Happy Monday, Flockers!
We’re in the thick of the NFL Offseason (aka #DraftSzn), and we know you’re dying for a mock draft from your favorite RSR folks…
…so we grabbed a few of our close friends, and made it happen.
Welcome to the first edition of the Russell Street Report ‘Flock Mock’ where we take a look at our prediction for the first two rounds of the 2020 NFL Draft. A few quick rules to help you understand these picks:
— each division is represented by a different brilliant mind (‘brilliant’ is a loose term)
— picks are made based on what we believe the team will do, not what we would personally do
— no trades! (at least not in v1.0)
Here are the division reps:
AFC North: Michael ‘Chibs’ Telford- RSR (@LateRoundCorner)
AFC East: Adam Bonaccorsi- RSR (@AdamBmore)
AFC South: Michael ‘MC’ Crawford- RSR (@Abukari)
AFC West: Cole Jackson- RSR (@ColeJacksonRSR)
NFC North: Jake Vogel- RSR (@RealJakeVogel)
NFC East: Joe Serpico- Underdog Dynasty (@JoeSerp)
NFC South: Matt Wise- RSR (@TheMattWise)
NFC West: Ken ‘KZ’ Zalis- Pressbox (@FansFantasy)
We included their Twitter handles so that you can @ them when you bash their picks, instead of sub-tweeting. We’re classy like that.Â
Alright, let’s get on with it!!
Round 1 Pick 1 (R1P1): CIN- QB Joe Burrow, LSU
“Insert ‘you don’t say’ gif here.” -Chibs
R1P2: WAS- EDGE Chase Young, Ohio State
“Firm believer that a team trades up into this spot but if not, Young is the guy.” -Serp
R1P3: DET- CB Jeffrey Okudah, Ohio State
“I think the Lions trade back here to aquire more capital and still get their guy, but in this scenario, Detroit takes the consensus #1 cornerback. They need help in the secondary (insert top player).” -Jake
R1P4: NYG- OT Jedrick Wills, Alabama
“They drafted their franchise RB and QB the last two seasons. Now, they get their guy to protect Daniel Jones.” -Serp
R1P5: MIA- QB Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama
“Probably the 2nd most ‘duh’ pick in the 2020 draft.” -Adam
R1P6: LAC- QB Jordan Love, Utah State
“I fully expect the Chargers to be targeting a trade up, but with that not happening here, the Chargers find a QB to replace Philip Rivers. Free Agency may change this, but they have some really nice pieces in place and we all know you need a QB in this league.” -Cole
R1P7: CAR- LB Isaiah Simmons, Clemson
“New Panthers Head Coach Matt Rhule has a contract that gives him plenty of time to get things right in Carolina. The Panthers get the future leader of their defense and arguably the best player available.” -Matt
R1P8: ARI- WR CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma
“JJ or CD…heads or Tails for me…Arizona must get weapons for the Air Raid System and CeeDee is the slightly better fit.” -KZ
R1P9: JAC- DT Derrick Brown, Auburn
“Best interior DL in this draft” -Jake
R1P10: CLE- OT Mekhi Becton, Lousiville
“The Browns have a serious problem at OT. Becton is a monster of a man and a monster of an athlete. Matt Judon hates me for this.” -Chibs
R1P11: NYJ- OT Tristan Wirfs, Iowa
“The Jets are pleasantly surprised that Wirfs is still on the board at 11, and they gladly snatch up an elite OT prospect to protect their (current) franchise QB.” -Adam
R1P12: Vegas (LV)- WR Jerry Jeudy, Alabama
“Jerry Jeudy falling to #12 is like when you put on a pair of jeans that have been in the closet all summer and BAM, $20 in the right pocket. Absolute steal and a great fit given that Antonio Brown won’t be showing up in a helicopter this season.” -Cole
R1P13: IND- DT Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina
“Colts appear to be a QB upgrade away from “win now” mode. Thought about Justin Herbert here. He could sit behind Jacoby Brissett (or Rivers if they sign him) for a year. Instead they take the DL prospect with perhaps the most upside in the draft” -MC
