A strong performance at the NFL combine solidified Tristan Wirfs as the next great tackle produced by Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz. (Hawkeyesports.com
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Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland.
The coronavirus has wreaked havoc on American daily life, much less turned the sports world upside down.
As it relates specifically to the NFL, the global pandemic has resulted in cancellation of annual league meetings March 29-April 1. Some rules and business discussion could take place via conference call and voting could be deferred until the next quarterly meeting in May.
So far, the league does not anticipate delaying the start of “legal tampering” of NFL free agents on Monday or the official beginning of the business season – signings and trades – on Wednesday. It’s possible that could change over the weekend, however.
Plans to hold the NFL draft in Las Vegas on April 23-25 are still alive, though the public events, which include transporting selected players on boat to a stage on the Fountains of the Bellagio, are in serious jeopardy.
The pre-draft process also has been affected. Some teams have called off visits to pro days involving air travel, canceled pre-draft visits and closed down operations at team facilities. Some colleges have canceled pro days.
Through a spokesman, the Browns said they have reduced travel by air for scouts and coaches, but it’s “too early for us to determine free agent and 30 draft prospect visits [to their facility].”
“Obviously, [the] situation is fluid and we will continue to monitor and heed the advice of our medical and public officials as circumstances evolve,” wrote the spokesman.
All of which begs the question … how ‘bout a mock?
Our first mock draft of 2020 has been delayed by two weeks. Thus, it will be the only mock before the onset of free agency – unless that schedule is changed by the NFL.
Except for the top two or three picks in the draft, the first round does not get clarified until teams fill some of their most urgent needs through free agent signings.
But something tells me the Browns’ activity in free agency may not alter much their yearning for their first pick in the draft, No. 10 overall.
We will run a different mock draft – listing our picks from No. 1 through No. 10 – each Friday. Our final mock 7.0 will include the entire first round on April 23.
As usual, we don’t include trades in our mocks unless they are officially made by the teams involved.
1. Cincinnati Bengals: QB Joe Burrow, Louisiana State.
The false narrative of Burrow considering a power play to avoid being drafted by the Bengals was dispelled by Burrow at the NFL Combine. Even if the Athens, OH-native thought otherwise, the Bengals are one stubborn organization that would not budge off the Heisman Trophy winner.
2. Washington Redskins: DE Chase Young, Ohio State.
Owner Dan Snyder reportedly is smitten with D.C. area-native Dwayne Haskins as his franchise quarterback. If that conviction holds, adding Haskins’ Ohio State teammate as the franchise player on defense is a no-brainer.
3. Detroit Lions: QB Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama.
His recovery from major hip surgery reportedly is on schedule for him to work out for teams. But the coronavirus may scuttle workout plans prior to the draft. The Lions aren’t moving veteran Matthew Stafford, but they could move down from this spot. Either way, the mobile and accurate lefty figures to be no worse than the third player selected.
4. New York Giants: OT Mekhi Becton, Louisville.
As long as GM Dave Gettleman is calling the shots, he will lean to the “hog mollies” up front. Becton’s combine performance verified an uncanny athleticism to pair with the physicality of a 365-pound left tackle. For the Giants, best available player meets pressing need.
5. Miami Dolphins: CB Jeff Okudah, Ohio State.
Unless they trade up for Tagovailoa, I don’t see them settling for the No. 3 quarterback of the draft. With the 18th and 26th picks also in hand, they can make some serious headway on building their roster and still be in the hunt for Trevor Lawrence in 2021.
6. Los Angeles Chargers: QB Justin Herbert, Oregon.
This is a pick that can be obsolete if they sign Tom Brady or Teddy Bridgewater in free agency. For now, assign them the best available quarterback.
7. Carolina Panthers: LB Isaiah Simmons, Clemson.
The Matt Rhule era begins with a defender that can play three or four positions at a high level – all on the same series. This is another team that may add a quarterback in free agency.
8. Arizona Cardinals: WR CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma
Signing left tackle DJ Humphries eased the pressure to take an offensive lineman early, so they turn to one of quarterback Kyler Murray’s favorite targets with the Sooners.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars: DT Derrick Brown, Auburn.
The best player available should have the biggest impact in a must-win year for coach Doug Marrone and GM Dave Caldwell.
10. Cleveland Browns: OT Tristan Wirfs, Iowa.
An agile and versatile linemen schooled by Kirk Ferentz? The fit couldn’t be better for the Browns, no matter how much they spend on a tackle in free agency. Joe Thomas thinks his NFL future is best-suited at guard, but Kevin Stefanski’s zone-blocking scheme eases his fit as a tackle with the Browns.