© AP Photo/Gerald Herbert LSU quarterback Joe Burrow passes against Clemson during the second half of the national championship game Jan. 13, 2020, in New Orleans.

1. Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow, QB, LSU

The last time Cincinnati won a playoff game? January of ‘91. Zac Taylor gets his franchise QB here, and what better way to do it than grab the defending national champion and former Mr. Football in Ohio? It would be nothing short of a shock if Burrow’s name isn’t called here.

2. Washington Redskins: Chase Young, DE, Ohio State

A lot of speculation here, as trade rumors swirl. Combine these rumors with Washington’s already loaded front seven, and you have the makings for a blockbuster, draft day trade scenario. Though they may not need another pass rusher, Chase Young is simply too good to pass up. Successful organizations draft best player available, not for need.

3. Detroit Lions: Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn

The Detroit Lions finished last in the NFL in passing yards allowed. To make matters worse, they had to trade their disgruntled star CB Darius Slay. After picking up former Pro Bowler Desmond Trufant as a replacement, the attention is now on the second cornerback spot. Many draft pundits are slotting Jeff Okudah here, as he’s the best CB in the draft (and happens to be a perfect scheme fit for Detroit).

However, one has to wonder: What was the real reason they were last in pass defense?

Lack of pressure.

With second-year pro Amani Oruwariye able to man the second corner spot, the Lions must find an answer for their lack of pressure. The Lions have lost Damon Harrison, A’Shawn Robinson, and Mike Daniels (their three main interior linemen in 2019). Bringing in NT Danny Shelton will help stuff the run, but they need another difference maker up front to cause enough havoc to give their secondary a chance.

So, who fits this description? Derrick Brown.

Constantly facing double teams in the SEC, Derrick Brown is an absolute force, and could very well be the best player available. Some like to classify him as a NT only, but he absolutely has the speed off the snap to perform well as a three-technique DT in a 4-3 defense. Oh, and it doesn’t hurt that he has an existing relationship with the defensive line coach.

4. New York Giants: Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson

In the past two years, Dave Gettleman has spent first-round picks on Saquon Barkley and Daniel Jones. To put these players in the best position to succeed, they must have protection. This offseason, Jason Garrett and Marc Colombo, known for their amazing work with the Dallas Cowboys’ offensive line, were hired as the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach, respectively. With several tantalizing offensive line prospects at the top of the draft, Dave Gettleman picking an offensive lineman makes all the sense in the world, right?

Yes, but he won’t be able to help himself.

Let’s rewind to 2015, where Gettleman was the GM of the Carolina Panthers. At the time, offensive tackle seemed like the logical pick. However, Dave came to the conclusion that his defense was missing that special piece: a versatile, LB/S hybrid in Shaq Thompson. Not only is there precedent for the willingness to take a hybrid type player in the 1st round, but it’s also worth noting that Gettleman has never taken an offensive tackle in the first round of the draft. Isaiah Simmons is 6’4, 238 pounds…and ran a 4.39 40 at the NFL Combine. Human beings at this size aren’t supposed to be able to do that. Despite coming up short in the National Championship against LSU this year, Isaiah Simmons performed admirably, and has done enough since to grab Gettleman’s attention.

© AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis Alabama's Tua Tagovailoa 5. Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama

In the 2018 National Championship, Alabama coach Nick Saban made one of the greatest coaching decisions in the history of football. Down to Georgia at halftime, Saban decided to bench QB Jalen Hurts in favor of Tua, who went on to do this. Just like that, the legend began. As the following college football season commenced, “Tank for Tua” was a popular catchphrase assigned to the worst teams in the NFL. Even as Joe Burrow was taking college football by storm in 2019, Tua was considered to be the frontrunner for the #1 overall pick.

