Mock Draft 2.0

The boys are back with StandingRoomSports Mock Draft 2.0. 1.0 Marsh and I went only 1 round, this time around we got 2 for you, but unfortunately still no trades. Marsh has the odds, so any of those terrible picks you can blame him, I’m taking the evens. Enough small talk let’s get to the picks:

1ST ROUND

1) Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow QB LSU

Positives: elite pocket manipulation and awareness, top level accuracy and placement at all 3 levels. Negatives: fantastic offensive line, innovative offensive and passing game coordinator, NFL ready receiving corps. Burrow-Mixon-Boyd may not exactly be “The Triplets” but that’s absolutely moving in the right direction as a young core with a young offensive coach.

2) Washington Redskins: Chase Young EDGE Ohio State

There are some rumors popping up about Washington potentially trading out here, which for a team that doesn’t need an edge is an interesting proposition, but assuming they do make a selection at 2 it should be a no-brainer. Chase Young makes 10-15 eye-popping plays every game and is one of the best pass rushing prospects we’ve ever seen.

3) Detroit Lions: Isaiah Simmons Defensive Weapon Clemson

The current needs on defense are plentiful: CB, S, EDGE, LB, DT. The solution? Draft a player who excels at 4/5! This is a great fit and solves plenty of the problems in Detroit. And who’s to say he cant play 3tech…

4) New York Giants: Jedrick Wills OT Alabama

The best way to invest in Daniel Jones? By Investing in Saquan Barkley. In Wills the Giants get an absolute beast in run blocking who can help Saquan do his thing to set the table and make life easier on their young QB. On top of that he fits the profile and has the traits to continue improving his pass protection.

5) Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa QB Alabama

No trades in this mock lands Tua in Miami. A bit of a snoozer of a pick, but a great situation for the South Beach Dorsal Fins bringing in the franchise cornerstone and retaining their ridiculous draft capital to build around him.

6) LA Chargers: Justin Herbert QB Oregon

The Chargers are in a tricky position with a really talented roster, and a good bridge QB option in Tyrod Taylor. They could look to take BPA and build a championship roster around an average QB, but in this case it’s best to use that bridge QB to try to develop the next franchise guy. Herbert has some great tools but he could use a year practicing with NFL talent and coaches before making the leap.

7) Carolina Panthers: Jordan Love QB Utah State

If Jordan Love was recruited to Oklahoma, he’d be the first overall pick. Fight me on it, but this is the most physically gifted passer in this draft with more than functional mobility. He is not NFL ready, but most QBs drafted outside the #1 pick are not. However, give this man a year with the man who tailored an offense to Burrows strengths and the speed of Carolina with CMC, DJ Moore, and Samuel with Ian Thomas emerging we could see Kansas City East in a few seasons.

8) Arizona Cardinals: Andrew Thomas OT Georgia

Jeff Okudah somehow being on the board here is really intriguing, but now you have to continue investing in the Kliff Kingsbury offense, as long as he’s the HC this team is going to live and die on that side of the ball. Andrew Thomas helps stabilize the offensive line to protect Kyler Murray and open some holes for Kenyon Drake in the running game.

9) Jacksonville Jaguars: Jeff Okudah CB Ohio State

This is an ideal scenario for the Jags. Lose a premier player that was going to make 20m/year and gain a suitable replacement at 1/5th the cost for the next 4-5 seasons. Okudah is a top tier prospect with the speed and length to stick with the Tyreek Hills and Mike Evans of the world and everyone in between.

10) Cleveland Browns: Mekhi Becton OT Louisville

If it plays out like this it should be a two player draft for Cleveland between Becton and Wirfs. Baker spent way too much time trying to make plays off schedule, and Becton, who proved in his Indy measurements that he’s an absolute monster of a human being, helps secure the pocket to allow Baker to make proper reads and distribute the ball to his bevy of play-makers.

11) New York Jets: Jerry Jeudy WR Alabama

Offensive line would be a prudent move here for their young QB. But with Robby Anderson and Leveon Bell potentially being shown the door this off-season, this offense desperately needs a go to play-maker. If both or either end up coming back, well, the more the merrier.

12) Las Vegas Raiders: Derrick Brown IDL Auburn

Isaiah Simmons is likely the Raiders dream scenario, gone. Jerry Jeudy gives them what they were looking for in signing Antonio Brown, gone. Now they look at other options and a top 5 overall player in this draft is still on the board. Brown is an absolute beast who gives the Raiders a dynamic interior disruptor next to Mo Hurst and PJ Hall that they can deploy for years to come.

