Marc Reilly’s NFL Mock Draft 1.0

If you have not noticed by now, we are living in a freakin bizzaro world. People are being forced to stay inside and actually bond with friends or family. Toilet paper is a top prospect in all Mock Drafts right now with Lysol in a close second. Sports do not exist and people are betting on the stock market, which is just being a real asshole. If you ask a normal person how they are all handling this (Covid 19), they would say terribly and it sucks. Luckily for us draft nerds this is the best time of year. Not to mention NFL Free Agency was and is still booming. We got burner Adam Schefter twitter accounts dropping fake news like its hot. Oh yeah and the NFL Draft is still on. 

The combine has come and gone just like it always does which means “takes” become hotter and hotter by the day. Henry Ruggs runs a 4.27 forty yard dash which makes him the best receiver in the draft; which then in turn makes him over-hyped so let’s put him low on our top receivers list because why not. Jordan Love may be the most “loved” (pun absolutely intended) quarterback at a combine since the man with the Rocket Arm himself, Josh Allen. We grow up hating fractions with a passion, but then bring out our rulers and protractors to measure someone’s hand down to the eighth of an inch.

With all of this being said, how can you not love the Combine and the NFL Draft as a whole? Everyone is an expert and is in the brain of all 32 GMs & Jerry Jones. The chances of mock drafts being correct are slim to none. Does that mean they are dumb, stupid, a waste of time??? Absolutely not! They are still fun and get the juices flowing because nothing gets a fan base more wound up than blind potential, which all of these top players bring to the table.

Joe Burrow, QB – LSU

This man is the definition of 0-100 real quick. I went from thinking he was some bum that was just a tough player, to an absolute stud that has more confidence than any other human being on the planet. It is a shame he is going to Cincy, but hey maybe the “Real Tiger King” will actually turn this franchise around. I do know one thing, college football will miss Joe Burreaux.

“Geaux Bengals”

Chase Young, EDGE – Ohio State

As much as this pains me to have the Redskins select Young, it is a must pick. This guy is far and away the best talent in this draft. He would go one if QB’s were not the main focus of a franchise. All I have say is…

Dear Dan Snyder,

Please mess this up or do not draft Chase Young.

Sincerely,

Eagles Fans

Jeffery Okudah, CB – Ohio State

The Ohio State University comes out firing with 2 out of the first 3 picks. Okudah is almost too perfect of a fit with the Lions. They need help at Corner and just lost Darius Slay to the Eagles. Coach Patricia very well could trade back here if a team wants to jump up and grab a QB, but this pick seems most likely if Young goes to the Skins before them. 

Tristan Wirfs, OT – Iowa

Dave Gettleman is a mystery man when it comes to GM’s. For a guy that loves to talk to the media, you never quite know what he is doing. Many “experts” have LB Isaiah Simmons going here, but I feel that this team wants to make protecting Danny Dimes a top priority which is why they draft a guy like Wirfs.

Tua Tagovaila, QB – Alabama

Talk about a roller coaster of a ride for Tua. This kid went from winning a National Championship in one half of football, to getting spanked by Trevor Lawrence, to losing a hip. Tanking for Tua came and went, but the fins still find a way to land “their guy” which seems more media driven than team. IF he can stay healthy this could be a very great draft pick for years to come.

Justin Herbert, QB – Oregon

Rivers, Brady, and Cam are all not the quarterback of the Chargers (as of now). They went with Tyrod Taylor who seems to be a career bridge guy. He is not the future and this draft class is loaded. The Chargers end up with Herbert or Tua, just depends who goes first.

Isaiah Simmons, LB – Clemson

Out with the old, in with the new. Luke Kuechly just retired which means the defense has no leader. Simmons has not only the athletic ability and skill to fill the hole in the Panther’s defense, but the leadership as well. He led one of the best defenses in College Football the past few years and will make new Head Coach, Matt Rhule and the Carolina Panthers very happy heading into next season.

