The 2019 NFL season is officially over, and with the Senior Bowl also in the books, the next stop on the road to the 2020 NFL draft is the scouting combine later this month.
As teams and prospects alike prepare for the biggest, strangest job interview in sports, here’s an updated look at how the first four rounds of this year’s draft could shake out:
1. Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow | QB | LSU
This has seemed like a foregone conclusion for so long, that we’re starting to get to the point in the process where rumors and speculation start to swirl to the contrary. Don’t buy into the boredom; Burrow has always been the guy for the Bengals, and that’s not going to change between now and draft day.
2. Washington Redskins
Chase Young | EDGE | Ohio State
This is an absolute no-brainer for Washington, unless they’re bowled over by a trade offer from another team. They have bigger needs at other positions, but there’s no way they should pass up a rare talent like Young at such a premium spot. He’s the best overall prospect in this entire class.
3. Detroit Lions
Jeff Okudah | CB | Ohio State
I’m betting the Lions would love to move down from this spot, and with plenty of QB-needy teams likely to be targeting Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa, they might get the deal they’re looking for. If not, they can choose between a couple of blue-chip prospects at positions of need on defense, opting for the best player at the more premium spot here.
4. New York Giants
Andrew Thomas | OT | Georgia
If the Giants want Daniel Jones to become a true franchise quarterback, they’re going to have to protect him. General manager Dave Gettleman is as old-school as they come, so don’t be surprised when he spends this pick in the trenches. Moving back would be ideal given this year’s depth at both tackle and along the interior, but if they’re stuck here, Thomas is a strong pick.
5. Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama
In reality, the Dolphins will most likely have to move up the board to make sure they get Tagovailoa. They have the draft capital to make the move, and he’s absolutely the franchise passer they need to turn them back into a contender. As long as his medical evaluations check out, Tagovailoa should be a Dolphin for the foreseeable future, no matter what slot he ends up going.
6. Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert | QB | Oregon
Quarterbacks come at a premium at the top of the draft, so the Bolts are another team that could have to move up the board to get their man. The Philip Rivers era is over, and Herbert would be a perfect replacement to usher in a new era. He returned for his senior season, and capped it off with an MVP performance in the Rose Bowl and a strong week at the Senior Bowl.
7. Carolina Panthers
Isaiah Simmons | LB | Clemson
The shocking retirement of All-Pro Luke Kuechly opens up a gaping hole on the Carolina defense, but they’re in a perfect position to address it here. While some will argue about where Simmons will fit at the next level, his rare combination of athleticism and versatility transcends all doubts about where to line him up. He’s the kind of defensive prospect that only comes around once in a while.
8. Arizona Cardinals
CeeDee Lamb | WR | Oklahoma
This may surprise some, seeing Lamb come off the board before Alabama’s Jerry Jeudy, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see some teams have them graded in that order. One such team could absolutely be the Cards, who would love to pair Lamb with his college quarterback, Kyler Murray. This tandem could make the same kind of magic they did in Norman.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars
Derrick Brown | DL | Auburn
Alabama wide receiver Jerry Jeudy is tempting here, but the Jags desperately need to improve their rush defense, and the receiver class is extremely deep this year. That makes them opt for Brown, a monstrous force who is a huge bargain at this pick. His rare combination of size, athleticism and power would be the perfect blend of need and value here.
10. Cleveland Browns
Jedrick Wills | OT | Alabama
There’s no denying the amount of talent this offense has at the skill positions, but it’ll be all for naught if the Browns don’t improve their offensive line in a big way this offseason. Wills has been a fast riser throughout this season, and could easily be off the board by this pick. If he’s not, he’d be the perfect blend of need and value for Cleveland.
11. New York Jets
Mekhi Becton | OT | Louisville
If Sam Darnold is going to live up to his full potential, the Jets need to find him a true franchise left tackle to keep him upright. Becton is a massive force with rare athleticism for his size, and while he may not be as polished as some of the other top tackles in this class, his upside gives him the nod for the Jets here.
12. Las Vegas Raiders
Jerry Jeudy | WR | Alabama
The Antonio Brown experiment was a colossal failure, and now the Raiders find themselves still in need of a true No. 1 receiver. That makes this a perfect situation for Jon Gruden and company, who land arguably the best pass-catcher in this year’s deep class outside the top 10. Jeudy is as polished and pro-ready as I’ve seen any receiver prospect in recent years.
13. Indianapolis Colts
Jordan Love | QB | Utah State
This may seem early for Love, but after a solid week at the Senior Bowl, he just might be the clear-cut QB4 in this year’s class. That being the case, don’t be surprised if a team like the Colts pulls the trigger to make sure they land him. Jacoby Brissett would be a solid bridge option while Love smooths out the rough edges in his game.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Javon Kinlaw | DL | South Carolina
Tampa Bay’s defensive front was dominant in 2020, leading the NFL in rush defense and boasting the NFL’s sack leader. Still, the unit has a ton of expiring contracts, and veteran Ndamukong Suh’s spot could be most in need of filling. Kinlaw’s dominant tape was followed up by a fantastic performance in Senior Bowl practices, making him an ideal pick here.
