This time of year is the best when it comes to sports. Usually you have everything going on: Baseball season starting, NHL & NBA playoffs, March Madness, The Masters, etc. The NFL draft however has always been one of my favorite events in sports. It’s a strange combination of a player achieving his goals and starting over with new ones all in the same night.
Today is my 14 year wedding anniversary. My Wife Michelle and I went on our honeymoon to Hawaii. I remember waking up at 5am to watch the first round of the 2006 draft and my wife looking at me like I was insane. She spent the afternoon at the pool while I waited for the Giants to pick Mathias Kiwanuka with the 32nd pick in the first round. Needless to say I have a passion for the draft. Every year after that, I get together with a group of friends who share my same passion for the draft. We make fun of each other’s weight, the football teams we follow, and stuff our faces with wings. It is pure guys just being guys. This year is going to be a lot different with our current climate. So I decided to throw my hat in the ring and join the millions of other people who put out mock drafts. Larry, Bouch, Schwarz, Davidson, and Jay I hope to see you guys next year but this year enjoy the 1st annual Traveling Coach Mock 56 NFL Draft. Move over Kiper and McShay Traveling Coach is entering the game.
Ranking system:
5.0 – All-Pro Player
4.5 – Perennial Pro Bowler
4.0 – Occasional Pro Bowl seasons
3.5 – Productive Starter
3.0 – Starter
2.5 – Role/Rotation Player
2.0 – Developmental Player
1.5 – Practice squad
1.0 – Hospital Dispatcher
ROUND 1
1. CINCINNATI BENGALS:
QB – JOE BURROW – LSU – 6’3” 221 – 5 STAR
STRENGTHS: Mobile, accurate passer who is excellent with back shoulder throws.
WEAKNESS: Arm strength; inconsistency with his perimeter deep ball.
PLAYER COMPARISON: Jimmy Garropolo-Patriots/49ers QB
COMMENTS: Burrow had a dream season at LSU. He broke several NCAA records, won the Heisman Trophy, won the National Championship, and now will be the #1 pick in the NFL draft by a team in his home state. Some might say being draft by the Bengals, a notoriously cheap franchise, is more of a nightmare. Cincinnati has last year 1st round pick, Jonah Williams, coming back from missing the entire year and could help keep Burrow upright in one of the most physical divisions in football.
2. WASHINGTON REDSKINS:
DE – CHASE YOUNG – OHIO STATE – 6’5” 264 – 4.5 STARS
STRENGTHS: Speed, uses his quick hands to not let blockers engage. Has a propencity for causing fumbles.
WEAKNESS: Has a tendency to stay in pass rush mode and get to far up field on the quarterback.
PLAYER COMPARISON: Chandler Jones-Patriots/Cardinals DE/OLB
COMMENTS: The Redskins added a lot of solid players in free agency. The NFC East is filled with mobile quarterbacks who can make plays outside the pocket. Young will be added to an already formidably pass rush of Matt Ioanidis (8.5 sacks), Montez Sweat (7.0), Jonathan Allen (6 sacks), and Ryan Kerrigan (5.5 sacks). Chase Young will bring a big play mentality to that group with Ron Rivera and Jack Del Rio‘s aggressive style of defense. Both coaches, who also played in the league, are great teachers for a young talented defensive end.
3. DETROIT LIONS:
CB – JEFF OKUDAH – OHIO STATE – 6’1” 205 – 5 STARS
STRENGTHS: Excellent tackler, elite cover skills, and a physical defender.
WEAKNESS: Only had 3 career interceptions at Ohio State in 35 games.
PLAYER COMPARISON: Stephon Gilmore-Bills / Patriots CB
COMMENTS: A unanimous All-American who raised his level of play in the college playoff semifinal game. He battled Tee Higgins the entire game showing his physicality. Okudah can be a #1 travel corner in the NFL covering the best receivers in the league. His physical style and defensive IQ fits perfectly in Matt Patricia’s multiple look defensive schemes. The departure of Darius Slay makes this pick a slam dunk. Unless someone blows Detroit away with a trade offer the Lions with make Okudah their guy.
4. NEW YORK GIANTS:
OT – JERICK WILLS – ALABAMA – 6’4” 312 – 3.5 STARS
STRENGTHS: Good feet and balance as a pass protector; plays with good technique and burst in the run game.
