The NFL Draft, or 2nd Christmas as many of us would classify it as, is upon us. We are literally hours away from one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the sports year. The anticipation is even greater due the coronavirus pandemic unjustly robbing us of sports. Although modified, this edition of the draft still gives us a sense of “normal” that we’ve all been grasping for. Once more, all of the speculations, rumors, ridiculous gossip will soon be wiped out by solid truth. Below, I list my mock 1st round selections. If you listened to our mock draft podcast the other night, you’ll quickly discover that I made a few adjustments. Last minute logic played a huge role in that decision. They are as follows:
1. Cincinnati Bengals- Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
2. Washington Redskins- Chase Young, DE, Ohio State
3. Detroit Lions- Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State
4. NY Giants- Mekhi Becton, OL, Louisville
5. Miami Dolphins- Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
6. LA Chargers- Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
7. Carolina Panthers- Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson
8. Arizona Cardinals- Andrew Thomas, OL, Georgia
9. Jacksonville Jaguars- Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
10. Cleveland Browns- Jedrick Wills, OL, Alabama
11. NY Jets- Tristan Wirfs, OL, Iowa
12. Las Vegas Raiders- CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
13. San Francisco 49ers- Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Isaiah Wilson, OT, Georgia
15. Denver Broncos- Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
16. Atlanta Falcons- K’Lavon Chaisson, LB, LSU
17. Dallas Cowboys- Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama
18. Miami Dolphins- Austin Jackson, OT, USC
19. Las Vegas Raiders- Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
20. Jacksonville Jaguars- AJ Epenesa, DL, Iowa
21. Philadelphia Eagles- Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
22. Minnesota Vikings- CJ Henderson, CB, Florida
23. New England Patriots- Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
24. New Orleans Saints- Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
25. Minnesota Vikings- Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State
26. Miami Dolphins- Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU
27. Seattle Seahawks- Yetur Gross-Matos, DE, Penn State
28. Baltimore Ravens- Terrell Lewis, EDGE/LB, Alabama
29. Tennessee Titans- Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
30. Green Bay Packers- Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
31. San Francisco 49ers- Justin Madubuike, DT, Texas A&M
32. Kansas City Chiefs- D’Andre Swift, RB, Georgia
That is my final story and I’m sticking to it. We’ll soon see how on point I was or way off base I may have been. Either way, it’s all in fun. So, let’s all sit back and enjoy an exciting next couple of days. Football is in the air!
I am a 2003 graduate from the University of Alabama with a degree in Exercise Science. While at the Capstone, I served as a student assistant with the head strength and conditioning coach of the Crimson Tide football team. I have competed in both powerlifting and bodybuilding for several years. In addition, I have served athletes and people through the arena of personal training. Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I am a passionate fan of Alabama, but do not make other fan bases miserable because of it. College football has my heart first, but I cover all areas of sports. Follow me on Twitter: @justinriley7!