THE TOUCHDOWN ROUND TABLE MOCK DRAFT
By The TD Draft Team
Writing a mock draft is easy. But unlike the actual draft, individual mocks have all 32 teams working off the same big board. We wanted to add a dose of realism to our predictions, so we came up with something a little different…
The Touchdown brings you their ’round table’ mock draft; Eight writers, each with four picks and randomly assigned their selections. Teams with multiple selections will have the same writer each time acting as their GM. The gloves are off – let’s do this!
1. CINCINNATI BENGALS
GM: RORY-JOE DANIELS
Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
As a Bengals fan this one was a no-brainer. After Burrow’s stunning 2019 season, capped off with a National Championship at LSU, he appears to be the number one QB in this class. The fanbase seem in agreement that Burrow is the man to become the face of the franchise. It gives second year head coach Zac Taylor a chance to mould his own offense with a new signal caller. Burrow’s accuracy and anticipation should be enough to quell any concern over arm strength.
2. WASHINGTON REDSKINS
GM: GEORGE SOMERVILLE
Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State
This is as close to a lock as you will ever get. Young is a generational talent and has been a wrecking ball for the Buckeyes. Everything points to him doing the same in the NFL.
3. DETROIT LIONS
GM: OLIVER HODGKINSON
Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State
The Lions needed to get better on the back end even before letting Darius Slay leave. Now, cornerback is the priority and Jeff Okudah is not only the best in class, he’s the best we’ve seen for a long time
4. NEW YORK GIANTS
GM: DAN GORELOV
Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
Best of a good group for me. Impact from day 1 at either tackle spot with incredible strength and explosive athleticism. Bruce Feldman had him numero uno in his acclaimed physical freak prospects list. Absolute technician, most o-line prospects will suffer under the new CBA reduced training time, not Wirfs. Book him in as a top 10 tackle for the majority of his career.
5. MIAMI DOLPHINS
GM: REBECCA RENNIE
Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
News regarding Tua’s injury has continued to suggest positive progress in his recovery. These are from his own team however, and it will depend on how each individual NFL team evaluate his situation. In this scenario, the presumption is that he remains on the board for the Dolphins. In which case, he ought to be the choice. Personally, Burrow and Tagovailoa are the clear top two QBs. There are plenty reports that Miami would be happy with Herbert. However, if Tua was off the board by this point, one of the top tackles wouldn’t be a massive surprise.
6. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
GM: BEN ROLFE
Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
7. CAROLINA PANTHERS
GM: ALEX CHINERY
Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson
The Panthers select my favourite player in the draft and get a dynamic leader in the middle of their defense to replace the retired Luke Kuechly. Simmons is the kind of player who pops off the film in every game by making game changing plays.
8. ARIZONA CARDINALS
GM: SIMON CARROLL
Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
This one was simple. To me Jedrick Wills is the most polished tackle in this draft class, and a perfect fit on this Cardinals offensive line. He’s played on the right side for Bama and will do the same in Arizona with DJ Humphries finally realising his talent on the blind side. His elite athleticism will help him block for one of the league’s more mobile quarterbacks in Kyler Murray. Kliff Kingsbury’s vision for this offense is being realised.
9. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
GM: RORY-JOE DANIELS
Derrick Brown, IDL, Auburn
The Jaguars need to restock along the defensive line. Having moved on from Malik Jackson, Calais Campbell and Marcell Dareus it feels like the room is under a full rebuild. The hope is that 2018 first rounder Taven Bryan will develop into a starter but pairing him with Brown would help. The Auburn DT has experience at 3-tech and nose, showing great athleticism. Providing pressure up the gut is vital in today’s NFL and Brown should do that instantly.
10. CLEVELAND BROWNS
GM: GEORGE SOMERVILLE
Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
If you believe in Baker Mayfield, which I believe the Browns do, then make sure he stays on his feet and is able to do his job. With the Browns paying Jack Conklin $42m to play right tackle, Becton will be perfect at left tackle. There’s a good chance Becton has gone by #10 but if he is still there, the Browns need to snap him up.
11. NEW YORK JETS
GM: OLIVER HODGKINSON
CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
The Jets put a lot of focus into protecting Sam Darnold in free agency. Yes, offensive tackle is still a need but providing Darnold with a game changing WR threat like Ceedee Lamb makes too much sense to me. Lamb answered questions about his speed at the NFL Combine to put him firmly in the mix as WR1.
12. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
GM: DAN GORELOV
Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
In most previous drafts Jerry Jeudy is a top 5 pick. His route running will have him as the team’s number one from the get go and wash away any remaining disappointment from the Antonio Brown debacle. Moving Tyrell Williams, Darren Waller and Josh Jacobs to 2nd/3rd/4th read status; all of a sudden Vegas is full of weapons.
13. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
GM: ALEX CHINERY
CJ Henderson, CB, Florida
The Niners need a corner who can stand up on his own in coverage opposite Richard Sherman if they are to slow down offenses enough to give their offense a chance to win the game. Henderson excels in man coverage and will hold up well given the Niners strong pass rush.
14. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
GM: BEN ROLFE
Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
Thomas is my number two tackle behind Triston Wirfs and is someone I believe the Chargers could take at six. The Buccaneers should be thrilled to get Thomas at pick 14 as he could be a Day 1 starter on either side of the line. Perhaps most importantly is that he could immediately elevate this line in the run game, which is where they really struggled last year.
15. DENVER BRONCOS
GM: REBECCA RENNIE
Henry Ruggs, WR, Alabama
Javon Kinlaw was very tempting at this pick, and would be higher on my board than Ruggs. The imposing DL is a disruptive force on the interior and isn’t even close to his ceiling as yet. It feels that Ruggs is the coveted player for Denver though, and with the ‘Bama speedster still on the board, he’s tough to pass on also. There’s an obvious connection to the potential of stressing defenses deep, utilizing the strong arm of Lock and taking some focus off Courtland Sutton. Ruggs is not to be pidgeon-holed as a deep target only, with progressing route running underneath, strong hands and under-rated physicality in his game.
16. ATLANTA FALCONS
GM: SIMON CARROLL
Javon Kinlaw, IDL, South Carolina
The Falcons have made some moves in free agency that will allow them to feel set on offense. But the defense is a whole different story. In this draft I had a couple of options here, but ultimately went for Kinlaw to slot in that defensive line next to Grady Jarrett. The former Gamecock brings relentless energy, is proficient against the run and the pass, and might even have more upside than Derrick Brown.
17. DALLAS COWBOYS
GM: GEORGE SOMERVILLE
Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama
While Dallas have moved to resolve the immediate need at Safety by signing Ha Ha Clinton Dix the thinking is that this will be a short term fix. McKinney is the best safety on the board and is able to come in and contribute from the get go. Bearing in mind the Cowboys seem to be in win now mode this seems the smart move. But it’s the Cowboys so who knows?
18. MIAMI DOLPHINS
GM: REBECCA RENNIE
K'Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, LSU
Miami has done a good job in free agency to fill many glaring needs with serviceable options prior to the draft. They have opened up the draft board to look to value at multiple spots, with offensive tackle as the primary need-based target to consider. The top talents at that position are gone though, and it feels a touch early to tap into the next tier. Chaisson isn’t universally graded high as a prospect but could be the best value remaining. He’s inconsistent but an ascending player with elite upside and better than credited versus the run. The Dolphins signed Shaq Lawson among others but that doesn’t negate edge defender as a worthwhile area to bolster further.
19. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
GM: DAN GORELOV
Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
Fulton has the ability to be an instant starter for the Raiders at a key position of need. More importantly though he has the potential ceiling to be one of the very best at his position. With a long frame, fluid movement and good speed he can develop into a shutdown cover corner with coverage scheme versatility.
Not short of confidence he’s a great fit for the Raiders. Be sure to check out Oli’s interview with Kristian here:
20. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
GM: RORY-JOE DANIELS
Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU
If the board fell in this way I could see the Jaguars trying to move up a few spots and target edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson. With no trades here, they had to watch LSU pair Chaisson and Fulton come off the board just before their pick. Although I have Fulton rated higher, TCU’s Jeff Gladney would fill a significant hole in the secondary. Since Jalen Ramsey left, the Jags have needed a lockdown corner and Gladney’s toughness should make him a day 1 starter over the likes of Rashaan Melvin and DJ Hayden.
21. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
GM: OLIVER HODGKINSON
Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
The Eagles made the move to address their secondary in free agency, snagging Darius Slay. So it only makes sense to address the glaring WR need in the NFL Draft. Jefferson brings production and a winning mentality to the Eagles locker room.