WEAKNESS: Only played right tackle in college. It is an unknown if he can transition to left in the NFL.
PLAYER COMPARISON: Ryan Ramczyk- Saints OT
COMMENTS: I will admit as a Giants fan I really want Isaiah Simmons in this spot, however I also have been a Giants fan long enough to know that they are going to take the safest pick here. Wills is a very good tackle who can plug in and be a solid starter year 1. Improving the offensive line has been a priority for the Giants for several years now. This draft is a deep at the tackle position and the Giants will have their pick of who they deem the best tackle.
5. MIAMI DOLPHINS:
QB – JUSTIN HEBERT – OREGON – 6’6” 236 – 3 STARS
STRENGTHS: A Strong armed mobile QB. Has an excellent pump fake and is good scrambler.
WEAKNESS: Playing behind one of the best offensive lines in the country he has not been tested physically.
PLAYER COMPARISON: Joe Flacco – Former Ravens QB
COMMENTS: Herbert has all the tools to be a star QB in today’s NFL, however watching him play on film there seems to be something missing intangible wise. In Miami he doesn’t have to play right away. Miami have 3 first round picks, 2 seconds, and 1 third. So they can afford to be patient with Hebert.
6. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS:
QB – TUA TAGOVAILOA – ALABAMA – 6’0” 217- 3.5 STARS
STRENGTHS: Accurate, mobile, strong arm. He has to ability to make all the throws.
WEAKNESS: His injury history is a huge concern.
PLAYER COMPARISON: Mark Brunell -Former Jaguars QB
COMMENTS: If it weren’t for his injury history there would be a hot debate about who would be the number #1 pick. If Tua stays healthy he can be a pro bowl quarterback especially with the talented roster of the Chargers. If he doesn’t stay healthy, his career could look more like Sam Bradford’s. He could play his first year behind Tyrod Taylor to let his body heal completely. Although, sitting and waiting for a quarterback does not really exist anymore, it might be a benefit in this case.
7. CAROLINA PANTHERS:
DT – DERRICK BROWN – AUBURN – 6’5” 326 – 4 STARS
STRENGTHS: Strong splits double teams consistently with his quick feet and pad level.
WEAKNESS: He needs to keep his weight down. He will play better at 310.
PLAYER COMPARISON: Kawann Short-Carolina DT (bigger version)
COMMENTS: Brown is a big physical defensive tackle who has a knack for being around the football. He was a 4 year college player who will make an immediate impact playing next to Kawann Short in Carolina’s new 4-3 scheme. These two monsters will be the key to keeping Luke Kuechly’s (an unenviable task) replacement, Tahir Whitehead, clean.
8. ARIZONA CARDINALS:
OT – ANDREW THOMAS – GEORGIA – 6’5” 315 – 3.5 STARS
STRENGTHS: Athletic tackle, quick feet in pass protection.
WEAKNESS: He catches defenders too much in the run game.
PLAYER COMPARISON: Ronnie Stanley – Ravens OT
COMMENTS: Thomas can easily be a 10 year starting tackle in the NFL. He needs to be a little nastier in the run game but his ability to stay in front of elite pass rushers in the SEC is just what the doctor ordered for the super talented Kyler Murray.
9. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS:
OT – TRISTEN WIRFS – IOWA – 6’5” 320 – 3.5 STARS
STRENGTHS: Strong Mauler in the run game. When he gets his hands on you you’re going backwards or on your back.
WEAKNESS: Has some issue with balance, pass protection punch is average
PLAYER COMPARISON: Brandon Scherff
COMMENTS: Wirfs is power player whose game translates better at guard then tackle in the pros. Although, there have been rumors of Jacksonville moving running back Leonard Fournette and pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue, power football and getting after the quarterback is still their calling card which makes Wirfs road grading style a perfect fit.
10. CLEVELAND BROWNS:
LB-ISAIAH SIMMONS – CLEMSON – 6’4” 238 – 5 STARS
STRENGTHS: Size, speed, and power. Has the ability to change the game with his versatility.
WEAKNESS: He needs to go to a place that will utilize his talents. He needs a creative defensive coordinator.
