When the sports world halted due to COVID-19, there were questions

surrounding the NFL Draft towards the end of April and how it would be affected. Now as we are eight days away and the world is still in lockdown, it was announced by Commissioner Roger Goodell that this year’s draft will be held virtually. As the world adapts to new ways of operating until COVID-19 is no more, I thought I would attempt something new and do my last mock draft with trades included.

1.Miami Dolphins (5-11)

Draft Selection: QB Joe Burrows (LSU)

TRADE WITH CINCINNATI: Miami trades all three of their first round picks to the Bengals and select Burrows. Bengals’ owner Mike Brown isn’t known for conducting trades but could be swayed for the right price and the influence of Director of Player Personnel Duke Tobin acting as GM. Burrows would be coming into an ideal situation where he can sit behind Ryan Fitzpatrick and learn new OC Chan Gailey’s offense from someone who has plenty of experience in it.

2. Washington Redskins (3-13)

Draft Selection: DE Chase Young (Ohio St. University)

The Redskins pick Young to continue building that defensive line. He will fit in nicely with new DC Jack Del Rio’s 4-3 scheme placing him next to Jonathan Allen. The Redskins haven’t won the NFC East since 2015 and there hasn’t been a back to back winner since 2004 and this move could get them a title.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars (6-10)

Draft Selection: CB Jeff Okudah (Ohio St. University)

TRADE WITH DETROIT: Jacksonville sends their two first round picks to Detroit to move up and get Okudah. The Jaguars are in need of a lockdown cornerback after both Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye walked out the door last season. Okudah’s explosiveness and nose for the football will give DC Todd Wash’s defense a lockdown corner and threaten the Texans for top of the AFC South.

4. New York Giants (4-12)

Draft Selection: OL Tristan Wirfs (Iowa)

Wirfs athleticism and power gets him selected by the Giants. The Giants have their QB and RB of the future in Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley but now it is time to get the anchor to protect the two. With Chase Young heading into the division, arming the Giants with Wirfs is going to help them stay in contention in an open division.

5. Cincinnati Bengals (2-14)

Draft Selection: QB Justin Herbert (University of Oregon)

TRADE WITH MIAMI: Herbert shinned in the Senior Bowl as a part of the North squad. The North squad was coached by HC Zack Taylor and his staff. Herbet’s performance in the Senior Bowl could indicate how successful he could be under Taylor’s tutelage. Burrows did not perform at the combine and his pro day was cancelled due to COVID-19 so the Bengals’ front office could be leaning heavily on the experience with Herbert at the Senior Bowl for this pick.

6. Los Angeles Chargers (5-11)

Draft Selection: OL Jedrick Wills Jr. (Alabama)

With the Chargers appearing to stick with Tyrod Taylor as their starting QB, tackle is also a need. The Chargers signed Tackle Bryan Bulaga in free agency and he has experience blocking for mobile quarterbacks from his time in Green Bay. Insert Wills into the right tackle position and the Chargers have an answer to the formidable pass rush duos in their division.

7. Carolina Panthers (5-11)

Draft Selection: DL Derrick Brown (Auburn)

LB Isaiah Simmons is also an option here given Luke Kuechly’s surprise retirement but the defensive line needs more attention. Brown would be immediately installed at the middle alongside Kawann Short. With the team’s top 2 solo tacklers no longer in the building, Kuechly (81) and S Eric Reid (97), re-establishing a pass rush should be on DC Eric Washington’s priority list to remedy the loss.

8. Arizona Cardinals (5-10-1)

Draft Selection: LB Isaiah Simmons (Clemson)

This move is in order to give standout Chandler Jones some help. Since coming over from the Patriots in 2017, Jones has been a pain to opposing QBs. This past season he amassed 19 sacks and 41 solo tackles. Bringing in Simmons, with his versatility, and both the linebackers and defensive backfield benefit. The Cardinals are giving up a total of 402 yards per game so bringing in Simmons to play everywhere should help reduce that number.

9. Detroit Lions (3-12-1)

Draft Selection: CB CJ Henderson (University of Florida)

TRADE WITH JACKSONVILLE: The Lions address the corner position with selecting Henderson. Losing a lockdown corner in Darrius Slay in a tough division that sees Aaron Rogers and Kirk Cousins twice is tough. Henderson brings over size, length, athleticism and the skills to blossom into a shutdown corner.

10. Cleveland Browns (6-10)

Draft Selection: OL Mekhi Becton (Louisville)

The Browns got their star tackle in Jack Conlin through free agency. Drafting Becton to anchor the opposite side is going to help the Browns get better on offense. This will give Baker Mayfield more time to deliver the ball and help create holes for their running scheme.