R1P14: TB- QB Justin Herbert, Oregon
“Jameis Winston isn’t the long term answer in Tampa Bay. Herbert falls into their lap so Bruce Arians gets to pair Herbert’s big arm with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin & Co.” -Matt
R1P15: DEN- WR Henry Ruggs III, Alabama
“The Broncos have a gem in Courtland Sutton, but to support Drew Lock’s development they need another piece. Ruggs is a great complement at the Z to Sutton (and Noah Fant) to let the big-armed Lock get downfield.” -Cole
*note – from here on, player names with hyperlinks are those with Ravens Draft Central profiles
R1P16: ATL- EDGE K’Lavon Chaisson, LSU
“The Falcons desperately need pass rush help. Chaisson can be what the Falcons hoped they’d get from Vic Beasley and Takk McKinley.” -Matt
R1P17: DAL- CB C.J. Henderson, Florida
“Dallas is likely to lose Byron Jones in free agency and Henderson is the best CB on the board after Okudah.” -Serp
R1P18: MIA- OT Andrew Thomas, Georgia
“Miami used their second pick in R1 to protect their rookie QB’s ass by taking tackle Andrew Thomas here. ” -Adam
R1P19: LV- iLB Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma
“After adding an explosive playmaker on offense with the 1st of two 1st round draft picks, it’s time to add a playmaker on defense. The Raiders defense gets a little faster with Kenneth Murray coming to Vegas. ” -Cole
R1P20: JAC- DB Xavier McKinney, Alabama
“Jags continue to rebuild their defense with a versatile playmaker in the secondary. Has played safety, nickel and in the box.” -MC
R1P21: PHI- iLB Patrick Queen, LSU
“Everyone is screaming for more weapons for Carson Wentz, but this is a deep WR class. The Eagles releasing Nigal Bradham leaves them real thin at LB and Queen is a game changer at the position.” -Serp
R1P22: BUF- WR Justin Jefferson, LSU
“Name a talented Bils wide receiver… you can’t. Now you can. Justin Jefferson may not be in the top-tier of the WR crop but he’s an extremely strong-handed receiver with killer route running that’ll help Josh Allen be slightly better than awful.” -Adam
R1P23: NE- EDGE AJ Epenesa, Iowa
“Sorry, Ravens fans. I know AJE is the guy we watch falling, expecting he’ll find us at 28, but the hoodie scoops him up here. The Pats aren’t rushing a WR or QB, simply taking their BPA.” -Adam
R1P24: NO- WR Tee Higgins, Clemson
“Drew Brees’ NFL clock is ticking. Taking Higgins bolsters the Saints offense for a Super Bowl push and gives them Michael Thomas a top notch running mate.” -Matt
R1P25: MIN- CB Kristian Fulton, LSU
“Minnesota needs to reload in the secondary, and they grab a quality starter at pick 25.” -Jake
R1P26: MIA- S Grant Delpit, LSU
“Miami’s roster is full of holes, so this is simply a BPA pick for the Fins as they bet on Delpit’s ’18 tape being more indicative of his NFL ability than his lackluster ’19 performance. ” -Adam
R1P27: SEA- EDGE Yetur Gross-Matos, Penn State
“Seattle was next to last in total sacks and 26th in passing yards allowed. With DBs going off the board with the last two picks, they decide to improve the pass rush 1st.” -KZ
R1P28: BAL- WR Denzel Mims, Baylor
“Impressive blocker with good tape and elite testing, that projects as an X? I mean, duh. David Culley and Lamar Jackson are happy. So is Mark Ingram.” -Chibs
R1P29: TEN- DL Marlon Davidson, Auburn
“The Titans under HC Mike Vrabel want to be bullies up front, on both sides of the ball. I’m assuming they reach a deal with free agent RT Jack Conklin. That makes Davidson the pick here. Versatitle power player who can line up at DE or kick inside on passing downs” -MC
R1P30: GB- iDL Neville Gallimore, Oklahoma
“Great value here at 30 for the Packers as they get another pass-rushing presence on their improving D-line.” -Jake
