SneakerReporter 2020 NFL Mock Draft (What We Would Do)

SneakerReporter 2020 NFL Mock Draft (What We Would Do)

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It’s draft day and we’re only hours away from the start of the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft (8:00 PM EST on ABC, ESPN, and NFL Network). While analysts and pundits rush to bring you their latest opinions on how things might turn out in the first 32 picks, we are taking a different route in our first mock of draft season. We are appointing ourselves as the general manager of every NFL team and playing out the first round in the manner that reflects what we would do with each pick. So let’s get this show on the road.

1. Cincinnati Bengals – Joe Burrow (QB, LSU)

The Andy Dalton era is over and in comes Ohio’s own, Joe Burrow to replace him. Zac Taylor finally gets a chance to show off what he learned from Sean McVay and Burrow walks into a team that can surround him with capable weapons (Joe Mixon, A.J. Green, and Tyler Boyd).

2. Washington Redskins – Chase Young (EDGE, Ohio State)

Ron Rivera is going to want to put his DNA on this roster and he made a name for himself on the defensive side of the ball. In one of the easiest choices, Washington scoops up the best defensive player and best prospect in the 2020 NFL Draft in Chase Young.

3. *TRADE!* Miami Dolphins – Tua Tagovailoa (QB, Alabama)

The rumors and reports have suggested that the Dolphins are looking at other players (Justin Herbert) and positions (Offensive Tackle) with their first of three first-round picks. However, if healthy, there isn’t a better quarterback to take over the reins in South Beach than Tua Tagovailoa, a proven winner who can bring the franchise back to relevance.

4. *TRADE!* Arizona Cardinals – Derrick Brown (DL, Auburn)

Back-to-back trades could really shake things up from what is perceived to be the consensus. Here, the Cardinals move up a few slots in order to sure up a big weakness in their defense by getting run-stuffing, pass-rushing defensive tackle Derrick Brown. He’ll plug up any and all holes in the middle of Arizona’s front seven.

5. *TRADE!* Detroit Lions – Jeff Okudah (CB, Ohio State)

Jeff Okudah and the Detroit Lions have been partnered together since the draft order was set. Matt Patricia comes from the Bill Belichick coaching tree and we’ve seen the value that New England has put on lockdown cornerbacks. They moved down a few slots and still can get their hands on the best defensive back available.

6. Los Angeles Chargers – Isaiah Simmons (LB, Clemson)

The NFL game has changed right in front of our eyes. Passing now dominates the football world and new rules makes it harder for defenses to slow their opponents down. One way to counter that, a player like Isaiah Simmons who can line up at any of the three levels on defense. Pair him with Derwin James who offers just as much versatility and you have the makings of a new-age defense.

7. *TRADE!* Cleveland Browns – Tristan Wirfs (OT, Iowa)

The Cleveland Browns went all-in last season and the returns were not what anyone expected. They’ve doubled-down on that this season and the only thing missing is an offensive line capable of protecting Baker Mayfield and allowing him to use his litany of weapons. They pull the trigger to move up and get their pick of the litter from an offensive tackle class that’s strong at the top.

8. *TRADE!* New York Giants – Jedrick Wills (OT, Alabama)

Joe Judge is getting his first shot at head coach and prior to joining the New England Patriots coaching staff, he worked with Nick Saban at Alabama. That connection makes taking Jedrick Wills here the best option. While they can certainly have him if they stay at 4, adding more picks is the Belichick Way and that is something Judge is hoping to bring with him to Big Blue.

9. Jacksonville Jaguars – Jerry Jeudy (WR, Alabama)

Another former Crimson Tide player comes off the board. If Jacksonville really wants to see if Gardner Minshew is the guy to lead the franchise–or if they hold off on drafting a new quarterback and sign Cam Newton–giving him more weapons will help them to see what they have in the second-year QB. Jeudy can do it all and pairing him with D.J. Chark and Dede Westbrook will give them a very talented set of receivers.