Unfortunately, the injury bug struck Tagovailoa. In November 2019, he suffered a hip dislocation, along with a posterior wall fracture of his leg. For the vast majority of other players, this would be cataclysmic for their draft stock. However, even with this setback, Tagovailoa is still anticipated to be a top-five pick, as he now looks to be on track for a full recovery. There seems to be mutual interest between Tagovailoa and the Dolphins, and why wouldn’t there be? With a great coaching staff, management structure, and an exciting rebuild happening in Miami, Tua should be able to grow and develop without the pressure of playing meaningful snaps in 2020.

6. Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon

The Los Angeles Chargers had the worst attendance of any NFL team in 2019, and it didn’t help that they let go of Philip Rivers, their QB for over a decade. Desperately in need of a face of the franchise, the Chargers turn to Herbert here. By winning the Pac-12 championship and the Rose Bowl, then earning MVP of the Senior Bowl, Justin Herbert capped off his final year with Oregon in style.

At 6’6, 236 pounds, he has a cannon of an arm. His football IQ has been lauded, and seemingly has the package to be a franchise QB. The fit with the Chargers is a good one, as they did not pursue another QB in free agency. Despite rumors tying the team to Tom Brady, Cam Newton, and others, it’s truly looking as if the Chargers will enter the season with Tyrod Taylor, Easton Stick, and the QB they draft on April 23. If they want to sell tickets and have a face of the franchise for years to come, take the West Coast kid.



7. Carolina Panthers: Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State

The secondary of the Detroit Lions may have given up the most yardage in 2019, but the secondary of the Carolina Panthers gave up the most points. After losing CB James Bradberry to the Giants, the Panthers now have a hole. Thankfully, the best CB in the draft falls to pick No. 7, which should cause new coach Matt Rhule to call in the pick immediately. There could be an appetite to protect newly acquired QB Teddy Bridgewater here, as he has an injury history. However, the value of Okudah is too good to pass up here, as this is likely the lowest he’ll fall.

8. Arizona Cardinals: Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina

When an organization invests heavily in a QB, it’s a natural reaction to want to pump comparable assets into protecting him. When the Cardinals spent the No. 1 overall pick last year on Kyler Murray, it was a surprise to some. Not only was the undersized Murray flirting with the idea of playing baseball, but the Cardinals had also selected QB Josh Rosen with a top 10 pick just the year before. Silencing the critics, Murray put together a phenomenal season, garnering Rookie of the Year accolades.

Heading into the 2020 season, the general public is focusing on the offensive line, as protecting Murray sounds like the best way to take the next step as a contender. Interestingly enough, both GM Steve Keim and Coach Kliff Kingsbury have publicly expressed support for current right tackle, Justin Murray. This could be a smokescreen to prevent teams from moving up in front of them and nabbing their right tackle of the future, but we don’t think this is the case.

So, where from here? Since Murray and his offense have only gotten better this offseason, Keim is likely to focus on improving his lackluster defense. Chandler Jones needs help developing pressure, and the 6’5, 324 pound DT from South Carolina certainly looks to be the man for the job. Keim is one to go after high risk, high reward prospects, and this is no exception.

9. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama

In last year’s draft, the Jaguars selected QB Gardner Minshew in the sixth round. Not many expected Gardner to bring “Minshew Mania” to Jacksonville, but that’s just what happened. After recently offloading Nick Foles to Chicago, and not actively pursuing a QB in free agency, the organization looks to be committing to Minshew for the 2020 season. Bringing in coordinator Jay Gruden to command the offense will help Minshew, as Gruden’s scheme revolves around quick reads and getting the ball out as quickly as possible. To do this effectively, you must have weapons that can run great routes. As it stands, the Jaguars have one of the weakest WR rooms in the NFL, even with DJ Chark having a breakout season. When one considers GM David Caldwell’s affinity for SEC talent, the impact his selection of Alabama WR Julio Jones had on the Falcons when he managed the team, and Jeudy’s fit in Jay Gruden’s offense, Jeudy is likely to be selected at #9.

