Category: Mock Drafts

Draft Wire’s latest mock draft has Lions trading back, landing 2 first-round picks

Draft Wire’s latest mock draft has Lions landing two first-round picks and using both selections on players from the Big Ten conference.

Draft Wire’s Luke Easterling released a post-Super Bowl Mock Draft with trades and the Lions were one of the teams to take advantage.

In Easterling’s mock, he has the moving back and acquiring two first-round selections from the Miami Dolphins — the end result of which is the Lions giving up pick No. 3 and getting back picks No. 5 and No. 26 in return.

The Dolphins used the Lions pick to select Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama, while the Lions used pick No. 5 to select:

Jeffrey Okudah, CB, OSU

“This is a fantastic scenario for the Lions,” Easterling said, “who trade back a couple of spots, get an extra first-round pick, and still land the player they likely would have taken at their original spot. Okudah is by far this year’s top corner prospect, and would team up with Darius Slay to give Detroit one of the league’s best tandems at a premium position. Don’t rule out Auburn defensive lineman Derrick Brown here, either.”

No surprises here as Okudah continues to be mocked to Detroit — even in trade backs — as he fills both an immediate and long-term need.

With pick No. 26 the Lions select:

Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE, Penn State

“After moving down and getting a blue-chip corner in the top five,” Easterling said, “the Lions can now use the first-round pick they received in our projected trade to address their desperate need for front-seven help. Gross-Matos is a well-rounded prospect who may not be as flashy as some other defenders in this class, but he’s a pro-ready player who will make an immediate impact.”

I get the concept here as the Lions need pass-rushing help, but there was another EDGE rusher available in this mock draft that I believe would be higher on the Lions draft board: A.J. Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa.

This is purely just a matter of preference between analysts on which EDGE rusher they prefer, but for me, Epenesa is a bigger version of Trey Flowers and would fit the Lions scheme like a glove.

Currently, the Lions deploy a tandem of Flowers and Romeo Okwara rotating through the down defensive end role. Last year Flowers played on 62-percent of the Lions snaps and Okwara 53-percent, with the overflow of snaps coming from an interior position — often both would be on the field with one at down defensive end and the other at the 3-technique.

Epenesa would immediately challenge for the Okwara role, and because of his versatility to also play at the 3-technique would give the Lions pass-rushing upgrades on the EDGE and on the interior.

At the end of the day, the Lions walk away big winners in this mock draft.

2020 NFL mock draft: Post-Super Bowl projections with trades

Draft Wire’s Luke Easterling throws out some potential trade scenarios in his latest projection for the first round of the 2020 NFL draft

I’ve watched the Super Bowl from many different places, but this was the first year in which I took in the big game while flying over the Atlantic.

On our way to attend my wife’s graduation in England, my nine-year-old daughter and I huddled around the screen in our seats and watched the NFL season come to an entertaining and dramatic end. It was a worthy ending to the league’s 100th season.

You know it’s always draft season around here, but now it’s official, as all 32 teams now enter the offseason with their sights set on getting to where Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs just went.

To that end, here’s an updated look at how the first round of the 2020 NFL draft could shake out, with a few trade scenarios that could spice things up:

*denotes projected trade

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. Miami Dolphins (from DET)*

Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama

This move just makes too much sense. Tagovailoa seems destined for Miami, as long as his recovery is in a good place. If the medicals are in order, though, the Dolphins will likely have to make a small jump up the board to make sure another team doesn’t leapfrog them. The position is too important, and Tua is too good a player, to risk losing out.

4. Carolina Panthers (from NYG)*

Justin Herbert | QB | Oregon

While the Dolphins moving up for Tagovailoa wouldn’t be a surprise, this move might be a bit more of a shock. New head coach Matt Rhule will be overseeing a huge rebuild, though, and will likely want to hand-pick his quarterback. Herbert followed up a solid career at Oregon with a Rose Bowl MVP and a strong week at the Senior Bowl, making him worthy of top-five consideration.