10. *TRADE!* Carolina Panthers – Trevon Diggs (CB, Alabama)

Three in a row for Saban but the Panthers are a bit of an enigma in this draft process. Most likely, Simmons will drop to them at seven as other teams move up for quarterbacks and offensive tackles. In this scenario, he’s off the board and instead they look to replace James Bradberry with another big corner in Trevon Diggs.

11. New York Jets – CeeDee Lamb (WR, Oklahoma)

The New York Jets have their quarterback of the future in Sam Darnold, however, they just let one of his favorite targets (Robby Anderson) leave in free agency. The franchise needs a number one receiver and that is exactly what CeeDee Lamb brings to the table.

12. Las Vegas Raiders – Henry Ruggs III (WR, Alabama)

Al Davis said it best, “Just win baby!” and in Jon Gruden the team is being led by someone with Raiders DNA and out of respect to his former boss, the team adds the fastest player in the 2020 NFL Draft in Ruggs and use him in ways that the team envisioned having Antonio Brown on the field before that blew up in their face.

13. *TRADE!* Philadelphia Eagles – Justin Jefferson (WR, LSU)

This is a very deep wide receiver class but the Philadelphia Eagles are a very needy team and it won’t surprise me if they add multiple (read: three to five) players at the position in the 2020 NFL Draft. After seeing the top three go off the board in the first 12 picks, the Eagles move up and get their hands on a slot option that Carson Wentz can have faith in.

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Andrew Thomas (OT, Georgia)

There are few teams that will be as all-in this season as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They have added two future Hall of Fame players in Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski already and their focus in this draft should be keeping Brady upright so that they can capitalize on their Super Bowl or bust mantra.

15. Denver Broncos – Javon Kinlaw (DL, South Carolina)

Denver has Von Miller and Bradley Chubb to wreak havoc off the edges on their defensive line now just imagine adding a player like Kinlaw to the interior and offensive lines will dread having to face off against the Broncos for years to come. If wide receivers end up dropping down the board on draft night expect them to pounce early on one to help Drew Lock.

16. Atlanta Falcons – C.J. Henderson (CB, Florida)

Reports have suggested that the Falcons have been extremely aggressive in pursuing a pick higher in the draft order, even targeting the number two overall pick. Yet, in this scenario, they stay pat and are able to get a player that they’ve been connected with throughout the draft process in cornerback C.J. Henderson.

17. Dallas Cowboys – K’Lavon Chaisson (EDGE, LSU)

With uncertainty surrounding the contract status of franchise quarterback Dak Prescott, the Dallas Cowboys might also be pushing all of their chips into the middle of the table this season. Amari Cooper was retained, Ezekiel Elliott got his money last year, and Prescott will at least be with the team for one more season. They try to bolster up their defense, specifically their pass rush where they have gotten inconsistent play over the last few years.

18. Miami Dolphins – Mekhi Becton (OT, Lousiville)

How do you make sure that Tua Tagovailoa does not get hurt again? Bring in a big, beefy, athletic, tackle to protect his blindside. Since Becton is still on the board he becomes the perfect selection for the Dolphins with their second pick of the first round.

19. Las Vegas Raiders – Jordan Love (QB, Utah State)

Teams and fans are all over in their assessments of Jordan Love but the one thing that we can all agree on is that he has a very strong arm. Gruden might be saying all the right things when it comes to his feelings about Derek Carr, however, if he feels there’s an opportunity to upgrade the position he won’t hesitate to make a move. Here, he and Mayock lock in on Love who they hope will be the face of the franchise for years to come.

20. Jacksonville Jaguars – Kristian Fulton (CB, LSU)

After having two of the best corners in the league in their secondary (Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye) the Jaguars have traded away both in a matter of months. The rebuild is on in full force for the Jaguars and they try to replicate the success they had in the draft before by going after LSU cornerback Kristian Fulton.

21. *TRADE!* San Francisco 49ers – Josh Jones (OT, Houston)

Outside of additional help in the passing game for Deebo Samuel and George Kittle, there aren’t many holes on the 49ers roster. They ended last season as the runner ups in the Super Bowl and after moving down to start their night they add to the offensive line because there’s no such thing as having too many good pass and run blockers.

