San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
CHANGING MINDS
Tagovailoa receives positive review as he prepares for pro day
NFL DRAFT
Eddie Brown’s latest Mock Draft comes after the combine has given us all a closer look.
Some thoughts in the aftermath of the NFL combine: The secret is out. Henry Ruggs is fast. Like really fast, but he’s so much more. He has reliable, large hands (measured at over 10 inches in Indy) — eat your heart out Joe Burrow. Plus, he’s a route technician. I’d be shocked if he falls outside of Top 15.
• Cincinnati is likely locked in on Burrow, but a healthy Tua Tagovailoa will wreak havoc on the Top 5 and force the Bengals to do their due dilligence.
• Jalen Hurts has done enough to warrant a day two selection as a developmental prospect ... at quarterback. I shouldn’t have to clarify this.
• The top four offensive linemen (Tristan Wirfs, Andrew Thomas, Jedrick Wills and Mekhi Becton) could all go in the Top 10 (more likely they’re all gone by the Jets pick at No. 11). No way any of them are available outside the Top 20.
• Isaiah Simmons is an alien. Here’s an updated version of my 2020 NFL Mock Draft, first round only. Three rounds are available online.
FIRST ROUND
1. Cincinnati (2-14) — Joe Burrow, QB, LSU, Sr.
His “tiny” hands likely won’t change anything (Patrick Mahomes’ hands are about the same size). It’s probably best not to overthink this if you’re the Bengals. Burrow just finished a silly statistical season, was an almost unanimous Heisman Trophy winner and led the Tigers to a national title. He’s very talented, but I don’t consider him on par with Andrew Luck, Peyton Manning or John Elway as a prospect coming out of college. Top needs: QB, OL, LB
2. Washington (3-13) — Chase Young, Edge, Ohio St., Jr.
The Redskins are certainly trying to raise interest in the quarterbacks, signaling they wouldn’t mind trading out of this spot if the price is right. Nothing has changed, Young is still the top prospect in this draft class. Top needs: OL, CB, LB
3. Detroit (3-12-1) — Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn, Sr.
It’s much more likely teams attempt to deal with the Lions to secure their quarterback of the future. Ideally, I believe GM Bob Quinn would prefer to deal with the Dolphins or Chargers. He could still land an elite prospect in Brown, Jeffrey Okudah or Isaiah Simmons while adding more draft capital. It would be an executive-of-the-year type move. Top needs: DL, DB, WR
4. N.Y. Giants (4-12) — Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio St., Jr.
GM Dave Gettleman would prefer to trade down (although he never has before in the first round). He has invested heavily in the offense since he arrived in 2018 and he’ll certainly address a mediocre offensive line this offseason, but the elite prospects that deserve to be drafted in the top five reside on the defensive side of the ball. Okudah would pair nicely with Deandre Baker. The consensus All-american is an elite athlete who has proven proficient in man coverage and is only scratching the surface of his potential. Top needs: OT, S, DL
5. Miami (5-11) — Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama, Jr. Tagovailoa aced his medical evaluations in Indy by all accounts. He expects to receive full medical clearance on Monday and will then begin preparing in earnest for his pro day on April 9. A healthy Tagovailoa compares favorably to Russell Wilson. Top needs: QB, OL, Edge
6. L.A. Chargers (5-11) — Jordan Love, QB, Utah St., Jr. Demand ALWAYS overrules supply when it comes to quarterbacks in the draft. According to The Athletic’s Daniel Popper, Love met with the Chargers in Indy. His arm talent and mobility is exactly what head coach Anthony Lynn wants in a quarterback. Top needs: OL, QB, RB
7. Carolina (5-11) — Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson, Jr. This almost makes too much sense after Luke Kuechly retired. The only defensive position Simmons is ill-equipped to play is nose tackle. He’s an athletic unicorn who can rush the passer, patrol sideline to sideline and make an impact in coverage. Top needs: OL, DB, DL