5. Detroit Lions (from MIA)*

Jeff Okudah | CB | Ohio State

This is a fantastic scenario for the Lions, who trade back a couple of spots, get an extra first-round pick, and still land the player they likely would have taken at their original spot. Okudah is by far this year’s top corner prospect, and would team up with Darius Slay to give Detroit one of the league’s best tandems at a premium position. Don’t rule out Auburn defensive lineman Derrick Brown here, either.

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2020 NFL mock draft: How Luke Kuechly’s retirement impacts 1st round

Luke Kuechly’s shocking retirement could have a significant impact on the first round of the 2020 NFL draft

The NFL world got a jolt Tuesday night, as Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly announced his retirement after eight seasons.

The Panther currently hold a top-10 pick in the 2020 NFL draft, and Kuechly’s departure could have a seismic impact on their plans for that selection.

Here’s how this offseason bombshell could impact that first round of this year’s draft:

1. Cincinnati Bengals | Joe Burrow | QB | LSU

2. Washington Redskins | Chase Young | EDGE | Ohio State

3. Detroit Lions | Jeff Okudah | CB | Ohio State

4. New York Giants | Andrew Thomas | OT | Georgia

5. Miami Dolphins | Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama

6. Los Angeles Chargers | Justin Herbert | QB | Oregon

7. Carolina Panthers | Isaiah Simmons | LB | Clemson

8. Arizona Cardinals | CeeDee Lamb | WR | Oklahoma

9. Jacksonville Jaguars | Derrick Brown | DL | Auburn

10. Cleveland Browns | Jedrick Wills | OT | Alabama

11. New York Jets | Tristan Wirfs | OT | Iowa

12. Oakland Raiders | Jerry Jeudy | WR | Alabama

13. Indianapolis Colts | Jordan Love | QB | Utah State

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | A.J. Epenesa | EDGE | Iowa

15. Denver Broncos | Javon Kinlaw | DL | South Carolina

16. Atlanta Falcons | Yetur Gross-Matos | EDGE | Penn State

17. Dallas Cowboys | Grant Delpit | S | LSU

18. Miami Dolphins (from PIT) | Henry Ruggs III | WR | Alabama

19. Oakland Raiders (from CHI) | Kenneth Murray | LB | Oklahoma

20. Jacksonville Jaguars | Tee Higgins | WR | Clemson

21. Philadelphia Eagles | Kristian Fulton | CB | LSU

22. Buffalo Bills | Laviska Shenault, Jr. | WR | Colorado

23. New England Patriots | Xavier McKinney | S | Alabama

24. New Orleans Saints | Cole Kmet | TE | Notre Dame

25. Minnesota Vikings | Mekhi Becton | OT | Louisville

26. Miami Dolphins (from HOU) | Jonathan Taylor | RB | Wisconsin

27. Seattle Seahawks | Trevon Diggs | CB | Alabama

28. Baltimore Ravens | D’Andre Swift | RB | Georgia

29. Tennessee Titans | K’Lavon Chaisson | EDGE | LSU

30. Green Bay Packers | Solomon Kindley | OL | Georgia

31. Kansas City Chiefs | Travis Etienne | RB | Clemson

32. San Francisco 49ers | CJ Henderson | CB | Florida

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2020 NFL mock draft: 4-round projections after divisional playoffs

Draft Wire’s Luke Easterling updates and expands his latest mock for the 2020 NFL draft, covering the first four rounds with new projections

We’re down to just four teams remaining in the NFL Playoffs, as another wild week of postseason action sent another disappointing quartet back to the drawing board to prepare for the offseason.

At the same time, the college football landscape is buzzing, with the national championship game taking place Monday night, and the all-star circuit already in full swing for some of this year’s top prospects. Shrine Game practices kick off this week, while the Senior Bowl awaits in Mobile next week.

As draft stock continues to shift, underclassmen make their declarations, and the selection order becomes more secure, here’s an updated look at how the first four rounds of the 2020 NFL draft could shake out, using the latest updated order:

1. Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Burrow | QB | LSU

The last time the Bengals had this pick, they spent it on a Heisman-winning quarterback in Carson Palmer. 17 years later, Cincy’s hoping to land another franchise quarterback in Burrow, who has been dominant all year long despite facing stiff competition. Only an elite QB prospect would be worth passing up Chase Young, but Burrow is exactly that.