22. Minnesota Vikings – Denzel Mims (WR, Baylor)

The Minnesota Vikings added this first-round pick to their stockpile after trading away Stefon Diggs to the Buffalo Bills. So, they use that very same pick to add to their wide receiver room and bring in the big-bodied Denzel Mims out of Baylor. He’s three inches taller than Diggs and ran a 4.38 40-yard dash compared to Diggs’ 4.46.

23. *TRADE!* Indianapolis Colts – Justin Herbert (QB, Oregon)

Indianapolis Colts team logo

Justin Herbert’s fall comes to an end here as the New England Patriots opt to trade out of the first-round entirely (P.S. if you’re looking for something to bet on, Belichick trading down is easy money). The Colts jump back in and secure Herbert who will get to sit and learn from Phillip Rivers before taking over as the heir apparent down the line.

24. New Orleans Saints – Patrick Queen (LB, LSU)

Patrick Queen gets to remain in Lousiana and the New Orleans Saints bolster a defense that will need all the help it can get in order to go toe-to-toe with what the Buccaneers have put together on offense so far.

25. Minnesota Vikings – Antoine Winfield Jr. (S, Minnesota)

Another college kid getting to remain in the state they played in, Antoine Winfield Jr. can help the Vikings make up for the departures of Trae Waynes, Andrew Sendejo, and Xavier Rhodes. Teaming up with Harrison Smith in the deep middle will keep Minnesota’s secondary playing at the top of its game.

26. *TRADE!* Detroit Lions – Xavier McKinney (S, Alabama)

As part of Miami moving up to the third overall pick, they also sent Detroit the final of their three first-round picks. Detroit continues to add more talent to their secondary, this time getting a versatile safety who can cover and play inside the box in Xavier McKinney out of Alabama.

27. Seattle Seahawks – Yetur Gross-Matos (EDGE, Penn State)

The Seattle Seahawks and Jadeveon Clowney continue to play contract chicken and at this point, it seems more likely that Clowney plays elsewhere rather than return to Seattle. That opens the door for the team to draft his replacement and in our minds, Yetur Gross-Matos out of Penn State is a great choice to fill in that role.

28. Baltimore Ravens – Lloyd Cushenberry (OL, LSU)

The Baltimore Ravens won a league-best 14 games last year and have the NFL reigning MVP running the offense. Yet, they did lose Mashall Yanda on the interior of their offensive line and so here they take the best interior offensive line prospect available in Lloyd Cushenberry out of LSU.

29. Tennessee Titans – Jeff Gladney (CB, TCU)

The depth of the wide receiver class in this year’s draft has been discussed ad nauseam, yet their counterparts on the other side of the field have just as much talent. The cornerbacks will likely dominate the opening round tonight and the Tennessee Titans jump in and grab Jeff Gladney to replace free agent, Logan Ryan.

30. Green Bay Packers – Austin Jackson (OT, USC)

Rather than focusing on finding the quarterback to take the mantle from Aaron Rodgers in a few years, Green Bay decides to put some resources into protecting the best quarterback in franchise history by selecting offensive tackle Austin Jackson to reinforce an offensive line that lost Bryan Bulaga this offseason.

31. San Francisco 49ers – Kenneth Murray (LB, Oklahoma)

Part of the reason that San Francisco was able to get to the Super Bowl last year was the amount of pure speed they could put on the field defensively without sacrificing toughness. Here, we have them add to that speed and toughness by taking Kenneth Murray out of Oklahoma.

32. Kansas City Chiefs – Jonathan Taylor (RB, Wisconsin)

The rich get richer. After releasing Kareem Hunt the team has used a revolving door of running backs besides Patrick Mahomes. By taking Jonathan Taylor, they not only get the best running back in the draft but they get someone who excelled in college against loaded boxes–something he will rarely see in Kansas City–if he can be as dominant in the NFL as he was in the NCAA then the Chiefs run atop the league will continue for quite some time.