PLAYER COMPARISON: Brian Urlacher – Former Bear LB
COMMENTS: A great athlete that has the ability to play in all three levels of a defense. Simmons is an excellent tackler, who can be used as both a dynamic pass rusher and a good cover guy. Browns defensive coordinator Joe Woods was the DC in Denver with Von Miller and the defensive backs coach in San Francisco last year. He has experience coaching impact defenders and Simmons will add a high defensive IQ to an already talented defense.
11. NEW YORK JETS:
WR – JERRY JEUDY – ALABAMA – 6’1” 193 – 4 STARS
STRENGTHS: Best route runner in the draft this year and makes defenders miss in the open field.
WEAKNESS: Not a strong receiver with the 50/50 jump balls
PLAYER COMPARISON: Chad Johnson – former Bengals WR.
COMMENTS: Jeudy is versatile wide out who can be both an outside receiver and a slot. He needs to get stronger to compete with the physical NFL corners; however he can create mismatches with his abilities and elite route running. Sam Darnold will finally get his number 1 go to guy and both will be an exciting combination in MetLife Stadium for years to come.
12. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS:
LB – KENNETH MURRAY – OKLAHOMA – 6’2” 241 – 4.5 STARS
STRENGTHS: Versatile, great closing speed, able to quickly diagnose plays and shoots the open gaps.
WEAKNESS: Tackles ball carriers to high.
PLAYER COMPARISON: Zack Cunningham – Texans LB
COMMENTS: The Raiders, who were at the bottom of the league last year in defense, need an injection of energy on that side of the ball. Murray is not only a talented player but a leader on the field. In the past Al Davis would have run to the podium for Speedster Henry Ruggs but with Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden they are more concerned with culture of the locker room than 40 times. I think he profiles really well as a Tampa 2 middle linebacker or a 4-3 weak side backer.
13. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS:
WR – HENRY RUGGS – ALABAMA – 5’11” 188 – 5 STARS
STRENGTHS: Fastest man in this draft. He can be a burner on deep routes or a physical runner on screens.
WEAKNESS: Was part of an ensemble cast in college. He will have to get used to being the #1 guy.
PLAYER COMPARISON: Steve Smith – former Panthers WR
COMMENTS: Playing beside Jerry Jeudy, Davonta Smith, and Jaylen Waddle can work two fold. On the one hand you have to share the ball with 3 excellent first round talent receivers, however on the other hand they can’t double team everyone so you get more opportunities for big plays. Ruggs averaged 18.7 yards a catch this season and made big plays down the field as well turning a short pass into a huge gain. Ruggs plays with an edge and attitude that negates his small stature. The 49ers need to replace Emmanuel Sanders and would add an outside receiver to play with George Kittle. Creative play caller Kyle Shanahan and quarterback Jimmy Garropolo could have a lot of fun with Ruggs as an offensive weapon.
14. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
OT – MEKHI BECTON – LOUISVILLE – 6’7” 364 – 3.5 STARS
STRENGTHS: An absolute wall in pass protection. He is patient with excellent footwork. Has a nasty streak at the second level in the run game.
WEAKNESS: Has to keep his weight under control to keep his athleticism as he gets older.
PLAYER COMPARISON: Bryant McKinnie – former Vikings OT
COMMENTS: Prototype at left tackle in the pros. He will be the starter day 1. Has a mean streak to him that can make him a pro bowl caliber tackle. There have been some questions about a positive drug test at the combine that made him fall a little but with veterans around him to show him how to be a pro he should have an easier transition to the NFL.
15. DENVER BRONCOS:
WR – CEEDEE LAMB – OKLAHOMA – 6’2” 198 – 4 STARS
STRENGTHS: Elusive route runner who can find holes in zone defenses and beat corners off the line with his footwork.
WEAKNESS: Not a consistent deep threat.
PLAYER COMPARISON: Jericho Cotchery – Former Jets WR
COMMENTS: Played in a great system for wide outs in college. Has great hands and will be best suited for the slot in the pros for his skill set. Pairing him with Courtland Sutton will give young quarterback Drew Lock some weapons entering year two.
16. ATLANTA FALCONS:
DT – JAVON KINLAW – SOUTH CAROLINA – 6’5” 324 – 4 STARS
STRENGTHS: A powerful 3 tech. His step and strike is fast and physical.