10. Cleveland Browns: Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia

It’s no secret the Browns needed a pair of offensive tackles as the 2019 season came to a close. LT Greg Robinson was busted for possessing 157 pounds of marijuana and RT Chris Hubbard was simply not good enough. This offseason, Cleveland brought in Andrew Berry to be their general manager, making him the youngest at his position in the NFL (32 at the time). It didn’t take long for Berry to get busy, as he brought in one of the best right tackles in the league: Jack Conklin.

With the right side fixed, and RB Nick Chubb licking his chops, it’s now time to protect QB Baker Mayfield’s blindside. Newly hired head coach Kevin Stefanski, like the existing Browns management structure, often relies on analytics for decision making and scouting. This is especially important when comparing the offensive tackles at the top of this class, as Andrew Thomas, Jedrick Wills, Tristan Wirfs, and Mekhi Becton form what’s been commonly referred to as the “Big 4”.

There’s little point in having someone “convert” from right to left. Having their pick of all four tackles, one would think the Browns' decision will come down to the two left tackles: Andrew Thomas and Mekhi Becton. The former is significantly more fundamentally sound and pro-ready, the latter is dripping in potential and has very entertaining tape. The Browns will go with Thomas here, as the youngest GM in the NFL wants to nail this pick.

Oh, and by the way, Thomas has blocked for a guy named Nick Chubb before at Georgia. Familiarity doesn’t hurt.

© AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall Alabama offensive lineman Jedrick Wills runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis on Feb. 28, 2020 11. New York Jets: Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama

Newly hired general manager Joe Douglas has quite the task on his hands, as the Jets have their franchise QB and RB, but a below average offensive line, WR corps, and cornerback room. Protecting Sam Darnold is paramount, and Douglas clearly recognized that. Adding Alex Lewis, Connor McGovern, Greg Van Roten, Josh Andrews, and George Fant in free agency has certainly helped shore up the line, but there is still a gaping hole at whatever tackle spot Fant doesn’t play. Fant projects to be Darnold’s blindside, so the perfect prospect would be one who is comfortable at RT, but able to switch if the Fant experiment doesn’t go well. Wirfs, Becton, and Wills can all play multiple positions along the line, but Wills is the pick here, as he’s the safest option. Entrusted with being responsible for Tagovailoa’s blindside, Wills is pro-ready and the safest option of the three lineman here. There’s also an argument that Wills was only the RT because Tua is a lefty. Had Tagovailoa been a right-handed QB, Wills may have been lining up on the left side. The Jets need to hit on this pick and return to relevance. Bell and Darnold’s careers are at risk of being wasted if the Jets try to get fancy here.

12. Las Vegas Raiders: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma

If any GM made a statement in last year’s draft, it was Mike Mayock. Taking Clelin Ferrell at No. 4 was considered to be a massive reach at the time. However, after a stellar season by Ferrell, Josh Jacobs, Maxx Crosby, and others, it’s clear Mayock has transitioned very well from the media to the front office.

The Raiders are heading for much bigger things than the 7-9 season they had last season under his leadership, and it starts at WR. Since losing Amari Cooper, the Raiders have tried multiple times to get Derek Carr a WR he can depend on. In the 2019 offseason, with one of Mike Mayock’s first moves as Raiders GM, the Raiders traded for Antonio Brown. Between a cryotherapy incident and social media antics/personal issues off of the field, the Raiders moved on from Brown before the season even started. With Brown gone, Mayock and Coach Jon Gruden hoped to lean on Tyrell Williams. Unfortunately, plantar fasciitis plagued Williams all year.

Fast forwarding to the No. 12 pick in the 2020 draft, the Raiders are staring two tantalizing prospects in the face: CeeDee Lamb and Henry Ruggs III. The former is one the best WRs in college football, as he has great hands, is a willing and able blocker, and happens to be a monster after the catch. He projects to be a true WR1 for an NFL team. The latter is the fastest player in this year’s draft, of any position (we’ll talk about this a bit later). Simply put, as tantalizing as Henry Ruggs’s speed is, the Raiders need a true #1 WR, and they sent more than 20 people to Oklahoma’s pro day for a reason.

