Alex Gilstrap, contributor for NFL Mocks and Pro Football Ready director, shares his NFL Draft 2020 Mockup.
Alex Gilstrap’s 3/30/20 NFL Mock Draft
- Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
- Washington Redskins: Chase Young, Edge, Ohio State
- Detroit Lions: Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State
- New York Giants: Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
- Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
- Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
- Carolina Panthers: Isaiah Simmons, OLB, Clemson
- Arizona Cardinals: Jedrick Wills Jr., OL, Alabama
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
- Cleveland Browns: Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
- New York Jets: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
- Las Vegas Raiders: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
- 49ers: Christian Fulton, CB, LSU
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
- Denver Broncos: Henry Ruggs, WR, Alabama
- Atlanta Falcons: CJ Henderson, CB, Florida
- Dallas Cowboys: Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama
- Miami Dolphins (from Pittsburgh): K’Lavon Chaisson, OLB, LSU
- Las Vegas Raiders (from Chicago): Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
- Jacksonville Jaguars (from Rams): Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU
- Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU
- Minnesota Vikings: Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina
- New England Patriots: Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
- New Orleans Saints: Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
- Minnesota Vikings: Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
- Miami Dolphins (from Houston): D’Andre Swift, RB, Georgia
- Seattle Seahawks: Yetur Gross-Matos, DE, Penn State
- Baltimore Ravens: Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor
- Tennessee Titans: Justin Madubuike, DT, Texas A&M
- Green Bay Packers: Laviska Shenault Jr., WR, Colorado
- San Francisco 49ers: Brandon Aiyuk, WR, AZ Sate
- Kansas City Chiefs: Noah Igbinoghene, CB, Auburn
Alex Gilstrap contact info: https://twitter.com/AlexGilstrap
Transcript
Santiago Leon
Sports Cast March 30th 2020 if you haven’t yet, please subscribe and all our channels were Periscope, we are on iTunes, we’re on Facebook. And if you’re an iTunes please leave a rating and review it will help us out tremendously. And and today’s guest I mean for today’s sponsor is the Bible of Cray versus in pictures. And you can you get the app on the Apple App Store. Today we have Alex Gill strap. He’s a contributor to NFL mocks and pro football ready, director. Alex Welcome back to the sports cast. Hey Matt, how you doing today? Good, good. It’s been a crazy couple weeks in sports. But what’s keep what’s keeping the engines going is the NFL Draft.
Alex Gilstrap
Right? Yeah. So, one good thing about being so big into the draft is that, you know, quarantine or no quarantine, I still get some time and I still have lots of film to watch. So I’ve been keeping myself busy throughout this time, and it’s gone by quick, pretty quick for me. Hopefully, all things get better obviously just continue to stay safe. But, uh, but it’s helped me get a lot of work done. So I guess I can be thankful for that.
Santiago Leon
Alex, can you tell the audience a little bit about yourself?
Alex Gilstrap
Yeah, so I’m a current college student. I’m 21 I should just turn 21 this past week. Always fun to have a 21st birthday during a quarantine like this. But um, but yeah, I reside in just outside of Atlanta, Georgia, and I’ve been big into the draft for a few years now. Been scouting my This is my second year. And it’s just been a lot of real fun just have found a lot of people on Twitter throughout the way that have helped me learn the game not only learn the game, but learn what to look for and stuff like that. So I’ve really came a long way in that and built up a pretty good following myself over the course of the last year. So grading players numerically and, and just giving out some takes. So that’s a little bit about myself, which of course I know your own bias but which teams
Santiago Leon
you support. NFL college.
Alex Gilstrap
Yeah. So, you know, born and raised in Georgia. I’m a big hometown guy. So Falcons, you know, Georgia Bulldogs is my college team that our support. And if you want to go to baseball, all NSO, Braves hawks all of it.
Santiago Leon
Yeah. Which which the Georgia Bulldogs have had a great recruiting these past two seasons, right? Yeah, like well Why is that so incredible? I mean like what has made them like one of the top recruiting schools in America
Alex Gilstrap
facilities for sure when you have as much money and as the alumni at University of Georgia you know does does a lot of things really well to where they fund the program to where they’re they’re able to compete with the organs and the Alabama’s with some of the best facilities and that’s what really captures the big recruits eyes is like having a barber shop in the locker room for one thing is something that something small but you know, it goes a long way in making them stand out and of course the success I think Kirby smart has done a really good job of really connecting with the kids he’s kind of got that you know, cool demeanor that you know, you see with Dabo Sweeney at Clemson that really gets along with the kids but also keeps them you know, keeps them on their stuff and make sure they’re doing what they’re supposed to be doing. So yeah, I think it’s a good combination and then the has the the history of the program always, you know, pretty much having a successful program since since it started always being close and I think that’s a problem that Georgia fans in general you know Falcons everything we can get close but we can’t finish the drill so all of it is for nothing since national championships are year in and year out the the end all be all go. Just haven’t had one yet.
Santiago Leon
With all this, you know Alabama’s dynasty you think Georgia will take over the SEC eventually soon.
Alex Gilstrap
It’s hard to say. Um, I think Georgia is right there with Alabama right now especially with Alabama losing a bunch of key pieces that I know we’re going to talk about a little bit more later. But, you know, Georgia’s always going to be close Florida looks like they’re making a little bit of a comeback. Dan Mullins doing a great job with that program. LSU obviously come off the year they are they’re going to take a step down losing, you know, again, kind of like Alabama we have some guys we’re going to talk about in this episode. Whenever we get to the mock draft but uh, but LSU is losing a bunch of players. I think Georgia Yeah, next in line. They should be There’s no doubt, especially with the recruiting classes, like you mentioned, that they’ve had come in the last couple years and continue to have come in. They should they should be next.
Santiago Leon
Yeah, Georgia is definitely up there in the pecking order when it comes to the SEC. And just like what Alex was saying, Florida is right behind them. So we’ll see how the things I’ve kind of shifted, it seems like Alabama has been losing a couple of, you know, centimeters, a step. So we’ll see. We’ll see how things will crumble for the SEC. Of course, NFL mock draft, obviously, is something that we’re here at the sports cars, we kind of change it up every week, maybe at times every day now with the NFL free agency. Couple of changes, but obviously, there’s still some time for trades or you know, have some movement across like the couple of weeks. NFL draft is in less than a month of April 23. Through the 25th Roger Goodell. He’s he has announced that The NFL Draft will be on no matter what. And but the format of where we’ll be place is unsure. It could be in Bristol, Connecticut and ESPN or it could be at the NFL headquarters or at the NFL studios. So we’ll definitely see what happens. Let’s start with the mock. We’ll start at number one.
