Another year, another draft thread.

[Verge]

You guys know me by now, if you do not I have a friend who is a scout in the NFL, and I also do my own scouting work on the side (I have a twitter and all that junk hoping to turn it into a career at some point). It's fine if you believe me, it's fine if you don't, I do this thread every year and some of you guys seem to enjoy it, so here are some tidbits for the draft his year. 

-This is an elite tackle class, one of the best in years, there will be 6-7 tackles taken in the first round, and it would not shock me if 5 of them go in the top 15. 

-This QB class is comparable to the Baker Mayfield class, Burrow, Tua, and Herbert are all legit QBs, with Jordan Love, Jacob Eason, Jalen Hurts, and James Morgan bringing intrigue on the back end of the first round or somewhere in the 2nd. (Jordan Love will probably go somewhere in the top 20) 

-The WR class is also elite, but is also deeper than every other class here, which may lead to WRs dropping later than expected because teams feel like you can go get an elite lineman and swing back into the 2nd/3rd and still get WR help. I would guess five WRS go in the first round Jeudy, Lamb, Shenault, Jefferson and Ruggs, but that could change depending on how the board falls. I have nine WRs with a first round grade. 

-Javon Kinlaw is a guy who could push Derick Brown for the top interior defensive lineman, think Ed Oliver v Quinnen Williams of the last year, it's a lot closer than people realize. 

-Don't listen to the attempts by leakers to push down Yetur Gross-Matos, this dude is crazy good and will blow up the combine. Not a lot of guys have the wiggle, bend, size, burst, and athleticism he does at the end position. 

-D'Andre Swift is another guy people may sleep on, he is a better prospect than Josh Jacobs was at the time, his acceleration is next level and will probably go higher than people expect. 

Some names that should go higher than they are being mocked within the media: 
Jordan Elliot, DT, MIZZ
Josh Jones, OT, HOU 
Austin Jackson, OT, USC 
Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU 
Patrick Queen, LB, LSU 
Marlon Davidson, DE/DT, AUB 
Noah Igbinoghene, CB, AUB 
Isaiah Wilson, OT, GEO
Logan Stenberg, G, KEN
Adam Trautman, TE, DAY
Joshua Kelley, RB, UCLA 
Anfernee Jennings, EDGE, ALA 
Denzel Mims, WR, BAY 


-

 

Mock Draft 1.0 2020:

1. Bengals: Joe Burrow, QB, LSU 
This is an easy pick that should be penciled in. I wasn't the biggest fan of Joe Burrow early in the season, but he certainly grew on me, and the more I watched the more I loved. He has natural instincts to rival the best in the NFL, incredibly accurate deep balls, and the drive to take the team on his back. You don't trade out of a sure fire franchise QB. Only weaknesses on tape is an "okay" arm, sometimes has a hitch in this deep throws, and was bailed out by receivers on balls that hung. Otherwise perfect. Final Grade: 94/100

2. Washington: Chase Young, DE, OSU
Unquestionably the best player in the draft, looks like he was molded to play the position, dominant on a whim, and disrupts the entire offensive game plan. Triple teams didn't matter. Ron won't mess this up. 
Final Grade: 99/100 

3. *Trade* Dolphins: Justin Herbert, QB, ORE 
Wild stallion QB installed in a system that didn't let him grow. Elite arm, elite size, excellent athlete, and has all world ball placement ability. Desperately needs to refine his decision making and understanding of the complexities of timing and evaluating defenses. He is not ready to go quite yet, sit him behind Fitzpatrick and let him learn. More Josh Allen than Mitch Trubisky. Final Grade: 90/100 

4. Giants: Tristan Wirfs, T/G/Whatever, IOW 
This could be another trade down spot, or this could be Jedrick Wills who earns my higher grade. Giants desperately need to protect their franchise QB and mitigate the fumbling issue with help on the line, Wirfs allows this with his versatility and elite athleticism. Final Grade: 93/100

5. Lions: Jeffery Okudah, CB, OHST 
All signs have been pointing here, and it is a total fit for his grade as well as team need. Lengthy corner who fits in any system you want him in, not many flaws in his evaluation, maybe wish he had more top end speed? He will come in and immediately be a #1 corner in the mold of Jalen Ramsey. Final Grade: 95/100 

