With the NFL Combine officially here, a ton will change over the next week. Between the measurements, the medicals, the on-field drills, and the interviews, many players will either move up, down or even off draft boards entirely.
As of today, every team has needs, even the Super Bowl-winning Chiefs. The NFL Draft Combine will go a long way for each of these teams in developing their final offseason strategies. With all of that being said, here is how I see the top two rounds unfolding.
- Cincinnati Bengals – Joe Burrow, QB, LSU – Despite coming in with relatively a relatively small hand size (9 inches), Burrow is the easy choice for the Bengals. He is deadly accurate both from within the pocket and while on the move. He can make every throw and shows plenty of juice while scrambling and taking off. As pro-ready as pro-ready gets, Burrow will be under center week 1.
- Washington Redskins – Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio St – The highest graded prospect in this class for me, Young has a chance to be really, really special. He showcases elite ability off the line, with his hands, his bend, and with his counters. He’s also an excellent run defender and should find his way on many Pro Bowl rosters throughout his career.
- Carolina Panthers (via trade with Detroit) – Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama – The Panthers make a splash to land a player that new Head Coach Matt Rhule is sure to love. Obviously, there are injury concerns with Tua, but the preseason favorite to win the Heisman still possesses the upside to be a top-shelf NFL signal-caller. Let’s just hope the medicals check out.
- Los Angeles Chargers (via trade with NY Giants) – Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon – Once the Panthers jumped up to 3, the Chargers knew they needed to get aggressive to land their guy ahead of Miami. Herbert checks off every box you want in a Quarterback. He’s big, he’s athletic, and he possesses a bazooka for an arm. The Chargers also have a serviceable stopgap in Tyrod Taylor, which should afford Herbert time to learn the nuances before being thrust into game action.
- Miami Dolphins – Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville – The Dolphins are not thrilled with the way this draft has unfolded, but they get a HUGE consolation prize in Becton. Becton is a mountain of a man that possesses other-worldly strength and athleticism. His technique could undoubtedly be improved upon, but the natural traits are there for Becton to be a true cornerstone at Left Tackle.
- New York Giants (via trade with LA Chargers) – Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama – Wills is another awesome tackle prospect possessing outstanding strength, technique, and movement skills. In New York, Wills could certainly stick on the right side, which is where he played at Alabama, but also could be groomed to be Daniel Jones’ blindside protector.
- Detroit Lions (via trade with Carolina) – Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio St – Okudah is an elite corner prospect. He has the size, speed, short-area quickness, physicality, and ball skills that could make him a top-tier NFL cornerback very quickly. The Lions would most likely take Okudah if they stay put and draft at 3, but here, they pick up some additional draft and still land their guy. An absolute home run for Detroit.
- Arizona Cardinals – CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma – The Cardinals could certainly go for an offensive lineman, but they just gave a boatload of money to DJ Humphries to protect Kyler Murray’s blindside. While they still could go that direction and add more talent up front, the chance to go get a player of Lamb’s ability may be too enticing to pass up. When you add in the fact that Lamb and Murray were a dynamic duo at Oklahoma, this pick makes too much sense to not come to fruition.
- Jacksonville Jaguars – Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson – Simmons has a wide range of outcomes that could become a reality come draft night. He may be the best defensive player in this draft and will probably be the betting favorite for Defensive Player of the Year honors, regardless of which team selects him. Linebackers generally have a nice transition to the next level. But Simmons is much more than a linebacker. With his attributes, he can be used just about anywhere on the defensive side of the ball and be effective while doing it. He will be a star.
- Cleveland Browns – Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa – Wirfs is a powerful prospect that should be given every chance to stick at tackle. He has the feet to withstand speed rushers, and it is virtually impossible to bull rush him. He projects on the right side and should be a good one. His “downside” is that of a very good guard. The Browns need help up front, and Wirfs will give them tons of flexibility when looking to improve elsewhere.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via trade with NY Jets) – Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn – It is almost unfathomable to see a player of this caliber fall this far. Brown is the real deal. He can play in either an odd or even front, but his best spot will be as a 3-technique penetrator. He will blow up the run game by shooting gaps with his burst, or by standing up against a double team using his strength and leverage. He will also break out a variety of pass rush moves to get after quarterbacks.
