The NFL draft gets underway tonight, it will come as a much needed break from the horrible situation that the world is currently facing. It will be a weird experience with the draft taking place at homes instead of in war rooms, presenting us with the unusual opportunity to see a team pass on a pick because their GM's WiFi has dropped out or their Zoom call got hacked.
The Detroit Lions will not have this problem it seems, they took the drastic step of getting their IT director to sit in GM Bob Quinn's driveway in a Winnebago just in case anything goes wrong.
NFL Draft Big Board
1. Chase Young, Edge, Ohio State
The 6'5" pass rusher seems like a sure fire pick after an incredible final season in Columbus, posting a Buckeye single-season record 16.5 sacks. Young has the power and explosiveness to make an instant impact, and with a large arsenal of different moves he will keep tackles on their toes all game.
2. Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
The consensus number 1 overall pick had a meteoric rise last season as he guided LSU to a national championship, whilst picking up a Heisman trophy along the way. He carved up defences thanks to the Tigers implementing a new spread offence, collecting 5,671 yards with 50 touchdowns to only 6 interceptions. The swagger he has should carry over well to the pros.
3. Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
Coming into the season the 21 year-old was seen as the best player, however the hip injury he suffered against Mississippi State derailed those thoughts. He has since transformed into the draft's biggest X-Factor, if he can return to full health then his accuracy and pocket presence can transform him into the draft's best quarterback. However, the injury issues and the fact he is left-handed will scare some teams off. Resulting in the Tuscaloosa product slipping in the draft.
4. Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson
Simmons is the best example of a positionless player. Clemson deployed him in all manner of ways. He was excellent at stopping the run, but just as good at sliding into the slot and dropping into coverage. His athleticism allows him to make plays at all levels of the field and stuff the stat sheet.
5. Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
In a deep tackle class Wirfs is the standout, he was an immovable object at right tackle for the Hawkeyes during his career allowing only 40 quarterback pressures on 1,138 dropbacks . His power in the run game is perfectly matched with the movement and nimbleness he shows as a pass protector. The 34" arms keep pass rushers out of range and his quarterback safe.
6. Jerry Juedy, WR, Alabama
Juedy's ability to create big plays with spectacular snags and astonishing adjustments catches the eye, but the more you study him, the more there is to like. His route running ability is second-to-none and can get open on any play. Once he has the ball he becomes a whole different animal, changing direction on a postage stamp and acceleration to leave would-be tacklers in his wake.
7. Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
Brown was unblockable at the heart of Auburn's defensive line last year, he has the power to collapse pockets and the finesse to create favourable match-ups. His effectiveness of using spin and swim moves had opponents eating turf, whilst making himself unpredictable.
8. Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina
Kinlaw is pure power and seems like he could push and barge his way past anyone. His physical presence at 326 pounds should scare most linemen and running backs. He needs to develop more moves to truly unlock the potential that he has.
9. Jeffery Okudah, CB, Ohio State
Despite only playing one full season, Okudah showed why he was a five-star prospect, his explosiveness and speed allows him to run the route for the receiver, like Patrick Peterson, he also has an eye-popping vertical allowing him to win any 50/50 ball.
10. Jedrick Wills Jr, OT, Alabama
Wills was a 2-year starter at right tackle for Nick Saban in Tusclaloosa. He was such a wide body, that took an age to get past, however his tree trunk like arms can manhandle opponents in the pass game, and flatten them in the running game. He gave up only one sack in 714 snaps taken in 2019, and is a perfect plug and play option.
11. Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
Thomas fits the mould for the perfect left tackle, at 6'5" 315 pounds with long arms, mix in his consistent play and the result seems to be a perfect pick for any team, lacking blindside protection. Although he does rely too much on his upper body strength, lacking the elite footwork needed at the next level.
12. Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
Standing at 6'7" Becton towers above opponents, the former basketball player has the footwork from the hardwood and it translates well onto the gridiron. He is still a raw prospect that has issues with staying at an ideal playing weight.
13. CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
Lamb's ability to gain yards after the catch is spectacular, he can track the deep ball very well, making him a threat at all three levels. However, the concern with the Sooner is his route tree was very limited and lacks speed on deep routes.
14. CJ Henderson, CB, Florida
Henderson is the clear number 2 corner in this class, he has a lot to like about his game. His physical game allows him to stick with receivers and can consistently get a good jam at the line. Despite being pick-less last season he still showed high level playmaking ability, with speed to break on the ball and cause havoc. The real issue comes with his tackling ability, as he lacks consistency when wrapping up.
15. Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
Ruggs has next level speed with the ability to take any catch to the house. 24 of his 98 career receptions ended up scoring six, this home-run ability keeps the defence worried about where he is lined up.
16. Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
Murray can shed blocks better than most linebackers and uses his speed to chase down players in the open field, and can finish the play with a strong and consistent tackling ability that stop opponents in their tracks.
17. Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
Queen broke out last season after the departure of Devin White, and kept improving as the season went on, racking up 85 tackles 12 of them for loss as well as 3 sacks. He has sideline-to-sideline range and can change direction with the flip of a switch. He can be effective in coverage proving to be a commodity for all teams.
18. Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
Jefferson played predominately in the slot last year and boasts a massive catch radius, making him a day one threat in the red zone. Unlike many receivers in this class, he does not back down from operating in the middle of the field. Although, He does lack the precision in his route running than players like Jerry Juedy has.
19. Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin
The running back position has lost its value recently, while Taylor might have to wait until Friday to hear his name be called, the former Badger has power in the run game and a great ability to find the gap. He has the speed to excel when in the open field. However, there is doubts over his effectiveness in the passing game, at the next level he will need to grow his route tree and fix his fumbling issue.
20. Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise State
Cleveland might be the most athletic tackle in this class, posting incredible times at the combine and showing great athleticism on the gridiron. The former high school wrestler was a stalwart at left tackle at Boise, playing through a turf toe injury that limited him at times. His downside come in the run game, where he lacks the power to move stronger edge rushers.
Honourable Mentions
21. K'Lavon Chaisson, LB, LSU
22. Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama
23. A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson
24. Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU
25. Cesar Ruiz, C, Michigan
26. A.J. Epenesa, DE, Iowa
27. Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
28. Austin Jackson, OT, USC
29. Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU
30. Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
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