6. Chargers: Tua Tagovailoa, QB, ALA 
I really don't know if Tua will go here, higher, or lower. I don't imagine he could drop out of the top 15, he is too talented. Obvious concerns are durability and hero ball. Otherwise extremely efficient, accurate, mobile, great arm, lots of NFL throws. You certainly take a risk taking him, and I'm not sure you do it here. Final Grade: 97/100 (Injuries not factored)

7. Panthers: Isaiah Simmons, LB, CLE 
I think this is going to be a very tough choice between Simmons and Brown here if we don't trade down. Simmons is the ultimate modern defensive football player, a super mutant with a bottomless tool bag, can cover WRs or play sideline to sideline as a S/LB hybrid. Rhule is looking for all these things in a player, so the fit makes total sense. Just a matter if you want to plug the DT hole here to pass over on a guy like Simmons. Final Grade: 97/100 

8. Cardinals: Jedrick Wills, OT, ALA 
Cardinals get an ultra athletic left/right tackle who can also slide guard without a problem. His mold is ideal for what you want in a tackle, and has fit into it like a glove, a true mauler with high athlete upside. A fixture on any offensive line for the next decade. Final Grade: 99/100

9. Jaguars: Derick Brown, DT, AUB 
The Jaguars sit pat and land one of the best players in the draft. I could definitely see a trade down here, but it is a bit hard to resist when a Suh clone with high character marks is sitting in your lap. A true game wrecker with a huge motor, he will fit right in to that line that will wreak havoc across the AFC south. Final Grade: 97/100

10. *Trade* Buccaneers: Andrew Thomas, OT, GEO
This could be an open season type pick, with the Broncos, Falcons, and Eagles also trying to trade up. Bucs #1 priority in this draft is protecting #12, so they go get an experienced starter at tackle who will plug in right away on either side of the Bucs line. I worry about if his technique and handling speed rushers. Final Grade: 89/100 

11. Jets: Mekhi Becton, OT, LOU 
It's almost too obvious that the Jets will probably sit back and let one of the tackles fall to him. Becton isn't a bad guy to settle on. An ultra athletic bully who commands the corner of the line. Worry about his inexperience within a pass first offense, and has some holes in his tape showing just that. Should be able to iron out whatever technique issues he has with good coaching. Ceiling for him doesn't exist. Final Grade: 91/100 

12. Raiders: CeeDee Lamb, WR, OKL
This could be any of the top three receivers honestly, it's just whichever one fits the Raider mold better. I feel like Lamb does just that. High character marks, productivity, and explosive playmaking ability. Unique slim yet powerful build, will be hard to tackle even in the NFL, and has a route tree that rivals Jeudy. Final Grade: 92/100 

13. 49ers: Jerry Jeudy, WR, ALA
Don't be surprised if this is a CB like Henderson or Terrell. 49ers get back to their roots with a big time receiver who excels in route running. Jeudy is the best route runner I have probably ever evaluated, and I think the questions of his physicality and size are pretty ridiculous. He would be the best receiver on that roster the moment he is drafted, and for Kyle Shanahan, that is exactly what he is looking for. Final Grade: 93/100

14. Browns: Ezra Cleveland, OT, BOI
Eagles might try and sneak up here for a WR, but I think the Browns don't want to risk losing their guy and take the productive tackle out of Boise. Admittedly, I am not a huge fan of Cleveland (harr harr) because of his rawness and limitations compared to others in the class. I do think he will be a reliable starter at whatever side you put him on though, just watch out when he goes up against elite talent, I think he could be in deep water early in his career. Final Grade: 82/100 

15. Broncos: Henry Ruggs, WR, ALA 
Could also be Jefferson here, I think they are very close talent wise and Denver likes them both. Would not be surprised if Denver trades up to get Ruggs either. Obvious burner in the mold of a Tyreek Hill, can score from anywhere, and is a freak athlete. He is a well rounded WR and is not limited by one thing. Size and durability are the only concern for me. Final Grade: 90/100 

16. Falcons: CJ Henderson, CB, FLO
Not sure if he lasts this long, but that is the way it is playing out in this mock. Lengthy corner who excels in zone coverage. Brings a unique explosive element to the game, both in tackling and in recovery. Needs to work on tackling form in the open field. Final Grade: 90/100 

17. *Trade* Vikings: Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
Another trade spot here for multiple teams. Extremely productive, sneaky fast, explosive, physical and very polished. Has limits on his ceiling which drops him below the big three just a bit, but he fits into Diggs spot easily here. They get a hard worker who will bust his ass to master the craft. Final Grade: 89/100 