13) Indianapolis Colts: CeeDee Lamb WR Oklahoma

A physically imposing WR for a quality offensive mind to design plays for across from the field stretching TY Hilton. This is a fantastic fit and as TY ages and his body continues to break down, CeeDee gives Indy not only the heir apparent to the WR1 role, but can step in immediately to fill that gap in an emergency, a far cry from the current situation in the Crossroads of America.

14) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tristan Wirfs OT Iowa

1st off can we stop turning great tackle prospects into guards? Ok, I believe Tampa Bay is going to give the Jameis experiment another 2 year deal as an ideal fit for Bruce Ariens vertical offense, but with that offense means a need for effective pass blocking. Here they take Tristan Wirfs who is a physical specimen and uses his body well to secure the RT position.

15) Denver Broncos: CJ Henderson CB Florida

Chris Harris likely on the move leaves a gaping hole in the secondary. Harris has ability as an inside and outside CB which has given this defense versatility through the years. Henderson projects as an outside CB with shutdown ability. He has ideal size and length with plus athleticism giving him the potential to be a #1 corner in any system.

16) Atlanta Falcons: AJ Epenesa EDGE Iowa

This defense is in an interesting position, Vic Beasley and Adrian Clayborn are both UFAs (organization already saying Vic is gone) and their secondary is a mess. You’ll see this guy mocked here often because it makes sense, AJ Epenesa is a dynamic, strong athlete who brings a different mold than Takk and helps them out by taking the strong side to collapse outside runs and QB pockets in the pass game.

17) Dallas Cowboys: Javon Kinlaw IDL South Carolina

Pass rush is not Dallas’ biggest need, but the talent is to much to pass on at this point in the draft. Kinlaw gives the Cowboys an interior disruptor which will keep hands off of their rangy LB corps and free up DeMarcus Lawrence which could be terrifying.

18) Miami Dolphins: Kristian Fulton CB LSU

They got their franchise QB, now let’s try to build this roster from the ground up with the best players available, that right now is Kristian Fulton. Pair him with Xavien Howard and you have a really nice boundary CB duo moving forward. If Xavien Howard ends up leaving due to some off the field issues that have surfaced, you have a player with the potential to be a #1 boundary corner at the NFL level.

19) Las Vegas Raiders: Henry Ruggs III WR Alabama

The Raiders need to add talent across the board. The added a top tier player in this years draft in Brown, and now choose one of the most athletically gifted play-makers in this draft and in recent years. Ruggs is more than a speedster. He has good tracking ability, runs a route tree more than just the 9 and can make difficult catches across the middle. Whoever is going to be the QB in Las Vegas will greatly benefit from this addition.

20) Jacksonville Jaguars: Tee Higgins WR Clemson

Jacksonville lucked into their Jalen Ramsey replacement earlier in the draft, now they have to find another play-maker for whatever QB winds up taking starting reps this year. Tee Higgins and DJ Chark give them a formidable boundary duo, each with great size and bringing something different to the table to keep defenses off balance with Dede Westbrook running free in the middle of the field.

21) Philadelphia Eagles: Grant Delpit S LSU

Philly’s struggles on defense last year come from back end coverage and lack of talent on the second level. Enter Grant Delpit: a well built athletic deep Safety with great instincts that can grow while playing with Malcolm Jenkins who also boasts the ability to play in the box and the slot which mitigates the need for a coverage linebacker.

22) Buffalo Bills: K’Lavon Chaisson EDGE LSU

This is a commonly mocked position for a WR, but they can find plenty of those later in the draft. For now they take advantage of the board and take a speed rusher with some serious juice coming around the edge giving them another guy with Ed Oliver who can get pressure from the front 4.

23) New England Patriots: Xavier McKinney S Alabama

New England had one of the great defensive seasons in memory. But even with the reigning DPOY on the back end, the defense wore down as the year progressed and I point my finger of blame at the advanced age of the McCourty twins. McKinney wold slide right into the starting lineup as a rover who can do everything and has all the makings of a future defensive captain.

24) New Orleans Saints: Kenneth Murray LB Oklahoma

In my opinion Murray is only a small step behind last year’s top LB prospects Devin Bush and Devin White who both had a ton of success in their rookie seasons. He’s an intelligent, aggressive athlete who gives NO an anchor on the 2nd level for years to come.

