone great and is great at getting swings and misses.
8. San Diego Padres- Max Meyer, LHP, Minnesota: The Padres are a bit of a wild card here with the eighth pick. Here I have them playing it safe and going with the college pitcher in Meyer. A former closer who only started 15 games while at Minnesota presents certain reliever risk due to size and durability concerns, but the question marks are overshadowed by the explosive arsenal Meyer brings to the table.
9. Colorado Rockies- Heston Kjerstad, Outfielder, Arkansas: The Rockies could go in a number of directions here, although I feel they should go with a pitcher. Kjerstad is someone that has a unique, complex left handed swing he brings to the table with double plus raw power who many compare to Philadelphia's Rhys Hoskins.
10. Los Angeles Angels- Cade Cavalli, RHP, Oklahoma: The Angels are an interesting team here with this selection. Cavalli was the ace of the Sooners's staff who people are mixed about. This could be a risky pick due to the flaws he has and injury issues. What makes him intriguing is his ability to strike guys out and his great fastball and a devastating slider.
11. Chicago White Sox- Patrick Bailey, Catcher, NC State: The White Sox could go in a number of directions here with their selection. Bailey is a defense first catcher who's shown great athleticism and a switch hitter that's shown power on both sides with solid tools in front and Bailey brings a special combination of the two.
12. Cincinnati Reds- Garrett Mitchell, Center Fielder, UCLA: The Reds could go in a numerous different directions here, but here I have them making an upside play. Mitchell is a game-changer with a truly-elite speed tool, Mitchell is capable of making a legitimate impact on the bases while also being a plus defender in center field.
13. San Francisco Giants- Mike Abel, RHP, Jesuit HS (OR): A top prospect who was hurt by the shortened 2020 season is off the board here to San Francisco. The righty has a clean, fluid delivery that offers projection and the potential for him to have three above-average pitches. He has all the makings of being a top-of-the-rotation arm.
14. Texas Rangers- Garrett Crochet, LHP, Tennessee: This would be a win for the Rangers as they land a very good college arm with this selection. Inconsistency and an early season injury is what will probably cost him from going higher than this, but with a plus slider and a developing changeup, the Tennessee product has some of the best raw stuff in this class.
15. Philadelphia Phillies- Robert Hassell III, OF, Independence HS (TN): The Phillies have options here with this selection and here I have a talented outfielder falling to them. Hassell may present the best hit tool from any prep in this year’s class, including the guys picked ahead of him. He brings it with a compact left handed swing with plus bat control, allowing him to control the strike zone better than most players his age.
16. Chicago Cubs- Tyler Soderstrom, Catcher/Outfielder, Turlock HS (CA): The Cubs have depth in their organization at the catcher position, but I have them selecting Soderstrom here. He is very well rounded and is known for his offensive game. He has quick hands that generate bat speed, which allows him to consistently barrel up pitches from the left side of the plate.
17. Boston Red Sox- Austin Hendrick, Outfielder, West Allegheny HS (PA): The Sox are an interesting team here in the first round and I have them snagging Hendrick, who I had going higher in my first mock. Hendrick is a free swinger who gets full extension when he sees a ball he wants leads to some swing and miss concerns, but he does have good hand placement on the bat.
18. Arizona Diamondbacks- Pete-Crow Armstrong, Outfielder, Harvard-Westlake HS (CA): The Diamondbacks go with an upside play here with Armstrong, who could go higher than this. The left-handed-hitting center fielder has five-tool potential and is a prototypical, top-of-the-lineup hitter with the defensive abilities to stick in centerfield.
19. New York Mets- Jared Kelley, RHP, Refugio HS (Texas): The Mets get themselves a steal here with the prep arm in Kelley. Many people project Kelley to be a front-line starter and has confidence in his swing-and-miss changeup and displays potential with his slider.
20. Milwaukee Brewers- Cole Wilcox, RHP, Georgia: Wilcox is one of the more underrated arms in this class and the Brewers would gladly take him here as he would instantly become their best pitching prospect. Wilcox leans on two plus pitches in the fastball and slider, but he is only a sophomore that doesn't have much starting experience.
21. St. Louis Cardinals- Carmen Mlodzinski, RHP, South Carolina: The Cardinals have options, but they go with a fascinating pitching prospect in Mlodzinski, who looked amazing in the Cape Cod league, but spotty versus better competition. He has shown flashes with a few good pitches in college, but this is what makes him a wild card in the draft.
22. Washington Nationals- Slade Cecconi, RHP, Miami: The Nationals have been heavily linked to college arms and I have them snagging one here with Cecconi. Many people project Cecconi to be a reliever in the future and his pure stuff measures up against a lot of other college arms.
23. Cleveland Indians- Tanner Burns, RHP, Auburn: Here goes another college arm off the board as the Indians snag one here with Burns. He has three above average pitches with his fastball, curveball, changeup and he throws them with solid command.
24. Tampa Bay Rays- Casey Martin, Shortstop, Arkansas: The Rays are a team that are in excellent shape in terms of their farm system so they aren't under pressure to go in a certain direction. He has blazing speed and above-average power, although there's questions about his hitting ability and has the skills to stick at shortstop and also would profile well in center field if he was moved out of the infield.
25. Atlanta Braves- Chris McMahon, RHP, Miami: The Braves are another team that's in good shape in terms of it's farm system. Here I have them taking the polished righty in McMahon, who flashes an exciting three pitch mix that all possess above-average-or-better qualities.
26. Oakland Athletics- Dylan Crews, Outfielder, Lake Mary HS (FL): Crews is another one of these intriguing high school prospects that have high upside. He has lightning-quick hands allow him to show plus raw power from the right side of the plate.
27. Minnesota Twins- Ed Howard, Shortstop, Mount Carmel HS (IL): The Twins should be targeting a pitcher with this selection, but instead I have them taking Howard. Howard's ability to make all the plays necessary to stick at shortstop stands out and can seem to cover ground effortlessly without having a plus speed tool.
28. New York Yankees- Daniel Cabrera, Outfielder, LSU: The Yankees are in an interesting spot since their farm system isn't what it was three-four years ago. Here they go with Cabrera, who doesn’t blow you away in any facet of his game, but his hit tool could reach plus at peak, and you can’t find anything within the profile that grades worse than average.
29. Los Angeles Dodgers- Nick Loftin, Shortstop, Baylor: The Dodgers are in excellent shape farm system wise so they can go in any direction they'd like. Loftin is someone a lot of people feel will go higher than this due to his bat-to-ball skills and his ability to stay up the middle defensively.
1. Detroit Tigers- Spencer Torkelson, First Baseman/Left Fielder, Arizona State: It seems like Torkelson is the overwhelming favorite to go first overall. Torkelson was one of the most-feared hitter in all of college baseball throughout the last three seasons. There is a chance that he also blows through the minors and is in the bigs sooner than people expect.
2. Baltimore Orioles- Austin Martin, Third Baseman/Center Fielder, Vanderbilt: The Orioles have a tough decision as they can go with Martin or the best pitcher in the draft with Asa Lacy. They go with Martin dazzles with a hit tool that is easily plus, utilizing a swing with natural loft and double plus bat speed.
3. Miami Marlins- Asa Lacy, LHP, Texas A&M: The Marlins are happy with whomever falls to them whether it's Lacy or Austin Martin. Lacy is someone that is equipped with a four pitch mix, two of which already grade at plus-or-better (fastball and slider) with another (changeup) seemingly on its way.
4. Kansas City Royals- Nick Gonzalez, Second Baseman, New Mexico State: Gonzales is one of the more interesting prospects as we head closer to the draft. Folks are skeptical of him due to putting up great numbers against lesser competition. Some think Gonzales won’t be able to stick at second base long term, but I see his make up and work ethic being able to keep the elite hit tool he carries at the keystone.
5. Toronto Blue Jays- Zac Veen, Outfielder, Spruce Creek HS (FL): The Blue Jays could go in a number of directions here with this selection. Veen is the best prep school prospect in this draft class and he has high upside. His vision at the plate looks advanced well beyond his age and allows his violent swing to barrel up balls with ease, leading to the hit tool grading at average while projecting better at peak.
6. Seattle Mariners- Emerson Hancock, RHP, Georgia: There's a case to be made that Hancock is the best pitcher in the draft, but he probably is the safest bet in terms of pure starting pitchers. Hancock presents the same four pitch mix as Asa Lacy (fastball, slider, curveball, changeup) with less electricity but more command and polish.
7. Pittsburgh Pirates- Reid Detmers, LHP, Louisville: This would be a great selection for the Pirates as they need more young pitching in their farm system. The curveball is unspeakably good when it’s on, and that’s all of the time. He pounds the strike zone great and is great at getting swings and misses.
8. San Diego Padres- Max Meyer, LHP, Minnesota: The Padres are a bit of a wild card here with the eighth pick. Here I have them playing it safe and going with the college pitcher in Meyer. A former closer who only started 15 games while at Minnesota presents certain reliever risk due to size and durability concerns, but the question marks are overshadowed by the explosive arsenal Meyer brings to the table.
9. Colorado Rockies- Heston Kjerstad, Outfielder, Arkansas: The Rockies could go in a number of directions here, although I feel they should go with a pitcher. Kjerstad is someone that has a unique, complex left handed swing he brings to the table with double plus raw power who many compare to Philadelphia's Rhys Hoskins.
10. Los Angeles Angels- Cade Cavalli, RHP, Oklahoma: The Angels are an interesting team here with this selection. Cavalli was the ace of the Sooners's staff who people are mixed about. This could be a risky pick due to the flaws he has and injury issues. What makes him intriguing is his ability to strike guys out and his great fastball and a devastating slider.
11. Chicago White Sox- Patrick Bailey, Catcher, NC State: The White Sox could go in a number of directions here with their selection. Bailey is a defense first catcher who's shown great athleticism and a switch hitter that's shown power on both sides with solid tools in front and Bailey brings a special combination of the two.
12. Cincinnati Reds- Garrett Mitchell, Center Fielder, UCLA: The Reds could go in a numerous different directions here, but here I have them making an upside play. Mitchell is a game-changer with a truly-elite speed tool, Mitchell is capable of making a legitimate impact on the bases while also being a plus defender in center field.
13. San Francisco Giants- Mike Abel, RHP, Jesuit HS (OR): A top prospect who was hurt by the shortened 2020 season is off the board here to San Francisco. The righty has a clean, fluid delivery that offers projection and the potential for him to have three above-average pitches. He has all the makings of being a top-of-the-rotation arm.
14. Texas Rangers- Garrett Crochet, LHP, Tennessee: This would be a win for the Rangers as they land a very good college arm with this selection. Inconsistency and an early season injury is what will probably cost him from going higher than this, but with a plus slider and a developing changeup, the Tennessee product has some of the best raw stuff in this class.
15. Philadelphia Phillies- Robert Hassell III, OF, Independence HS (TN): The Phillies have options here with this selection and here I have a talented outfielder falling to them. Hassell may present the best hit tool from any prep in this year’s class, including the guys picked ahead of him. He brings it with a compact left handed swing with plus bat control, allowing him to control the strike zone better than most players his age.
16. Chicago Cubs- Tyler Soderstrom, Catcher/Outfielder, Turlock HS (CA): The Cubs have depth in their organization at the catcher position, but I have them selecting Soderstrom here. He is very well rounded and is known for his offensive game. He has quick hands that generate bat speed, which allows him to consistently barrel up pitches from the left side of the plate.
17. Boston Red Sox- Austin Hendrick, Outfielder, West Allegheny HS (PA): The Sox are an interesting team here in the first round and I have them snagging Hendrick, who I had going higher in my first mock. Hendrick is a free swinger who gets full extension when he sees a ball he wants leads to some swing and miss concerns, but he does have good hand placement on the bat.
18. Arizona Diamondbacks- Pete-Crow Armstrong, Outfielder, Harvard-Westlake HS (CA): The Diamondbacks go with an upside play here with Armstrong, who could go higher than this. The left-handed-hitting center fielder has five-tool potential and is a prototypical, top-of-the-lineup hitter with the defensive abilities to stick in centerfield.
19. New York Mets- Jared Kelley, RHP, Refugio HS (Texas): The Mets get themselves a steal here with the prep arm in Kelley. Many people project Kelley to be a front-line starter and has confidence in his swing-and-miss changeup and displays potential with his slider.
20. Milwaukee Brewers- Cole Wilcox, RHP, Georgia: Wilcox is one of the more underrated arms in this class and the Brewers would gladly take him here as he would instantly become their best pitching prospect. Wilcox leans on two plus pitches in the fastball and slider, but he is only a sophomore that doesn't have much starting experience.
21. St. Louis Cardinals- Carmen Mlodzinski, RHP, South Carolina: The Cardinals have options, but they go with a fascinating pitching prospect in Mlodzinski, who looked amazing in the Cape Cod league, but spotty versus better competition. He has shown flashes with a few good pitches in college, but this is what makes him a wild card in the draft.
22. Washington Nationals- Slade Cecconi, RHP, Miami: The Nationals have been heavily linked to college arms and I have them snagging one here with Cecconi. Many people project Cecconi to be a reliever in the future and his pure stuff measures up against a lot of other college arms.
23. Cleveland Indians- Tanner Burns, RHP, Auburn: Here goes another college arm off the board as the Indians snag one here with Burns. He has three above average pitches with his fastball, curveball, changeup and he throws them with solid command.
24. Tampa Bay Rays- Casey Martin, Shortstop, Arkansas: The Rays are a team that are in excellent shape in terms of their farm system so they aren't under pressure to go in a certain direction. He has blazing speed and above-average power, although there's questions about his hitting ability and has the skills to stick at shortstop and also would profile well in center field if he was moved out of the infield.
