The first offensive tackle off the board has a direct bearing on whom the Browns take at No. 10. (rolltide.com)
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Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland.
It’s appearing as if the April 23-25 NFL draft could be conducted totally remotely, with GMs making choices from their personal residences and with their head coaches, scouts and owners quarantined in their personal residences.
The possibility of an all-remote draft was presented in a memo to clubs dated April 2 and obtained by Dianna Russini of ESPN.
The memo stated NFL teams might be able to conduct the draft from team facilities “if it is safe and legally compliant.” If that decision is made, teams also have the option of working together at an off-site location.
The second option would have all teams working the draft from personal residences “with a clear prohibition on any number of club personnel gathering in one residence.”
The NFL will inform teams at a later date which option will be enforced.
Our mock drafts have been put together remotely, too. Mock 4.0 signifies the passing of the mid-way point in the pre-draft season.
1.Cincinnati Bengals: QB Joe Burrow, Louisiana State
No reports of bona-fide trade offers have surfaced yet, but the Dolphins are expected to make their pitch soon.
Last time: Burrow.
2.Washington Redskins: DE Chase Young, Ohio State
New coach Ron Rivera will bolster defense first and give Dwayne Haskins the chance to prove himself as the quarterback in his second year.
Last time: Young.
3.Detroit Lions: CB Jeff Okudah, Ohio State
If Miami or the Chargers don’t call about a trade, the Lions will stand pat and add to a defense already bolstered by the addition of several former Patriot castoffs.
Last time: Tua Tagovailoa.
4.New York Giants: OT Jedrick Wills, Alabama
GM Dave Gettleman likes to pick offensive linemen. Gettleman also wants to include his new coach in the process. Guess what? New Giants coach Joe Judge served under Alabama coach Nick Saban for three years, and Wills is gaining traction as the top-ranked offensive tackle.
Last time: Isaiah Simmons.
5.Miami Dolphins: QB Tua Tagovailo, Alabama
While the Dolphins may prepare a blockbuster trade offer for the No. 1 pick, sentiment may be dwindling for a consolation trade up to No. 3. There is some feeling that the Dolphins wouldn’t mind seeing the Chargers trading up for Tagovailo, which would land Justin Herbert in the Dolphins' lap. For now, the pick is the lefty recovering from hip injury.
Last time: Okudah.
6.Los Angeles Chargers: QB Justin Herbert, Oregon
Maybe the Chargers move up to No. 3 for Herbert, and not Tagovailo. Maybe they call the Dolphins’ bluff and sit pat and let the Dolphins decide which QB falls to them. It’s still too early to pinpoint their true target.
Last time: Herbert.
7. Carolina Panthers: LB Isaiah Simmons, Clemson
Any elite help on defense is warranted here. The fact that Simmons played at Clemson, in the heart of the Panthers’ football market, makes total sense for this pick.
Last time: Derrick Brown.
8.Arizona Cardinals: WR CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma
Four mock drafts. Four times I have Lamb in this spot. Not ready to change yet.
Last time: Lamb.
9.Jacksonville Jaguars: DT Derrick Brown, Auburn
To me, the Jaguars are the most likely team to trade out of the top 10. If they do so, the team moving up might target an offensive tackle. Beware, Browns.
Last time: Simmons.
10.Cleveland Browns: Tristan Wirfs, Iowa
I can’t come up with a reasonable argument not to take him and play him at left tackle.
Last time: Wirfs.