- Las Vegas Raiders – Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama – The best route runner in the draft, Jeudy is a perfect fit for Jon Gruden’s offense. Tyrell Williams is the deep threat, Darren Waller wins all over the field, and Hunter Renfrow can cover the slot routes. Jeudy can step right in and soak up a large chunk of targets and make an impact with his quickness, his acceleration, his hands, and his afterburners.
- Indianapolis Colts – Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina – My comparison for Kinlaw is Fletcher Cox, a quick, penetrating under tackle with more than enough strength to hold up in the run game. Kinlaw has a chance to be a special player as an interior disruptor. I love his ability to turn his burst into power as a bull rusher. The Colts have a very good team, but Kinlaw adds another element to their rush.
- New York Jets (via trade with Tampa Bay) – Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia – The Jets could look to add a playmaker on the perimeter, or they could look to bolster their offensive line. I believe their biggest need is to protect their young quarterback in Sam Darnold. Thomas is a rock-solid Left Tackle prospect, showcasing outstanding technique and vice-like grips for hands. He’s not the most nimble-footed prospect at the position, but he won’t be a liability against speed rushers, either. Once thought of as the best offensive lineman in the class, Thomas could be a steal for Gang Green this far down.
- Denver Broncos – Henry Ruggs, WR, Alabama – You may think that Ruggs is all about speed. Well, he is, but he’s so much more. He has outstanding balance in and out of his cuts, which makes him a nightmare to cover on stops and curl routes. If you try to jump them, he can simply run right past anyone with his legitimate 4.2 speed. It wouldn’t surprise anyone if Ruggs is the first receiver off the board come draft night, but here, the Broncos add another weapon for young signal-caller, Drew Lock.
- Atlanta Falcons – K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, LSU – The most explosive EDGE rusher in this draft, Chaisson should destroy the combine. Chaisson, however, doesn’t have the collegiate production that the other pass rushers in this class can boast. Then again, the draft is about figuring out which players translate to the next level and have the natural talent to keep improving. Chaisson could very well be that guy, though there is plenty of work left to do. As a work in progress, the Falcons decide that he’s worth the gamble.
- Dallas Cowboys – Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU – Almost all mocks that I have seen project the Cowboys to take either a corner or safety. While those positions are certainly in play, why not take the uber-talented blur in Reagor? He may be under 6-feet tall, but his ability to play above the rim is evident. He’s as explosive as it gets with the ball in his hands, and only erratic quarterback play held him back. Giving Dak this particular weapon, along with Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup, may lead the Cowboys to the highest-scoring offense in football.
- Miami Dolphins – AJ Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa – A huge, powerful defensive lineman, Epenesa also has the collegiate production to justify being a top-20 pick. He won’t check all of the agility boxes at the combine, but his power will play in both run and pass defense. The Dolphins have a bunch of holes to fill, but it always works out when the best player available meets a team need. A good pick here.
- New Orleans Saints (via trade with Las Vegas) – Jordan Love, QB, Utah St – Love is another Quarterback prospect that has all of the tools with which to work. He possesses quintessential size and athleticism you look for at the position, all while demonstrating outstanding arm talent. His biggest question mark is his decision-making. The right coaching staff will be key for Love’s development, but he is certainly worth taking a chance on early in the draft.
- Jacksonville Jaguars – CJ Henderson, CB, Florida – The Jaguars already have secured an elite defender at the second level of the defense in Isaiah Simmons. Now, they add a dynamic athlete to their cornerback corps. Henderson is a long, toolsy player that could quickly become a shut-down player on the perimeter. He needs to add some play strength to his frame, but you will be hard-pressed to find another player with his fluid movement skills at his size.
- Philadelphia Eagles – Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson – Higgins is somewhat of a polarizing receiver prospect, and I’m not sure why. He’s big, he’s fast, he’s physical, and he knows how to play the game. He uses his body well to shield defenders and utilize his catch radius to win at the catch point. He’ll be an immediate threat in the red zone and as an after-the-catch receiver on slants and crosses. For a team in dire need of offensive upgrades, Higgins makes a ton of sense.
- Buffalo Bills – Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU – The twitchy corner from LSU comfortably plays press coverage with no fear of being beaten. He’s not the fastest corner in the draft, but he has more than enough speed to recover when beaten downfield. He has great ball skills and timing and can routinely undercut plays and create turnovers. Fulton will pair wonderfully with Tre White in Orchard Park.