22. MINNESOTA VIKINGS
GM: BEN ROLFE
Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
Given the turbulent history of his older brother in Minnesota, this may not happen. However, it would be a really good move for the Vikings to add Diggs if both Henderson and Fulton are already off the board. Diggs is a polarising corner but his experience playing in multiple schemes should make him capable of starting early in his rookie season. His pure speed will cause him issues against some top receivers, but he should be capable of covering a large amount of number one receivers in the league.
23. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
GM: ALEX CHINERY
Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
After the loss of Kyle Van Noy in free agency the patriots are in need of a new do it all presence in the middle of the field. Murray is a sideline to sideline monster who’s work rate and ability make him a fantastic fit in New England.
24. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
GM: SIMON CARROLL
Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
With one of the most complete rosters in the NFL you could pretty much justify any draft pick at this juncture for the Saints. I avoided the drama of bringing in Brees’ successor at quarterback and instead took the best player on my board. Queen is a quick-twitch linebacker with rare range to cover every inch of the field. I love his play recognition and anticipation, and he could very well push Kiko Alonso for the starting mike linebacker job.
25. MINNESOTA VIKINGS
GM: BEN ROLFE
Austin Jackson, OT, USC
The Vikings biggest flaw was pass blocking last season and Jackson can offer an immediate upgrade there. They will need to work hard on his run blocking as that was an area of the game they excelled in last year and cannot afford a drop-off. Jackson has top-15 talent and there is every chance he could end up being the best tackle of this draft class.
26. MIAMI DOLPHINS
GM: REBECCA RENNIE
Josh Jones, OT, Houston
This has been a popular projection yet polarizing prospect among Dolphins fans scouring mock drafts. Jones has his draft fans and many just don’t see it. His footwork is unconventional but the hands are superb and Jones consistency as a pass protector stands out. Some might prefer Austin Jackson but he went just before Miami’s selection. I’d agree that taking Jones in the teens would be a stretch but late first could be a solid range for Jones. Denzel Mims was very tempting, as was Michigan interior O-lineman Cesar Ruiz. Either would also be worthy choices for the Dolphins here.
27. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
GM: RORY-JOE DANIELS
Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE, Penn State
The Hawks’ are desperate for some offensive line help and find themselves just on the cusp of being able to get a top tier talent here. With Josh Jones coming off the board, I could see them pivoting to edge rusher. The Jadeveon Clowney situation remains unresolved and LJ Collier lacks the dynamism of a true speed rusher. Gross-Matos is still raw but should the Seahawks bring back Clowney, they would have a strong pass rush duo to hunt down the NFC West QB’s.
28. BALTIMORE RAVENS
GM: GEORGE SOMERVILLE
Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor
What do you give the QB who has everything? More weapons! Mims has been steadily rising up boards and will be the perfect accompaniment to Lamar Jackson and existing receiver talent, Hollywood Brown and Willie Snead. This will be a very exciting offense to watch next season!
29. TENNESSEE TITANS
GM: OLIVER HODGKINSON
Ross Blacklock, IDL, TCU
Whilst all eyes are on Derrick Brown and Javon Kinlaw as the marquee DT’s in the class, Blacklock has flown under the radar. He’ll give the Titans a dominant defensive line alongside the likes of Jeffrey Simmons, after trading Jerrell Casey to the Broncos.
30. GREEN BAY PACKERS
GM: DAN GORELOV
Cesar Ruiz, IOL, Michigan
With injury issues surrounding the rest of the interior line class I have Ruiz a tier or two above the rest. He has a versatile skill-set, is able to adapt across the 3 interior positions and can play in any blocking scheme.
A deep receiver class means the Packers can move up in round 2 without much of a talent drop off. Tackles at this point are developmental and the Packers need an instant impact for Rodgers’ title window. Linsley has one year left and Billy Turner can fill in at right tackle if the Wagner signing doesn’t work out. Ruiz can be a key contributor in the short and long term.
31. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
GM: ALEX CHINERY
Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado
Another YAC monster on a team that loves to give their playmakers the ball close to the line of scrimmage and allow them to make plays. Giving Kyle Shanahan another versatile weapon to create touches for in his offense will make them nigh on unstoppable.
32. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
GM: SIMON CARROLL
D'Andre Swift, RB, Georgia
The Chiefs have very little wiggle room under the salary cap and are tasked with filling a number of holes on their defense via the draft. I chose to ignore those needs and give them another weapon on offense. Swift is the consensus #1 running back in this draft with a diverse, dynamic skillset. Adding his explosion to this team is quite frankly unfair. Forget defense – I challenge any opponent to keep up with Kansas City through four quarters.
THE TOUCHDOWN
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