Welcome to another year of the NFL draft season. Unlike last season, when some professional days and face-to-face visits were postponed because of the coronavirus, and the draft week was held virtually, things are getting closer to normal. Frontline staff and coaches can visit professional days to observe and chat with potential customers. The three-day recruiting festival will be held in person in Cleveland.
Last year’s draft was all about wide receivers. This year, it’s about defenders. You could say that every year, but the hungry QB teams in the Top 15 are already negotiating in search of their next QB1.
Here is the first of our two simulated drafts from the first round:
1. Jacksonville:
Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
The first class of Urban Meyer’s draft is about the quarterback. He will probably get the best out of this draft.
2. New York Jets
Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
Jets can negotiate with this choice. If not, they have Sam Darnold’s replacement.
3. San Francisco
Justin Fields, QB, Ohio
A big exchange allowed the 49ers to climb up and get their new QB1.
4. Atlanta
Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota
Falcons can negotiate, possibly with Panthers. Matt Ryan is alert.
5. Cincinnati
Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
After the QBs, the player with the best skill position is available.
6. Miami
JaMarr Chase, WR, LSU
Tua needs someone to play with. A SEC colleague may be on the way.
7. Detroit
Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
When healthy, he’s fantastic, but recovering from an ankle fracture raises questions.
8. Carolina
Penei Sewell, T, Oregon
Finding a QB is a must for the Panthers, but the offensive line is vital.
9. Denver
Rashawn Slater, T, Northwestern
Improving the offensive line is the first step towards reconstruction.
10. Dallas
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/dmn/MQZQMB57BS5PCRSJEJNU7B5SHU.jpg?resize=560%2C449&ssl=1)
Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
The best corner of the draft? Most likely.
11. New York giants
Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
A 4.39 40 on your pro day silences any character issues.
12. Philadelphia
Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
A talented corner that must deal with the talent of NFC East.
13. Los Angeles Chargers
Alijah Vera-Tucker, T / G, USC
A versatile line player who must be the first day holder.
14. Minnesota
Gregory Rousseau, DE, Miami
Mike Zimmer needs some defense updates.
15. New England
DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
Its weight, 170 pounds, does not bother Cam Newton.
16. Arizona
Samuel Cosmi, T, Texas
Protection is important to QB Kyler Murray.
17. Las Vegas
Christian Darrisaw, T, Virginia Tech
This man is ready to play week 1. Substance on the flash for Da Raiders.
18. Miami
Kwity Paye, DE, Michigan
Improving defense and finding another receiver is essential.
19. Washington
Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
So you thought Ryan Fitzpatrick was the future?
20. Chicago
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/dmn/DTUCG7PYXJH4NM6V2MRWX7FACY.jpg?resize=560%2C373&ssl=1)
Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
Back surgery pushes you down on some design boards.
21. Indianapolis
Jaelan Phillips, DL, Miami
A good rusher pass and an up-and-coming talent.
22. Tennessee
Teveon Jenkins, T, Oklahoma
Getting a little younger on the O line can work wonders.
23. New York Jets
Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia
If they keep this choice, finding a corner will help D.
24. Pittsburgh
Josh Myers, C, Ohio
The major reconstruction along the offensive line begins here.
25. Jacksonville
Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
You got the QB, now get the RB in Year 1 for Urban.
26. Cleveland
Greg Newsome II, CB, Northwestern
It’s time to get more depth and talent in high school.
27. Baltimore
Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU
Size was not a concern for Gary Patterson, why should it be for the Ravens?
28. New Orleans
Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida
This may be a reach at this location, but he is talented.
29. Green Bay
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame
Good versatility; you can move it to different locations.
30. Buffalo
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/dmn/AW6CUWFLFZGUFCB32XNNQATNKY.jpg?resize=560%2C406&ssl=1)
Azeez Ojulari, OLB, Georgia
He can go a little higher, because he has excellent passing skills.
31. Kansas City
Liam Eichenberg, T, Notre Dame
If you watched the Super Bowl, you know why a tackle is needed.
32. Tampa Bay
Elijah Moore, WR, Mississippi
Tom Brady needs more weapons, now he will have one.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/dmn/ZZZNSURYW5AVXMQO6HGRVKA2LQ.jpg?resize=380%2C285&ssl=1)
Find more Cowboys coverage on The Dallas Morning News here.