15. Denver Broncos
Henry Ruggs III | WR | Alabama
Drew Lock already has his big, physical pass-catcher in Courtland Sutton, but he needs a big-play target with the speed to challenge defenses over the top and after the catch. Ruggs is a burner who can score every time he touches the ball, and would be a steal here after he runs as fast as we expect at the NFL Scouting Combine.
16. Atlanta Falcons
K’Lavon Chaisson | EDGE | LSU
This entire defensive front needs help in a bad way, as the Falcons have failed to generate any sort of formidable pass rush. This pick is about finding the best value, whether it’s along the interior or on the edge. Chaisson is an explosive rusher with a wide range of effective moves, and would be a perfect pick to either push or supplant Vic Beasley or Takk McKinley.
17. Dallas Cowboys
Xavier McKinney | S | Alabama
Another defense with multiple holes to fill this offseason, the Cowboys need help up front and in the secondary at all levels. While some might project LSU’s Grant Delpit here, don’t be surprised if McKinney is the first safety off the board instead. His combination of athleticism, physicality, intelligence and versatility would make him the ideal pick here.
18. Miami Dolphins (from PIT)
Tristan Wirfs | OT | Iowa
If you’re going to hand your franchise to a young quarterback with injury concerns, you’d better do everything in your power to protect him. To that end, the Dolphins spend their second first-round pick on this massive mauler. Wirfs is a polished, well-rounded prospect who would be a Day 1 starter as Laremy Tunsil’s replacement.
19. Las Vegas Raiders (from CHI)
Kenneth Murray | LB | Oklahoma
After filling their biggest offensive need earlier in the first round, the Raiders turn their attention to the same task on defense. Murray is a three-down playmaker who excels in every area of the game, making him exactly what the Raiders need at the heart of their defense. His vocal leadership and nose for the big play will make him an instant fan favorite.
20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from LAR)
Kristian Fulton | CB | LSU
The Jags got this pick as part of the Jalen Ramsey trade, so why not use it to draft his replacement? While LSU freshman standout Derek Stingley, Jr. got plenty of press this season (and with good reason), Fulton’s play should not be overlooked. He’s big, physical, and has been tested by some of the nation’s elite pass-catchers, making him well worth the investment at this spot.
21. Philadelphia Eagles
Tee Higgins | WR | Clemson
Injuries ravaged Philly’s receiving corps this season, and exposed a sever lack of depth. That should be easily remedied this offseason, thanks in large part to an extremely deep class of pass-catchers. Higgins has a rare combination of size, length, ball skills and body control, and would give Carson Wentz a true No. 1 target.
22. Buffalo Bills
Laviska Shenault, Jr. | WR | Colorado
The Eagles passing on a Shenault here is a big win for the Bills, who are also in desperate need of a true No. 1 target for Josh Allen. Shenault is a physical player with a well-built frame who puts it to good use, both at the catch point and after the catch. He’s the complete player this offense needs to take their game to the next level in 2020 and beyond.
23. New England Patriots
Antoine Winfield, Jr. | S | Minnesota
Another safety not named Grant Delpit? Don’t be surprised. Tom Brady’s future is obviously the big question mark, and finding him another pass-catcher could be a priority here if he returns. That said, the Pats need to address their need for youth on the back end of the defense, and Winfield’s combination of physical and mental tools would be a perfect match.
24. New Orleans Saints
Cole Kmet | TE | Notre Dame
There are bigger needs on defense, but the Saints may need to spend this pick on helping whoever is throwing passes for them next year and beyond. Jared Cook was a valuable weapon for this offense in 2019, but he turns 33 this offseason. Kmet was a surprising addition to this year’s draft class, and his complete skill set immediately put him at the top of the the tight end group.
25. Minnesota Vikings
Josh Jones | OT | Houston
The Vikings have a strong core at the skill positions, but the offensive line continues to be inconsistent at best. After spending last year’s first-rounder on an interior blocker, the Vikings use this one to upgrade at tackle, where Riley Reiff hasn’t lived up to expectations. After a strong week at the Senior Bowl, Jones has planted himself firmly in the first-round conversation.
26. Miami Dolphins (from HOU)
A.J. Epenesa | EDGE | Iowa
After spending his first two picks on cornerstones for the offense, head coach Brian Flores will be banging the table for a blue-chip defender before Day 1 ends. This scenario is a stellar one for Miami in that regard, as one of the most complete and polished edge rushers in the entire class falls right into their lap. Epenesa can set the edge against the run, and collapse the pocket as a rusher no matter where he lines up.