Alex Gilstrap
Yeah, so number one, I think there’s no question about it. Cincinnati needs to bring in their guy and that’s Joe burrow. He’s a number one quarterback in this class. There’s no doubt about it, arguably the number one overall player in this class. And you know, that’s where that’s where franchises star is that the quarterback position is the most important position on the field. And you have to share that up before you can before you can compete, especially in the division like they have Pittsburgh is still, you know, up there. Cleveland is, you know, though they had a disappointing year this past season, we had some high hopes for them, you know, maybe a new coaching staff coming in. With all that talent on paper. They’re poised to make a run and obviously The Lamar Jackson train is still going to be rolling. So that’s a tough division and I think to even be, you know, even to compete at this point you have to have a quarterback and Joe burrow is the number one quarterback in this class. undoubtably.
Santiago Leon
Number two is Washington Redskins. Of course there was rumors of them, maybe selecting the quarterback. Who do you have Alex?
Alex Gilstrap
Yeah, there has been those rumors passed around. they’ve met with that other top quarterbacks into undressing harbor. I’ve actually mocked to a to Washington before before all this rumors came out. I did it in probably January. I got a lot of heat for it. Then Mel Kiper brings it up. Adam schefter brings it up then meeting with two and it becomes this rumor. So I like to I like to think that I was first on that train. But but i think that i think that piers chase young He’s my top player in this draft. You know, that’s actually one position group that Washington’s actually not bad at you know, they have they have some guys that They brought in Montez sweat last year. But chase young you can’t pass up a generational talent like that and chase young. You know, Nick Nick bosa had a phenomenal rookie season this past year. They played together two years ago at Ohio State and chase young has the potential to be better year one and potential later on to be better so I think it’s a you know, it’s an easy choice is chasing Oh,
Santiago Leon
yeah. And now especially when the rest ends brought in. Carl Allen, and recently so that kind of raises those rumors of them selecting the quarterback. Number third, three is Detroit Lions. Another place that people have been rooming a quarterback who do you have Alex?
Alex Gilstrap
Yeah, I think this is a big trade a trade potential pick for them to trade back and and get get one of those top quarterbacks you know, so you have Miami that could trade up obviously the chargers and a Panthers are quarterback needy as well. And but You know, we’re not doing trades here today and I think for me, that is, you know, Darrius slay being out of town here. I think Jeffrey Okuda is the pig here you know he’s undoubtedly one of the best players in this class. He’s my top cornerback He’s my number four overall player in this class and I don’t think you can miss on Jeffrey Okuda
Santiago Leon
very safe pick other US speaking about trades there was a rumor today about the Raiders trading up Have you heard about that?
Alex Gilstrap
Yeah, it’s very interesting. I you know, I’m a part of the crowd that thinks that Derrick cars not not the fix and I could see them trying to trade up and get their guy. I don’t know if they’re quite in the position because outside of the quarterback position, it would be nice, you know, for the Chargers for instance, I could see them trading up because they’re a quarterback away from competing for a super, super bowl. But the but the writers they have a few a few needs. I don’t think trading up is in their best interest especially because their cars not he’s an average quarterback in the NFL, though. Don’t think he’s gonna break into a Super Bowl. I think they have too many needs right now to invest so much in a in a quarterback
Santiago Leon
something that I do way I’ve been hearing this for bid that Jon Gruden is not in love with Derek Carr.
Alex Gilstrap
Right, exactly. So, you know, I’m kind of a part of the same train. I think Derek Carr is very he’s a middle end quarterback. I don’t know if he’s one of those quarterbacks that can bring you to that Super Bowl contention, like I said, so I think eventually down the road in the next couple years that is going to be a target for him as a quarterback position. But I think right now they need to shore up some other position groups that really need really need some upgrading.
Santiago Leon
Next summer for New York Giants. A team that’s not ruined to have a quarterback that Danny Jones, who do they pick from here.
Alex Gilstrap
Yeah, this is a tough one. This is it with no trades involved. I think the lines are a lot to get Jeffrey Okuda. Number four is really where I feel like this draft starts. If there’s no trades involved, like I said, you could take two different routes here and I couldn’t argue with either one. You can go offensive tackle and get your pick of the top offensive tackle. There’s four at the top that, you know I really can’t argue if you have one or the other so so offensive tackle is always in right here. But then there’s Isaiah Simmons, the linebacker safety defensive specialist, whatever you want to call him from Clemson, I think Isaiah Simmons is special. But here I think, you know, you got to take advantage of what you have right now. And let’s say Quan Barkley on a rookie contract and you really have to shore up that offensive line. He’s not actually my number one rated offensive tackle my number one rated offensive tackles jedrek wills out of Alabama but I think the better fit for the Giants is Andrew Thomas out of Georgia. So as a Andrew Thomas is actually my second rated offensive tackle prospect just ahead of person worse, but I think Andrew Thomas brings a little bit more versatility You know he’s better in the run game than I think jedrek wills is at this moment and I think that really benefits the giants and how they want to how they want to win and that’s running the ball first and then you know running the offense through say Quan, so I think Andrew Thomas would be a better fit for them right now.
Santiago Leon
That is when a lot of our look a whole lot of markets are pointing towards Andrew Thomas so we’ll see if that pans out. Number five Miami Dolphins very controversial here here at the sports guys. We’re going back with Justin Herbert or to attack Hello, Alex, who do you have?
Alex Gilstrap
Yeah, um, you know, I’m I’m higher than most on Justin Herbert actually. So Justin Herbert’s one of my guys. However, if two is healthy, which all signs right now obviously it’s kind of difficult to get much information with the current of our stuff going on. But all things pointing up like it is to attack of our low it looks healthy. He is a safer prospect than just her but I think there’s no denying that And I and I, you know, I think too is just a security blanket for that offense. And he can be if health permits, he can be a quarterback that can be around for 1520 years and just run a franchise. I think he’s the pick here. I’ll be surprised if he’s actually selected with a fifth overall pick when it’s all said and done. Just because I think there will be someone that gets aggressive and tries to get in front of Miami to take them so. So it’d be interesting to see how that that top five actually plays out, you know, seeing if someone trades up or not, but um, but you know, if everything stays the way it is, I think two is the picot five.