13. San Francisco 49ers: Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa

Decision time, as GM John Lynch and HC Kyle Shanahan decide between the fastest WR in the draft, the best OT on the board, or a CB of the future to be mentored by Richard Sherman. After losing Emmanuel Sanders to the Saints, it’s easy to slot a top tier WR to the 49ers here. However, this is arguably the deepest WR class ever, and San Francisco is deep at WR already. With 10 guys under contract, there is enough to work with here. Ruggs would purely be a luxury pick here, and would undoubtedly gel well with Shanahan’s ability to get players into open space.

As far as cornerback goes, the 49ers definitely need one, but drafting CJ Henderson or Kristian Fulton here would be silly when Wirfs is on the board. Like WR, the CB class this year is also deep. Wirfs moves extremely well for his size, clocking in a 4.85 40 at the Combine. With his ability to flourish in a zone blocking scheme, and the offensive tackles behind him being developmental projects, the 49ers should and will exhibit discipline here and shy away from Ruggs, in favor of Wirfs.

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: K'Lavon Chaisson, LB, LSU

With the acquisition of Tom Brady, the Bucs are in “win now” mode. The knee-jerk reaction here would be to take an offensive lineman to help protect their newly acquired 42-year-old QB. However, the only offensive lineman worth taking at No. 14 is Mekhi Becton. Becton is a tantalizing prospect, but is not a “win now” player. It’s going to take some significant coaching and development to get Becton to the point where he needs to be in pass protection, as he’s still very raw. Brady and Coach Bruce Arians do not have the time for that.

So, where to now? After resigning the majority of their defensive free agents, DC Todd Bowles looks to elevate the defense for a postseason run. A best player available approach is certainly optimal here, and Chaisson looks the part. Losing pass rusher Carl Nassib to the Raiders wasn’t great, but if Tampa is able to reunite Devin White and Chaisson, Bucs fans should be very happy with the exchange.

15. Denver Broncos: Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama

It’s not every day that a prospect runs the fastest 40 of the class, and is disappointed with his time. The speedster from Alabama ran a blazing 4.27 40 and showed the country why he deserves to be taken in the top half of the first round. Ruggs can be a lethal, complimentary weapon for an NFL team, and we should look no further than Denver. With an exciting young QB in Drew Lock, a stud WR in Courtland Sutton, a young and dynamic TE in Noah Fant, and a powerful RB room in newly acquired Melvin Gordon and back to back 1,000 yard rusher Phillip Lindsay, the addition of Henry Ruggs III would be downright terrifying for opposing defenses. To beat the Chiefs in the AFC West, perhaps you need your own Tyreek Hill.

John Elway should not spend more than 10 seconds on this pick, if the board falls this way.

© Getty Florida defensive back CJ Henderson lines up against the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium on Nov. 16, 2019 in Columbia, Missouri. 16. Atlanta Falcons: CJ Henderson, CB, Florida

After parting ways with CB Desmond Trufant, the Falcons are looking to Kendall Sheffield to fill the shoes of a CB1. With Isaiah Oliver playing nickel, there is a glaring need at the other corner spot, and what better way to fill it than a Florida player for Dan Quinn? Quinn is not shy about his love for former Gators, and this pick will be no exception. Great combination of need, value, and coach preference here. Atlanta typically runs cover-3, which would amplify CJ’s amazing ball skills. Pass rusher may be desired here, as Vic Beasley departed this offseason. However, the addition of Dante Fowler takes a significant amount of pressure off of having to address the position early in the draft.

17. Dallas Cowboys: Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU

Needing to pay other stars on the team, Dallas faced a predicament with CB Byron Jones early in the offseason. The money just didn’t make sense, and he is now a member of the Miami Dolphins. Currently, we’re looking at a cornerback room of Anthony Brown, Chidobie Awuzie, and Jourdan Lewis. If Jerry Jones wants another ring soon, this position must be addressed. Though it’s a deep CB class, the need is undeniable, and Kristian Fulton performed well for the national champion Tigers. The Cowboys have shown interest in him throughout the process, and rightfully so. Running a healthy 4.46 at the combine and garnering first team all-SEC/second-team All-America are no simple tasks. Perhaps lost in the shuffle of some of the other standout Tiger defenders, Fulton could be one of the most underrated prospects in the draft. His 43.6% career completion percentage allowed should push Jerry and Stephen Jones to call his name on April 23rd.