Mekhi Becton, OT – Louisville

Here is your classic case of combine bias. Now I am not saying Becton isn’t very talented and deserving of this pick, but he is raw. His potential is great which is why the Cardinals are willing to draft him here to protect Kyler Murray for years to come. Kingsbury and his fast offense need athletic lineman, and Becton’s 5.11 forty time at 6’7″ weighing 369 lbs. is as athletic as it gets.

Derrick Brown, IDL – Auburn

Speaking of big boys, Derrick Brown is as big as you’re going to get. This is a man among boys. Brown was not talked about as much as he should have been during the season. If you watch his tape, he as explosive as one can be at his size. He is elite in the interior and will fit right in with the rotating defensive line talent in Jacksonville produces from year to year. 

Jedrick Wills, OT – Alabama

Baker Mayfield has plenty of weapons but needs more time. Wills out of Alabama should help protect their franchise QB. This will not be a popular pick by any means, but it is what Cleveland needs. They already have their athletes and personalities, now they need big boys on the line to help protect Baker.

CeeDee Lamb, WR – Oklahoma

Sam Darnold finally gets the receiver he has always wanted. CeeDee Lamb is an extreme talent at wide receiver that should help this Jets offense immensely. Chaisson out of LSU could have been the move here, but Adam Gase makes the decision to go with offense here instead. 

Jerry Jeudy, WR – Alabama

As much as I wanted Jon Gruden to have to say “Man I love that CeeDee Lamb kid,” the Jets loved him more. Instead the Raider get their second chance at Amari Cooper. Jeudy is fast, runs clean routes, oh yeah and he can catch the ball. Whoever is slinging the pigskin for the Raiders next year whether it is Carr or Mariota will be happy with the pick.

C.J. Henderson, CB – Florida

John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan somehow find themselves back in the top 15 of this draft. It works out for them because they need help in the secondary and Henderson out of Florida should do just that.

Andrew Thomas, OT – Georgia

Tom Brady is not on the Patriots. Tom Brady is on the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay’s O-Line stinks. Andrew Thomas did not stink at Georgia. The Buc’s draft Andrew Thomas because they have Tom Brady now and they need their O-Line to not stink. That is all.

Henry Ruggs III, WR – Alabama

Here is another Combine Superstar whose draft stock raised because he ran the fastest 40 in the combine (4.27). Yes I think Ruggs is talented, but I am worried his 40 time will give him too high of expectations. Either way John Elway falls for his speed and pairs him with a bigger receiver in Courtland Sutton. Drew Lock is the guy now, and he should be happy to have those two weapons to start his career. 

K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE – LSU

THIS PICK SCREAMS DAN QUINN.Something about a long and fast athlete coming off the edge makes Dan Quinn smile. Chaisson fits the mold of Deion Jones, Vic Beasley, Tak McKinnley and so on. Maybe this one will be THE one, not knocking any of the guys listed above. They have had a few good years, but this pick needs to work for more than a few years for Dan Quinn to keep his job after this season.

Grant Delpit, S – LSU

I do not know why, but this pick also just seems like a lock. Delpit just brings that edge and personality that the Cowboys need. The Cowboys depth at the top of the defense is weak other than Jeff Heath who is a great player but very injury prone. This might not be the move, but I just have this weird gut feeling that it is gonna happen. 

Xavier McKinney, S – Alabama

With Delpit going the pick before, Brian Flores and the Dolphins are not missing on this one. They already moved on from Minkah Fitzpatrick (still no idea why) and this is their second chance at it. Another shot at a Saban made safety who should help this rebuilding Fins defense. 

Javon Kinlaw, IDL – South Carolina

There goes that bad man! Kinlaw will go from homeless -> college stud -> NFL superstar. This young man was born to play football and Mayock and Gruden will be happy to have him. Watch out for this Raiders team for years to come. That D-Line is turning into something real.

“Knock on wood if you’re with me!”

Kristian Fulton, CB – LSU

Jalen Ramsey & A.J. Bouye are both out. This secondary needs more help than anything else. Fulton should do just that as he is all about man coverage and not scared to face any receiver. Doug Marrone  and the rest of the Jags organization will like this kid out of LSU.