Santiago Leon
Yeah, and of course, there was a video that too, was released last week on Twitter, I believe it was on a Monday or Tuesday. Do you think that needs to be more of a valuation video valuation? Or you think that video was enough? I mean, what are your thoughts about his whole whole situation of coaches not able to see him?
Alex Gilstrap
Right? Yeah, that’s what makes this situation so difficult. This time especially, I think the video obviously showed that he’s moving right now, which is, which is a good sign, but obviously it’s scripted. You know, he knew where his body was going. And you know, that’s not really the concern. The concern is when he’s having to move on the fly and react it will his body be able to hold up with that hip especially. Yeah, so that’s really what makes us this situation interesting on on any other year, you know, he’d be going to all these teams, his camps, and, you know, they’d be having one on one time with them and seeing exactly how he’s moving. Everyone will be in attendance for pro day and they’d asked him to do different things to really get a see get a feel for how that hip is. So it really doesn’t make it interesting. But everything that’s coming out was positive. So you know, I’m going to trust what’s coming out of his camp right now. And think Miami is as well, I think, I think there’s been some rumors that Miami’s like prefers Justin Herbert. I think that’s one of those smokescreen scenarios where they’re they’re just hyping up one thing to, you know, kind of maybe drive down that price or drive down that market to trade up in front of them. So it’s a really, really interesting situation. Is this one of my things I’m looking forward to most come draft weekend. Number six
Santiago Leon
la chargers is the obvious choice. What does Alex have? A
Alex Gilstrap
Yeah, so this one’s tough. Their biggest needs obviously, are quarterback and offensive tackle, however offensive tackle. They really did a good job during free agency period of bringing in some veterans, obviously Brian Bulaga being the headliner they’re bringing in from Green Bay. So you know, both tackle spots were a need coming into the offseason they look like they’re, they’re prioritizing that and free agency. And I think that’s them saying that they’re getting their future at quarterback. They have a very, very young team right now. Mike Williams is one of the best young receivers in football. They just franchised Hunter Henry and hopefully can sign him to a long term deals a younger tide and hopefully he can stay healthy. And then on the defensive side the ball obviously Derwin James Joey bosa. You know, this is Casey Hey, where they have a very, very talented team. It’s all it’s all up to that offense, you know, the offensive line and that quarterback position for them to make a Super Bowl run. I think they grab their future and like I said, I’m higher on this player than most and that’s Justin Herbert. I think that’d be a perfect fit, especially with the the targets they have, you know, with Keenan Allen that I didn’t I didn’t mention before and Austin eckler announced onto a long term deal. I think that offense has all the weapons in the world, which is something Justin Herbert has never had at Oregon. He’s never had an abundance of weapons. So so going into going into a roster with that amount of talent, I think the ceiling, you know, the ceiling. You can’t you can’t do what Michael Jordan say the ceiling is the roof for Justin Herbert. So I think that’s a match made in heaven truly.
Santiago Leon
Yeah. And also today Justin Herbert had a video meeting with the chargers and Raiders as we were talking about before right so chargers is definitely warming up to Herbert now do you see a scenario where it could flip flop dolphins take Herbert and chargers take two
Alex Gilstrap
oh without a doubt I actually you know I’ve been on record to say that to add to the charges is my favorite quarterback to Team fit. There is because to me that’s what he did Alabama’s he had weapons he just got them in their hands and let them do work. He’s a security blanket. He’s he’s gonna take care of the football and he’s gonna put it in playmakers hands. That’s what he did all throughout his career at Alabama with that receiving Corps. And that’s exactly what the Chargers brings to the table Mike Williams just throw it up to him. He’s a big red zone target. Keenan Allen is one of the best route runners in football. Hunter Henry’s one of the most underrated tight ends and football and Austin eckler. He showed you what he can do last year so they have all the playmakers that they need. They just need a quarterback to get in their hands. Philip Rivers kind of struggled with that. Obviously the offensive line is awful. offensive line is at fault there too but you know prioritizing offensive line and free agency and then grabbing one of these top three quarterbacks obviously probably no chance at Joe burrow so one of those next two quarterbacks with the sixth overall pick. I think that sets them up for a long time with a lot of potential
Santiago Leon
next Carolina Panthers also some rumblings about a quarterback but they got a Bridgewater and that will Greer and Phil Walker in the bench. Who do you have?
Alex Gilstrap
Yeah, so then bring in Teddy Bridgewater really, really lets me know that they’re they’re gonna push quarterback back a year maybe maybe compete for the Trevor Lawrence sweepstakes potentially. Um, but here, I think that you just you know, Derrick Brown has been paid to him a lot. Obviously a little bit of a disappointing combine. Don’t take too much stock into that. But you just got to take the best player available at a position of need and that’s Isaiah Simmons from Clemson. Honestly, Luke retiring hurts that linebacking core. They still got Shaq Thompson, who’s a very talented linebacker I think you’ll move him into the mic spot over in the middle and then kind of have Isaiah Simmons as that guy that can match up with tight ends or or slot receivers even. I think Isaiah Simmons can do it all and he’s getting he’s gonna make if Carolina grabs them, we’re very, very happy team for the next 1012 years.
Santiago Leon
I mean, there’s also been rumors about Panthers trying to trade up you think that’s still a possibility?
Alex Gilstrap
Yeah, not not as much as it used to be. I think like I said with Teddy Bridgewater, I think that them signing Teddy Bridgewater to that deal. I think that’s them saying look, Teddy Bridgewater is good enough to start for our team in 2020 but I don’t think that takes them out of the cars to look for quarterback next year. Obviously I mentioned Trevor Lawrence, but also you can get Justin fields who really is very similar to Cam Newton coming out of school. You know, people peg him as a run first quarterback but don’t get it twisted. This guy’s got just as good of an arm. Trevor Lawrence about in that big body is hard to take down hard to sack. I think they’re very similar that might be my comp form when it’s all said and done so I could see that being a great match.