25. Atlanta Braves- Chris McMahon, RHP, Miami: The Braves are another team that's in good shape in terms of it's farm system. Here I have them taking the polished righty in McMahon, who flashes an exciting three pitch mix that all possess above-average-or-better qualities.
26. Oakland Athletics- Dylan Crews, Outfielder, Lake Mary HS (FL): Crews is another one of these intriguing high school prospects that have high upside. He has lightning-quick hands allow him to show plus raw power from the right side of the plate.
27. Minnesota Twins- Ed Howard, Shortstop, Mount Carmel HS (IL): The Twins should be targeting a pitcher with this selection, but instead I have them taking Howard. Howard's ability to make all the plays necessary to stick at shortstop stands out and can seem to cover ground effortlessly without having a plus speed tool.
28. New York Yankees- Daniel Cabrera, Outfielder, LSU: The Yankees are in an interesting spot since their farm system isn't what it was three-four years ago. Here they go with Cabrera, who doesn’t blow you away in any facet of his game, but his hit tool could reach plus at peak, and you can’t find anything within the profile that grades worse than average.
29. Los Angeles Dodgers- Nick Loftin, Shortstop, Baylor: The Dodgers are in excellent shape farm system wise so they can go in any direction they'd like. Loftin is someone a lot of people feel will go higher than this due to his bat-to-ball skills and his ability to stay up the middle defensively.
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
2020 MLB Mock Draft: First Edition
Here is the first edition of my 2020 MLB Mock Draft.
1. Detroit Tigers- Spencer Torkelson, First Baseman/Left Fielder, Arizona State: It seems like Torkelson is the overwhelming favorite to go first overall. Torkelson was one of the most-feared hitter in all of college baseball throughout the last three seasons. There is a chance that he also blows through the minors and is in the bigs sooner than people expect.
2. Baltimore Orioles- Austin Martin, Third Baseman/Center Fielder, Vanderbilt: The Orioles have a tough decision as they can go with Martin or the best pitcher in the draft with Asa Lacy. They go with Martin dazzles with a hit tool that is easily plus, utilizing a swing with natural loft and double plus bat speed.
3. Miami Marlins- Asa Lacy, LHP, Texas A&M: The Marlins are happy with whomever falls to them whether it's Lacy or Austin Martin. Lacy is someone that is equipped with a four pitch mix, two of which already grade at plus-or-better (fastball and slider) with another (changeup) seemingly on its way.
4. Kansas City Royals- Nick Gonzalez, Second Baseman, New Mexico State: Gonzales is one of the more interesting prospects as we head closer to the draft. Folks are skeptical of him due to putting up great numbers against lesser competition. Some think Gonzales won’t be able to stick at second base long term, but I see his make up and work ethic being able to keep the elite hit tool he carries at the keystone.
5. Toronto Blue Jays- Emerson Hancock, RHP, Georgia: There's a case to be made that Hancock is the best pitcher in the draft, but he probably is the safest bet in terms of pure starting pitchers. Hancock presents the same four pitch mix as Asa Lacy (fastball, slider, curveball, changeup) with less electricity but more command and polish.
6. Seattle Mariners- Garrett Mitchell, Center Fielder, UCLA: The Mariners could go in a numerous different directions here. Mitchell is a game-changer with a truly-elite speed tool, Mitchell is capable of making a legitimate impact on the bases while also being a plus defender in center field.
7. Pittsburgh Pirates- Zac Veen, Outfielder, Spruce Creek HS (FL): The Pirates could go in a number of directions here depending on how the board falls. Here I have them taking perhaps the best high school prospect in the draft in Veen, who has tremendous upside. His vision at the plate looks advanced well beyond his age and allows his violent swing to barrel up balls with ease, leading to the hit tool grading at average while projecting better at peak.
8. San Diego Padres- Max Meyer, LHP, Minnesota: The Padres are a bit of a wild card here with the eighth pick. Here I have them playing it safe and going with the college pitcher in Meyer. A former closer who only started 15 games while at Minnesota presents certain reliever risk due to size and durability concerns, but the question marks are overshadowed by the explosive arsenal Meyer brings to the table.
9. Colorado Rockies- Reid Detmers, LHP, Louisville: The Rockies have to be thrilled with Detmers falling to them at this spot. The curveball is unspeakably good when it’s on, and that’s all of the time. He pounds the strike zone great and is great at getting swings and misses. He'd instantly become the best pitcher in the Rockies farm system.
10. Los Angeles Angels- Patrick Bailey, Catcher, NC State: The Angels could go in a number of directions here with their selection. Here I have them addressing a longterm need at catcher taking the best catcher in the draft with Bailey. He's a switch hitting backstop with solid tools in front and Bailey brings a special combination of the two.
11. Chicago White Sox- Austin Hendrick, Outfielder, West Allegheny HS (PA): The White Sox are another team that is a wild card and their choice is dependent on how the board breaks. Hendrick is a free swinger who gets full extension when he sees a ball he wants leads to some swing and miss concerns, but he does have good hand placement on the bat.
12. Cincinnati Reds- Mike Abel, RHP, Jesuit HS (OR): The first top prospect who was hurt by the shortened 2020 season is finally off the board here to Cincinnati. Abel has a great two-pitch combination with his fastball and slider which would add to a stronger pitching side of the Reds farm system that includes Nick Lodolo and Hunter Greene.
13. San Francisco Giants- Heston Kjerstad, Outfielder, Arkansas: The Giants could go in a number of directions here. Kjerstad is someone that has a unique, complex left handed swing he brings to the table with double plus raw power who many compare to Philadelphia's Rhys Hoskins.
14. Texas Rangers- Jared Kelley, RHP, Refugio HS (Texas): The Rangers would gladly scoop up the in-state kid here at fourteen. He's hard throwing and has solid command as well as a plus changeup that sits 82-84 to keep hitters uncomfortable at the plate.
15. Philadelphia Phillies- Robert Hassell III, OF, Independence HS (TN): The Phillies have options here with this selection and here I have a talented outfielder falling to them. Hassell may present the best hit tool from any prep in this year’s class, including the guys picked ahead of him. He brings it with a compact left handed swing with plus bat control, allowing him to control the strike zone better than most players his age.
16. Chicago Cubs- Garrett Crochet, LHP, Tennessee: This would be a win for the Cubbies as a very good college arm falls to them here at this spot. Inconsistency and an early season injury is what will probably cost him from going higher than this, but with a plus slider and a developing changeup, the Tennessee product has some of the best raw stuff in this class.
17. Boston Red Sox- Cade Cavalli, RHP, Oklahoma: The Sox are another team that benefits as another solid college arm falls here to seventeen. This could be a risky pick due to the flaws he has and injury issues. What makes him intriguing is his ability to strike guys out and his great fastball and a devastating slider.
18. Arizona Diamondbacks- Ed Howard, Shortstop, Mount Carmel HS (IL): The irony of this projected selection is that the Diamondbacks selected Howard's former teammate Alek Thomas two years ago. Howard's ability to make all the plays necessary to stick at shortstop stands out and can seem to cover ground effortlessly without having a plus speed tool.
19. New York Mets- Nick Bitsko, RHP, Central Bucks East HS (PA): Many mocks have the Mets selecting a catcher, where they have a surplus in their system. Here I have them taking a high school arm in Bitsko, who is still seventeen years old and he’s just as advanced as any prep arm in the pitch feel department.
20. Milwaukee Brewers- Tyler Sodersrtom, Catcher/Outfielder, Turlock HS (CA): The Brewers have arguably the worst farm system in the league so they have to nail this draft. Sodersrtom is the best prep catcher in this class and is one of the best overall bats in the prep class, showing massive raw power and loud contact from a smooth left-handed swing.
21. St. Louis Cardinals- Pete-Crow Armstrong, Outfielder, Harvard-Westlake HS (CA): This would be the typical Cardinals type of pick as they are thrilled he's still here at twenty one. Armstrong is a prototypical, top-of-the-lineup hitter with the defensive abilities to stick in centerfield.
22. Washington Nationals- Cole Wilcox, RHP, Georgia: Wilcox is one of the more underrated arms in this class and the Nats would gladly take him here. Wilcox leans on two plus pitches in the fastball and slider, but he is only a sophomore that doesn't have much starting experience.
23. Cleveland Indians- Tanner Burns, RHP, Auburn: Here goes another college arm off the board as the Indians snag one here with Burns. He has three above average pitches with his fastball, curveball, changeup and he throws them with solid command.
24. Tampa Bay Rays- Austin Wells, Catcher/Outfielder, Arizona: The Rays farm system as we know is absolutely loaded and really don't have a need that stands out. Here I have them rolling with Wells, who shows good qualities as a backstop with a big arm and great leadership, but he struggles with breaking balls and doesn’t move particularly well.
25. Atlanta Braves- Chris McMahon, RHP, Miami: The Braves are another team that's in good shape in terms of it's farm system. Here I have them taking the polished righty in McMahon, who flashes an exciting three pitch mix that all possess above-average-or-better qualities.
26. Oakland Athletics- Dylan Crews, Outfielder, Lake Mary HS (FL): Crews is another one of these intriguing high school prospects that have high upside. He has lightning-quick hands allow him to show plus raw power from the right side of the plate.
27. Minnesota Twins- Carmen Mlodzinski, RHP, South Carolina: The Twins have options, but they go with a fascinating pitching prospect in Mlodzinski, who looked amazing in the Cape Cod league, but spotty versus better competition. He has shown flashes with a few good pitches in college, but this is what makes him a wild card in the draft.
28. New York Yankees- Daniel Cabrera, Outfielder, LSU: The Yankees are in an interesting spot since their farm system isn't what it was three-four years ago. Here they go with Cabrera, who doesn’t blow you away in any facet of his game, but his hit tool could reach plus at peak, and you can’t find anything within the profile that grades worse than average.
29. Los Angeles Dodgers- Jordan Westburg, Third Baseman/Shortstop, Mississippi State: The Dodgers are in excellent shape farm system wise so they can go in any direction they'd like. Westburg is super versatile and possesses above average power and speed, with a decent shot to stick at shortstop defensively to boot.
1. Detroit Tigers- Spencer Torkelson, First Baseman/Left Fielder, Arizona State: It seems like Torkelson is the overwhelming favorite to go first overall. Torkelson was one of the most-feared hitter in all of college baseball throughout the last three seasons. There is a chance that he also blows through the minors and is in the bigs sooner than people expect.
2. Baltimore Orioles- Austin Martin, Third Baseman/Center Fielder, Vanderbilt: The Orioles have a tough decision as they can go with Martin or the best pitcher in the draft with Asa Lacy. They go with Martin dazzles with a hit tool that is easily plus, utilizing a swing with natural loft and double plus bat speed.
3. Miami Marlins- Asa Lacy, LHP, Texas A&M: The Marlins are happy with whomever falls to them whether it's Lacy or Austin Martin. Lacy is someone that is equipped with a four pitch mix, two of which already grade at plus-or-better (fastball and slider) with another (changeup) seemingly on its way.
4. Kansas City Royals- Nick Gonzalez, Second Baseman, New Mexico State: Gonzales is one of the more interesting prospects as we head closer to the draft. Folks are skeptical of him due to putting up great numbers against lesser competition. Some think Gonzales won’t be able to stick at second base long term, but I see his make up and work ethic being able to keep the elite hit tool he carries at the keystone.
5. Toronto Blue Jays- Emerson Hancock, RHP, Georgia: There's a case to be made that Hancock is the best pitcher in the draft, but he probably is the safest bet in terms of pure starting pitchers. Hancock presents the same four pitch mix as Asa Lacy (fastball, slider, curveball, changeup) with less electricity but more command and polish.
6. Seattle Mariners- Garrett Mitchell, Center Fielder, UCLA: The Mariners could go in a numerous different directions here. Mitchell is a game-changer with a truly-elite speed tool, Mitchell is capable of making a legitimate impact on the bases while also being a plus defender in center field.
7. Pittsburgh Pirates- Zac Veen, Outfielder, Spruce Creek HS (FL): The Pirates could go in a number of directions here depending on how the board falls. Here I have them taking perhaps the best high school prospect in the draft in Veen, who has tremendous upside. His vision at the plate looks advanced well beyond his age and allows his violent swing to barrel up balls with ease, leading to the hit tool grading at average while projecting better at peak.
8. San Diego Padres- Max Meyer, LHP, Minnesota: The Padres are a bit of a wild card here with the eighth pick. Here I have them playing it safe and going with the college pitcher in Meyer. A former closer who only started 15 games while at Minnesota presents certain reliever risk due to size and durability concerns, but the question marks are overshadowed by the explosive arsenal Meyer brings to the table.
9. Colorado Rockies- Reid Detmers, LHP, Louisville: The Rockies have to be thrilled with Detmers falling to them at this spot. The curveball is unspeakably good when it’s on, and that’s all of the time. He pounds the strike zone great and is great at getting swings and misses. He'd instantly become the best pitcher in the Rockies farm system.
10. Los Angeles Angels- Patrick Bailey, Catcher, NC State: The Angels could go in a number of directions here with their selection. Here I have them addressing a longterm need at catcher taking the best catcher in the draft with Bailey. He's a switch hitting backstop with solid tools in front and Bailey brings a special combination of the two.
11. Chicago White Sox- Austin Hendrick, Outfielder, West Allegheny HS (PA): The White Sox are another team that is a wild card and their choice is dependent on how the board breaks. Hendrick is a free swinger who gets full extension when he sees a ball he wants leads to some swing and miss concerns, but he does have good hand placement on the bat.
