Ricky Dimon
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Sports have been cancelled left and right during the coronavirus crisis, but if there is one event that could go on unscathed it’s the NFL Draft. Almost exactly one month away, the draft is unlikely to feature the party atmosphere to which many fans have enjoyed flocking over the years. Nonetheless, there should be no reason why it cannot take place in some shame or form on April 23, 24, and 25.
After the first 10 picks of our first mock draft, we continue with the second part of the opening round. But first, here’s how the first 10 selections shook out:
1. Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
2. Washington Redskins: Chase Young, DE, Ohio State
3. Detroit Lions: Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson
4. New York Giants: Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
5. Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
6. Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
7. Carolina Panthers: Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State
8. Arizona Cardinals: Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
9. Jacksonville Jaguars: Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
10. Cleveland Browns: Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
11. New York Jets: Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
Thomas has a chance of going in the top 10, but this draft is rich in offensive tackles so he could be available. The Jets will be happy to snag him here if the former Georgia standout falls. Of course, they could make more of a splash in the form of a wide receiver. Thomas is +1100 to be the first offensive lineman off the board.
12. Las Vegas Raiders: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
Speaking of splashes, head coach Jon Gruden will want to get his new Las Vegas fanbase excited with the addition of a skill-position player. Jeudy (+130 to be the first WR taken) was outstanding at Alabama, and teammate Henry Ruggs III is also an option.
13. San Francisco 49ers: Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama
The 49ers dealt DeForest Buckner to the Indianapolis Colts, but they added another first-round pick in return. Wide receiver is also a possibility here, but why not shore up the defense since Buckner is a rather sizable loss?
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Josh Jones, OT, Houston
At least for two more seasons, the Buccaneers are no longer in the market for a quarterback after signing six-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady. The 42-year-old must be protected, and Tampa Bay’s offensive line is far from great right now.
15. Denver Broncos: Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
A quarterback of the future—and perhaps the present, too—is worth a look in this spot, but the Broncos seem to like what they have in Drew Lock. With the addition of Ruggs, Lock would have an easier time impressing the front office.
16. Atlanta Falcons: K’Lavon Chaisson, DE, LSU
Atlanta inked Dante Fowler to a three-year contract, but help is still needed in the department of pass-rushing. In fact, that has been the Falcons’ main weakness for many years now. Chaisson would get playing time immediately.
17. Dallas Cowboys: Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina
Dallas could go in a number of directions here—especially on the defensive side—but Kinlaw is the best player available. As a senior at South Carolina, Kinlaw racked up six sacks despite seing plenty of double-teams and was First Team All-SEC.
18. Miami Dolphins: D’Andre Swift, RB, Georgia
Miami acquired this pick when it traded Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Pittsburgh Steelers. A defensive player may be expected if the Dolphins go with Tagovailoa at No. 5, but Swift would add another jolt to the offensive makeover. He is a -130 favorite to be the first running back off the board.
19. Las Vegas Raiders: Grant Delpit, S, LSU
Nothing has materialized on the field, but in the draft at least the Raiders are still reaping the benefits of their blockbuster deal with the Chicago Bears involving Khalil Mack. After first going with a receiver, it’s time to improve the defense.
20. Jacksonville Jaguars: C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida
The Jaguars own this pick stemming from their trade of Jalen Ramsey to the Los Angeles Rams. It would make sense to replace Ramsey here, and Henderson would represent stellar value at No. 20. He is a physical cornerback who brings plenty of dimensions to his game.
