In a world without COVID-19, the 2020 summer movie season would've been kicking off in the United States tonight with the release of Marvel's hotly anticipated Black Widow. While it goes without saying that the delay, if not full-blown cancellation of summer movie season isn't even close to the most pressing issue in the current climate, it's days like today where the absence of fresh, exciting pieces of escapism from the grimness of reality particularly stings.
The seemingly endless list of horrors that this pandemic has offered up are going to have ripple effects long after the virus itself has been eradicated. Not only it is difficult to predict what human behavior will look like post COVID-19, but there are serious questions surrounding what businesses will be able to remain in tact after dealing with an unprecedented level of economic hardship. Among the top institutions at risk of completely disappearing as a result of the pandemic is movie theaters.
Attendance has been on the decline over the past few years as streaming services have gained popularity and months upon months of lost revenue, especially during a time of the year that is traditionally among their most profitable, is the type of hurdle they may not be able to recover from. How theaters perform upon re-opening along with the burning question of whether the success the titles-most notably Trolls World Tour, which has reportedly netted Universal roughly $100 million since it came out on April 10th-released through on demand video services is simply a product of these times where people are stuck at home or the unexpected start of a new permeant release strategy could ultimately dictates their long-term fate. Even the prospect of movie theaters disappearing for good is incredibly depressing to me, so that's why I decided to write about why they mean so much to me and my hope that they'll be able to persevere through the most difficult time in modern history.
This pro-theater stance is by no means an attack on streaming. The emergence of streaming services have been a terrific addition to the entertainment ecosystem. The convenience is unmatched, they give exposure to non-blockbuster titles that otherwise wouldn't have reached such a wide audience and the total creative freedom these platforms (especially Netflix) give writers/directors is a refreshing departure from the ill-advised meddling that longtime major distributors engage in on certain projects. That being said, an entertainment landscape where streaming is the only method of releasing content would suck a considerable amount of joy out of the world of movies.
No matter how solid the quality of the streaming output on the whole is right now, there are certain aspects of the theatrical experience that just can't be topped. I'll start with a nitpicky preference that almost definitely won't apply to a lot of people: The theatrical setting is far more ideal setting for commanding undivided attention on a product. While the ability to freely pause something when you have to go to the bathroom, get snacks or a drink, etc. and eliminating the potential for the inconsiderate behavior of some a-hole stranger to derail the whole viewing experience is great, being in the confines of your home invites distractions to enter the equation that at the very least shouldn't exist at the theater.
Whenever I'm watching something that I actively dislike at home, the feeling that I'm wasting my time can become unbearable and I'm likely to start spacing out or even doing shit (sending texts, mindlessly surfing the internet on my laptop) that I would NEVER do in a theater. On the rare occasions I've watched something with a group at somebody's house, there can also be the problem of people feeling compelled to have full-blown conversations in the middle of the movie. Obviously theaters don't eliminate this behavior completely, but I've found that it greatly reduces it-especially now since the people that are attending movies more than likely really want to be there.
Then of course there is the actual technical setups of a theater. As hard as companies try, there is no HD resolution quality, soundbar or other piece of home entertainment equipment that can match the towering screens, digital projectors and unreal sound systems most theaters possess. There are a decent amount of titles that hit theaters don't benefit from being seen with these state-of-the-art specs, but for films that are designed to be visual or visceral spectacles such as 1917, Ford v. Ferrari or any of the Fast and Furious films released in the past decade just wouldn't have the same impact on a 52-inch screen in someone's den.
As much as I value those aspects of theaters, that's not what inspires me to frequent them. The primary appeal of movie theaters is the communal experience that comes with it. Getting to bask in the energy and emotion that comes with watching a movie with an engaged crowd is so, so special. I'll never forget the opening night screening of Get Out where the audience cheered, yelled and gasped throughout. I'll never forget missing about a quarter of the dialogue in Superbad due to laughter drowning out the audio. I'll never forget the sporting event-esque atmosphere that filled the room during Avengers: Endgame. I'll never forget the raucous applause that broke out when Hitler got brutally killed in Inglorious Basterds. I'll never forget the two dudes who sat next to me during Cats and frequently reacted with visible disbelief/confusion that they were actually witnessing a movie about horny singing CGI felines that had the faces of several A-list celebrities begging for the sweet release of death. Nothing in the world can replicate sharing laughs, surprise, enthusiasm or tears with your fellow humans and imagining that going away is just devastating.
