The NFL draft is still more than a month away and mock drafts fill the internet. So let’s add another one to the list of projections, possibilities and scenarios … with some expert analysis.
Here are my projections for the first round of the draft.
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1. Cincinnati Bengals: LSU QB Joe Burrow
This pick is a lock. Cincinnati needs a franchise quarterback and Burrow was the best one in college this past season. Though so much of Burrow’s production came in one season, some analysts rank him above other quarterbacks to go No. 1 in recent history.
2. Washington Redskins: Ohio State EDGE Chase Young
The Redskins could surprise people and draft a quarterback despite having taken Dwayne Haskins in the first round last year. Such a decision proved to be the right one for the Arizona Cardinals a year ago. This time, however, the Redskins probably take Young, a dynamic pass rusher. The Cardinals were able to trade away Josh Rosen and hand the team to Kyler Murray last season. The Redskins aren’t comfortable they can do that with Tua Tagovailoa because injury concerns have his availability in 2020 in question.
3. Detroit Lions: Ohio State CB Jeff Okudah
The Lions are looking to trade Darius Slay, their No. 1 cornerback. They have to replace him and Okudah fits the bill.
4. New York Giants: Alabama OT Jedrick Wills
The Giants have their quarterback, running back and a promising young receiver. They don’t have good protection for that quarterback, Daniel Jones. They could go with Clemson do-it-all linebacker Isaiah Simmons here, but the defense needs more than just Simmons to make significant improvement. New York needs to protect Jones and the tackle talent at the top of the draft is fantastic. It thins out quickly so if they want a tackle to contribute, it has to be right here.
5. Miami Dolphins: Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa
Miami has been waiting to make this pick for about a year. Now it will actually happen. And the Dolphins are prepared to sit Tagovailoa as they still have Ryan Fitzpatrick to start in 2020.