Santiago Leon
The next Arizona Cardinals who had a great NFL free agency period, they’re gonna put cherry on top with the eighth pick. Alex, what do you have?
Alex Gilstrap
Yeah, you know, here, you know, you got a quick quick offense, right? Very, obviously and DeAndre Hopkins kind of mitigates that need for wide receiver here early so I think you protect your quarterback he you know he’s been knocked for his size and you want to protect that you know, that’s not a guy you want to be hit a lot. So here I’m going to take my number one overall offensive tackle that’s a general quills out of Alabama. I think he’s got left tackle right tackle versatility. You can play him anywhere that you know the roster seems fit. And I think this he’ll really, really allow this team It was a pass happy team. And he’s that’s what he’s that’s what he is. He’s a pass protector. That’s where he He’s at his best, as his best trait, in my opinion is his ability to his footwork and his hand usage and pass protection. So I think that’s a very good match where it’ll allow Kyler Murray a little bit more time to get it to these dynamic playmakers that they have all over the field,
Santiago Leon
protecting the investment. Next night, Jacksonville Jaguars, they’re in the rebuilding stage. They let go of Nick foles What do you got Alex?
Alex Gilstrap
Yeah, this one this pick and you know, especially with, with a lot of their defensive players on the move is obviously going to be a defensive player. In my opinion. I’ve seen wide receiver pegged here. I think DJ chart breaking out last year really, really takes care of that concern. I know they had some other playmakers and Keeling Cole and DD Westbrook and so on. I think here, they’re going to take their guy on the interior. Now, whether that’s Derrick brown or Javan kinlaw is kind of uncertain, but I’m going to take my number one right guy just a hair over Junkin laws Derrick brown for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Santiago Leon
They’re brown from Auburn defensive tackle. Next we’re going up. AFC, North Cleveland Browns.
Alex Gilstrap
Yeah, this position need is obvious it’s offensive tackle. They are decimated at that position. They badly need a left tackle. Both guys here really, really talented. One carries a little bit more upside that’s my tie back to Louisville. He’s the higher upside guy with his size and speed and athleticism. It’s ridiculous but Tristan works right here is the safer option and for a team that should on paper be competing for a Super Bowl at this time. I think you got to take the guy that’s gonna that’s gonna fill that role right away and I think Tristan worse has a better chance of doing that.
Santiago Leon
Definitely stock is up. The New York Jets number 11.
Alex Gilstrap
Yeah, so the Jets their two biggest needs three biggest needs are all on the board here you know offensive tackle. I know they need a really bad offensive line in general. They definitely needed an upgrade at the edge rusher position. And they do need a wide receiver especially with Robbie Anderson out the door. So here, I’m going to take the wide receiver here. That’s gonna make Sam Donald’s life easy and that CD lamb
Santiago Leon
CeeDee Lamb
Alex Gilstrap
yeah, CD lands my wide receiver one. He’s one of those playmakers he thrives in getting the ball in his hands and let him do work after the catch. He’s been compared to Julio Jones and DeAndre Hopkins and I really I really liked the DeAndre Hopkins mold or comparison. You know, he’s a short handed receiver and he’s so hard to bring down he has some ridiculous highlights where, you know, you’ll pause it and you’ll say, there’s five guys around him right now. But what if I told you he scores a touchdown on this play and you practice Playing he does that’s the kind of that’s the kind of playmaker he is. And I think you know Sam Donald needs a receiver Robbie Anderson’s a good receiver obviously letting him go. You know he’s a deep threat but he really needs a receiver that he can just get the ball in his hands quick, make it make life easy on him and I think CD land can do that for
Santiago Leon
let’s go out west Las Vegas. Raiders making some noise. Who do you got?
Alex Gilstrap
Yeah, this one’s tough. Um, the radars, radars. The Raiders have a mold that they like they really really like someone to have a trait about them. That’s ridiculous. That makes them a guy. You know, whether that’s toughness, you know, maybe someone that can lay the hit stick, or someone that’s super super fast. But here I’m going to take a wide receiver by the name of Jerry, Judy from Alabama. Probably the most Polish route runner that I’ve ever seen in my lifetime. Obviously, I’m a younger guy. So in my lifetime, he’s probably the most Polish route runner I’ve ever seen. And that’s that’s you You know, with Amari Cooper with stefon Diggs with Keenan Allen, like Jerry Judy coming out of college it makes he’s already gonna he’s gonna walk into the NFL as a top five route runner. And you don’t see that very often.
Santiago Leon
Yeah. Jerry Judy from Alabama going to the Raiders. Quite interesting. San Francisco 40 Niners they traded up to number 13. Alex, what do you got?
Alex Gilstrap
Yeah, this is interesting. I haven’t had a lot of time to digest this spot here. Just because I just made the trade the divorce Butner trade to move up to 13 obviously corners one of their biggest needs. They could go wide receiver here. But I think Kyle Shanahan does a really good job of making middling wide receivers really successful in his system. Yeah, I’m gonna go corner and I’m actually I might turn some heads here. This one’s a tough one. This one really is a tough one. I’m going to take Yeah, it really is. So I’m actually going to take My fourth right corner, which sounds crazy, but they’re really close. But I think for where San Francisco is as a roster, he’s the safest pick. He’s a plug and play guy that you know what he is, and he’s gonna do well. And that’s Christian Fulton at LSU. Christian full.
Santiago Leon
Fulton will be joining Richard Sherman.
Alex Gilstrap
Yeah, I think yeah, I think San Francisco’s in their Super Bowl window obviously, they just played in it this past year, unfortunately lost to the chiefs. You know, I think they they, they’re in their window obviously, and Christian Fulton out of those top remaining corners is the safest You know, I think I think he’s gonna he’s gonna be a heavy contributor right away for him. Number 14, the Tom Brady buccaneers. What do you got? Oh, you got to protect the old man. And you got to protect them with MCI backed in his his size, his athleticism for his size makes no sense whatsoever. And so bit to be able to get him at 14 One of his long as they get one of those offensive tackles, I think they’re in good hands. I know I know Javan Kindles been pegged to the peg to them quite a bit, but but you got to protect Tom Brady. I mean, the Patriots have done a great job of that over the course of the last couple of couple decades almost. in Tampa Bay, they have a solid offensive line they’re really missing that guy on the on the outside so the guy back then can plug that plug in that hole.