WEAKNESS: Has some hip injury issues. Can play to high at times (no pun intended)
PLAYER COMPARISON: Eric Swann – former Cardinals DT
COMMENTS: Kinlaw has a great motor, doesn’t give up on plays, and splits double teams consistently. He is another player who had a positive drug test at the combine which causes him to slip a little. Kinlaw’s story of being homeless in high school and his mother currently being homeless leads to me to believe he is highly motivated to get his family out of their current situation. Expect Kinlaw to get put right in the mix, manning the middle with Grady Jarrett on the Falcons defense.
17. DALLAS COWBOYS:
CB – CJ HENDERSON – FLORIDA – 6’1” 204 – 3.5 STARS
STRENGTHS: Outstanding closing speed and cover skills
WEAKNESS: Production dropped in 2019; not a strong tackler
PLAYER COMPARISON: Xavian Howard – Dolphins CB
COMMENTS: Henderson has the ideal size and speed to become an excellent corner in the league. The Cowboys have an issue with their pass rush but in this spot Henderson is the best player on the board and can step in for a departing Byron Jones.
18. MIAMI DOLPHINS:
TE – TEE HIGGINS – CLEMSON – 6’4” 216 – 4 STARS
STRENGTHS: Big target; great balance and ability to adjust his body in the air. Hand catcher.
WEAKNESS: Strictly an outside receiver which can make it easier to matchup with him defensively.
PLAYER COMPARISON: Plaxico Burress – former Giants/Steelers/Jets WR
COMMENTS: Miami’s second pick in the first round they will find a target for Hebert. Higgins will be a big option in the red zone in his rookie year. Devonte Parker will have a running mate and those two should open the middle of the field for Mike Gesicki at tight end.
19. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS:
WR – JUSTIN JEFFERSON – LSU – 6’1” 202 – 4 STARS
STRENGTHS: Strong wide out who wins consistently wins one on one matchups with 50/50 balls.
WEAKNESS: doesn’t separate from defensive backs and can be a body catcher
PLAYER COMPARISON: Marvin Jones – Lions WR
COMMENTS: Played with the best quarterback in college football this season and was his go to guy. Jefferson had a highly productive year for the Tigers (111 catches/1540 yards/18 Touchdowns). The Raiders have a lot of number 2 and 3 receivers. They swung and missed with Antonio Brown, so he will have to be the number 1 guy for the Raiders out of camp.
20. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS:
CB – AJ TERRELL – CLEMSON – 6’1” 195 – 4 STARS
STRENGTHS: Excellent cover skills and a big play defender
WEAKNESS: More of a hitter than a tackler. This trait can make for big plays but can also make for missed tackles.
PLAYER COMPARISON: Richard Sherman light – Seahawks/49ers CB
COMMENTS: Long, physical corner who can make big plays vs. both the run and pass games. Terrell has the ability to play both in the slot and on the outside. Losing cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey and AJ Bouye in consecutive season, Terrell should help stabilize that spot in 2020.
21. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES:
LB – PATRICK QUEEN – LSU – 6’0” 229 – 3.5 STARS
STRENGTHS: Fast and explosive at the point of attack. Good blitzer and solid in coverage
WEAKNESS: Has trouble getting off blocks at his size.
PLAYER COMPARISON: Jatavis Brown Chargers LB
COMMENTS: I could definitely see the Eagles trading down out of this pick if a receiver they want is not on the board. I could also see them trying to move up to get a guy like Jefferson or Higgins. If they do stay in this spot however they can do a lot worse than the middle linebacker from the National Champs. Queen is relentless defender who pursues the ball with great intensity. He will have a defensive line in front of him fit for a king so he can run freely to make tackles.
GIANTS/EAGLES & MASCOLO/BURGYS
22. MINNESOTA VIKINGS:
WR – BRANDON AIYUK – ARIZONA STATE – 6’0″ 205 – STARS
STRENGTHS: A good route runner who is a move the sticks receiver.
WEAKNESS: Has trouble getting off press coverage.
PLAYER COMPARISON: Robert Woods – Rams WR
COMMENTS: Aiyuk’s production doubled from his junior year to his senior year. He is polish route runner who will be productive in the slot in the pros. Minnesota is another team possibly looking to trade up to get one of the top 4 receivers. They have a second 1st round pick they could work something out with but they still have Adam Thielen and Aiyuk adds depth. It will be tough to replace Stefon Diggs regardless of what they do. Note: I got most of my info about Aiyuk’s from Sun Devils super fan Jay Nielsen.
23. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS:
DT – ROSS BLACKLOCK – TCU – 6’3” 290 – 4 STARS
STRENGTHS: Quick get off, plays with low pad level, and technique.
WEAKNESS: Missed his sophomore year with an Achilles injury.
PLAYER COMPARISON: Gerald McCoy – Bucs/Panthers/Cowboys DT
COMMENTS: A common theme in recent drafts is versatility at your position. Blacklock is a great fit for the “Patriots way”. He is smart player who played in complex schemes at TCU. He can stop the run, rush the passer, and diagnoses plays well.
24. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS:
LB – K’LAVON CHAISSON – LSU – 6’3” 254 – 3.5 STARS
STRENGTHS: Strong pass rusher, has a wide array of rush moves.
WEAKNESS: Torn his ACL in 2018
PLAYER COMPARISON: Trent Cole – former Eagles DE/OLB
COMMENTS: Chaisson could be a 3-4 outside linebacker or 4-3 wide 9 DE. He is a pass rush specialist who plays with a ton of energy. His skill set will bring some big play ability to the Saints defense. He needs improve vs. the run to become a next level defender.
25. MINNESOTA VIKINGS:
DT – JUSTIN MADUBUIKE – TEXAS A&M – 6’3” 293 – 3 STARS
STRENGTHS: A high energy defensive tackle who plays very fast.
WEAKNESS: A little undersized has trouble getting off blocks.
PLAYER COMPARISON: Tyrone Crawford – Cowboys DL
COMMENTS: Madubuike played 4-3 defensive tackle in college. He will be better suited as a defensive end at the next level. The Vikings need depth at all their positions and he will add some much needed 3rd down pass rush.
26. MIAMI DOLPHINS:
OT – JOSH JONES – HOUSTON – 6’5” 315 – 4 STARS
STRENGTHS: Big atheltic lineman who uses his long arms well to separate defenders on the second level.
WEAKNESS: Plays with an inconsistent pad level.
PLAYER COMPARISON: Jack Conklin – Titans/Browns OT
COMMENTS: Jones is built like an NBA power forward. Miami could solidify their offensive line by hitting on this pick. You give a young quarterback a target in Higgins and this gives him protection.
27. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS:
DE – YETUR GROSS-MATOS – PENN STATE – 6’5” 266 – 4 STARS
STRENGTHS: Plays with good leverage and burst. He has an impressive inside club move
WEAKNESS: Inconsistent vs. the run. He needs to get stronger.
PLAYER COMPARISON: Ziggy Ansah – Lions/Seahawks DE
COMMENTS: Gross-Matos is a long armed defensive end who will help the Seahawks poor pass rush (last in the NFL in sacks in 2019). He has a crazy story of tragedies in his upbringing that was highlighted in an ESPN E:60. Check it out and find out why no adversity will be too big for him at the next level.
28. BALTIMORE RAVENS:
LB – ZACK BAUN – WISCONSON – 6’2” 238 – 3.5 STARS
STRENGTHS: Good pass rusher, consistent tackler, has the ability to drop into coverage as well.
WEAKNESS: Can get too far up field or washed down inside on his pass rush. Has troubles vs. Counters and zone read.
PLAYER COMPARISON: Jordan Hicks
COMMENTS: Baun was very productive in his senior year for the Badgers (12 sacks). He is built to play both inside and outside linebacker. His Defensive Coordinator Jim Leonhard runs NFL schemes at the college level. The Ravens have had a history of success with player like this and Baun will be no exception.
29. TENNESSEE TITANS:
CB – JEFF GLADNEY – TCU – 5’10” 191 – 3.5 STARS
STRENGTHS: Confident impact playmaker. Has good closing speed and instincts on the ball.
WEAKNESS: Sat out his freshmen year with a torn ACL
PLAYER COMPARISON: Casey Hayward – Packers/Chargers CB
COMMENTS: Gladney played in a pass heavy conference in the BIG 12. Looks and plays bigger on film than his actual size. Early on his role will be as a nickel corner. He will add depth to the Titans secondary and will make an impact covering punts and kickoffs as well.
30. GREEN BAY PACKERS:
OT – AUSTIN JACKSON – USC – 6’5” 322 – 3 STARS
STRENGTHS: Strong athletic big man who does everything technically well.
