Abby Mueller

Our lives have certainly changed a lot in the last few weeks; one part of that being our beloved sports. I know that sports are not the most important thing happening right now, but for someone who bases their entire personality off of being a Cleveland sports fan, these have been some trying times. Other than the Browns releasing their new jerseys, there hasn’t been too much to look forward to. Thankfully the NFL Draft will be a part of our lives in the coming days and will give us something to talk about for weeks.

I’m still pretty heartbroken to be living without sports, but I have chosen to put that energy and sadness into this year’s NFL Draft. I recognize that Mock Drafts mean nothing and have no impact on what actually happens, but it is certainly nice to pretend like we have some control… especially these days. Give it a read because let’s face it, you literally have nothing else to do.

1. Cincinnati Bengals
   • Joe Burrow (QB)
     • I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about whether there is any scenario in which the Bengals draft someone other than Joe Burrow, and I just don’t see it. An elite quarterback born and raised in the state of the Ohio is a recipe for ticket sales in Cincinnati. The debate that they should take Tua definitely continues to float around, but I don’t see them passing up on Joe Burrow. That guy is a winner.
2. Washington Redskins
   • Chase Young (DE)
     • The state of Ohio continues to be associated with elite human beings including Ohio State Buckeye Chase Young. A once in a lifetime talent like this won’t stay on the board long. Unlike most people, I think it’s too early to speculate whether he is as good or better than the Bosa boys considering how successful they have already been in their professional careers, but I’m not ruling it out. I couldn’t be more excited to see what he will do in this league.
3. Detroit Lions
   • Jeff Okudah (CB)
     • You could say this is my “Ohio bias” talking, but I have another Buckeye coming in at 3. I don’t see the Lions taking one of the remaining top caliber QBs with the 3rd pick. Okudah was one of the best cornerbacks in college football this past season, which in my opinion is one of the most important positions on the field. A cornerback has not been drafted in the top 3 picks since 1997, but their value should not be understated. Okudah to the Lions.
4. New York Giants
   • Tristan Wirfs (T)
     • The Giants GM has made it pretty clear that they need to do some work on their offensive line during this offseason. They also will not be taking a quarterback, as they seem to be putting their heart and soul into Danny Dimes, which is why I have Iowa Hawkeye Tristan Wirfs coming in at the 4th pick.
5. Miami Dolphins
   • Tua Tagovailoa (QB)
     • There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding what Tua’s professional career is going to look like. He is an extremely talented quarterback and has proven that on the biggest college stages, but he is also an injury-prone player that gives off some red flags in terms of health. This is the #1 reason why I think Burrow is picked before Tua. Health holds a lot of weight in this game. Having said that, his talent continues to shine, and I don’t think that he will fall too low on the draft board.
6. Los Angeles Chargers
   • Justin Herbert (QB)
     • As the Chargers prepare to move on from 16 seasons with Philip Rivers, they are in need of some new talent, which makes Oregon QB Justin Herbert a great choice. A young, mobile quarterback seems like the most obvious pick for the Chargers as they move into this new era without Rivers.
7. Carolina Panthers
   • Isaiah Simmons (LB)
     • A dominate force in this year’s NFL combine, lot’s of eyes are on Simmons in this year’s draft. After posting staggering numbers for his 40-yard dash, broad jump, and vertical jump many speculate that he could be taken higher in this draft. Based on teams prioritizing their needs, I have the Panthers taking him at 7.
8. Arizona Cardinals
   • Derrick Brown (DT)
     • I haven’t seen many other draft boards that agree with this pick, but honestly we are all just guessing so I don’t care what other draft boards say. Many draft boards have the Cardinals taking CeeDee Lamb, and I agree that the Cardinals must address the Wide Receiver position at some point, but I think it’s difficult to pass up a talent like Brown. I tend to hesitate on drafting receivers this high on the board in general.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars
   • Mekhi Becton (T)
     • It feels like the same story for most teams every single season, but you have to protect your quarterback to have any success in this game, which is why I have so many offensive lineman high on the draft board. Becton is a bit of dark horse, but his explosiveness and enormous size should make any team excited to snag him.
10. Cleveland Browns
    • Jedrick Wills (T)
      • I’ve gone back and forth on this pick so many times. As a Browns fan, I have had to learn to not put too much emphasis on our draft picks. Being a Buckeye at heart I struggle putting a Crimson Tide tackle in this spot, but I believe he is the most ideal pick left on this draft board to protect Baker Mayfield. The Brown’s offensive line struggled in the 2019 season, and protecting Baker should be the top priority. The Browns did add Jack Conklin in the offseason, but there’s no such thing as too much protection. If we can have Baker more confident behind his line, I believe there is a bright future for the Cleveland Browns. Jedrick Wills is the right pick.
11. New York Jets
    • Ceedee Lamb (WR)
12. Las Vegas Raiders
    • Jerry Jeudy (WR)
13. San Francisco 49ers
    • Henry Ruggs III (WR)
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
    • Andrew Thomas (T)
15. Denver Broncos
    • CJ Henderson (CB)
16. Atlanta Falcons
    • Javon Kinlaw (DT)
17. Dallas Cowboys
    • K’lavon Chasisson (EDGE)
18. Miami Dolphins
    • Austin Jackson (T)
19. Las Vegas Raiders
    • AJ Terrell (CB)
20. Jacksonville Jaguars
    • Justin Jefferson (WR)
21. Philadelphia Eagles
    • Kenneth Murray (LB)
22. Minnesota Vikings
    • Kristian Fulton (CB)
23. New England Patriots
    • Jordan Love (QB)
24. New Orleans Saints
    • Patrick Queen (LB)
25. Minnesota Vikings
    • Tee Higgins (WR)
26. Miami Dolphins
    • D’andre Swift (RB)
27. Seattle Seahawks
    • Yetur Gross-Matos (EDGE)
28. Baltimore Ravens
    • Zach Baun (LB)
29. Tennessee Titans
    • Joshua Jones (T)
30. Green Bay Packers
    • Justin Madubuike (DT)
31. San Francisco 49ers
    • Ross Blacklock (DT)
32. Kansas City Chiefs
    • JK Dobbins (RB)
      • Had to sneak in a Buckeye at the end 🙂