- New England Patriots – Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE, Penn St – Gross-Matos is one of the players where production and natural talent are both evident. With 17 sacks over the last two seasons, Gross-Matos boasts a nice production resume and still has plenty of room to grow. Nice quickness, burst, and power provide a nice foundation of tools, but his play speed could use some improvement. The Patriots stout defense should allow Gross-Matos both opportunity and time as a rotational player with a chance to be special.
- Las Vegas Raiders (via trade with New Orleans) – Patrick Queen, LB, LSU – Queen is a real boom/bust pick for the Silver and Black. He was a single-year starter at LSU, but what a season it was. He’s an elite athlete with the ability to cover in the pass game and flow sideline-to-sideline in the run game. He understands blocking structures and maneuvers traffic really well to meet ball-carriers in the hole. A big week at the combine could certainly solidify Queen as the second linebacker to come off the board.
- Minnesota Vikings – Josh Jones, OT, Houston – A fast riser, Jones balled out in Mobile. He stonewalled just about every rusher that was thrown at him. The Vikings zone-based scheme is a perfect fit and should afford Jones every opportunity to develop into a top-level tackle. The Vikings hit a home run in the 2018 draft with Brian O’Neill at Right Tackle and take a shot on the similarly-athletic Jones for Kirk Cousins’ blind side in 2020.
- Miami Dolphins – Jacob Eason, QB, Washington – The Dolphins should/will re-sign Ryan Fitzpatrick to be the starter for the 2020 season, which is perfect for a guy like Jacob Eason. Eason has a cannon of a right arm that simply needs to be coached. He shows inconsistencies with his ball placement and his decision-making, but learning the NFL game for a year would do wonders for a player with his natural talent. The Dolphins know they have the 5th year option by taking Eason here, so they wait no longer for a guy they believe can be a star.
- Seattle Seahawks – Zack Baun, EDGE, Wisconsin – Baun is a football player, plain and simple. He won’t wow anyone with his athletic traits (which are not lacking), but his smarts and his versatility will lead Baun to have a long, productive NFL career. He understands the nuances of football when it comes to using his hands, leverage, and unique football IQ to play much faster than a stopwatch would indicate. He can rush the passer, but also may fit well as an off-ball linebacker due to his ability to drop and cover.
- Baltimore Ravens – Laviska Shenault Jr, WR, Colorado – Shenault is precisely the type of player that would thrive in the Ravens offense. He’s not the most refined WR in terms of route running at this point, but his ability to win with the ball in his hands would make MVP Lamar Jackson even more dangerous. He’s big, he’s fast, he’s physical, he blocks, and good luck tackling him in the open field.
- Tennessee Titans – Julian Okwara, EDGE, Notre Dame – Okwara fits the athletic profile that the Titans love. He has a special kind of burst to win around the edge but can also turn that speed/quickness into a nice bull rush and win with power. His run defense leaves some room for improvement, but there is no question he’s ready to rush NFL passers right now. The Titans made a surprising run to the AFC Championship Game, and adding another pass rushing threat to chase down the likes of Patrick Mahomes can only help matters.
- Green Bay Packers – Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU – The Packers need to add another weapon for Aaron Rodgers before its too late. Jefferson is very much in the mold of Davante Adams, which should keep defenses honest and open things up for the entire offense. Jefferson is a crisp route runner with ample twitch, excellent hands, and a knack for plucking anything and everything in his vicinity. Not a burner, he also can sneak behind a defense for big plays by utilizing his technical prowess to set up defenders for double moves.
- Minnesota Vikings (via trade with San Francisco) – Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU – Gladney checks off every box you want in a first-round corner. He’s tall, he possesses lightning-quick feet, he has plenty of speed, he tackles, and he basically runs routes for receivers. He’s ultra-sticky and fits what Mike Zimmer wants in every way. The Vikings pay a decent price to move up, but the need is there with Xavier Rhodes a virtual lock to be released and Trae Waynes a free agent who will be too expensive to re-sign.
- Kansas City Chiefs – Damon Arnette, CB, Ohio St – The “other” Ohio St corner needs to be looked at as his own man. He’s a player, flat out. Arnette has excellent feet, elite ball skills, great speed, and the versatility to play outside or in the slot. The Chiefs would love to trade out of this slot and add a few extra picks, but it is definitely more than a consolation prize to land a player of this caliber at this point. The Super Bowl Champions get a little richer.
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