11. New York Jets (7-9)

Draft Selection: WR Henry Ruggs III (Alabama)

There is a need for a starting receiver following the departure of Robby Anderson. The Jets ranked middle of the pack with 3,779 total passing yards and with Anderson carrying 779 of them out the door, the Jets need help. Ruggs III has the speed and explosiveness to fill that need. With his ability to take a slant route to the house, picking Ruggs is going to make life for Sam Darnold much easier.

12. Las Vegas Raiders (7-9)

Draft Selection: QB Tua Tagovailoa (Alabama)

A new city means a clean slate for the Raiders. Derrek Carr brought the Raiders from underneath the NFL cellar but he has not been able to carry them to a playoff victory. Bring in Tua and he can be a long term answer. Currently backing up Carr is former Titan and fellow Polynesian Marcus Mariota so there would be no rush to get him on the field and give him plenty of time to get healthy and learn the system.

13. San Francisco 49ers (13-3)

Draft Selection: Jerry Jeudy – WR (Alabama)

Deebo Samuels will be stepping in as Jimmy Garoppolo’s top target but he thrives in the short to medium range. Bring in Jeudy’s speed to stretch the field (similar to what Emannuel Sanders did) and that offense is back to causing defense’s headaches. Offensive line is also an option but the chance to take one of the top receiver prospects is too juicy to pass up.

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)

Draft Selection: Andrew Thomas – OL (Georgia)

Picking up Thomas is going to serve two main goals: protect Tom Brady and reestablish a run game. The Bucs were bottom of the league with only 1,521 total yards. Ronald Jones II was a nice surprise this past season but Thomas’ presence should help create holes and alleviate pressure on Brady to consistently throw the ball.

15. Denver Broncos (7-9)

Draft Selection: WR CeeDee Lamb (Oklahoma)

The Broncos need a number two receiver behind Courtland Sutton. Daesean Hamilton was brought in that same year but hasn’t been able to excel his game as his co-draftee. Bring in CeeDee Lamb and the Broncos have two receivers that can stretch the field, high point the ball, and make a play for contested passes from Drew Lock.

16. Atlanta Falcons (7-9)

Draft Selection: DL Javon Kinlaw (South Carolina)

Linebacker is also a position of need but the Falcons decide to invest in their defensive front. The NFC South became a tougher division once Tom Brady decided that Tampa Bay is his new home. The best way the Falcons can stay competitive against these top tier QBs is to bring in Kinlaw to get in their faces. Vic Beasley led the team with eight sacks but is now a Tennessee Titan, Kinlaw’s services are going to be needed.

17. Dallas Cowboys (8-8)

Draft Selection: CB A.J. Terrell (Clemson)

Losing Byron Jones to Miami through free agency leaves that backfield empty of quality defenders. Terrell has the size, speed, toughness and versatility that the Cowboys will need to somewhat replicate what Byron Jones did for the defense. Terrell’s experience in big games is also a plus.

18. Cincinnati Bengals (2-14)

Draft Selection: LB Zack Baun (Wisconsin)

TRADE WITH MIAMI: Bengals also need help with the defense and picking Baun is a great first step. Wisconsin has a good history of producing top tier linebackers (ex: T.J. Watt, Joe Schobert, Chris Borland) so Baun comes in well coached. He has the speed to line up at the edge to get the QB, drop into coverage and close in on ball carriers to make a stop.

19. Las Vegas Raiders (7-9)

Draft Selection: CB Trevon Diggs (Alabama)

Diggs spent his freshman year as a receiver for the Tides, he only had 11 catches for 88 yards and one touchdown. He then made the switch to defense to finish out his collegiate career. In his last year, he racked up 20 solo tackles with three interceptions. That kind of ball hawking ability with the eyes to recognize routes is going to help second year safety Jonathan Abrams make that backfield legit.

20. Detroit Lions (3-12-1)

Draft Selection: DL Neville Gallimore (Oklahoma)

TRADE WITH JACKSONVILLE: The Lions signed former Patriot DT Danny Shelton in free agency and pairing him with Gallimore should improve that pass rush. Now that the Lions boast three former Patriots, bringing Gallimore up to speed on how to excel under HC Matt Patricia should be easy. Gallimore has the size and the motor to make an impact in the league.

21. Philadelphia Eagles (9-7)

Draft Selection: WR Justin Jefferson (LSU)

Towards the end of last season, the wide receiver group got wrecked with injuries forcing the Eagles to start a former quarterback, Greg Ward, in their playoff run. Picking up Jefferson will give Carson Wentz a big and speedy target that can create separation and grab the ball at its highest point. He can learn under two great veterans in Alshon Jeffrey and DeSean Jackson until he is ready to take a starting spot.

