While much of the country’s been in quarantine for more than a month, we have finally dragged our feet to make it to draft week. This NFL Draft will be unlike any other before, as the entire process will be fully virtual.
Just think about New York Giants General Manager Dave Gettleman on his 2007 Acer laptop and 100 unorganized Post-it Notes trying to make sure he gets the team’s pick to the league in time. Schefter already said there’s been technical difficulties with the official practice draft, so we could be in for some fun.
Both of my fellow draft experts Brandon “Peter Schrager” Trager and Brian “Mr. F-45” Trainor have taken a break from freaking out about their upcoming weddings to give you the best mock around.
Dive into the full first round to see whose name your squad will be calling below, or your money back guaranteed.
1. Cincinnati Bengals
Trainor: Joe Burrow – QB, LSU
Not much to say other than the best single season in College football history. Burrow showed incredible accuracy, poise, anticipation and escapability. Other than that, he is just a freakin competitor.
Trager: Joe Burrow – QB, LSU
I don’t remember another QB in my lifetime making this type of turn around. Every single game Joe Burrow played, he was unstoppable. He turned a consistently offensively challenged LSU team into an offense that defenses had no answer for. That was by far the most consistent QB play I’ve ever seen in college. As long as the Bengals don’t royally screw this up (and they may), I believe there’s no doubt Burrow will be a perennial pro bowler for years to come.
LTS: Joe Burrow – QB, LSU
2. Washington Redskins
Trainor: Chase Young – Edge, Ohio State
Do I think he’s as good as the Bosa brothers? No. But he is by far the best edge rusher in this draft. Can’t wait for the Giants to attempt to block this man for 10 years.
Trager: Chase Young – Edge, Ohio State
When I think Chase Young, I think about a high motor player that does not stop working. He plays the run, and as an elite pass rusher. Watching him play this year, he was all over the field from sideline to sideline. Young seems like a can’t miss prospect, someone that new head coach Ron Rivera is surely salivating over.
LTS: Chase Young – Edge, Ohio State
3. Detroit Lions
Trainor: Jeffrey Okudah – CB, Ohio State
Detroit tries to trade back from this pick, but Miami and Chargers feel comfortable staying put. I personally think they should draft Derrick Brown, but Bob Quinn and Patricia are drafting for their jobs and will take the safe approach.
Trager: Jeffrey Okudah – CB, Ohio State
I’d like to take this moment to thank the Lions for knowing they’ll get Okudah, so therefore trading their Pro Bowl corner to The Philadelphia Eagles. Darius Slay will be a great fit. Oh back to the Lions, Okudah is a dominant corner who should make an impact right away…except for the fact that it’s the Lions. #ForeverMediocre
LTS: Jeffrey Okudah – CB, Ohio State
4. New York Giants
Trainor: Jedrick Wills – OT, Alabama
THE BEST OT IN THE DRAFT. BY FAR. I’ve watched all of the OTs film from this past year and Wills has the best feet and hands I have ever seen from a OT prospect. Needs to improve on blocking in space, but I think this is the smarter pick for the Giants. Need to protect Jones and Saquon.
Trager: Tristan Wirfs – OT, Iowa
F the Giants, oh whoops, sorry this is supposed to be unbiased. I think Dave Gettleman is an absolute joke, and that opinion isn’t because I hate the Giants, he just is. (S/O Big Dave as a former PE teacher turned NFL GM though, smh). Back to the pick, I killed Dave last year not for the Jones pick, but where he got him. However, I’ll give him this, Jones looked like a legit NFL starter.
Now, with that being said, looking back to 2018 the G Men still should have Sam Darnold not Saquon Barkley. They will be in the same crap predicament all of these teams are who took RB’s in the 1st round. The 2nd contract Barkley’s gets will kill them, and the Giants will still be average. Ok for real, back to the pick. Many “experts” have the Giants picking Simmons. And Simmons is nasty. But DAVE doesn’t care what y’all think! Gettleman invested in Jones, so it’s only right that he gets a big tough guy to protect him. Wirfs is just that. Plug and play to protect Jones. You’re still a joke, Dave.
LTS: Isaiah Simmons – LB, Clemson
5. Miami Dolphins
Trainor: Justin Herbert – QB, Oregon
Dolphins play it safe and draft their franchise QB. They will regret not drafting Tua for years and years. Simple as that.