18. Dolphins: Austin Jackson, OT, USC: 
Dolphins get a pure LT to mold over the rebuild process and protect Justin Herbert. Jackson has a super high ceiling but absolutely needs to get stronger, the game against AJ Epenesa was proof positive of that. Could very well transition into a franchise LT in the near future. Final grade: 86/100

19. Raiders: Javon Kinlaw, DT, SC
If Kinlaw somehow falls this far, I think the Raiders would do flips to the podium. He is an elite player at this level, and feel like he could have easily gone in the top 10. Elite athleticism, strength, all tangled together to create a freak of a nose tackle. Final Grade: 93/100

20. Jaguars: AJ Terrell, CB, CLE
Another guy that should probably go higher, but that is just how this is all playing out. Jaguars get their lengthy number 1 corner to build around. Does not quite have the potential that the other corners in this class has, but he does have lenght, productivity, character, and a high football IQ to fit him into this spot as the Jaguars #1 corner. Final Grade: 86/100

21. Eagles: Denzel Mims, WR, BAY 
Eagles #1 goal this year is to revamp their receiving core and give Wentz some weapons. Mims fits the bill as a tall, athletic, creative, #1 WR. Should thrive within that Philly offense. Final Grade: 85/100 

22. Cowboys: Cesar Ruiz, C, MI
Have to replace Frederick and this is the guy to do it. The most talented interior offensive lineman not named Wirfs in this class. Should have no problem fitting in the ultra talented Cowboys offensive line, with a great combination of strength and athleticism that reminds me of Ryan Kalil. Final Grade: 85/100 

23. Patriots: Jordan Love, QB, UTS
They would have to be awfully tempted to grab Chaisson here, but I have to believe NE has to be considering the QB position in the first round. Jordan Love is a high ceiling project who gives you a bunch of mixed tape, and has some serious issues that need to be ironed out. I think Josh McDaniels will be up to the task, and the organization will put their faith in him to get the job done. Final Grade: 84/100 

24. Saints: Patrick Queen, LB, LSU 
The ultra athletic leader of the Tigers defense stays home and fills a desperate need at linebacker. Could play inside or out, with enough speed and smarts to start early and have a long career as the headliner of the Saints defense. Final Grade: 88/100 

25. Vikings: K'Lavon Chaisson, Edge, LSU 
The edge rusher they needed falls right down to the Vikings as they have a dream first round. Aldon Smith like ability, needs to functionally understand the position and be molded into a pass rusher as opposed to an athlete told to chase the QB. Should be able to be a 10+ sack guy year in and year out. Final Grade: 89/100 

26. Dolphins: Jonathan Taylor, RB, WIS
Dolphins get a feature back who can ease the burden of the offense off of Fitzpatrick/Hebert. Seriously talented, and if this was the 2005 draft probably would have gone in the top 5. Fumble issues obviously need to be corrected, workload is a concern, and the lack of pass catching needs to be fixed. Otherwise feed him the rock and watch him go. Could low key go much higher than this. Final grade: 91/100 

27. Seahawks: Yetur Gross-Matos, DE, PENN
This could very well just go to Jacksonville for Yannick Ngakoue, either way they need to address one of their lines. YGM is an ideally built defensive end who needs to sure up some technique issues, and probably improve his consistency, but he could develop into an elite edge defender. It certainly speaks to the talent of this draft if you can get him here. Final Grade: 89/100 

28. Ravens: Kenneth Murray, LB, OKL 
Ultra athletic sideline to sideline linebacker. Will make every aspect of the Ravens team speedy and explosive. Another one that would go higher in other drafts, but falls to the Ravens here. Final Grade: 87/100

29. Titans: AJ Epenesa, DE, IOW 
Another game wrecker on the defensive line, and the Titans steal him. Not as much upside or athleticism as the two that went before him, but he has refined technique, an ultra motor, and bully like strength. Final Grade: 87/100 

30. Packers: Isaiah Wilson, OT, GEO 
The other side of that Georgia offensive line goes here. Packers need sustainability at the position, and Isiah Wilson can bring just that. Not as productive as Thomas, but still a physical monster, and an underrated RT, who will have no problem transitioning into a staple on the offensive line. Probably has a higher ceiling than Thomas. Final Grade: 84/100 

31. 49ers: Josh Jones, OT, HOU
49ers have to start thinking about replacing Staley and this would be the spot to do it. Productive, experienced, and with great technique, Jones could slight right into the LT spot upon Staley's exit. Could probably kick into guard this year if needed, but much more of a tackle. 49ers get lucky in a string of awesome tackles. Final Grade: 85/100

32. Chiefs: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, LSU: 
The rich get richer on offense, though I suspect they might trade out here and try to get him or a corner in the early 2nd. CEH can do it all on the offensive side of the ball and is a unique offensive weapon to force defense to play up even further, digging their own graves for the Tyreek Hill explosion. Final Grade: 87/100

[The Lobo]

When you say elite tackle, do you mean OT or DT?

