1. Jacksonville Jaguars: QB Trevor Lawrence (Clemson)
NFL Comparison: A stronger-armed Ben Roethlisberger
Despite the brilliance of Gardner Minshew’s mustache, he’s not the long term answer at quarterback in Jacksonville. The Georgia native is blessed with every tool one would want in the prototype quarterback. He has the height (6-foot-6) to see over defenses. Lawrence has the arm strength to make every single throw on the field. Despite having a large frame, he’s a plus-athlete at the position. Lastly, he’s been battle tested since his freshman year against elite competition. All of these facts make him a no-brainer for the No. 1 pick. In terms of pure tools, he’s widely considered the most exciting quarterback prospect since Andrew Luck was taken in 2012.
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2. New York Jets: QB Zach Wilson (BYU)
NFL Comparison: Aaron Rodgers
With the Jets moving on from Sam Darnold this offseason, it is clear they are thinking QB with the No. 2 pick. After two shocking victories down the stretch, the Jets’ “wins” cost them the first overall pick. However, in many years, Wilson would be a contender for the No. 1 spot. Falling into New York’s lap would still be a major boon for the franchise. As we’ve seen in recent years, quarterbacks who can make plays outside of the pocket have had real success in the NFL. Wilson is quite comfortable throwing while on the move. You can use him on bootlegs — or even on draws. Wilson’s playmaking abilities have teams salivating at his potential.
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3. San Francisco 49ers: QB Mac Jones (Alabama)
NFL Comparison: Kirk Cousins
The 49ers traded up to the No. 3 pick, to take Mac Jones? If you believe the reports coming from reputable NFL insiders, it seems like that would be the case. Jones came out of nowhere to become one of the most prolific passers in all of college football in 2020. The 6-foot-3 gunslinger from Jacksonville was sort of an unknown prospect before getting the chance to start. As a first-year starter, Jones threw for 4,500 yards, 41 touchdowns, and just four interceptions. His accuracy downfield is a plus — as is Jones’ ability to exploit all areas of the field. While he has poor athleticism, Jones can still spin it well. It now looks like he will be joining Kyle Shanahan’s offense equipped with a bevy of weapons at the skill positions.
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4. Atlanta Falcons: QB Trey Lance (North Dakota State)
NFL Comparison: Andrew Luck
With the top-three picks out of the bag, the Falcons become the focal point of the draft. Matt Ryan seems to be locked-in as the team’s QB, and the Falcons will get plenty of calls from other teams hoping to move up and draft one of the top signal callers. Our best guess is a team gets a deal done, Atlanta moves down, and Trey Lance gets taken off the board by one of the QB-need squads. Lance’s abbreviated college career lasted just one season as a starter, but the FCS star has caught the eye of NFL front offices. It’s not all that difficult to see why Lance is an intriguing prospect.
The 6-foot-4 gunslinger exudes all of the traits of a modern-day QB. He has a great arm, can throw from all different angles, is capable of extending plays, and has the size, speed, and strength to contend with NFL defenders. Perhaps Lance’s best skill is his decision-making – Lance scored 42 touchdowns in 2019 while throwing zero interceptions.
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5. Cincinnati Bengals: OL Penei Sewell (Oregon)
NFL Comparison: Willie Roaf
The Bengals surely want to get QB Joe Burrow as many skill player as possible, but they must keep him upright. Sewell is too good to pass up here. He had a 95.5 overall grade from Pro Football Focus in 2019 — one of the highest-graded seasons for an offensive lineman in college history. At 6-foot-6, 330 pounds, Sewell moves like a much smaller athlete. He’s got terrific natural bend, tremendous short-area quickness, and the natural power of a budding weightlifting champion. He could be an All-Pro caliber player for several years, and would be an anchor in Burrow’s development.
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6. Miami Dolphins: WR Devonta Smith (LSU)
NFL Comparison: Marvin Harrison
The Heisman winner won’t have to wait long for his name to be called on draft day. Smith has proven time and time again that he is a dynamic receiving threat who has the tools to become an All-Pro player in the league. An excellent route-runner, Smith uses his brain rather than elite athleticism to always find himself open. He’s one of those guys who continues to overachieve with a supreme knowledge in how to play the position. With the Dolphins showing a bit of faith in Tua Tagovailoa by trading out of the top-5, it would make sense for the organization to go out and grab a legit No. 1 option on the outside for its franchise QB.
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7. Detroit Lions: QB Justin Fields (Ohio State)
NFL Comparison: Dak Prescott
The Lions acquired Jared Goff through a trade this offseason, but are we sure they aren’t going to spend their first-round pick on another QB? If Fields (or one of the other top QB’s) are still on the board, teams will be furiously calling Detroit in an effort to swap picks. However, the Lions cannot pass up on an opportunity like this. A player with Fields’ talent doesn’t come around all that often. The dual-threat QB (4.44 40-yard dash) from Ohio State has big-play ability, and shined when the lights were brightest. Even if he isn’t the Week 1 starter, Fields would represent the future for a downtrodden Lions franchise.