R1P31: SF- iOL Cesar Ruiz, Michigan
“SF would love to go DB here, but instead get a day 1 starting center, who they may need on day 1 due to injuries.” -KZ
R1P32: KC- RB DeAnre Swift, Georgia
“LeSean McCoy isn’t expected to return to the Chiefs, and we all know Andy Reid likes his speedy running backs. Speedy… because his name is Swift. Get it?” -Cole
R2P1: CIN- iOL Lloyd Cushenberry, LSU
“The Bengals have their new signal caller, and now it’s time to protect him. Arguably the best-in-class C, Cush is a direct upgrade over what was the worst interior OL in the league in 2019.” -Chibs
R2P2: IND- EDGE Bradlee Anae, Utah
“Anae is a technician rushing off the edge and should strengthen the Colts pass rush.” -MC
R2P3: DET- EDGE Curtis Weaver, Boise State
“Detroit picks a highly productive player from Boise St. that has more bend and mobility than expected based on his frame. Detroit needs to get after the QB and with a versatile player like Weaver, they can get it done.” -Jake
R2P4: NYG- CB Jaylon Johnson, Utah
“The Giants address the gaping hole in their secondary with Johnson, who is shooting up draft boards after his numbers at the combine, despite having a torn labrum. ” -Serp
R2P5: LAC- OT Austin Jackson, USC
“The Chargers QB situation may be uncertain, but their needs for the OL are not. Jackson has the athleticism teams look for in a starting Tackle.” -Cole
R2P6: CAR- CB Jeff Gladney, TCU
“The Carolina secondary needs serious help. After adding Isaiah Simmons, the Panthers add a corner that can start at outside CB or in the slot from Day 1.” -Matt
R2P7: MIA- RB Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin
“The rich keep getting richer in this draft as the Fins nab Taylor, who some believe is the RB1 in this draft. I have concerns about his longevity and fumble-itis, but you can’t ignore the sheer talent.” -Adam
R2P8: ARI- OT Lucas Niang, TCU
“Dream draft so far for the Cards. They get WR1 and now get a ready-to-go OT to protect their investment in Kyler Murray.” – KZ
R2P9: CLE- LB Jordyn Brooks, Texas Tech
“The second level of the Browns defense needs some speed. Brooks provides a rangy presence with plus tackling skills to help shore it up.” -Chibs
R2P10: JAC- CB A.J. Terrell, Clemson
“Jags are reportedly trading CB A.J. Bouye to the Broncos after trading Jalen Ramsey during the 2019 season. Some probably remember Terrell giving up some plays vs LSU because it was the last game he played but he’s a talented CB who should be a good fit in Todd Wash’s cover 3 scheme.” -MC
R2P11: CHI- CB Trevon Diggs, Alabama
“Chicago has a glaring need at CB, and they get a good 2nd round value for this track speed cornerback from Alabama.” -Jake
R2P12: IND- WR Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona State
“Colts turn towards the offensive side of the ball after selecting two defensive players. Aiyuk is a playmaker at the catch point and after the catch. Chibs hates me now.” -MC
R2P13: TB- iDL Ross Blacklock, TCU
“There is an argument to be made that Blacklock was the best DL available when Tampa selected Justin Herbert in the 1st round. Tampa gets much needed help along their DL and incredible value in the middle of the 2nd.” -Matt
R2P14: DEN- CB Damon Arnette, Ohio State
“You can never have enough good corners. The Broncos go for a BPA approach here.” -Cole
R2P15: ATL- LB Zach Baun, Wisconsin
“The Falcons need help all over their defense. Baun provides nice value and can contribute as a pass rusher or a stand up LB.” -Matt
R2P16: NYJ- WR Jalen Reagor, TCU
“Darnold got his protection & now he gets a speedy, skilled wideout that’ll have Jets fans forgetting all about Robby Anderson (and his constant legal troubles).” -Adam
R2P17: PIT- S Kyle Dugger, Lenoir-Rhyne