Santiago Leon
Let’s go up to the mid to the mountains, the Denver Broncos at number 15
Alex Gilstrap
Yeah, this is this is one of the easier picks I feel like it’s obvious who they want here and he fell and that’s Henry rugs the third they want speed they have drew Locke as our quarterback of the future. It looks like Andrew Luck is known for his big arm so why not get him the best deep threat in this class and that’s Henry rugs obviously run a four to seven he has ridiculous speed and and i think underrated. He has underrated aspects to his game because everyone focuses on the speed. That’s Route running and his ability to catch in traffic. You know, he has some strength to him. He’s not, he’s not, you know, like some of these other speedy wide receivers in this class like Kj ham where like he really he really can catch the ball through traffic. He’s not afraid of physicality and I think he’d be a great pairing in this offense for sure. With courtland Sutton,
Santiago Leon
what do you think? Is like the talent wise between Henry rugs and Jerry, Judy?
Alex Gilstrap
Um, I think Jerry judy is a half a tear ahead, I guess you could say, Henry rugs is great. But what Jerry, Judy, you know, the biggest the biggest trait that translates to the next level, in my opinion, from college to the pros is being able to separate and hunter rugs does that in his own right, he does it a lot more of this speed whereas, whereas jury duty focuses more on the nuance of the footwork of the route running. So I think they’re both very great prospects, they’re undoubtedly first round prospects. But I have Jerry Judy there are concerns about his frame and his size going into the NFL but his ability to just make make life easy on the quarterback you saw that at Alabama with two you know it’s it’s it just makes it so simple and he’s someone that you know any team would love to have obviously any team would love to have heroes as well but there’s there’s a lot more projection with Henry rugs than there is with Jerry duty in my opinion. Let’s go to Atlanta
Santiago Leon
Atlanta Falcons which they really boosted up their offense adding Todd Gurley Who do you got?
Alex Gilstrap
Yeah, so this this actually is a is a dream scenario for the Falcons and I didn’t do this on purpose. I know I’m a Falcons fan. But you really get your pick of an edge rusher and Kayla Vaughn Chaisson my second rated edge rusher one of the top corners and CJ Henderson out of Florida or Javan Kim all the defensive tackle out of South Carolina. This really like I said, is a dream. scenario for the Falcons Javan Kindles ranked higher on the highest on my board I bet these guys however the Falcons after parting ways with Desmond Trufant are in dire need of an outside corner. Going into the season with Isaiah Oliver is our number one corner is doesn’t sit well with me. So here I’m going to take CJ Henderson the corner out of Florida,
Santiago Leon
CJ Anderson. intercede next Dallas Cowboys.
Alex Gilstrap
Yeah, Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Cowboys. Obviously secondary. Everyone knows that’s a big need of theirs. I don’t know how much I love the fit here. Actually, you know, here we go. We’re gonna go with a versatile defensive back in Xavier McKinney out of Alabama. He can do anything you need them to for the defense. He can play back in deep zones. He can play in a rubber roll over the middle of the field and drop down in the box. He can Blitz off the edge. He can play in man coverage on your slot receivers. He really can do it all. I really really liked Xavier McKinney for this defense
Santiago Leon
Miami Dolphins with their second pick in the first round. What do you got Alex?
Alex Gilstrap
Yeah, I think they’re jumping for joy here. They got Caleb and Jason to fall to them. Edge rushers a big need of theirs and the second best one fell to the 18th I think they’re jumping for joy. That’s an easy pick for me,
Santiago Leon
which I did here. Which which I actually was seeing a another mock draft that had him kalon chasing, going to the Cowboys, I’ve seen that and other mocks.
Alex Gilstrap
Yeah, yeah. I don’t hate that either. But I think I think that secondary help is just it’s it’s a bigger hole for them right now.
Santiago Leon
Number 19. Back to Las Vegas, where you got
Alex Gilstrap
Yeah, Las Vegas. So here I’ve seen a few different routes that people have gone with this pic. But in you know I talked about this earlier with Oakland or Oakland excuse me, Las Vegas is first pitch They have a type. And I mentioned that gritty defensive player that loves to lay down the boom. And that’s Kenneth Murray. So that’s who I’m going to select here. linebacker out of Oklahoma. He flies all over the field, especially for his size. He’s he’s got a ridiculous size to speed ratio. He can cover well, but he really really loves to lay down the boom in the run game, whether that’s going sideline to sideline or filling a gap. I think I think Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock are both gonna fall in love with what Kenneth Murray brings to the table if Murray to the Raiders
Santiago Leon
next back to jaguars second pick in there in the first round who you got
Alex Gilstrap
Yeah, um, Jacksonville, they have to go corner they took what was a Derrick brown in the first pick in this mock for me, but they gotta go corner that’s such a whole forum. So I’m going to take my best rated available guy and that’s Jeff Gladney at a TCU Really really gritty defender that loves to close down on the ball. He has a swagger to him that I think Jacksonville is gonna fall in love with I love that match actually
Santiago Leon
Jeff glad need to Jacksonville next to the Eagles Philadelphia Eagles fly Eagles fly. What do you got?
Alex Gilstrap
Woo, cow they need receivers, they need corners. All the good corners all the first round corners are off the board. They need speed. They would love hundred rugs that didn’t happen. They would love Christian full and that didn’t happen. They’d be cool with Jalen Rieger or not Jalen Reed. Jeff Gladney that didn’t happen so I’m going to go back to back TCU and I am like I already spoiled it. I’m taking Jalen rager at TCU the wide receiver speedy guy, deep threat guy that I think will pair very nicely in Philadelphia his offense.
Santiago Leon
Next up north Minnesota Vikings
Alex Gilstrap
I would love to go corner here. I’ve seen Jeff Gladney pegged here a lot. Obviously he’s off the board here. There’s no reason and I if I were actually construct constructing a mock draft, I would not let this guy fall this far because he’s a top 12 prospect for me. And we’re here at pic 22 and he’s still here. But there was just I got past a couple of teams that could use them and then there was nobody that could that really needed this position. But that’s the Javan kinlaw there’s no reason he should still be here. So Minnesota getting them here, obviously a very talented team. They’re jumping for joy. That’s one of the best prospects obviously senior bowl was huge for him he dominated that week. He had a great combine Javan Kim was one of my guys in this class so I can’t believe I let them fall this far. It’s just couldn’t find the fit.