12. Cincinnati Reds- Mike Abel, RHP, Jesuit HS (OR): The first top prospect who was hurt by the shortened 2020 season is finally off the board here to Cincinnati. Abel has a great two-pitch combination with his fastball and slider which would add to a stronger pitching side of the Reds farm system that includes Nick Lodolo and Hunter Greene.
13. San Francisco Giants- Heston Kjerstad, Outfielder, Arkansas: The Giants could go in a number of directions here. Kjerstad is someone that has a unique, complex left handed swing he brings to the table with double plus raw power who many compare to Philadelphia's Rhys Hoskins.
14. Texas Rangers- Jared Kelley, RHP, Refugio HS (Texas): The Rangers would gladly scoop up the in-state kid here at fourteen. He's hard throwing and has solid command as well as a plus changeup that sits 82-84 to keep hitters uncomfortable at the plate.
15. Philadelphia Phillies- Robert Hassell III, OF, Independence HS (TN): The Phillies have options here with this selection and here I have a talented outfielder falling to them. Hassell may present the best hit tool from any prep in this year’s class, including the guys picked ahead of him. He brings it with a compact left handed swing with plus bat control, allowing him to control the strike zone better than most players his age.
16. Chicago Cubs- Garrett Crochet, LHP, Tennessee: This would be a win for the Cubbies as a very good college arm falls to them here at this spot. Inconsistency and an early season injury is what will probably cost him from going higher than this, but with a plus slider and a developing changeup, the Tennessee product has some of the best raw stuff in this class.
17. Boston Red Sox- Cade Cavalli, RHP, Oklahoma: The Sox are another team that benefits as another solid college arm falls here to seventeen. This could be a risky pick due to the flaws he has and injury issues. What makes him intriguing is his ability to strike guys out and his great fastball and a devastating slider.
18. Arizona Diamondbacks- Ed Howard, Shortstop, Mount Carmel HS (IL): The irony of this projected selection is that the Diamondbacks selected Howard's former teammate Alek Thomas two years ago. Howard's ability to make all the plays necessary to stick at shortstop stands out and can seem to cover ground effortlessly without having a plus speed tool.
19. New York Mets- Nick Bitsko, RHP, Central Bucks East HS (PA): Many mocks have the Mets selecting a catcher, where they have a surplus in their system. Here I have them taking a high school arm in Bitsko, who is still seventeen years old and he’s just as advanced as any prep arm in the pitch feel department.
20. Milwaukee Brewers- Tyler Sodersrtom, Catcher/Outfielder, Turlock HS (CA): The Brewers have arguably the worst farm system in the league so they have to nail this draft. Sodersrtom is the best prep catcher in this class and is one of the best overall bats in the prep class, showing massive raw power and loud contact from a smooth left-handed swing.
21. St. Louis Cardinals- Pete-Crow Armstrong, Outfielder, Harvard-Westlake HS (CA): This would be the typical Cardinals type of pick as they are thrilled he's still here at twenty one. Armstrong is a prototypical, top-of-the-lineup hitter with the defensive abilities to stick in centerfield.
22. Washington Nationals- Cole Wilcox, RHP, Georgia: Wilcox is one of the more underrated arms in this class and the Nats would gladly take him here. Wilcox leans on two plus pitches in the fastball and slider, but he is only a sophomore that doesn't have much starting experience.
23. Cleveland Indians- Tanner Burns, RHP, Auburn: Here goes another college arm off the board as the Indians snag one here with Burns. He has three above average pitches with his fastball, curveball, changeup and he throws them with solid command.
24. Tampa Bay Rays- Austin Wells, Catcher/Outfielder, Arizona: The Rays farm system as we know is absolutely loaded and really don't have a need that stands out. Here I have them rolling with Wells, who shows good qualities as a backstop with a big arm and great leadership, but he struggles with breaking balls and doesn’t move particularly well.
25. Atlanta Braves- Chris McMahon, RHP, Miami: The Braves are another team that's in good shape in terms of it's farm system. Here I have them taking the polished righty in McMahon, who flashes an exciting three pitch mix that all possess above-average-or-better qualities.
26. Oakland Athletics- Dylan Crews, Outfielder, Lake Mary HS (FL): Crews is another one of these intriguing high school prospects that have high upside. He has lightning-quick hands allow him to show plus raw power from the right side of the plate.
27. Minnesota Twins- Carmen Mlodzinski, RHP, South Carolina: The Twins have options, but they go with a fascinating pitching prospect in Mlodzinski, who looked amazing in the Cape Cod league, but spotty versus better competition. He has shown flashes with a few good pitches in college, but this is what makes him a wild card in the draft.
28. New York Yankees- Daniel Cabrera, Outfielder, LSU: The Yankees are in an interesting spot since their farm system isn't what it was three-four years ago. Here they go with Cabrera, who doesn’t blow you away in any facet of his game, but his hit tool could reach plus at peak, and you can’t find anything within the profile that grades worse than average.
29. Los Angeles Dodgers- Jordan Westburg, Third Baseman/Shortstop, Mississippi State: The Dodgers are in excellent shape farm system wise so they can go in any direction they'd like. Westburg is super versatile and possesses above average power and speed, with a decent shot to stick at shortstop defensively to boot.
Thursday, April 23, 2020
2020 NFL Mock Draft: Final Edition
Here is the final edition of my 2020 NFL Mock Draft.
1. Cincinnati Bengals- Joe Burrow, Quarterback, LSU: After what was a breakout season which led to a Heisman Trophy, Burrow emerged as the favorite to go first overall in this upcoming draft. The Bengals want to move on from Andy Dalton and start fresh here with Burrow, who second year coach Zac Taylor could help develop into the franchise quarterback the team is looking for.
2. Washington Redskins- Chase Young, Defensive End, Ohio State: Young is the best player in this draft and he falls one spot due to the Bengals quarterback need. The Redskins need a lot of young talent on both ends of the ball and Young would have an immediate impact in the league chasing the likes of Dak Prescott, Carson Wentz, and Daniel Jones twice a season.
3. Detroit Lions- Jeff Okudah, Cornerback, Ohio State: This is an interesting spot because this is a spot where someone could trade up for a quarterback and the Lions could get a nice haul back. The Lions are a team that's in dire need of secondary help after the trading of Darius Slay and Okudah is the best defensive back in the draft, although you can argue they should take Derrick Brown of Auburn due to their need on the interior of their defensive line.
4. New York Giants- Jedric Wills Jr, Offensive Tackle, Alabama: The Giants have some options here as they can select a tackle, Isaiah Simmons, or they can trade down and stack more assets and the latter is what the Giants would like to do. Wills is somebody that can come in and start right away and help protect Daniel Jones and he could move to left tackle in the future.
5. Miami Dolphins- Justin Herbert, Quarterback, Oregon: There's always a saying "when there's smoke, there's fire". That feels like the case here as the Dolphins pass on Tua Tagovailoa for Herbert due to the health concerns of Tua, who they loved a year ago. Herbert could have declared last season but stayed at school one more season to try to improve his stock, but I feel that he would have been a first round pick last season too.
6. Los Angeles Chargers- Tua Tagovailoa, Quarterback, Alabama: The Chargers take their chances and select Tagovailoa after the Dolphins select Herbert. Tua was the consensus number one overall pick and prospect in this draft before his hip fracture in November and if he proves to stay healthy and is the same guy he was before the injuries, the Chargers land themselves a franchise guy.
7. Carolina Panthers- Isaiah Simmons, Linebacker, Clemson: The Panthers have a tough call here between Simmons and Derrick Brown. Here I have them taking Simmons, who can play literally anywhere on the defensive side of the ball and he can play multiple positions well.
8. Arizona Cardinals- Derrick Brown, Defensive Tackle, Auburn: The Cardinals have a hard decision here whether to take a tackle to protect Kyler Murray or to take Brown. Here I have them taking Brown, who fills an important need on the interior of their defensive line.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars- Tristian Wirfs, Offensive Tackle, Iowa: This is a pick that's very likely to be traded whether the Jags trade up to get perhaps a quarterback or down to gain more assets for their rebuild. If they stand pat, they have a ton of options and here I have them snagging Wirfs, who is super clean and would help protect whomever starts at quarterback for the Jaguars.
10. Cleveland Browns- Andrew Thomas, Offensive Tackle, Georgia: The Browns now have their choice of left tackles to chose from to put opposite of free agent addition Jack Conklin. Thomas is someone that I had going much higher than this when I did my first mock draft about three months ago, but his stock has dropped perhaps due to a footwork flaw.
11. New York Jets- Cee Dee Lamb, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma: The Jets could go wide receiver to give Sam Darnold a much needed top receiver or take a lineman if one of the ones they like falls to them to protect Darnold. Lamb is someone that has high upside that has great hands, body control, and is a solid route runner.
12. Las Vegas Raiders- Jerry Jeudy, Wide Receiver, Alabama: Jon Gruden is doing back flips as Jeudy falls into his lap. He is a fantastic route runner and many folks have drawn comparisons to Calvin Johnson due to his tremendous upside. He'd certainly turn into Derek Carr's top option.
13. San Francisco 49ers (from Indianapolis Colts)- Henry Ruggs III, Wide Receiver, Alabama: The Niners have some options here and they take the talented receiver. Ruggs is someone that would be a nice fit in Kyle Shanahan's offense with his solid route running and the fact he is clean and does the little things.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Mehki Becton, Offensive Tackle, Louisville: The Bucs snag the talented lineman here as he falls to them. There is a chance that Becton falls further than this due to his failed drug test, but I would be surprised if he fell further than this. Tom Brady needs protection and Becton has tremendous upside although he has technique issues.
15. Denver Broncos- Javon Kinlaw, Defensive Lineman, South Carolina: With the top three receivers off the board, the Broncos look to the defensive side of the ball and snag the versatile Kinlaw. Kinlaw would be a great fit here playing next to the newly acquired Jurrell Casey.
16. Atlanta Falcons- CJ Henderson, Cornerback, Florida: The consensus at this point is that the Falcons are poised to trade up and select Henderson, who could end up going in the top ten. Henderson has tremendous upside and there's people that feel he is the best corner in the draft and not Jeff Okudah. Henderson would be a great replacement for Desmond Trufant.
17. Dallas Cowboys- K'Lavon Chaisson, Defensive End, LSU: Edge rush and cornerback are two of the Cowboys biggest needs after Byron Jones and Robert Quinn bolted as free agents. They choose to go with Chaisson to pair along side DeMarcus Lawrence, who is raw but was a sack machine in college.
18. Miami Dolphins (from Pittsburgh Steelers)- Josh Jones, Offensive Tackle, Houston: As bad as the Dolphins need offensive line reinforcements, taking Jones here would be a reach. Jones was a four year starter in college and he has great movement as well as the length and feet to succeed in the league.
19. Las Vegas Raiders (from Chicago Bears)- Kristian Fulton, Cornerback, LSU: With their second first rounder the Silver and Black address their secondary and take Fulton. Fulton is very talented, is super clean with how he plays, and he can come in and start right away.
20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Los Angeles Rams)- AJ Terrell, Cornerback, Clemson: The Jaguars with their second first rounder could go in a number of directions too, and here I have them selecting the talented corner in Terrell to help fill the voids left by Jalen Ramsey and AJ. Boyue. Terrell is someone that is long and athletic and could possibly go higher than this.
21. Philadelphia Eagles- Justin Jefferson, Wide Receiver, LSU: The city of Philadelphia does a sigh of relief as they snag the talented receiver in Jefferson, who many people (including myself) has made this mock selection a lot. Jefferson is someone that shined in big games last year in college catching passes from Joe Burrow.
22. Minnesota Vikings (from Buffalo Bills)- Jaylon Johnson, Cornerback, Utah: Johnson is one of the fast rising corners as we head closer to the draft. With Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes, and Mackensie Alexander all gone, the Vikings fill a major need with someone that with his tools would fit nicely in Mike Zimmer's scheme.
23. New England Patriots- AJ Epenesa, Defensive End, Iowa: The Patriots are a bit of a wild card in this draft and could go in many different directions with this selection whether it's a quarterback, a defensive player, or a trade down. Epenesa has shown to be versatile and has great length and athleticism, similar to ex-Patriot and current Lion Tre Fowlers.
24. New Orleans Saints- Patrick Queen, Linebacker, LSU: Queen is one of the rapid risers of late in many different peoples mock drafts. The Saints biggest need is at the linebacker position and Queen will certainly help the cause with his ability to play three downs as well as his speed, although he is undersized.
25. Minnesota Vikings- Erza Cleveland, Offensive Tackle, Boise State: The Vikings could go in a number of directions with their second selection of the first round. Here I have them throwing a little curveball here and select the fast rising tackle in Cleveland. There's a chance Cleveland goes higher than this and he's someone that was solid as a player.
26. Miami Dolphins (from Houston Texans)- Xavier McKinney, Safety, Alabama: With their final first round pick, the Dolphins snag the talented safety in McKinney to replace Minkah Fitzpatrick. McKinney is someone that can play all levels on the back end of a defense and has great range.
27. Seattle Seahawks- Yetur Gross-Matos, Defensive End, Penn State: Gross-Matos's stock has dropped after being projected to be in the top 15. The Seahawks have a pass rush need assuming they don't bring back Jadeveon Clowney and Gross-Matos would help the cause with his good length and speed.