27. Seattle Seahawks
Raekwon Davis | DL | Alabama
Free agency could end up gutting Seattle’s defensive front, so don’t be surprised if that’s where they decide to go with this pick. They love versatility up front, which could make Davis an ideal target thanks to his massive frame and ability to line up anywhere on the defensive line. If he reaches his full potential, he’ll look like a huge steal this late.
28. Baltimore Ravens
Jonathan Taylor | RB | Wisconsin
Mark Ingram’s absence was painfully obvious in Baltimore’s playoff meltdown, and the Ravens would do well to seek a young back who can do all things he brings to the table. Taylor is a complete runner who has the vision, patience, power and explosiveness to be a dangerous weapon in the league’s top rushing attack.
29. Tennessee Titans
Solomon Kindley | OL | Georgia
If Derrick Henry leaves in free agency, running back obviously becomes a strong possibility here. But if he returns, the Titans should focus on fortifying an already strong offensive line with young reinforcements. Kindley is the best of a deep class of interior blockers, and his experience against top competition in the SEC have him ready to make an impact from Day 1.
30. Green Bay Packers
Jalen Reagor | WR | TCU
Linebacker is a huge need, but don’t be surprised if the Packers prioritize getting more help for Aaron Rodgers. Davante Adams is a well-rounded No. 1 target, but the Pack could use a speedy playmaker who can stretch defenses at every level of the field. Reagor is a polished route runner with the kind of explosiveness Rodgers would take full advantage of, and his presence would keep teams from keying on Adams.
31. San Francisco 49ers
CJ Henderson | CB | Florida
Richard Sherman is still proving himself as one of the league’s most dominant corners, but finding a young cover man to groom behind him should be a priority. Henderson has all the tools to quickly develop into a quality starter, something the 49ers could use across the field from Sherman sooner than later.
32. Kansas City Chiefs
Trevon Diggs | CB | Alabama
This defense was much improved in 2019, but they could still use another top talent to boost their corner lineup. Diggs is a big, athletic cover man with fantastic ball skills, with the frame and skill set Kansas City loves in their corners. Getting Diggs this late would be a huge win for the defending champs.
SECOND ROUND
33. Cincinnati Bengals | Patrick Queen | LB | LSU
34. Indianapolis Colts (from WAS) | Justin Jefferson | WR | LSU
35. Detroit Lions | James Lynch | DL | Baylor
36. New York Giants | Terrell Lewis | EDGE | Alabama
37. Los Angeles Chargers | Tyler Biadasz | OL | Wisconsin
38. Carolina Panthers | Jacob Eason | QB | Washington
39. Miami Dolphins | D’Andre Swift | RB | Georgia
40. Arizona Cardinals | Austin Jackson | OT | USC
41. Cleveland Browns | Grant Delpit | S | LSU
42. Jacksonville Jaguars | Brandon Aiyuk | WR | Arizona State
43. Chicago Bears (from LV) | Hunter Bryant | TE | Washington
44. Indianapolis Colts | Neville Gallimore | DL | Oklahoma
45. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | J.K. Dobbins | RB | Ohio State
46. Denver Broncos | Prince Tega Wanagho | OT | Auburn
47. Atlanta Falcons | Rashard Lawrence | DL | LSU
48. New York Jets | Damon Arnette | CB | Ohio State
49. Pittsburgh Steelers | Curtis Weaver | EDGE | Boise State
50. Chicago Bears | Malik Harrison | LB | Ohio State
51. Dallas Cowboys | Marlon Davidson | DL | Auburn
52. Los Angeles Rams | Trey Adams | OT | Washington
53. Philadelphia Eagles | Jeff Gladney | CB | TCU
54. Buffalo Bills | Julian Okwara | EDGE | Notre Dame
55. Atlanta Falcons (from NE) | Cam Akers | RB | Florida State
56. Miami Dolphins (from NO) | Lloyd Cushenberry III | OL | LSU
57. Houston Texans | Shane Lemieux | OL | Oregon
58. Minnesota Vikings | Jaylon Johnson | CB | Utah
59. Seattle Seahawks | Logan Stenberg | OL | Kentucky
60. Baltimore Ravens | Donovan Peoples-Jones | WR | Michigan