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8. Carolina Panthers: TE Kyle Pitts (Florida)
NFL Comparison: Darren Waller
Let’s get Sam Darnold even more weapons to work with in Carolina. Pitts would be a dynamite selection at this point in the draft. Pairing the skilled tight end with a pair of gifted receivers in Robby Anderson and DJ Moore would give the Panthers three legitimate pass-catchers who can lineup all across the field. Pitts is the most athletic tight end to enter the draft in years, and proved that with a 4.44 40-time at Florida’s pro day. Running downfield like a gazelle, Pitts does somewhat resemble a young Darren Waller.
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9. Denver Broncos: DL Kwity Paye (Michigan)
NFL Comparison: Cameron Jordan
The Broncos will likely be calling all of the teams drafting ahead of them in hopes of moving up and securing a top QB. Drew Lock has not instilled much confidence as the quarterback of the future. If the attempt to secure a trade fails, we could see the Broncos try to improve its offensive line or select a defender. Denver could use additional pass rush next to Bradley Chubb and Von Miller. Paye can rush from a stand up position — though he’s more effective with his hand in the dirt. An excellent athlete, he can even kick inside and play a defensive tackle spot in obvious pass-rushing situations. The Broncos have done a good job in compiling young talent. Adding another pass rusher in a division with Derek Carr, Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert certainly isn’t a bad idea.
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10. Dallas Cowboys: OL Rashawn Slater (Northwestern)
NFL Comparison: Zach Martin
At one point, the Dallas offensive line group was among the best in football. However, attrition combined with age has severely hindered the collective effectiveness of the unit. Slater is an absolute mauler in the run game. He has the athletic ability to get to the second level when blocking in a zone-scheme. Additionally, Slater has super strong hands, which he uses to latch onto defenders. Perhaps his greatest aspect is the fact Slater can literally play any position along the offensive line. This sort of versatility will be welcomed by Jerry Jones, Mike McCarthy and company.
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11. New York Giants: WR Ja’Marr Chase (LSU)
NFL Comparison: Stefon Diggs
LSU continues to churn out top prospects for the NFL, and Chase might be the best of the bunch. Justin Jefferson recently was drafted in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, and was absolutely electric for the Minnesota Vikings. However, Chase was considered to be the better WR for the Tigers. Chase led College Football in touchdown receptions (20), and also averaged 127.1 yards per contest in 2019. Chase is a route-running magician who has shown patience, precision and elite short-area agility. He would be a massive upgrade for the Giants.
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12. Philadelphia Eagles: LB Azeez Ojulari
NFL Comparison: Matthew Judon
The 240-pound linebacker was one of the more impressive defenders within the SEC this season. Only a redshirt sophomore, Ojulari notched 9.5 TFL four forced fumbles, and 5.5 sacks. He plays with a high level of both intensity and effort. When paired with elite athletic ability, it’s no surprise that Ojulari is shooting up draft boards across the league. Philadelphia’s defense would always welcome another guy with the ability to get after opposing quarterbacks.
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13. Los Angeles Chargers: LB Micah Parsons (Penn State)
NFL Comparison: Luke Kuechly
Parsons would be an ideal fit in Los Angeles. Playing at Penn State, the former 5-star recruit enjoyed a strong two-year career at Happy Valley. As a sophomore, Parsons totaled 109 tackles, 5.0 sacks, and 14.0 tackles-for-loss. He’s got the athletic ability to fly all over the field. However, it remains unclear how much weight teams will place on Parsons opting out of the 2020 college football season. A year away from football could pay dividends for Parsons in the long-term, but not having any current tape on the 21-year-old could force some teams to shy away. If the Chargers’ brass has faith in Parsons’ 2019 film, the all-time great coach could be getting away with a steal here.
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14. Minnesota Vikings: DB Patrick Surtain II (Alabama)
NFL Comparison: A.J. Bouye
Surtain has three major things going for him. One, his father was a long time player in the NFL. Secondly, Surtain (at 6-foot-2) represents the current trend of bigger corners in the league. Lastly, he learned from the very best in Nick Saban. In 771 snaps during his sophomore season, the stud corner didn’t allow a touchdown. Though his counting numbers aren’t eye-popping, Surtain is a lockdown defender who can shadow No. 1 receivers on a weekly basis. The Vikings will have gotten a steal if Surtain falls to them with the No. 14 pick.