28. Baltimore Ravens- Kenneth Murray, Linebacker, Oklahoma: One of the glaring needs on the Ravens roster is at the linebacker position as they have a choice of a few to choose from. Murray is someone that has a ton of speed and is very rangy and this would be a great fit.
29. Tennessee Titans- Austin Jackson, Offensive Tackle, USC: The Titans have some options here with this selection and here I have them snagging the talented lineman to replace the departed Jack Conklin. Jackson could have benefited from returning to school to help improve his technique, but he does the upside to be a solid contributor.
30. Green Bay Packers- Brandon Aiyuk, Wide Receiver, Arizona State: The Packers have some options here with this selection and they take the fast rising receiver in Aiyuk. Aiyuk is someone that is very clean and is a good deep ball threat. He with DeVante Adams for Aaron Rodgers to throw to would be fun to watch.
31. San Francisco 49ers- Trevon Diggs, Cornerback, Alabama: Diggs falling this far would be a major steal for the Niners, who have a need at the position. Diggs has shown physicality and imposing length to be a top corner on a team.
32. Kansas City Chiefs- Cesar Ruiz, Center, Michigan: The Chiefs have options with this pick as they can go anywhere on defense or even offensive line. Ruiz is the best interior offensive lineman in this draft and the reigning champions snag him here.
1. Cincinnati Bengals- Joe Burrow, Quarterback, LSU: After what was a breakout season which led to a Heisman Trophy, Burrow emerged as the favorite to go first overall in this upcoming draft. The Bengals want to move on from Andy Dalton and start fresh here with Burrow, who second year coach Zac Taylor could help develop into the franchise quarterback the team is looking for.
2. Washington Redskins- Chase Young, Defensive End, Ohio State: Young is the best player in this draft and he falls one spot due to the Bengals quarterback need. The Redskins need a lot of young talent on both ends of the ball and Young would have an immediate impact in the league chasing the likes of Dak Prescott, Carson Wentz, and Daniel Jones twice a season.
3. Detroit Lions- Jeff Okudah, Cornerback, Ohio State: This is an interesting spot because this is a spot where someone could trade up for a quarterback and the Lions could get a nice haul back. The Lions are a team that's in dire need of secondary help after the trading of Darius Slay and Okudah is the best defensive back in the draft, although you can argue they should take Derrick Brown of Auburn due to their need on the interior of their defensive line.
4. New York Giants- Jedric Wills Jr, Offensive Tackle, Alabama: The Giants have some options here as they can select a tackle, Isaiah Simmons, or they can trade down and stack more assets and the latter is what the Giants would like to do. Wills is somebody that can come in and start right away and help protect Daniel Jones and he could move to left tackle in the future.
5. Miami Dolphins- Justin Herbert, Quarterback, Oregon: There's always a saying "when there's smoke, there's fire". That feels like the case here as the Dolphins pass on Tua Tagovailoa for Herbert due to the health concerns of Tua, who they loved a year ago. Herbert could have declared last season but stayed at school one more season to try to improve his stock, but I feel that he would have been a first round pick last season too.
6. Los Angeles Chargers- Tua Tagovailoa, Quarterback, Alabama: The Chargers take their chances and select Tagovailoa after the Dolphins select Herbert. Tua was the consensus number one overall pick and prospect in this draft before his hip fracture in November and if he proves to stay healthy and is the same guy he was before the injuries, the Chargers land themselves a franchise guy.
7. Carolina Panthers- Isaiah Simmons, Linebacker, Clemson: The Panthers have a tough call here between Simmons and Derrick Brown. Here I have them taking Simmons, who can play literally anywhere on the defensive side of the ball and he can play multiple positions well.
8. Arizona Cardinals- Derrick Brown, Defensive Tackle, Auburn: The Cardinals have a hard decision here whether to take a tackle to protect Kyler Murray or to take Brown. Here I have them taking Brown, who fills an important need on the interior of their defensive line.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars- Tristian Wirfs, Offensive Tackle, Iowa: This is a pick that's very likely to be traded whether the Jags trade up to get perhaps a quarterback or down to gain more assets for their rebuild. If they stand pat, they have a ton of options and here I have them snagging Wirfs, who is super clean and would help protect whomever starts at quarterback for the Jaguars.
10. Cleveland Browns- Andrew Thomas, Offensive Tackle, Georgia: The Browns now have their choice of left tackles to chose from to put opposite of free agent addition Jack Conklin. Thomas is someone that I had going much higher than this when I did my first mock draft about three months ago, but his stock has dropped perhaps due to a footwork flaw.
11. New York Jets- Cee Dee Lamb, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma: The Jets could go wide receiver to give Sam Darnold a much needed top receiver or take a lineman if one of the ones they like falls to them to protect Darnold. Lamb is someone that has high upside that has great hands, body control, and is a solid route runner.
12. Las Vegas Raiders- Jerry Jeudy, Wide Receiver, Alabama: Jon Gruden is doing back flips as Jeudy falls into his lap. He is a fantastic route runner and many folks have drawn comparisons to Calvin Johnson due to his tremendous upside. He'd certainly turn into Derek Carr's top option.
13. San Francisco 49ers (from Indianapolis Colts)- Henry Ruggs III, Wide Receiver, Alabama: The Niners have some options here and they take the talented receiver. Ruggs is someone that would be a nice fit in Kyle Shanahan's offense with his solid route running and the fact he is clean and does the little things.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Mehki Becton, Offensive Tackle, Louisville: The Bucs snag the talented lineman here as he falls to them. There is a chance that Becton falls further than this due to his failed drug test, but I would be surprised if he fell further than this. Tom Brady needs protection and Becton has tremendous upside although he has technique issues.
15. Denver Broncos- Javon Kinlaw, Defensive Lineman, South Carolina: With the top three receivers off the board, the Broncos look to the defensive side of the ball and snag the versatile Kinlaw. Kinlaw would be a great fit here playing next to the newly acquired Jurrell Casey.
16. Atlanta Falcons- CJ Henderson, Cornerback, Florida: The consensus at this point is that the Falcons are poised to trade up and select Henderson, who could end up going in the top ten. Henderson has tremendous upside and there's people that feel he is the best corner in the draft and not Jeff Okudah. Henderson would be a great replacement for Desmond Trufant.
17. Dallas Cowboys- K'Lavon Chaisson, Defensive End, LSU: Edge rush and cornerback are two of the Cowboys biggest needs after Byron Jones and Robert Quinn bolted as free agents. They choose to go with Chaisson to pair along side DeMarcus Lawrence, who is raw but was a sack machine in college.
18. Miami Dolphins (from Pittsburgh Steelers)- Josh Jones, Offensive Tackle, Houston: As bad as the Dolphins need offensive line reinforcements, taking Jones here would be a reach. Jones was a four year starter in college and he has great movement as well as the length and feet to succeed in the league.
19. Las Vegas Raiders (from Chicago Bears)- Kristian Fulton, Cornerback, LSU: With their second first rounder the Silver and Black address their secondary and take Fulton. Fulton is very talented, is super clean with how he plays, and he can come in and start right away.
20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Los Angeles Rams)- AJ Terrell, Cornerback, Clemson: The Jaguars with their second first rounder could go in a number of directions too, and here I have them selecting the talented corner in Terrell to help fill the voids left by Jalen Ramsey and AJ. Boyue. Terrell is someone that is long and athletic and could possibly go higher than this.
21. Philadelphia Eagles- Justin Jefferson, Wide Receiver, LSU: The city of Philadelphia does a sigh of relief as they snag the talented receiver in Jefferson, who many people (including myself) has made this mock selection a lot. Jefferson is someone that shined in big games last year in college catching passes from Joe Burrow.
22. Minnesota Vikings (from Buffalo Bills)- Jaylon Johnson, Cornerback, Utah: Johnson is one of the fast rising corners as we head closer to the draft. With Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes, and Mackensie Alexander all gone, the Vikings fill a major need with someone that with his tools would fit nicely in Mike Zimmer's scheme.
23. New England Patriots- AJ Epenesa, Defensive End, Iowa: The Patriots are a bit of a wild card in this draft and could go in many different directions with this selection whether it's a quarterback, a defensive player, or a trade down. Epenesa has shown to be versatile and has great length and athleticism, similar to ex-Patriot and current Lion Tre Fowlers.
24. New Orleans Saints- Patrick Queen, Linebacker, LSU: Queen is one of the rapid risers of late in many different peoples mock drafts. The Saints biggest need is at the linebacker position and Queen will certainly help the cause with his ability to play three downs as well as his speed, although he is undersized.
25. Minnesota Vikings- Erza Cleveland, Offensive Tackle, Boise State: The Vikings could go in a number of directions with their second selection of the first round. Here I have them throwing a little curveball here and select the fast rising tackle in Cleveland. There's a chance Cleveland goes higher than this and he's someone that was solid as a player.
26. Miami Dolphins (from Houston Texans)- Xavier McKinney, Safety, Alabama: With their final first round pick, the Dolphins snag the talented safety in McKinney to replace Minkah Fitzpatrick. McKinney is someone that can play all levels on the back end of a defense and has great range.
27. Seattle Seahawks- Yetur Gross-Matos, Defensive End, Penn State: Gross-Matos's stock has dropped after being projected to be in the top 15. The Seahawks have a pass rush need assuming they don't bring back Jadeveon Clowney and Gross-Matos would help the cause with his good length and speed.
28. Baltimore Ravens- Kenneth Murray, Linebacker, Oklahoma: One of the glaring needs on the Ravens roster is at the linebacker position as they have a choice of a few to choose from. Murray is someone that has a ton of speed and is very rangy and this would be a great fit.
29. Tennessee Titans- Austin Jackson, Offensive Tackle, USC: The Titans have some options here with this selection and here I have them snagging the talented lineman to replace the departed Jack Conklin. Jackson could have benefited from returning to school to help improve his technique, but he does the upside to be a solid contributor.
30. Green Bay Packers- Brandon Aiyuk, Wide Receiver, Arizona State: The Packers have some options here with this selection and they take the fast rising receiver in Aiyuk. Aiyuk is someone that is very clean and is a good deep ball threat. He with DeVante Adams for Aaron Rodgers to throw to would be fun to watch.
31. San Francisco 49ers- Trevon Diggs, Cornerback, Alabama: Diggs falling this far would be a major steal for the Niners, who have a need at the position. Diggs has shown physicality and imposing length to be a top corner on a team.
32. Kansas City Chiefs- Cesar Ruiz, Center, Michigan: The Chiefs have options with this pick as they can go anywhere on defense or even offensive line. Ruiz is the best interior offensive lineman in this draft and the reigning champions snag him here.
Wednesday, April 22, 2020
2020 NFL Mock Draft: Tenth Edition
Here is the tenth edition of my 2020 NFL Mock Draft.
1. Cincinnati Bengals- Joe Burrow, Quarterback, LSU: After what was a breakout season which led to a Heisman Trophy, Burrow emerged as the favorite to go first overall in this upcoming draft. The Bengals want to move on from Andy Dalton and start fresh here with Burrow, who second year coach Zac Taylor could help develop into the franchise quarterback the team is looking for.
2. Washington Redskins- Chase Young, Defensive End, Ohio State: Young is the best player in this draft and he falls one spot due to the Bengals quarterback need. The Redskins need a lot of young talent on both ends of the ball and Young would have an immediate impact in the league chasing the likes of Dak Prescott, Carson Wentz, and Daniel Jones twice a season.
3. Detroit Lions- Jeff Okudah, Cornerback, Ohio State: This is an interesting spot because this is a spot where someone could trade up for a quarterback and the Lions could get a nice haul back. The Lions are a team that's in dire need of secondary help after the trading of Darius Slay and Okudah is the best defensive back in the draft, although you can argue they should take Derrick Brown of Auburn due to their need on the interior of their defensive line.
4. New York Giants- Jedric Wills Jr, Offensive Tackle, Alabama: The Giants have some options here as they can select a tackle, Isaiah Simmons, or they can trade down and stack more assets and the latter is what the Giants would like to do. Wills is somebody that can come in and start right away and help protect Daniel Jones and he could move to left tackle in the future.
5. Miami Dolphins- Tua Tagovailoa, Quarterback, Alabama: There is a lot of talk that the Dolphins could pass on Tua for Justin Herbert, like I have had mocked the past few mocks and there's even chatter that the Dolphins may take a non-quarterback here. Lets say the rumors are a smokescreen and the Dolphins take a risk on the the guy they've loved from the beginning. If Tua does not pan out to what we think he can be, Chris Grier may lose his job.
6. Los Angeles Chargers- Justin Herbert, Quarterback. Oregon: The Chargers are left with Herbert or a non quarterback and they settle on Herbert after the Dolphins take Tua. The Chargers could be the ideal situation for Herbert because their roster is solid already and could compete in the AFC.
7. Carolina Panthers- Isaiah Simmons, Linebacker, Clemson: The Panthers have a tough call here between Simmons and Derrick Brown. Here I have them taking Simmons, who can play literally anywhere on the defensive side of the ball and he can play multiple positions well.
8. Arizona Cardinals- Tristian Wirfs, Offensive Tackle, Iowa: The Cardinals also have a tough call here as they can go with Wirfs or Derrick Brown. They choose to help protect Kyler Murray by selecting Wirfs, who is the cleanest tackle in the draft class.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars- Derrick Brown, Defensive Tackle, Auburn: The Jaguars are perhaps the drafts biggest wild card team as they could go in a number of directions with their first round picks. Here I have them snagging Brown as they need reinforcements on their defensive line after trading away Calais Campbell and Yannick Nagouke soon to be out as well.
