The big night is finally here and the big question – other than which team’s GM will suffer some IT issues – is where polarizing Alabama quarterback will go and which teams will snag pivots for the future.
1. Cincinnati
Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
He has been the consensus top selection since the season wrapped and there’s no reason to change now.
2. Washington
Chase Young, DE, Ohio State
Arguably the best player in the draft, he should have great, long career terrorizing quarterbacks.
3. Detroit
Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State
Will certainly be involved in trade talks, but if the Lions stay put Okudah is an elite corner prospect.
4. N.Y. Giants
Jedrick Wills Jr., OT, Alabama
There are plenty of options for top OT prospects, but the odds-on favourite to go first is Wills.
5. Miami
Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
The Dolphins’ pick is the most uncertain, but we see too many reports involving them and Herbert to ignore.
6. L.A. Chargers
Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
His injury concerns raise a lot of red flags, but Tua’s talent and leadership cannot be denied.
7. Carolina
Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson
One of the most talented and versatile defenders we’ve ever seen in the draft, Simmons will have lots of suitors.
8. Arizona
Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
Getting Kyler Murray some protection will only help the sophomore raise his game and help the Cards grow.
9. Jacksonville
Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
The Jags have several holes to fill, but grabbing the 1A receiver would instantly improve their offence.
10. Cleveland
Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
The Browns could reportedly make a trade for Trent Williams and go a different direction with this pick.
11. N.Y. Jets
CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
Lamb would be the Jets’ top receiver as soon as he’s drafted. There’s not many bigger team needs in the NFL.
12. Las Vegas
CJ Henderson, CB, Florida
Could easily go in the top 10 with several reports that some teams have him ranked higher than Okudah.
13. San Francisco
Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
Another prospect with massive potential that could go in the top five. He’d be a steal for the Niners here.
14. Tampa Bay
Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
A reported failed drug test for marijuana could see freak athlete’s stock take a tumble.
15. Denver
Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
Ruggs would bring field-stretching speed and provide a complimentary WR opposite Courtland Sutton.
16. Atlanta
Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina
The Falcons are reportedly very willing to trade up for a CB like Henderson, but also have needs on the D-line.
17. Dallas
K’Lavon Chaisson, DE, LSU
Chaisson is the consensus No. 2 edge rusher and offers value here. Dallas could look to trade back for Ruiz.
18. Miami
Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama
The draft’s best all-around safety, he fills a need for Miami but might take a tumble because of his position.
19. Las Vegas
Jordan Love, QB, Utah St.
Love is a real wild-card. If a team loves him (no pun intended) we could see them move up into the early teens.
20. Jacksonville
Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
After adding to the offence earlier, the Jags now need to fill some holes on their once-proud defence.
21. Philadelphia
Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
An excellent prospect as a slot WR, we might see Jefferson rise into the teens and go ahead of Ruggs.
22. Minnesota
Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State
Corner and the defensive line are also needs but Aiyuk would present the most value at this spot.
23. New England
Cesar Ruiz, IOL, Michigan
The Pats are going to need some stability on their O-line and Ruiz is the best interior lineman in the draft.
24. New Orleans
Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
Saints address perhaps their biggest hole, which was right in the middle of the field for their defence.
25. Minnesota
Antoine Winfield Jr., FS, Minnesota
A centre-field type of safety, Winfield’s father also played for the Vikings as a corner back.
26. Miami
Austin Jackson, OT, USC
The Dolphins offensive line was one of their biggest sore spots and needs a refresh after the Tunsil deal.
27. Seattle
Yetur Gross-Matos, DE, Penn State
YGM fits the Seahawks mold as a big-bodied pass rusher and could allow them to move on from Clowney.
28. Baltimore
Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
Never quite replace C.J. Moseley last year and could do so with the standout Queen.
29. Tennessee
A.J. Epenesa, DE, Iowa
He’s a bit raw as a prospect, but has a big frame and would be able to develop in Tennessee.
30. Green Bay
Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU
A big-play threat, Reagor would add a shifty threat to the Packers offence and can also return kicks.
31. San Francisco
A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson
We should see many teams looking to trade back into the first round, so a deal here is not unexpected.
32. Kansas City
D’Andre Swift, RB, Georgia
Swift’s name describes him well. His speed would work well in the Chiefs offence.
ROUND 2’S BIG NAMES
Watch for these guys to be called in the draft’s next 32 picks.
Jordyn Brooks, LB, Texas Tech
Josh Jones, OT, Houston
Zack Baun, LB, Wisconsin
Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU
Noah Igbinoghene, CB, Auburn
Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah
Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor
Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin
Grant Delpit, S, LSU
Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
Laviska Shenault Jr., WR, Colorado
Terrell Lewis, DE, Alabama