2. Washington Redskins

Chase Young | EDGE | Ohio State

For the second straight year, the team picking No. 2 gets the No. 1 prospect. Washington has bigger needs elsewhere, but Young is a generational talent who would be the rare “bargain” at this pick. A complete player who can take over a game all on his own, Young is one of the best pass-rushing prospects we’ve seen in years.

3. Detroit Lions

Jeff Okudah | CB | Ohio State

This defense has needs at every level, so this pick is about getting the best value anywhere they can. Trading down would be ideal, likely for a team targeting a franchise quarterback, but Okudah is the most worthy candidate for this pick if they stay put. He’s the best of a corner class that could produce a handful of first-round picks.

4. New York Giants

Andrew Thomas | OT | Georgia

You won’t find a more old-school general manager than Dave Gettleman, so don’t be surprised when he spends this pick on improving the offensive trenches. If Saquon Barkley and Daniel Jones are going to rebuild this offense, they’ll need plenty of improvement up front. Thomas is a franchise left tackle who will be pro-ready from Day 1.

5. Miami Dolphins

Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama

They might have to move up to land him on draft day, but if Tagovailoa is still on the board here, it’s a no-brainer for the Dolphins. Assuming his medicals check out, Tagovailoa is an elite quarterback prospect with all the physical and mental tools to be the difference-maker Miami has been desperately seeking for years.

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2020 NFL mock draft: 3-round projections leading into divisional playoffs

The NFL Playoffs kicked off with a memorable wild card weekend, with all four games being decided by one score, including a pair of overtime thrillers. While the postseason field has been whittled down to just eight teams on either side of the …

The NFL Playoffs kicked off with a memorable wild card weekend, with all four games being decided by one score, including a pair of overtime thrillers.

While the postseason field has been whittled down to just eight teams on either side of the tournament, four more teams have been banished to an early offseason, joining the ranks of those preparing for a playoff run next season.

As the playoff push and offseason preparations continue, here’s an updated look at how the first three rounds of the 2020 NFL draft could shake out, using the latest updated order:

1. Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Burrow | QB | LSU

John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

The Andy Dalton era needs to end, and the Bengals are in the perfect spot to take his successor. Burrow has not only been dominant all year long against top competition, he’s taken his game to another level on the game’s biggest stages at the SEC title game and the College Football Playoff.

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2020 NFL mock draft: 3-round projections after Wild Card weekend

Luke Easterling updates his three-round projections for the 2020 NFL draft following a crazy Wild Card playoff round

The NFL Playoffs kicked off with a memorable Wild Card weekend, with all four games being decided by one score, including a pair of overtime thrillers.

While the postseason field has been whittled down to just eight teams on either side of the tournament, four more teams have been banished to an early offseason, joining the ranks of those preparing for a playoff run next season.

As the playoff push and offseason preparations continue, here’s an updated look at how the first three rounds of the 2020 NFL draft could shake out, using the latest updated order:

1. Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Burrow | QB | LSU

The Andy Dalton era needs to end, and the Bengals are in the perfect spot to take his successor. Burrow has not only been dominant all year long against top competition, he’s taken his game to another level on the game’s biggest stages at the SEC title game and the College Football Playoff.

2. Washington Redskins

Chase Young | EDGE | Ohio State

Much like last year with the San Francisco 49ers and Nick Bosa, Washington lands the best overall prospect in this class at the No. 2 pick. Young is a rare pass rusher with an incredible combination of size, athleticism and explosiveness, making him a steal even this early.

3. Detroit Lions

Jeff Okudah | CB | Ohio State

This is the prime spot for a team to trade up for a quarterback, and I think they’d find a willing partner in the Lions, who have tons of needs to fill. If they stay here, Detroit has their pick of either a dominant interior force (Auburn’s Derrick Brown), or a blue-chip cover man in Okudah. They opt for the more premium position here.

