1. Cincinnati Bengals

Pick: Joe Burrow, QB, LSU

The decision may have been a little more difficult if Tua was completely healthy. Regardless, Burrow has franchise QB potential and is one of my top rated QB prospects in the past ten years. Andy Dalton will more than likely be cut as he is scheduled to make $17 million in 2020. Meaning the 2020 season for the Bengals will be led right away by Burrow.

4. New York Giants

Pick: Isaiah Simmons, OLB, Clemson

The Giants have a difficult decision to make.  They have a huge need at Offensive Tackle and there are four premier tackles available in this spot. Linebacker is also a need and someone with Simmons talent/versatility doesn’t come around often. While the Giants signed LB Blake Martinez, he is a liability in the passing game.  You know who isn’t a liability in pass coverage? Simmons. 

5. Miami Dolphins

Pick: Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama

This is the dream scenario for the Dolphins. However, in order to get Tua the Dolphins would most likely have to trade up with the Lions (I don’t do trade scenarios in Mock Drafts… too many variables). Anyway, Tua gives the Dolphins a franchise QB in an already impressive rebuild.

6. Los Angeles Chargers

Pick: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon

The Chargers filled needs in free agency with Bryan Bulaga (Tackle) and Chris Harris (CB). One glaring spot they haven’t filled has been QB. With Tyrod Taylor set to be the starter, there is not an immediate need for a rookie QB to come in and start. The Chargers go with Herbert as their future franchise QB.

7. Carolina Panthers

Pick: Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn

The projected starting nose tackle in Carolina’s defense is currently between NFL journeymen Woodrow Hamilton and Zach Kerr… that is nowhere near good enough. Derrick Brown is a high motor guy who will start on the Panthers defense right away. 

8. Arizona Cardinals

Pick: Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville

The Arizona Cardinals offensive line was just awful last year. Left Tackle D.J. Humphries signed a short term extension, but he isn’t the definite long-term solution. It is time for the Cardinals to start developing the future franchise left tackle. At 6’7″ 364 pounds, there is no one with more upside the Mekhi Becton.

16. Atlanta Falcons

Pick: C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida

The Falcons lost Desmond Trufant and have young corners Isaiah Oliver and Kendall Sheffield slated to start. C.J. Henderson provides an upgrade as one of the most athletically talented corners in the draft. If Henderson overcomes the concern in run support, he will be a starting NFL corner for sometime.

17. Dallas Cowboys

Pick: K’Lavon Chaisson, DE, LSU

The edge class is pretty slim as only Young and Chaisson are top half of the first round guys. Chaisson showed glimpses of elite potential down the stretch with 4.5 sacks in the last 4 games (and a play where he chased down CeeDee Lamb). The Cowboys need edge rushers and take a chance on Chaisson’s upside.

18. Miami Dolphins

Pick: Josh Jones, OT, Houston

Julien Davenport and Jesse Davis are slated to start at offensive tackle… which isn’t good. After the Dolphins went with Tua for their first pick, they need a tackle to keep him upright. Josh Jones is a top twenty player and one of the last tackles worthy of a first round pick. 

20. Jacksonville Jaguars

Pick: Jordan Love, QB, Utah State

Gardner Minshew and Joshua Dobbs are not long term options at quarterback. The Jaguars need a guy they can potentially develop into a franchise quarterback. Jordan Love has a big arm and potential, but also has accuracy and decision issues. With Gardner Minshew currently on the roster there is no pressure for Love to start and he can develop during the Jaguars rebuild.

21. Philadelphia Eagles

Pick: Patrick Queen, OLB, LSU

The Eagles linebacking corp is full of inexperience and a major weakness on the defense. Queen would instantly be the best linebacker on the roster. Queen runs a 4.5 and is great in run support and pass coverage. 

22. Minnesota Vikings

Pick: Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama

The Minnesota Vikings are actively shopping safety Anthony Harris with no potential replacement. Xavier McKinney would be a dynamic safety  for the Vikings to keep their defense from losing a step. Even if Harris is signed to a long-term deal, McKinney’s versatility would still make him an option to contribute.

23. New England Patriots

Pick: Jacob Eason, QB, Washington

While a quarterback competition between between Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer sounds electric, the Patriots need another option. Jacob Eason is one of the most talented passers in the draft and has tremendous upside. After Tua and Burrow, I think he is the most likely to be a NFL starter five years from now.

24. New Orleans Saints

Pick: Kenneth Murray, ILB, Oklahoma

Veteran Saints linebacker A.J. Klein left in free agency and Kiko Alonso tore his ACL in the playoff game… so Linebacker is a pretty big hole on the Saints defense. Kenneth Murray can fix that. Murray is a sideline to sideline linebacker that can step in right away for the Saints.

25. Minnesota Vikings

Pick: Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU

The Vikings received nice compensation for Stefon Diggs, but now they have to fill his role. Jefferson is similar to Diggs as a tall receiver with good route running ability. A combination of Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson would be nice.

26. Miami Dolphins

Pick: Antonio Winfield Jr., S, Minnesota

The first two Dolphins picks were offensive players… now time to address the defense. The current starting safeties are journeymen Eric Rowe and Adrian Colbert. Antonio Winfield is a smaller safety, but plays physical and has elite ballhawk ability. Head Coach Brian Flores will be able to utilize him in the Dolphins defense.

27. Seattle Seahawks

Pick: Yetur Gross-Matos, DE, Penn State

With the loss of Jadaveon Clowney, the Seahawks need edge rushing help. Gross-Matos was a high impact defensive player for Penn State with 17.5 sacks over the last two years. He fits the edge rushing role for Seattle.

32. Kansas City Chiefs

Pick: Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama

The issue for the Chiefs over the past few years is the defense, particularly the secondary. After losing Kendall Fuller, corner remains a high priority. Trevon Diggs has high upside as a long corner with great ball skills. (Bills play the Chiefs in 2020 giving us a matchup with his brother Stefon Diggs).