Trager: Tua Tagovailoa – QB, Alabama
January 8th, 2018, Tua Tagovaiola was born. No, seriously. I will never forget watching Alabama and Clemson in that National Championship. EVERYONE was thinking, “if only Alabama had a QB that could throw the football (sorry Jalen Hurts).” Then came Tua to the rescue, leading a perfect comeback.To cap it off, who can forget the Dilfer dime dropped from the sky to Smith for the W. Since then, when Tua is on the field, he has been nothing short of a stud.
Let me make this very clear: as Wayne Gretzky once said, “you miss 100% of shots you don’t take.” As Dot once said, “Shooters shoot.” I can go on and on. Here’s the point: you don’t pass on Tua. I don’t care how many injury concerns there are. We have seen how fast a franchise QB can turn around a franchise in a year. Tua won’t flop because of talent, it’ll be because of injury. And I can live with that. This dude is a stud, checks every single box you want in a QB. You can’t pass this man up. If I’m any team with a question at QB, I’m swinging for the fences. The season started with the Dolphins #TankingForTua, they better hope they get him.
LTS: Tua Tagovailoa – QB, Alabama
6. Los Angeles Chargers
Trainor: Tua Tagovailoa – QB, Alabama
Chargers will get a steal here with Tua. He will change their culture around. He will rest behind Tyrod for a year and then take over for years to come. Watch out for the Chargers in the next couple of years.
Trager: Justin Herbert – QB, Oregon
I can’t take credit for what I’m about to say, nor do I remember who I should give the credit to, but I was listening to the radio the other day and someone stated the perfect comparison for what Justin Herbert will be: Josh Allen. Checks off all the boxes you want in a QB: tall, strong arm, mobile. He’ll probably be good enough to be a starter. But is that good enough? As the person said on the radio, BESIDES the Bills, how many teams would be dying to make Allen their QB right now. Is this what you want for your franchise QB? I don’t want to kill Herbert, he may be a stud. But every time I saw him play, nothing popped. He never looked like the top 5 QB he was always talked about being. We’ll see. For now, enjoy Josh Allen – what Justin Herbert will be.
Let’s take a look back at the 2020 NFL playoffs. 1 minute to go, Bills going for the tie or win. Let me present you, Josh Allen:
LTS: Justin Herbert – QB, Oregon
7. Carolina Panthers
Trainor: Isaiah Simmons – LB, Clemson
Athletic freak of nature. That is all you have to say about Simmons. He will make a defense instantly better, but I do think he is a little overrated. He doesn’t make plays that you would like your linebackers to make and he doesn’t make plays that you would like a safety to make. He is very fast north and south, but doesn’t have that quick twitch burst.
Trager: Isaiah Simmons – LB, Clemson
Isaiah Simmons is a beast. Period. End of story. He has insane versatility for a defensive coordinator. It’s ironic that I have Simmons falling here, because the last player I remember people talking about with this versatility is Shaq Thompson (Panthers 25th pick in 2015 draft). Thompson wasn’t as highly regarded as Simmons, but has turned out real well for them. With the departure of Luke Kuechly, insert Simmons who can play any LB position on the field, as well as rush the passer. It’s hard to replace Kuechly, but Simmons should be a plug and play star for the Panthers. Matt Rhule, let’s see what you got.
LTS: Derrick Brown – DT, Auburn
8. Arizona Cardinals
Trainor: Tristan Wirfs – OT, Iowa
Arizona could go many different ways here. They could trade back or take DT Derrick Brown, but I think they take an OT that fits them perfectly in Wirfs. He is athletic enough to get out on the edge to help Kingsbury’s offensive system.
Trager: Mekhi Becton – OT, Louisville
When you think Mekhi Becton, you think about a freakishly athletic BIG MAN. 6’7 370 and he ran a 5.1 40! Well let’s take a look at the Arizona Cardinals 1st pick in the draft from last year… freakishly Athletic QB! Let’s team up this year’s most athletic lineman with a QB that needs protection to throw the football to the likes of..DeAndre Hopkins. I expect the Cardinals to protect their franchise QB as they look to take a big step next season.