Santiago Leon
A game Kaka becomes a Vikings. patriots an interesting team, rumored to rumored to me so like Jordan love after Brady or they’re gonna stick with them for another year. What do you got Alex?
Alex Gilstrap
Yeah, this one? Yeah, this one is an interesting one. Like you said, I haven’t done too many full first round mock drafts since the brewery move. So I haven’t been put in a situation yet, but I think that Jordan loves to pick. Jordan loves the next best quarterback here. Obviously, he’s a developmental quarterback. I wouldn’t be in love with him starting day one. And if he goes to the Patriots, that could be a possibility. I would prefer him to sit behind a tom brady or Drew Brees for a year or two before being pushed into the starting role, kind of how Patrick mahomes was think he’s, I think if you develop him in the right way, he has that kind of upside that Patrick mahomes upside. And that’s why he’s pegged as a first round prospect but his his floor is really low as well. So I guess I’m not in love with that fit at this point with Brady gone because I feel like He goes to the Patriots he’s a day one starter but but there’s not enough upside in that in that system yeah that’s that’s a match that’s a great match.
Santiago Leon
Yeah Jordan love has been interested in quarterback I’ve been my big thing the stock going up going down you know some people you know could see him going early. Some people just seem late. He’s an interesting character he could be playing before but also a dark horse Do you think he might surprise people or do you think he’ll be in that 20 to 32 range?
Alex Gilstrap
No, I think someone will take them and before the before the 20s someone weather you know, I thought the Colts were going to be a landing spot obviously training for the force Buckner at 13 to get rid of that pick and put San Francisco there Yeah, that’s a tough one. You know I could I could honestly see Tampa if Tampa you know it looks like Tampa is buying in for this next year to to stretch so I don’t see them necessarily going quarterback but I love that fit. I think you No if if someone’s sitting in the top 20 doesn’t go Jordan love I think someone’s gonna trade up to take them because because there’s no denying that that ceiling is an intriguing enough to spend a middle of the first round pick on like I said with the upside of Patrick mahomes someone wants to take the top 20
Santiago Leon
Let’s go down south New Orleans Saints we got
Alex Gilstrap
yeah so obviously they need linebackers they’re pretty thin there and I have one linebacker I love here still. But they also need another target outside of Michael Thomas I’m kind of in and it’s funny with it being New Orleans here in this position because I’m stuck between two LSU kids I’m stuck between Patrick Patrick Queen the linebacker and Justin Jefferson the wide receiver I think I’m gonna go Queen here simply for the fact that I feel like there’s a lot more value on days two and three at wide receiver than there is at linebacker in this class. I think linebacker class has their top three guys And then it really kind of takes us all off. Whereas wide receiver I think there’s a lot of value to be had on day two, especially, that I think the saints will take advantage of. So I’m going to go Patrick quina LSU linebacker
Santiago Leon
Patrick Queen Alex says, then again Vikings, another pig in the first round. We got
Alex Gilstrap
Yeah, yeah. So they were
Santiago Leon
How about Jordan Love
Alex Gilstrap
No, no, Jordan was off the board. I mean,
Santiago Leon
yeah, but yeah, I mean, if he didn’t go, uh,
Alex Gilstrap
yeah, that could be done with Kirk Cousins. Yeah, yeah. Yeah, that’s it that’s it. That’s a fit. I don’t hate Yeah, this one’s a tough one as well. You know, obviously losing stefon Diggs wide receiver becomes becomes an option here that it wasn’t before really on day one. So I could go Justin Jefferson here. Yeah, that’s I’m gonna do I’m gonna take Justin Jefferson the watch era LSU go back to
Santiago Leon
back LSU in Jefferson Vikings are looking good. Back to the dolphins third pick in their first round. Are they looking pretty still? Who does Alex?
Alex Gilstrap
Yeah, this one’s uh, this one’s interesting. I’d love to take an offensive tackle here but and people have pegged Josh Jones out of Houston here. I don’t love him the first round. I don’t care how dire your need is, I Cleveland had a great combine. I don’t like him in the first round at all. Lucas neighing. You know, he had hip surgery this past year but fully healthy, I wouldn’t mind taking him here. And I know dolphins fans really, really want to take care of that offensive tackle position but I just don’t love any of these guys here. I think if you if you punt this pick this offensive tackle pick to that early second round pick that they have. I think that’s where you’re gonna get more value. So here I’m actually going to take just the best player available and for me that’s gonna be DeAndre swift running back out of Georgia. So DeAndre swift he brings a lot to the past you know Alvin Kamara type thing he’s his contact balance is very underrated aspect of his game. A lot of people just like to peg them as his past catching running back like he’s Dion Lewis or something. But he’s way more than that. He’s he he’s hard to bring down whether that’s by his contact balance or that’s by him making you with all together you know, he’s one of those running back prospects is really really hard to bring down I really like JK Dobbins as well, so I could see that being a great fit too. But here I’m just gonna take him on number one ranked guy and that’s DeAndre Swift.
Santiago Leon
I me like being a dolphin fan that is the cherry on top DeAndre swift to a choice on I mean, so far yeah, for the dolphins but it’s
Alex Gilstrap
a great haul I’m saying yeah,
Santiago Leon
a lot of good moving parts going on there. So right. But going to the the Pacific Northwest Seattle Seahawks mixer first appearance. What do you take?
Alex Gilstrap
Yeah, this has been a this has been a fit that I’ve seen a lot of Lately and that’s eater gross Matos out of pins today. Obviously, they have an edge rush need defensive in need. There’s been some questions about his character with some bullying scandal going around Penn State, but that’s really kind of quieted down. I really haven’t seen an update on it. So I guess it kind of fell through. There wasn’t enough evidence to go around. So interviews are going to be very important for him. So I know he’s been talking with a bunch of these teams in the back half of the first round. And I’m sure that’s been a question on a lot of teams radars. So given that, you know, he’s, he’s interviewing well and everything. I think he’s a lot for the first round. Somewhere between 25 and 32.
Santiago Leon
Peter gross mots was Penn State Go Seahawks according to Alex, next, going to Baltimore Ravens defense wins championships we got.
