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Mauricio’s Mock Draft 1.0: Cowboys Get Their Guy on Defense

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The 2020 NFL Draft will be a brand-new experience as teams try to adapt to the stay-at-home regulations all around the country. But when it comes down to it, it’ll be the same as before. Teams trying to find the best players available. This year’s class is special with four potential first-round quarterbacks, a ton of wide receivers, offensive tackles and more.

Today, I share with you my 2020 Mock Draft 1.0. I decided to not include trades in my mock, but I  think you’ll find a surprise or two in there.

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R1/1 – CIN: Joe Burrow, QB, LSU

The No. 1 pick is a no-brainer. Joe Burrow is far and away the best QB in the class. He’s NFL ready and despite concerns about arm strength, the Bengals select this accurate, agile and smart quarterback.

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R1/2 – WAS: Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State

Young might be the best overall prospect in the Draft. He’s explosive off the edge, has great technique and prototype size for the NFL. The Redskins have a very good defensive line, but adding Young takes it to another level.

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R1/3 – DET: Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State

Many believe the Lions might trade out of this pick, but if they stick around, Okudah should be the pick. Darius Slay was traded to the Eagles, but they get a week 1 starter with All-Pro potential in Okudah.

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R1/4 – NYG: Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa

Daniel Jones showed promise as a rookie, but he needs a decent offensive line around him. The Giants have once a decent job trying to build one in the last couple of years, and Tristan Wirfs is the newest addition.

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R1/5 – MIA: Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama

The buzz about Herbert being the pick for the Dolphins is gaining steam, but I’m still leaning toward Tagovailoa. If he was healthy, Tua would be in the conversation with Burrow, not with Herbert. I have the Dolphins betting on Tagovailoa’s health.

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R1/6 – LAC: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon

The Chargers need a quarterback for the future, and Herbert has a good arm and a good upside. Los Angeles might consider adding a bridge quarterback if they don’t want to rush the Oregon prospect.

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R1/7 – CAR: Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson

Simmons is a freak that can play just about anywhere on defense. He projects better as a linebacker in the NFL, and Matt Rhule will be able to use him in multiple roles.

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R1/8 – ARI: Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama

Many are guessing defensive tackle here, but with Wills available, I can see them getting Kyler Murray decent protection.

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R1/9 – JAC: Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn

The Jaguars rebuild their defensive line starting with Brown, a big prospect that can dominate the defensive line at any interior position. His athleticism will help him fit anywhere.

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R1/10 – CLE: Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia

Many things went wrong for the Browns in 2019. One of the main issues was tearing apart the offensive line. Adding Thomas is a step in the right direction.

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R1/11 – NYJ: Mehki Becton, OT, Louisville

Sam Darnold is a young and promising quarterback who needs protection. Becton can be the team’s starting left tackle.

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R1/12 – LVR: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma

The Raiders can go many directions with this pick, but Lamb might be the best fit for Jon Gruden’s offense. It will be exciting to watch how Lamb’s speed and run after catch skills translate to the NFL.

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R1/13 – SF: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama

Jeudy is an excellent route-runner and I can’t wait to see how Kyle Shanahan uses him on Sunday.

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R1/14 – TB: Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama

The Bucs already paid Tom Brady, they might as well give him even more weapons. Next to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, Ruggs could be a game-changer with his speed in Tampa.

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R1/15 – DEN: Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina

Kinlaw is talented enough to overcome a few concerns about his lack of production in college. The Broncos need someone to help their pass rushers and Kinlaw is just that.

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R1/16 – ATL: C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida

The Falcons are lucky enough to find Henderson with the 16th pick of the Draft. An athletic and instinctive corner, Henderson’s aggressiveness will translate well to the next level. A true CB1.

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R1/17 – DAL: K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, LSU

Randy Gregory and Aldon Smith aren’t the answer at defensive end for the Cowboys. With Quinn out of the picture, Dallas gets a young explosive rusher in Chaisson. He’s improved every year in LSU and shined the most when given a more consistent role as an edge rusher. Despite a glaring need at cornerback, the Cowboys are going with the best player available. That’s Chaisson.

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R1/18 – MIA: Josh Jones, OT, Houston

Dealing Laremy Tunsil to the Texans could’ve been a good move, but the Dolphins find their next tackle in Josh Jones late in the first round.

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R1/19 – OAK: Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU

After passing on C.J. Henderson with pick #12, the Raiders find a starting corner in TCU’s Gladney.

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R1/20 – JAC: Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU

Jefferson might not be in the same category as the top 3 wide receivers in the Draft, but he is very talented and the Jaguars need a starter at the position for whoever is going to be the team’s starting quarterback.

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R1/21 – PHI: Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma

With Jefferson off the board, I see the Eagles going with the best player available. Murray is a playmaker for a defense that’s talented but lacks a game-changer.

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R1/22 – MIN: A.J. Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa

Epenesa’s versatility will make him climb up the boards and the Vikings won’t risk losing him before their second pick in the first round. Minnesota adds depth for the defensive line.

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R1/23 – NE: Jordan Love, QB, Utah State

I have the Patriots pulling the trigger on Love if he’s available at 23. They could address a lot of positions and bet on Jarrett Stidham, but Love’s arm is unbelievable and I don’t know when will they be able to be in a position to draft another quality quarterback in the first round. They’re not as championship ready as always, so betting on another option for the future would be wise.

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R1/24 – NO: Patrick Queen, LB, LSU

The Saints have the luxury of drafting the best player available. At 23, Queen is a steal. He can do it all and shines both in coverage and defending the run.

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R1/25 – MIN: Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama

The Vikings losing Trae Waynes will hurt, but adding Diggs will certainly help. Diggs’ prototype size makes him a top prospect at the position, but some are concerned about his technique.

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R1/26 – MIA: Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE, Penn State

The Dolphins have added players at two of the most important positions with a quarterback and an offensive tackle. With Gross-Matos available, now they get an edge rusher.

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R1/27 – SEA: Austin Jackson, OT, USC

It seems like every year the Seahawks need help at their offensive line. Well, they do. Jackson is ready for the NFL and a great value pick this late in the Draft.

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R1/28 – BAL: Zack Baun, LB / EDGE, Wisconsin

The Ravens select Baun, who can be a pass rusher or an off-ball linebacker for Baltimore’s defense. Versatility helps in a defense that’s as creative as the one in John Harbaugh’s team.

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R1/29 – TEN: Marlon Davidson, DT, Auburn

Davidson sneaks into the first round as a guy who can create chaos in any given play as a 3-technique.

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R1/30 – GB: Brandon Ayiuk, WR, Arizona State

Ayiuk is one of the most intriguing prospects in this year’s class. Aaron Rodgers needs help on offense and the Packers bet on this young, explosive and somewhat unproven receiver.

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R1/31 – SF: A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson

The 49ers defense is in a good spot, but they need a starting cornerback if they want to keep up what they had going last season. Terrell has climbed the boards and projects as a first-rounder thanks to his size and speed.

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R1/32 – KC: Cesar Ruiz, IOL, Michigan

The Chiefs could let the Colts jump into the first round if Jordan Love is still on the board for a small price and wait until the second round to make a selection, but if they don’t, Cesar Ruiz seems like a smart pick to provide more protection for Patrick Mahomes.

I love to write, I love football and I love the Dallas Cowboys. I've been rooting for America's team all the way from Mexico ever since I can remember. If you want to talk football, I'm in... You'll find me at @MauNFL.

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