Has Paul DePodesta arrested his penchant for trading down? The Browns chief strategy officer might want to add an extra draft pick. (sportingnews.com)
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Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland.
Barring some unforeseen circumstance – which wouldn’t be unusual in these uncertain times – NFL GMs will conduct the draft on April 23-25 from their residences.
Prior to then, teams hope to have their IT specialists secure and enhance Internet connections and add telephone lines to reduce interruptions of service with their team “on the clock.”
Reports are that the league will conduct mock drafts, also, to troubleshoot potential problems.
Maybe one of their mock drafts will look like mock draft 5.0.
1. Cincinnati Bengals: QB Joe Burrow, Louisiana State.
My asking price for this pick would be five No. 1s – Miami’s three in 2020 and two in 2021. And then I would say, “Let’s add two No. 2s over the next two drafts and then we’ll get back to you.”
Last time: Burrow.
2. Washington Redskins: DE Chase Young, Ohio State.
New coach Ron Rivera acquired Kyle Allen to challenge Dwayne Haskins. Because of his knowledge of the offense Rivera will run from their Carolina days – and the virtual elimination of an offseason program -- Allen may have a legit chance to begin the season as starting quarterback. There’s no need for the Redskins to move off this pick.
Last time: Young.
3. Detroit Lions: CB Jeff Okudah, Ohio State.
With the connections of GM Bob Quinn and coach Matt Patricia to Bill Belichick, you have to wonder if they would accept a boatload of Patriots veteran players to move out of this spot and allow Belichick to take his quarterback of the future right here. The Lions reportedly have made it known they’re willing to trade down, not that Belichick didn’t already know that.
Last time: Okudah.
4. New York Giants: OT Jedrick Wills, Alabama.
With Nate Solder entrenched at left tackle, the Giants can ease in Wills at his natural right tackle spot for a year before moving him in his second season. Wills would solidify blocking for QB Daniel Jones and RB Saquon Barkley.
Last time: Wills.
5. Miami Dolphins: QB Justin Herbert, Oregon.
Failing to entice the Bengals for the No. 1 pick, the Dolphins may just sit back and let the Chargers jump ahead of them, if they like, and take the quarterback that’s left. Given the choice, there is increasing chatter that they prefer Herbert.
Last time: Tua Tagovailoa.
6. Los Angeles Chargers: QB Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama.
Will they be scared off by Mike Lombardi’s speculation that Tagovailoa’s injuries include a broken wrist not previously disclosed? Is Lombardi doing Belichick’s lead-blocking to lower the trade price for the Alabama quarterback? Will the Chargers turn to Jordan Love? We are in silly season, after all.
Last time: Herbert.
7. Carolina Panthers: LB Isaiah Simmons, Clemson.
The No. 3-ranked defensive player – whomever it is – seems like the right fit for the Panthers under new coach Matt Rhule.
Last time: Simmons.
8. Arizona Cardinals: OT Tristan Wirfs, Iowa.
For the first time, I bow to prevailing opinion that coach Kliff Kingsbury chooses to protect Kyle Murray rather than supply him with his former Oklahoma teammate.
Last time: CeeDee Lamb.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars: DT Derrick Brown, Auburn.
Whether it’s Brown or Simmons, a defensive playmaker would appear to be the proper choice.
Last time: Brown.
10. Cleveland Browns: OT Andrew Thomas, Georgia.
I’m feeling that pit in my stomach that I haven’t felt since the 2017 draft. Trade down, collect a third-round pick, settle for a lesser-ranked lineman. Pass the Pepto Bismol, please.
Last time: Wirfs.