61. Tennessee Titans | Zach Baun | EDGE | Wisconsin
62. Green Bay Packers | Troy Dye | LB | Oregon
63. Kansas City Chiefs (from SF) | Jonathan Greenard | EDGE | Florida
64. Seattle Seahawks (from KC) | Bryce Hall | CB | Virginia
THIRD ROUND
65. Cincinnati Bengals | Lucas Niang | OT | TCU
66. Washington Redskins | A.J. Terrell | CB | Clemson
67. Detroit Lions | Bradlee Anae | EDGE | Utah
68. New York Jets (from NYG) | Bryan Edwards | WR | South Carolina
69. Carolina Panthers | Cameron Dantzler | CB | Mississippi State
70. Miami Dolphins | K.J. Hamler | WR | Penn State
71. Los Angeles Chargers | Akeem Davis-Gaither | LB | Appalachian State
72. Arizona Cardinals | Khalid Kareem | EDGE | Notre Dame
73. Jacksonville Jaguars | Hakeem Adeniji | OL | Kansas
74. Cleveland Browns | Ben Bredeson | OL | Michigan
75. Indianapolis Colts | Josh Uche | EDGE | Michigan
76. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Isaiah Wilson | OT | Georgia
77. Denver Broncos | Justin Madubuike | DL | Texas A&M
78. Atlanta Falcons | Cesar Ruiz | OL | Michigan
79. New York Jets | Anfernee Jennings | EDGE | Alabama
80. Las Vegas Raiders | Kyle Dugger | S | Lenoir-Rhyne
81. Las Vegas Raiders (from CHI) | Darnay Holmes | CB | UCLA
82. Dallas Cowboys | Brycen Hopkins | TE | Purdue
83. Denver Broncos (from PIT) | Michael Pittman, Jr. | WR | USC
84. Los Angeles Rams | Jordan Elliott | DL | Missouri
85. Philadelphia Eagles | Ashtyn Davis | S | California
86. Buffalo Bills | Shyheim Carter | DB | Alabama
87. New England Patriots | Adam Trautman | TE | Dayton
88. New Orleans Saints | Jake Fromm | QB | Georgia
89. Minnesota Vikings | Ross Blacklock | DL | TCU
90. Cleveland Browns (from HOU) | Jordan Mack | LB | Virginia
91. Las Vegas Raiders (from SEA) | John Simpson | OL | Clemson
92. Baltimore Ravens | Jason Strowbridge | EDGE | North Carolina
93. Tennessee Titans | Clyde Edwards-Helaire | RB | LSU
94. Green Bay Packers | Jonah Jackson | OL | Ohio State
95. Denver Broncos (from SF) | Jordyn Brooks | LB | Texas Tech
96. Kansas City Chiefs | Zack Moss | RB | Utah
FOURTH ROUND
97. Cincinnati Bengals | Nick Harris | OL | Washington
98. Washington Redskins | Yasir Durant | OT | Missouri
99. Detroit Lions | Denzel Mims | WR | Baylor
100. New York Giants | Troy Pride, Jr. | CB | Notre Dame
101. Houston Texans (from MIA) | Eno Benjamin | RB | Arizona State
102. Los Angeles Chargers | Ezra Cleveland | OT | Boise State
103. Carolina Panthers | Brandon Jones | S | Texas
104. Arizona Cardinals | Noah Igbinoghene | CB | Auburn
105. Cleveland Browns | Thaddeus Moss | TE | LSU
106. Jacksonville Jaguars | Jacob Phillips | LB | LSU
107. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | K.J. Hill | WR | Ohio State
108. Denver Broncos | Amik Robertson | CB | Louisiana Tech
109. Atlanta Falcons | Chris Orr | LB | Wisconsin
110. New York Jets | Matt Hennessy | OL | Temple
111. Las Vegas Raiders | Jalen Hurts | QB | Oklahoma
112. Indianapolis Colts | Lavert Hill | CB | Michigan
113. Dallas Cowboys | Antonio Gandy-Golden | WR | Liberty
114. Pittsburgh Steelers | Harrison Bryant | TE | FAU
115. New England Patriots (from CHI) | Robert Hunt | OL | Lafayette
116. Los Angeles Rams | Darryl Williams | OL | Mississippi State
117. Philadelphia Eagles | Gabriel Davis | WR | UCF
118. Buffalo Bills | Ben Bartch | OL | St. John’s
119. Baltimore Ravens (from NE) | Damien Lewis | OL | LSU
120. New Orleans Saints | Michael Divinity, Jr. | LB | LSU
121. Houston Texans | Kenny Willekes | EDGE | Michigan State
122. Minnesota Vikings | John Hightower | WR | Boise State
123. Seattle Seahawks | Jabari Zuniga | EDGE | Florida
124. Baltimore Ravens | Lynn Bowden, Jr. | WR | Kentucky
125. Pittsburgh Steelers (from TEN) | Calvin Throckmorton | OL | Oregon
126. Green Bay Packers | Larrell Murchison | DL | North Carolina State
127. Denver Broncos (from SF) | Khaleke Hudson | S | Michigan
128. Kansas City Chiefs | Davon Hamilton | DL | Ohio State
