Bengals – Joe Burrow, QB, LSU – slam dunk for the Bengals. No question that he will mesh well with Zac Taylor and the former Norman Tiger will be able to get the most out of the LSU alum. Doesn’t hurt either that Burrow is an Ohio kid and beyond winning the Heisman will be a huge draw for the Bengals. Will be interesting to see what the Bengals do with Andy Dalton.
Redskins – Chase Young, DE, Ohio State – The best defensive player in the draft is a new toy for defensive minded head coach Ron Rivera. Add to the mix that Jack Del Rio has jumped on board as the new Defensive Coordinator and they will scheme to get the most out of Young at the next level. Will be interesting to see what the offers might look like for this pick IF the Tua market heats up.
Lions – Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State – I still laugh at the question from the combine when someone mentioned about Okudah being sloppy. Guy is a complete corner back and will be a day one starter for the Lions to replace Darius Slay.
NY Giants – Isiah Simmons, LB, Clemson – Seems like the Giants historically have loved drafting offensive lineman, but David Gettleman has not. Gettleman has NEVER drafted an offensive lineman in the first round and loves to try and find value, or as he calls them Hog Mollies, in later round offensive linemen.
Dolphins – Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama – The rumors are running rampant that the Dolphins would rather have Herbert due to health concerns with Tua. But a dream scenario plays out where both are available, and the Dolphins choose Tua.
LA Chargers – Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon – I’ve struggled with this because I personally believe that if the Chargers pass on a quarterback here then you might have a mighty tumble for Herbert or Love. The Chargers are in “win now” mode with so many potential free agents at the end of the season but the possibility of adding a franchise quarterback could outweigh shoring up the offensive line problems.
Panthers – Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn – I’m a big believer that there could be a surprise here. With the retirement of Luke Kuechly, it would nor shock me to see the Panthers move down or even draft a linebacker that is not projected to go in the top ten. But in this instance, a true game changing interior defender is hard to pass on.
Cardinals – Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa – Great spot to start seeing skill players come off the board to continue to build the offense around Kyler Murray. But, as enticing as a Jeudy or Lamb may be here the Cardinals play it safe in building the offensive line to protect QB1.
Jaguars – CJ Henderson, CB, Florida – Henderson has been shooting up draft boards. I think Kinlaw could be a possibility here or even a Jordan Love if the Jags want to go with a quarterback.
Browns – Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama – The Browns have had an incredible off season with Kevin Stefanski taking over as head coach and a solid free agent haul including Right Tackle Jack Conklin. Wills provides an anchor on the left side to protect Baker Mayfield.
Jets – CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma – Many have projected the Jets to take an offensive lineman here and Mekhi Becton might be hard to pass on. But the Jets are desperate for playmakers
Raiders – Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
49ers – Henry Ruggs, WR, Alabama
Buccaneers – Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
Broncos – Denzel Mimms, WR, Baylor
Falcons – Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
Cowboys – Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma – The Cowboys could go with Chaisson here as they are in need of an edge rusher. But the fit with Kenneth and his leadership will work perfectly with new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan. Nolan wants to be more diverse in what he does defensively, and the versatility of Murray is to enticing for the Cowboys to pass up.