We need to start talking about Joe Burrow as a first-round pick. Seriously.Â
He did not look draftable last season. This year, he looks poised inside the pocket and has been very accurate. Burrow landing in the Top 15 is not out of the question. And I think the Titans would be a perfect match for the LSU quarterback.Â
You might notice the Dolphins don't have the first pick in the draft order below because it is based on strength of schedule, but Miami does have two picks in a row after dealing Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Steelers for their first-rounder. Position rankings are based on preseason evaluations.
Now, to the picks.
NFL Mock Draft
Round 1
Round 1 - Pick 1
Thomas is an experienced, athletic, and powerful left tackle who will significantly help the Jets get the most out of Sam Darnold.
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Round 1 - Pick 2
The Bengals have to turn the page at quarterback. Tua Tagovailoa would be a really nice fit in Zac Taylor's offense.
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Round 1 - Pick 3
This is one of the goals for Miami. Get a franchise quarterback. Herbert has all the ability to be that type, and he had a good outing against Stanford over the weekend on the road.
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 From
Pittsburgh Steelers
Round 1 - Pick 4
A top quarterback prospect and the premier edge rusher in the class. Ideal start for the Dolphins in this draft.
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Round 1 - Pick 5
Wilson was a big recruit who had made his mark as a run stuffer early in his Florida State career but has looked unstoppable as a pass rusher this season. The Broncos clearly need more pass-rushing help up front -- especially on the inside.
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Round 1 - Pick 6
Jeudy doesn't have Julio Jones size, but the rest of his game makes him an elite receiver prospect at this point in time. Acceleration, awesome releases, sharp route-running, plus yards-after-the-catch skills. Perfect addition for Dwayne Haskins.
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Round 1 - Pick 7
Hall has the size, enough athleticism, and the outstanding ball skills to lock down No. 1 receivers at the NFL level. He's exactly what the Cardinals need.
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Round 1 - Pick 8
After last season, I wanted to see improvement as a pass blocker from the mighty Wirfs, and he's gotten better in that area through three weeks. He'd be an instant upgrade at left or right tackle for the Browns.
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Round 1 - Pick 9
Delpit needs to improve his tackling reliability, but his instincts and athleticism are of first-round caliber right now.
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Round 1 - Pick 10
Simmons is the prototype for the modern day linebacker. He's long, has safety-type coverage skills, and exudes athleticism. The Raiders defense still needs a variety of pieces.
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Round 1 - Pick 11
Lamb is arguably the most complete receiver prospect in this class and brings some flash too. The Chargers would be trying to squeeze as much of the Philip Rivers era with this selection.
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Round 1 - Pick 12
Burrow has looked like a completely different passer this season as compared to how he played last year. He's calm, cool, and collected inside the pocket and has thrown with great accuracy and timing.
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Round 1 - Pick 13
The Falcons go edge rusher in Round 1 once again. It's still a big need. Weaver is one of the most refined and explosive pass rushers in college football.
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Round 1 - Pick 14
Fulton is a lockdown, man-to-man corner with super-springy feet and the awareness to consistently make plays on the football. He's the young, No. 1 cornerback the Giants will need in 2020 and beyond.
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Round 1 - Pick 15
Same pick as last week. Taylor is kinda/sorta Saquon-ish -- yes, really -- with a tremendous blend of size and speed, and he can make defenders miss in tight quarters.
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Round 1 - Pick 16
Diggs is a fun specimen at well over 6-0 with the athleticism of a much smaller corner, and he plays with a nasty demeanor. Carolina needs an infusion of top-end talent in its secondary.
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Round 1 - Pick 17
The Eagles could use more depth on the edge of their defensive line. Epenesa is a menacing defensive linemen at around 6-5 and 277 pounds and is just scratching the surface as a quality football player.
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 From
Chicago Bears
Round 1 - Pick 18
Justyn Ross went into the season with loads of hype as Clemson's alpha receiver after his outrageous national title game performance as a freshman, but Higgins has been the Tigers' most reliable receiver through three games. How about another wideout for the Raiders as they move to Las Vegas.
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Round 1 - Pick 19
The Seahawks could use a rangy center fielder at safety again in their defense. Davis has awesome speed to the sidelines from the deep middle.
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Round 1 - Pick 20
The Vikings need another wideout beyond Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs. Shenault is an electric yards-after-the-catch receiver because he has the smooth athleticism to make defenders miss, and he's a load to bring to the turf at 220-plus pounds.
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Round 1 - Pick 21
Have you seen Ruggs run? He's stupid fast. He has scores from 74 yards, 75 yards, and 81 yards already this season. He's going in Round 1. The Colts may have a quarterback Jacoby Brissett but need another receiver.
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Round 1 - Pick 22
The Ravens have some nice young pieces on offense but could use some youth on the blocking unit. Throckmorton can play any spot up front.
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Round 1 - Pick 23
Kinlaw looks like a defensive lineman who'll quickly acclimate to the pro game because he can play a variety of spots on the defensive line and has a high-motor, and is a decently refined pass rusher. The Saints need more push from the inside.
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Round 1 - Pick 24
How about another speedster in Detroit to accentuate Matthew Stafford's arm? Wallace flies.
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 From
Houston Texans
Round 1 - Pick 25
Smith has the talent to be an All-Pro at the left tackle position. The Dolphins have to address the offensive line.
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Round 1 - Pick 26
Same pick as a week ago. Reed has the length and range to be a legit playmaker in New England.
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Round 1 - Pick 27
The 49ers look super-efficient on offense and more cornerback depth would be very beneficial. Okudah is as dynamic of a mover as it gets at the college level.
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Round 1 - Pick 28
The Cowboys have an assortment of young talent in their secondary yet may need to replace Byron Jones next offseason.
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Round 1 - Pick 29
Buffalo needs more young talent on the edge. Okwara has NFL-caliber strength right now on the outside of Notre Dame's defensive line. His length will appeal to coaches too.
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Round 1 - Pick 30
Interestingly, Leatherwood has looked better at left tackle this season than he did on the right side a season ago. He's a former top recruit, so you know the inherent talent is there.
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Round 1 - Pick 31
Kansas City's secondary needs major work. Bassey is always around the football thanks to twitchiness, awareness, and ball skills.
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Round 1 - Pick 32
How about a young tight end duo of Jace Sternberger and Breeland in Green Bay? The latter has been the go-to target for Herbert early this season.
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