4. New York Giants

Jedrick Wills | OT | Alabama

If Daniel Jones is going to reach his full potential, he’ll need a true franchise left tackle to keep him protected. The more I watch Wills, the more he separates himself from the crowd at the top of this year’s deep offensive tackle class. Don’t be shocked if he’s the first one off the board, and a top-five pick.

5. Miami Dolphins

Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama

After a season-ending hip injury, Tagovailoa is obviously the biggest wild-card in this year’s draft. If he makes a full recovery, Tua still has a fantastic skill set and all the tools to be a franchise quarterback. It’s a big if, but if he’s healthy, he’s still worthy of top-five consideration for a QB-needy team like Miami.

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2020 NFL mock draft: 3-round projections for the new year

Luke Easterling rings in the new year with a new three-round projection for the 2020 NFL draft

New year, new decade, new mock draft.

The NFL regular season is officially in the books, and while 12 teams still have their eyes on the Lombardi Trophy, the rest of the league is preparing for an offseason battle plan to hopefully be one of those contenders next season.

Now that the top 20 spots in next year’s draft order have been locked into place (for now), let’s take an updated look at how the first three rounds of the 2020 NFL draft could shake out.

1. Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Burrow | QB | LSU

The Andy Dalton era needs to end, and the Bengals are in the perfect spot to take his successor. Burrow has not only been dominant all year long against top competition, he’s taken his game to another level on the game’s biggest stages at the SEC title game and the College Football Playoff.

2. Washington Redskins

Chase Young | EDGE | Ohio State

Much like last year with the San Francisco 49ers and Nick Bosa, Washington lands the best overall prospect in this class at the No. 2 pick. Young is a rare pass rusher with an incredible combination of size, athleticism and explosiveness, making him a steal even this early.

3. Detroit Lions

Derrick Brown | DL | Auburn

This defense needs a dominant, disruptive force in the trenches to build around, whether that’s on the edge or along the interior. In this scenario, Brown is the best combination of value, need and fit. He’s got rare athleticism for his size, and all the strength and power you’d expect.

4. New York Giants

Andrew Thomas | OT | Georgia

Losing out on Young hurts, but this pick is hardly a consolation prize. The Giants need a franchise left tackle every bit as much as they need an impact edge rusher, and Thomas has all the physical and mental tools to be an immediate and long-term upgrade at a premium position.

5. Miami Dolphins

Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama

After a season-ending hip injury, Tagovailoa is obviously the biggest wild-card in this year’s draft. If he makes a full recovery, Tua still has a fantastic skill set and all the tools to be a franchise quarterback. It’s a big if, but if he’s healthy, he’s still worthy of top-five consideration for a QB-needy team like Miami.

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2020 NFL mock draft: 2 rounds of Christmas gifts for your favorite team

Luke Easterling serves up a Christmas Day mock for the 2020 NFL draft, covering the first two rounds

We’re just one week away from the end of the 2019 NFL regular season, and bowl games are already in full swing as top prospects and sleepers try to make a strong last impression on their game film before the predraft process kicks off.

It’s also Christmas Day, and what better gift than a mock draft that goes beyond the first round? 32 picks are never enough around here, so here’s my latest take on how the first two rounds of the 2020 NFL draft could shake out, using the latest updated order.

1. Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Burrow | QB | LSU

The Andy Dalton era needs to end, and the Bengals are in the perfect spot to take his successor. After yet another masterful performance in the SEC title game, Burrow should be locked into this spot, even before he takes home the Heisman Trophy and leads the Bayou Bengals into the College Football Playoff.

2. Washington Redskins

Chase Young | EDGE | Ohio State

After losing to the Giants in Week 16, Washington has the inside track to landing the No. 2 pick, and therefore the best overall prospect in this class. Young is a rare pass rusher with an incredible combination of size, athleticism and explosiveness, making him a steal even this early.

3. Detroit Lions

Derrick Brown | DL | Auburn

This defense needs a dominant, disruptive force in the trenches to build around, whether that’s on the edge or along the interior. In this scenario, Brown is the best combination of value, need and fit. He’s got rare athleticism for his size, and all the strength and power you’d expect.

