2020 Starting QB Power Rankings

BY:DALTON

I typed out this list in a group chat so I don’t want it to go to waste and will post it here. This is assuming each QB is healthy and I will separate by tiers.

TIER 1:

1. Patrick Mahomes- Chiefs

TIER 2:

2. Lamar Jackson- Ravens

3. Dashaun Watson- Texans

4. Russel Wilson- Seahawks

TIER 3:

5. Drew Brees- Saints

6. Dak Prescott- Cowboys

7. Matthew Stafford- Lions

8. Carson Wentz- Eagles

TIER 4:

9. Matt Ryan- Falcons

10. Cam Newton- Patriots

11. Jimmy Garoppolo- 49er’s

12. Aaron Rodgers- Packers

13. Tom Brady- Buccaneers

14. Ben Roethlisberger- Steelers

15. Kirk Cousins- Vikings

16. Kyler Murray- Cardinals

TIER 5:

17. Phil Rivers- Colts

18. Ryan Tannehill- Titans

19. Josh Allen- Bills

20. Baker Mayfield- Browns

21. Jarred Goff- Rams

22. Joe Burrow- Bengals

23. Derek Carr- Raiders

24. Teddy Bridgewater- Panthers

TIER 6:

25. Gardner Minshew- Jaguars

26. Drew Lock- Broncos

27. Daniel Jones- Giants

28. Sam Darnold- Jets

29. Tua Tagovailoa- Dolphins

TIER 7:

30. Justin Herbert- Chargers

31. Mitch Trubisky- Bears

32. Dwayne Haskins- Washington

 

The Wings Got Screwed. Now What?

By: Danny Ryan

The NHL Draft Lottery (Pt 1) was last night, in case you didn’t hear the 5 people on twitter yelling about. While the longstanding fans of Team E finally ended years of misery by taking home the #1 prize, the Original Six Detroit Red Wings fell in the draft for the 4th consecutive year. Team E will get to play in the Stanley Cup Playoffs and then be able to select generational talent Alexis Lafreniere, because, why not? The Red Wings were on the verge of having one of the worst seasons in recorded history before coronavirus put them out of their misery. For that, their reward will be a good, possibly very good, player that will help them in the future, but is not the cure to their lackluster roster. Optimism tells me that picking #4 is still going to help this team in the future, pessimism reminds me that players like Lafrienere don’t just grow on trees and that this current roster is a load of barf. Nevertheless, we persist. Now is time to give up the Lafreniere dream and start doing the real digging on what pool Detroit will be selecting from. The top 3 is all but solidified of Lafreniere, Quinton Byfield and Tim Stuetzle. While NHL teams do have a tendency to reach on players and shake up mock drafts in the past (see Canadians/Zadina), this may be the most clear-cut top 3 we have had in years. The only real shakeup I envision, is Stuetzle being taken over Byfield, but even that feels like a reach.

 

1.     Alexis Lafreniere – Team E

–        This is happening and we will not talk about it. Don’t Google him. Picturing him in a Blackhawks, Penguins, Canadians or Maple Leafs jersey will not help.

 

2.     Quinton Byfield – Los Angeles Kings

The Case for Taking Him

–        The Kings are blessed with a loaded prospect pool with a diverse skill group across the board. They took Alex Turcotte in the 1st round last year and even though he did not fully live up to expectations at Wisconsin, he still projects to be a #1 center in the NHL. With Byfield and Turcotte down the middle, the Kings would have a vaunted pairing that could compliment each other well. Byfield is big and imposing but doesn’t sacrifice any skill with his size. He has great hands, good playmaking ability and is not known for being slow. Evengi Malkin comes to mind. The Western Conference teams love big centers and you need some size down the middle to succeed in the Pacific. By drafting Byfield and Turcotte, the Kings can happily say they have handled Anze Kopitar’s succession plan as best as possible.

Why He May Fall

–        Really the only the reason the Kings pass here would be for Tim Stutzle. Stutzle has shot up the draft boards in the past year and some scouts have him as the #2 ranked prospect. The Kings may have a preference for the German, but ultimately that should not effect the Red Wings. While it would be a massive reach, keep an eye for Canadian defenseman Jamie Drysdale in this spot. The Kings do not have a clear cut #1 Defenseman prospect and they could see a reason to reach if they are satisfied with Turcote and Gabe Vilardi/Rasmus Kupari down the middle.

3.     Time Stutzle – Ottawa Senators

The Case for Taking Him

–        The German phenom has had the biggest rise out of anyone during this draft campaign. Playing for Moritz Seider’s old team Alder Manheim in the DEL, Stutzle was playing against grown men and thrived. He showed elite playmaking sense and can make everyone on the ice around him better. During the World Junior Classic, the upstart German team made waves and a lot of that was due to Stutlze. Playing as a young 17-year-old, Stutzle exceled against the older competition on his way to a point per game performance, including a beautiful assist against the US. Stutzle is a set it and forget it type player. Throw him on the ice with whoever, watch him fly around and do whatever he wants, good things will happen.

Why He May Fall

–        Its hard to imagine any universe where Stutzle falls past the Senators here. If anything, he is going #2 instead of #3. The Senators have a barren cupboard of talent right now and Stutzle would immediately start on their team. They have good defensive prospects, so I don’t see Drysdale going here, since they could have him at the #5 pick.

 

Now the real fun begins. There are still good players available, but the Red Wings are going to have a hard time deciding. They could use a #1 or #2 Center, some top 6 wingers, some bottom 6 wingers, another top 4 defenseman and I won’t even mention the Goalie situation and will choose to worry about that in the 2027 Stanley Cup Finals. You could make an argument for any of these players, but these just so happen to be my preference. Again, if any of the top 3 fall, Steve Yzerman should be raising his hand on Zoom immediately to draft them, but instead we will be preparing for reality.

1.     Lucas Raymond, Frolunda, SHL, Winger

–        When we talk about Stutzle’s meteoric rise, it fails to mention who he passed along the way. Raymond was a consensus top 3 pick this time last year after a dominant u17 year. In an age group that was constantly referencing the record-breaking US team lead by Jack Hughes, it was Raymond who propelled Sweden to steal the u18 World Championships. Lead by a hat trick and game winner in the final against top goalie Yaroslav Askorav, Raymond showcased his skill against the best players in his age group. He is silky; can create off the powerplay and on 5 on 5. Raymond tends to find open spaces in which he can work and always plays with his head up. His hands are delicious, and he has no problem looking to shoot when the opportunity is there. The reason he fell in rankings this year, is because he had a pedestrian first year playing against grown men. The SHL is no joke of a league and he did not take the step many expected to see. While that may be cause for concern, Raymond still has the highest ceiling of the remaining prospects and could end up being the Red Wings best player. Que me fantasizing him teeing up clap bombs for Zadina.

2.     Cole Perfetti, Saginaw, OHL, Center

–        Sooner or later the Wings are going to have to address that #2 center spot and get some depth down the middle. While you would like to get someone who could compete with Larkin at the #1 spot, Perfetti is a great consolation. Perfetti is a really good player who has been a consistent point getter during his time in the OHL. He can play wing, so that versatility could come in handy if/when the Wings are able to take another center in the top 5. He is not going to wow you with his skill but is the stereotypical player who will get the job done. Right place, right time kind of guy. Smart, two-way capabilities and not bad on the power play. While Raymond is more of a creator on his own, Perfetti makes his living off seeing the game and following it to where the plays are happening. Perfetti’s next season should be the most telling of his longterm projection. Another year in the OHL and a hopeful spot on Canada’s WJC roster could go a long way in showing just how good he can be.

3.     Marco Rossi, Ottawa, OHL, C

–        A diminutive draft darling, this pick would admittedly fall under the category of a Steve Yzerman pick. Rossi’s only real knock is that he is 5’ 9”, which plays into the tired Hockey trope that he will get bossed around and be too wimpy. That fails to point out that he led the OHL with 120 points this past season. Rossi knows how to score; he knows how to create, and he is not a liability on defense. He seems to always have his head up looking to make a play at all times and knows how to have the game flow through him. While he is listed as a center, he would be another candidate of moving to the wing at some point in his career. The Red Wings need offensive players with high end talent, Rossi would fit the bill and would pair nicely with anyone in the current lineup. Expect it to take him a few years to be in the NHL, but I would not be shocked if he is knocking on the doorstep sooner than most people thought

4.     Jamie Drysdale, Erie, OHL, D

–        Unfortunately, this also falls under the category of a Steve Yzerman pick. This is not to discredit Drysdale as a player, but I am more concerned about the offensive state of this franchise, especially since Seider is the Wings #1 prospect now. As colleague Alex Drain put it, next year is the year to draft a puck moving defenseman. All that being said, I still think Drysdale should be getting the love Bowen Byram got last year. He had an exceptional year this year for Erie and played meaningful minutes as a 17-year-old defenseman for the Gold medal winning Canadian team at the WJC. Drysdale is a mobile defenseman who can get the puck up ice and participates actively in the offensive zone. Right-handed defenseman do not exactly grow on trees and finding one with his puck moving ability is tantalizing for any team. A 1st pairing combination of Seider or Drysdale/Hronek would put the fate of the Red Wings backend in good hands for years to come. Worth noting, Drysdale is my candidate for a team to reach on. If there is any shakeup in the top 3, expect Drysdale to be the cause of it.

Summary: The Red Wings suck. They sucked (at a colossal level) last year. They could suck just as bad this year. They suck at winning the lottery and that sucks. Alexis Lafreniere will not suck. All that sucks. However, the Red Wings are still able to draft a player that does not suck and could quite possibly, be the best player on their team in years to come. The Red Wings need to get better at every position, which is both a blessing and a curse. When you are picking #4, it allows you to be a little more creative with who you select. Let us just hope Stevie and the scouting department do all their homework. 

 

NFL Record Predictions and the Best Game Each Week

In terms of the things I enjoy most about the NFL, the schedule release is right behind the NFL Draft. No league does hope nearly as well as the National Football League. The fewest wins I’ve ever given the Cardinals going into a season was seven. That’s the beauty of the schedule release. Even going into a down season, you can squint to see a .500 record. This year there’s hope on two fronts. It feels like if we see football as scheduled week 1, it’s already a win before the first points are even scored. With all that said, I’ve gone through the trouble of predicting the outcome for every single game this season, so you don’t even have to worry about this year’s games being played. *Please note that while I never root for injuries, they’re a part of the game, and while I would never predict a specific injury, I incorporated roster depth in these predictions.

Best Game Each Week:
Week 1 – Buccaneers at Saints (4:25 PM)
Week 2 – Ravens at Texans (4:25 PM)
Week 3 – Chiefs at Ravens (MNF)
Week 4 – Browns at Cowboys (1:00 PM)
Week 5 – Bills at Titans (1:00 PM)
Week 6 – Chiefs at Bills (TNF)
Week 7 – 49ers at Patriots (4:25 PM)
Week 8 – Vikings at Packers (1:00 PM)
Week 9 – Saints at Buccaneers (SNF)
Week 10 – 49ers at Saints (4:25 PM)
Week 11 – Cowboys at Vikings (4:25 PM)
Week 12 – Chiefs at Buccaneers (4:25 PM)
Week 13 – Browns at Titans (1:00 PM)
Week 14 – Ravens at Browns (MNF)
Week 15 – Chiefs at Saints (4:25 PM)
Week 16 – Vikings at Saints (Friday, Dec. 25 at 4:30 PM)
Week 17 – Steelers at Browns (1:00 PM)

NFC North:
Chicago Bears – (6-10)
The Bears need don’t have a chance if Foles can’t stay healthy. They have favorable non-division road games, but they just don’t have the offense to compete this year.

Detroit Lions – (4-12)
With four of the first six games on the road, the Lions could start this season 1-5 before Matt Patricia is done and Matt Stafford is benched. This has the makings of a disastrous season.

Green Bay Packers – (9-7)
Aaron Rodgers is always pissed off about something so I hardly expect this to be some rebound year where he proves the naysayers wrong and looks like an MVP caliber player again because they drafted his replacement. Five scheduled prime time games is excessive for their roster. 

Minnesota Vikings – (13-3)
I was already high on the Vikings coming into this season, but this schedule is perfect. They won’t play a single cold-weather game and their lone outdoor game after week 10 is in Tampa. Christmas day in New Orleans could decide home-field advantage in the NFC. 

NFC South: 
Atlanta Falcons – (7-9)
Looking at their schedule I had to talk myself out of a ten-win season. Atlanta is that team for everyone. They have eleven first-round picks on offense. When it comes to name recognition Atlanta has the best roster in the NFL. 

Carolina Panthers – (5-11)
One west coast trip is a plus especially with three teams from the west coming to Charlotte. I don’t know who the Panthers have on offense. Just one division game in the last six weeks leaves a lot to be desired for a shot at playing spoiler this year.

New Orleans Saints – (13-3)
New Orleans has a great road schedule even with three straight road games. I think they have the best roster in the NFC and their biggest games are all at home. Both games with the Bucs are before week 10 so they could have the division locked up by mid-November. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers – (10-6)
The Bucs have a solid schedule with their two long road trips done before November. They play Atlanta twice in the final two weeks which could decide a wild card berth. The Rams, Chiefs, and Vikings all at home separated by one bye week will determine whether or not this is a playoff team. 

NFC East:
Dallas Cowboys – (12-4)
The Cowboys have a favorable schedule in a down division. They have an outside shot at a first round playoff bye and with trips to Baltimore and Minnesota after the bye week in week 10, they’ll have to earn it.

New York Giants – (2-14)
The Giants have a brutal schedule. They play their best opponents on the road and outside of Washington they probably won’t be favored in any home games this season.

Philadelphia Eagles – (7-9)
The Eagles have a tough schedule with two west coast trips match-ups with five potential playoff teams in the final seven weeks. They’ll very much control their playoff destiny in the second half of the season.

Washington – (4-12)
Another team stuck with three straight road games. Washington’s most winnable match-ups are mostly on the road. This is a tough slate for Dwayne Haskins to run the show for his first full season. 

NFC West:
Arizona Cardinals – (9-7)
Three straight road games is brutal. I think the Rams are going to take a big step back so playing them twice in the final five weeks should help out a Cardinals team that’s making four east coast trips including two after Thanksgiving. 

Los Angeles Rams – (7-9)
There’s a very good chance the Rams start the season 0-3. They have three east coast trip before week 6 and two MNF games, one followed by a road game at Miami and another being played at Tampa they will be dealing with a couple of short weeks that aren’t scheduled for like a Thursday Night game typically is.

San Francisco 49ers – (12-4)
San Francisco has a very good team, but a tough schedule. Their two games at MetLife Stadium are back-to-back weeks in September which is a gift, but three road games at New England, Seattle, and New Orleans in four weeks is not. They’re still the class of the division on paper, but they won’t surprise anyone this season.

Seattle Seahawks – (6-10)
Seattle’s defense isn’t what it used to be and their offense still doesn’t have enough protection for Russell Wilson. This feels like the year where Pete Carroll’s seat starts to war,. Five trips to the east coast are spread throughout the season so the Seahawks won’t catch any breaks with their travel.

AFC North:
Baltimore Ravens – (13-3)
Baltimore has a loaded team and a favorable schedule. It’s balanced and the furthest they have to travel is to Houston in week two. Week three hosting KC on MNF likely decides home-field advantage in the AFC. 

Cincinnati Bengals – (3-13)
The Bengals don’t have a very good team and they have a tough schedule. Their division does them no favors.

Cleveland Browns – (8-8)
Cleveland has an easy schedule, but I don’t think they have the team to take advantage of it and get back into the playoffs. This has to be the year Baker puts it all together. Week 14 hosting Baltimore on MNF will be the make or break game for this team. 

Pittsburgh Steelers – (10-6)
3 out of their final four games are on the road, outdoors, in cold-weather cities. With a fragile quarterback, they better rack up their wins early. 

AFC South: 
Houston Texans – (10-6)
Houston could very easily start their season 0-4, but the Texans have a favorable schedule after their bye in week 8. Don’t be surprised to see Houston surge into the playoffs with a strong second half of the season. 

Indianapolis Colts – (6-10)
I really want Phillip Rivers to get one last run in the playoffs, but this schedule does him no favors. Houston twice in the final five games is cruel, So its two match-ups with the Titans in three weeks. The Colts play just one division game in the first nine weeks. 

Jacksonville Jaguars – (0-16)
The Jaguars are going to stink this year. They get home games with Miami and Jacksonville that could be wins, but after week 6 I don’t see any possible wins on their schedule. Trevor Lawrence appears destined for Duval. 

Tennessee Titans – (12-4)
I’m buying Mike Vrabel and Derrick Henry. Their defense is good and Ryan Tannehill can hold his own enough to cost his team games. Back-to-back games at Green Bay and Houston to end the year is tough. 

AFC East:
Buffalo Bills – (11-5)
This is the Bills’ year. They have a brutal December, but I think they’ll run away with the division this year. This defense is really good and the offense should take-off this season as Josh Allen continues to develop. 

Miami Dolphins – (6-10)
It’s tough to predict how Miami’s season will go since they don’t need to start Tua right away. They have three straight December home games but with four west coast road trips, this is going to be a roller coaster season with some improvement. 

New England Patriots – (8-8)
New England is going to struggle mightily on offense. They already lacked a lot of weapons and now without a quarterback they’re defense is going to have to win them every game. Only New England would get three straight road games with two in the exact same city. 

New York Jets – (9-7)
The Jets have a really brutal close to the season but I think Adam Gase is a better coach than he gets credit for. This is a team I could easily see going to New England on January 3 one win away from the AFC East title. And losing. 

AFC West:
Denver Broncos – (6-10)
I’m not a believer in Drew Lock, but he’s got a lot of weapons joining him in the Mile High. With four east coast trips scattered throughout the season the Broncos will be well-traveled. You can never discount the home field advantage they have in the altitude that could lead to an upset of Tennessee, Tampa Bay, or New Orleans. 

Kansas City Chiefs – (12-4)
The Chiefs don’t miss any good AFC teams on their schedule and with road games in Baltimore, Buffalo, Tampa Bay, and New Orleans they may have to hit the road for the playoffs. They’ll win the division, but the reigning Super Bowl champions could play three playoff games before getting a chance to defend that title again. 

Las Vegas Chargers – (4-12)
Las Vegas doesn’t have a quarterback I believe in. They’ll get plenty of exposure on prime time because they moved to a new city, but their schedule is tough to start and who knows what quarterback finishes the season under center.

Los Angeles Chargers – (6-10)
The Chargers are a confusing team. Their defense could be good this year, but I don’t know what to make of their offense. Road trips to Tampa Bay, New Orleans, Miami, and Buffalo do them no favors.

How to schedule a winter 2020 College Football Season in the Big Ten

For this exercise, I’m working under the assumption that college campuses are welcoming back students in the winter semester while remaining closed this fall. College Football will kick off the season January 2 and run through April 6. The National Championship game would be played the day after college basketball’s National Championship game. Games don’t need to be played exclusively on Saturdays and with my focus on using indoor venues in cold weather climates, we’ll need the scheduling flexibility. With Budget concerns, non-conference match-ups have been adjusted to reduce travel and buy-game check sizes.

