If the Cincinnati Bengals could, they would have surely put in their pick on Tuesday morning after the national championship game. They’re taking LSU quarterback Joe Burrow, and it’s hard to imagine anything or anyone stopping them.
On that note, I’ll make an admission. We may have gone a little overboard with the quarterbacks. There are five in the first round. But let’s be real: mock drafts are rarely right at this point in the offseason. It’s not that I’m not trying to be accurate. I am. But the most interesting part of the draft conversation — and the NFL conversation — centers around quarterbacks. This mock draft serves as an avenue to tap into that discussion.
The quarterbacks and receivers have tremendous potential in this draft. It’s beginning to look freakish. Even tackle is impressive. It’s possible — and maybe probable — that offense owns this first round in April.
Here’s a look at our first-round mock draft.
Picks 1-8 | Picks 9-16 | Picks 17-24 | Picks 25-32
1. Cincinnati (2-14) — Joe Burrow, QB, LSU, Sr.
In one way — and one way only — Burrow is a risky pick. He’s only a two-year starter and a one-year producer. He has been an absolute stud during the 2019 season, but he’s got just one year of film and one year of production, which is reason for concern.
But what am I doing talking down Burrow?
That 2019 film is glorious. He’s glorious. He’s going to be an excellent pro.
2. Washington (3-13) — Chase Young, Edge, Ohio St., Jr.
The Redskins just drafted their quarterback, Dwayne Haskins, a 2019 first-round pick. So Washington will take Haskins’ former teammate: Young. He’s the type of do-it-all edge defender who tends to skyrocket to the top of drafts. Young is almost as good of a prospect as Burrow, but defensive end is less valuable than quarterback.
3. Detroit (3-12-1) — Jedrick Wills Jr., OT, Alabama
General manager Bob Quinn and coach Matt Patricia should open up phone lines to see if anyone wants to trade up to leapfrog the Miami Dolphins and take Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. If no one bites, the Lions could address a number of positions, but let’s give Detroit a complement to tackle Taylor Decker. Wills can help Patricia with a run-first offense, while protecting Matthew Stafford, who was enjoying one of his best seasons before suffering an injury.
4. N.Y. Giants (4-12) — Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson, Jr.
The Giants invested in a quarterback last year, and New York is having issues protecting him. The predictable pick is a tackle, but as long as general manager Dave Gettleman is on the clock, something weird is going to happen. How about Simmons, a safety-linebacker hybrid? The versatile defender would be a boon to New York’s defense. It would feel a lot like the Giants’ selection of Saquon Barkley. Gettleman puts aside the fact that each player is at a position that’s no longer valued at a premium. Instead, he hopes to land one of the most productive and physically gifted players in the draft.
5. Miami (5-11) — Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama, Jr.
Don’t rule out the Dolphins passing on a quarterback again. They brought in Chan Gailey to serve as offensive coordinator, and the Dolphins seem to genuinely want to help Ryan Fitzpatrick succeed. (What could go wrong?)
But in the event Miami comes to their senses and realizes The Fitzmagic only lasts so long, they should take Tua, who was in the running for the No. 1 pick for most of this season until suffering a hip injury.
Poor, poor Josh Rosen may find himself on Facebook Marketplace, listed as “lightly used” and at an alarmingly low price.
6. L.A. Chargers (5-11) — Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
Let’s not kid ourselves: the quarterbacks are going to rise in this draft class. They always do. Whether the Chargers take a quarterback or someone else trades up to get their guy, it’s entirely possible — and maybe probable — that three quarterbacks go in the top six picks. The top two talents are clearly special. There are plenty of question marks around players like Herbert, Washington’s Jacob Eason and Utah State’s Jordan Love. But cocky GMs and coaches will know they have the answers. In this case, Herbert supplants quarterback Philip Rivers, and brings much-need buzz to L.A.’s (distantly) second-most popular team.
7. Carolina (5-11) — Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio St., Jr.
Finally, Okudah helps the Panthers forget about cornerback Josh Norman, who was brilliant in Carolina, even if he’s had a turbulent runout on his career. Unless the Panthers trade Cam Newton — which they probably shouldn’t do — they won’t consider a quarterback. Instead, they’ll land an elite shutdown corner.
8. Arizona (5-10-1) — Derrick Brown, DL, Auburn
More toys for Kliff Kingsbury? Not so fast. The Cardinals allowed 402 yards per game. That’s really bad. They had the second-worst passing defense and the ninth-worst rushing defense. So perhaps let’s get a player who can address both issues: Brown. He’s got the rare combination of size and athleticism that defensive coordinators scheme around. He’ll be a menace getting into the backfield, whether on passing or running plays. (Oklahoma receiver CeeDee Lamb is a tempting option, considering he and Murray were teammates in college.)