LTS: Jedrick Wills – OT, Alabama
9. Jacksonville Jaguars
Trainor: *Buccaneers Trade With Jaguars* – Andrew Thomas – OT, Georgia
Tampa Trades up and protects TOM! The most NFL ready LT to keep Tom off his ass. Bucs are in a win now type of mindset and they will do whatever it takes.
Trager: Jerry Jeudy – WR, Alabama
MINSHEWMANIA. All jokes aside, I was impressed with Gardner Minshew. I don’t think his ceiling is higher than an average starting QB, but hey, they found a steal for a 6th round draft pick nobody had heard of. I still think the Jags could go QB if they’re sitting here, or they may even trade up. I’m sure if they don’t draft one, they’ll be in the veteran QB market to push Minshew. Regardless, let’s go with Jerry Jeudy here, who I believe is one of the safer players in this draft. Jeudy’s route running is incredible, and he has good speed as well. He has put up extremely consistent, productive #’s at Alabama, and his game transfers to make an immediate impact in the NFL. Give Minshew a stud WR, and maybe he’ll turn out like another 6th round QB who just changed teams?
LTS: Tristan Wirfs – OT, Iowa
10. Cleveland Browns
Trainor: *Broncos Trade With Browns* – CeeDee Lamb – WR, Oklahoma
Trager: Jedrick Wills – OT, Alabama
Jedrick Wills Jr. is most likely the most “NFL ready” lineman in this draft. Shocker, he’s an Alabama product. The Browns have a ton of offensive weapons, and a solid defense. They need to protect the QB they’ve invested a lot in. Wills will step in, with the hopes of replacing the likes of Joe Thomas at the tackle position. If the Browns can put what’s on paper, onto the field, they have the “chance” to be “real good”.
LTS: Mekhi Becton – OT, Louisville
11. New York Jets
Trainor: Mekhi Becton – OT, Louisville
Trager: CeeDee Lamb – WR, Oklahoma
I said I was only going to do the first 10 write ups, but this is the Lord’s team, LordTreeSap. The Jets could easily go OL here (Jedrick Wills Jr.), but c’mon give Darnold a weapon, and let the kid fly. I’m a huge Sam Darnold believer, and I think we’ll look back thinking the Jets got not only the steal of the 2018 draft, but the steal of NY (sorry again, Giants).
CeeDee Lamb is an absolute stud. He is a complete receiver who can literally do it all. You can’t judge a QB until you put SOMETHING around him. Gase will continue to hold the Jets back (GET RID OF THE MAN), but Lamb should help mask some of Gase’s deficiencies. I think Sap will like this one (He does).
LTS: Andrew Thomas – OT, Georgia
I’ll hop in here to write a few things about our beloved Jets. Joe Douglas showed he’s going to be a prudent spender when it comes to free agents, which resulted in a bargain shopping off-season — something fans weren’t used to in recent years with the frivolous Mike Maccagnan.
When Robby Anderson bolted for Carolina, he left a huge hole at wide receiver, but I still think Douglas opts for any of the top four tackles to bolster a revamped o-line. Between his lineman background and making a promise to the Darnold family that he would do everything in his power to protect Sam, Thomas has to be the pick here, while a deep WR class takes a backseat until the second round.