10. Cleveland Browns- Mekhi Becton, Offensive Tackle, Louisville: The Browns biggest need is on the offensive line and they snag the talented tackle with Becton. Becton is someone that has tremendous upside, but does have technique flaws. A failed drug test could make him slide past this point, but I do think he'll be snagged within the first fourteen picks.
11. New York Jets- Cee Dee Lamb, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma: The Jets could go wide receiver to give Sam Darnold a much needed top receiver or take a lineman if one of the ones they like falls to them to protect Darnold. Lamb is someone that has high upside that has great hands, body control, and is a solid route runner.
12. Las Vegas Raiders- Jerry Jeudy, Wide Receiver, Alabama: Jon Gruden is doing back flips as Jeudy falls into his lap. He is a fantastic route runner and many folks have drawn comparisons to Calvin Johnson due to his tremendous upside. He'd certainly turn into Derek Carr's top option.
13. San Francisco 49ers (from Indianapolis Colts)- Javon Kinlaw, Defensive Lineman, South Carolina: This is a tough call for John Lynch on his first of two first rounders and he decides to help replace DeForrest Buckner with the pick he got back in the Buckner trade instead of taking Henry Ruggs III. Kinlaw is someone who is super versatile and would be a great fit on the Niners front seven.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Andrew Thomas, Offensive Tackle, Georgia: Thomas was someone I had going as high as fourth, but his stock has dropped a bit possibly due to a flaw he has of incorrect footwork. This would be a win for Tom Brady as the Bucs get him some much needed protection.
15. Denver Broncos- Henry Ruggs III, Wide Receiver, Alabama: John Elway is doing back flips as one of the best three wideouts in this class falls to him. Ruggs is someone that could conceivably be the first receiver off the board due to his outstanding speed and route running. He would be a great target for Drew Lock along with Courtland Sutton.
16. Atlanta Falcons- CJ Henderson, Cornerback, Florida: The consensus at this point is that the Falcons are poised to trade up and select Henderson, who could end up going in the top ten. Henderson has tremendous upside and there's people that feel he is the best corner in the draft and not Jeff Okudah. Henderson would be a great replacement for Desmond Trufant.
17. Dallas Cowboys- K'Lavon Chaisson, Defensive End, LSU: Edge rush and cornerback are two of the Cowboys biggest needs after Byron Jones and Robert Quinn bolted as free agents. They choose to go with Chaisson to pair along side DeMarcus Lawrence, who is raw but was a sack machine in college.
18. Miami Dolphins (from Pittsburgh Steelers)- Josh Jones, Offensive Tackle, Houston: As bad as the Dolphins need offensive line reinforcements, taking Jones here would be a reach. Jones was a four year starter in college and he has great movement as well as the length and feet to succeed in the league.
19. Las Vegas Raiders (from Chicago Bears)- AJ Terrell, Cornerback, Clemson: The Raiders take the fast rising corner here in Terrell with their second first rounder. Terrell is versatile for his size, but he does have flaws that could be fixed in the league.
20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Los Angeles Rams)- Trevon Diggs, Cornerback, Alabama: The Jaguars have a major need in their secondary after trading away Jalen Ramsey and AJ Boyue. They select Riggs here to address that need and he can come in and start right away in this scenario.
21. Philadelphia Eagles- Xavier McKinney, Safety, Alabama: The Eagles badly need a wide receiver, but they can wait till day two to address that. Here I have them filling a need at safety here with McKinney, who replaces the departed Malcolm Jenkins. McKinney is someone that can play all levels on the back end of a defense and has great range.
22. Minnesota Vikings (from Buffalo Bills)- Justin Jefferson, Wide Receiver, LSU: The Vikings snag Jefferson here with the first rounder they received in the Stefon Diggs trade to replace Diggs. Jefferson had a breakout season this past year catching so many passes from Joe Burrow and made big plays when it mattered the most.
23. New England Patriots- AJ Epenesa, Defensive End, Iowa: The Patriots are a bit of a wild card in this draft and could go in many different directions with this selection whether it's a quarterback, a defensive player, or a trade down. Epenesa has shown to be versatile and has great length and athleticism, similar to ex-Patriot and current Lion Tre Fowlers.
24. New Orleans Saints- Patrick Queen, Linebacker, LSU: Queen is one of the rapid risers of late in many different peoples mock drafts. The Saints biggest need is at the linebacker position and Queen will certainly help the cause with his ability to play three downs as well as his speed, although he is undersized.
25. Minnesota Vikings- Jaylon Johnson, Cornerback, Utah: Johnson is one of the fast rising corners as we head closer to the draft. With Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes, and Mackensie Alexander all gone, the Vikings fill a major need with someone that with his tools would fit nicely in Mike Zimmer's scheme.
26. Miami Dolphins (from Houston Texans)- DeAndre Swift, Running Back, Georgia: The Dolphins have some options with this selection and here I have them taking the talented back. Swift is someone that will come in and be an upgrade over what they currently have and assuming they do address their offensive line with other selections, Swift could really help this offense with his speed and catching ability out of the backfield.
27. Seattle Seahawks- Yetur Gross-Matos, Defensive End, Penn State: Gross-Matos's stock has dropped after being projected to be in the top 15. The Seahawks have a pass rush need assuming they don't bring back Jadeveon Clowney and Gross-Matos would help the cause with his good length and speed.
28. Baltimore Ravens- Kenneth Murray, Linebacker, Oklahoma: One of the glaring needs on the Ravens roster is at the linebacker position as they have a choice of a few to choose from. Murray is someone that has a ton of speed and is very rangy.
29. Tennessee Titans- Austin Jackson, Offensive Tackle, USC: The Titans have some options here with this selection and here I have them snagging the talented lineman to replace the departed Jack Conklin. Jackson could have benefited from returning to school to help improve his technique, but he does the upside to be a solid contributor.
30. Green Bay Packers- Brandon Aiyuk, Wide Receiver, Arizona State: The Packers have some options here with this selection and they take the fast rising receiver in Aiyuk. Aiyuk is someone that is very clean and is a good deep ball threat. He with DeVante Adams for Aaron Rodgers to throw to would be fun to watch.
31. San Francisco 49ers- Kristian Fulton, Cornerback, LSU: Fulton falling this far would be a major win for John Lynch and company. Richard Sherman is getting older and other guys in their secondary will be free agents after the 2020 season so this would be a logical pick as well.
32. Kansas City Chiefs- Cesar Ruiz, Center, Michigan: The Chiefs have options with this pick as they can go anywhere on defense or even offensive line. Ruiz is the best interior offensive lineman in this draft and the reigning champions snag him here.
1. Cincinnati Bengals- Joe Burrow, Quarterback, LSU: After what was a breakout season which led to a Heisman Trophy, Burrow emerged as the favorite to go first overall in this upcoming draft. The Bengals want to move on from Andy Dalton and start fresh here with Burrow, who second year coach Zac Taylor could help develop into the franchise quarterback the team is looking for.
2. Washington Redskins- Chase Young, Defensive End, Ohio State: Young is the best player in this draft and he falls one spot due to the Bengals quarterback need. The Redskins need a lot of young talent on both ends of the ball and Young would have an immediate impact in the league chasing the likes of Dak Prescott, Carson Wentz, and Daniel Jones twice a season.
3. Detroit Lions- Jeff Okudah, Cornerback, Ohio State: This is an interesting spot because this is a spot where someone could trade up for a quarterback and the Lions could get a nice haul back. The Lions are a team that's in dire need of secondary help after the trading of Darius Slay and Okudah is the best defensive back in the draft, although you can argue they should take Derrick Brown of Auburn due to their need on the interior of their defensive line.
4. New York Giants- Jedric Wills Jr, Offensive Tackle, Alabama: The Giants have some options here as they can select a tackle, Isaiah Simmons, or they can trade down and stack more assets and the latter is what the Giants would like to do. Wills is somebody that can come in and start right away and help protect Daniel Jones and he could move to left tackle in the future.
5. Miami Dolphins- Tua Tagovailoa, Quarterback, Alabama: There is a lot of talk that the Dolphins could pass on Tua for Justin Herbert, like I have had mocked the past few mocks and there's even chatter that the Dolphins may take a non-quarterback here. Lets say the rumors are a smokescreen and the Dolphins take a risk on the the guy they've loved from the beginning. If Tua does not pan out to what we think he can be, Chris Grier may lose his job.
6. Los Angeles Chargers- Justin Herbert, Quarterback. Oregon: The Chargers are left with Herbert or a non quarterback and they settle on Herbert after the Dolphins take Tua. The Chargers could be the ideal situation for Herbert because their roster is solid already and could compete in the AFC.
7. Carolina Panthers- Isaiah Simmons, Linebacker, Clemson: The Panthers have a tough call here between Simmons and Derrick Brown. Here I have them taking Simmons, who can play literally anywhere on the defensive side of the ball and he can play multiple positions well.
8. Arizona Cardinals- Tristian Wirfs, Offensive Tackle, Iowa: The Cardinals also have a tough call here as they can go with Wirfs or Derrick Brown. They choose to help protect Kyler Murray by selecting Wirfs, who is the cleanest tackle in the draft class.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars- Derrick Brown, Defensive Tackle, Auburn: The Jaguars are perhaps the drafts biggest wild card team as they could go in a number of directions with their first round picks. Here I have them snagging Brown as they need reinforcements on their defensive line after trading away Calais Campbell and Yannick Nagouke soon to be out as well.
10. Cleveland Browns- Mekhi Becton, Offensive Tackle, Louisville: The Browns biggest need is on the offensive line and they snag the talented tackle with Becton. Becton is someone that has tremendous upside, but does have technique flaws. A failed drug test could make him slide past this point, but I do think he'll be snagged within the first fourteen picks.
11. New York Jets- Cee Dee Lamb, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma: The Jets could go wide receiver to give Sam Darnold a much needed top receiver or take a lineman if one of the ones they like falls to them to protect Darnold. Lamb is someone that has high upside that has great hands, body control, and is a solid route runner.
12. Las Vegas Raiders- Jerry Jeudy, Wide Receiver, Alabama: Jon Gruden is doing back flips as Jeudy falls into his lap. He is a fantastic route runner and many folks have drawn comparisons to Calvin Johnson due to his tremendous upside. He'd certainly turn into Derek Carr's top option.
13. San Francisco 49ers (from Indianapolis Colts)- Javon Kinlaw, Defensive Lineman, South Carolina: This is a tough call for John Lynch on his first of two first rounders and he decides to help replace DeForrest Buckner with the pick he got back in the Buckner trade instead of taking Henry Ruggs III. Kinlaw is someone who is super versatile and would be a great fit on the Niners front seven.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Andrew Thomas, Offensive Tackle, Georgia: Thomas was someone I had going as high as fourth, but his stock has dropped a bit possibly due to a flaw he has of incorrect footwork. This would be a win for Tom Brady as the Bucs get him some much needed protection.
15. Denver Broncos- Henry Ruggs III, Wide Receiver, Alabama: John Elway is doing back flips as one of the best three wideouts in this class falls to him. Ruggs is someone that could conceivably be the first receiver off the board due to his outstanding speed and route running. He would be a great target for Drew Lock along with Courtland Sutton.
16. Atlanta Falcons- CJ Henderson, Cornerback, Florida: The consensus at this point is that the Falcons are poised to trade up and select Henderson, who could end up going in the top ten. Henderson has tremendous upside and there's people that feel he is the best corner in the draft and not Jeff Okudah. Henderson would be a great replacement for Desmond Trufant.
17. Dallas Cowboys- K'Lavon Chaisson, Defensive End, LSU: Edge rush and cornerback are two of the Cowboys biggest needs after Byron Jones and Robert Quinn bolted as free agents. They choose to go with Chaisson to pair along side DeMarcus Lawrence, who is raw but was a sack machine in college.
18. Miami Dolphins (from Pittsburgh Steelers)- Josh Jones, Offensive Tackle, Houston: As bad as the Dolphins need offensive line reinforcements, taking Jones here would be a reach. Jones was a four year starter in college and he has great movement as well as the length and feet to succeed in the league.
19. Las Vegas Raiders (from Chicago Bears)- AJ Terrell, Cornerback, Clemson: The Raiders take the fast rising corner here in Terrell with their second first rounder. Terrell is versatile for his size, but he does have flaws that could be fixed in the league.
20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Los Angeles Rams)- Trevon Diggs, Cornerback, Alabama: The Jaguars have a major need in their secondary after trading away Jalen Ramsey and AJ Boyue. They select Riggs here to address that need and he can come in and start right away in this scenario.
21. Philadelphia Eagles- Xavier McKinney, Safety, Alabama: The Eagles badly need a wide receiver, but they can wait till day two to address that. Here I have them filling a need at safety here with McKinney, who replaces the departed Malcolm Jenkins. McKinney is someone that can play all levels on the back end of a defense and has great range.
22. Minnesota Vikings (from Buffalo Bills)- Justin Jefferson, Wide Receiver, LSU: The Vikings snag Jefferson here with the first rounder they received in the Stefon Diggs trade to replace Diggs. Jefferson had a breakout season this past year catching so many passes from Joe Burrow and made big plays when it mattered the most.
23. New England Patriots- AJ Epenesa, Defensive End, Iowa: The Patriots are a bit of a wild card in this draft and could go in many different directions with this selection whether it's a quarterback, a defensive player, or a trade down. Epenesa has shown to be versatile and has great length and athleticism, similar to ex-Patriot and current Lion Tre Fowlers.