22. Minnesota Vikings (10-6)

Draft Selection: A.J. Epenesa – DE (Iowa)

The Vikings defensive line faction got lighter as two veterans in Everson Griffen and Linval Joseph departed through free agency. Bringing in Epenesa and moving Ifeadi Odenigbo to the interior could be a solution that should be explored. Danielle Hunter on the other side would be doing backflips following this pick because Epenesa was able to rack up 11.5 sacks in his final season at Iowa.

23. New England Patriots (12-4)

Draft Selection: LB Kenneth Murray (Oklahoma)

Many would argue that the Patriots should pick QB Jordan Love with this pick but another position that needs attention is the linebacker spot. The loss of key players through free agency hurts but bringing in Murray with his big play making ability and instincts will help rebuild that position. His blend of sideline speed and long frame makes me an ideal starting outside linebacker.

24. New Orleans Saints (13-3)

Draft Selection: WR Denzel Mims (Baylor)

Mims’ catch radius and nose for the endzone is what the Saints’ need in the twilight years of Drew Brees’ career. Currently, the depth chart behind star wideout Michael Thomas includes back-up QB Taysom Hill. Mims is a great option for depth and for the next 10 years. This pick is more to ensure that Hill plays less at receiver and more at QB.

25. Minnesota Vikings (10-6)

Draft Selection: CB Kristian Fulton (LSU)

The Vikings double dip on defense in the first round. Xavier Rhodes had a down 2019 season ultimately leading to his release from the team. Drafting Fulton and putting him on the other side of Mike Hughes and the defensive rebuild for the Vikings is in full swing. Fulton has the length, athleticism, and skillful play recognition to be a lock down corner with time.

26. Cincinnati Bengals (2-14)

Draft Selection: OL Andrew Jackson (USC)

TRADE WITH MIAMI: The selection of Jackson is going to give new franchise QB Justin Herbert a right tackle to lean on. Herbert’s success was in part due to the beefy line he was behind at Oregon and bringing in Jackson is going to help replicate that. The Bengals brought in guard Xavier Su’a-Filo to play on the right side and add in Jackson and there is a making of a solid wall.

27. Seattle Seahawks (11-5)

Draft Selection: DE Yetur Gross-Matos (Penn State)

I can see this pick being made whether or not the Seahawks bring back Jadeveon Clowney. The Seahawks need help rushing the passer and infusing Gross-Matos could be the answer. The Seahawks got to the Super Bowl twice because of excellent pass rushing. If the Seahawks are able to bring back Clowney then that’s going to help Gross-Matos in the long run. Either way, it is a win-win situation.

28. Baltimore Ravens (14-2)

Draft Selection: LB Patrick Queen (LSU)

The Ravens miss out on Kenneth Murray but get a star in Queen. Queen occupies the speed and potential to be an enforcer in the middle. There will be pressure to start him sooner rather than later due to lack of depth and talent but linebackers coach Mike MacDonald and DC Don Martindale should be able to temper that and help him grow into the next top linebacker.

 29. Chicago Bears

Draft Selection: S Xavier McKinney

TRADE WITH TENNESSEE: The Bears get back into the end of the first round by sending both their second round picks to Tennessee. FS Eddie Jackson has been an anchor for the Bears but drafting a box defender with speed, athleticism and toughness against the run and pass is worth the trade up. Having two imposing players in the backfield paired with Khalil Mack and company at the front, the Bears defense is heading in the right direction for a bounce back season.

30. Green Bay Packers (13-3)

Draft Selection: WR Tee Higgins (Clemson)

Clemson’s list of receivers in the NFL is intimidating (DeAndre Hopkins, Sammy Watkins, Mike Williams) and the Packers are hoping that they have landed the next name to go on that list. Higgins produced greatly in his last season with the Tigers piling up 13 touchdowns. Aaron Rogers needs a number two receiver that has a constant eye for the end zone paired with speed to burn and they found him.

31. San Francisco 49ers (13-3)

Draft Selection: S Jeremy Chinn (Southern Illinois)

Chinn comes in with experience at the cornerback position giving him a stronger chance to get playing time. He can compete immediately with Emmanuel Moseley to start on the opposite side of veteran Richard Sherman. Either way the 49ers will have a solid nickel corner option for the 2020 season as they defend their NFC title.

32. Kansas City Chiefs (12-4)

Draft Selection: RB D’Andre Swift

The Chiefs displayed their electrifying passing game in the postseason leading to a Super Bowl victory. In order to help Patrick Mahomes preserve that cannon for an arm for years to come, they will need Swift’s services. The Chiefs were always a threat when they had Kareem Hunt in the backfield. Swift can help revive that constant threat with his strong running style and soft hands as he catchespasses out of the backfield.