Week 1 (January 2): 
The Dome at America’s Center (St. Louis, MO): Illinois vs. Missouri
Miller Park (Milwaukee, WI): Indiana at Wisconsin*
UNI-Dome (Cedar Falls, IA): Iowa vs. Northern Iowa
ETSU/Mountain State Health Alliance Athletic Center (Johnson City, TN):  Maryland vs. Virginia Tech
Ford Field (Detroit, MI): Michigan vs. Eastern Michigan
US Bank Stadium (Minneapolis, MN): Minnesota vs. Northern Illinois
Ford Field (Detroit, MI): Northwestern at Michigan State*
Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis, IN): Ohio State vs. Notre Dame 
Carrier Dome (Syracuse, NY): Penn State vs. Army
UNI-Dome (Cedar Falls, IA): Purdue at Nebraska*
Carrier Dome (Syracuse, NY): Rutgers vs. Syracuse

Week 2 (January 9): 
Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis, IN): Illinois vs. Cincinnati
Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis, IN): Indiana vs. Notre Dame
US Bank Stadium (Minneapolis, MN): Iowa at Minnesota*
ETSU/Mountain State Health Alliance Athletic Center (Johnson City, TN): Maryland vs. Middle Tennessee State
ETSU/Mountain State Health Alliance Athletic Center (Johnson City, TN): Michigan vs. Georgia
The Dome at America’s Center (St. Louis, MO): Nebraska vs. Western Kentucky
Ford Field (Detroit, MI): Michigan State vs. West Virginia
Miller Park (Milwaukee, WI): Northwestern vs. Illinois State
Ford Field (Detroit, MI): Ohio State vs. Western Michigan
Rogers Centre (Toronto, ON): Penn State vs. Pittsburgh
Miller Park (Milwaukee, WI): Purdue vs. South Dakota State
Carrier Dome (Syracuse, NY): Rutgers vs. UMass
Miller Park (Milwaukee, WI): Wisconsin vs. Missouri

Week 3 (January 16):
Miller Park (Milwaukee, WI): Minnesota vs. Ohio
Ford Field (Detroit, MI): Nebraska vs. Kent State
The Dome at America’s Center (St. Louis, MO): Indiana vs. Missouri
Marlins Park (Miami, FL): Michigan State vs. Miami (FL)
Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis, IN): Iowa vs. Northern Illinois
Carrier Dome (Syracuse, NY): Northwestern at Penn State*
Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis, IN): Purdue vs. Ball State
Ford Field (Detroit, MI): Wisconsin at Michigan*
Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis, IN): Rutgers at Ohio State*

Week 4 (January 23):
Carrier Dome (Syracuse, NY): Illinois at Rutgers*
UNI-Dome (Cedar Falls, IA): Michigan State at Iowa *
Carrier Dome (Syracuse, NY): Minnesota at Maryland*
Miller Park (Milwaukee, WI): Nebraska at Northwestern*
Ford Field (Detroit, MI): Penn State at Michigan*
Miller Park (Milwaukee, WI): Wisconsin vs. Notre Dame

Week 5 (January 30):
The Dome at America’s Center (St. Louis, MO): Illinois at Nebraska*
Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis, IN): Iowa at Ohio State*
Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis, IN): Maryland at Indiana*
Ford Field (Detroit, MI): Michigan at Michigan State*
Miller Park (Milwaukee, WI): Minnesota at Wisconsin*
Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis, IN): Rutgers at Purdue*

Week 6 (February 6):
Carrier Dome (Syracuse, NY): Indiana at Rutgers*
Ford Field (Detroit, MI): Iowa at Penn State*
Miller Park (Milwaukee, WI): Maryland at Northwestern*
US Bank Stadium (Minneapolis, MN): Michigan at Minnesota*
Ford Field (Detroit, MI): Ohio State at Michigan State*
Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis, IN):  Purdue at Illinois*

Week 7 (February 13):
Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis, IN): Michigan State at Indiana*
The Dome at America’s Center (St. Louis, MO): Minnesota at Illinois*
Carrier Dome (Syracuse, NY): Nebraska at Rutgers*
UNI-Dome (Cedar Falls, IA): Northwestern at Iowa*
Rogers Centre (Toronto, ON): Ohio State at Penn State*
Ford Field (Detroit, MI): Purdue at Michigan*
Carrier Dome (Syracuse, NY): Wisconsin at Maryland*

Week 8 (February 20):
Miller Park (Milwaukee, WI): Illinois at Wisconsin*
Ford Field (Detroit, MI): Minnesota at Michigan State*
Ford Field (Detroit, MI): Nebraska at Ohio State*
Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis, IN): Northwestern at Purdue*
Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis, IN): Penn State at Indiana*
ETSU/Mountain State Health Alliance Athletic Center (Johnson City, TN): Rutgers at Maryland*

Week 9 (February 27):  
Ford Field (Detroit, MI): Indiana at Ohio State*
Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis, IN): Iowa at Illinois*
Ford Field (Detroit, MI): Maryland at Michigan*
Dakota Dome (Vermillion, SD): Penn State at Nebraska*
US Bank Stadium (Minneapolis, MN): Purdue at Minnesota*
Miller Park (Milwaukee, WI): Wisconsin at Northwestern*

Week 10 (March 6):
Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis, IN): Illinois at Indiana*
Carrier Dome (Syracuse, NY): Michigan at Rutgers*
Rogers Centre (Toronto, ON): Michigan State at Penn State*
UNI-Dome (Cedar Falls, IA): Nebraska at Iowa*
Ford Field (Detroit, MI): Northwestern vs. Bowling Green
Carrier Dome (Syracuse, NY): Ohio State at Maryland*
Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis, IN): Wisconsin at Purdue*

Week 11 (March 13):
Ford Field (Detroit, MI): Indiana at Michigan*
Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis, IN): Iowa at Purdue*
Carrier Dome (Syracuse, NY): Maryland at Penn State*
Miller Park (Milwaukee, WI): Nebraska at Wisconsin*
US Bank Stadium (Minneapolis, MN): Northwestern at Minnesota*
The Dome at America’s Center (St. Louis, MO): Ohio State at Illinois*
Ford Field (Detroit, MI): Rutgers at Michigan State*

Week 12 (March 20): 
Miller Park (Milwaukee, WI): Illinois at Northwestern*
Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis, IN): Michigan at Ohio State*
Carrier Dome (Syracuse, NY): Michigan State at Maryland*
Dakota Dome (Vermillion, SD): Minnesota at Nebraska*
Rogers Centre (Toronto, ON): Penn State at Rutgers*
Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis, IN): Purdue at Indiana*
UNI-Dome (Cedar Falls, IA): Wisconsin at Iowa*

LIVE: 2020 NFL DRAFT GRADES AND REACTIONS

Keep this tab opened in the background as I will be grading every selection and giving my thoughts on every selection in real-time for all 255 picks this weekend.

Round 1

1. Cincinnati Bengals – Joe Burrow, QB, LSU      
Grade: A
This pick was a no-brainer. He’s an Ohio kid and had arguably the greatest single-season as a quarterback in college football history. He’s got the moxie and leadership you want from your face of the franchise. He likely won’t light up the NFL early on, but he has all the tools and traits to snap the Bengals’ 30+ year playoff win drought before his rookie contract expires.

2. Washington Redskins – Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State
Grade: A
Chase Young was the best player in this draft. He’s a defensive force that teams will have to game plan around all week. He can win with power or a variety of pass rush moves. I’ll be surprised if he’s not Defensive Rookie of the Year.

3. Detroit Lions – Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State
Grade: A
The Lions get my second-ranked player in the class. He’s an NFL ready starter that can be left on an island and should give Matt Patricia more flexibility in his defensive schemes. Okudah was the smart and safe pick. He replaces Darius Slay as Detroit’s next great cornerback.

4. New York Giants – Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
Grade: B-
This is not a sexy pick, but the smart pick. The Giants have made it clear that Daniel Jones is their new franchise quarterback. Investing in his protection is the smart move, however, Thomas was my third rated offensive tackle and while his strength is run blocking, he needs work to become more athletic in pass protection. He’s a high-floor player, but he doesn’t have the all-pro ceiling the other two tackles did.

5. Miami Dolphins – Tua Tagaviloa, QB, Alabama
Grade:  A
There is a real chance the Miami Dolphins drafted the best quarterback in this draft. He’s a dynamic playmaker with all the qualities you want in a franchise quarterback. The Dolphins invested the first of their three first-round picks in the best quarterback prospect they’ve had since Dan Marino. With Fitzpatrick under contract, Miami has time to let Tua develop and get fully healthy if he’s not cleared on day one, but all indications are that he’s fully healthy and ready to roll. Tank for Tua accomplished.

6. Los Angeles Chargers – Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
Grade:  C-
Justin Herbert was a massive reach. Herbert had all the hype and was the on-paper best NFL quarterback prospect coming into this season. He didn’t live up to those expectations. He certainly has traits that flash including his arm strength, but he’s a developmental project that needs a few seasons to develop. He takes a long time to get the ball out with his release and I’m not sure he has the locker room presence you want from your face of the franchise.

7. Carolina Panthers – Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
Grade:  A
Carolina needed a defensive tackle and got the best one in the draft. New coach Matt Rhule is known as a master motivator but that won’t be necessary with Brown. While he has all the physical gifts you want in a defensive tackle, his motor is what makes him such an attractive player. He’s a force and should dominate at the next level.

8. Arizona Cardinals – Isaiah Simmons, S/LB, Clemson
Grade:  B
This all comes down to how Vance Joseph uses Simmons. Simmons is an ‘A’ when it comes to talent, but this selection just doesn’t fill a primary need for Arizona. The Cardinals needed to improve on defense, but with my top offensive tackle still on the board, I would’ve preferred that the Cardinals invest in protecting Kyler Murray. Not trading back means Arizona won’t be able to bolster their offensive or defensive lines until the third round.

9. Jacksonville Jaguars – CJ Henderson, CB, Florida
Grade:  C
I don’t think CJ Henderson is a true shutdown cornerback. He’s not a great tackler and it’s rare that you see poor tacklers develop that skill at the NFL level. This was a reach. The Jaguars have a lot of holes on their roster and there were better players available.

10. Cleveland Browns – Jedrick Wills Jr., OT, Alabama
Grade: A
The Browns drafted the best tackle in the draft at number ten. This addressed Cleveland’s biggest need and this selection keeps Jack Conklin at RT with Wills poised to slide over to the left side. Baker has all the weapons he could want and now has two quality tackles to keep him upright.

11. New York Jets – Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
Grade: C+
The Jets had the chance to give Sam Darnold the best weapon he’s ever had, instead, they invested in protecting their franchise cornerback. Becton is an incredible athlete, but he’s raw. He can develop into a true force with his size, but I don’t think he’s a day one starter without some major growing pains.

12. Las Vegas Raiders – Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
Grade: B+
Henry Ruggs was my third best receiver in a very deep and talented group. Ruggs is a vintage Raiders pick. He’s the fastest receiver in the class and is a supreme athlete. He’s got all the tools you want in an NFL receiver, he just wouldn’t have been my first choice at the position.

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Trade with the 49ers) – Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
Grade: A-
Tristan Wirfs was my second favorite tackle in the draft. The only thing keeping this from being an ‘A’ was the fact the Bucs had to give up a fourth-round pick to move up one spot. Tampa is in win-now mode and gets some much-needed protection for Tom Brady. Between Wirfs and Gronk it’s been a great offseason for the Buccaneers.

14. San Francisco 49ers (Trade with the Buccaneers) – Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina
Grade: B-
Kinlaw is a tremendous talent but didn’t produce a lot at the collegiate level. Kinlaw is going to be expected to be a DeForest Buckner replacement but the 49ers could’ve picked one of the top two receivers in the Draft and filled another need more pressing than the defensive line for San Francisco. Kinlaw does have effort concerns that can lower his floor more than other players still available.

15. Denver Broncos – Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
Grade: A
The Broncos were long rumored to trade up to select either Jeudy or Lamb. They ended up staying put and were still able to pick between the two best receivers in this draft. This is a great value pick and gives Drew Lock a true weapon at receiver.

16. Atlanta Falcons – AJ Terrell, CB, Clemson
Grade: C-
Terrell is a good player but doesn’t have the traits of a top NFL cornerback. He should develop into a quality starter, but there were so many better players on the board including several better cornerbacks.

17. Dallas Cowboys – Ceedee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
Grade: A
The Cowboys selected the #4 player on my big board and the best receiver in this class. For an offense that already boasted arguably the most skill position weapons, Dallas’ offense just got even scarier with a great value selection as well. This wasn’t their biggest need, but Lamb was way too good to pass up at this spot.

18.  Miami Dolphins – Austin Jackson, OT,  USC
Grade: B
Miami has so many needs, but I get drafting your new franchise QB some protection. Austin Jackson will develop into a quality left tackle as he adds size and strength. Jackson has a lot of upside, but I’m not sure he’s NFL ready week 1 to play at left tackle.

19. Oakland Raiders – Damon Arnette, CB, Ohio State
Grade: D+
Mayock and Gruden are more than willing to make unconventional selections. Arnette is a solid cornerback, but he’s not a top-end talent and doesn’t have a Pro Bowl ceiling that many other players still available have. Arnette is a late-second early-third round caliber player so this pick is confusing for several reasons. I had several cornerbacks rated higher that were still available.

20. Jacksonville Jaguars – K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, LSU
Grade: B+
Chaisson is a high-upside pick and a physical freak. He needs to add strength but has all the makings of a future Pro Bowl pass rusher. This is a great replacement for Yannick Ngakoue and potentially even an upgrade.

21. Philadelphia Eagles – Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU
Grade: C
Reagor has the potential to be a quality NFL receiver, but there were several better receivers on the board with far higher ceilings. The Eagles are in desperate need of receiver help, but they took the wrong one.

22. Minnesota Vikings – Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
Grade: A
The Vikings drafted their Stefon Diggs replacement with Justin Jefferson. Jefferson is a slot receiver so I’m curious as to how he’ll line up with Adam Thielen. Jefferson catches everything and runs great routes. This is a great selection and the Vikings have another pick coming up to address some defensive needs.

23. Los Angeles Chargers (Trade with the Patriots) – Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
Grade: B
Murray is a fantastic player. He’s a true three-down linebacker. He upgrades the speed of the Chargers’ defense, but Los Angeles gave up a lot to get him and I’m not sure he’s worth the value the Chargers sacrificed to get him.

24. New Orleans Saints – Cesar Ruiz, C, Michigan
Grade: B+
Ruiz is a tremendous player and will be a longterm solution on the interior of the offensive line for the New Orleans Saints. There were a few better players on my board, but New Orleans has the roster full of talent to pick for need and not worry about the best player available. They got the best interior offensive lineman in the draft and can put him next to current center Erik McCoy for years to come.

25. San Francisco 49ers – Brandon Aiyuk, WR, ASU
Grade: B
San Francisco moved up and gave up two day three picks to do it but got the best receiver left on the board. Aiyuk is a tremendous talent and will fit in well with Kyle Shanahan’s scheme. In a draft filled with wide receiver talent, San Francisco gave up two picks to fill a need I think could’ve been addressed if they’d stayed put at 31.

26. Green Bay Packers (Trade with the Dolphins) – Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
Grade: B-
The Packers have mastered quarterback management. It will be fascinating to watch how Aaron Rodgers handles the responsibility of grooming his replacement. I think Love is a future franchise quarterback, but Green Bay has a window that is closing to win a title with Aaron Rodgers. Drafting his replacement three to four seasons in advance seems premature for a team that finished one game shy of the Super Bowl last season. 

27. Seattle Seahawks – Jordyn Brooks, LB, Texas Tech
Grade: D
Jordyn Brooks was my 89th rated player in the draft class. Seattle loves picking guys too high and John Schneider has lost the magic touch lately with his NFL drafts. This pick was a stunner in the worst way. Patrick Queen would’ve been a much better selection, but so would about 50 other players.

28. Baltimore Ravens – Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
Grade: A
The Baltimore Ravens thrive when selecting big school defensive players and Patrick Queen will be no exception. The fact that Queen fell to 28 presents tremendous value for an already loaded Ravens team. Queen’s best football is in front of him and Baltimore’s staff will make sure Queen makes the most of his physical tools.

29. Tennessee Titans – Isaiah Wilson, OT, Georgia
Grade: C-
Wilson is a really raw prospect. He’ll stay at RT where he’ll replace Jack Conklin who departed in free agency. Wilson is not ready to start at the NFL level but at this spot, he’s expected too. There were better offensive tackles available. Beyond the tackles, there was a lot more value on the board too.

30. Miami Dolphins (Trade with the Packers) – Noah Igbinoghene, CB, Auburn
Grade: C-
Igbinoghene is a tremendous athlete, but there were much higher ranked cornerbacks on my board. Miami traded down which helps make up for a bit of an overdraft based on my rankings.

31. Minnesota Vikings – Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU
Grade: A
Gladney was the best player available on my big board and fills a need in the Minnesota secondary. The Vikings took a great cover corner who has all the makings of a shutdown cornerback. His only knock is his size, but his skill set will translate immediately to the next level.

32. Kansas City Chiefs – Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, LSU
Grade: C-
The Chiefs have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to their roster. They don’t have any obvious needs so I don’t mind them taking a running back, but Clyde Edwards-Helaire was not worthy of a first-round selection. Edwards-Helaire will thrive in the Chiefs offense, but I think several other backs were better fits for Kansas City’s offense.

Day 2 Best Remaining (ranking on my big board):
24. Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE, Penn State
26. Josh Jones, OT, Houston
27. Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise State
28. Zack Baun, LB, Wisconsin
29. Antoine Winfeild Jr., S, Minnesota
30. Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin
31. KJ Hamler, WR, Penn State
32. AJ Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa
33. Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama
34. Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama

Round 2

33. Cincinnati Bengals – Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
Grade: C+
Higgins fills a need but there was much better value on the board for a team with so many hols. Joe Burrow needs weapons around him, but they have AJ Green coming back and their defense was just as bad as their offense. I would’ve gone with Hamler if it had to be a receiver, but there were better players on the board outside of the skill positions.

34. Indianapolis Colts – Michael Pittman, WR, USC
Grade: C-
Michael Pittman was a guy a lot of people were higher on than I was. I don’t think he’s going be a future superstar and again there was a better receiver in Hamler still on the board. Skill position guys are always the sexy picks, but again there were much better players still on the board.

35. Detroit Lions – D’Andre Swift, RB, Georgia
Grade: B-
The Lions needed another running back and got arguably the best one available. Swift is a three-down back, but I don’t like taking a tailback this early especially as a complementary player. The Lions have other needs that could’ve been better addressed this high in the draft.

36. New York Giants – Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama
Grade: B+
McKinney is a very talented safety that was hurt by the lack of a Pro Day after running poorly at the Combine. He fills a need for the Giants and has first-round traits. This was a good, not great, value pick for the Giants.

37. New England Patriots (Trade with the Chargers) – Kyle Dugger, S, Lenoir-Rhyne
Grade: C+
Dugger is a talented player that faces a steep learning curve as he jumps from Division II to the NFL. Belichick knows how to get the most out of his defensive players so Dugger ends up in a great spot, but there were a lot of better players still available.

38. Carolina Panthers – Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE, Penn State
Grade: A
Gross-Matos was the best player available heading into the second round according to my big board. The Panthers addressed a need and added a pass rusher with tremendous upside. He’s NFL ready in terms of his build but now will need to polish his skills to shine in the NFL.

39. Miami Dolphins – Robert Hunt, G, Louisiana
Grade: B-
Hunt projects as a guard in the NFL. 39th is very early for a player that will transition from tackle to the interior of the offensive line. I like that the Dolphins are investing in protecting  Tua, but there were better players still available for a team that needs to fill a lot of holes.

40. Houston Texans – Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU
Grade: D
Ross Blacklock was not in my top 100. He’s going to need to get a lot stronger to contribute at the NFL level. He’s a tremendous athlete, but he could be physically bullied at the next level. A lot of people were much higher on Blacklock than I was, but this was a major reach for me.

41. Indianapolis Colts (Trade with the Browns) – Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin
Grade: B+
The Colts are in win-now mode after signing Phillip Rivers. They needed a running back and Taylor was my favorite in this year’s class. Tayler can do it all and did so at Wisconsin. He enters the NFL with a lot of tread on his tires, but Indy needs him for the next few seasons, not a decade.

42. Jacksonville Jaguars – Laviska Shenault Jr., WR, Colorado
Grade: D+
The Jaguars needed weapons and I don’t mind them taking a receiver in this spot. Laviska Shenault is simply way too big a risk for the 42nd pick. He has injury red flags and his ceiling is limited by his athleticism. This was a big reach for Jacksonville.

43. Chicago Bears – Cole Kmet, TE, Notre Dame
Grade: C-
The Bears didn’t need a tight end so while Kmet was the best tight end in this draft class, I don’t understand the positional fit in Chicago. This wasn’t a great value pick and doesn’t fill an immediate need on a team with several holes.

44. Cleveland Browns (Trade with the Colts) – Grant Delpit, S, LSU
Grade: C-
Delpit is coming off a bad 2019 dealing with injuries and a drop in production. There were several better safeties still on the board and the Browns are banking a high pick on Delpit getting and staying healthy at the NFL level. This is a high risk, high reward selection.

45. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Antoine Winfield Jr., S, Minnesota
Grade: A
Winfield Jr. was the best safety on my board. This fills a need for Tampa Bay’s defense and was also a tremendous value for a first-round talent at #45.

46. Denver Broncos – KJ Hamler, WR, Penn State
Grade: B+
Hamler is a great value at #46, but the Broncos have other needs besides receiver. There were better players still on the board and selecting Hamler after Jeudy feels redundant. Drew Lock has no excuses next season with the talent that now surrounds him.

47. Atlanta Falcons – Marlon Davidson, EDGE, Auburn 
Grade: B-
AJ Epenesa is a better player, but Davidson might be better suited to move inside at the next level. Atlanta has several other holes still on their defense that would’ve been a better value than Davidson.

48. Seattle Seahawks (Trade with the Jets) – Darrell Taylor, EDGE, Tennessee
Grade: D+
Taylor battled injuries in college but this is a major gable at pick #48. I had Taylor as my 98th best player, but again Jon Schneider goes with a big reach in the draft.

49. Pittsburgh Steelers – Chase Claypool, WR, Notre Dame
Grade: B
Claypool has a lot of traits you like in a receiver but I have several graded higher. The Steelers know how to pick receivers better than any other team in the league so who am I to disagree with them.

50. Chicago Bears – Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah
Grade: A
Jaylan Johnson has durability concerns, but he played through an injury all season so his toughness can’t be questioned. There is a gamble here, but Johnson will be a shutdown cornerback if he stays healthy. The fact that he is willing and able to play hurt enhances his value at the NFL level.

51. Dallas Cowboys – Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
Grade: A
Diggs was a borderline first round talent with the makings of a cornerback who can be left on an island and dominate in the NFL. This is a great value pick and fills a need with the departure of Byron Jones.