24. New Orleans Saints- Patrick Queen, Linebacker, LSU: Queen is one of the rapid risers of late in many different peoples mock drafts. The Saints biggest need is at the linebacker position and Queen will certainly help the cause with his ability to play three downs as well as his speed, although he is undersized.
25. Minnesota Vikings- Jaylon Johnson, Cornerback, Utah: Johnson is one of the fast rising corners as we head closer to the draft. With Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes, and Mackensie Alexander all gone, the Vikings fill a major need with someone that with his tools would fit nicely in Mike Zimmer's scheme.
26. Miami Dolphins (from Houston Texans)- DeAndre Swift, Running Back, Georgia: The Dolphins have some options with this selection and here I have them taking the talented back. Swift is someone that will come in and be an upgrade over what they currently have and assuming they do address their offensive line with other selections, Swift could really help this offense with his speed and catching ability out of the backfield.
27. Seattle Seahawks- Yetur Gross-Matos, Defensive End, Penn State: Gross-Matos's stock has dropped after being projected to be in the top 15. The Seahawks have a pass rush need assuming they don't bring back Jadeveon Clowney and Gross-Matos would help the cause with his good length and speed.
28. Baltimore Ravens- Kenneth Murray, Linebacker, Oklahoma: One of the glaring needs on the Ravens roster is at the linebacker position as they have a choice of a few to choose from. Murray is someone that has a ton of speed and is very rangy.
29. Tennessee Titans- Austin Jackson, Offensive Tackle, USC: The Titans have some options here with this selection and here I have them snagging the talented lineman to replace the departed Jack Conklin. Jackson could have benefited from returning to school to help improve his technique, but he does the upside to be a solid contributor.
30. Green Bay Packers- Brandon Aiyuk, Wide Receiver, Arizona State: The Packers have some options here with this selection and they take the fast rising receiver in Aiyuk. Aiyuk is someone that is very clean and is a good deep ball threat. He with DeVante Adams for Aaron Rodgers to throw to would be fun to watch.
31. San Francisco 49ers- Kristian Fulton, Cornerback, LSU: Fulton falling this far would be a major win for John Lynch and company. Richard Sherman is getting older and other guys in their secondary will be free agents after the 2020 season so this would be a logical pick as well.
32. Kansas City Chiefs- Cesar Ruiz, Center, Michigan: The Chiefs have options with this pick as they can go anywhere on defense or even offensive line. Ruiz is the best interior offensive lineman in this draft and the reigning champions snag him here.
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
2020 NFL Mock Draft: Ninth Edition
Here is the ninth edition of my 2020 NFL Mock Draft.
1. Cincinnati Bengals- Joe Burrow, Quarterback, LSU: After what was a breakout season which led to a Heisman Trophy, Burrow emerged as the favorite to go first overall in this upcoming draft. The Bengals want to move on from Andy Dalton and start fresh here with Burrow, who second year coach Zac Taylor could help develop into the franchise quarterback the team is looking for.
2. Washington Redskins- Chase Young, Defensive End, Ohio State: Young is the best player in this draft and he falls one spot due to the Bengals quarterback need. The Redskins need a lot of young talent on both ends of the ball and Young would have an immediate impact in the league chasing the likes of Dak Prescott, Carson Wentz, and Daniel Jones twice a season.
3. Detroit Lions- Jeff Okudah, Cornerback, Ohio State: This is an interesting spot because this is a spot where someone could trade up for a quarterback and the Lions could get a nice haul back. The Lions are a team that's in dire need of secondary help after the trading of Darius Slay and Okudah is the best defensive back in the draft, although you can argue they should take Derrick Brown of Auburn due to their need on the interior of their defensive line.
4. New York Giants- Tristian Wirfs, Offensive Tackle, Iowa: The Giants have some options here as they can stay at four and take a lineman or Isaiah Simmons or a possible trade down, which I think the Giants are trying to do. Wirfs is someone that has tremendous upside and is versatile and is perhaps the cleanest offensive tackle prospect in the draft. He would certainly help protect Daniel Jones and find holes for Saquon Barkley.
5. Miami Dolphins- Justin Herbert, Quarterback, Oregon: There's always a saying "when there's smoke, there's fire". That feels like the case here as the Dolphins pass on Tua Tagovailoa for Herbert due to the health concerns of Tua, who they loved a year ago. Herbert could have declared last season but stayed at school one more season to try to improve his stock, but I feel that he would have been a first round pick last season too.
6. Los Angeles Chargers- Tua Tagovailoa, Quarterback, Alabama: The Chargers take their chances and select Tagovailoa after the Dolphins select Herbert. Tua was the consensus number one overall pick and prospect in this draft before his hip fracture in November and if he proves to stay healthy and is the same guy he was before the injuries, the Chargers land themselves a franchise guy.
7. Carolina Panthers- Derrick Brown, Defensive Tackle, Auburn: The Panthers once had a great defense, but now it looks like a unit that needs reinforcements. Brown is somebody who's rare for his size, but always was a steady player in college and would be a nice building block in Matt Rhule's first draft.
8. Arizona Cardinals- Jedric Wills, Offensive Tackle, Alabama: The Cardinals could consider Derrick Brown if he's still on the board, but in this scenario he's gone and they take the talented lineman. Wills is someone that could go as high as fourth to the Giants due to his blocking ability and would help keep Kyler Murray upright.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars- Isaiah Simmons, Linebacker/Defensive Back, Clemson: With the Jaguars trading a bunch of veterans away over the last six months, they take a stud here in Simmons. Simmons can play literally every defensive position and can play multiple positions well. He would be a nice building block for them as they enter a rebuild.
10. Cleveland Browns- Mekhi Becton, Offensive Tackle, Louisville: The Browns biggest need is on the offensive line and they snag the talented tackle with Becton. Becton is someone that has tremendous upside, but does have technique flaws. A failed drug test could make him slide past this point, but I do think he'll be snagged within the first fourteen picks.
11. New York Jets- Cee Dee Lamb, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma: The Jets could go wide receiver to give Sam Darnold a much needed top receiver or take a lineman if one of the ones they like falls to them to protect Darnold. Lamb is someone that has high upside that has great hands, body control, and is a solid route runner.
12. Las Vegas Raiders- Jerry Jeudy, Wide Receiver, Alabama: Jon Gruden is doing back flips as Jeudy falls into his lap. He is a fantastic route runner and many folks have drawn comparisons to Calvin Johnson due to his tremendous upside. He'd certainly turn into Derek Carr's top option.
13. San Francisco 49ers (from Indianapolis Colts)- Henry Ruggs III, Wide Receiver, Alabama: The Niners have some options here and they take the talented receiver. Ruggs is someone that would be a nice fit in Kyle Shanahan's offense with his solid route running and the fact he is clean and does the little things.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Andrew Thomas, Offensive Tackle, Georgia: Thomas was someone I had going as high as fourth, but his stock has dropped a bit possibly due to a flaw he has of incorrect footwork. This would be a win for Tom Brady as the Bucs get him some much needed protection.
15. Denver Broncos- Javon Kinlaw, Defensive Lineman, South Carolina: With the top three receivers off the board, the Broncos look to the defensive side of the ball and snag the versatile Kinlaw. Kinlaw would be a great fit here playing next to the newly acquired Jurrell Casey.
16. Atlanta Falcons- CJ Henderson, Cornerback, Florida: The Falcons are doing jumping jacks as the talented corner drops to them here instead of them trying to trade up. Henderson could potentially go as high as ninth to Jacksonville as teams love his potential and he could come in and start right away replacing Desmond Trufant.
17. Dallas Cowboys- K'Lavon Chaisson, Defensive End, LSU: Edge rush and cornerback are two of the Cowboys biggest needs after Byron Jones and Robert Quinn bolted as free agents. They choose to go with Chaisson to pair along side DeMarcus Lawrence, who is raw but was a sack machine in college.
18. Miami Dolphins (from Pittsburgh Steelers)- Xavier McKinney, Safety, Alabama: The Dolphins got this pick from Pittsburgh in the Minkah Fitzpatrick trade and they essentially replace him with another Alabama product. McKinney is someone that can play all levels on the back end of a defense and has great range.
19. Las Vegas Raiders (from Chicago Bears)- Patrick Queen, Linebacker, LSU: Queen is someone that is a super fast riser as the draft comes this week. The Raiders have needs all over their defense and Queen, despite being undersized, he can play three downs and has great speed.
20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Los Angeles Rams)- AJ Terrell, Cornerback, Clemson: With their second first rounder, the Jags look to address the secondary after the trading of Jalen Ramsey and AJ Boyue. They pick Terrell here who is talented and has good ball skills and length to succeed in the league.
21. Philadelphia Eagles- Kenneth Murray, Linebacker, Oklahoma: Philadelphia will go into a riot if the Eagles don't take a receiver here, but they can wait until day two as they address their linebacker situation here. Murray is someone that is a dynamic playmaker that would be a nice fit on that defense.
22. Minnesota Vikings (from Buffalo Bills)- Justin Jefferson, Wide Receiver, LSU: The Vikings snag Jefferson here with the first rounder they received in the Stefon Diggs trade to replace Diggs. Jefferson had a breakout season this past year catching so many passes from Joe Burrow and made big plays when it mattered the most.
23. New England Patriots- AJ Epenesa, Defensive End, Iowa: The Patriots are a bit of a wild card in this draft and could go in many different directions with this selection whether it's a quarterback, a defensive player, or a trade down. Epenesa has shown to be versatile and has great length and athleticism, similar to ex-Patriot and current Lion Tre Fowlers.
24. New Orleans Saints- Jordan Love, Quarterback, Utah State: The Saints have been rumored to first round quarterbacks the past few seasons and here I have them snagging Love to be the longterm replacement for Drew Brees, who a lot of people think is retiring after the 2020 season. Love is one of the biggest boom or bust prospects in the draft and is super raw.
25. Minnesota Vikings- Jaylon Johnson, Cornerback, Utah: Johnson is one of the fast rising corners as we head closer to the draft. With Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes, and Mackensie Alexander all gone, the Vikings fill a major need with someone that with his tools would fit nicely in Mike Zimmer's scheme.
26. Miami Dolphins (from Houston Texans)- Josh Jones, Offensive Tackle, Houston: The Dolphins take the fast rising tackle to replace Laremy Tunsil, who was traded away for this draft pick before last season. He has great movement as well as the length and feet to succeed in the league after being a starter for four seasons in college.
27. Seattle Seahawks- Yetur Gross-Matos, Defensive End, Penn State: Gross-Matos's stock has dropped after being projected to be in the top 15. The Seahawks have a pass rush need assuming they don't bring back Jadeveon Clowney and Gross-Matos would help the cause with his good length and speed.
28. Baltimore Ravens- Zack Baun, Linebacker, Wisconsin: Baun is someone that admitted today that he tested positive for diluted sample, which could hurt his draft stock. The Ravens have a need at the linebacker position and Baun would be a nice fit with his athleticism to drop and cover.
29. Tennessee Titans- Kristan Fulton, Cornerback, LSU: This would be a steal for the Titans if Fulton makes it to this point. Fulton is someone that was always clean as a player in college and he would have been a first rounder had he declared last year. Two of the three best corners on the team will be free agents after the 2020 season so this pick would make sense as well.
30. Green Bay Packers- Jordan Brooks, Linebacker, Texas Tech: Brooks is one the fastest risers as the draft approaches this week. Brooks is someone that showed a ton of potential in college and scouts have compared him to Bobby Wagner. The Packers have a need at linebacker with the free agent departure of Blake Martinez so Brooks would be a great pick.
31. San Francisco 49ers- Ross Bladlock, Defensive Tackle, TCU: The Niners have options here with this selection and they take the talented interior defensive lineman here. Bladlock showed flashes of dominance while in college and is two years removed from an achilles injury. He probably won't be as good as a player as DeForrest Buckner, but they have to replace him somehow.
32. Kansas City Chiefs- Cesar Ruiz, Center, Michigan: The Chiefs have options with this pick as they can go anywhere on defense or even offensive line. Ruiz is the best interior offensive lineman in this draft and the reigning champions snag him here.
1. Cincinnati Bengals- Joe Burrow, Quarterback, LSU: After what was a breakout season which led to a Heisman Trophy, Burrow emerged as the favorite to go first overall in this upcoming draft. The Bengals want to move on from Andy Dalton and start fresh here with Burrow, who second year coach Zac Taylor could help develop into the franchise quarterback the team is looking for.
2. Washington Redskins- Chase Young, Defensive End, Ohio State: Young is the best player in this draft and he falls one spot due to the Bengals quarterback need. The Redskins need a lot of young talent on both ends of the ball and Young would have an immediate impact in the league chasing the likes of Dak Prescott, Carson Wentz, and Daniel Jones twice a season.
3. Detroit Lions- Jeff Okudah, Cornerback, Ohio State: This is an interesting spot because this is a spot where someone could trade up for a quarterback and the Lions could get a nice haul back. The Lions are a team that's in dire need of secondary help after the trading of Darius Slay and Okudah is the best defensive back in the draft, although you can argue they should take Derrick Brown of Auburn due to their need on the interior of their defensive line.
4. New York Giants- Tristian Wirfs, Offensive Tackle, Iowa: The Giants have some options here as they can stay at four and take a lineman or Isaiah Simmons or a possible trade down, which I think the Giants are trying to do. Wirfs is someone that has tremendous upside and is versatile and is perhaps the cleanest offensive tackle prospect in the draft. He would certainly help protect Daniel Jones and find holes for Saquon Barkley.