“The Steelers enjoy reaching for Safeties that can play Linebacker with their first pick, and that trend continues in 2020.” -Chibs
R2P18: CHI- iOL Robert Hunt, Louisianna-Lafayette
“Chicago needs to build the interior of their offensive line, so they grab a high-ceiling, high-floor guard.” -Jake
R2P19: DAL- TE Cole Kmet, Notre Dame
“This is contingent on the team being able to retain Amari Cooper, but athletic Tight Ends are the new craze in the NFL. Kmet catches everything thrown in his radius and Dak Prescott could use a reliable option in the middle of the field.” -Serp
R2P20: LAR- OT Josh Jones, Houston
“The Rams need to fix the OL; they have hitched their wagon to Jared Goff, you now must protect him better. Jones has issues but his athletic profile is great.” -KZ
R2P21: PHI- WR K.J. Hamler, Penn State
“The Eagles need game-changers at the WR position and Hamlet might be the best player after the catch in this draft. He’s the twitchy player Wentz needs and will bring a lot to the offense that was missing without DeSean Jackson in the lineup.” -Serp
R2P22: BUF- EDGE Terrell Lewis, Alabama
“The Bills D has a top notch secondary, but the pass rush could stand some improvement. Terell Lewis may have a scary injury history, but Buffalo can’t look past his raw talent and freakish traits.” -Adam
R2P23: ATL- iOL Netane Muti, Fresno State
“2019 Rookies Chris Lindstrom and Kaleb McGary are strong young players on the right side of the Falcons offensive line. Their Left Guard position, though, has been a mess. Netane Muti is the immediate starter at LG and gives Atlanta one of the most talented young lines in the league.” -Matt
R2P24: MIA- EDGE Josh Uche, Michigan
“Miami needs all the helps everywhere, but getting an immediate presence in the pass rush would be a huge help to that ailing defense. Enter, Uche.” -Adam
R2P25: HOU- iDL Justin Madubuike, Texas A&M
“There’s a chance the Texans lose D.J. Reader in free agency. Madubuike just makes sense here.” -MC
R2P26: MIN- OG Matt Peart, UConn
“Minnesota is looking for both interior offensive help and tackle depth. Peart gives them a player that can legitimately start at right tackle or either guard spots.” -Jake
R2P27: SEA- OT Prince Tege Wanpgho, Auburn
“MUST PROTECT RUSS… kinda simple.” -KZ
R2P28: BAL- LB Malik Harrison, Ohio State
“The Ravens missed out on Patrick Queen… and Kenneth Murray. L.J. Fort and Josh Bynes performed admirably after being picked up off the street in the middle of the season, but they desperately need an upgrade at the second level of the defense. Harrison is a hard-hitting athletic linebacker that fits the mold of today’s NFL.” -Chibs
R2P29: TEN- CB Bryce Hall, Virginia
“Hall missed the last eight games of 2019 with an ankle injury but watch him in those first six games & his 2018 tape. Has the prototypical size and movement skills of a starting CB in the NFL.” -MC
R2P30: GB- OT Ezra Cleveland, Boise State
“Green Bay really wants to address their tackle position in this deep class. Ezra Cleveland, a riser after the NFL scouting Combine, shows the fluid movement skills needed at the tackle positions.” -Jake
R2P31: KC- EDGE Jonathan Greenard, Florida
“Note: I fully expect to see Chris Jones retained in KC. The Chiefs had to grab Terrell Suggs for some backup help – well they address the position with a juiced-up OLB who can get after the QB as they look to defend the belt in 2020” -Cole
R2P32: SEA- iOL Jonah Jackson, Ohio State
“See R2P27 for explanation…” -KZ
What are you thoughts, Flockers? How would you feel if the draft fell this way in Rounds 1 & 2? Is Mims-Malik a deadly 1-2 punch for Baltimore? Would seeing the Pats nab A.J. Epenesa ahead of Baltimore have you throwing things at the TV?
Let us know, and keep an eye out for v2.0 of the Flock Mock later this month!