8. Arizona (5-10-1) — Ceedee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma, Jr.
The Cardinals extended D.J. Humphries (three years, $45 million) to guard Kyler Murray’s blindside, so GM Steve Keim can utilize this pick for more offensive weaponry. Murray’s former teammate with the Sooners has elite hands and ball skills (he’s special with the ball in the air). He can also contribute as a blocker. Top needs: OL, DL, DB
9. Jacksonville (6-10) — Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina, Sr.
The Jaguars plan to decline
All-pro defensive tackle Marcell Dareus’ option for the 2020 season, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, saving $20 million against the salary cap. Kinlaw has the potential to be a force against the pass and run at the next level. Top needs: DT, WR, LB
10. Cleveland (6-10) — Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa, Jr.
The Browns must upgrade their offensive line if Baker Mayfield has any hope of improving on a subpar sophomore campaign in the pros. Wirfs is the best pass protector in this class, and talented enough to play multiple positions on the line. His historic combine effort could catapult him as high as No. 4 overall to the Giants. Top needs: OT, S, LB
11. N.Y. Jets (7-9) — Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia, Jr. Thomas is an investment in the future of Sam Darnold. He’s a big, powerful, athletic lineman with springy footwork and quick hands who’s a dynamic closer in both the run and pass game. Top needs: OL, WR, Edge
12. Las Vegas (7-9) — Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama, Jr. Antonio Brown’s breakdown left a sizable hole in the Raiders’ depth chart at receiver. Jeudy is an upgrade and the crown jewel of what is shaping up to be a special 2020 class of receivers. Top needs: WR, LB, CB
13. Indianapolis (7-9) — Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon, Sr.
A quarterback is realistic here with the top two defensive tackles off the board. Herbert has all the physical attributes (prototypical size and elite arm talent) most coaches require, but consistency has been his bane. Still, his performance during Senior Bowl week and in Indy could catapult him into the top 10. Top needs: DT, WR, Edge
14. Tampa Bay (7-9) — Jedrick Wills, OL, Alabama, Jr.
The offensive line needs to be upgraded regardless if the
Buccaneers retain Jameis Winston or pursue Philip Rivers in free agency. Wills is a powerful player who is versatile enough to play guard and showed some serious growth his junior season. He only allowed one quarterback pressure in his last five games, according to Pro Football Focus. Top needs: QB, OL, DL
15. Denver (7-9) — Henry Ruggs, WR, Alabama, Jr. The speedster would pair perfectly with Courtland Sutton. Ruggs is pure electricity with the football in his hands. He scored 25 total touchdowns on 100 touches in his Crimson Tide career. Top needs: OL, DB, DL
16. Atlanta (7-9) — K’lavon Chaisson, Edge, LSU, Soph. The Falcons recently announced they wouldn’t pursue negotiations with their own free agent pass rusher, Vic Beasley. Chaisson features one of the highest upsides at any position in this draft class. He’s a natural speed rusher who is capable of dropping into coverage and can be an asset in defending the run. The one knock is his durability. Top needs: Edge, OG, LB
17. Dallas (8-8) — A.J. Epenesa, Edge, Iowa, Jr. Defensive ends Robert Quinn and Michael Bennett are both free agents. The AP All-american racked up 111 ⁄2 sacks and forced four fumbles despite facing persistent doubleteams all season. Top needs: S, DL, TE
18. Miami from Pittsburgh (8-8) — Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville, Jr.
The Dolphins feature the worst offensive line in the NFL. You can’t teach Becton’s size (6-7, 369) and he’s surprisingly nimble, especially as a run blocker. Top needs: QB, OL, Edge
19. Las Vegas from Chicago (8-8) — Patrick Queen, LB, LSU, Jr.
The Raiders find a quarterback for their defense. Queen is a three-down, sideline-to-sideline terror with an elite football mind. Top needs: WR, LB, CB
20. Jacksonville from L.A.
Rams (9-7) — C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida, Jr.