5. Miami Dolphins- Justin Herbert, Quarterback, Oregon: There's always a saying "when there's smoke, there's fire". That feels like the case here as the Dolphins pass on Tua Tagovailoa for Herbert due to the health concerns of Tua, who they loved a year ago. Herbert could have declared last season but stayed at school one more season to try to improve his stock, but I feel that he would have been a first round pick last season too.
6. Los Angeles Chargers- Tua Tagovailoa, Quarterback, Alabama: The Chargers take their chances and select Tagovailoa after the Dolphins select Herbert. Tua was the consensus number one overall pick and prospect in this draft before his hip fracture in November and if he proves to stay healthy and is the same guy he was before the injuries, the Chargers land themselves a franchise guy.
7. Carolina Panthers- Derrick Brown, Defensive Tackle, Auburn: The Panthers once had a great defense, but now it looks like a unit that needs reinforcements. Brown is somebody who's rare for his size, but always was a steady player in college and would be a nice building block in Matt Rhule's first draft.
8. Arizona Cardinals- Jedric Wills, Offensive Tackle, Alabama: The Cardinals could consider Derrick Brown if he's still on the board, but in this scenario he's gone and they take the talented lineman. Wills is someone that could go as high as fourth to the Giants due to his blocking ability and would help keep Kyler Murray upright.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars- Isaiah Simmons, Linebacker/Defensive Back, Clemson: With the Jaguars trading a bunch of veterans away over the last six months, they take a stud here in Simmons. Simmons can play literally every defensive position and can play multiple positions well. He would be a nice building block for them as they enter a rebuild.
10. Cleveland Browns- Mekhi Becton, Offensive Tackle, Louisville: The Browns biggest need is on the offensive line and they snag the talented tackle with Becton. Becton is someone that has tremendous upside, but does have technique flaws. A failed drug test could make him slide past this point, but I do think he'll be snagged within the first fourteen picks.
11. New York Jets- Cee Dee Lamb, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma: The Jets could go wide receiver to give Sam Darnold a much needed top receiver or take a lineman if one of the ones they like falls to them to protect Darnold. Lamb is someone that has high upside that has great hands, body control, and is a solid route runner.
12. Las Vegas Raiders- Jerry Jeudy, Wide Receiver, Alabama: Jon Gruden is doing back flips as Jeudy falls into his lap. He is a fantastic route runner and many folks have drawn comparisons to Calvin Johnson due to his tremendous upside. He'd certainly turn into Derek Carr's top option.
13. San Francisco 49ers (from Indianapolis Colts)- Henry Ruggs III, Wide Receiver, Alabama: The Niners have some options here and they take the talented receiver. Ruggs is someone that would be a nice fit in Kyle Shanahan's offense with his solid route running and the fact he is clean and does the little things.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Andrew Thomas, Offensive Tackle, Georgia: Thomas was someone I had going as high as fourth, but his stock has dropped a bit possibly due to a flaw he has of incorrect footwork. This would be a win for Tom Brady as the Bucs get him some much needed protection.
15. Denver Broncos- Javon Kinlaw, Defensive Lineman, South Carolina: With the top three receivers off the board, the Broncos look to the defensive side of the ball and snag the versatile Kinlaw. Kinlaw would be a great fit here playing next to the newly acquired Jurrell Casey.
16. Atlanta Falcons- CJ Henderson, Cornerback, Florida: The Falcons are doing jumping jacks as the talented corner drops to them here instead of them trying to trade up. Henderson could potentially go as high as ninth to Jacksonville as teams love his potential and he could come in and start right away replacing Desmond Trufant.
17. Dallas Cowboys- K'Lavon Chaisson, Defensive End, LSU: Edge rush and cornerback are two of the Cowboys biggest needs after Byron Jones and Robert Quinn bolted as free agents. They choose to go with Chaisson to pair along side DeMarcus Lawrence, who is raw but was a sack machine in college.
18. Miami Dolphins (from Pittsburgh Steelers)- Xavier McKinney, Safety, Alabama: The Dolphins got this pick from Pittsburgh in the Minkah Fitzpatrick trade and they essentially replace him with another Alabama product. McKinney is someone that can play all levels on the back end of a defense and has great range.
19. Las Vegas Raiders (from Chicago Bears)- Patrick Queen, Linebacker, LSU: Queen is someone that is a super fast riser as the draft comes this week. The Raiders have needs all over their defense and Queen, despite being undersized, he can play three downs and has great speed.
20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Los Angeles Rams)- AJ Terrell, Cornerback, Clemson: With their second first rounder, the Jags look to address the secondary after the trading of Jalen Ramsey and AJ Boyue. They pick Terrell here who is talented and has good ball skills and length to succeed in the league.
21. Philadelphia Eagles- Kenneth Murray, Linebacker, Oklahoma: Philadelphia will go into a riot if the Eagles don't take a receiver here, but they can wait until day two as they address their linebacker situation here. Murray is someone that is a dynamic playmaker that would be a nice fit on that defense.
22. Minnesota Vikings (from Buffalo Bills)- Justin Jefferson, Wide Receiver, LSU: The Vikings snag Jefferson here with the first rounder they received in the Stefon Diggs trade to replace Diggs. Jefferson had a breakout season this past year catching so many passes from Joe Burrow and made big plays when it mattered the most.
23. New England Patriots- AJ Epenesa, Defensive End, Iowa: The Patriots are a bit of a wild card in this draft and could go in many different directions with this selection whether it's a quarterback, a defensive player, or a trade down. Epenesa has shown to be versatile and has great length and athleticism, similar to ex-Patriot and current Lion Tre Fowlers.
24. New Orleans Saints- Jordan Love, Quarterback, Utah State: The Saints have been rumored to first round quarterbacks the past few seasons and here I have them snagging Love to be the longterm replacement for Drew Brees, who a lot of people think is retiring after the 2020 season. Love is one of the biggest boom or bust prospects in the draft and is super raw.
25. Minnesota Vikings- Jaylon Johnson, Cornerback, Utah: Johnson is one of the fast rising corners as we head closer to the draft. With Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes, and Mackensie Alexander all gone, the Vikings fill a major need with someone that with his tools would fit nicely in Mike Zimmer's scheme.
26. Miami Dolphins (from Houston Texans)- Josh Jones, Offensive Tackle, Houston: The Dolphins take the fast rising tackle to replace Laremy Tunsil, who was traded away for this draft pick before last season. He has great movement as well as the length and feet to succeed in the league after being a starter for four seasons in college.
27. Seattle Seahawks- Yetur Gross-Matos, Defensive End, Penn State: Gross-Matos's stock has dropped after being projected to be in the top 15. The Seahawks have a pass rush need assuming they don't bring back Jadeveon Clowney and Gross-Matos would help the cause with his good length and speed.
28. Baltimore Ravens- Zack Baun, Linebacker, Wisconsin: Baun is someone that admitted today that he tested positive for diluted sample, which could hurt his draft stock. The Ravens have a need at the linebacker position and Baun would be a nice fit with his athleticism to drop and cover.
29. Tennessee Titans- Kristan Fulton, Cornerback, LSU: This would be a steal for the Titans if Fulton makes it to this point. Fulton is someone that was always clean as a player in college and he would have been a first rounder had he declared last year. Two of the three best corners on the team will be free agents after the 2020 season so this pick would make sense as well.
30. Green Bay Packers- Jordan Brooks, Linebacker, Texas Tech: Brooks is one the fastest risers as the draft approaches this week. Brooks is someone that showed a ton of potential in college and scouts have compared him to Bobby Wagner. The Packers have a need at linebacker with the free agent departure of Blake Martinez so Brooks would be a great pick.
31. San Francisco 49ers- Ross Bladlock, Defensive Tackle, TCU: The Niners have options here with this selection and they take the talented interior defensive lineman here. Bladlock showed flashes of dominance while in college and is two years removed from an achilles injury. He probably won't be as good as a player as DeForrest Buckner, but they have to replace him somehow.
32. Kansas City Chiefs- Cesar Ruiz, Center, Michigan: The Chiefs have options with this pick as they can go anywhere on defense or even offensive line. Ruiz is the best interior offensive lineman in this draft and the reigning champions snag him here.
Monday, April 20, 2020
2020 NFL Mock Draft: Eighth Edition
Here is the eighth edition of my 2020 NFL Mock Draft.
1. Cincinnati Bengals- Joe Burrow, Quarterback, LSU: After what was a breakout season which led to a Heisman Trophy, Burrow emerged as the favorite to go first overall in this upcoming draft. The Bengals want to move on from Andy Dalton and start fresh here with Burrow, who second year coach Zac Taylor could help develop into the franchise quarterback the team is looking for.
2. Washington Redskins- Chase Young, Defensive End, Ohio State: Young is the best player in this draft and he falls one spot due to the Bengals quarterback need. The Redskins need a lot of young talent on both ends of the ball and Young would have an immediate impact in the league chasing the likes of Dak Prescott, Carson Wentz, and Daniel Jones twice a season.
3. Detroit Lions- Jeff Okudah, Cornerback, Ohio State: This is an interesting spot because this is a spot where someone could trade up for a quarterback and the Lions could get a nice haul back. The Lions are a team that's in dire need of secondary help after the trading of Darius Slay and Okudah is the best defensive back in the draft, although you can argue they should take Derrick Brown of Auburn due to their need on the interior of their defensive line.
4. New York Giants- Tristian Wirfs, Offensive Tackle, Iowa: The Giants have some options here as they can stay at four and take a lineman or Isaiah Simmons or a possible trade down, which I think the Giants are trying to do. Wirfs is someone that has tremendous upside and is versatile and is perhaps the cleanest offensive tackle prospect in the draft. He would certainly help protect Daniel Jones and find holes for Saquon Barkley.
5. Miami Dolphins- Justin Herbert, Quarterback, Oregon: There's always a saying "when there's smoke, there's fire". That feels like the case here as the Dolphins pass on Tua Tagovailoa for Herbert due to the health concerns of Tua, who they loved a year ago. Herbert could have declared last season but stayed at school one more season to try to improve his stock, but I feel that he would have been a first round pick last season too.
6. Los Angeles Chargers- Tua Tagovailoa, Quarterback, Alabama: The Chargers take their chances and select Tagovailoa after the Dolphins select Herbert. Tua was the consensus number one overall pick and prospect in this draft before his hip fracture in November and if he proves to stay healthy and is the same guy he was before the injuries, the Chargers land themselves a franchise guy.
7. Carolina Panthers- Derrick Brown, Defensive Tackle, Auburn: The Panthers once had a great defense, but now it looks like a unit that needs reinforcements. Brown is somebody who's rare for his size, but always was a steady player in college and would be a nice building block in Matt Rhule's first draft.
8. Arizona Cardinals- Jedric Wills, Offensive Tackle, Alabama: The Cardinals could consider Derrick Brown if he's still on the board, but in this scenario he's gone and they take the talented lineman. Wills is someone that could go as high as fourth to the Giants due to his blocking ability and would help keep Kyler Murray upright.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars- Mekhi Becton, Offensive Tackle, Louisville: The Jaguars have a ton of needs and could go in a numerous number of directions. Here I have them taking the talented lineman in Becton, who has tremendous upside, but has technique flaws. If he fixes his technique, he could certainly help protect whomever starts at quarterback for them.
10. Cleveland Browns- Isaiah Simmons, Linebacker/Defensive Back, Clemson: The Browns do have a need at offensive tackle, but I don't see them passing on Simmons if he falls to this point. Simmons could play anywhere on defense and can play multiple different positions well.
11. New York Jets- Cee Dee Lamb, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma: The Jets could go wide receiver to give Sam Darnold a much needed top receiver or take a lineman if one of the ones they like falls to them to protect Darnold. Lamb is someone that has high upside that has great hands, body control, and is a solid route runner.
12. Las Vegas Raiders- Jerry Jeudy, Wide Receiver, Alabama: Jon Gruden is doing back flips as Jeudy falls into his lap. He is a fantastic route runner and many folks have drawn comparisons to Calvin Johnson due to his tremendous upside. He'd certainly turn into Derek Carr's top option.
13. San Francisco 49ers (from Indianapolis Colts)- Henry Ruggs III, Wide Receiver, Alabama: The Niners have some options here and they take the talented receiver. Ruggs is someone that would be a nice fit in Kyle Shanahan's offense with his solid route running and the fact he is clean and does the little things.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Andrew Thomas, Offensive Tackle, Georgia: Thomas was someone I had going as high as fourth, but his stock has dropped a bit possibly due to a flaw he has of incorrect footwork. This would be a win for Tom Brady as the Bucs get him some much needed protection.
15. Denver Broncos- CJ Henderson, Cornerback, Florida: There is a lot of buzz that Henderson could go in the top ten, maybe as high as ninth to the Jacksonville. The Broncos snag the talented corner here to replace the departed Chris Harris Jr and Henderson could start for them right away.
16. Atlanta Falcons- Javon Kinlaw, Defensive Lineman, South Carolina: With Henderson off the board, the Falcons snag Kinlaw, who could be a steal here at this position. Kinlaw is somebody that is super versatile and would help Takkarist McKinney, Gardy Jarrett, and new addition Dante Fowler Jr on that defensive line.
17. Dallas Cowboys- K'Lavon Chaisson, Defensive End, LSU: Edge rush and cornerback are two of the Cowboys biggest needs after Byron Jones and Robert Quinn bolted as free agents. They choose to go with Chaisson to pair along side DeMarcus Lawrence, who is raw but was a sack machine in college.
18. Miami Dolphins (from Pittsburgh Steelers)- Austin Jackson, Offensive Tackle, USC: This pick would be a reach and you can make a case that Jackson could have benefited for returning to school, but he decided to go pro early, which isn't a bad choice necessarily. Jackson is somebody that stood out this past season and could come in and start right away for a team that needs to protect their quarterback at all costs.