[Verge]

5 minutes ago, The Lobo said:

When you say elite tackle, do you mean OT or DT?

OT

[Panic]

At this point, before combine, I would like either of the first 2 DTs in Brown or Kinlaw in the First rd. Second round the best OC and in the third OG Ben Bredeson from Michigan. We need to build these lines back up.

[ncfan]

Really wanted Queen in the 2nd but have seen he is LB2 now by most and probably not falling out of the 2nd 

[Jesse]

The top half of the first round is giving me 2011 vibes. Lots of game changing playmakers on both sides of the ball. 

[musicman]

I really feel a DT or LB Simmons in the 1st unless they trade back. I'm starting to see that option in mock drafts. If they can get either top DT or LB Simmons and drop 2 or 3 spots that's a win win. I'd even take a mid 1st round pick to pick up another 2nd and 3rd or maybe a 1st next year with a 2nd this year.

Next year, a couple of 1st round picks can be used to move all the way and grab Trevor Lawrence if need be. We may have to look at this year as setting up next year. They said we could be real bad to get good long term. 

[Captain Morgan]

Thanks Verge, always look forward to your thoughts.  I think Queen will move even higher after the combine.  

I also hope this is the year Marty stops taking players moving down draft boards and takes more players moving up.

[ncfan]

1 minute ago, Captain Morgan said:

Thanks Verge, always look forward to your thoughts.  I think Queen will move even higher after the combine.  

He's already LB2 by most, and projecting bottom of the first.

Doubt he goes much higher into the early 20 due to the ammount of OL, CBs and WRs going in the top 20.  Plus potentially 4 QBs

[Ricky Spanish]

Thoughts on Fromm? I personally like him over Herbert but I've been very very wrong before. 

[thefuzz]

5 minutes ago, Cracka McNasty said:

Thoughts on Fromm? I personally like him over Herbert but I've been very very wrong before. 

From what I understand, he knows the game inside and out, loves the game, loves being in the building, but doesn't have the necessary tools to be a top flight QB in the league from a physical standpoint.

Maybe a Tom Brady type prospect that goes much higher than the 6th obviously?

Again, just from what I'm gathering...I could be totally wrong.

[thefuzz]

Thank you @Verge like your writeup every year.

[1of10Charnatives]

Verge this is my first go around as a poster but I remember reading previous threads and always look forward to your insight.

[Woodie]

I think Kinlaw will make a big move up after the combine.  When all is said and done, he may end up higher than Brown.  So, if we go DT at #7, I wouldn't be at all shocked if we choose Kinlaw over Brown.  He's more explosive, and will likely be a better pass rusher from the inside.  Both are complete DT's that can do it all, so either would be a worthy pick at #7.

Herbert is a bust waiting to happen.  I just don't think he has the mental makeup to reach his potential.  He is not a guy that can carry a team on his back.  He's got the fundamental traits you want in a QB (size, arm strength, athleticism), but that's it.  His play does not match his traits, and he does not handle pressure well at all.  He did well at the senior bowl, but there was no blitzing or exotic schemes designed to confuse the QB.  When all is said and done, whatever team takes him early will regret it fairly quickly.

Queen is very good, but he is small (listed at 227, but that may be a bit generous).  He is definitely a playmaker, but because of his size, once an OL gets his hands on him, he's done.  And he'll likely struggle in the box more than he did in college.

Mims or Jefferson would be great fits for our WR corps, and would give us the bigger athletic receiver we are missing right now.  And with Brady liking 4 & 5 receiver sets, we will likely be taking a receiver higher than some think (unless we sign one in FA, but I prefer to wait for the draft).  The only problem is that there is a possibility that one or both will be gone by our 2nd round pick.  But as Verge said, WR's are so deep that some good ones will drop, so we'll see if they are there.