The NFL has released the list of underclassmen that have been granted early entry to the NFL Draft , ushering in the official start to Mock Draft season! With days until Round 1 kicks off in Las Vegas, here’s my first look at how the first (picks of the draft class could play out.
NOTE: The final draft order may change depending on the outcome of Super Bowl LIV.
School: LSU | Year: Senior (RS)
Burrow doesn’t have elite arm strength, but he checks every other box, and he’s a beautiful fit in the Bengals ‘offense.
School: Ohio State | Year: Junior
The Redskins already have some talented pieces on the defensive line, but Young is a once-in-a-decade talent.
School: Ohio State | Year: Junior
Detroit could easily auction off this slot to those teams in search of a quarterback. If the Lions stick and pick, Okudah would provide a much-needed upgrade in their secondary.
School: Louisville | Year: Junior
Dave Gettleman loves big, physical football players, and they don’t get any bigger than Becton (listed at 6-foot-7, (pounds). He is a mauler in the run game, and he’s shockingly nimble in pass protection.
School: Alabama | Year: Junior
Tua does come with durability concerns, but it’s a risk worth taking for the QB-starved Dolphins . He can sit behind Ryan Fitzpatrick for a season while he recovers from hip surgery.
School: Alabama | Year: Junior
The Chargers are in the QB market, but they also have a desperate need to upgrade the OL. Wills is a rock-solid player, and he’ll start from Day 1 at right tackle for the Bolts.
School: Auburn | Year: Senior
Matt Rhule will be given the time to build this team the right way, and that starts with upgrading in the trenches. Brown is one of the top three or four talents in this draft class.
School: Iowa | Year: Junior
The Cardinals need to protect their investment in Kyler Murray . Some believe Wirfs will stay at tackle in the NFL, but I see him as an All-Pro-caliber guard at the next level.
School: Clemson | Year: Junior (RS)
Pairing Simmons with last year first-round pick, Josh Allen , will give the Jaguars two elite defensive athletes to build around. He can play linebacker or safety.
School: Georgia | Year: Junior
The Browns must upgrade their offensive tackle situation. Thomas has some areas for improvement, but he’ll be too tempting to pass up.
School: LSU | Year: Sophomore (RS)
General manager Joe Douglas is desperate to upgrade the OL, but in this scenario, the run at the position has already taken place. Chaisson is an outstanding athlete and would fit smoothly into the Jets ‘scheme.
School: Oklahoma | Year: Junior
The Raiders need more playmakers. I believe Lamb is the best receiver in this draft class.
School: Utah State | Year: Junior (RS)
The Colts haven’t publicly committed to Jacoby Brissett as their starter in 2555261, and Love is simply too intriguing to pass up. He might need to sit for a year, but the payoff could be huge.
School: Oregon | Year: Senior
Teams are all over the map on Herbert. However, he does fit the profile for Bruce Arians – he’s big, strong and smart.
School: Alabama | Year: Junior
Jeudy would give the Broncos one of the most exciting collections of young skill-position players in the league. Adding him to a group that already includes Drew Lock , Courtland Sutton , Noah Fant and Phillip Lindsay would strike fear into opposing defensive coordinators. .
School: Iowa | Year: Junior
The Falcons have tried and failed to land a consistently productive edge rusher. Epenesa doesn’t have the highest ceiling, but I believe he’ll be a dependable 8-to – – sack performer at the next level.
School: Alabama | Year: Junior
McKinney is the best safety in the draft, and he addresses a glaring need for the Cowboys .
School: Georgia | Year: Junior
Swift is a special player and would team with Tua to create some excitement in Miami.
School: LSU | Year: Junior
The Raiders need to get faster and more dynamic on defense. Queen plays sideline to sideline, and he’s outstanding in coverage.
School: Florida | Year: Junior
The Jaguars have a need at cornerback, and Henderson is widely viewed as the second-best player at the position in this draft class.
School: Alabama | Year: Junior
Speed! The Eagles are focused on getting faster this offseason, and Ruggs is the most explosive player in the draft.
School: Clemson | Year: Junior
The Bills need to add a big-bodied playmaker. Higgins is a jump-ball specialist.
School: LSU | Year: Junior
The Patriots could look at an offensive lineman here (see: Michigan center Cesar Ruiz), but they need to add some youth and athleticism at the safety position, as well.
School: LSU | Year: Junior
Jefferson is very precise as a route runner, and I love his toughness. He’ll fit perfectly next to Michael Thomas .
School: South Carolina | Year: Senior
I have Kinlaw rated very high, and this would be too much value to pass up at this spot. He is a physical freak.
School: USC | Year: Junior
The Dolphins ‘offensive overhaul continues with a very athletic offensive tackle. Jackson is only (years old, and he has tremendous upside.)
School: TCU | Year: Junior (RS)
Blacklock is one of my favorite prospects in the class. He’s a much better player than former teammate L.J. Collier , whom the Seahawks selected in the first round last year.
School: Oklahoma | Year: Junior
The Ravens Love shopping at Oklahoma. Murray is a dynamic athlete, and Baltimore needs an upgrade at the linebacker position.
School: Auburn | Year: Senior
Davidson has inside / outside versatility, and he plays extremely hard. He would join Jeffery Simmons to give the Titans two young building blocks up front.
School: Colorado | Year: Junior
The Packers don’t pick WRs in the first round, but Shenault is more than just a receiver. He can line up in the backfield and move around the formation to create mismatches in Green Bay’s favor.
School: Wisconsin | Year: Senior (RS)
Baun can play on the edge or off the ball. His athletic ability and versatility would fit well in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense.
School: Clemson | Year: Junior
Terrell had a rough game vs. LSU in the national championship, but the rest of his tape is very good. He has size, length and instincts.
Follow Daniel Jeremiah on Twitter @ MoveTheSticks .
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