Apr 23, 2020 No Comments
SneakerReporter 2020 NFL Draft Top 100

SneakerReporter 2020 NFL Draft Top 100

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  1. Chase Young (EDGE, Ohio State)
  2. Isaiah Simmons (LB, Clemson)
  3. Tua Tagovailoa (QB, Alabama)
  4. Joe Burrow (QB, LSU)
  5. Jeff Okudah (CB, Ohio State)
  6. Tristan Wirfs (OT, Iowa)
  7. Derrick Brown (DL, Auburn)
  8. Jerry Jeudy (WR, Alabama)
  9. Jedrick Wills (OT, Alabama)
  10. CeeDee Lamb (WR, Oklahoma)
  11. Javon Kinlaw (DL, South Carolina)
  12. Patrick Queen (LB, LSU)
  13. K’Lavon Chaisson (EDGE, LSU)
  14. Kenneth Murray (LB, Oklahoma)
  15. Andrew Thomas (OT, Georgia)
  16. Henry Ruggs III (WR, Alabama)
  17. Jonathan Taylor (RB, Wisconsin)
  18. Josh Jones (OT, Houston)
  19. Yetur Gross-Matos (EDGE, Penn State)
  20. D’Andre Swift (RB, Georgia)
  21. Trevon Diggs (CB, Alabama)
  22. Mekhi Becton (OT, Louisville)
  23. Antoine Winfield Jr. (S, Minnesota)
  24. C.J. Henderson (CB, Florida)
  25. Clyde Edwards-Helaire (RB, LSU)
  26. Jordan Love (QB, Utah State)
  27. Lloyd Cushenberry (OL, LSU)
  28. Zack Braun (LB, Wisconsin)
  29. Josh Uche (EDGE, Michigan)
  30. Xavier McKinney (S, Alabama)
  31. Laviska Shenault (WR, Colorado)
  32. Marlon Davidson (DL, Auburn)
  33. Grant Delpit (S, LSU)
  34. J.K. Dobbins (RB, Ohio State)
  35. Justin Herbert (QB, Oregon)
  36. Cesar Ruiz (OL, Michigan)
  37. Justin Jefferson (WR, LSU)
  38. Ashtyn Davis (S, California)
  39. A.J. Epenesa (EDGE, Iowa)
  40. Kristian Fulton (CB, LSU)
  41. Kyle Dugger (S, Lenoir-Rhyne)
  42. Jeff Gladney (CB, TCU)
  43. Jaylon Johnson (CB, Utah)
  44. Austin Jackson (OT, USC)
  45. Jordyn Brooks (LB, Texas Tech)
  46. Jeremy Chinn (S, Southern Illinois
  47. Denzel Mims (WR, Baylor)
  48. Neville Gallimore (DL, Oklahoma)
  49. Jordan Elliott (DL, Missouri)
  50. Ross Blacklock (DL, TCU)
  51. Cole Kmet (TE, Notre Dame)
  52. Jalen Reagor (WR, TCU)
  53. Michael Pittman Jr. (WR, USC)
  54. Tee Higgins (WR, Clemson)
  55. Brandon Aiyuk (WR, Arizona State)
  56. A.J. Terrell (CB, Clemson)
  57. Justin Madubuike (DL, Texas A&M)
  58. Jalen Hurts (QB, Oklahoma)
  59. Ezra Cleveland (OT, Boise State)
  60. Logan Wilson (LB, Wyoming)
  61. Cam Akers (RB, Florida State)
  62. K.J. Hamler (WR, Penn State)
  63. Damon Arnette (CB, Ohio State)
  64. Robert Hunt (OL, Lousiana)
  65. Bryan Edwards (WR, South Carolina)
  66. Matt Hennessy (OL, Temple)
  67. Willie Gay (LB, Mississippi State)
  68. Saahdiq Charles (OT, LSU)
  69. Isaiah Wilson (OT, Georgia)
  70. Hunter Bryant (TE, Washington)
  71. Jake Fromm (QB, Georgia)
  72. Terrell Lewis (Edge, Alabama)
  73. Harrison Bryant (TE, Florida Atlantic)
  74. Chase Claypool (WR. Notre Dame)
  75. Van Jefferson (WR, Florida)
  76. Akeem Davis-Gaither (LB, Appalachian State)
  77. Bradlee Anae (EDGE, Utah)
  78. Malik Harrison (LB, Ohio State)
  79. Noah Igbinoghene (CB, Auburn)
  80. Curtis Weaver (EDGE, Boise State)
  81. Lynn Bowden Jr. (WR, Kentucky)
  82. Darrynton Evans (RB, Appalachian State)
  83. Antonio Gibson (RB/WR, Memphis)
  84. Ben Bartch (OT, St. John’s Minnesota)
  85. Amik Robertson (CB. Lousiana Tech)
  86. Antonio Gandy-Golden (WR, Liberty)
  87. Devin Duvernay (WR, Texas)
  88. Darrell Taylor (EDGE, Tennessee)
  89. Hakeem Adenji (OL, Kansas)
  90. Damien Lewis (OL, LSU)
  91. Leki Fotu (DL, Utah)
  92. Bryce Hall (CB, Virginia)
  93. Jonathan Greenard (EDGE, Florida)
  94. Zack Moss (RB, Utah)
  95. Ke’Shawn Vaughn (RB, Vanderbilt)
  96. Raekwon Davis (DL, Alabama)
  97. Julian Okwara (EDGE, Notre Dame)
  98. Shaquille Quarterman (LB, Miami)
  99. Adam Trautman (TE, Dayton)
  100. Devin Asiasi (TE, UCLA)