25) Minnesota Vikings: Tyler Biadasz IOL Wisconsin

Minnesota wants to run the ball. However, Minnesota needs major offensive line help. While they have starter grade players at 4 spots, adding a player of Biadasz ability and intelligence will improve the play of the rest of their young maulers and will be a boon to the running and passing game from week one.

26) Miami Dolphins: Yetur Gross-Matos EDGE Penn State

Again, best player available has to be Miami’s philosophy, and the last three picks have perfectly matched up with valuable positions of need. The only hesitation here is offensive line, but with 2 2nd round picks we can hold out. Gross-Matos has an impressive frame and a surprising 1st step and gives Miami a really good player to build off of on the front 4.

27) Seattle Seahawks: Trevon Diggs CB Alabama

Diggs fits the mold for the Seattle secondary and, in my opinion has the highest ceiling of any CB in this class not named Okudah. Diggs is a long fluid athlete that may lack elite top end speed but makes up for it with instincts and smarts. Older brother Stefon had all the tools in the bag beside the 40 yard dash and I don’t see the NFL making that mistake twice with this family.

28) Baltimore Ravens: KJ Hamler WR Penn State

Come on guys, it’s a mock draft let’s have some fun. KJ Hamler has elite separation skills with ridiculous foot speed, and with Hollywood Brown and Miles Boykin, he gives Baltimore KC level speed on their WR core, and can give Lamar Jackson some easy throws to every level of the defense.

29) Tennessee Titans: Isaiah Wilson OT Georgia

Looking at the Titans roster, this pick could go many ways. I envision Tennessee doing everything in their power to retain Derrick Henry which could leave their wallets a bit light to resign former All Pro, Jack Conklin. Wilson is raw, but this is a mountain of a man at 6’8” 340 with plus athleticism and a real mean steak who helped an elite rushing offense at Georgia over the last two seasons.

30) Green Bay Packers: Brandon Aiyuk WR Arizona State

WR is an obvious need for Green Bay, and Aiyuk fills it and then some. He can break press coverage with strong hands, runs a crisp route, and on top of that is one of the best WRs in the class with the ball in his hands.

31) San Francisco 49ers: Austin Jackson OT USC

This is an extremely well built team, and while the glaring need may be in the secondary, they have afforded themselves the ability to take a slight luxury pick. Having a talent like Austin Jackson fall to this point is rare for the offensive tackle position and with Joe Staley in the twilight of his career, Jackson could make for an easy transition from the potential Hall of Famer. Jackson is quality in his pass set. He has a solid anchor and would be a perfect student to learn from the former first round pick in Staley.

32) Kansas City Chiefs: Jaylon Johnson CB Utah

Here’s a physical man corner who can step in confidently to play an important role to revamp one of the only weak spots for the defending Super Bowl champs. Kansas City is actually in an interesting trade down spot here for somebody looking to get back into the 1st for one of the remaining QBs (Fromm/Eason) or any of the top RBs available.

2ND ROUND

33) Cincinnati Bengals: Lloyd Cushenberry IOL LSU

Want to make your new franchise player feel at home? Draft his best offensive lineman. Cushenberry is a beast and can play any interior position with his quick feet and uncanny ability to lock on to his target. With Cushenberry, Billy Price and Jonah Williams, this offensive line may be decent some day…

34) Indianapolis Colts: Neville Gallimore IDL Oklahoma

Some folks in Indy probably want to take a chance on a QB here after missing out in round 1, but I’d rather continue solidifying the trenches on both sides of the ball, something Chris Ballard has shown a lot of interest in. Gallimore is an athletic 300 pounder with super violent hands that can stay on the field on all 3 downs.

35) Detroit Lions: Jeff Gladney CB TCU

Lions grabbed their defensive weapon, and in doing so passed on a great player in Okudah. Gladney profiles extremely similarly and would be an instant upgrade to the #2 outside CB position. In addition to Amani Oruwariye, this pick gives the Leos a pair of long and rangy CBs in life after Darius Slay, whether that be this year or later.

36) New York Giants: Patrick Queen LB LSU

Queen is a guy flying up boards but I’m a bit hesitant on calling him a lock 1st rounder. The physical skills are there, but his tackling technique leaves a lot to be desired. That said, the Giants get a dynamic LB who can cover as well as aggressively fill gaps in the run game.