The Jaguars will seek a replacement for All-pro Jalen Ramsey (Tre Herndon certainly isn’t). It’s nitpicking to say Henderson is a shy tackler in the run game. Shutdown corners aren’t charged with shutting down running backs. They’re supposed to shut down wide receivers and Henderson has no problem doing that. Top needs: DT, WR, LB
21. Philadelphia (9-7) — Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU, Jr. The Eagles’ wide receiver corps is in shambles. The inconsistent Nelson Agholor faces free agency while Desean Jackson isn’t getting any younger (or healthier). A surprising 4.43 40-yard dash in Indy likely helped Jefferson’s draft stock. Top needs: WR, DB, LB
22. Buffalo (10-6) — Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson, Jr. Higgins adds a dimension to the Bills offense it currently doesn’t possess. He is a bigplay machine with elite size (6-foot-4, 216 pounds) and speed. He has an “above the rim” mentality as a former basketball player and would be a steal this low in the first round. Top needs: WR, OG, LB
23. New England (12-4) — Xavier Mckinney, S, Alabama, Jr.
Devin Mccourty is a free agent, the injuries are starting to mount for Patrick Chung, and Duron Harmon has one year left on his contract. Mckinney is an elite athlete with prototypical size (6-0, 201) who can play every position in the defensive backfield. Top needs: TE, OG, LB
24. New Orleans (13-3) — Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona St., Sr.
Michael Thomas is in desperate need of a sidekick and Drew Brees is returning for his 20th season. Aiyuk is a playmaker capable of scoring from anywhere on the football field. His addition would make the Saints’ offense lethal. Top needs: WR, LB, OG
25. Minnesota (10-6) —
Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU, Sr. Trae Waynes is an unrestricted free agent, and something is clearly wrong with Xavier Rhodes. Fulton is an elite athlete who was the top cornerback prospect coming out of high school in 2016, and has lived up to the hype (for the most part). Top needs: CB, OG, WR
26. Miami from Houston (10-6) — Jonathan Taylor, RB Wisconsin, Jr.
The Dolphins backfield was a mess all year. A quarterback (Ryan Fitzpatrick) led them in rushing yards (243) and rushing touchdowns (four) while a wide receiver (Albert Wilson) had their longest rush from scrimmage (28 yards). Taylor’s 4.39 40-yard dash in Indy reminded everyone he was an elite athlete on top of the elite production he’s known for. Top needs: QB, OL, Edge
27. Seattle (11-5) — Yetur Gross-matos, Edge, Penn St., Jr.
The Seahawks need an edge rusher who can take advantage of Jadeveon Clowney’s presence, assuming he returns. Gross-matos needs to add some strength to his frame, but he’s a gifted pass rusher with elite athleticism and a nose for the ball. Top needs: Edge, OL, TE
28. Baltimore (14-2) — Terrell Lewis, Edge, Alabama, Jr. One of the Ravens key priorities is boosting their pass rush (their 37 sacks ranked 21st in the NFL). Lewis showcased an impressive power/ speed combo in Mobile during Senior Bowl week. Top needs: Edge, LB, WR
29. Tennessee (9-7) — Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama, Sr. Logan Ryan is a free agent and Malcolm Butler is a cut candidate, leaving Adoree Jackson as the only cornerback worthy of starting on the roster. Diggs (Stefon’s little brother) is still raw, but he features elite size (6-1, 205 pounds) and a physicality that burdens receivers. Top needs: Edge, OT, RB
30. Green Bay (13-3) — Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma, Jr.
The Packers’ run defense obviously must improve if they hope to return to the conference championship. Murray is an explosive athlete who has developed elite instincts during his three seasons in Norman. Top needs: WR, LB, OT
31. San Francisco (13-3) — Cesar Ruiz, OL, Michigan, Jr. The 49ers likely will trade this pick to the highest bidder, considering they won’t be on the clock again until the fifth round. If they stand pat, the interior offensive line overperformed for the bulk of last season, but failed to contain Chris Jones in the Super Bowl. Ruiz is an upgrade at center or guard. Top needs: OL, DB, WR
32. Kansas City (12-4) — A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson, Jr. Both Beshaud Breeland and Kendall Fuller are set to become free agents. Terrell’s performance in Indy made up for his poor performance against LSU in the title game. Top needs: CB, RB, OG