Apr 23, 2020 No Comments
FINAL SneakerReporter 2020 NFL Draft Position Rankings

FINAL SneakerReporter 2020 NFL Draft Position Rankings

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The first round of the 2020 NFL Draft begins today at 8:00 PM EST and will air on ABC, ESPN, and NFL Network. After a crazy draft season, impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic we will finally see which players are going where over the next three days. Before the picks are announced here’s a final look at SneakerReporter’s positional rankings for the 2020 NFL Draft.

Quarterback:

1) Tua Tagovailoa (Alabama)

2) Joe Burrow (LSU)

3) Jordan Love (Utah State)

4) Justin Herbert (Oregon)

5) Jacob Eason (Washington)

Running Back:

1) Jonathan Taylor (Wisconsin)

2) D’ Andre Swift (Georgia)

3) Clyde Edwards-Helaire (LSU)

4) J.K. Dobbins (Ohio State)

5) Cam Akers (Florida State)

 

Wide Receiver:

1) Jerry Jeudy (Alabama)

2) CeeDee Lamb (Oklahoma)

3) Henry Ruggs III (Alabama)

4) Laviska Shenault (Colorado)

5) Justin Jefferson (LSU)

 

Tight End:

1) Cole Kmet (Notre Dame)

2) Hunter Bryant (Washington)

3) Harrison Bryant (Florida Atlantic)

4) Adam Trautman (Dayton)

5) Colby Parkinson (Stanford)

 

Offensive Tackle:

1) Tristan Wirfs (Iowa)

2) Jedrick Willis (Alabama)

3) Andrew Thomas (Georgia)

4) Josh Jones (Houston)

5) Mekhi Becton (Louisville)

 

Offensive Lineman:

1) Lloyd Cushenberry (LSU)

2) Cesar Ruiz (Michigan)

3) John Simpson (Clemson)

4) Robert Hunt (Lousiana)

5) Matt Hennessy (Temple)

Defensive Lineman:

1) Derrick Brown (Auburn)

2) Javon Kinlaw (South Carolina)

3) Marlon Davidson (Auburn)

4) Neville Gallimore (Oklahoma)

5) Jordan Elliott (Missouri)

Edge Rusher:

1) Chase Young (Ohio State)

2) K’Lavon Chaisson (LSU)

3) Yetur Gross-Matos (Penn State)