4. New York Giants

Andrew Thomas | OT | Georgia

Losing out on Young hurts, but this pick is hardly a consolation prize. The Giants need a franchise left tackle every bit as much as they need an impact edge rusher, and Thomas has all the physical and mental tools to be an immediate and long-term upgrade at a premium position.

5. Miami Dolphins

Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama

After a season-ending hip injury, Tagovailoa is obviously the biggest wild-card in this year’s draft. If he makes a full recovery, Tua still has a fantastic skill set and all the tools to be a franchise quarterback. It’s a big if, but if he’s healthy, he’s still worthy of top-five consideration for a QB-needy team like Miami.

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2020 NFL mock draft: Updated 3-round projections after Week 15

Check out Luke Easterling’s latest three-round projections for the 2020 NFL draft

Only two weeks remain in the NFL regular season, and in the college football world, bowl season will be kicking off this week.

The battle for the top picks in next year’s draft is coming to a dramatic close, while this year’s top prospects and sleeper hopefuls have one last chance to put out some quality game film for NFL decision-makers.

As we hit the homestretch of another football season, here’s an updated look at how the first three rounds of the 2020 NFL draft could shake out, using the latest updated order:

1. Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Burrow | QB | LSU

The Andy Dalton era needs to end, and the Bengals are in the perfect spot to take his successor. After yet another masterful performance in the SEC title game, Burrow should be locked into this spot, even before he takes home the Heisman Trophy and leads the Bayou Bengals into the College Football Playoff.

2. New York Giants

Chase Young | EDGE | Ohio State

If this scenario holds, the Giants will luck out by landing the best overall prospect in the draft without having to get the No. 1 pick. Young is one of the most dominant pass rushers I’ve ever seen at the college level, and he has the potential to be a dominant player at the next level from Day 1.

3. Miami Dolphins

Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama

After a season-ending hip injury, Tagovailoa is obviously the biggest wild-card in this year’s draft. If he makes a full recovery, Tua still has a fantastic skill set and all the tools to be a franchise quarterback. It’s a big if, but if he’s healthy, he’s still worthy of top-five consideration for a QB-needy team like Miami.

4. Washington Redskins

Andrew Thomas | OT | Georgia

This pick has to be about helping Dwayne Haskins reach his lofty potential. While a premier pass-catcher like Jerry Jeudy would be tempting, Haskins already has a stellar rapport with former college teammate Terry McLaurin. The bigger need, and the better pick, is a franchise left tackle like Thomas.

5. Detroit Lions

Derrick Brown | DL | Auburn

This defense needs a dominant, disruptive force in the trenches to build around, whether that’s on the edge or along the interior. In this scenario, Brown is the best combination of value, need and fit. He’s got rare athleticism for his size, and all the strength and power you’d expect.

6. Arizona Cardinals

Jerry Jeudy | WR | Alabama

Offensive tackle is the bigger need, but I would be shocked if the Cardinals passed on the chance to give Kyler Murray an elite pass-catcher like Jeudy, should he fall into their lap. His combination of explosiveness and polish will make him an instant sensation at the next level, and a steal outside the top five.

7. New York Jets

Tristan Wirfs | OT | Iowa

Sam Darnold needs more help up front, and both tackle spots especially need attention. If the draft plays out this way, the Jets would land one of this year’s best prospects at the position, getting a powerful blocker in Wirfs who can be an immediate upgrade on either side.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars

Jeff Okudah | CB | Ohio State

After trading one of the NFL’s best corners, the Jags need to replace Jalen Ramsey with one of their multiple first-round picks in this draft. They luck out here, as this year’s top cover man falls to them at this pick. Okudah is a complete player who can make an immediate impact at a premium position of need.

9. Los Angeles Chargers

Justin Herbert | QB | Oregon

The Philip Rivers era is limping to a halt, so it’s time for the Bolts to find a successor for the future Hall of Famer. Herbert went back to school to polish his skill set, and while he’s still somewhat inconsistent, he’s got more than enough tools to work with, and he should end up being a top-10 pick.