Alex Gilstrap
Yeah, so they could use a linebacker here. None of the none of the first round caliber linebackers are here. So I’m going to go with actually a wide receiver. Last year they brought in marquees Hollywood Brown who is your speedy deep threat undersized guy, but here I’m going to take a bigger body guy that has a larger catch radius. So Lamar Jackson, he can be one of those redzone threats he can just throw it up to and that’s gonna be Dinsdale man that a paler. He’s someone that’s really ascended up draft boards here in the last few months, especially after the combine that he had. I really, really like Denzel Mims. I have him as a French first round caliber prospect, but I think this is a great fit and I think he’ll be he would be really successful in Baltimore.
Santiago Leon
So names goes to Baltimore. Let’s go to Tennessee Titans making some noise resigning Tammy Hill. What do you got?
Alex Gilstrap
Yeah, so I you know, obviously they also let drill Casey walcker traded him I should say. And I really liked this defensive tackle class at the top. You have nevel Gala. Mora Oklahoma Ross black lock at a TCU Justin matter BK at a Texas a&m. So great group and here I’m going to go with actually my highest ranked guy and the guy that I think brings the most. Well maybe not the most versatility Neville Gallimore brings a lot of versatility but that’s just a matter BK at a Texas a&m he’s a really good interior pass rusher that can move all around the defensive line, kind of bring what dro KC bra and just kind of replace plug and play. I think he has a lot of upside. He’s actually a first round grade for me so I think it’s a great thing.
Santiago Leon
down south we’re going up north to the tundra Green Bay Packers.
Alex Gilstrap
Yeah, um obviously Jimmy Graham’s gone so they need a tight end, but there isn’t no tight ends that I would take in the first round here this year. I’m actually going to go with a receiver davante Adams needs a counterpart to kind of take some covers off of him. And I’m actually going to take someone that can do a lot of things for an offense and that’s love discussion all jr at a Colorado gadget style player. You can line them up at running back you can have them in motion taking swing route so you can have a move up the field vertically he can do a lot of things obviously medicals are a question. And there’s a lot of questions to be answered about his injury history. But if he can stay healthy, he’s just a Swiss Army knife. I know that’s why people keep calling them but I think if you’re gonna get the most value out of them, it’s gonna be in an offense like Green Bay where you have a quarterback like Aaron Rodgers who can get really creative.
Santiago Leon
again back to San Francisco 40 Niners at 31st pick Alex, what do you have?
Alex Gilstrap
Yeah, I’m gonna. Yeah, this was a tough one to say they got their core need with Christian Fulton earlier. Here I’m going to take. I’m going to take a good water Seaver actually I think you know they have a bunch of depth pieces but they don’t have that true number one guy and I I’m going to take a guy that is kind of all over the place, people Those rankings but I really really like him I just actually re watch his film last night so maybe that’s what’s talking but Brandon I you got an Arizona State is a great you know, his length, his his size, his route running ability at that size, his hands his catch radius he kind of he’s a full package. He can help on special teams if you need him to I think that’s a great pick where you can do a lot with Jimmy Garoppolo would love to have a receiver librarian and I up on the outside right now you go to
Santiago Leon
the niners and finally the Super Bowl champions, Kansas City CIF chiefs
Alex Gilstrap
yeah so here this is this is going to be my pick to talk about one of my guys in this class. And and I’m half of it because I can say his name half of his because this man is a dog on film and that is the cornerback from all burn. Noah Ignagni. No monogamy he loves to play and press. does really, really, really good and press. He really he’s a really athletic guy. He He’s only been playing football for a few years in the cornerback position specifically, so it’s really, really raw. There’s a lot of potential there, but I think he’s a plug and play guy with even higher upside. So I really, really like no Ignagni, I think he can do he can fill that outside quarterback role that the Kansas City Chiefs need
Santiago Leon
and help them compete for another championship. And there you have it, Alex with his NFL mock up as of March 30 2020. Alex, do you see any changes any trades you could see between now and April 23?
Alex Gilstrap
Yeah, obviously we talked about the number three pick and how that’s that’s a big trip right up opportunity. The Falcons have been pegged as a team that could potentially trade up for their guy. Obviously, they traded one of theirs. They had two second round picks with the Mohammed’s a new trade in the middle of the season to the Patriots, but they traded one of those second rounders for Peyton hearse to tide and out of Baltimore, but I think there’s so One that could potentially trade up. Philadelphia is another team that I know a lot of their fan base wants them to get very specific players. And it looks like they might have to trade up to get a Henry, Rob’s or a Christian Fulton, who I think would both be great fits in Philadelphia. So Philadelphia is another team that I could see trading up. And just give you one more. I think that someone will look, my bowl prediction is someone’s going to look to trade up to those last three picks Green Bay, San Francisco and Kansas City Chiefs. Someone’s going to look to trade up from the early to mid second round to that late first round. I’m going to go ahead and call it and I’m going to say that I think the Chicago Bears do what they can to try to make a trade up. They’ve already lost a lot of draft capital with a clear Mac trade to the Raiders, but I think I think there are team that really wants to get aggressive here. They’re not far off from being a contender. I think they’re a team that makes them move up into the first round
Santiago Leon
something to definitely look at Of course NFL draft is on April 23 to the 25th Alex is a very on top of it beautiful in the comments I know you you’ve already said it but just to reiterate, what are your top quarterbacks in order for the NFL Draft? Um
Alex Gilstrap
you talking about me?
Santiago Leon
Yeah, you Yeah, okay,
Alex Gilstrap
sorry so uh so my Corvette rankings right now obviously job number one. I have to attack a little bit just barely edging out Justin Herbert at two Justin Herbert said three obviously at that point. The upside of Jordan love brings him to quarterback for for me. After Jordan love it becomes like a pick your flavor situation and what you value. For me quarterback five kind of goes back to the upside factor. And for me that is Jacobs and as quarterback five. I have Jake Fromm actually at quarterback six. I think the intangibles that he brings to the position is really important. I think a lot of NFL teams are going to value that. Jalen hertz at seven I think he’s an improved passer over the last couple years and I think even you know since the end of the season he’s really honed in on his craft as a passer obviously we know what he brings to the running game but and the intangible side of things much like Jake Fromm, but I think he’s working on being a better passer. And I think that’s really like the consensus top seven in some order. After that, just some some other names look out for Anthony Gordon out of Washington State is my QB a just has great arm talent and really has a knack for getting the ball in his playmakers hands. Nate Stanley is my quarterback nine at Iowa. Just big strong arm has some outside And then number 10, a sleeper quarterback that I think that should be on people’s radars a little bit more than he is right now as Oregon State’s Jake Luton. I think he really improved from you know, every year that he started there with the beavers but he really takes care of the ball and he really pushes it downfield I think he’s a I think he’s someone to look look at maybe early day three that can be one of those career backups that can that can come in and spot start if you need if you have an injury problem at the quarterback position. I think he can be really successful.