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15. New England Patriots: WR Jaylen Waddle (Alabama)
NFL Comparison: DeSean Jackson
This pick is strictly based upon the mess that is New England’s receiving corps. With a general lack of talent at the position, it is time for the Patriots to take a shot on a high-end wideout. Waddle should be that player. There’s a real chance Waddle runs a sub-4.3 40 at the combine. He’s the type of guy that will take the top off the defense — something New England desperately need.
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16. Arizona Cardinals: OL Sam Cosmi (Texas)
NFL Comparison: Andrew Whitworth
Cosmi was a potential entry into the 2020 Draft — though decided to return to Austin for another season. Cosmi has the versatility to play both tackle spots, and has proven to excel when it comes to pass protection. Cosmi’s ability to move around the line would bode well for Arizona’s offensive line. The Cardinals’ No. 1 priority is keeping Kyler Murray upright. The former Heisman winner labored through the last couple of months of the season, and his health is paramount to Arizona’s success.
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17. Las Vegas Raiders: DL Gregory Rosseau (Miami)
NFL Comparison: Julius Peppers
Rousseau opted out of the 2020 season, thus giving NFL teams just one year of college football film on the highly-touted prospect. He will have just turned 21 years old by the time the NFL Draft rolls around. Rousseau is an athletic marvel who was by far the best player on a good Miami defense. He finished second in the nation with 15.5 sacks last season — trailing only eventual No. 2 overall pick Chase Young. The Raiders desperately need talent on the defensive side of the ball after whiffing a handful of picks. The franchise would do well to take the player with the most ability left on the board at this spot in the first round.
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18. Miami Dolphins: WR Rashod Bateman (Minnesota)
NFL Comparison: Keenan Allen
Bateman has a chance to be the first Golden Gopher to be selected in the first round since running back Laurence Maroney was taken 21st overall in 2006. The big-play threat has 4.4-speed and elite moves in the open field. He played his best in the biggest games of his career, which included a 203-yard performance against Penn State and a 147-yard game against Wisconsin. The Dolphins need a jolt in their receiving corp which features the talented, yet oft-injured Preston Williams and the inconsistent DeVante Parker.
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19. Washington Football Team: OL Alijah Vera-Tucker (USC)
NFL Comparison: Laremy Tunsil
Vera-Tucker is a very exciting prospect. Though many initially viewed him as a guard on the next level, his move to left tackle at USC was very successful. Vera-Tucker dominated this past season in the Pac-12 protecting Kedon Slovis’ blind side. With the ability to play both inside as a guard and outside as a tackle. Vera-Tucker’s value has continued to increase for NFL scouts. Vera-Tucker can help fill the void of the loss of All-Pro tackle Trent Williams.
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20. Chicago Bears: OL Wyatt Davis (Ohio State)
NFL Comparison: David DeCastro
Davis is a blue-chipper who was named an All-American after his redshirt sophomore season. He’s a physical run blocker with a mean streak, and would fit in well with what the Bears like to do offensively. Davis is an absolute mauler at the point of attack. However, he’s also laterally quick enough to get to the second level. Chicago really needs depth along its offensive line. Davis is a nice part to start.
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21. Indianapolis Colts: DB Jevon Holland (Oregon)
NFL Comparison: Malcolm Jenkins
The Oakland native has been one of the Pac-12’s best defensive backs since entering the conference as a freshman. Holland’s five interceptions in 2018 were the most by a freshman since Jairus Byrd in 2006. He followed that up with four more picks during his sophomore season. A plus-athlete at 6-foot-1, Holland should be an automatic plug-and-play guy for Indy on the back end. His nose for the football will fit brilliantly with the Colts — who cut ties with 2017 first-round pick S Malik Hooker this offseason.
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22. Tennessee Titans: LB Zaven Collins (Tulsa)
NFL Comparison: Karlos Dansby
The 6-foot-4 260-pound linebacker out of Oklahoma has begun making plenty of waves with NFL scouts. With terrific size comes very natural athletic ability. Collins is far from a lumbering linebacker. He can cover in space, and also wreck the line of scrimmage when coming up to make a tackle. Collins also has very good ball skills, as evidenced by multiple interceptions throughout his career. This sort of player fits perfectly in a Mike Vrabel defense.
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23. New York Jets: RB Najee Harris (Alabama)
NFL Comparison: Derrick Henry
The Jets were pitiful last year. In desperate need of some skill talent, it would make sense for them to grab Harris — the best running back coming into this year’s draft. Harris has a nice blend of pass-catching skills along with the ability to run people over. He’s big and physical enough to come in and start right away. With Frank Gore approaching the age of 40, the Jets need an obvious upgrade at the running back spot.
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24. Pittsburgh Steelers: CB Caleb Farley (Virginia Tech)
NFL Comparison: Richard Sherman
The Steelers could be a wild card in this year’s draft. With Ben Roethlisberger’s career reaching its horizon, we wouldn’t be surprised if Pittsburgh made a play for a QB of the future. That might be difficult at No. 24, which could make the Steelers shift their focus elsewhere.