52. Los Angeles Rams – Cam Akers, RB, Florida State
Grade: C
The Rams selected a running back, but it was the wrong running back. Akers will be seen as Todd Gurley’s replacement, but JK Dobbins is the better prospect, and Akers was not a great value at this spot.

53. Philadelphia Eagles – Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma
Grade: D
Unless the plan is to move on from Carson Wentz I don’t understand this pick. Hurts can certainly develop into a quality NFL starting quarterback, but that’s not a need for Philadelphia. I simply don’t understand what Philadelphia is doing here. This is a high price for insurance at the quarterback position.

54. Buffalo Bills – AJ Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa
Grade: A
Epenesa is a fantastic value at #54. He’s a first-round talent and joins a loaded Buffalo Bills defense. He’s a versatile player that will start his career as a rotational piece with a team built to maximize his capabilities.

55. Baltimore Ravens – JK Dobbins, RB, Ohio State
Grade: B-
Dobbins will be a fascinating fit for the Ravens offense. JK Dobbins joins a crowded stable of running backs in the Charm City so I don’t know how much his skill set will be utilized. He’s not a receiver threat out of the backfield so he won’t stay on the field all three downs, but won’t need to with the Ravens. They had bigger needs, but there is some value here.

56. Miami Dolphins – Raekwon Davis, DT, Alabama
Grade: C
Davis is a good football player, but his upside is limited. He’s never going to be a game wrecker and the Dolphins had other needs they could’ve addressed that would’ve been a better value in this spot.

57. Los Angeles Rams – Van Jefferson, WR, Florida
Grade: C-
The Rams have bigger needs and didn’t select my best WR still on the board. Jefferson has a lot to like when it comes to his size and route running, but his ball skills are lacking and will need to be developed for him to stick around in the NFL. Perhaps this is their Brandin Cooks replacement.

58. Minnesota Vikings – Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise State
Grade: A
The Vikings continued to dominate this draft. Cleveland still needs to grow and mature into an NFL body, but he’s got a ton of upside due to his athleticism and college experience. He carried a first round grade on my big board and fills a need for the Vikings to help keep Kirk Cousins upright.

59. New York Jets (Trade with the Seahawks) – Denzel Mims, Baylor, WR
Grade: A
Mims has all the makings of a star receiver. He’s fast and plays with great body control in the air. He’s an upgrade over Robbie Anderson and provides a much-needed weapon for Sam Darnold.

60. New England Patriots (Traded with the Ravens) – Josh Uche, LB, Michigan 
Grade: A
Uche has tremendous versatility and New England is going to love deploying Uche in various roles. For both the player and team this is a perfect fit. Uche has great upside and Belichick is going to love having all of his abilities at his disposal.

61. Tennessee Titans – Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
Grade: B
Fulton needs some development to become a starting cornerback at the NFL level. He has a lot of traits you like, but his football IQ needs to improve for him to stay on the field in pro football. There were better players available on the board, but the Titans addressed a need.

62. Green Bay Packers – AJ Dillon, RB, Boston College 
Grade: D-
This was a big reach of the Packers. Dillons has limitations because of his size. He’s a bruising back, but not a home run threat. He’s not a three-down back but will thrive in the cold weather come December at Lambeau. This is just such a big reach. Dillon was a late day-three guy and the Packers had far greater needs than a rotational running back.

63. Kansas City Cheifs (Trade with the 49ers) – Willie Gay, LB, Mississippi State
Grade: B
Gay brings speed to the linebacker position for the Cheifs. He’s being drafted based on traits rather than college production with his suspension for the majority of this past season. There’s a lot to like from Gay’s athletic abilities. This could be a big steal.

64. Carolina Panthers (Trade with the Seahawks) – Jeremy Chinn, S, Southern Illinois
Grade: A
I love this pick.  The Panthers traded back into the second round and made a great selection at a position of need. Chinn was the 40th ranked player on my big board so to get him at #64 is a tremendous value for a player who could be a safety or even a cornerback at the NFL level.

Round 3

65. Cincinnati Bengals – Logan Wilson, LB, Wyoming
Grade: B-
Wilson is a tremendous athlete and brings speed to the Bengals’ linebacker core. I had a few linebackers ranked ahead of him that I would’ve preferred in this spot.

66. Washington Redskins – Antonia Gibson, WR, Memphis
Grade: C-
Gibson is a versatile player, but I don’t think he excels at any one position enough to warrant a selection this early in the third round.

67. Detroit Lions – Julian Okwara, LB, Notre Dame
Grade: C-
Okwara fits into Matt Patricia’s scheme with the ability to play 3-4 OLB and 4-3 DE. Okwara has some upside as a rotational piece, but there were some defensive weapons available ranked ahead of him.

68. New York Jets (Trade with the Giants) – Ashtyn Davis, S, Calif
Grade: A-
Ashtyn Davis is a great athlete that covers the whole field with his speed. This is a great value pick for a guy with starter upside as an NFL safety with a chance to contribute on special teams right away.

69. Seattle Seahawks – Damien Lewis, G, LSU
Grade: C-
Damien Lewis has limited upside as a serviceable interior lineman. There were much better guard prospects available.

70. Miami Dolphins – Brandon Jones, S, Texas
Grade: C+
This was a bit of a reach for a talented safety coming off an injury. He’s a good prospect, but his ceiling is limited by his size and lack of high-end athleticism.

71. Baltimore Ravens (Trade with the Patriots) – Justin Madubuike, DT, Texas A&M
Grade: B
Madibuike can be a disruptor and has a great motor. He’s limited by his athleticism but should be a nice piece in the Ravens’ defensive line rotation.

72. Arizona Cardinals – Josh Jones, OT, Houston
Grade: A
Josh Jones had a first-round grade from me. He played LT in college but will likely move to the right side where his NFL transition will be easier. He fills a need for Arizona, one that many thought they’d address in the first round. This is a potential franchise cornerstone selected in the third round.

73. Jacksonville Jaguars – Davon Hamilton, DT, Ohio State
Grade: B-
There were better defensive lineman available, but Hamilton is a safe pick with a high floor.

74. New Orleans Saints (Trade with the Browns) –  Zack Baun, EDGE, Wisconsin
Grade: A
Baun had a first-round grade so for the Saints to scoop him up in the third round is a steal if Baun can stay healthy.

75. Detroit Lions (Trade with the Colts) – Jonah Jackson, G, Ohio State
Grade: C+
There were better interior lineman available but he fills a need and is physically ready to compete for an NFL starting job if he improves in pass protection.

76. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Ke’Shawn Vaughn
Grade: C
Vaughn is a nice change of pace back but there were better running backs available.

77. Denver Broncos – Michael Ojemudia, CB, Iowa
Grade: C+
Ojemudia has limited upside because of his athleticism, but I think he’s more than capable of developing into a solid #2 or #3 cornerback for the Broncos. There were better corners with higher upsides still on the board.

78. Atlanta Falcons – Matt Hennessy, C, Temple
Grade: A
Hennessy is a day-one starter in the NFL at center. Anytime you can draft a guy in the third round that should start in the trenches as a rookie, it’s a great value.

79. New York Jets – Jabari Zuniga, EDGE, Florida
Grade: C-
Zuniga is an injury risk that will need to put on size to compete at the NFL level.

80. Oakland Raiders – Lynn Bowden Jr., WR, Kentucky
Grade: B-
Bowden is a fun prospect. He’s a tremendous athlete, but there were much better receivers still available. Depending on how Bowden is used he could be a steal because of how much versatility he brings to an offense.

81. Oakland Raiders – Bryan Edwards, WR, South Carolina
Grade: C-
The Raiders are drafting all of the receivers but again there were better receivers on the board.

82. Dallas Cowboys – Neville Gallimore, DT, Oklahoma
Grade: A-
Gallimore is a great value here. He was my 55th ranked player and has the ability to start and provide a forceful presence on the interior of the Cowboys’ defensive line.

83. Denver Broncos (Trade with the Steelers) – Lloyd Cushenberry III, C, LSU
Grade: A
Lloyd Cushenberry was my 37th ranked player. He’s a high-end center prospect and should become a longtime NFL starter at center.

84. Los Angeles Rams – Terrell Lewis, LB, Alabama
Grade: A
This is a tremendous value for a prospect that has tremendous upside if he can stay healthy.

85. Indianapolis Colts (Trade with the Lions) – Julian Blackmon, S, Utah
Grade: B
This pick all comes down to health. Blackmon tore his Achilles in December, but if he can stay healthy and return to his old form he could easily develop into an NFL starter. 

86. Buffalo Bills – Zack Moss, RB, Utah
Grade: B-
Moss went right about where I expected. The Bills don’t have a lot of needs, but Moss fills one of them, I still think they had other needs that could’ve been addressed with better value selections.

87. New England Patriots – Anfernee Jennings, LB, Alabama
Grade: C+
Jennings is another versatile weapon for the Patriots’ defensive war chest. Jennings is a situational rusher with great length, but he doesn’t have three-down potential.

88. Cleveland Browns (Trade with the Saints) – Jordan Elliot, DT, Missouri
Grade: A
Elliot should’ve been an early second-round pick. This is great value with the potential to be the steal of the draft. Elliot has tremendous upside.

89. Minnesota Vikings – Cameron Dantzler, CB, Mississippi State
Grade: B-
Dantzler is a lengthy corner but doesn’t have elite speed. Outside of his speed, he has all the tools you want in an NFL cornerback and could develop into a quality starter down the line.

90. Houston Texans – Jonathan Greenard, EDGE, Florida
Grade: B+
Greenard is a lengthy edge rusher but lacks top-end quickness to contribute as a pass rusher immediately. He’s a developmental prospect with a lot of tools to work with.

91. New England Patriots (Trade with the Raiders) – Devins Asiasi, TE, UCLA
Grade: D+
This was a reach. Asiasi has limited upside and is not a good blocker. He’s not very explosive and is not a great pass catcher with a limited catch radius. There were better tight ends available on the board.

92. Baltimore Ravens – Devin Duvernay, WR, Texas
Grade: C+
Duvernay is a speedster and provides another weapon for Lamar Jackson. He doesn’t have a wide catch radius and requires accurate throws to be effective. There were better receivers available.

93. Tennesse Titans – Darrynton Evans, RB, Appalachian State
Grade: B-
Evans will be a nice complementary back to Derek Henry. He’s a speedster and should contribute as a kick returner as well. He’s a decent fit.

94. Green Bay Packers – Josiah Deguara, TE, Cincinnati
Grade: C-
Deguara is raw. He’s a good athlete but needs a lot of work to develop into an NFL caliber tight end. He should contribute on special teams early in his career. There were better tight ends still available.

95. Denver Broncos (Trade with the 49ers) – McTelvin Agim, DT, Arkansas
Grade: C+
Agim was a productive college player. I think there were better defensive tackles available, but Agim has a high floor for a third-round selection.

96. Kansas City Chiefs  – Lucas Niang, OT, TCU
Grade: B+
Niang landed in the perfect spot. Niang needs to get medically cleared but ended up in a spot where he doesn’t need to play right away. This the ideal redshirt candidate for a Chiefs team that doesn’t need Niang to start right away.

97. Cleveland Browns (Trade with the Texans) – Jacob Phillips, LB, LSU
Grade: C-
Phillips is a coverage liability but could be a capable rotational piece at linebacker. His tackling abilities should keep him on a roster on special teams.

98. Baltimore Ravens (Trade with the Patriots) – Malik Harrison, LB, Ohio State
Grade: A
Malik Harrison was very underrated by a lot of experts. He’s a fast football player with great athletic upside at linebacker. He’s a future NFL starter.

99. New York Giants – Matt Peart, OT, UCONN
Grade: B
Peart is a developmental tackle. I don’t mind teams taking a swing on a potential future starter at a premium position with all the physical traits you want.

100. Oakland Raiders (Trade with the Patriots) – Tanner Muse, S, Clemson
Grade: C+
Muse will contribute on special teams right away with the possibility of developing into an NFL starter in a few years.

101. New England Patriots (Trade with the Jets) – Dalton Keene, TE, Virginia Tech
Grade: C-
Keene was not the best tight end available. He’s got some positional versatility but doesn’t show NFL athleticism to be able to separate as a receiver at the next level.

102. Pittsburgh Steelers – Alex Highsmith, LB, Charlotte
Grade: D
Alex Highsmith was a mid-to-late day three caliber prospect. This was a reach.

103. Philadelphia Eagles – Davion Taylor, LB, Colorado
Grade: C-
Taylor’s athleticism gives him tremendous upside with a chance to develop into an NFL starting linebacker down the road, but there were much better linebacker prospects still available.

104. Los Angeles Rams – Terrell Burgess, S, Utah
Grade: A
Burgess should develop into a starting NFL safety as soon as this season. He’s a talented prospect that I think slid solely because of his size.

105. New Orleans Saints (Trade with the Vikings) – Adam Trautman, TE, Dayton
Grade: A
Trautman lasted much longer than I expected. He’s still somewhat raw but has great hands and is a phenomenal athlete. This is a steal and he lands in a very favorable offense for him to flourish as a rookie.

106. Baltimore Ravens – Tyre Phillips, OT, Mississippi State
Grade: C
Phillips will have to move inside as a guard at the next level if he is going to play right away. He’s a back-up with starter upside and goes to a team where he’ll have time to develop.

Day 3 Best Remaining (ranking on my big board):
52. Akeem Davis-Gaither, LB, Appalachian State
60. Curtis Weaver, EDGE, Boise State
62. John Simpson, OG, Clemson
66. James Lynch, DT, Baylor
69. Bryce Hall, CB, Virginia
74. Darnell Mooney, WR, Tulane
76. Harrison Bryant, TE, FAU
81. Amik Robertson, DB, Louisiana Tech
83. KJ Hill, WR, Ohio State
85. Prince Tega Wanogho, OT, Auburn
86. Bradlee Anae, Edge, Utah
88. Javaris Davis, CB, Auburn
90. Ben Bartch, OT, St. John’s (MN)
91. Lavert Hill, CB, Michigan
92. Jacob Eason, QB, Washington
93. Netane Muti, OG, Fresno State
95. Tyler Johnson, WR, Minnesota
96. Gabriel Davis, WR, UCF
97. Dane Jackson, CB, Pittsburgh

Round 4

107. Cincinnati Bengals – Akeem Davis-Gaither, LB, Appalachian State
Grade: A
Great way to start day three, the Bengals select my best player available. He was a 2nd round quality player that played at a smaller school and lasted to day three.

108. Washington Redskins – Saahdiq Charles, OT, LSU
Grade: B
Charles comes in with a lot of off-field baggage. He’s a tremendous value in terms of talent if he can get his mind right. With the trade of Trent Williams, Washington addresses a need at offensive tackle. I do think there were better tackles available.

109. Las Vegas Raiders (Trade with the Lions) – John Simpson, G, Clemson
Grade: A
Simpson had a late second-round grade from me. He’s an interior offensive lineman that is an NFL-ready starter.

110. New York Giants – Darnay Holmes, CB, UCLA
Grade: C+
I had better corners still available on my big board. This was a slight reach.

111. Miami Dolphins – Solomon Kindley, G, Georgia
Grade: C-
There were better guards still available and Kindley is undersized for the NFL when it comes to his length.

112. Los Angeles Chargers – Joshua Kelley, RB, UCLA
Grade: C-
Kelley was a productive college running back, but the Chargers had bigger needs than a rotational running back. There were better backs still available.

113. Carolina Panthers – Troy Pride Jr., CB, Notre Dame
Grade: B
Pride Jr. flashes the abilities of an NFL starting cornerback if he can develop better instincts and consistency.

114. Arizona Cardinals – Leki Fotu, DT, Utah
Grade: C+
While Fotu fills a need, he’s a rotational piece and will not collapse the pocket as a pass rusher. He’s a rotational piece that will see the field immediately in the desert, but this was not a great value pick.

115. Cleveland Browns – Harrison Bryant, TE, FAU
Grade: A-
This is a tremendous value for a slightly undersized tight end. He will compliment Austin Hooper and David Njoku well. He doesn’t fill an immediate need, but it makes sense to take the best player available.

116. Jacksonville Jaguars – Ben Bartch, OT, St. John’s (MN
Grade: A
Bartch is a raw prospect from the Division III level, but he’s got great upside and should develop into a starting offensive tackle with a few years of development. This is a phenomenal value.

117. Minnesota Vikings (Trade with the 49ers) – D.J. Woonum, EDGE, South Carolina
Grade: B+
Woonum went right around where I expected. He’s got great length and should provide a quality situational pass rusher.

118. Denver Broncos – Albert Okwuegbunam, TE, Missouri
Grade: C+
The Broncos have invested too much draft capital in offensive skill position players. Okwuegbunam, this is decent value, but there were still better tight ends if they were set on this position.

119. Atlanta Falcons – Mykal Walker, LB, Fresno State
Grade: D
This was a major reach. Walker is a special-teamer at best in the NFL.

120. New York Jets – La’Mical Perine, RB, Florida
Grade: A
Perine is a three-down running back and a great value in the fourth round.

121. Detroit Lions (Trade with the Raiders) – Logan Stenberg, G, Kentucky
Grade: C+
Stenberg is a solid, but skinny interior lineman. He’s not NFL ready physically and I had better guards still available.

122. Indianapolis Colts – Jacob Eason, QB, Washington
Grade: A
This is a great value pick and an ideal landing spot for Eason. He’ll be able to sit behind Phillip Rivers and learn while he develops using all the physical tools he has.

123. Dallas Cowboys – Reggie Robinson II, CB, Tulsa
Grade: C
There were much better corners still available. He’s a tremendous athlete, but his coverage skills don’t match up with how well he tested at the combine. This was a reach based solely on Robinson II being a great athlete with less than refined coverage skills.

124. Pittsburgh Steelers – Anthony McFarland Jr., RB, Maryland
Grade: C-
McFarland Jr. is an OK rotational running back, but there were better backs still available and this was not a great value nor a position of immediate need for the Steelers.

125. New York Jets (Trade with the Patriots) – James Morgan, QB, FIU
Grade: D-
Morgan was not the best QB available and doesn’t fill a need for the Jets. This is really early to lock up a back-up quarterback and won’t help Sam Darnold’s confidence. He’s now going to see a ghost in the locker next to him every day.

126. Houston Texans (Trade with the Rams) – Charlie Heck, OT, North Carolina
Grade: C+
The Texans don’t have an immediate need at tackle and Heck is a raw prospect with great size at 6′ 8″. He’ll need time to develop and is too tall to move inside. There were better values and better tackle prospects still available.

127. Philadelphia Eagles – K’Von Wallace, S, Clemson
Grade: D
Wallace is a special teamer. He doesn’t have the ability to cover tight ends limiting his effectiveness as an NFL safety in today’s game.

128. Buffalo Bills – Gabriel Davis, WR, UCF
Grade: B
This is a solid value pick as I had Davis as a top 100 player. I think there were better receivers still available.

129. New York Jets (Trade with the Patriots) – Cameron Clark, OT, Charlotte
Grade: C
Clark was a borderline draft pick on my board. This was a major reach with several much better tackle prospects still available. He’ll likely move inside to guard but that will take a few years to happen.

130. Minnesota Vikings (Trade with the Saints) – James Lynch, DT, Baylor
Grade: A
Lynch was a day two caliber player. This is a tremendous value as the Vikings continue to have the best draft in the League. They’re picking every best player available at great values.

131. Arizona Cardinals – Rashard Lawrence, DT, LSU
Grade: B-
Lawrence is a decent value here and the Cardinals need interior defensive lineman. Lawrence was a three-time captain so he’s coachable. He needs to develop better pass rush moves to be effective due to his size limitations.

132. Minnesota Vikings – Troy Dye, LB, Oregon
Grade: A
The Vikings are nailing it. Dye was a day-two graded player that falls to the late fourth round. He’s got great instincts and covers a lot of ground. He could develop into a three-down linebacker.

133. Seattle Seahawks – Colby Parkinson, TE, Stanford
Grade: A-
Parkinson is a big tight end and will be a true red-zone weapon for Russel Wilson. If he can improve as a blocker, which seems very possible, this could be a steal in the fourth round

134. Atlanta Falcons (Trade with the Ravens) – Jaylinn Hawkins, S, California
Grade: D-
Hawkins looks like an NFL athlete, but he doesn’t show the skills necessary to ever see the field beyond special teams.

135. Pittsburgh Steelers (Trade with the Dolphins) – Kevin Dotson, G, Louisiana
Grade: B
Dotson is a solid value pick here and more than capable of being a long-term starting guard at the NFL level.

136. Los Angeles Rams (Trade with the Texans) – Brycen Hopkins, TE, Purdue
Grade: C+
Hopkins fills a need, but there were better tight ends still available. He can’t block limiting his NFL upside.

137. Jacksonville Jaguars (Trade with the Bears) – Josiah Scott, CB, Michigan State
Grade: C-
There were better CB still available. Scott is undersized and has a slot corner ceiling.

138. Kansas City Chiefs – L’Jarius Sneed, S, Louisiana Tech
Grade: B+
Sneed is a high-upside player with elite speed and likely will move over to cornerback at the NFL level where he can play press-man and potentially thrive.