10. Denver Broncos

Isaiah Simmons | LB | Clemson

This defense needs a three-down playmaker at the second level, and this pick would be the perfect fit. Simmons is a rare athlete and a versatile defender who can matchup with the best player on any offense, making him the kind of guy opposing offenses have to scheme for on a weekly basis.

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2020 NFL mock draft: 3-round projections heading into Week 15

Luke Easterling updates his three-round projections for the 2020 NFL draft

We’ve only got three weeks of NFL regular season action left in 2019, and with conference title games in the books, bowl season lies ahead in the college football ranks.

That means top prospects and sleeper hopefuls are putting the finishing touches on their film before heading into draft preparation, while the NFL’s bottom-feeders are preparing for the offseason while their more successful counterparts keep making playoff pushes.

With Week 14 action in the books, here’s my latest stab at projecting the first three rounds of the 2020 NFL draft, using the latest updated order.

1. Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Burrow | QB | LSU

The Andy Dalton era needs to end, and the Bengals are in the perfect spot to take his successor. After yet another masterful performance in the SEC title game, Burrow should be locked into this spot, even before he takes home the Heisman Trophy and leads the Bayou Bengals into the College Football Playoff.

2. New York Giants

Chase Young | EDGE | Ohio State

If this scenario holds, the Giants will luck out by landing the best overall prospect in the draft without having to get the No. 1 pick. Young is one of the most dominant pass rushers I’ve ever seen at the college level, and he has the potential to be a dominant player at the next level from Day 1.

3. Washington Redskins

Jerry Jeudy | WR | Alabama

Offensive tackle is a strong possibility here, but whatever Washington does with this pick, it has to be about helping Dwayne Haskins. There are attractive options both in the trenches and at the skill positions, but Jeudy’s polish and pro-ready skill set will allow him to make the most immediate impact.

4. Miami Dolphins

Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama

After a season-ending hip injury, Tagovailoa is obviously the biggest wild-card in this year’s draft. If he makes a full recovery, Tua still has a fantastic skill set and all the tools to be a franchise quarterback. It’s a big if, but if he’s healthy, he’s still worthy of top-five consideration for a QB-needy team like Miami.

5. Detroit Lions

Derrick Brown | DL | Auburn

This defense needs a dominant, disruptive force in the trenches to build around, whether that’s on the edge or along the interior. In this scenario, Brown is the best combination of value, need and fit. He’s got rare athleticism for his size, and all the strength and power you’d expect.

6. Arizona Cardinals

Andrew Thomas | OT | Georgia

If Kyler Murray is going to reach his full potential, he’ll need a franchise left tackle to grow with him. This scenario plays out perfectly for the Cardinals, as they get their pick of a deep tackle class. Thomas is polished and battle-tested, making him the best option here.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars

Jeff Okudah | CB | Ohio State

After trading one of the NFL’s best corners, the Jags need to replace Jalen Ramsey with one of their multiple first-round picks in this draft. They luck out here, as this year’s top cover man falls to them at this pick. Okudah is a complete player who can make an immediate impact at a premium position of need.

8. Atlanta Falcons

A.J. Epenesa | EDGE | Iowa

This defense is desperate to improve their completely absent pass rush, both on the edge and inside. This pick has to be used to that end, and the value points to grabbing a versatile rusher like Epenesa, who has the size and skill set to line up anywhere on the defensive line and get after the quarterback.

9. New York Jets

Tristan Wirfs | OT | Iowa

Sam Darnold needs more help up front, and both tackle spots especially need attention. If the draft plays out this way, the Jets would land one of this year’s best prospects at the position, getting a powerful blocker in Wirfs who can be an immediate upgrade on either side.

10. Los Angeles Chargers

Justin Herbert | QB | Oregon

The Philip Rivers era is limping to a halt, so it’s time for the Bolts to find a successor for the future Hall of Famer. Herbert went back to school to polish his skill set, and while he’s still somewhat inconsistent, he’s got more than enough tools to work with, and he should end up being a top-10 pick.

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