37) LA Chargers: DeAndre Swift RB Georgia

There are, in fact, RBs available to be drafted this season. And this is an immensely talented class which allows RB needy teams to wait on the premier players. Austin Eckler excelled in his role last season and I think it would be wise to keep him there. With Gordon likely gone and a new QB for the first time in nearly 2 decades, it would be fortuitous to maintain the talent at the position.

38) Carolina Panthers: Raekwon Davis IDL Alabama

As we stand before free agency, the Panthers desperately need IDL, and here’s where they address that. Raekwon Williams is a guy who was a projected top 15 pick who’s stock has fallen by, in my opinion, no fault of his own. Some of the best footwork you will find from a young man, he can step in and start day 1 in Charlotte.

39) Miami Dolphins: JK Dobbins RB Ohio State

Miami needs an overhaul. And that includes potentially the worst RB room in the league. Okay, not potentially. Dobbins is a true 3 down back who is stout and powerful but also elusive and explosive. A massive upgrade from day 1.

40) Arizona Cardinals: Justin Jefferson WR LSU

This pick comes down to 2 players. Justin Jefferson and Laviska Shanault. For me, Christian Kirk already fills Laviska’s role as the “get the ball in his hands and let him go to work” player. So instead we add a versatile WR who can play anywhere across the LOS and is tailor made for Kliff Kingsbury’s offense.

41) Cleveland Browns: Antoine Winfield Jr S Minnesota

Antoine Winfield Jr. is a football player. If you are unfamiliar with this man, do yourself a favor and watch this play-maker on the back end. He is not the best athlete in this class and is on the small side, but his instincts and ability are second to none, especially with the ball in the air.

42) Jacksonville Jaguars: Ross Blacklock IDL TCU

Blacklock isn’t going to blow you away with his penetration like some other players drafted before him, but he plays with great leverage and adds to the Jaguars strategy of having bodies to burn on the DL.

43) Chicago Bears: Cesar Ruiz IOL Michigan

Cesar Ruiz is a freak. 6’3”, 307 and one of the better athletes in the class, this man could easily shoot up draft boards by draft day. In this mock, the Bears nab a 1st round talent with their first pick and fill a huge hole with the retirement of Kyle Long.

44) Indianapolis Colts: Malik Harrison LB Ohio State

Harrison is a perfect compliment to Darius Leonard here. He brings an aggressive attitude and another athlete to the linebacking core that could be one of the best in the league in the near future with another young talent.

45) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Zack Baun EDGE/LB Wisconsin

Shaq Barrett was a revelation this season for what was an abysmal pass rush. While Tampa should make it a priority to retain his services, there is still room to improve that group and adding a versatile EDGE like Baun across from the talented Barrett turns what was a black hole just 2 seasons ago into a strength.

46) Denver Broncos: Laviska Shanault WR Colorado

Many have Shanault as a 1st round lock, but I think he’s more of a 2nd round talent in this loaded WR class. Awesome with the ball in his hands, Laviska brings a big play threat to a Broncos offense who now has some fun play-makers around their young QB.

47) Atlanta Falcons: Jonathan Taylor RB Wisconsin

Devonta Freeman out the door leaves this team with a sorry group of RBs that desperately need a bell-cow. Taylor greatly improved his catching ability in his final season and will run over, around, through and past you. Many people are talking about the volume of touches in Wisconsin, but the team building strategy in today’s NFL tells you that you should keep a RB around for only their rookie contract anyway. A match made in heaven in the second round.

48) New York Jets: Jonathan Greenard EDGE Florida

The important thing about this pick is that we’re making it before the combine. I need to confirm some athletic traits and flexibility here, but the tape on Greenard is impressive showing some savvy pass-rushing skills that he brings to NYC.

49) Pittsburgh Steelers: Terrell Lewis EDGE Alabama

Terrell Lewis is just a Steelers guy. Hard nosed. Long. Athletic. Good head on his shoulders. and in tandem with DPOY candidate TJ Watt and rookie sensation Devin Bush, the Steelers second level enters elite territory.

50) Chicago Bears: Lucas Niang OT TCU

The Bears have a great defense, and a lot of play-makers on offense to try to help Mitch Trubisky… but their OL is dogshit (pardon my french), and was made even worse by Kyle Long’s retirement. With that, they double up in the 2nd round and get a big physical OT at 6’6 315 with long arms who will help bring a physical identity to the Bears offense.