139. Las Vegas Raiders (Trade with the Patriots) – Amik Robertson, CB, Louisiana Tech 
Grade: A
Robertson is a great value here and projects as a future starting cornerback in the NFL.

140. Jacksonville Jaguars (Trade with the Bears) – Shaquille Quarterman, LB, Miami
Grade: C-
This is a bit of a reach for a true inside linebacker with limited mobility and a low NFL upside because of his minimal athleticisim.

141. Houston Texans (Trade with the Dolphins) – John Reid, CB, Penn State
Grade: D
Reid had a seventh-round grade. There were much better corners still available.

142. Washington Redskins – Antonio Gandy-Golden, WR, Liberty
Grade: B+
I had other receivers ranked ahead of Gandy-Golden but this is still a great value for a big-bodied receiver who can start in the NFL.

143. Baltimore Ravens – Ben Bredeson, G, Michigan
Grade: C
Bredeson is a big body with limited reach that will keep him at guard in the NFL. He’s a grinder in the run game but needs to improve his mobility to be a servicable NFL pass blocker.

144. Seattle Seahawks – DeeJay Dallas, RB, Miami
Grade: C-
There were better running backs still available and the Seahawks don’t need more running backs.

145. Philadelphia Eagles – Jack Driscoll, G, Auburn
Grade: B+
This is a decent value pick. Driscoll likely moves inside to guard in the NFL but has the technique to move to swing tackle with starter upside.

146. Dallas Cowboys (Trade with the Eagles) – Tyler Biadasz, C, Wisconsin
Grade: B+
Biadasz has limited upside but should be a quality center at the NFL level and provides solid depth for the Cowboys.

Round 5

147. Cincinnati Bengals – Khalid Kareem, EDGE, Notre Dame
Grade: B
I think there were better edge rushers available, but Khareem has solid upside for a fifth-round pick.

148. Seattle Seahawks – Alton Robinson, EDGE, Syracuse
Grade: B+
I think Robinson has a higher upside than Khalid Kareem. He could develop into a three-down edge rusher.

149. Indianapolis Colts – Danny Pinter, G, Ball State
Grade: C+ 
Pinter is a project as he’ll move inside from tackle in the NFL. He could develop into a quality back up.

150. New York Giants – Shane Lemieux, G, Oregon
Grade: B+
Lemieux is a quality guard with starter upside at the NFL level. I think this is tremendous value for the Giants to find a potential rookie starter in round five.

151. Los Angeles Chargers – Joe Reed, WR, Virginia
Grade: C-
I had far better receivers still available otherwise this would be a decent value.

152. Carolina Panthers – Kenny Robinson, S, West Virginia
Grade: B+
This is a decent value as Robinson has solid upside and is a great value with NFL starter traits if he can develop NFL safety abilities. Robbinson played in the XFL after being ruled ineligible at West Virginia so a rare prospect with professional football experience.

153. San Francisco 49ers (Trade with the Dolphins) – Colton McKivitz, OT, West Virginia
Grade: B
There’s a potential for McKivitz to develop into an NFL starter at tackle. He needs to put on weight and improves his leverage, but will benefit from not needing to start his first few seasons.

154. Miami Dolphins (Trade with the Steelers) – Jason Strowbridge, EDGE, North Carolina
Grade: A
Strowbridge is a steal in the fifth round. His size makes him a tweener, but if he can put on more weight he’s an ideal defensive tackle for the Dolphins.

155. Chicago Bears (Trade with the Vikings) – Trevis Gipson, EDGE, Tulsa
Grade: A
Gipson has tremendous athletic upside and was very productive at Tulsa. He needs to get stronger but has the frame to put on more weight.

156. Washington Redskins (Trade with the 49ers) – Keith Ismel, C, San Diego State
Grade: B+
Ismael is a solid center with a great approach in pass blocking. He has starter upside and immediatley provides NFL caliber depth.

157. Jacksonville Jaguars (Trade with the Ravens) – Daniel Thomas, S, Auburn
Grade: C-
Thomas doesn’t have the top-end speed to make up for his smaller size. He is a special teamer with limited starter upside.

158. New York Jets – Bryce Hall, CB, Virginia
Grade: A
This pick all comes down to Hall’s health. He’s got all the ability to be a shutdown NFL cornerback if he can return to full-strength and health. He’s an early second-round talent if he was healthy. He’s worth the risk at this spot.

159. New England Patriots (Trade with the Raiders) – Justin Rohrwasser, K, Marshall
Grade: N/A
I don’t mind taking a kicker here to replace Gostkowski. I know nothing about Rohrwassar as he wasn’t in my top five kickers available.

160. Cleveland Browns (Trade with the Colts) – Nick Harris, C, Washington
Grade: C+
Harris is a bit undersized for the NFL level. He has the traits to be an effective blocker at the second level with the mobility he displayed in college.

161. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Tyler Johnson, WR, Minnesota
Grade: A-
I really like Tyler Johnson and think he will develop into a quality NFL starter. He joins a talented receiver room and an offense built to highlight his abilities as an advanced route runner.

162. Washington Redskins (Trade with the Seahawks) – Khaleke Hudson, LB, Michigan
Grade: B+
Hudson has tremendous upside as a special teamer with enough versatility to contribute to an NFL defense. He has limited potential as a starter with his shorter length, but will find a way to stay on a roster for a decade with his production.

163. Chicago Bears – Kindle Vildor, CB, Georgia Southern
Grade: C+
There were better cornerbacks available but Vildor has great ball skills. His smaller size limits his NFL ceiling as a starting cornerback.

164. Miami Dolphins (Trade with the Eagles) – Curtis Weaver, EDGE, Boise State
Grade: A
Weaver is a steal this late in the draft. He has the chance to further develop pass rush moves, but has the ability to produce right away with his ability to slip blocks and get skinny in the trenches. Great value for a future NFL starter.

165. Jacksonville Jaguars (Trade with the Rams) – Collin Johnson, WR, Texas
Grade: B-
Johnson is a big body at receiver but lacks the explosiveness to take thte top off a defense. He will be a quality red-zone target, but there were a few better wide receivers still available.

166. Detroit Lions (Trade with the Eagles) – Quintez Cephus, WR, Wisconsin
Grade: D
Cephus is a bit of a head-scratcher here. There were much better receivers available. Cephus has concerns with drops but does have some upside exclusively as a punt returner.

167. Buffalo Bills – Jake Fromm, QB, Georgia
Grade: B
Fromm is a great value here but I don’t know how he fits with Josh Allen as the franchise quarterback. Worth a shot here as Fromm has a shot to develop into a good NFL starter and maybe could replace Allen down the road.

168. Philadelphia Eagles (Trade with the Patriots) – John Hightower, WR, Boise State
Grade: C-
Hightower has upside as a kick returner and upside to become an NFL starting receiver. I do think there were better receivers available.

169. Minnesota Vikings (Trade with the Saints) – Harrison Hand, CB, Temple
Grade: C
There were better cornerbacks still availble with similar flaws. Hand lacks top-end speed and doesn’t have the size to make up for it.

170. Baltimore Ravens (Trade with the Vikings) – Broderick Washington Jr., DT, Texas Tech
Grade: C+
Washington plays hard but needs to develop pass-rushing moves to be productive in the NFL.

171. Houston Texans – Isaiah Coulter, WR, Rhode Island
Grade: C-
There were better receivers still available, but Coulter’s size and athleticism gives him decent upside to develop into a third or fourth NFL receiver on a team.

172. Detroit Lions (Trade with the Raiders) – Jason Huntley, RB, New Mexico State
Grade: D
Huntley has some versatility potentially moving to slot in the NFL. He’ll compete to be a kick-returner, but I thought he was likely to go undrafted. In the fifth round this is a reach.

173. Chicago Bears (Trade with the Eagles) – Darnell Mooney, WR, Tulane
Grade: A
I was much higher on Mooney than may of the experts. He’s small, but makes up for it with his speed and athleticism. He can win 50-50 balls and will develop into a quality slot receiver at the NFL level with #2 receiver upside. He was the best player available on my board and was a day two talent. A true steal in the fifth round.

174. Tennesse Titans – Larrell Murchison, DT, NC State
Grade: C+
There were better players still available, but Murchison has defensive line versatility and could develop into a quality rotational piece. 

175. Green Bay Packers – Kamal Martin, LB, Minnesota
Grade: B+
Martin has limitations in man-coverage but should develop into a quality situational linebacker who can hold is own dropping back into zone coverage.

176. Minnesota Vikings (Trade with the 49ers) – K.J. Osborn, WR, Miami
Grade: D-
This was a major reach with much better receivers still available. He’s a potential special teamer but doesn’t have NFL receiver upside.

177. Kansas City Chiefs – Mike Danna, EDGE, Michigan
Grade: D+
This is a reach, but Danna is a high-character guy that needs to improve his pass-rush skills to make a roster. He’s physically ready but didn’t show the skills to be a productive edge rusher when transferring to Michigan from Central Michigan.

178. Denver Broncos – Justin Strnad, LB, Wake Forest
Grade: C+
There were better values still on the board. Strnad is a bigger inside linebacker with decent speed. He should be able to contribute on special teams right away.

179. Dallas Cowboys – Bradlee Anae, EDGE, Utah
Grade: A
Anae was one of my best players still available. He had a second-day grade with NFL starting linebacker upside.

Round 6

180. Cincinnati Bengals – Hakeem Adenji, OT, Kansas
Grade: C
Adenji is extremely raw. I think he’ll move inside at the next level, but he’s going to require a lot of coaching to become a serviceable back-up. 

181. Denver Broncos (Trade with the Redskins) – Netane Muti, G, Fresno State
Grade: A
Muti was a top 100 player on my big board. He has major injury concerns but has starting NFL guard upside if he can stay healthy. Well worth that risk in the sixth round.

182. New England Patriots (Trade with the Colts) – Michael Onwenu, G, Michigan
Grade: B
Onwenu has a lot of upside. He’s a good athlete for such a massive body. He’s got positional versatility on the interior of the offensive line and could develop into a quality NFL back-up with starter potential because of his physical traits. 

183. New York Giants – Cam Brown, LB, Penn State
Grade: C-
Brown plays fast but doesn’t have the instincts to play on an NFL defense. His athleticism gives him a chance to make an NFL roster on special teams. 

184. Carolina Panthers – Bravvion Roy, DT, Baylor
Grade: D+
Roy had a seventh-round grade. He’s got good size, but he’s extremely raw and might not get the time to develop into a serviceable rotation player. 

185. Miami Dolphins – Blake Ferguson, LS, LSU
Grade: C+
Ferguson was my second-rated long snapper. He fills a need, but wait until the seventh round at the earliest. 

186.  Los Angeles Chargers – Alohi Gilman, S, Notre Dame
Grade: D+
Gilman has safety size but lacks the speed or the instincts to indicate he’ll contribute to an NFL secondary. He has some special teams upside.

187. Cleveland Browns – Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Michigan
Grade: B+
Peoples-Jones is a burner with elite athleticism. His route-running and ball skills need work to become an NFL receiver, but he has a lot of upside as a kick and punt returner as a rookie. 

188. Buffalo Bills – Tyler Bass, K, Georgia Southern
Grade: B
Bass was my second-ranked kicker by a thin margin. He fills an immediate need for the Bills but doesn’t have experience kicking in cold weather.

189. Jacksonville Jaguars – Jake Luton, QB, Oregon State
Grade: C+
Luton provides the Jaguars with a quality back-up quarterback with all the measurables you want in a developmental project. 

190. San Francisco 49ers (Trade with the Eagles) – Charlie Woerner, TE, Georgia
Grade: C-
Woerner is an H-back with little receiving upside. He makes sense in Kyle Shanahan’s running scheme as a versatile blocking back. 

191. New York Jets – Braden Mann, P, Texas A&M
Grade: A
Mann was my top-rated punter. 

192. Green Bay Packers (Trade with the Raiders) – Jon Runyan, G, Michigan
Grade: B+
Runyan will move inside in the NFL. He’s got the athleticism to develop into an NFL starter with time. 

193. Indianapolis Colts – Robert Windsor, DT, Penn State
Grade: B
Windsor was a tall and lean defensive tackle in college, I’m not sure where he fits on an NFL defensive line, but he’s got athletic traits to provide a solid rotational piece for an NFL front-seven.

194. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Khalil Davis, DT, Nebraska
Grade: C+
Davis is a grinder who can develop into a quality pass rusher on the interior. He got better every year in Nebraska and will need to continue to do that to make an NFL roster. 

195. New England Patriots (Trade with the Broncos) – Justin Herron, OT, Wake Forest
Grade: C-
Herron is a typical Patriots offensive lineman at this spot. He battled an ACL tear in college and is extremely raw. He needs to put on a lot of weight and develop better pass protection technique to become and NFL reserve.

196. Philadelphia Eagles (Trade with the Bears) – Shaun Bradley, LB, Temple
Grade: C-
Bradley is a special teamer without the skills necessary to get off blocks and be productive as an NFL linebacker. 

197. Detroit Lions (Trade with the Colts) – John Penisini, DT, Utah
Grade: B+
Penisini is a mauler who will stuff the run as a situational defensive tackle. He’s got limited upside due to his lack of athleticism but has a chance to make the roster a one-gap plugger. 

198. Pittsburgh Steelers – Antoine Brooks Jr., S, Maryland
Grade: B
Brooks is a hybrid that I think projects better at linebacker in the NFL. He doesn’t have great ball skills in coverage and will be best served as a situational linebacker to stop the run as he works through the trash in front of him.

199. Los Angeles Rams – Jordan Fuller, S, Ohio State
Grade: A-
Fuller has NFL starter traits. He’s a good tackler and a quality run defender. His coverage skills are lacking, but if he can improve in man-to-man he could develop into a starter in an NFL secondary. 

200. Philadelphia Eagles (Trade with the Bears) – Quez Watkins, WR, Southern Mississippi
Grade: B+
Watkins had a fourth-round grade and has all the traits to develop into an NFL starting receiver. This is a great value in the sixth-round. 

201. Baltimore Ravens (Trade with the Vikings) – James Proche, WR, SMU
Grade: A
Proche had a fourth-round grade from me. He’s not a burner but should be an NFL-ready slot receiver. 

202. Arizona Cardinals (Trade with the Patriots) – Evan Weaver, LB, Cal
Grade: C
Weaver has limited upside due to his lack of athleticism. He has a chance to make a roster as a back-up linebacker with a likely fit on special teams.

203. Minnesota Vikings (Trade with the Saints) – Blake Brandel, OT, Oregon State
Grade: D-
There were better tackle prospects still available on my big board. Brandel is unlikely to stick as a back-up swing tackle due to his athletic limitations. He’s not a raw prospect from a technical standpoint so the high upside isn’t there.

204. New England Patriots (Trade with the Texans) – Cassh Maluia, LB, Wyoming
Grade: D-
There were much better linebackers still available. Maluia runs well but isn’t an NFL athlete. 

205. Minnesota Vikings – Josh Metellus, S, Michigan
Grade: A
This is a great value. Metellus has the athletic traits to become a starter in an NFL secondary. He’s tough in run defense and has enough coverage skills to keep a job as an NFL safety. A steal in the sixth round.

206. Jacksonville Jaguars (Trade with the Seahawks) – Tyler Davis, TE, Georgia Tech
Grade: D-
There were much better tight ends still available. 

207. Buffalo Bills (Trade with the Patriots) – Isaiah Hodgins, WR, Oregon State
Grade: B+
Hodgins is a great value with starting wide receiver upside this late in the sixth round. He lacks incredible speed but is great once the ball is in the air.

208. Green Bay Packers (Trade with the Titans) – Jake Hanson, C, Oregon
Grade: C-
Hanson needs to get stronger to be a starter in the NFL. He’s durable which is his most important trait projecting as a back-up interior lineman.

209. Green Bay Packers – Simon Stepaniak, OT, Indiana
Grade: D-
Stepaniak has knee injury concerns and also doesn’t have the athleticism or strength to become an NFL lineman. 

210. Philadelphia Eagles (Trade with the 49ers) – Prince Tega Wanogho, OT, Auburn
Grade: A
This is a fantastic value pick for the Eagles. Wanogho has NFL starter upside as a swing tackle, but I think he’s starter ready as an NFL guard. Wanogho was my #85 ranked prospect overall. 

211. Indianapolis Colts (Trade with the Jets) – Isaiah Rodgers, CB, UMass
Grade: D-
Rodgers is fast but too small to be a gunner on special teams. I’m not really sure where he fits because he can’t play corner in the NFL at 170-pounds. 

212. Indianapolis Colts (Trade with the Patriots) – Dezmon Patmon, DB, Washington State
Grade: B-
There were better receievers available, but Patmon has unique traits as a big body receiver with decent ball skills for a late sixth-round pick. Could develop into an elite gunner on punt coverage.

213. Indianapolis Colts (Trade with the Patriots) – Jordan Glasgow, S, Michigan
Grade: C+
Glasgow would’ve been my first call as an UDFA. He’s going to make the team as a special teamer and thrive in that role. No one will out work him. He’s got athletic limitations but will find a way to contribute. 

214. Seattle Seahawks – Freddie Swain, WR, Florida
Grade: B-
Swain could be a good punt returner, but I don’t see him ever becoming an NFL caliber receiver. 

Round 7

215. Cincinnati Bengals – Markus Bailey, LB, Purdue
Grade: A
Bailey had a fourth-round grade from me. He’s a great athlete with solid insticncts. He’s battled a couple separate injuries so he slid, but this is a great spot to gamble on a potential starting linebacker. 

216. Washington Redskins – Kam Curl, S, Arkansas
Grade: C-
Curl projects as a nickel corner with special teams upside. His limited athleticism limites his ceiling to a back-up in the secondary. 

217. San Francisco 49ers (Trade with the Lions) – Jauan Jennings, WR, Tennessee
Grade: B+
There were better receivers available, but Jennings is still good value and should fit into the 49ers offense as a slot receiver.

218. New York Giants – Carter Coughlin, LB, Minnesota
Grade: A-
Coughlin is a deceptively good athlete with the traits to develop into an NFL starting linebacker.

219. Baltimore Ravens (Trade with the Vikings) – Geno Stone, S, Iowa
Grade: B-
There were better values available but Stone is a physical safety. He doesn’t have the size of speed to start in the NFL, but provides valuable depth and should be a quality special-teamer. 

220. Los Angeles Chargers – KJ Hill, WR, Ohio State
Grade: A
KJ Hill is a top 100 talent and fits in perfectly as a starting slot receiver for the Chargers. Great value and positional fit. 

221. Carolina Panthers – Stanley Thomas-Oliver II, CB, FIU
Grade: B-
A very raw prospect with the athleticism to develop into an NFL starter with a few seasons of coaching. 

222. Arizona Cardinals – Eno Benjamin, RB, ASU
Grade: A-
Benjamin had a fourth-round grade so this is great value. The Cardinals needed running back depth and get starter upside in the local product. He’s also a capable receiver out of the back field. He has a lot of David Johnson traits in a smaller frame. 

223. Jacksonville Jaguars – Chris Claybrooks, CB, Memphis
Grade: D-
There were much better cornerbacks still available. 

224. Tennesse Titans (Trade with the Browns) – Cole McDonald, QB, Hawai’i
Grade: B+
McDonald has a lot of physical gifts but he’s raw coming out of Hawai’i’s spread offense. He needs to refine his mechanics and will have time to do that with the Titans.

225. Minnesota Vikings (Trade with the Ravens) – Kenny Willekes, EDGE, Michigan State
Grade: A
This is a great value pick. Willekes had a fifth-round grade and will be a productive rotational edge rusher at the NFL level.  He has the frame to put on more weight too. 

226. Chicago Bears (Trade with the Raiders) – Arlington Hambright, OT, Colorado
Grade: B
Hambright lacks ideal size for a tackle but has the physical tools to develop into a starting NFL interior lineman. He’s raw but has a lot of upside. 

227. Chicago Bears (Trade with the Eagles) – Lachavious Simmons, OT, Tennessee State
Grade: D-
Simmons needs to get a lot bigger to have a chance to compete at the NFL level. As a seventh-rounder, he needs to get strong on his own to be ready to compete in an NFL training camp. 

228. Atlanta Falcons (Trade with the Eagles) – Sterling Hofrichter, P, Syracuse
Grade: N/A
Hofrichter was not ranked in my top-five punters.

229. Washington Redskins (Trade with the Broncos) – James Smith-Williams, EDGE, NC State
Grade: B-
There was one player at this position I had ahead of Smith-Williams, but this is solid value for a high upside rotational edge rusher. 

230. New England Patriots (Trade with the Falcons) – Dustin Woodard, C, Memphis
Grade:  D-
There were better center prospects still available. 

231. Dallas Cowboys – Ben DiNucci, QB, James Madison
Grade: D-
There were much better quarterback prospects still available. 

232. Pittsburgh Steelers – Carlos Davis, DT, Nebraska
Grade: C-
Davis is a limited-upside player that didn’t produce a lot at the college level and figures to fit as a rotational piece at best in the NFL. 