Justin Jefferson, WR – LSU

You would think LSU was the best team in the country last year with all of this talent going in the first round… oh wait. As an Eagles fan, I am not sold on Jefferson. That being said they need a guy of his size and speed to help Wentz and a fully depleted receiving core. I am sure he will not be the only receiver they take in this draft. 

Jeff Gladney, CB – TCU

Head ball coach Mike Zimmer is obviously defense through and through. They need plenty of help in the secondary and Gladney should fit the mold. Let alone he already wore purple in college so he is a natural. 

Jordan Love, QB – Utah State

I hate this pick so much because I love it.This pick is what mock drafts are all about. Do I think it is actually going to happen? No. Does make sense because Love is a mobile quarterback that also has a good arm? Yes.  He threw plenty of INT’s last year, but the Patrick Mahomes comparisons just make one think that Belichick would take that risk. Even though this is not a Patriots move at all. 

Patrick Queen, LB – LSU

The Saints just signed Drew Brees for two more years. They got their QB on offense taken care of, now they take care of it on defense. Queen is one of those guys that benefits from film. He was not talked about much during this season as he is now as the draft approaches. I think Saints fans will be happy with this pick.

Tee Higgins, WR – Clemson

One of my favorite under the radar players in this draft. I am a big fan of Tee Higgins. One, his name just has that superstar ring to it. Two, he is a great size along with good speed. Not to mention he has great hands as well. He should help replace the missing link that Stefon Diggs left. 

Josh Jones, OT – Houston

This pick could come off a little as a reach. The Dolphins need help on the O-Line especially at tackle. Jones has so much potential but needs to work on his footwork and consistency. Could easily see the dolphins going in a different direction if they are not willing to make this pick. With that being said, protecting Tua will be their main priority.

Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE – Penn State

Heart, grit, and determination is what this player brings to the table. I just see Pete Carrol falling in love with this player and all he brings to the table. With Clowney coming back up in the air, this pick seems to make the most sense at the moment.

Kenneth Murray, LB – Oklahoma

Murray is one of those players that just makes me so mad. He is a freak of an athlete that just doesn’t play to his full potential, in my opinion that is. I have seen a lot of tape where he comes off the edge and gives up on a play. With all of this being said, he does have all of this potential. The real question is if the Ravens believe they can turn him into the top talent he can really be. 

A.J. Epenesa, EDGE – Iowa

This entire class is full of massive human beings and Epenesa is another one of them. His draft stock has fallen after his lack luster 2019 campaign, but that doesn’t mean Mike Vrabel isn’t going to take a chance on him. The Titans need help on the Edge and could possibly get a steal here. 

Laviska Shenault Jr., WR – Colorado

Trying to figure out where this guy is going is about as hard as pronouncing his name. At one moment he is a top receiver, then the combine happens and he is now out of the top 5. He has a great build and speed for an Aaron Rodgers led offense. It really all depends on how well he runs routes and catches the ball. As dumb as that sounds, that is all Rodgers should need to be successful. 

Cesar Ruiz, IOL – Michigan

LOCK OF THE CENTURY!Not really, but this Niners O-Line could use help in the middle and Ruiz is the best bet at this pick. They could go receiver here or even Corner again, it just seemed to me they want to help protect Jimmy G, and Ruiz is the best available at his position.

D’Andre Swift, RB – Georgia 

There are a few reasons why I chose Swift to the Chiefs here. 

1. Mahomes with a shifty quick back by his side other than Damien Williams would be lethal
2. There was no Running Backs off the board and that is just no fun.
3. I don’t have a 3rd reason other than Swift is one of the best backs in this loaded class.

The End

And that is all she wrote! I hope you enjoyed my first Mock Draft of the season. Felt a little late if you ask me but if there was any time to work on it, now sadly would be that time. I will make some more mocks and even top 5 rankings at each position as we get closer to the draft, but in the meantime stay safe and at home. Draft season will save us I promise. If you somehow disagreed with any of my picks don’t be shy to comment or reach out to me via twitter @ BellyUpReilly.

#HailWV #GoBirds