WEAKNESS: Doesn’t look over powering on film.
PLAYER COMPARISON: Marshall Newhouse – Patriots Offensive line
COMMENTS: Jackson might find himself moving around on the line where he fits best. He can play both guard and tackle. He may have trouble with some of the better speed rushers in the NFL. He is the kind of guy you’ll look up and 10 years later say “he is still in the league” which by most standards is a successful career. This pick will be influenced by a departed Bryan Bulaga.
31. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS:
DT – NEVILLE GALLIMORE – OKLAHOMA – 6’2” 304 – 2.5 STARS
STRENGTHS: Plays hard and with speed. He shows flashes of breaking out.
WEAKNESS: Plays too high at times and gets washed out of his gap vs. down blocks.
PLAYER COMPARISON: Sharrif Floyd – Vikings DT
COMMENTS: The 49ers are in a position here to take a chance on an athletic defense tackle that plays with good speed. They need depth at the defensive tackle spot and Gallimore could add that if he can play up to his abilities. They need to fill the void left by free agent DeForest Buckner.
32. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS:
RB – D’ANDRE SWIFT – GEORGIA – 5’8” 212 – 4 STARS
STRENGTHS: The best cut back runner in college football, great burst in the open field.
WEAKNESS: Does not have a ton of experience in pass protection.
PLAYER COMPARISON: Leshon McCoy – Eagles/Bills/Chiefs
COMMENTS: Swift style of play could really excel in the Chiefs offensive scheme. Eric Bieniemy could find creative ways to get him involved in an already talented offense. He can play with both elusiveness and power. Has he ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. Chiefs are in a position to add the best player available.
@ GIANTS TRAINING CAMP
ROUND 2:
33. CINCINNATI BENGALS: OT – ISAIAH WILSON – GEORGIA – 6’6” 350 – 2.5 STARS
Bookend him on the right side with Jonah Williams on the left and protect Burrow.
34. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: WR – JALEN REAGOR – TCU – 5’11” 206 – 3 STARS
Perfect fit as a slot receiver, and can also be a dynamic punt returner.
35. DETROIT LIONS: DL – MARLON DAVIDSON – AUBURN – 6’3” 303 – 2.5 STARS
Productive 4 year starter in the SEC. He will add pass rush talent to the Lions.
36. NEW YORK GIANTS: DE/OLB – JOSH UCHE – MICHIGAN – 6’1” 245 – 3 STARS
Giant’s defense needs some athleticism and pass rushers. Uche can provide both for big blue.
37. LA CHARGERS: G – ROBERT HUNT – LOUISIANA LAFAYETTE – 6’5” 323 – 3.5 STARS
a versatile offensive lineman that is a plug and play guy from day 1. Hunt will add toughness to the Chargers offense.
38. CAROLINA PANTHERS: C – CESAR RUIZ – MICHIGAN – 6’3” 307 – 3 STARS
Ruiz can play both center and guard. He will add depth and experience at an underrated position.
39. MIAMI DOLPHINS: RB – JONATHAN TAYLOR – WISCONSIN – 5’10” 226 – 4.5 STARS
Through free agency Miami has built a solid team, with this draft they could definitely make some noise in the AFC.
40. HOUSTON TEXANS: OT – PRINCE TEGA WANOGHO –AUBURN – 6’5” 308 – 3.5 STARS
A big raw athlete who still needs to develop but his ceiling is very high under Offensive line coach 18 year vet Mike Devlin.
41. CLEVELAND BROWNS: S – XAVIER MCKINNEY – ALABAMA – 6’0” 201 – 3.5 STARS
McKinney is a smart tough defender who can bring big game experience and leadership to the Browns locker room.
42. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: QB – JORDAN LOVE – UTAH STATE – 6’4” 225 – 2.5 STARS
Love has arm talent and pocket presence however his turnovers went up in 2019 (17 interceptions).
43. CHICAGO BEARS: S – JEREMY CHINN – SOUTHERN ILLINOIS – 6’3” 221 – 3 STARS
If he gets a chance to play he will be a fan favorite in Chicago. He is fast and hits hard.
44. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: EDGE – AJ EPENESA – IOWA – 6’5” 275 – 4 STARS
There were some questions about his speed in the draft process. He could be a steal at this point in the second round.
45. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS: GRANT DELPIT – LSU – 6’2” 213 – 3 STARS
Bucs need help defensively since most of their money is tied up on offense. Delpit will be a solid choice here.
46. DENVER BRONCOS: CB – JAYLON JOHNSON – UTAH – 6’0” 193 – 3 STARS
Johnson is a good cover guy with ball skills but lacks elite speed at corner.
47. ATLANTA FALCONS: CB – KRISTEN FULTON – LSU – 6’0” 197 – 3 STARS
DB “U” continues to churn out one secondary stud after another and they have already reloaded this year.
48. NEW YORK JETS : OT-EZRA CLEVELAND – BOISE STATE – 6’6” 311 3.5 STARS
Athletic tackle who Jets fans are praying is the real deal to protect Sam Darnold.
49. PITTSBURGH STEELERS: OLB/DE – TERRELL LEWIS – ALABAMA – 6’5” 262 – 2.5 STARS
This is the Steelers wheel house right here. They develop receivers and linebackers well.
HEINZ FIELD IN PITTSBURGH
50. CHICAGO BEARS: C-LLOYD CUSHENBERRY II – LSU – 6’3” 312 – 3 STARS
Bears need some interior lineman and Cushenberry is the best available.
51. DALLAS COWBOYS : DE/OLB – CURTIS WEAVER – BOISE STATE – 6’2” 265 – 3.5 STARS
Cowboys lost Robert Quinn in free agency and they like Boise St. defenders (Vander Esch, Lawrence, and Crawford).
52. LOS ANGELES RAMS : RB – JK DOBBINS – OHIO STATE – 5’10” 209 – 3.5 STARS
Dobbins can fit in well with this group. They need to find a replacement for Gurley.
53. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES : WR-MICHAEL PITTMAN – USC – 6’4” 223 – 2.5 STARS
This is Colin Coward sleeper in the draft . Sorry Philly.
54. BUFFALO BILLS: WR-DENZEL MIMS – BAYLOR – 6’3” 207 – 3.5 STARS
Mims is another talented receiver in this draft class. He gives Josh Allen a big target to work with complimented by Josh Brown and Cole Beasley.
55. BALTIMORE RAVENS :S – ASHSTON DAVIS – CAL – 6’1” 202 – 3 STARS
Ravens will be looking to replace a now retired Eric Weddle and pair someone with Earl Thomas.
56. MIAMI DOLPHINS : DE – JULIAN OKWARA – NOTRE DAME – 3 STARS
The Dolphins finish the first two rounds with a solid pass rusher. After acquiring 4 offensive players, the Dolphins go defense which will make Coach Flores happy.
FUTURE PROJECTIONS FOR THIS DRAFT CLASS:
BEST DEFENSIVE PLAYER:
ISAIAH SIMMONS – CLEMSON LB
BEST OFFENSIVE PLAYER:
HENRY RUGGS – ALABAMA WR
BIGGEST SLEEPERS:
LAMAR JACKSON – NEBRASKA – CB – Not the Lamar your thinking of but is a big corner (6’2” 208) who could make noise in the league as a safety as well.
ADAM TRAUTMAN – DAYTON – TE – FBS player who reminds me of Zach Ertz. I have a feeling he has Foxboro Mass in his future.
TRAVELING DRAFT BROS.:
ROBERT HUNT – UL LAFAYETTE – G/T:
He is a monster at guard who was born to plant defenders on their back. Boys and girls get your pancake syrup out Hunt will serving up short and tall stacks in the NFL. His last name is quite appropriate because he will be hunting DB’s in the open field.
EVAN WEAVER – CALIFORNIA – LB:
First of all any middle linebacker who wears number 89 in today’s game has natural confidence. He has the greatest scouting report I have ever seen from NFL.com. Here are some highlights.
“Rambunctious tackle sponge and perennial grudge holder who lives to prove people wrong. Weaver certainly doesn’t look the part of All-American inside ‘backer in the uniform, but he lives for football and plays every snap with urgency.”
“A lack of traits could limit his upside, but he has the intangibles and toughness to compete as a backup box banger in a 3-4 alignment.”
Weaknesses:
- Won’t be a head-turner at the beach
I am pretty sure Evan Weaver is my spirit animal.