233. Philadelphia Eagles (Trade with the Bears) – Casey Toohill, LB, Stanford 
Grade: B+
Toohill could develop into a starting NFL edge rusher with some time and added weight. This is a long term project and a solid gamble. 

234. Los Angeles Rams – Clay Johnston, LB, Baylor
Grade: A
Johnston has tape that flashes and if he can clean up his inconsistencies he could develop into a quality NFL linebacker. He should immediately contribute on special teams. 

235. Detroit Lions (Trade with the Patriots) – Jashon Cornell, EDGE, Ohio State
Grade: D
Cornell is a pure projection pick. He didn’t play much at Ohio State nor did he a combine invite. His selection is based on his body measurements and school.

236. Green Bay Packers (Trade with the Browns) – Vernon Scott, S, TCU
Grade: D-
There were much better safeties on the board. He’s not a great athlete but has decent size for special teams. 

237. Kansas City Chiefs (Trade with the Titans) –  Thakarius Keyes, CB, Tulane
Grade: C
Keyes has good size, but is exteremly raw. He has the make-up to develop into valuable depth in an NFL secondary.

238. New York Giants (Trade with the Saints) – TJ Brunson, LB, South Carolina
Grade: C-
Brunson plays hard but lacks the skills to be effective in the NFL as a linebacker both as a tackler and in coverage. 

239. Buffalo Bills (Trade with the Vikings) – Dane Jackson, CB, Pittsburgh
Grade: A
Dane Jackson is a great value. He’s my #97 ranked player. His athletic limitations caused him to slide, but I think he competes hard enough and has enough ball skills to develop into a starting NFL cornerback. 

240. New Orleans Saints (Trade with the Texans) – Tommy Stevens, QB, Mississippi State
Grade: D-
Stevens was not a draftable quarterback prospect. 

241. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Trade with the Patriots) – Chapelle Russell, LB, Temple
Grade: C-
Russell is a big-bodied linebacker that is athletic enough to compete for a roster spot on special teams. He suffered two ACL tears so medical is a concern. 

242. Green Bay Packers (Trade with the Ravens) – Jonathan Garvin, EDGE, Miami
Grade: A
Garvin has a fifth-round grade. He’s got a tall frame and if he adds weight he could develop into a quality pass rusher. 

243. Tennessee Titans – Chris Jackson, S, Marshall
Grade: D-
Undersized and isn’t an overwhelming athlete to warrant a draft pick. 

244. Minnesota Vikings (Trade with the Saints) – Nate Stanley, QB, Iowa
Grade: B
Nate Stanley lacks the qualities of a franchise quarterback, but will be a more than capable back-up to Kirk Cousins. 

245. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Trade with the 49ers) – Raymond Calais, RB, Louisiana
Grade: A
I wasn’t sure Calais would get drafted, but his film was some of my favorite stuff to watch and he has elite speed. He’s not a three-down back, but can find a role in Bruce Arians’ offnese as well as in the kick-return game. 

246. Miami Dolphins (Trade with the Chiefs) – Malcolm Perry, WR, Navy
Grade: B+
Perry is raw as a pass-catcher coming out of Navy as a quarterback. He’s got great quickness but will need to develop on the practice squad. 

247. New York Giants – Chris Williamson, CB, Minnesota
Grade: C
There were better true corners available, but Williamson has decent upside moving to the nickel. 

248. Los Angeles Rams (Trade with the Texans) – Sam Sloman, K, Miami (OH)
Grade: B-
I had two kickers ranked ahead of Sloman but he fills a need with Zuerlein’s departure. 

249. Minnesota Vikings – Brian Cole, S, Mississippi State
Grade: B-
Cole is average in coverage but is a great athlete with good size for a safety. He should contribute as a gunner on special teams. 

250. Los Angeles Rams (Trade with the Texans) – Tremayne Anchrum, G, Clemson
Grade: A
Anchrum had a sixth-round grade so there is value here. He has the potential to develop into a swing tackle. There are a lot of traits I like including his quickness and physicality. 

251. Seattle Seahawks (Trade with the Dolphins) – Stephen Sullivan, TE, LSU
Grade: B+
Sullivan is not a developed tight end. He’s a great athlete but very raw in both blocking and pass catching skills. 

252. Denver Broncos – Tyrie Cleveland, WR, Florida
Grade: C-
Cleveland wasn’t a consistent producer at Florida. He’s fot a lot of positive physical traits but hasn’t shown the ability to turn his physical gifts into a good football player. 

253. Minnesota Vikings – Kyle Hinton, G, Washburn
Grade: B
Hinton is raw and dominated physically at the Division II level. He has the athleticism to eventually develop into interior offensive line depth. 

254. Denver Broncos – Derrek Tuszka, DL, NDSU
Grade: A
Tuszka slid solely because he played at the FCS level. He’s a winner with a fifth-round grade. He plays with a great motor and could develop into a three-down edge rusher at the NFL level.

255. New York Giants – Tae Crowder, LB, Georgia
Grade: C-
Crowder has special teams ability but isn’t a great athlete limiting his ceiling to compete at linebacker in the NFL. He’ll have to fight hard to make a roster.

Top-100 still available:
88. Javaris Davis, CB, Auburn
91. Lavert Hill, CB, Michigan

JBDC 2020 NFL Mock Draft 1.0

BY: DALTON

 

The first round of the NFL will be held on Thursday, April 23rd.

Pick 1- Cincinnati Bengals- Joe Burrow- QB

Lets not overthink this one too much, folks. Burrow is the best QB in the class this year all things considered. Cincy needs a QB and it just so happens that the guy who had the best individual season in NCAA history is available.

Pick 2- Washington Redskins- Chase Young- EDGE

Ron Rivera wants to 1) give Haskins a test run because it buys him another year in the event that Haskins is a bust and 2) as a defensive minded coach, drafting the best overall prospect who happens to be a defender is too sweet for the new DC Coach to pass up.

Pick 3- Miami Dolphins (Trade w/ Detroit)- Tua Tagovailoa- QB

Rather than gambling that other QB needy teams jump into this spot, the Dolphins make their move and get their quarterback of the future. They send Detroit the 5th and 26th (from Houston) overall picks along with a Day 2 and Day 3 pick. If they truly believe that Tua can be “that guy”, this is a win-win trade for both sides.

Pick 4- New York Giants- Isaiah Simmons- LB

Many other pundits believe that the Giants are going to go offensive line here, but I see Simmons as the guy who garners a lot of hype leading up to April 23rd. He covers the field like a safety and can bang at the line like a traditional linebacker. The Giants do need help everywhere and a prospect as versatile as Simmons could fill a lot of gaps.

Pick 5- Detroit Lions (Trade w/ Miami)- Jeff Okudah- CB

The Lions gain extra draft capital and still get their man. Judging by all their offseason moves, they are locked in on Okudah. He won’t be Darius Slay right out of the gate but he has all the tools to become a CB1 on any team in the league.

Pick 6- Los Angles Chargers- Justin Herbert- QB

A Chargers insider has indicated to me that they are locking in on the Oregon QB. While he’s not Tua; 32 touchdowns, 6 interceptions, and almost 3,500 yards in his senior season is nothing to be upset about. He is the heir apparent to the Rivers throne but L.A. will be content with sitting him and letting Tyrod “The Toolman” Taylor take the reins for a year.

Pick 7- Carolina Panthers- Tristan Wirfs- OL

You can never have too many good offensive lineman and Wirfs is the first off the board. Carolina will have their pick between him, Wills, and Becton. I feel they take an OL and, personally, I think Wirfs is the best of those three but any of them is an instant plug-and-play starter.

Pick 8- Arizona Cardinals- Mekhi Becton- OL

The Cardinals continue to invest on offense after their steal of a trade for DeAndre Hopkins. Becton, like I said in the pick above, is one of three top offensive lineman in this draft. Not as sexy as the Hopkins trade, but it makes everything better on offense. You would have to imagine that Cardinal fans from Phoenix to Chicago and everywhere in-between will have dreams of an explosive offense.

Pick 9- Jacksonville Jaguars-  Derrick Brown- DL

After dealing Calais Campbell to the Ravens, the Jags need to fill in that defensive line. While there were questions about Brown’s athleticism after the combine, the tape speaks for itself. He was a beast at Auburn and can potentially turn the Jags back into “Sacks-onville”

Pick 10- Cleveland Browns- Jedrick Wills Jr- OL

Cleveland was 22nd in both offensive and defensive efficiency last year but their major investments are on the offensive side of the ball so they are going to take the third offensive lineman in the last four picks. This is a make or break year for Baker Mayfield, if he can’t get it done with all those skill players and an improved offensive line, it may be time for another rebuild.

Pick 11- New York Jets- Jerry Jeudy- WR

Adam Gase, supposed quarterback whisperer, gets the best available weapon for young QB Sam Darnold. I absolutely love Jeudy as a prospect and think he could be the biggest “star” of this entire draft. I feel like this is a steal for the Jets.

Pick 12- Las Vegas Raiders- Javon Kinlaw- DL

The Raiders were dead last in the NFL in defensive efficiency. Kinlaw is the best defender available. The 6’5”, 320 lbs Gamecock is a physical specimen and shined in the Senior Bowl 1-on-1 drills. He has the potential to be an absolute game changer.

Pick 13- San Francisco 49ers (from Indianapolis)- CeeDee Lamb- WR

As one of many teams with multiple first round picks, the 49ers splurge on Lamb. Obviously, the 49ers don’t have many holes to fill coming off of a Super Bowl run and retaining all but a couple pieces. CeeDee was unstoppable as the main target at Clemson, there’s no reason he can’t make an immediate impact on a team that already has a budding star in Deebo Samuel.

Pick 14- Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Andrew Thomas- OL

Tampa invests in its line to protect new free agent acquisition Tom Brady (formerly of New England). Thomas is a big body (6’5, 320 lbs) and acted that way at Georgia. He mauled people then and, while he won’t necessarily be able to do the same in the NFL, he should still be a brick wall on the line.

Pick 15- Denver Broncos- Henry Ruggs III- WR

It appears that the Denver Broncos are going to make Drew Locke the quarterback of the future. They give him the 3rd best receiver in this draft. Ruggs has the speed to take underneath routes a long way and take the top off of a defense.

Pick 16- Atlanta Falcons- Patrick Queen- LB

A prototypical linebacker for today’s NFL. His speed allows him to cover linebackers and his strength allows him to engage at the line of scrimmage. Should be a day one starter and an excellent pick for the Falcons halfway through the first round.

Pick 17- Dallas Cowboys- CJ Henderson- CB

The Cowboys brought back basically everyone on offense so their focus here should be on the other side of the ball. Henderson should be able to start in man coverage packages on day one but there is still a little left to be desired in the tackling department.

Pick 18- Miami Dolphins (from Pittsburgh)- Grant Delpit- S

Winner of the Jim Thorpe award for the best collegiate safety, Delpit is South Beach bound. Miami already got their quarterback of the future and they dip back into the SEC for their quarterback of the defense. Delpit hits hard and should be a fine starting safety for years to come.

Pick 19- Las Vegas Raiders (from Chicago)- Justin Jefferson- WR

The Raiders love first round wide receivers and it actually fits this time. They have a nice slot in Hunter Renfrow and now need the receiver and can go up and get the ball. Jefferson is exactly that. He was the big play maker at LSU and Vegas Raiders are gambling that he can be the same guy for them.

Pick 20- Jacksonville Jaguars (from LA Rams)- Trevon Diggs- CB

Diggs is physical and plays the same way. This can leave him burnt at the line sometimes but with the right coaching, he should be able to adjust to the NFL just fine. If he has trouble in the secondary, at the very least he should be an elite special teams player.

Pick 21- Philadelphia Eagles- D’Andre Swift- RB

The Eagles dont really have a running back on the roster that they can trust. Enter Swift. An extremely consistent runner who is coming from Georgia, which has slowly become Running Back U. What he had shown in college, his pedigree, and the current situation in Philly should make Swift the starter the moment he’s drafted.

Pick 22- Minnesota Vikings (from Buffalo)- Jordan Love- QB

The Vikings were looking to wait a little bit to draft Kirk Cousins successor, but with the Patriots right behind them, they jump on Jordan Love. Love has all the physical tools to become a franchise quarterback. Learning from Cousins for a year or two should benefit both Love and the Vikings.

Pick 23- New England Patriots- K’Lavon Chaisson- DL

It would surprise me if the Pats trade back here, but as of now I feel they try to stock back up on defenders after losing many pieces on defense this offseason. Chaisson has the potential to be a beast once he finishes filling out. Any player going to New England should have Pro Bowl potential.

Pick 24- New Orleans Saints- Kristian Fulton- CB

Fulton could be the biggest risk we see here in the first round. He has great size for a CB at 6’0 and 200 lbs, but lacks a little bit of speed. He definitely benefited from playing on an all-time great LSU defense but there is enough there to vault him into the first round.

Pick 25- Seattle Seahawks (Trade w/ Minnesota)- AJ Epenesa- DL

The Seahawks know that the Lions are looking for more defensive line help so they jump two spots and grab the edge rusher from Iowa. He can fit any defensive scheme because of his motor, but his fine skill will need to be tuned up if Seattle wants him to become a force on the edge.

Pick 26- Detroit Lions (Trade w/ Miami from Houston)- Tee Higgins- WR

Seeing the best defensive line prospect taken just ahead of them, Detroit looks for receiver help. This is a little bit of a luxury pick but the Lions don’t have a wide out signed past this season. At 6’4, Higgins and Golladay will cause matchup nightmares for defensive coordinators.

Pick 27- Minnesota Vikings (Trade w/ Seattle)- Denzel Mims- WR

No ones stock shot up more at the combine than Mims when he ran a scorching 4.38 40. After dealing Diggs to the Bills, the Vikings are thrilled to pick up Mims in this spot. Some have questioned his love of the game, but at the 27th pick, the Vikings are more than willing to take the risk on the 6’3 speedster.

Pick 28- Baltimore Ravens- Kenneth Murray- LB

At 6’3 240lbs and with good speed, John Harbaugh should be able to find a way to use Murray in his defense. Murray is a play maker and has a real nose for the football. He can be a bit aggressive but thats easily correctable.

Pick 29- Tennessee Titans- Austin Jackson- OL

After losing starting guard Jack Conklin, the Titans will need to fill that hole so they can keep their ground game as punishing as it was last year. He has the size (6’5, 320) to be an elite guard but is still raw in his technique. It doesn’t matter to Tennessee though, Jackson has too much upside for him to slide past them.

Pick 30- Green Bay Packers- J.K. Dobbins- RB

Aaron Rodgers isn’t getting any younger and offensive minded Matt LaFleur wants to get him all the help he can get. Dobbins might just be the best running back in the draft with his speed, size, and pass catching ability. He torched the Big Ten at Ohio State for the last few seasons and will look to continue his success in the Midwest.

Pick 31- San Francisco 49ers- Xavier McKinney- S

The knock on McKinney is that he doesn’t exceed in anything, but does everything at an acceptable. With a 49ers team coming off of a Super Bowl run where they leaned on their defense, they make a bit of a luxury pick. McKinney will boost the 49ers other play makers by being so rock solid.

Pick 32- Kansas City Chiefs- Jeff Gladney- CB

The last thing the Chiefs need is help on offense. Thats why Gladney is the pick here. I’ve seen other mocks that have him going as high as the 12th pick. He is a little small for a corner but has all the athletic tools and right mindset to be a fine starting corner in the NFL.

 

 

 

 

 

2020 NFL Draft Big Board

The 2020 NFL Draft has been upon us since Rudy Gobert got the Rona. Here is the Official Joshbobdotcom Top 100 Prospects as well as some late-round sleepers and specialist rankings for the 2020 NFL Draft.

1. Chase Young, Edge, Ohio State (JR, 6′ 5″, 264 pounds)
He’s the best player in this draft. Better than both Bosas and will be a true game-wrecker. Young has a variety of effective pass rush moves and the strength to overpower NFL tackles. He’s an athletic freak that can make up for the occasional over pursuit but also understands the game enough to not lose contain when the play isn’t there to be made. 
Player Comparison: JJ Watt

2. Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State (JR, 6′ 1″, 205 pounds)
Jeff Okudah will be the steal of this draft if he falls past Detroit. There are so few lockdown corners in the NFL and he’s a guy you can leave on an island. His run defense is tremendous and his tackling is not a concern. He’s the complete package and NFL ready. 
Player Comparison: Patrick Peterson

3. Joe Burrow, QB, LSU (R-SR, 6′ 3″, 221 pounds)
Joe Burrow had one of the greatest seasons in college football history and is riding that into the top selection in the NFL Draft. Joe Brady’s passing scheme sent Burrow into another stratosphere and his deep ball accuracy makes him the obvious top pick for a Bengals team desperate for its savior. A great competitor and coach’s son he checks all the boxes on and off the field. With all that being said I don’t think he’s an immediate game-changer in the NFL, although he should become a franchise quarterback.
Player Comparison: Phillip Rivers

4. Ceedee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma (JR, 6′ 2″, 198 pounds)
Lamb is a future All-Pro. He’s got great size and ball skills to make him an option at slot or wideout. As more team’s shift to three wide receiver sets his versatility locks him in as a primary target for both deep balls and underneath routes. He’s a guy you can’t target often enough and will have no trouble producing big plays in the NFL. 
Player Comparison: Julio Jones

5. Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson (R-JR, 6′ 4″, 238 pounds)
An absolute freak who will need to find a system that allows him to go out and be athletic. He’s too versatile to just rush off the edge. Let him get his sacks, but he can drop into some zone coverage and I’d let him run with some tight ends. He can do everything you need. I think his best fit is at safety, but he has the tools to play linebacker depending on where he lands. 
Player Comparison: Derwin James/Bobby Wagner

6. Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn (SR, 6′ 5″, 326 pounds)
I always like defensive lineman who wears a single-digit number in college. Derrick Brown is a physical gap filler. He’s not going to be a double-digit sack guy, but he’ll collapse pockets and stuff the run allowing edge guys to feast.
Player Comparison: Ndamukong Suh

7. Tua Tagaviloa, QB, Alabama (JR, 6′ 0″, 217 pounds)
He’s the best quarterback in this draft. A true athlete with a cannon. He has injury concerns and might need a year to get fully healthy especially with a limited in-person off-season schedule due to COVID-19. He’s a mobile quarterback with a talented arm, but he’s not going to be a run-first guy. He’s going to be a dynamic game-manager which is exactly what you want from a quarterback.
Player Comparison: Russell Wilson

8. Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama (JR, 6′ 4″, 312 pounds)
A tremendous athlete with the length to play tackle in the NFL. Played RT in college to protect Tua’s blindside, but he can move to LT with some work. He played for Alabama so you know he’s mentally prepared for the NFL.
Player Comparison: Joe Thomas

9. Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa (JR, 6′ 5″, 320 pounds)
The only knock on Wirfs is he’s not a left tackle. He’s a day-one starter at guard that can be a dominant RT with some seasoning. He’s going to be a guy NFL film-junkies fall in love with. Draft him as your starting RT or OG for the next decade and leave it alone.
Player Comparison: Lane Johnson

10. Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama (JR, 6′ 1″, 193 pounds)
Jeudy’s biggest strength is his ability to get open. He’s fast and shifty. He has a bigger catch radius than his size would indicate because of his ability to adjust his body. His route running will translate to the next level seamlessly.
Player Comparison: Amari Cooper 

11. Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama (JR, 5′ 11″, 188 pounds)
Henry Ruggs is twitchy. He has elite speed that will take the top off a secondary and he’s tough enough to go over the middle. His route running needs fine-tuning, but his speed will allow him to play WR and contribute on special teams right away.
Player Comparison: Desean Jackson

12. Patrick Queen, LB, LSU (JR, 6′ 0″, 229 pounds)
Queen might have been my favorite tape to watch. He’s all over the field both rushing the passer and dropping into coverage. He’s got a true linebacker’s frame and can be used for blitzes, but I wouldn’t line him up on the edge as a pass rusher in a 3-point stance. His coverage ability and ability to accelerate to the point of attack on run plays will keep him in the league for a long time.
Player Comparison: Patrick Willis

13. Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina (SR, 6′ 5″, 324 pounds)
There’s a risk here. Kinlaw has all the tools to be a dominant presence inside but needs to improve his technique at the NFL where he won’t be able to physically dominate as consistently. He can be great if he takes to NFL coaching but needs to adjust his approach to translate his physical gifts to NFL success.
Player Comparison: Michael Brockers

14. CJ Henderson, CB, Florida (JR, 6′ 1″, 204 pounds)
A press-man corner that can start day one in the NFL. He’s physically ready but needs to improve his tackling to become an All-Pro caliber player. He also needs to improve at the point of the catch before he’s a true ball hawk.
Player Comparison: Marcus Peters

15. K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, LSU (JR, 6′ 3″, 254 pounds)
This ranking requires some physical projecting. Chaison only had one productive year at LSU, but after three years of college at just 254 pounds, he’s going to get a lot stronger. His upside is too much to pass up and his physical tools combined with NFL coaching should make Chaisson a force off the edge.
Player Comparison: Chandler Jones

16. Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia (JR, 6′ 5″, 315 pounds)
I like Thomas here over Becton because he requires a lot less projecting as a starting tackle. He dominated at Georgia and is physically ready. He’ll need some technique adjustments, but he should start as a rookie and become a long-term solution at tackle for whatever team picks him.
Player Comparison: Terron Armstead

17. Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU (JR, 6′ 1″, 202 pounds)
Jefferson is not a huge body but makes up for it with his vertical leap. He’s fast after the catch, but his route running needs work because he was open due to scheme a lot at LSU in ways that won’t happen in the NFL. He’s a day 1 starter with Pro Bowl upside but not in the same class as the top 3 receivers in this draft. 
Player Comparison: Calvin Ridley

18. Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville (JR, 6′ 7″, 364 pounds)
At 364 pounds, Becton ran a 5.11 40-yard dash at the combine. He’s the epitome of a physical specimen. He’s got a great punch on initial contact and covers a lot of ground with his footwork. He’s not quick with his feet, but his movements get him where he needs to be on time. His weight is my big concern and what kept him out of my top 10. He has all the potential to be a long-term solution at tackle but could be a guy who doesn’t see a second contract if his conditioning prevents him from staying on the field.
Player Comparison: Leonard Davis

19. Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma (JR, 6′ 3″, 241 pounds)
Murray flashes big-play ability but can get caught cheating with his eyes enough to be punished. He needs a lot of coaching to maximize his physical tools. His tendency to run through guys rather than wrap up needs to get corrected. His speed and size make him a great fit at WLB in the NFL.
Player Comparison: Kiko Alonso

20. Jordan Love, QB, Utah State (R-JR, 6′ 4″, 224 pounds)
Jordan Love is an upside pick. I don’t think he’s a year one starter, but his physical tools make him a potential franchise quarterback. If he can sit for a year or two and learn an NFL offense without being thrown into the fire he will stick. He’s accurate on the run and has the ability to mix up his velocity as necessary. He’s going to make mistakes and take ill-advised chances, but he’s got too much arm talent and quickness to not find a scheme that works for him.
Player Comparison: Alex Smith

21. Austin Jackson, OT, USC (JR, 6′ 5″, 322 pounds)
As if he were molded out of clay by an offensive line coach creating a left tackle, Jackson looks the part. His frame is perfect and his upside is the best in this draft class but he needs a lot of technique work. His footwork was inconsistent and his upper body strength is lacking. He’ll likely be drafted in a position where he’ll have to learn and improve as a rookie starting LT and that can be a recipe for failure. He needs time to develop and I could see him slip past teams not looking to invest the effort on a guy who won’t be ready week 1.
Player Comparison: DJ Humphries

22. Brandon Aiyuk, WR, ASU (SR, 6′ 0″, 205 pounds)
Brandon Aiyuk is a chunk yardage specialist. He has the ability to rack up yards after the catch, but I envision his NFL role as a 10-15 yard reception machine. He’s an ideal fit as a number-two receiver somewhere to load up on yards if he’s not getting jammed at the line. He’ll need to get stronger to get open against the physicality of NFL cornerbacks.
Player Comparison: Chris Godwin

23. Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU (R-SR, 5′ 10″, 191 pounds)
Jeff Gladney is a fun cornerback to watch. He’s a pest and loves to play press-man at the line of scrimmage. He’s always trying to make the big play and can get caught trying to jump the wrong route. His size will turn some people off, but he plays bigger than he is especially at the high-point of the ball. He’s a day-one starter.
Player Comparison: Jaire Alexander

24. Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE, Penn State (JR, 6′ 5″, 266 pounds)
Gross-Matos’ tape jumps out because of his size. He looks long and should fill out into a physical freak as a 4-3 defensive end. He should add more muscle during his rookie contract and has the potential to be a Pro Bowl-caliber player if he can put it all together.
Player Comparison: Everson Griffen

25. Cesar Ruiz, C, Michigan (JR, 6′ 3″, 307 pounds)
Ruiz is a very smart player. He won’t be overwhelmed by NFL blocking schemes and his IQ will allow him to play center or guard at the pro level. He plays with great leverage and patience, but his athletic upside limits his ability to block at the second level. He’s a longterm center and can start week one in three different spots on an offensive line.
Player Comparison:  David Andrews

26. Josh Jones, OT, Houston (SR, 6′ 5″, 319 pounds)
He’s raw, but Jones wants to be a mauler. He’s got the frame of a left tackle, but he’ll need a lot of coaching to become a franchise blindside protector. He’d benefit from a redshirt year to learn, but his athleticism gives him too much upside to fall out of the first round.
Player Comparison: Duane Brown

27. Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise State (R-JR, 6′ 6″, 311 pounds)
Cleveland will need to spend a lot of time in the weight room. He doesn’t have the arm musculature of a starting NFL tackle yet, but he has the frame to put on muscle and get rid of his remaining baby fat. He should become a quality swing tackle if he can grow into an NFL body.
Player Comparison: Jack Conklin

28. Zack Baun, LB, Wisconsin (R-SR, 6′ 2″, 238 pounds)
Baun is an animal. He covers a lot of ground at OLB and can fit in either a 3-4 or 4-3 base with his physical traits. He comes from an OLB factory at Wisconsin and could easily prove to be the steal of the draft if he falls out of the first round. He will stick on an NFL roster for a decade with All-Pro potential.
Player Comparison: Ryan Kerrigan

29. Antoine Winfeild Jr., S, Minnesota (R-SO, 5′ 9″, 203 pounds)
Winfield Jr. is one of my favorite players in the draft. He’s a ball-hawking safety with great skills with the ball in the air. He can make contested catches against receivers and reads quarterbacks so well from deep in the secondary. He covers a lot of ground with his deceptively fast game speed. I wouldn’t be surprised with him earning future All-Pro recognition due to his understanding of the game. The injury concerns are what keeps him out of the top 15 for me because he missed a lot of time during his 2017 and 2018 seasons with the Gophers.
Player Comparison: Earl Thomas

30. Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin (JR, 5′ 10″, 226 pounds)
Taylor has everything you want in a running back, but his impressive body of work is his biggest downside. He ran the ball a lot at Wisconsin and there’s a lot of risk in drafting a guy with over 900 carries during his college career. He can do everything you want in a tailback and has all the ability to be a 3-down back.
Player Comparison: Joe Mixon

31. KJ Hamler, WR, Penn State (R-SO, 5′ 9″, 178 pounds)
Hamler is a weapon out of the slot. He’s a matchup nightmare that can’t be covered by linebackers or safeties. His ability to track down deep balls makes him the perfect vertical threat, but he can make a living turning underneath routes into homerun plays too. His size raises concerns about his durability, but get him the ball in space and let him run from contact towards the endzone.
Player Comparison: Tyler Lockett

32. AJ Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa (JR, 6′ 5″, 275 pounds)
AJ Epenesa has great size for an edge rusher and fits both a 3-4 and 4-3. His technique needs work for him to be an effective rusher in the NFL and he has college tape where he is erased by good tackles. His effort is there for him to find a way to contribute, but he’ll need to improve his rush moves and quickness to succeed against NFL caliber lineman.
Player Comparison: LaMarr Woodley

33. Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama (JR, 6′ 0″, 201 pounds)
He doesn’t do anything exceptionally well but does everything consistently. He’s boring in the way you want safeties to be. He should be able to contribute on special teams and be a solid starter in the secondary. He’s not fast but has the prototypical size of an NFL safety and was an overlooked All-American. 
Player Comparison: Eddie Jackson

34. Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama (SR, 6′ 1″, 205 pounds)
Diggs has the combination of size and athleticism to be a shutdown corner but can get burned trying to do too much. His lack of discipline is the biggest concern but he has the tools to be left on an island against top receivers. He also can be used as a punt returner with the ability to contribute as a gunner in punt coverage early in his career too.
Player Comparison: Xavier Rhodes

35. Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor (SR, 6′ 3″, 207 pounds)
Mims is everything you want in a dominant outside receiver. He’s 6-3, 207 and ran a 4.38 40-yard dash at the combine. His route running needs work for him to become a dominant player but he has all the tools to get there. He needs to play with more urgency in his routes and at times effort looks questionable on plays not designed for him. He has too much to like for a team to let him fall out of the early second round.
Player Comparison: Josh Gordon

36. D’Andre Swift, RB, Georgia (JR, 5′ 8″, 212 pounds)
Swift has a case for being the top running back in this draft. He’s quick more than fast with the ability to break a tackle, but he’s not a punishing runner. He’s not a home run threat on any given carry. He’s consistent and can make guys miss with his shiftiness, He is not a third-down back and looks to bounce when lanes aren’t clean limiting his potential.
Player Comparison: Devonta Freeman

37. Lloyd Cushenberry, C, LSU (R-JR, 6′ 3″, 312 pounds)
He’s exclusively a center with a sturdy frame but his slower speed limits his ability to block in the run game. He’ll do his job from the middle of the offensive line, but he’s not going to go out and block someone in space. He’ll take care of what in front of him and can start in the NFL for a long time.
Player Comparison: A.Q. Shipley

38. Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah (JR, 6′ 0″, 193 pounds)
Johnson is a physical defensive back with the ability to be a number-one corner in a press-man defense. He breaks on the ball well and is willing to hit. He always looks like he’s playing with his hair on fire which can get him into trouble when he doesn’t stick to his keys and his lack of top-end speed could be a problem against deep threats in certain zone concepts.
Player Comparison: Jason McCourty

39. Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson (JR, 6′ 4″, 216 pounds)
Higgins has great size and is built to be an outside wide receiver. He lined up everywhere at Clemson and will be able to complement whatever receivers he’s around but I think his ceiling is limited due to his struggles against more physical cornerbacks. It’s tough to envision him becoming a true number one receiver but he will flourish as a solid number two.
Player Comparison: Alshon Jeffery

40. Jeremy Chinn, S, Southern Illinois (SR, 6′ 3″, 221 pounds)
His field awareness is his biggest weakness and limits Chinn’s potential to play all three downs. He’ll do well as a bigger nickel corner and can match-up well against more athletic tight ends, but needs to understand the game better to make up for the mental lapses he had at the FCS level. Chinn needs some seasoning to become an NFL starter.
Player Comparison: Kam Chancellor

41. Marlon Davidson, DT, Auburn (SR, 6′ 3″, 303 pounds)
Davidson plays really hard. He lined up on the edge a lot at Auburn and certainly benefited from playing next to Derrick Brown, but Davidson could be a great interior defensive lineman at the next level. I’d move him inside in a base 4-3 despite the majority of his college success coming lined up outside the tackle. I think he could prove to be an interior disruptor if he finds the right scheme to maximize his strengths.
Player Comparison: Jurrell Casey

42. Josh Uche, LB, Michigan (SR, 6′ 1″, 245 pounds)
Uche is a tweener that I think projects best as a 3-4 OLB. He’s better in coverage than expected and has enough pass rush moves to be a serviceable stand-up edge rusher. His versatility could be a downside if he can’t find a positional fit in the NFL, but he’s got enough rushing talent to find a role even if it’s not on all three downs.
Player Comparison: Elvis Dumervil

43. Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU (JR, 5′ 11″, 206 pounds)
Reagor plays bigger than his 5-11 listing suggests. He’s a leaper capable of high-pointing the football. He’s shifty and fast with blazing speed, but the offense for TCU asked him to find open space more so than run routes to get open. He’ll need to learn route running and improve his ball skills at the next level, but has all the ability to be a long-term starting receiver.
Player Comparison: James Washington

44. Jordan Elliot, DT, Missouri (R-JR, 6′ 4″, 302 pounds)
Elliot has a ton of upside with great bend and technique using his leverage to penetrate as a defensive tackle. He’s a mechanic with refined hand-fighting that should translate to the NFL. He’s going to become a quality NFL starter and can fit in either a 4-3 or 3-4 base. He could be one of the steals of the draft if he falls out of the top 50 picks.
Player Comparison: Larry Ogunjobi

45. Isaiah Wilson, OT, Georgia (R-SO, 6′ 7″, 350 pounds)
Isaiah Wilson is a mountain of a man. He’s got the ideal tackle frame, but his footwork and technique probably will require a lot of work to turn him into a left tackle although he got better at RT as the season progressed at Georgia. He plays a bit upright and his drop step is a liability against speed rushers in pass protection. He doesn’t cover a lot of ground and the lack of fluidity in his movement limits his zone-blocking potential.
Player Comparison: Trent Brown

46. AJ Terrell, CB, Clemson (JR, 6′ 1″, 195 pounds)
Terrell doesn’t play with the balance to stop and start on a dime which limits his ceiling as an NFL cornerback. He can be a more than capable starter, but it’s hard to envision him developing into a shutdown cornerback given his size and technique. He doesn’t move fluidly enough to not have a size advantage on the wide receivers he’ll line up against in the NFL.
Player Comparison: Bradley Roby

47. JK Dobbins, RB, Ohio State (JR, 5′ 10″, 209 pounds)
JK Dobbins has plays where he really flashes. He’s built like a tank and runs with speed, but doesn’t have that make-you-miss wiggle to beat a linebacker in a tight space. He can outrun guys who take bad angles, but will not pull away from the secondary in space. He can catch passes but his size and running style keeps him from being an every-down back. 
Player Comparison: Austin Ekeler

48. Kyle Dugger, S, Lenoir-Rhyne (SR, 6′ 1″, 217 pounds)
Dugger plays with a style that is going to turn heads in training camp in the preseason. He searches for contact and plays with a reckless abandon that will cost him in coverage if not corraled. His speed will keep him in the league for a while and he should contribute immediately on special teams on kick coverage and as a punt returner. He physically overwhelmed at the Division II level but will need to improve his awareness to become a starting safety in the NFL.
Player Comparison: Jaquiski Tartt

49. Terrell Lewis, LB, Alabama (R-JR, 6′ 5″, 262 pounds)
Lewis has the frame of an elite pass-rusher but needs to get a lot bigger and stronger. Injuries prevented him from shining at Alabama but he will benefit greatly from an NFL weight room and added physical maturity. His potential versatility as a stand-up OLB or hand-in-the dirt rush end will appeal to a lot of teams and if he can stay healthy he should develop into a starter.
Player Comparison:  Whitney Mercilus

50. Damon Arnette, CB, Ohio State (R-SR, 6′ 0″, 195 pounds)
Arnette is a junkyard dog at cornerback. He’s a willing tackler who thrives with physical coverage. He wants to bump and run with receivers but lacks the make-up speed to recover on routes run by him. His ceiling is a quality NFL starting cornerback, but his upside is limited without the athletic traits needed to be left on an island in single-coverage consistently.
Player Comparison: Malcolm Butler

51. Cole Kmet, TE, Notre Dame (JR, 6′ 6″, 262 pounds)
Kmet is a hulking figure but didn’t use that to his advantage as a run-blocker in college. He has good, not great hands but can catch in traffic and has a decent-sized catch radius. He needs to improve his blocking to become a tight end that stays on the field long term but amongst a weak tight-end group he’s the most NFL ready.
Player Comparison: Jesse James

52. Akeem Davis-Gaither, LB, Appalachian State (R-SR, 6′ 2″, 224 pounds)
Davis-Gaither is a tweener. He was extremely productive at Appalachian State but it’s tough to project where he’ll fit in the NFL. He plays smart and hard so he’ll stick around on special teams if nothing else, but he did so many things well that he can find a way to start at the NFL level. He’s a football player’s football player.
Player Comparison: Mack Wilson

53. Ashtyn Davis, S, California (R-SR, 6′ 1″, 202 pounds)
Davis is a really smart football player. He isn’t quick to react yet, but he clearly understands what’s happening in front of him. His speed is impressive and he’s willing to be physical when needed, but his wrap-up tackling needs work. He’ll contribute on special teams right away, but once his football instincts improve he’s going to start in an NFL secondary.
Player Comparison: Andrew Sendejo

54. Adam Trautman, TE, Dayton (R-SR, 6′ 5″, 255 pounds)
Trautman is not a finished product. He’s a converted quarterback that physically dominated at the FCS level but will need to improve his route running and blocking technique to become an NFL starter. He showed good hands and the ability to make catches in traffic with a lot of upside given his physical tools.
Player Comparison: Vance McDonald

55. Neville Gallimore, DT, Oklahoma (R-SR, 6′ 2″, 304 pounds)
Gallimore plays with all-out effort, but his leverage is concerning. He gets upright too quickly and his size limits him to a rotational 4-3 defensive tackle. He can be pushed over easily and is susceptible to losing track of where his block is coming from. He needs to improve his technique a lot but his effort and physical tools should allow him to find a role.
Player Comparison: Justin Jones

56. Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU (SR, 6′ 0″, 197 pounds)
His recovery speed isn’t fast enough to make up for his late reactions to multi-breaking routes, but his size and focus on making plays on the ball should keep him around the NFL with a good chance at earning a starting role as an outside cornerback as he improves his mental approach and coverage techniques.
Player Comparison: Kevin Toliver

57. Grant Delpit, S, LSU (JR, 6′ 3″, 213 pounds)
Delpit wore the coveted #7 in LSU’s secondary and took home the Jim Thorpe Award as college football’s top safety in 2019. His tape shows a physically imposing safety, but one that’s liable to take poor angles to the ball and tackling inconsistency that has to be fixed for him to become a long term NFL starter. He runs hard, but not fast limiting his coverage ability as a deep safety.
Player Comparison: Terrell Edmunds

58. Malik Harrison, LB, Ohio State (SR, 6′ 3″, 247 pounds)
Harrison is one of my favorite players in this draft. The biggest knock against him is he’s not a fast, fluid mover. He’s got all the instincts I want in a linebacker and has the skills to start in the NFL. He has coverage limitations but has a nose for the football and the strength to get through blocks. He’s aggressive and deliberate with his movements and has the special teams experience to flash during his debut preseason. 
Player Comparison: Sean Lee

59. Robert Hunt, OG, Louisiana (R-SR, 6′ 5″, 323 pounds)
Hunt plays with good leverage for his size, but his length and footwork likely move him inside. He could eventually become a starting RT. He struggled at times to keep creative edge rushers in front of him, but I think he has the physical tools to start at guard as a rookie given his experience in college and his natural athleticism.
Player Comparison: Laken Tomlinson

60. Curtis Weaver, Edge, Boise State (R-JR, 6′ 2″, 265 pounds)
He doesn’t have the athleticism that will allow him to physically dominate against NFL lineman. He has a knack of getting around the edge and works hard enough to be productive in the right situation. His motor will keep him on a roster long enough to refine his technique and become a more efficient pass-rusher.
Player Comparison: Alex Okafor

61. Willie Gay Jr. LB, Mississippi State (JR, 6′ 1″, 243 pounds)
Gay is an upside prospect. He played several linebacker responsibilities at Mississippi State but doesn’t project to MLB in the NFL. His instincts and football IQ need work because he’s slow to react, but his athleticism is impressive and he’s physically mature. His speed will help him contribute on special teams with the potential to become an NFL starter.
Player Comparison: Ben Gedeon

62. John Simpson, OG, Clemson (SR, 6′ 4″, 321 pounds)
Simpson has great technique but he’s slow out of his breaks and his lateral quickness was a liability against faster defensive tackles. He recognizes blitz pick-ups well and knows where he needs to be, but doesn’t always get there fast enough. I think he can start in the NFL, but he needs to improve his mobility to have a long term career. His strength is a huge asset that makes him ready for bull rushers at the next level.
Player Comparison: Gabe Jackson

63. Justin Madubuike, DT, Texas A&M (R-JR, 6′ 3″, 293 pounds)
Madubuike projects as a rotational interior tackle in a 4-3 scheme. He plays with great leverage and will need to because he’s undersized by NFL standards. There were too many plays on tape where he failed to fill his gap and was blocked out of his lane trying to get into the backfield. He has great technique but with size limitations, his ceiling is lower than other DTs in this draft. He plays hard enough to be turned into a valuable rotation piece if his assignment discipline improves.
Player Comparison: Rodney Gunter

64. Michael Pittman, WR, USC (SR, 6′ 4″, 223 pounds)
Pittman has all the skills necessary to be a solid wide receiver in the NFL. His lack of top-end speed limits his ceiling but his size allows him to make contested catches against smaller cornerbacks. He’s not going to take the top off a defense, but he’s a guy you can feel good about lobbing a 50-50 ball to. He’s built to last as a special teams gunner and has all the traits to stick around in the League for a while.
Player Comparison: JJ Arcega-Whiteside

65. Cam Akers, RB, Florida State (JR, 5′ 10″, 217 pounds)
Akers is fast with a good build and enough wiggle to make guys miss in the open field. His ball security is a concern but his home run threat is too much to pass up beyond the second round. He’ll have to improve as a receiver to become a consistent three-down back but he’s built to improve in pass protection and has the physicality to earn the tough yards to keep him in any running back rotation.
Player Comparison: Aaron Jones

