The NFL Draft is hardly an exact science and even the best talent evaluators are going to have their fair share of misses. This is what makes it so much fun, or depressing, to look back at past drafts. Although last year’s selection meeting prospects are just kicking off their careers, it is already obvious some general managers would like a mulligan. Among them are Las Vegas Raiders general manager Mike Mayock and head coach Jon Gruden and lucky for them, here it is.
1. Cincinnati Bengals: QB Joe Burrow
Before his gruesome and unfortunate leg injury, Joe Burrow was performing admirably for the Cincinnati Bengals. Despite being behind one of the worst offensive lines in the league, he posted 2,688 yards and 13 touchdowns in ten games. ‘Cincy’ stays the course here.
2. Washington Football Team: QB Justin Herbert
This one was really tough, as pass rusher defensive end Chase Young has given Washington an identity on defense. However, knowing how incredible Herbert played his rookie year and how poorly Dwayne Haskins played, they opt for the quarterback. Herbert gives Washington one of the NFL’s most exciting young players, at the league’s most important position.
3. Detroit Lions: DE Chase Young
In a dream scenario for Detroit, they select the best pass rusher in the draft. Chase Young, registered 7.5 sacks in his rookie season and is poised to become one of the top defenders in the NFL. The Ohio State product instantly changes the Lions’ defense.
4. New York Giants: OT Jedrick Wills
In a class that is stacked with offensive linemen, the ‘G-Men’ originally selected Georgia’s Andrew Thomas, who certainly has the potential to become a good player but struggled in his first year. However, in this redo, they opt for Alabama’s Jedrick Wills, who locked down Baker Mayfield’s blindside and was not only one of the best rookie tackles, but one of the best overall.
5. Miami Dolphins: QB Tua Tagovailoa
While Miami was certainly hoping to take Justin Herbert here, they instead choose to stay the course with Tua Tagovailoa. Despite having his fair share of struggles, ‘Tua’ still possesses an immense potential, giving Miami reason for hope that they can finally find Dan Marino’s successor.
DeVonta Smith got Stingley with straight gas on Alabama's final touchdown but can we talk about the throw? 43 yards downfield from release point AND outside the numbers to the open side of the field. Bonkers throw from Tua. #DIME pic.twitter.com/X0q4l3tLtJ
— Kyle Crabbs (@GrindingTheTape) November 14, 2019
Related: Raiders Should Look At DE Justin Houston If Colts Move On
6. Los Angeles Chargers: Mekhi Becton, Offensive Tackle
The heartbreak of losing Justin Herbert is somewhat remedied by getting the mammoth Mekhi Becton. The hog molly was incredible for the New York Jets and will hold down the left side for the Chargers for a decade.
7. Carolina Panthers: DT Derrick Brown
In the 2020 NFL Draft, the Panthers didn’t select a single offensive player and that doesn’t change here. Derrick Brown is the biggest piece of their defensive makeover.
8. Arizona Cardinals: OT Tristan Wirfs
The Cardinals originally selected linebacker Isaiah Simmons here but that didn’t work out so well, as he had lots of struggles early. In this re-do, they select another top offensive tackle in Tristan Wirfs to solidify protection around Kyler Murray.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars: WR Justin Jefferson
In a loaded crop of rookie wideouts, all Jefferson did was post the best statistical season a rookie has ever had at the position. With 88 catches, 1,400 yards a seven touchdowns Jefferson is poised to become one of the top wide receivers in the NFL.
LSU wastes no time‼ï¸
Justin Jefferson scores on a 19-yard TD and the Tigers go up 7-0. #CFBPlayoff pic.twitter.com/NHzrR3Mw0t
— ESPN (@espn) December 28, 2019
[tps_title]Up Next: Rounds 11 to 20[/tps_title]