4) Josh Uche (Michigan)

5) A.J. Epenesa (Iowa)

Linebacker:

1) Isaiah Simmons (Clemson)

2) Patrick Queen (LSU)

3) Kenneth Murray (Oklahoma)

4) Zack Baun (Wisconsin)

5) Jordyn Brooks (Texas Tech)

Cornerback:

1) Jeff Okudah (Ohio State)

2) Trevon Diggs (Alabama)

3) CJ Henderson (Florida)

4) Kristian Fulton (LSU)

5) Jeff Gladney (TCU)

Safety:

1) Antoine Winfield Jr. (Minnesota)

2) Xavier McKinney (Alabama)

3) Grant Delpit (LSU)

4) Kyle Dugger (Lenoir-Rhyne)

5) Ashtyn Davis (California)

Apr 23, 2020 No Comments
BREAKING NEWS: Rob Gronkowski Returning to NFL and Reuniting With Tom Brady

BREAKING NEWS: Rob Gronkowski Returning to NFL and Reuniting With Tom Brady

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When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers officially landed quarterback, Tom Brady as a free agent it was widely reported that there was an influx of players interested in joining the G.O.A.T. in Florida.

Now, we are seeing that come to fruition as rumors are surfacing that former New England Patriots tight end, Rob Gronkowski—and current holder of the WWE 24/7 Championship belt—is looking to return from retirement and he has told the franchise that he wishes to play with Brady and the Buccaneers.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter broke the news that the All-Pro duo would be joining forces once more in Florida:

This whole deal came together in seemingly a blink of an eye. Here’s a step-by-step look at how this news was rolled out this afternoon.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapport sent shockwaves through the football world with his tweet:

ESPN’s Adam Schefter chimed in to mention that the Patriots and Buccaneers have had ongoing discussions about a possible deal:

Finally, the last of the NFL insiders big three, FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer said that Gronkowski has gone as far as to already take a physical for Tampa Bay:

Of course, in retrospect, Barstool Sports was the first to mention that this reunion had serious potential of happening. Nearly two weeks ago through the Twitter account, @NFLInsiderLeroy (Barstool personality Pardon My Take’s dog) posted this:

For now, the list of weapons that Brady will have at his disposal is out of this world. ESPN’s Field Yates broke it down here:

Most likely the team will move on from one of O.J. Howard or Cameron Brate as having three starter quality tight ends seems like overkill but who knows, maybe Arians holds on to them all.

Gronkowski holds the record for the most touchdown passes caught from Brady (78) and the two will look to add even more to that total whenever the NFL season kicks off.

Apr 21, 2020 No Comments
BREAKING NEWS: Carolina Panthers Make Christian McCaffrey Highest-Paid Running Back in NFL History

BREAKING NEWS: Carolina Panthers Make Christian McCaffrey Highest-Paid Running Back in NFL History

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There have been a lot of changes to the Carolina Panthers since the 2019 season ended. Ron Rivera is no longer the head coach (he’s with the Washington Redskins), Greg Olsen signed with the Seattle Seahawks as a free agent, Luke Kechly retired, and the team released Cam Newton after being unable to find a trade partner.

The franchise plucked Matt Rhule from the college ranks and is hoping that he can work his culture magic in the NFL too.

It looks like they already got one player to buy in as it was announced that All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey has agreed to a four-year extension worth $64 million total—$16 million per year—with the Panthers.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter broke the news:

This deal makes McCaffrey’ the highest-paid running back in NFL history. He beats out Dallas Cowboys Star Ezekiel Elliott for the honor:

McCaffrey, through another Schefter tweet, said that he’s excited to remain with the organization that drafted him:

McCaffrey has been nothing short of great through his first three years in the NFL, just take a look at the list of accomplishments that ESPN’s Field Yates shared on Twitter:

Rhule and new offensive coordinator Joe Brady are hopeful that they can create a system that gets the most out of McCaffrey’s talents and revitalizes the fan base in Carolina.

Apr 13, 2020 No Comments