66. James Lynch, DT, Baylor (JR, 6′ 4″, 289 pounds)
Lynch is a physical force but can get lost in the wash trying to do too much. He overwhelmed college tackles with his bull rush but will need to develop different rush moves to get to the quarterback at the next level. I think Lynch projects best as. DT in a 4-3 scheme. If he develops better discipline at the next level he can be a quality starter in the NFL.
Player Comparison: Jonathan Allen

67. Matt Hennessy, C, Temple (R-JR, 6′ 4″, 307 pounds)
Hennessy is a technician at the center position but lacks the physical traits to have much upside beyond a serviceable starter. He’s not a road grader who can bully defensive lineman or and you won’t see him reaching the second level effortlessly, but his technique is so good that I think he’s a rookie starter with a chance to improve as he gets stronger.
Player Comparison: Nick Martin

68. Raekwon Davis, DT, Alabama (SR, 6′ 6″, 311 pounds)
Davis is a hole plugger limiting his upside. He’ll take on double-teams holding his ground, but he’s not a guy who will slip blocks and make a play in the backfield. His lack should lead to some batted balls at the line of scrimmage, but his production won’t show up on the stat sheet as much as it will in film. He’ll be drafted to fill an important role in the trenches, but not as a primary playmaker.
Player Comparison: Derek Wolfe

69. Bryce Hall, CB, Virginia (SR, 6′ 1″, 202 pounds)
Hall is an NFL built cornerback but lacks the top-end speed to be left on an island. He might project better at free safety long term. A broken ankle cost him the end of his season and significant predraft physical preparation. He’s shown the tools to develop into an NFL cornerback but doesn’t have the speed to warrant a selection before round three especially with the injury concern.
Player Comparison: Tre Flowers

70. Chase Claypool, WR, Notre Dame (SR, 6′ 4″, 238 pounds)
Claypool has the right combination of size, speed, and athleticism to be a match-up problem for smaller cornerbacks. He uses his body to his advantage but doesn’t quite have the 50-50 ball skills to elevate his ceiling to that of a #1 receiver. He’s a polished route runner but will have a hard time separating from NFL cornerbacks because he’s more fast than quick. He’ll need to improve his ability to secure contested catches.
Player Comparison: Devin Funchess 

71. Noah Igbinoghene, CB, Auburn (JR, 5′ 10″, 198 pounds)
Igbinoghene jumps off the tape for his physicality. He’s built to play press-man at the line of scrimmage. He’s got great straight-line speed for vertical route coverage and is a more than willing participant in run support. His athleticism and physicality will allow him to contribute on special teams right away and as his route recognition improves he could develop into a quality starting cornerback.
Player Comparison: Adoree’ Jackson

72. Logan Wilson, LB, Wyoming (R-SR, 6′ 2″, 241 pounds)
Logan Wilson is a good football player. He’s built for MIKE or SAM at the NFL level and has the instincts and football IQ to compete in the NFL on special teams right away and eventually earn a starting role. His limited speed and athleticism lower his ceiling, but he’ll find a way to be productive.
Player Comparison: Jarrad Davis

73. Terrell Burgess, S, Utah (SR, 5′ 11″, 202 pounds)
Burgess could player either nickel or safety at the next level. He’s a good athlete but doesn’t have the prototypical size to play safety in the NFL. I think he’ll be a quality rotational piece in an NFL secondary.
Player Comparison: Damarious Randall

74. Darnell Mooney, WR, Tulane (SR, 5′ 10″, 176 pounds)
Mooney has limitations because of his 5-10, 176-pound frame but he’s a freak athlete. He’s got a good vertical for his size, but its his speed that shines. He can make guys miss in space or just run by them. He might fall into day three, but he’s too dangerous with the ball in his hands to not find a productive role in the NFL. He has traits that can’t be coached and if he were two inches taller he’d be a lock for the first two rounds.
Player Comparison: John Brown

75. Van Jefferson, WR, Florida (R-SR, 6′ 2″, 200 pounds)
Van Jefferson is a long-stride runner. He’s not quick or shifty but has the ability to run past guys in coverage. His ball skills aren’t great and that’s reflected in his lack of production at Florida. He’s a project and will need to refine his approach at the point of the catch, but he has the build and athletic upside of a quality NFL receiver.
Player Comparison: Michael Gallup

76. Harrison Bryant, TE, FAU (SR, 6′ 5″, 243 pounds)
Bryant is built like a big receiver but looks like he enjoys blocking. He’s not going to be a hand-in-the-dirt tight end but can block downfield and is willing to chip a defensive end before taking out a linebacker. He’s a vertical passing threat and runs fast enough to be a match-up problem for linebackers. He jumps out as the ideal modern NFL tight end that lacks the crisp route running he’ll need to develop to maximize his physical gifts.
Player Comparison: Austin Hooper

77. Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon (SR, 6′ 6″, 236 pounds)
There’s something there with Herbert. Physically he has the appearance of a potential franchise quarterback. My concerns are with his footwork and his rigidity. He never looks quite comfortable in the pocket and does not play with confidence when flushed out of the pocket. There are flashes of the next Carson Wentz and he certainly has that potential, but his final college season playing on a good Oregon team in a bad conference left a lot to be desired from the presumptive best NFL QB prospect heading into this past fall. His ceiling is high, but his floor could have him out of the league before a second contract.
Player Comparison: Blaine Gabbert

78. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, LSU (JR, 5′ 7″, 207 pounds)
Pass-protection is Edwards-Helaire’s biggest question mark. If he can pass-pro he’ll develop into a three-down back. He’s a comfortable route runner and has good hands. He runs with a low pad level and his short stature makes him susceptible to go down easy at times given his low center of gravity. He’s shifty but has good straight line speed but isn’t going to win that extra yards running in the trenches.
Player Comparison: Darren Sproles

79. Jonathan Greenard, EDGE, Florida (R-SR, 6′ 3″, 263 pounds)
Greenard has the versatility to play in either an even or odd front scheme. He has injury concerns from a wrist injury in 2018. He’s got a good frame but needs to work on his technique and develop some rush moves to get around NFL tackles. He plays hard and is a guy willing to put in the work to develop into a quality NFL rusher, but he’s not ready to contribute as a rookie.
Player Comparison: Trey Flowers

80. Davon Hamilton, DT, Ohio State (R-SR, 6′ 4″, 320 pounds)
Hamilton project at a quality 4-3 tackle who will fit in well in an NFL rotation. He’s a good athlete for his size but isn’t a disruptor who is going to wreak havoc in the backfield. If he can develop an effective pass rush technique he could become a quality NFL starter. He was a 5th year senior so he’s entering the league as strong as he’s likely going to be.
Player Comparison:  Grover Stewart

81. Amik Robertson, DB, Louisiana Tech (JR, 5′ 8″, 187 pounds)
Robertson’s size is his biggest flaw. At 5-8 it’s tough to see him as a starting outside cornerback in the NFL. He plays bigger than he looks and will surprise with his ability in run support. He gets off blocks to make tackles on bubble screens and has the ability to get vertical to make plays on the ball. You can’t line him up against a 6-4 receiver but he’s a starting nickel cornerback who can play consistently with the right match-ups.
Player Comparison: Kenny Moore II

82. Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma (SR, 6′ 1″, 222 pounds)
Jalen Hurts has a lot of aspects to his game I like. He’s a good athlete and has enough thickness that I’m not as concerned about his ability to hold up through a season of NFL hits. He’s built like a running back but has the accuracy to develop into a quality starting quarterback. I think his coverage recognition needs work but he has the qualities you want of a guy who may need to sit and learn for a season or two before he’s ready to lead your franchise. He’s won at two elite college programs and is worth selecting for a franchise with an aging quarterback.
Player Comparison: Tyrod Taylor

83. KJ Hill, WR, Ohio State (R-SR, 6′ 0″, 196 pounds)
Hill is shifty but he’s not fast for a receiver. His ball skills are fantastic, but he wasn’t forced to make many contested catches in college. His production at Ohio State is eye-opening and while he’s not going to be a big-play threat, he can be a consistent chain mover who fills a valuable role in a receiver room.
Player Comparison: Golden Tate

84. Zack Moss, RB, Utah (SR, 5′ 9″, 223 pounds)
Moss runs with short, choppy steps. He lacks elite speed for a running back but plays with the physicality to be a nice piece in a runningback rotation. He’s a decent pass catcher with the ability to play all three downs but doesn’t have the home-run speed to break open the game. He’s an ideal complementary back for short-yardage situations. 
Player Comparison: Royce Freeman

85. Prince Tega Wanogho, OT, Auburn (SR, 6′ 5″, 308 pounds)
Tega Wanogho is an extremely raw prospect. He didn’t grow up playing football and at times shows it. He has the frame of an NFL tackle and has the mobility to keep his quarterback protected. His run blocking needs work but I think that he’s a project that should turn into a quality starting tackle. He has room to put on more mass and there’s too much upside for him to be on the board day three. He’s not ready to start as a rookie but has the makings of a starting NFL left tackle with some more seasoning.
Player Comparison: Jake Matthews

86. Bradlee Anae, Edge, Utah (SR, 6′ 3″, 257 pounds)
Anae lacks the elite physical traits that wow you but he plays hard and finds a way to produce. I think he’s best suited as a 3-4 rush linebacker due to his frame. He’s not going to grow into an NFL defensive end, but he has enough pass rush moves to serve as a capable situational pass rusher. He doesn’t have the mobility to drop into coverage, but he’s crafty in how he gets into the backfield and can hold the edge when asked. He’s not going to make mistakes, but he doesn’t have the upside of a double-digit sack producer.
Player Comparison: Harold Landry

87. Laviska Shenault Jr., WR, Colorado (JR, 6′ 1″, 227 pounds)
Shenault is more quick than fast. He isn’t a true deep-ball threat who will burn by defenders but has a knack for finding open windows for his quarterback. He needs work on his route running and injuries are a concern. He has the tools to be a quality NFL receiver but his ceiling is limited by his speed and his floor is low because of his injury history.
Player Comparison: Breshad Perriman

88. Javaris Davis, CB, Auburn (R-SR, 5′ 8″, 183 pounds)
Davis’ size will keep him as a slot corner, but he has all the skills and athleticism to cover an NFL receiver. His speed is blazing and helps him recover when outmuscled by bigger receivers. He has the potential to develop into an every down cornerback, but the size limits his potential at the next level.
Player Comparison: Nickell Robey-Coleman

89. Jordyn Brooks, LB, Texas Tech (SR, 6′ 0″, 240 pounds)
Brooks is built like a prototypical linebacker but he doesn’t do anything that wows you on film. He’s a good athlete, but his instincts don’t allow him to take advantage of his straight-line speed and he’s not quick enough to blow up plays before they start. His lack of hip fluidity is a concern in coverage. He should be able to contribute on special teams but needs to understand the game better to become a starter in the NFL.
Player Comparison: Josh Bynes

90. Ben Bartch, OT, St. John’s (MN) (SR, 6′ 6″, 309 pounds)
Bartch is tough to evaluate from his game film because he was so physically dominant at the non-scholarship Division III level. He was a man amongst boys allowing him to maneuver pass rushers using his frame and lateral quickness. He’s a converted tight end still has that mobility as he grows into a tackle’s frame. He projects as a swing tackle as a rookie with the potential to develop into a full-time starter as he gains size and refines his blocking technique especially his punch.
Player Comparison: Terron Armstead

91. Lavert Hill, CB, Michigan (SR, 5′ 10″, 190 pounds)
Hill is a technically sound cover corner. He lacks the speed and size to be a dominant NFL corner and his limited quickness makes him a liability at nickel. He’s a solid press-man corner but that physicality is limited to jamming at the line and doesn’t translate into run defense. His lack of top-end speed might prevent him from ever being a consistent NFL starter, but his fundamentals are strong enough to earn him a late day 2 grade.
Player Comparison: Jourdan Lewis

92. Jacob Eason, QB, Washington (R-JR, 6′ 6″, 231 pounds)
Eason has the build and looks of a top-10 pick, face of the franchise quarterback. His play at first Georgia and then Washington left a lot to be desired. His floor is an above-average back-up which isn’t a bad thing, but he’s got everything you’d look for in a developmental project. He comes from a pro-style offense, but his lack of mobility doesn’t make him a fit in a lot of modern NFL offenses. This is a draft and stash player who could blossom into a good starting quarterback, but also good be a quality security blanket in your quarterback room.
Player Comparison: Brock Osweiler

93. Netane Muti, OG, Fresno State (R-SR, 6′ 3″, 315 pounds)
Muti is a physically imposing presence. He’s ready-made to play against NFL defensive tackles with a great upper body strength displayed in his tape where he can ragdoll defenders while keeping his hands inside. Muti would be higher on this board if it weren’t for his injury history. He played just 19 games in four seasons and despite his potential and his impressive work while healthy, I anticipate he could fall into day three.
Player Comparison: Richie Incognito

94. Michael Ojemudia, DB, Iowa (SR, 6′ 1″, 200 pounds)
Ojemudia has the physical traits of an NFL cornerback with the straight-line speed to avoid getting beat in a foot race. He struggles to transition out of his backpedal and can lose his balance at times playing the ball in the air downfield. His bail technique makes him susceptible to let guys run by him and his effort to get off a block and stop the run makes me question how much he’d contribute on special teams.
Player Comparison: Quniton Dunbar

95. Tyler Johnson, WR, Minnesota (SR, 6′ 1″, 206 pounds)
Tyler Johnson is strictly a slot receiver in the NFL but plays with the strength necessary to succeed in that role. He has great body control going up for the ball but doesn’t have the height or leaping ability to win 50-50 balls consistently. His red-zone production at Minnesota shows what his ideal role could be in the NFL as a guy who picks on a team’s third corner where it matters most.
Player Comparison: DaeSean Hamilton

96. Gabriel Davis, WR, UCF (JR, 6′ 2″, 216 pounds)
Davis has great ball skills consistently catching the ball with his hands away from his body. He’s got good size but doesn’t run well enough to blow by guys purely with speed. He’s a project when it comes to route running because he rounds at his route breaks more than he cuts. He was able to produce in the AAC in UCF’s high-scoring offense but needs more physical development and refined route running to develop into a quality starting receiver in the NFL. His hands are what give me confidence he can do that.
Player Comparison: Zach Pascal

97. Dane Jackson, CB, Pittsburgh (R-SR, 6′ 0″, 187 pounds)
Jackson is a highly-competitive cornerback who lacks the top-end speed and athleticism to develop into a shutdown cornerback. He’s a willing run defender and shows good tackling technique, but in coverage, he can get too grabby. He’s got great instincts and has the ability to break up 50-50 balls, but his athletic limitations might prevent him from ever becoming a starting NFL cornerback. I can’t leave a corner out of my top 100 that tackles as well as he did in the open field.
Player Comparison: Shaquill Griffin

98. Darrell Taylor, EDGE, Tennessee (R-SR, 6′ 4″, 267 pounds)
Taylor has all the physical traits you’re looking for in an edge rusher. He’s big and strong, without an ounce of unwanted fat. He’s a project though and from a technique standpoint nowhere near ready to start in the NFL. He has to develop a quality arsenal of pass rush moves but is built to do it. He’ll struggle to get by NFL tackles with his current approach but should be able to implement whatever he’s taught by NFL coaches from a physical standpoint.
Player Comparison: Danielle Hunter

99. Julian Okwara, EDGE, Notre Dame (SR, 6′ 4″, 252 pounds)
Okwara has the traits of a quality OLB in a 3-4 scheme. He has the ability to drop into coverage, although it’s not a strength. He needs to develop a consistent repertoire of pass rush moves as well as get stronger to hold his own against NFL tackles. He showed enough production at Notre Dame to make him an enticing project that could develop into a versatile rotational piece in an NFL front seven.
Player Comparison: Harold Landry

100. Lucas Niang, OT, TCU (SR, 6′ 6″, 315 pounds)
He had a torn labrum repaired in November so his medicals are a concern but there’s a lot to like in Niang. He plays with good leverage and a sturdy base. His lower body is unimpressive and at times his stance is too wide for the type of bullrushes he’ll see in the NFL. He needs to get stronger in his legs and get medically cleared, but he’s more than capable of becoming a long time starting right tackle in the NFL.
Player Comparison: Braden Smith

Late-round favorites (alphabetical):
– Tyler Biadasz, C, Wisconsin
– Raymond Calais, RB, Louisiana
– Isaiah Coulter, WR, Rhode Island
– Kyle Hinton, G, Washburn
– Tanner Muse, S, Clemson
– Michael Pinckney, LB, Miami
– Tyshun Render, EDGE, MTSU
– James Robinson, RB, Illinois State
– Jon Runyan, G, Michigan
– Derek Tuszka, EDGE, NDSU

Top likely UDFA for each position (ordered by position/ranking):
– Case Cookus, QB, Northern Arizona
– J’Mar Smith, QB, Louisiana Tech

– Adrian Killins Jr., RB, UCF
– Reggie Corbin, RB, Illinois

– Josh Pearson, WR, Jacksonville State
– Chris Rowland, WR, Tennessee State
– Benjamin Victor, WR, Ohio State

– Stephen Sullivan, TE, LSU
– Sean McKeon, TE, Michigan

– Jake Benzinger, OT, Wake Forest
– Nick Kaltmayer, OT, Kansas State

– Oge Udeogu, OG, CMU
– Drew Richmond, OG, USC

– Jake Hanson, C, Oregon
– Luke Jurgia, C, WMU

– Oluwole Betiku Jr., EDGE, Illinois
– Bryce Sterk, EDGE, Montana State

– Breiden Fehoko, DT, LSU
– Auzoyah Alufohai, DT, West Georgia

– Jordan Glasgow, LB, Michigan
– Cam Gill, LB, Wagner
– Chris Orr, LB, Wisconsin

– Luq Barcoo, CB, San Diego State
– Kindle Victor, CB, Georgia Southern
– Manny Patterson, CB, Maine
– Kiante Hardin, CB, Pittsburgh State

– Jovante Moffatt, S, MTSU
– Shyheim Carter, S, Alabama
– Luther Kirk, S, Illinois State
– Jaylin Hawkins, S, Cal

Specialists:
1. Rodrgio Blankenship, K, Georgia (5th-6th)
2. Tyler Bass, K, Georgia Southern (7th)
3. Cooper Rothe, K, Wyoming (UDFA)
4. Samuel Sloman, K, Miami (Ohio) (UDFA)
5. Dominik Eberle, K, Utah State (UDFA)

1. Braden Mann, P, Texas A&M (5th-6th)
2. Tommy Townsend, P, Flordia (6th-7th)
3. Joseph Charlton, P, South Carolina, (7th-UDFA)
4. Alex Pechin, P, Bucknell (UDFA)
5. Jake Hartbarger, P, Michigan State (UDFA)

1. Steven Wirtel, LS, Iowa State (7th-UDFA)
2. Blake Ferguson, LS, LSU (7th-UDFA)
3. Liam McCullough, LS, Ohio State (UDFA)
4. Michael Pifer, LS, Navy (UDFA)
5. Richard McNitzky, LS, Stanford (UDFA)

 

Friday Football Preview (10/4)

BY: DALTON

Iowa @ Michigan: A couple of thoughts on this game. 1) This is the turning point of Michigan’s season. If they come out and look good, the Wisconsin game will seem like a fluke and that Harbaugh has this ship back on the right course. If they come out and stink it up, then the season is wasted and Warde Manuel has to take a long hard look in the mirror on what he wants Michigan football’s legacy to be under his tenure as athletic director. 2) No outcome of this game will surprise me. A close game either way or a blow out either way. Every single possible result is on the table because we’ve seen a little bit of good and a whole lot of bad out of Michigan this year. Also, I may be much higher on him than others, but I think Nate Stanley is a really really good Big Ten quarterback. He will be tough to fool defensively. It hurts me to say this, but I think Iowa wins in a close one.

Michigan State @ Ohio State: If we are being completely honest right now, Ohio State should be the number one team in the country and I dont think its particularly close. They are steamrolling any team that they share the gridiron with. Michigan State’s only chance is that the defense travels and plays the game of their lives. MSU needs to muck up this game and hope for a few short fields and that the offense executes every big opportunity it gets. What MSU cant have is a series where they cause a turnover defensively then get zero points off of it. OSU is just so good everywhere. Give me the Buckeyes in a land slide.

Lions BYE: The early bye is actually favoring the Lions this year. They have a lot of injuries that this extra week will help. The only problem is that now the Lions need to play 12 consecutive weeks. We will worry about Green Bay on next Friday’s Football Preview but for now, lets just hope everyone gets/stays healthy through the bye.

 

 

NFL Gambling Picks:

Season Record (11-9)

Since gambling is all the rage online now, here are my picks for the weekend. Spreads are courtesy of Bovada:

Baltimore (-3.5) @ Pittsburgh

Minnesota @ New York Giants (+5)

Tampa Bay @ New Orleans (-3)

Denver Broncos @ Los Angeles Chargers (-6.5)

Cleveland (+4) @ San Francisco

Re-ranking Food Mascot Fights

BY: DALTON

food mascots and whether or not I'd be able to kick their ass pic.twitter.com/hKOx8vjHnd

— ℳatt (@matttomic) September 29, 2019

 

So, this tweet came along my timeline the other day and it caused quite a stir in my world. While the chart is fairly accurate, there are some issues with it. Here are my rankings of Easiest to Hardest in terms of fighting.