18. Miami Dolphins: Mekhi Becton, OL, Louisville

Mekhi Becton is an absolute behemoth of a human being. At 6’7, 364 pounds, Becton offers size that will cause GMs to drool. However, his technique needs to get better to align with the lofty expectations the league has for him. In the ACC, it may be easy to throw opposing defenders around like ragdolls. However, in the NFL, it’s not the same story. Becton needs an opportunity where he can develop under strong coaching and guidance, without the expectation of being a pro bowl tackle out of the gate. This would be an amazing acquisition for Miami, as they look to protect Tagovailoa. Great value here, as this is likely the lowest Becton will go.

19. Las Vegas Raiders: Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma

High character leaders who display a love for the game are Mayock’s dream prospects. A sideline-to-sideline linebacker, the speedy Murray can help make what was the biggest weakness of the 2019 Raiders into the biggest strength of the 2020 Raiders. Along with newly acquired LBs Nick Kwiatkoski and Cory Littleton, Murray would the cherry on top for Mayock’s revamped defensive front. Check out this video of Jon Gruden discussing Kenneth Murray (skip to 4:00). He truly can’t help himself from lighting up a bit when talking about him. We think there’s a serious crush here. Barring Murray’s injury concerns getting the best of Mayock and Gruden, this is the pick.

20. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU

There is a large hole at corner after the departure of the very vocal CB Jalen Ramsey. The Jaguars already got a new toy for Minshew earlier in the draft, now it’s time to replace what may have been the best player on the entire team. The Jaguars didn’t just lose a top tier corner, they lost competitive fire. At 5’10, 191 pounds, Gladney is a bit undersized, but is as tenacious as they come. He’s incredibly aggressive at the line of scrimmage, making him a great press coverage corner. This plugs two holes for Jacksonville: corner and culture. The Jaguars’ culture has taken a significant hit since their AFC Championship loss against the Patriots just a few short years ago. Almost all of the defense from that historic season is gone, which makes bringing in competitive players a top priority. This pick makes way too much sense for Caldwell to pass up.

© Ron Jenkins/Getty Images Jalen Reagor #1 of the TCU Horned Frogs returns a punt for a touchdown against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the second half at Amon G. Carter Stadium on November 29, 2019 in Fort Worth, Texas. 21. Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU

The Eagles have one of the most concerning WR rooms in the NFL.

DeSean Jackson is 33 years old and recovering from sports hernia surgery. Alshon Jeffery is recovering from foot surgery and has been the subject of trade talks. Nelson Agholor is now a Raider. JJ Arcega-Whiteside and Greg Ward are simply not good enough to be starters in the NFL.

With the Eagles having two TEs (Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert) heavily involved, the middle of the field isn’t the problem – it’s the outside and over the top. With this in mind, the Eagles need a speedy receiver who forces an opposing defense to always be wary of a downfield play. If anyone is going to challenge Ruggs’ speed in this class, it’s Reagor. Not only is Reagor the type of WR they’re looking for, but his father, Montae Reagor, played and coached for the Eagles. Familiarity doesn’t hurt when weighing options in the 1st round.

22. Minnesota Vikings: Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor

After trading Stefon Diggs to the Buffalo Bills, the Vikings hold another first-round pick in the 2020 draft. With the Patriots and Saints sandwiched between their picks, the Vikings must take into consideration what these two teams need. Offensively, both teams could use a WR. With this being the case, and the Vikings themselves needing another weapon for QB Kirk Cousins, Minnesota will look no further than Denzel Mims with No. 22.