The Steelers struck gold with the Minkah Fitzpatrick trade, but haven’t had such luck elsewhere in the secondary. 2016 draft picks Artie Burns and Sean Davis are no longer with the team, and were selected ahead of Xavien Howard and Kevin Byard, respectively. While he has work to do in the running game, Farley’s prowess in the secondary is incredibly enticing. In 23 games at Tech, Farley intercepted six passes and was credited with 19 passes defended.
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25. Jacksonville Jaguars: DL Carlos Basham (Wake Forest)
NFL Comparison: Michael Bennett
At one point during his Wake Forest career, Basham had a streak of 23-straight games with at least one tackle-for-loss. A disruptive athlete, he can play virtually anywhere across the defensive line. The Jaguars received this pick from LA in the Jalen Ramsey trade. Simply put, Jacksonville needs an injection of pass-rushing skills to help Josh Allen. Basham seems like a natural fit.
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26. Cleveland Browns: LB Nick Bolton (Mizzou)
NFL Comparison: Lavonte David
Bolton was not a big-time prospect coming out of Texas. He’s undersized (6-feet, 232 pounds) and didn’t offer the measurables many of the top programs were looking for. Regardless, he led the SEC in 2019 in tackles (103) and was a first-team all-conference selection. Bolton buzzes around the field with enthusiasm and energy. He’s seemingly always around the ball, and has the intuitiveness to track ball carriers in space. Cleveland would welcome this sort of speed within its linebacker group.
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27. Baltimore Ravens: DE Jaelen Phillips (Miami)
NFL Comparison: Chandler Jones
The UCLA transfer was been one of the ACC’s best players in 2020. After sitting out a year, Phillips enjoyed season for the Canes – accruing 8.0 sacks during his junior campaign. An absolutely freakish athlete, Phillips runs like a tight end around the edge. You can play him standing up, or with his hand in the ground. This sort of versatility and high-end upside is exactly what Baltimore wants. We could look back at Philips being one of the draft’s best players.
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28. New Orleans Saints: RB Travis Etienne (Clemson)
NFL Comparison: Dalvin Cook
Alvin Kamara could use a running mate in order to keep him fresh (as well using him split out in a receiving role). Etienne flashes whenever you turn on the tape of him. He’s got tremendous acceleration when hitting the hole, and then explosive speed when in the open field. We could easily envision scenarios in which New Orleans plays both of them at the same time. Etienne could be a steal for the Saints at this spot in the draft.
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29. Green Bay Packers: WR Terrace Marshall (LSU)
NFL Comparison: D.J. Chark
Marshall chose to opt out of the 2020 season, but remains high on draft boards for his route-running and big-play ability. A lean and lanky receiver, Marshall is at his best when attacking downfield. There are some similarities between himself and former first-round LSU pick Justin Jefferson. Marshall hauled in 23 touchdown catches over the last two years in Baton Rouge. Green Bay desperately needs another legitimate receiver next to Davante Adams. Is this finally the year they give Aaron Rodgers some help?
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30. Buffalo Bills: OL Trey Smith (Tennessee)
NFL Comparison: Donovan Smith
After missing the entire 2018 season due to a medical condition, Smith returned to Rocky Top in ’19 and played at a high level. The offensive lineman started 12 games for the Vols and earned First-Team All-SEC honors. Smith is a logical pick for the Bills, who must protect Josh Allen at all costs. The big OL can plug in right away and help strengthen the overall ceiling of the group.
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31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (Notre Dame)
NFL Comparison: Eric Kendricks
The Buccaneers are filled with talent all across the field, and adding another speedy, sideline-to-sideline linebacker never hurts. Owusu-Koramoah is a versatile defender who can be lined up all across the field. The 2020 Dick Butkus Award winner would fit in with just about any defense in the league. Playing alongside studs like Lavonte David and Devin White, the Bucs would have a strong case for the best linebacking group in the NFL.
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32. Kansas City Chiefs: OL Liam Eichenberg (Notre Dame)
NFL Comparison: Bryan Bulaga
Notre Dame has a very good reputation for developing quality offensive linemen. Eichenberg is the next in line — following the likes of recent draftees to the league (Quenton Nelson, Ronnie Stanley, Zack Martin, Mike McGlinchey). Eichenberg excels in the run game — using a strong base and immensely powerful hands to disarm defensive linemen. While he projects as a right tackle, he could eventually move inside to a guard spot. This sort of versatility is a major plus for NFL teams. Continuing to add depth and talent to the OL is always a good thing for the Chiefs (in order to protect its investment in Patrick Mahomes).
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