19. Las Vegas Raiders (from Chicago Bears)- Patrick Queen, Linebacker, LSU: Queen is someone that is a super fast riser as the draft comes this week. The Raiders have needs all over their defense and Queen, despite being undersized, he can play three downs and has great speed.
20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Los Angeles Rams)- Kristian Fulton, Cornerback, LSU: This would be a solid pick considering they have a need for a corner considering they dealt away Jalen Ramsey and AJ Boyue within the last six months. Fulton is someone that has size and athleticism and is someone that was always patient as a player.
21. Philadelphia Eagles- Kenneth Murray, Linebacker, Oklahoma: The latest buzz is that the Eagles may take a defensive player rather than a wide receiver here, due to the receiver depth in this draft. Murray is someone that is a dynamic playmaker and fill a defensive need for the Eagles.
22. Minnesota Vikings (from Buffalo Bills)- Jaylon Johnson, Cornerback, Utah: Johnson is one of the fast rising corners as we head closer to the draft. With Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes, and Mackensie Alexander all gone, the Vikings fill a major need with someone that with his tools would fit nicely in Mike Zimmer's scheme.
23. New England Patriots- AJ Epenesa, Defensive End, Iowa: The Patriots are a bit of a wild card in this draft and could go in many different directions with this selection whether it's a quarterback, a defensive player, or a trade down. Epenesa has shown to be versatile and has great length and athleticism, similar to ex-Patriot and current Lion Tre Fowlers.
24. New Orleans Saints- Jordan Love, Quarterback, Utah State: The Saints have been rumored to first round quarterbacks the past few seasons and here I have them snagging Love to be the longterm replacement for Drew Brees, who a lot of people think is retiring after the 2020 season. Love is one of the biggest boom or bust prospects in the draft and is super raw.
25. Minnesota Vikings- Justin Jefferson, Wide Receiver, LSU: The Vikings snag Jefferson here with their second first rounder to replace Stefon Diggs. Jefferson had a breakout season this past year catching so many passes from Joe Burrow and made big plays when it mattered the most.
26. Miami Dolphins (from Houston Texans)- DeAndre Swift, Running Back, Georgia: The Dolphins have some options with this selection and here I have them taking the talented back. Swift is someone that will come in and be an upgrade over what they currently have and assuming they do address their offensive line with other selections, Swift could really help this offense with his speed and catching ability out of the backfield.
27. Seattle Seahawks- Yetur Gross-Matos, Defensive End, Penn State: Gross-Matos's stock has dropped after being projected to be in the top 15. The Seahawks have a pass rush need assuming they don't bring back Jadeveon Clowney and Gross-Matos would help the cause with his good length and speed.
28. Baltimore Ravens- Zack Baun, Linebacker, Wisconsin: Baun is someone that admitted today that he tested positive for diluted sample, which could hurt his draft stock. The Ravens have a need at the linebacker position and Baun would be a nice fit with his athleticism to drop and cover.
29. Tennessee Titans- Ross Bladlock, Defensive Tackle, TCU: Bladlock is a fast riser as we head closer to the draft in three days. The Titans have a need here with the trading of Jurrell Casey and Bladlock was someone that showed flashes of dominance and is two years removed from an achilles injury.
30. Green Bay Packers- Jordan Brooks, Linebacker, Texas Tech: Brooks is one the fastest risers as the draft approaches this week. Brooks is someone that showed a ton of potential in college and scouts have compared him to Bobby Wagner. The Packers have a need at linebacker with the free agent departure of Blake Martinez so Brooks would be a great pick.
31. San Francisco 49ers- Trevon Diggs, Cornerback, Alabama: Diggs falling this far would be a major steal for the Niners, who have a need at the position. Diggs has shown physicality and imposing length to be a top corner on a team.
32. Kansas City Chiefs- Cesar Ruiz, Center, Michigan: The Chiefs have options with this pick as they can go anywhere on defense or even offensive line. Ruiz is the best interior offensive lineman in this draft and the reigning champions snag him here.
1. Cincinnati Bengals- Joe Burrow, Quarterback, LSU: After what was a breakout season which led to a Heisman Trophy, Burrow emerged as the favorite to go first overall in this upcoming draft. The Bengals want to move on from Andy Dalton and start fresh here with Burrow, who second year coach Zac Taylor could help develop into the franchise quarterback the team is looking for.
2. Washington Redskins- Chase Young, Defensive End, Ohio State: Young is the best player in this draft and he falls one spot due to the Bengals quarterback need. The Redskins need a lot of young talent on both ends of the ball and Young would have an immediate impact in the league chasing the likes of Dak Prescott, Carson Wentz, and Daniel Jones twice a season.
3. Detroit Lions- Jeff Okudah, Cornerback, Ohio State: This is an interesting spot because this is a spot where someone could trade up for a quarterback and the Lions could get a nice haul back. The Lions are a team that's in dire need of secondary help after the trading of Darius Slay and Okudah is the best defensive back in the draft, although you can argue they should take Derrick Brown of Auburn due to their need on the interior of their defensive line.
4. New York Giants- Tristian Wirfs, Offensive Tackle, Iowa: The Giants have some options here as they can stay at four and take a lineman or Isaiah Simmons or a possible trade down, which I think the Giants are trying to do. Wirfs is someone that has tremendous upside and is versatile and is perhaps the cleanest offensive tackle prospect in the draft. He would certainly help protect Daniel Jones and find holes for Saquon Barkley.
5. Miami Dolphins- Justin Herbert, Quarterback, Oregon: There's always a saying "when there's smoke, there's fire". That feels like the case here as the Dolphins pass on Tua Tagovailoa for Herbert due to the health concerns of Tua, who they loved a year ago. Herbert could have declared last season but stayed at school one more season to try to improve his stock, but I feel that he would have been a first round pick last season too.
6. Los Angeles Chargers- Tua Tagovailoa, Quarterback, Alabama: The Chargers take their chances and select Tagovailoa after the Dolphins select Herbert. Tua was the consensus number one overall pick and prospect in this draft before his hip fracture in November and if he proves to stay healthy and is the same guy he was before the injuries, the Chargers land themselves a franchise guy.
7. Carolina Panthers- Derrick Brown, Defensive Tackle, Auburn: The Panthers once had a great defense, but now it looks like a unit that needs reinforcements. Brown is somebody who's rare for his size, but always was a steady player in college and would be a nice building block in Matt Rhule's first draft.
8. Arizona Cardinals- Jedric Wills, Offensive Tackle, Alabama: The Cardinals could consider Derrick Brown if he's still on the board, but in this scenario he's gone and they take the talented lineman. Wills is someone that could go as high as fourth to the Giants due to his blocking ability and would help keep Kyler Murray upright.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars- Mekhi Becton, Offensive Tackle, Louisville: The Jaguars have a ton of needs and could go in a numerous number of directions. Here I have them taking the talented lineman in Becton, who has tremendous upside, but has technique flaws. If he fixes his technique, he could certainly help protect whomever starts at quarterback for them.
10. Cleveland Browns- Isaiah Simmons, Linebacker/Defensive Back, Clemson: The Browns do have a need at offensive tackle, but I don't see them passing on Simmons if he falls to this point. Simmons could play anywhere on defense and can play multiple different positions well.
11. New York Jets- Cee Dee Lamb, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma: The Jets could go wide receiver to give Sam Darnold a much needed top receiver or take a lineman if one of the ones they like falls to them to protect Darnold. Lamb is someone that has high upside that has great hands, body control, and is a solid route runner.
12. Las Vegas Raiders- Jerry Jeudy, Wide Receiver, Alabama: Jon Gruden is doing back flips as Jeudy falls into his lap. He is a fantastic route runner and many folks have drawn comparisons to Calvin Johnson due to his tremendous upside. He'd certainly turn into Derek Carr's top option.
13. San Francisco 49ers (from Indianapolis Colts)- Henry Ruggs III, Wide Receiver, Alabama: The Niners have some options here and they take the talented receiver. Ruggs is someone that would be a nice fit in Kyle Shanahan's offense with his solid route running and the fact he is clean and does the little things.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Andrew Thomas, Offensive Tackle, Georgia: Thomas was someone I had going as high as fourth, but his stock has dropped a bit possibly due to a flaw he has of incorrect footwork. This would be a win for Tom Brady as the Bucs get him some much needed protection.
15. Denver Broncos- CJ Henderson, Cornerback, Florida: There is a lot of buzz that Henderson could go in the top ten, maybe as high as ninth to the Jacksonville. The Broncos snag the talented corner here to replace the departed Chris Harris Jr and Henderson could start for them right away.
16. Atlanta Falcons- Javon Kinlaw, Defensive Lineman, South Carolina: With Henderson off the board, the Falcons snag Kinlaw, who could be a steal here at this position. Kinlaw is somebody that is super versatile and would help Takkarist McKinney, Gardy Jarrett, and new addition Dante Fowler Jr on that defensive line.
17. Dallas Cowboys- K'Lavon Chaisson, Defensive End, LSU: Edge rush and cornerback are two of the Cowboys biggest needs after Byron Jones and Robert Quinn bolted as free agents. They choose to go with Chaisson to pair along side DeMarcus Lawrence, who is raw but was a sack machine in college.
18. Miami Dolphins (from Pittsburgh Steelers)- Austin Jackson, Offensive Tackle, USC: This pick would be a reach and you can make a case that Jackson could have benefited for returning to school, but he decided to go pro early, which isn't a bad choice necessarily. Jackson is somebody that stood out this past season and could come in and start right away for a team that needs to protect their quarterback at all costs.
19. Las Vegas Raiders (from Chicago Bears)- Patrick Queen, Linebacker, LSU: Queen is someone that is a super fast riser as the draft comes this week. The Raiders have needs all over their defense and Queen, despite being undersized, he can play three downs and has great speed.
20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Los Angeles Rams)- Kristian Fulton, Cornerback, LSU: This would be a solid pick considering they have a need for a corner considering they dealt away Jalen Ramsey and AJ Boyue within the last six months. Fulton is someone that has size and athleticism and is someone that was always patient as a player.
21. Philadelphia Eagles- Kenneth Murray, Linebacker, Oklahoma: The latest buzz is that the Eagles may take a defensive player rather than a wide receiver here, due to the receiver depth in this draft. Murray is someone that is a dynamic playmaker and fill a defensive need for the Eagles.
22. Minnesota Vikings (from Buffalo Bills)- Jaylon Johnson, Cornerback, Utah: Johnson is one of the fast rising corners as we head closer to the draft. With Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes, and Mackensie Alexander all gone, the Vikings fill a major need with someone that with his tools would fit nicely in Mike Zimmer's scheme.
23. New England Patriots- AJ Epenesa, Defensive End, Iowa: The Patriots are a bit of a wild card in this draft and could go in many different directions with this selection whether it's a quarterback, a defensive player, or a trade down. Epenesa has shown to be versatile and has great length and athleticism, similar to ex-Patriot and current Lion Tre Fowlers.
24. New Orleans Saints- Jordan Love, Quarterback, Utah State: The Saints have been rumored to first round quarterbacks the past few seasons and here I have them snagging Love to be the longterm replacement for Drew Brees, who a lot of people think is retiring after the 2020 season. Love is one of the biggest boom or bust prospects in the draft and is super raw.
25. Minnesota Vikings- Justin Jefferson, Wide Receiver, LSU: The Vikings snag Jefferson here with their second first rounder to replace Stefon Diggs. Jefferson had a breakout season this past year catching so many passes from Joe Burrow and made big plays when it mattered the most.
26. Miami Dolphins (from Houston Texans)- DeAndre Swift, Running Back, Georgia: The Dolphins have some options with this selection and here I have them taking the talented back. Swift is someone that will come in and be an upgrade over what they currently have and assuming they do address their offensive line with other selections, Swift could really help this offense with his speed and catching ability out of the backfield.
27. Seattle Seahawks- Yetur Gross-Matos, Defensive End, Penn State: Gross-Matos's stock has dropped after being projected to be in the top 15. The Seahawks have a pass rush need assuming they don't bring back Jadeveon Clowney and Gross-Matos would help the cause with his good length and speed.
28. Baltimore Ravens- Zack Baun, Linebacker, Wisconsin: Baun is someone that admitted today that he tested positive for diluted sample, which could hurt his draft stock. The Ravens have a need at the linebacker position and Baun would be a nice fit with his athleticism to drop and cover.
29. Tennessee Titans- Ross Bladlock, Defensive Tackle, TCU: Bladlock is a fast riser as we head closer to the draft in three days. The Titans have a need here with the trading of Jurrell Casey and Bladlock was someone that showed flashes of dominance and is two years removed from an achilles injury.
30. Green Bay Packers- Jordan Brooks, Linebacker, Texas Tech: Brooks is one the fastest risers as the draft approaches this week. Brooks is someone that showed a ton of potential in college and scouts have compared him to Bobby Wagner. The Packers have a need at linebacker with the free agent departure of Blake Martinez so Brooks would be a great pick.
31. San Francisco 49ers- Trevon Diggs, Cornerback, Alabama: Diggs falling this far would be a major steal for the Niners, who have a need at the position. Diggs has shown physicality and imposing length to be a top corner on a team.
32. Kansas City Chiefs- Cesar Ruiz, Center, Michigan: The Chiefs have options with this pick as they can go anywhere on defense or even offensive line. Ruiz is the best interior offensive lineman in this draft and the reigning champions snag him here.
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