12. Las Vegas Raiders
Trainor: Jerry Jeudy – WR, Alabama
Trager: C.J. Henderson – CB, Florida
LTS: CeeDee Lamb – WR, Oklahoma
13. San Francisco 49ers
Trainor: *Falcons Trade With 49ers* – C.J. Henderson – CB, Florida
Trager: Derrick Brown – DT, Auburn
LTS: Henry Ruggs – WR, Alabama
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Trainor: *Jaguars Pick Swap With Buccaneers* – Derrick Brown – DT, Auburn
Trager: Andrew Thomas – OT, Georgia
LTS: Joshua Jones – OT, Houston
15. Denver Broncos
Trainor: *Browns Trade With Broncos* – Ezra Cleveland – OT, Boise State
Trager: Henry Ruggs – WR, Alabama
LTS: Jerry Jeudy – WR, Alabama
16. Atlanta Falcons
Trainor: *Falcons Pick Swap With 49ers* – Henry Ruggs – WR, Alabama
Trager: K’Lavon Chaisson – Edge, LSU
LTS: C.J. Henderson – CB, Florida
17. Dallas Cowboys
Trainor: K’Lavon Chaisson – Edge, LSU
Trager: Xavier McKinney – Safety, Alabama
LTS: K’Lavon Chaisson – Edge, LSU
18. Miami Dolphins
Trainor: *Saints Trade With Dolphins* – Jordan Love – QB, Utah State
Trager: Javon Kinlaw – DT, South Carolina
LTS: Austin Jackson – OT, USC
19. Las Vegas Raiders
Trainor: A.J. Terrell – CB, Clemson
Trager: Jordan Love – QB, Utah State
LTS: Xavier McKinney – Safety, Alabama
20. Jacksonville Jaguars
Trainor: Jaylon Johnson – CB, Utah
Trager: A.J. Epenesa – Edge, Iowa
LTS: Javon Kinlaw – DT, South Carolina
21. Philadelphia Eagles
Trainor: Justin Jefferson – WR, LSU
Trager: Justin Jefferson – WR, LSU
I know what you’ve all been waiting for. My take on the Eagles 21st pick in the draft. It’s no secret, everyone has the Eagles going receiver here. And they should. We need to give Carson weapons. If ANY OF YOU doubted the legend Carson Wentz, just look back to what he did at the end of last season. How many QB’s could have taken those Eagles offensive weapons to the playoffs? If Carson doesn’t get concussed in the first quarter, the Eagles win that game. Ok rant over.
As bad as I want a receiver, we desperately need help at LB which we’ve needed for the past few seasons. Our DLine is beast as always, and we have improved secondary depth (despite the massive loss of Malcom Jenkins). Therefore, I would not be upset at all if Kenneth Murray was here and we scooped him up. He’s going to be a stud.
Let’s go with Justin Jefferson who has had 2 very productive seasons in a row, including an unbelievable 2019 in which he had 111 catches for 1,540 yards and 18 TD’s. He can play in the slot, as well as on the outside. He has good hands, speed, and size. No brainer here. A security blanket who will make an immediate impact for Carson right away.
LTS: Justin Jefferson – WR, LSU
22. Minnesota Vikings
Trainor: Joshua Jones – OT, Houston
Trager: Tee Higgins – WR, Clemson
LTS: A.J. Terrell – CB, Clemson
23. New England Patriots
Trainor: *Titans Trade With Patriots* Javon Kinlaw – DT, South Carolina
Trager: Kenneth Murray – LB, Oklahoma
LTS: Jordan Love – QB, Utah State
24. New Orleans Saints
Trainor: *Dolphins Pick Swap With Saints* – Xavier McKinney – Safety, Alabama
Trager: A.J. Terrell – CB, Clemson
LTS: Kenneth Murray – LB, Oklahoma
25. Minnesota Vikings
Trainor: Denzel Mims – WR, Baylor
Trager: Trevon Diggs – CB, Alabama
LTS: Brandon Aiyuk – WR, Arizona St.
26. Miami Dolphins
Trainor: Austin Jackson – OT, USC
Trager: Antoine Winfield Jr. – CB/S, Minnesota
LTS: Patrick Queen – LB, LSU
27. Seattle Seahawks
Trainor: Yetur Gross-Matos – Edge, Penn State
Trager: Yetur Gross-Matos – Edge, Penn State
LTS: A.J. Epenesa – Edge, Iowa
28. Baltimore Ravens
Trainor: Robert Hunt – Guard, Louisiana
Trager: Patrick Queen – LB, LSU
LTS: Cesar Ruiz – C/G, Michigan
29. Tennessee Titans
Trainor: *Patriots Pick Swap With Titans* A.J. Epenesa – Edge, Iowa
Trager: Joshua Jones – OT, Houston
LTS: Jaylon Johnson – CB, Utah
30. Green Bay Packers
Trainor: *Giants Trade With Packers* – Kenneth Murray – LB, Oklahoma
Trager: Denzel Mims – WR, Baylor
LTS: Ezra Cleveland – OT, Boise State
31. San Francisco 49ers
Trainor: Isaiah Wilson – OT, Georgia
Trager: Brandon Aiyuk – WR, Arizona State
LTS: Ross Blacklock – DT, TCU
32. Kansas City Chiefs
Trainor: Kristian Fulton – CB, LSU
Trager: D’Andre Swift – RB, Georgia
LTS: D’Andre Swift – RB, Georgia
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