1. Gerber Baby: Its a fucking baby. I could kick the shit out of 100 of them at once. Light work for me. May use this time to stretch and get ready for tougher opponents
2. Keebler Elf: Idk if elves can do magic or not, but assuming they cant this is just bizzaro world Gerber Baby. A 2 foot nothing and 11 lbs old man isn’t even gonna leave a scuff on my shoe. And if he does any damage to my clothes, one of his bitch ass sons can make me a new one for Christmas.
3. Hamburger Helper Hand: This is the first opponent that could actually “hurt” me. If that hand latches around my throat it could give me a little scare, but I just assume its the size of a normal hand so a simple stomp should shatter its bones and life.
4. Quaker Oats Man: He was ranked far too low. The easiest fight? That’s preposterous because at the end of the day he is a full grown man and will be significantly harder than an elf or a baby.
5. Sugar Smacks Frog: A frog will never beat me in anything ever. There’s a chance it beats me in a “Most Like A Frog Contest” but even then I like my chances. He could smack me with his tongue, which is pretty gross, but, again, hes a frog.
6. Jolly Green Giant: Yes, he is a giant. I am aware. But you know what he also is? Jolly. Jolly people don’t/cant fight. Mopping the floor with this green bean eating freak. I probably don’t even have to physically fight him. Just utter a little trash talk and this guy doesn’t know what to do.
7. Lucky Charms Leprechaun: This is the first opponent where I might lose. Unlike the Keebler Elf, I know this little guy can perform magic. He could transport me to a different dimension and have me fighting in space or some shit. But, just by going off pure size, I should still be a slight favorite.
8. Pillsbury Dough Boy: The biggest threat from the “Boy” is that he can absorb blows at an astounding rate. Kinda like that Simpsons episode where Homer is a boxer. I may punch and kick long enough that I just die of exhaustion.
9. Yellow M&M: This dude just ate one of his own species in the latest commercial. I cant compete with that type of crazy.
10. Bear?: I have no idea what brand this bear represents, but at the end of the day its still a bear. Me vs Bear is the first fight I go in to expecting to lose. If this bear is a black bear though, I have a very tiny chance. But if its a brown bear, plan the funeral yesterday.
11. Chester Cheeto: This cat is flat out cool. He eats Cheetos and does drugs all day. That type of lifestyle just breeds confidence. I guess it really depends on what type of drugs Chester uses. If I had to guess, I would say that hes a crack or crystal meth guy. At that point, I would just accept my ass beating and beg for mercy.
12. Red M&M: Remember the cannibalistic yellow one? Who do you think was the brains behind that operation?
13. Trix Rabbit: This Rabbit will do ANYTHING to get some of that sweet sweet Trix cereal. He would dress in costumes, employ the help of Bugs Bunny, and undoubtedly whoop the ass of anyone who stands in between him and a bowl of sugary breakfast delights.
14. KFC Colonel: The Colonel has seen some shit in his day. He may also be very tall? I’m not 100% sure but if I had to guess I would assume he is 6’4 and a lean 225. He also dresses sharp and swaggy people are tough to take down i.e. Joseph Stalin.
15. Burger King King: Hes a king, yes. Kings do king shit. Fact! In order to claim the throne, you gotta kill a few people. I can not, nay, I WILL not get in a ring with a confirmed killer!
16. Cap’n Crunch: Kind of a combination of the BK King and KFC Colonel. Swaggy and has killed people. Also sprinkle in some of that Lucky Charms magic because how does his cereal stay crunch in milk, Max Kellerman?!?!?
17. Ronald McDonald: 1. Hes a clown. 2. He is THE clown. 3. How is he in such great shape while being the face of the leading corporation in the WORLD? All these facts point to one thing, he’s the hardest motherfucker out there. You cant get to the top without stepping on all the little people. I am man enough to admit that I am a little person. If I try to fight Ronnie Mac, I will just be another splotch on the bottom of his size 32 shoe.
18. Mr. Peanut: My father was killed by a legume in a top hat/monocle/cane. My grandfather was killed by a legume in a top hat/monocle/cane. My great-grandfather was killed by a legume in a top hat/monocle/cane. My great-great-grandfather was killed by a legume in a top hat/monocle/cane. I will not fall victim to the Potocki family curse!
19. Uncle Ben: Easiest mascot to analyze. He has straight “old man” strength. UB will beat my ass then sit me down and tell me that was because I cheated on an Accelerated Reading test in 4th grade. Not only will he physically beat me down, he will make me feel like I deserved it.
20. Tony the Tiger: I will not sit here in the eyes of God and claim I can beat a tiger in a fight. I simply will not. No matter what the haters and losers, of which there are many, are claiming, you wont catch me stepping up to that handkerchief-ed feline.
21. Kool-Aid Man: OH YEA this guy could kick my ass. He is an absolute unit. Mf’er breaks through walls at the drop of a phrase. Anyone who willingly smashes their face through any type of wall, is someone not to be taken lightly. He is aggressive. We can all agree that the red inside him is blood, but the real question is whos blood is it?

Friday Football Preview (9/27)

BY: DALTON

Rutgers @ Michigan: Not sure what you want me to say about Michigan football at this point that hasn’t been said on twitter dot com already. Last week was deflating. I thought they were gonna lose but the fact that Michigan wasn’t even prepared to share a stadium with the Badgers hurt. It was a sobering moment. We, as Michigan fans, need to look in the mirror and be serious about where the program is at and we may have to redefine our definition of “success”. At least, that’s where I am at. This crossroads of what I believe in and what reality is. Anyways, Michigan rolls this week because Rutgers stinks.

Indiana @ Michigan State: Honestly, I was in so much despair last Saturday that I did not watch any MSU. But, judging by the box score they did alright. Its a home game and, much like Michigan’s opponent, its Indiana. Indiana is much better than Rutgers, don’t get me wrong. They are just also a program that doesn’t know how to win. I don’t see MSU losing this game. I could see it being a frustrating day if the offense comes off the tracks though. Give me MSU by double digits.

Kansas City @ Detroit: This is the game of the weekend for Michigan natives. Two undefeated titans will battle it out for NFL supremacy. OK, well, maybe it isn’t that serious but it is a big time “prove it” game for the Lions. Mahomes is one of the greatest quarterbacks these two eyes have ever seen and on top of that they have nothing but speed on the offensive side of the ball. This is the biggest game in the Matt Patricia era and since the Lions last playoff game. It will be difficult, but there is some light at the end of the tunnel. This Chiefs defense isnt stout. Theyre giving up 6.2 ypc so the Lions should be able to play a little bit of ball control and keep that potent KC offense on the sideline. I expect it to be a one score game for most of the game but, alas, the Chiefs march towards their quest of league domination. Fear not, the Lions make a statement that they are here to compete on a week-in week-out basis. But, I’d be lying if I said in my heart of hearts I didnt have the Lions winning. Lets roll.

 

NFL Gambling Picks:

Season Record (9-6)

Since gambling is all the rage online now, here are my picks for the weekend. Spreads are courtesy of Bovada:

LA Chargers (-14.5) @ Miami

Carolina @ Houston (-4)

Seattle @ Arizona (+4)

Cowboys (-3) @ New Orleans

Browns (+7) @ Baltimore

Friday Football Preview (9/20)

BY: DALTON

Michigan @ Wisconsin: This is the first big test for the Wolverines this season. After squeaking by Army, Michigan took a bye week to try and get their offense straightened out. To me, this is the second biggest game of Harbaugh’s tenure at Michigan. That offense the first two weeks looked putrid and, honestly, it looked like Harbaugh still had a lot of influence on the play calling. Run after run after run after run. No creativity and no speed in space. But, on Saturday they can dispel all the negativity with an offensive outburst. It wont be easy considering Wisco had the number one defense in all the land, but Michigan just needs to show us an ounce of offensive creativity and I think the majority of the Michigan faithful will be back in on Gattis. Defensively, it will be interesting to see how Michigan does upfront against this Badgers’ offensive line. Wisconsin always has and always will have a great line to run behind. Stopping them and Heisman hopeful running back Johnathan Taylor will be difficult to put it lightly. I really don’t like this match-up for Michigan considering they have a speedier defensive front. The size might be too much. Unless the offense can be all that we dreamed it could be at the beginning of the season, Wisconsin might roll. I think Wisconsin defends its home field by a field goal.

 

Michigan State @ Northwestern: Oof that was a rough one last week for the Spartans. Just when everyone thought that Dantonio and the offense had figured it out, they set football back by 15 years. I really dont know if its coaching or lack of talent but something is seriously, seriously wrong on the attacking side of the ball. At this point, you have to wonder if MSU would just be better off only playing defense all game and trying to score via pick six. The defense is still as advertised. Did they give up a game winning drive to Arizona State in the final minutes of the game? Yes, but they played so strongly throughout the whole game that the levy was going to eventually break at some point. The offense did them absolutely no favors. As for Northwestern, I have no clue what kind of team they have this year. I just know that Pat Fitzgerald at home is never any easy out. Just off of recency bias for MSU and a general perception of NU, I think both Michigan based colleges take a loss on the road this week.

 

Lions @ Eagles: What a sloppy but fun win for the Lions last week! Not often do we see the Lions snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Typically the other way around. Maybe, just maybe, the tie with Arizona was a wake up call for this team. While the game against the Chargers wasn’t the most inspiring of performances but there were a lot of positives to take from it. All that being said, I like the Lions this week against the Eagles. On paper, the Eagles are a better team. No doubt about it. But they have an injury report a mile long and this early in the season, I think it means even more when a team is injured. They say that in early season football, games are won in the 4th quarter. Which ever team makes the most plays in the final 15 minutes typically wins the game i.e. Lions vs Chargers. So with Philly having so many key players out, I am going to favor the Lions in this one. Having to rely on backups to make big plays is a dangerous game. All the Lions need to do is get a little pressure on Wentz and they can walk out of Philly unscathed.*

*record wise, any team or fan that goes to Philly is at risk of being beaten to death because they uttered the word “Detroit”.

 

NFL Gambling Picks:

Season Record (4-1)

Since gambling is all the rage online now, here are my picks for the weekend. Spreads are courtesy of Bovada:

Detroit +6 @ Philadelphia

Houston @  LA Chargers -3

LA Rams -3.5 @ Cleveland

Chicago @ Washington +4

Miami @ Dallas -23.5

 

Friday Football Preview

BY: DALTON POTOCKI

There are reasons that I missed some usually scheduled blogs the past few weeks. That reason? Work. Yea, I have a job where I make money. Not a lot of money, but enough to pay the bills. I have a free 20 minutes or so, so heres the first Friday Football Preview of 2019!

 

Michigan vs BYE: Thank god. If Michigan played Wisconsin this week, they might lose by 100. This is the perfect time for the offense to get their shit together, hold on to the ball, and actually start calling some different plays. It has been so frustrating watching this team. Yea, they are in shotgun but they still run it in between the tackles every play so has anything actually changed? The defense is fine.

Arizona State @ MSU: The Spartans might be legit this year. We all knew their defense was gonna be one of the best in the Big 10, but now they have a shot at being one of the best in the nation at the end of the season. The biggest surprise though was the offense last week. It looked pretty fresh and Lewerke showed why people were so high on him after his senior season. I expect MSU to absolutely roll this game.

Chargers @ Lions: The Lions tied, yes. But, believe it or not, there were a lot of positives to take away from the Cardinals game. The offense looked good and the play calling was balanced for 75% of the game. The “time out” drive was pretty impressive for the fact that the Lions were able to run the ball very well despite Arizona knowing they were trying to run it. The defense looked great until they took their foot off the gas. It just seemed like the errors in that game were brought on by the coaching staff and those errors are much easier to fix than having players who don’t make plays. The Chargers are pretty beat up coming into this one but Phil Rivers and his merry band of children still can move the ball up and down the field. The defense is quite good too with Bosa and Ingram on the line. If Decker cant play or plays like he did last week, it will be a long day for Stafford. All that being said, I like the Lions a lot in this spot. Big time “prove it” week for both the players and the staff.

 

 

NFL Gambling Picks:

Since gambling is all the rage online now, here are my picks for the weekend. Spreads are courtesy of Bovada:

Green Bay -3 vs Minnesota

Miami +19.5 vs New England

Lions +1.5 vs Los Angeles

Jaguars +8.5 @ Texans

Browns -7 @ Jets

 

Hope Returned

BY: DALTON

The blazing summer sun has significantly cooled and the sweeping winds bring a certain bite. But what is it exactly in the wind that you feel? Is it the changing of the seasons? Its certainly possible. With the season change comes cooler weather. But, I don’t think that’s what is giving this invisible gust its tinge. There is an energy that follows the late summer gales. From experience, that isn’t the start of school. No, this unidentifiable force is something that brings along the heights of Mt. Kilimanjaro and the depths of the Mariana Trench. This is no fleeting feeling. These winds bring something to stay. In the whirlwind of changing seasons, football stops, stays, and takes over every tangible breath.

Every new season brings the one thing that most fans lose after a couple months; hope. Maybe, just some way, there is a path for your favorite team to capture the championship. Whether it be through pure dominant force or that every other team had a slew of injuries, there is always a way. Sure, you can lie to everyone and say your team is “going through a rebuilding year” or that “if they catch a lucky break they might be able to contend”, but deep down in the pits of your soul, you’re thinking there’s a way. It’s this weird thing we do with sports. The saying goes “expect the best but prepare for the worst” and it is a mighty fine way to live life. In football though, its sort of flipped. Prepare for the worst but expect the best.

Do I know that the Lions will not win the Super Bowl this year? Yes. I do. It sucks. BUT, maybe.  What if Patricia’s defensive philosophies continue to grow and the Lions have a top 5 defense? What if Bevell is the coordinator that can finally maximize Stafford in his 10th and most important season? Hell, Kerryon Johnson was one of the best backs last year before he got hurt and in this fan’s mind that is certainly a sustainable pace. The Lions got better this off season, that’s not me just slurring my words while drunk on Honolulu Blue Kool-Aid. Sure, a lot of other teams in the NFL got better too, but that’s not fun to think about. Then I start thinking about past seasons. The Eagles came out of no where to win the Super Bowl, same thing with Ravens a few years back. I tell myself that the NFL is this weird and wacky league where anything can happen. If you come up and ask me how I think the Lions will do this year, I’ll probably tell ya 8-8 because I know that’s the right prediction. But, if you asked my soul, you may have to lock me up into an insane asylum. Hope. 

It feels like Michigan will never be able to beat Ohio State. I told myself after last year’s implosion that I’ll never get excited for Michigan football until they actually beat OSU. Then all of a sudden here comes Josh Gattis and this new offense that will be the best of all worlds. It will have big plays, tempo, ball control, and Speed in Space™. That receiving group is too good to fail. Don Brown says that he’s done some soul searching and knows what he did wrong. He is going to go to more zone and respect the speed of opposing offenses. Dax Hill is just Jabril Peppers but bigger. I mean, yea, the defensive line lost its stars, but the depth of this years team! Now there is nothing but anticipation and National Championship aspirations. That’s whats great about college football too. Each season can be drastically different. You’re not dealing with contracts and free agents. You’re dealing with boys turning in to men. A crap shoot on genetics. There is this aura of the unknown that blankets college football like Jourdan Lewis on George Rushing. Weird, right? 8 months ago I thought Michigan would never be able to cross the bottomless pit of morals that is Ohio State. I was corpse of a fan. Now? There isn’t a doubt in my mind that we run them off the field in November. Its crazy. Its wild. It cant be measured or captured. Hope.

While it is so much fun to let the mind run wild, wanna know the best part about football season? Its the ride. The ups and downs of a 12 and 16 game season. If your college loses on Saturday, maybe your favorite NFL can win on Sunday and salvage the weekend. If they both win, you cant wait until next weekend. If they both lose? Lord help you. It’s watching games that may help your team in a tie breaker down the road. Its rooting for The Citadel to put a scare into Florida to knock them down a couple spots in the polls. Think about that for a second. Not rooting for the Citadel to WIN, it would be awesome if they did, but rooting them to just keep it competitive for 75% of a football game so 12 humans in a remote location may read the narrative that your favorite team is inherently better than a different team based on nothing but perception. The texts between four different group chats that are all essentially saying the same thing, either the sky is limit or its crashing down harder than the NCAA on a student athlete who put non-approved peanut butter on his bagel. That’s a 4-game suspension! The tailgating hours and hours before a game. The copious amounts of food and beer consumed while telling war stories about the best and worst games you’ve been to in person. Giving a complete stranger a hug like you’re seeing a long lost sibling for the first time in years simply because a man, who gets paid more in a year than you’ll ever make,  kicked an oblong ball through two poles from 126 feet away as an arbitrary amount of time ticks off a digital display. The best part about football is everything about football. Will both of my favorite teams season end short of where I want them to? Probably not. But, hot damn, am I gonna have a good time along the way. 

Mount Rushmore of Cookout Sides

BY:DALTON

With the 4th of July right around the corner (tomorrow) its time to put out into the blog-sphere the Mount Rushmore of sides. I have to do a Mount Rushmore because I simply cant power rank them. Too much variability from side to side but this is just going off of my consensus. But why sides? Well, the sides at a cookout can make or break the entire event. You could have the best meats in the world but if that potato salad is shit, you’re going to have an awful time. On the reverse though, if the meats are bad but sides are good, you can fill up on sides no problem. There have been many times where I’ve went through the food line once, finished my plate, then went back for only sides. Don’t get me wrong, you cant have a cook out without meats. Cant do it, but the sides are a huge factor. I would say a good cookout is weighed out 50% meats, 40% sides, and 10% drinks. That being said, here’s the Mount Rushmore of cook out sides:

 

POTATO SALAD: An absolute staple. I really dont care about the type of potato salad either. It could be Amish, loaded, redskin, american, mustard-based, or mayo-based. It will always have a spot on my flimsy paper plate and in my heart.

MACARONI SALAD: Similar to the potato salad, it really doesnt matter what variation of this salad is out there as long as it stays loyal to its roots. Macaroni salad can be deep, flavorful, and light all at the same time. If you can get a mayo-based macaroni salad and pair it with a mustard-based potato salad, you may as well be in Heaven.

COLESLAW: This one could take some heat because I know a decent contingent of people, some I would even call friends, that dont like coleslaw. I feel I speak for the sane Americans when I say it is a top tier side. Again, doesnt matter to me if its mayo-based or vinegar-based. I like it all. You can also get a little CRaZy with it and put the slaw on your burger.

CORN (ON THE COB): Any corn here is fine, but on the cob is the most dominant form. Throw some butter on there and youre cooking with absolute gas. The sweeter and juicier the better.  Pro tip: Sprinkle a little garlic salt on the corn after the butter. You wont regret it!

TOUGHEST CUTS: Baked Beans, Watermelon, Grapes, Grilled Veggies

Pistons Get High (Value), Start Euro-Tripping

BY: DALTON

I cant tell if I’m just not caring as much as I get older or what, but the reaction to the Pistons 1st round pick seemed exactly like the Lions 2nd round pick in their respective draft. A resounding “who?”. For the Lions it was a Hawaiian linebacker and for the Pistons its a French swing-man. Sekou Doumbouya is the newest Detroit Piston and after staring at my TV for 2 minutes trying to figure out how to pronounce his name, Twitter came through and told me that this was a really good pick. Obviously it wasn’t universal praise, you cant please everyone. Here was the positive line of thinking: It was a good pick because he is a top 10 talent, he is raw but should develop into something. The negative line of thinking was: He might bust and if he doesn’t, his window doesn’t fit with Blake and Andre’s.

I am not here to tell you how to think. If I were, they would call me the Emperor of Thought. Alas, all you simpletons have to form your own dumb ideas. But MY thoughts on it are on the positive side. Many analysts pegged him as a lottery talent and the Pistons themselves even said that they were surprised that Sekou was there at 15. Do I think that his timeline matches up with the current Piston’s core? No. Now, that’s not to say he takes some early jumps and become a legit player within a year or two. But, I do think he is athletic enough to help right away. I like that the front office was able to take one of the best players available, address a team need (wing length+depth), and still kept an eye towards the future. I do think Sekou can be a top 50 player in the league. He has the body, the athleticism, and, from all accounts, the drive to want to get better. For player comparisons, I would say his high side is Pascal Siakam and his low side is Stanley Johnson.

The Pistons also traded some picks and got another Euro, Deividas Sirvydis, then drafted former Tennessee point guard Jordan Bone. Deividas sounds like he is going to stay in Europe for another year to develop. The jury is still out, for me, on this pick. If he can come over and be a legitimate shooter, then its a hell of a pick. As for Bone, he was the 57th pick in the draft. If he can contribute at all in the NBA its a win.

DRAFT GRADES:

Sekou Doumbouya: B+

Deividas Sirvydis: N/A

Jordan Bone: B-

 

Obviously I am going to include highlight reels: