1) Cincinnati Bengals -- Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
No surprises here - barring a desperate team offering their entire roster for this pick. Joe Burrow to Cincinnati is essentially a done deal by now and the Bengals will gladly take the reigning Heisman winner and National Champion quarterback to replace Andy Dalton. There aren’t many holes in Burrow’s game after he put up an historic 2019 season, and he should step into a starting role from Day 1. It will be intriguing to see how good this Cincinnati offense can be with Burrow playing alongside A.J. Green, Joe Mixon and Tyler Boyd in Zac Taylor’s scheme.
2) Washington Redskins -- Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State
There’s a small chance the Redskins opt to trade down or go with Justin Herbert or Tua Tagovailoa, but they would be dumb to pass on the most talented player in this draft. Then again, it is the Redskins we’re talking about. Defensive line is not necessarily a position of need for Washington, but Chase Young will look even more valuable a year from now when Pro Bowl edge rusher Ryan Kerrigan is likely gone with this being the final year of his contract at age 32. If Young is the pick here, that means the Redskins will have spent four 1st round picks on defensive linemen in each of the last four seasons.
3) *TRADE UP* Los Angeles Chargers (from DET) -- Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
Detroit could stay in this spot, but chances are a team will make an offer they can’t ignore - and it’s the Chargers, who move up from the 6th pick. Los Angeles makes the move to ensure they get Tua Tagovailoa before the Dolphins have the chance - or any other team trades ahead of both. There’s no denying how talented Tua is as a passer and QB prospect, but the big worry with him comes down to his serious hip injury that has some NFL franchises staying away since they couldn’t evaluate him in person over this last month. The Chargers, though, have Tyrod Taylor as their starter and can afford to have Tua sit for at least half the season. By 2021, though, he’ll be LAC’s new franchise QB with Philip Rivers gone.
4) New York Giants -- Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
GM Dave Gettlemen ignores all the trade offers coming in before taking one of the top offensive tackles in the draft. In the end, it’s the right decision to prioritize protecting franchise QB Daniel Jones despite the Giants’ defense having some big holes. Tristan Wirfs played right tackle at Iowa and he would slot right in at that position for New York, opposite of Nate Solder on the starting line. Wirfs could also be the eventual successor to Solder on the left side as Jones’ blind-side protector in the long term.
5) Miami Dolphins -- Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
Two of the biggest questions in this draft is what Miami does with its three 1st round picks and whether one of those is used to find their next franchise QB. This pick should either be Tua Tagovailoa or Justin Herbert - but their decision is made for them once the Chargers move ahead to select Tua. The Dolphins go with Herbert by default and there’s a chance he wins over the starting quarterback job from incumbent Ryan Fitzpatrick in his rookie season.
6) *TRADE DOWN* Detroit Lions (from LAC) -- Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State
In a trade with Los Angeles, the Lions move down a few picks but still draft the player they wanted at #3 overall. Detroit desperately needs help in the secondary after finishing dead last in passing defense in 2019 and then trading away Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay back in March. Snagging a shutdown corner like Ohio State’s Jeff Okudah would fill a massive position of need for the Lions’ defense. It’s a win-win scenario as they receive some additional draft capital by moving down while still getting the premier cornerback in this class.
7) *TRADE UP* Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from CAR) -- Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
The Bucs won the Tom Brady sweepstakes and they should instantly prioritize protecting their 42-year-old quarterback if they want to make the playoffs. This team has to be in win-now mode and they prove it by trading up to select one of the best offensive tackles in the draft. Tampa Bay has a big hole at right tackle with last year’s starter Demar Dotson currently unsigned. Jedrick Wills would be the starter on the right side of the line just as he did at Alabama for the last two years. Wills and the other top tackles in this draft will likely be gone by the time Tampa is on the clock at #14 overall - so trading up is something they need to seriously consider.
8) Arizona Cardinals -- Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
The Cardinals have a few different positions of need but - like the New York Giants - this team needs to spend an early pick on bolstering their offensive line to protect the franchise QB. Arizona’s O-line was one of the worst in the league last year and this front office will need to keep Kyler Murray healthy and upright if they want him to develop into a true stud QB. The Cardinals recently locked up left tackle D.J. Humphries to a new three-year contract, but bringing in Andrew Thomas to play right tackle would solidify the other side of the line. Thomas was Georgia’s starting left tackle the last two seasons but he can easily move back to the right side where he started all 15 games as a freshman for the Bulldogs.
9) Jacksonville Jaguars -- Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
The Jaguars’ defensive line has a ton of holes in it and they definitely need to spend one of their two 1st round picks on that position. Jacksonville not only parted ways with Calais Campbell and Marcell Dareus this offseason, but Yannick Ngakoue could also be on the move as he’s at the center of trade rumors right now. Derrick Brown would be a huge addition to a unit that could lose three starters in one offseason after finishing as the NFL’s fifth-worst run defense. At Auburn, Brown was a three-year starter on the D-line and primarily lined up as the nose tackle but has the versatility and athleticism to be a pass-rushing defensive lineman - much like Aaron Donald or Fletcher Cox have transitioned at the next level.
10) *TRADE UP* Minnesota Vikings (from CLE) -- CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
After losing Stefon Diggs to Buffalo this offseason, the Vikings use their #22 overall pick to trade up and ensure they have their pick of the litter at WR in this draft. Minnesota needs game-breaking speed and a receiver who can stretch the field to replace Diggs’ production - and Oklahoma’s CeeDee Lamb provides just that. Lamb would instantly move up everyone’s fantasy football rankings because of a starting opportunity opposite of Adam Thielen. That is before we all remember why Diggs wanted out - Kirk Cousins is the one throwing him passes with Thielen being Cousins’ clear favorite target.
11) New York Jets -- Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
Mekhi Becton reportedly failed a drug test at the NFL Combine and it could cause him to fall down some teams’ draft boards. Not the Jets, though, who are ecstatic to take arguably the best offensive tackle in this class to provide some protection for their own franchise QB. New York allowed the league’s fourth-most sacks last year and adding Becton to that O-line could go a long way for Sam Darnold’s development. At 6-foot-7 and 364 pounds, Becton is physically dominant and he has legit experience after playing both left and right tackle in his three years as a starter for Louisville.
12) Las Vegas Raiders -- Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
A year after the Antonio Brown disaster, the Raiders are in need of a WR1 to give Derek Carr some offensive help. With CeeDee Lamb off the board, Jerry Jeudy is the best WR available and he deserves to be drafted as the first or second pass-catcher. The Raiders’ decision-making duo of Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden are ecstatic to get a guy who will make this offense more flashy and nationally recognized - especially now that the team has moved to Vegas. The real winner here is Carr, though, who now gets someone other than Darren Waller to throw to.
13) San Francisco 49ers (from IND) -- Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina
The 49ers received this pick from the Colts in the DeForest Buckner trade and they use it to draft his replacement on the defensive line. As a three-year starter at South Carolina, Javon Kinlaw lined up as a true defensive tackle in a four-man front - essentially the same role that Buckner played last year for San Francisco. While he saw constant double teams in college, Kinlaw would benefit greatly from playing in an already-talented defensive line that would make the transition smoother. The Niners seem to realize that good teams are built from the line out - and they stay committed to that philosophy by bringing in a younger, cheaper defensive tackle to replace Buckner.
14) *TRADE DOWN* Carolina Panthers (from TB) -- Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson
The Panthers had a feeling that Isaiah Simmons would be there later, so they trade down from #7 overall to #14 and still take the player they wanted all along - while adding some valuable draft capital in the process. Luke Keuchly’s early retirement left a big hole at inside linebacker and Simmons will act as his instant replacement in the middle of Carolina’s D. Simmons was a Swiss Army knife for Clemson’s top-tier defense, playing a hybrid position with responsibilities of a linebacker, safety and cornerback. He has the ability to stop the run, cover receivers of all sizes and blitz the quarterback from different spots - a true every-down playmaker who will do his best to replicate Keuchly’s role.
15) Denver Broncos -- Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
The Broncos are yet another team who should use their 1st round pick on someone who can help develop a franchise QB. The offensive line could use some reinforcements, but Drew Lock needs proven pass-catchers at his disposal and we can bank on GM John Elway snagging a top WR at this spot. With Lamb and Jeudy gone, Henry Ruggs is the top receiver available - and some teams may even have Ruggs as the top overall wideout in this draft. As a smaller possession receiver, Ruggs would complement Courtland Sutton nicely as the top targets for Lock in his first full season as the starting QB.
16) Atlanta Falcons -- C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida
After parting ways with Desmond Trufant this offseason, the Falcons have a need in the secondary and they address it by selecting one of the best corners in the draft. Some teams might view C.J. Henderson as a better prospect than Ohio State’s Jeff Okudah - and the Florida product is definitely battle-tested after being a three-year collegiate starter facing some talented SEC wideouts. Atlanta’s offense has plenty of firepower but it’s the defense that has to be the focus with this pick - and why not take Trufant’s replacement in the defensive backfield.
17) Dallas Cowboys -- K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, LSU
For some reason, Cowboys fans want their team to take a WR with this pick - but that should not be the priority in the 1st round with Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup providing more than enough production at that position. Instead, Dallas needs help on defense and especially at the edge rusher spot with Robert Quinn gone. Outside of Chase Young, K’Lavon Chaisson is the next-best pass-rusher in this draft class and he would be an ideal fit to play opposite DeMarcus Lawrence on the Cowboys’ defensive line.
18) Miami Dolphins (from PIT) -- Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama
The Dolphins received this additional first round pick from Pittsburgh in the Minkah Fitzpatrick trade last season - and they use it to draft his replacement at safety. Alabama’s Xavier McKinney is the top pure safety prospect in this class and he would help sure up a Miami defense that was one of the league’s worst at defending the pass in 2019. McKinney led the Crimson Tide in tackles last year as a first team All-SEC performer - and how ironic would it be for Miami to select a safety from ‘Bama to replace Fitzpatrick, who also played for the Tide.
19) Las Vegas Raiders (from CHI) -- A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson
The Raiders have a ton of positions of need and they use their second 1st round pick to address another one. The Vegas secondary definitely needs help after the defense finished 25th in passing yards allowed in 2019, and their free-agent deal with corner Eli Apple fell through. Getting A.J. Terrell here would give the Raiders two Clemson products in their secondary with second-year pro Trayvon Mullen manning the other corner position. It’s no secret that Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden have an affinity for the stalwart Clemson defense - after drafting both Mullen and Tigers’ defensive end Clelin Ferrell last year - and Terrell makes sense to join that young defensive core.
20) Jacksonville Jaguars (from LAR) -- Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
The Jaguars made the conscious decision this offseason to continue with Gardner Minshew as their quarterback of the future - and giving him another receiving weapon would be more proof to that trend. What, trading Nick Foles away wasn’t enough? Justin Jefferson would join DJ Chark as another former LSU wideout for Minshew to throw to - and Jefferson would bring a different, better skillset to the table than Dede Westbrook, Marqise Lee, Chris Conley and Keelan Cole. It’s possible the Jags could trade down from this spot if they receive a good offer - but they would gladly take Jefferson if he’s still there.
21) Philadelphia Eagles -- Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
Every Eagles fan wants to see a wide receiver at this spot, but Philly is forced to pivot draft strategies when the top four WR prospects go off the board - especially Justin Jefferson the pick prior. Instead, they fill a position of need while also taking the best player available with one of the top inside linebackers in this class. Kenneth Murray would give Philadelphia a dynamic playmaker for the middle of a defense that’s been looking for a legit inside backer for years. The Eagles can afford to go with Murray here and then address WR in the second round as this is one of the deepest receiver drafts in a while.
22) *TRADE DOWN* Cleveland Browns (from MIN) -- Ezra Cleveland, OT Boise State
A ton of reports suggest the Browns are in love with Ezra Cleveland - and we have them trading down from #10 overall to get the player they want while receiving some good draft capital in the process. The appropriately named offensive tackle from Boise State would give a huge boost to a Browns’ O-line that needs to protect Baker Mayfield better if the offense wants to take the next step forward. Cleveland did address the line this offseason by signing former Titans’ right tackle Jack Conklin, but Ezra would slot in as the left tackle - a position he started at for three seasons with Boise State. He’s arguably the best pure left tackle prospect in this draft class as the other top tackles primarily played on the right side.
23) New England Patriots -- Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
You really didn’t believe the Patriots were committed to Jarrett Stidham as their QB of the future, right? Stidham could begin the 2020 season as the starter, but he’ll eventually give way to Jordan Love - despite Bill Belichick avoiding questions about his quarterback situation all year. Love ends up being the fourth QB taken in the first round - and there’s a decent chance he ends up with the best career. At Utah State, Love excelled in an uptempo, shotgun-heavy offense where his passing abilities were showcased. He has drawn some slight comparisons to Patrick Mahomes in terms of his strong arm, effortless throwing motion and loose style of play. Could we be looking at yet another Belichick draft find at the QB position?
24) New Orleans Saints -- Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU
The Saints admittedly don’t have a notable position of need with a stacked roster ready to compete for a Super Bowl right away. New Orleans will likely just go with the best player available (or trade down) when their pick comes up. One position they could use some help at, though, is cornerback since the defense allowed the league’s 20th-most passing yards last season and have not re-signed Eli Apple. TCU’s Jeff Gladney was a four-year starter in college who has a ton of experience playing in a press-heavy scheme, often trailing opponents’ best receivers in the pass-happy Big 12 conference. Gladney could be a corner of the future for New Orleans and would be a solid pairing with Marshon Lattimore on the opposite side for years to come.
25) Minnesota Vikings -- Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah
The Vikings addressed WR with their earlier 1st round selection and now it’s time to focus on their other huge position of need in the secondary. Minnesota desperately needs cornerback help after parting ways with Xavier Rhodes, Mackensie Alexander and Trae Waynes this offseason. For those keeping score, that’s all three of the Vikings’ 2019 starting corners gone - which leaves them with guys named Mike Hughes and Nate Meadors atop the depth chart. Utah’s Jaylon Johnson faced a ton of NFL-caliber receivers in the Pac-12 and his 5-foot-11 frame is one that could translate well to the next level as a press cover corner.
26) Miami Dolphins (from HOU) -- Josh Jones, OT, Houston
The Dolphins use their third and final pick in the 1st round to address a major position of need. Miami had the league’s worst offensive line in 2019 - tied for the league-lead in sacks allowed to go along with the most QB hits by far - they’ll need a franchise-caliber lineman to protect their QB investment at #5 overall, Justin Herbert. Houston’s Josh Jones isn’t getting the national hype of the other top tackles in this draft class, but he’s certainly a first round-talent who has legit collegiate experience. Jones was a four-year starter in Houston’s spread offense and his basketball background gives him unique athleticism, footwork skills and quickness to block NFL defensive ends easier than some other bigger-bodied tackles.
27) *TRADE UP* Kansas City Chiefs (from SEA) -- Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
Death, taxes and the Seahawks trading down in the first round. It happens almost every year and this time it’s the Super Bowl champion Chiefs who make the move from #32 overall to address their linebacking corps. There are a couple other positions of need for Kansas City, but inside linebacker has a hole in it with Reggie Ragland leaving in free agency and starter Damien Wilson on the final year of his contract. LSU’s Patrick Queen is one of the best every-down linebackers in this class who can both stop the run and cover receivers downfield. He would help solidify a Chiefs’ defense that ranked 26th in rushing yards allowed last year.
28) Baltimore Ravens -- Zack Baun, LB, Wisconsin
It took a year for the Ravens to replace C.J. Moseley at linebacker, but they finally do it with Zack Baun. The Wisconsin product was an outside backer in the Badgers’ 3-4 defense and he excelled as a pass-rusher off the edge while also showing the quickness and skills to drop into coverage. Baun’s senior season at Wisconsin saw him rack up 12.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss in 14 games en route to becoming a consensus first team All-American. Baltimore also needs to replace starting offensive guard Marshal Yanda, who retired this offseason, but the defense has to be stronger in 2020 to offset the high-powered offense.
29) Tennessee Titans -- A.J. Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa
The Titans’ defensive line will look very different in 2020 and they should use this pick to strengthen the line after a couple key departures this offseason. Tennessee parted ways with defensive tackle Jurrell Casey, then brought in Vic Beasley to replace Cameron Wake on the edge. They could use another pass rusher, though, and A.J. Epenesa is one of the best in this draft class. At Iowa, Epenesa racked up double-digit sacks in both of the last two seasons as a power edge rusher - and he’s also a solid run-stopper that could help the Titans improve a defense that ranked 21st in total yards allowed in 2019.
30) Green Bay Packers -- Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU
Who else grew tired of seeing Aaron Rodgers throw to the likes of Marquez-Valdes Scantling, Geronimo Allison and Allen Lazard last season? The Packers desperately need another playmaking wide receiver to pair with Davante Adams and they have to use this pick to snag one of the many talented WRs in this class. Jalen Reagor would complement Adams nicely in the receiving corps as a smaller slot wideout with some of the best field-stretching abilities of any rookie. Reagor’s 2019 college stats are admittedly underwhelming, but he was simply not used properly in the TCU offense to maximize his talents as a speedy runner after the catch. Opposing secondaries focusing on Adams would allow Rodgers to target Reagor underneath and over the top as a reliable second option.
31) San Francisco 49ers -- Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State
After losing Emmanuel Sanders this offseason, the 49ers will need to find his replacement and they do just that with their second pick in this 1st round. Brandon Aiyuk is one of those WRs in this draft who could fall into the second round, but he has the talent to go a lot earlier if a team is willing to take the chance. San Fran is definitely one of those teams with not many holes in the roster and a run-heavy offense that would allow a rookie WR to get acclimated better than other landing spots - just like Deebo Samuel from last year. Aiyuk, the Arizona State product, doesn’t receive the same national love as the other top rookie WRs in this class - but he was dominant in college and his overall game will translate well to the next level if he goes to a team with an established offensive footprint like the Niners.
32) *TRADE DOWN* Seattle Seahawks (from KC) -- Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE, Penn State
If there’s one draft trend we can count on, it’s the Seahawks trading down in the first round as head coach Pete Carroll and GM John Schneider tend to do. After doing so, Seattle addresses its poor pass rush from last season that saw them have the second-fewest sacks in the league. They have yet to re-sign Jadeveon Clowney and Ezekiel Ansah this offseason and it’s certainly not definite that either of them will be on the Seahawks roster when the season starts. So they go edge rusher with this first round selection of Yetur Gross-Matos. The Penn State product is a tall, lengthy pass rusher who racked up 17.5 total sacks in the last two years as a starter - leading the team in sacks and tackles for loss both seasons.