51) Dallas Cowboys: Bryce Hall CB Virginia

With the Cowboys in cap space purgatory, one of the causalities is likely to be #1 CB Byron Jones. Hall actually compares favorably to Jones in his ball-hawking and leadership abilities. One of my favorite players coming out this year, this is a steal of an injured player that would have gone much higher which we have seen, does not scare Jerry.

52) LA Rams: Josh Jones OT Houston

After their Super Bowl run the Rams took a step back in 2019 largely due to a worn down offensive line. Josh Jones has a ton of potential as a blind side protector for Jared Goff who wound up facing way too much pressure and struggling as a result.

53) Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Reagor WR TCU

While this fall is unlikely, Philadelphia rejoice! Two major play-makers are added at major positions of need and Reagor is an exact fit across from JJAW and has the ability to open up the middle of the field for their talented TEs.

54) Buffalo Bills: Denzel Mims WR Baylor

Buffalo kicked the can on WR in round 1 hoping they could find a play-maker at 54, and boy did they. Denzel Mims inhales 50/50 balls and finished near the top of the class with 20 contested catches in 2019. He gives Josh Allen a red-zone weapon he needs to continue progressing as their franchise QB.

55) Atlanta Falcons Damon Arnette CB Ohio State

One of the most athletically gifted players in this draft, Arnette goes to a secondary which has been battered with injuries over the last couple seasons and can play both inside, outside and has the range to play deep in a pinch.

56) Miami Dolphins: Netane Muti IOL Fresno State

As the Dolphins continue to establish a roster, they take a swing on a guy who could be OG1 if he was healthy. He’s a dominating run blocker with an attitude that nearly matches Will Hernandez in last year’s class. If he can stay healthy they get a round 1 talent with their 5th pick in the draft.

57) Houston Texans: Curtis Weaver EDGE Boise State

Curtis Weaver is a football player. Six foot three inches, 265 with decent bend, solid play strength, a tremendous motor and overall ability, Weaver would boost the run stuffing lost in the Clowney trade and add to the pass rush as well.

58) Minnesota Vikings: Cam Dantzler Mississippi State

Even after taking Kris Boyd and Mike Hughes in the last two years, the Vikings need to continue addressing the position until they find quality starters. Minnesota will like his long frame and ball skills, but he’ll need to improve his man coverage skills to stick at the next level but the potential is there.

59) Seattle Seahawks: Robert Hunt

This is a bad man. A RT in collage, Hunt checks in at 6’5, 323 with a great anchor in the pass game, fantastic drive in the run game, long arms and decent athleticism. I project him to move inside to guard but can play NFL level RT in a pinch from day one and at either spot will fit right into the heavy run sets Seattle employs.

60) Baltimore Ravens: Julian Okwara EDGE Notre Dame

The Ravens bust out a bottle of champagne after drafting a luxury pick in round 1 and having this talented of a player at a position of need from a big school fall to them at 60. Okwara is an explosive, powerful edge rusher who can put a tackle on skates when he converts speed to power getting to the QB.

61) Tennessee Titans: Noah Igbinoghene CB Auburn

A track star and one of the most athletic players in this class gets added to an aging secondary which benefits both parties. Igbinoghene is still learning the position after making the switch from WR in 2018, but is extremely sticky in coverage and will not be beaten deep. He plays with physicality and has some trouble getting his head around, but plays with great positioning and has a very high ceiling.

62) Green Bay Packers: Thaddeus Moss TE LSU

After some evaluation of this TE class I’m not super excited about the group, but, Thaddeus Moss has a higher ceiling than anyone. The gene pool is obvious, but beyond that he has some nuance to his game, can block, is really physical, and has consistent hands. Thaddeus Moss and Jace Sternberger is a very intriguing pair for the future of GB at the TE position.

63) Kansas City Chiefs: Clyde Edwards-Helaire

I could not deprive the world of this fit. My last pick in this mock is my favorite. CEH is a combination of the Darren Sproles and Doug Martin that would be a perfect marriage to Andy Reid’s offense.

64) Seattle Seahawks: Bradlee Anae

Anae definitely isn’t the traditional Seahawks draft pick. They love the athletic boom or bust prospect and he’s the farthest thing away from that, but sometimes you need a couple high floor players around. Anae is technically sound, and will be able to contribute right away.