Santiago Leon
something to definitely look at while you’re very in depth with these quarterbacks. I didn’t go that deep to Oregon State, but this is very key players look at down the road, obviously down in the draft order. Um, there’s just well, currently there’s three free agents and could make an impact to this, you know, draft decisions. Andy Dalton, Cam Newton and James Winston. Do you think they’ll end up anywhere and where do you think?
Alex Gilstrap
Yeah, I think they find This spot I think a lot of it’s going to be when they realize that they’re not going to get a starting job and then are going to be paid starting job money. Andy Dalton, obviously the Patriots are still a question mark as to what they’re going to do it looks like they may just commit to Jared Stidham quarterback that came out of Auburn last year that I don’t love him as a quarterback. He doesn’t like to push the ball downfield, not very successful pushing downfield but kind of question his poise in gets pressure. But you know, if the Patriots want to commit to him then that really just draws down that market even more so. I think jameis Winston there’s no i don’t i don’t see a way that a team pays him starting money. Same thing that Andy Dalton cam Newton’s kind of the question mark really comes down to help for him and this is like the worst offseason Cam Newton can have this problem right now. Just because he can’t just get on a plane and fly to LA for instance, and meet with the chargers and have a metal You know meet with their medical staff you know it’s a lot more complicated than that but I think cam Newton’s the one quarterback that does have a chance to land a starting job obviously, I don’t know with his you know, he is he’s allowed personality I guess you could call it and I think that that’s going to drive some teams away whereas is gonna you know, I don’t know what teams it would be but there’s some teams that might like that, you know? But if no, but if no teams are looking for him to be a starting caliber quarterback for them.
Alex Gilstrap
That loud personality might be a distraction more than anything. Just because I mean backup quarterbacks you don’t want being that loud personality coming up dress like he came straight out of the Louis Vuitton store like that’s not what a lot of quarterback franchises want in in their locker room as a backup quarterback. So it they’re all three individually very interesting conversations, but I think I don’t think any of them are going to make a move till after the draft if I’m being honest with you. A lot of the teams that are kind of fringe quarterback needy teams like the Chargers, and the Panthers and so on, so forth. I think they’re gonna wait out to see how this draft turns out for them and how the rest of this free agency period turns out for
Santiago Leon
Yeah, there’s been a very exciting free agency. And of course, the whole the great NFL Draft, I’m not sure if it’s because of the current virus makes a little bit more hyped up. But right. This is a deep quarterback class and a deep wide receiver class. So there’s definitely excitement. A lot of excitement to see and of course will be probably aired from a studio. We’d love to see it from Las Vegas. But you can see Alex’s picks from from March 30 Today on our show notes below. And of course we’ll be we’ll be obviously updating our mock drafts throughout the next couple weeks. And I felt draft is April 23 to the 25th should be pretty excited. Alex, what is the best way to reach you?
Alex Gilstrap
Twitter. Alex Gilstrap is very simple. So Alex GL str AP. You can follow me on Twitter. I respond usually to any comments or DMS that I get as long as it’s not hateful. I love to have conversation, especially when it comes to the NFL Draft. So, you know, I like hearing different opinions makes me have to go back to the tape and see if I’m missing something. So if you have any, any remarks about this mock draft that we talked about today or you have any questions about individual prospects and what my thoughts are, just hit me up on Twitter. Like I said, Alex Gilstrap bootstrap is a very popular
Santiago Leon
a rising star when it comes to NFL mock ups in the NFL Draft, or you also want to own college recruiting.
Alex Gilstrap
Not as much I you know, I spent so much time watching film, you know, this week alone, especially the coronavirus I’ve probably watched I’ll say in the past week since today’s Monday, but I’ve watched probably 45 hours of tape. That’s not including putting together the scattering course that’s just watching tape alone. So I think You know there’s so much time that’s spent into into the scouting of college football prospects into the NFL. I look at it a little bit more in the summer. You know, during that down period of NFL scouting, I look at it a little bit more just kind of see who the top guys are just to kind of get their names on my radar for the future but I don’t look too much into like watching tape or anything. I just kind of keep up with the names.
Santiago Leon
There you have it Alex Gill strap on twitter at Alex Gill strap you can see his Twitter username in the show notes as well. And of course you can reach us at the sports cast dotnet the sports cast dotnet we’ll be giving updates throughout the next couple of weeks and days. You go on to the sports cast dotnet and read Mr. Tight Turner’s mock draft number one, there’ll be several then for the next couple of weeks and we’ll be having a Super Show. A day or two days prior to the NFL Draft. All of us at sports cast will be there and we’ll be discussing our picks. I’m still been making my picks as well. Alex is actually influenced me right now because I’m looking at some players Oh, maybe he’s right that player can go to the same to to Los Angeles or this team to go to the Raiders. But a lot of things could happen in the NFL the drama is with the NFL. And of course you can follow us on Twitter at the sports cast one, the sports cast one, please leave your rating and review. Alex, any closing words?
Alex Gilstrap
Yeah, just excited about this draft. I think it’s gonna be fun. It’s very unique year with all the coronavirus stuff going on and the inability to meet in person, these teams and prospects. So it’ll it’ll be really interesting to see the the tactics and the strategy that a lot of teams take going into this draft. And I’m I’m really excited to see where a lot of these players land
Santiago Leon
would like to see some twists. I like to see some dark horses. Yeah, it always happens. There’s still time for it. Roger Goodell says the draft is still on. Anyways, Alex, always a pleasure. I appreciate you coming on to the sports cast.
Alex Gilstrap
Yeah. Thank you. So much for having me.
Transcribed by https://otter.ai