Mims took the offseason by storm, as he shined through Senior Bowl week and aced the Combine. The profile of a 6’3, 200+ pounder with a 4.38 40 has NFL teams salivating, with good reason. The Vikings must take him here.

It also doesn’t hurt that he’s a Vikings fan.

23. New England Patriots: AJ Epenesa, DL, Iowa

Leave it to New England to catch a stud prospect that is falling down the draft board. AJ Epenesa is not the most athletic defensive lineman out there, but nobody can take away his production. Epenesa had 11.5 sacks in his final season with Iowa, and earned first-team All-Big-Ten accolades. Pats coach Bill Belichick and Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz know each other well, as Ferentz was on Belichick’s staff in Cleveland. Kirk also has multiple sons who have coached or played for Belichick. Bill will certainly have all of the intel he needs on Epenesa.

QB is a possibility here, as the Tom Brady era has officially ended. The Patriots weren’t active at all in free agency, when it comes to quarterbacks. Perhaps this is a sign they’re truly content with Stidham, Hoyer, and a mid-late round QB moving forward.

24. New Orleans Saints: Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State

This is possibly the most intriguing pick of the draft, if the board falls this way. With QB Jordan Love still available, and Sean Payton broadcasting this is Drew Brees’s final season, one would think Love’s arm talent is too good for Payton to pass up at No. 24. However, this is it for the Payton and Brees era. They want one more shot at the big one, and what better way to go for it than make a high-risk, high-reward move.

Aiyuk recently had core muscle surgery, which could cause him to tumble out of the first round. He’s a weapon after the catch and would flourish as a WR3 alongside Michael Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders. Factor in star running back Alvin Kamara, and you have one scary, super bowl caliber offense. WR Justin Jefferson of LSU is a tempting option here as well, as he’s in the Saints’ backyard. However, interestingly enough, the Saints rarely draft LSU talent.

25. Minnesota Vikings: Austin Jackson, OT, USC

The offensive line was a problem for the Vikings last season. At No. 25, they have a great opportunity to grab the first offensive tackle outside of the “Big 4” (Wills, Wirfs, Becton, Thomas). Athletic, nimble, and a perfect fit for the Vikings’ zone blocking scheme, Jackson should serve as great protection for newly extended QB Kirk Cousins. The Vikings having multiple 1st rounders, having a need at corner, and not taking one…is interesting (especially with Mike Zimmer at the helm). However, the values of Denzel Mims and Austin Jackson warrant the wait on a cornerback.

26. Miami Dolphins: Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama

After trading away Minkah Fitzpatrick to Pittsburgh for a first-round pick, the Dolphins have a hole at safety. Getting the top safety in the draft at No. 26 should cause the Dolphins brass to rejoice, as Alabama has churned out some great safety prospects over the years (Roman Harper, Landon Collins, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Eddie Jackson). McKinney is no exception here, as he accentuates what HC Brian Flores looks for in his defensive players: football IQ and versatility. The All-American and 1st Team All-SEC safety could be the big piece Flores’s revamped secondary needs. Tua, Mekhi, and Xavier is a phenomenal haul. This rebuild isn’t taking long.

© Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 28: Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos (99) celebrates a sack of Memphis Tigers quarterback Brady White (3) during the game between the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Memphis Tigers on December 28, 2019 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) 27. Seattle Seahawks: Yetur Gross-Matos DL Penn State

Jadeveon Clowney doesn't appear to want to be a Seahawk, and, at this point, the Seahawks are probably done with Clowney. Clowney’s asking price was $20 million a year until earlier this month. Even after cutting his demands by at least $2 million, the Seahawks don’t seem ready to bite. Losing Clowney will hurt, as the Seahawks were already second-to-last in sacks in 2019.

Thankfully, Gross-Matos will be able to slot right in at LEO (a DE that has the ability to stand up and play more like an OLB in a 3-4 defense). Though there’s a clear need for pass rush, a skill position could be picked here. With RB Chris Carson recovering from a hip injury, and RB Rashaad Penny probably being unavailable to start the season due to an ACL tear, we could see the first RB off the board here if they like Wisconsin's Jonathan Taylor enough. However, the value of Gross-Matos at No. 27 is too much to pass up here.

28. Baltimore Ravens: Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU

As scary as QB Lamar Jackson was last season, he can be much scarier. Seemingly more comfortable attacking the middle of the field, giving Jackson a star slot WR could be the move that puts the Ravens over the top. Jefferson is the best WR available, and is lethal in the slot. A big part of the national champion LSU team, Jefferson can provide enough of a reason for opposing defenses to not sell out on stopping Jackson’s potent running attack.

Patrick Queen is another option here, as the Ravens lack talent at linebacker. However, the temptation to give the defending MVP another toy with 4.44 wheels will be too much for Baltimore to overcome.

29. Tennessee Titans: Cameron Dantzler, CB, Mississippi State

The Titans’ CB room is looking a bit worrisome. After the recent struggles by Malcolm Butler, who could very well be cut after the 2020 season, one would think the team would do what it takes to keep free agent CB Logan Ryan. However, as the days go on, it’s looking increasingly likely that this won’t happen.

With the free agent CB market drying up, the Titans should look to the draft to shore up their secondary. Cameron Dantzler may not be as much of a household name as the other corners available (Trevon Diggs, AJ Terrell, Damon Arnette, etc), but he’s a scheme fit. The Titans run zone on the majority of their defensive plays, which is Dantzler’s bread and butter. After a lackluster combine, Dantzler, like many other prospects, filmed his own makeshift Pro Day to reassure scouts and teams that he had the measurables to be a 1st round pick. The tape didn’t disappoint, as he ran a healthy 4.38 40. This could very well be what the Titans needed to see to pull the trigger on Dantzler at #29.

30. Green Bay Packers: Patrick Queen, LB, LSU

The Packers could go many directions here, as the team could use a WR, OT, LB, or even a QB of the future. Grabbing a QB like Love may be tempting, but, like the Saints, the Packers will most likely end up trying to grab an impact player to go for another Super Bowl this year. For years, Green Bay has struggled in the middle of their defense, especially in coverage. Queen, who may be the second-best linebacker in the draft, falls to the Packers here. DC Mike Pettine will be very happy, as he’ll finally have a LB that can contribute heavily in coverage. After seeing Blake Martinez head to New York, the Packers should feel comfortable passing on a WR or T in favor of putting a superb athlete in the middle of their defense. Queen did not even start for LSU at the beginning of the 2019 season, but showed throughout the year that he was a force to be reckoned with. He quickly became one of the key players on the national championship winning Tigers and has seen his draft stock soar into the 1st round.

31. San Francisco 49ers: Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU

The 49ers find themselves needing interior pass rush after the surprise trade involving DeForest Bucker and the No. 13 pick. Ross Blacklock could easily be a top 3 interior defensive lineman in this draft, and would provide GM John Lynch and HC Kyle Shanahan with the kind of value they need to not trade down with this pick. There are several other intriguing prospects here, but if the most concerning thing about Blacklock is his non contact Achilles injury more than a year ago, this should be an easy decision. Blacklock played at an elite level before and after the injury, and fits the style of the 49ers: win up front. The 49ers have drafted four defensive linemen in the 1st round out of the last five years, and it’s worked. After trading one of them last month (Buckner), it makes a lot of sense to grab this kind of value at the tail end of the 1st round.

32. Kansas City Chiefs: Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah

The defending Super Bowl champs are in the market for a CB. The Chiefs love corners who thrive in man coverage, have grit, and are willing to hit. Johnson embodies these qualities and should be a great addition to the Kansas City secondary. We could see a variety of positions here, including the first RB off the board, but the Chiefs should believe in Damien Williams and Darwin Thompson enough to wait until the mid-later rounds to pick one up. Protecting Patrick Mahomes is also paramount, however, this would be a depth pick rather than a pick for this year. The Chiefs are obviously in win now mode, and need to focus on getting immediate impact players in the top rounds.