The 2019 NFL season is officially over, and with the Senior Bowl also in the books, the next stop on the road to the 2020 NFL draft is the scouting combine later this month.
As teams and prospects alike prepare for the biggest, strangest job interview in sports, here’s an updated look at how the first four rounds of this year’s draft could shake out:
1. Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow | QB | LSU
This has seemed like a foregone conclusion for so long, that we’re starting to get to the point in the process where rumors and speculation start to swirl to the contrary. Don’t buy into the boredom; Burrow has always been the guy for the Bengals, and that’s not going to change between now and draft day.
2. Washington Redskins
Chase Young | EDGE | Ohio State
This is an absolute no-brainer for Washington, unless they’re bowled over by a trade offer from another team. They have bigger needs at other positions, but there’s no way they should pass up a rare talent like Young at such a premium spot. He’s the best overall prospect in this entire class.
3. Detroit Lions
Jeff Okudah | CB | Ohio State
I’m betting the Lions would love to move down from this spot, and with plenty of QB-needy teams likely to be targeting Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa, they might get the deal they’re looking for. If not, they can choose between a couple of blue-chip prospects at positions of need on defense, opting for the best player at the more premium spot here.
4. New York Giants
Andrew Thomas | OT | Georgia
If the Giants want Daniel Jones to become a true franchise quarterback, they’re going to have to protect him. General manager Dave Gettleman is as old-school as they come, so don’t be surprised when he spends this pick in the trenches. Moving back would be ideal given this year’s depth at both tackle and along the interior, but if they’re stuck here, Thomas is a strong pick.
5. Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama
In reality, the Dolphins will most likely have to move up the board to make sure they get Tagovailoa. They have the draft capital to make the move, and he’s absolutely the franchise passer they need to turn them back into a contender. As long as his medical evaluations check out, Tagovailoa should be a Dolphin for the foreseeable future, no matter what slot he ends up going.