Whether it be the theater owner's current targeted reopening date of mid-July or any other time in the future where it's deemed safe enough to gather in small, socially-distanced groups, I'll relish any opportunity to step foot into a movie theater again. Escapism is as an essential tool to navigating the tragic pitfalls that fill life and for me, movie theaters might as well be fucking Narnia. It's a magical land where liquid butter fills the air, '90s arcade machines provides an ambiance that is akin to a sketchy waterfront arcade and the carpets are covered with substances that I'd rather not know about. If I get to walk through the neon-illuminated entrance and ride a semi-functional escalator up to a massive multiplex paradise where memorable entertainment could be waiting behind every auditorium door again, I'll be nothing short of delighted and grateful.
Thursday, April 30, 2020
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
Movie Review: Extraction
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It's been proven on several occasions in recent years that good things tend to happen when you get a seasoned stuntperson to direct an action movie. Extraction is the latest example of the rewards that can be reaped from having someone with intimate knowledge of the action-staging process running the show.
Like Chad Stahleski and David Leitch before him, Sam Hargrave-whose resume as a stunt coordinator includes Avengers: Infinity War/Endgame, The Accountant and Leitch's Atomic Blonde-ensured success on his inaugural directorial endeavor by building Extraction around his established strengths as a creative individual. The incredibly straightforward plot centered around a former Australian special forces solider turned mercenary (Chris Hemsworth, who is very convincing as a cold blooded killing machine going through a not-so-subtle battle with his personal demons) that is hired to retrieve the teenage son of an Indian drug lord (Rudhraksh Jaiswal in a surprisingly understated turn) who has been kidnapped by a rival kingpin (Priyanshu Painyuli) from Bangladesh actively invites opportunities for big action setpieces to emerge and allows for constant narrative momentum to be achieved relatively easily. While this straightforward approach to storytelling will likely leave the people that are seeking something deeper rolling their eyes, keeping things clear and concise on the narrative front is a great way to get the maestro behind the camera to devote the bulk of their efforts to the stuff that brings genre fans to their feet.
Naturally, the action front is where Extraction works overtime and let's just say those long hours paid off. By utilizing fluid camerawork, having enemies that routinely catch the heroes by surprise and emphasizing the brutal physicality/emotional toll of combat, Hargrave's directorial approach feels grittily realistic. The impact of every punch/bullet/stab is felt and hardly a moment goes by where you feel like danger isn't around the corner, which results in a string of dazzling setpieces that boast suspense levels that are comparable to a pure thriller. All of the pulse-pounding excitement and "HOLY SHIT"-worthy moments of carnage that stems from this technique is best highlighted by a 10+ minute long take that goes through several locations near the halfway point. It's the type of jaw-dropping visceral spectacle that leaves you wondering how the hell they were able to pull it off as soon as it's over as well as an important visual reminder that stunt performers are the most criminally underappreciated individuals working in the entertainment industry. Considering how assured and technically-sound the direction is here, I don't think it's unfair to believe that Hargrave could be setting out on a path to become a premier action filmmaker.
Extraction is a pure adrenaline rush that delivers plenty of terrific action with absolutely no fat to speak of. While I'm not willing to put in the class of John Wick, Kingsman and The Raid quite yet, it's definitely a standout project that demonstrates the benefit of having a team in place that knows how to assemble these scenes from the pre-shoot choreography/storyboarding all the way to the editing process. Cheers to Mr. Hargrave on a hell of a directorial debut and may there be many more chances for him to stage immaculate shootouts, fist fights, etc. on screens of any size in the future.
Grade: A-
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
Top 20 Albums of the 2010's Recap
20.Deftones-Diamond Eyes (2010)
19.Every Time I Die-Ex Lives (2012)
18.Unearth-Watchers of Rule (2014)
17.Killswitch Engage-Disarm the Descent (2013)
16.Revocation-Chaos of Forms (2011)
15.Run the Jewels-Run the Jewels 2 (2014)
14.August Burns Red-Found in Far Away Places (2015)
13.Alleageon-Apoptosis (2019)
12.Death Grips-The Money Store (2012)
11.Danny Brown-Atrocity Exhibition (2016)
10.Rivers of Nihil-Where Owls Know My Name (2018)
9.Fallujah-The Flesh Prevails (2014)
8.Revocation-Deathless (2014)
7.The Black Dahlia Murder-Nightbringers (2017)
6.Between the Buried and Me-The Parallax II: Future Sequence (2012)
5.Lana Del Rey-Born to Die (2012)
4.Fallujah-Dreamless (2016)
3.Lana Del Rey-Norman Fucking Rockwell! (2019)
2.The Dillinger Escape Plan-Option Paralysis (2010)
1.The Black Dahlia Murder-Ritual (2011)
19.Every Time I Die-Ex Lives (2012)
18.Unearth-Watchers of Rule (2014)
17.Killswitch Engage-Disarm the Descent (2013)
16.Revocation-Chaos of Forms (2011)
15.Run the Jewels-Run the Jewels 2 (2014)
14.August Burns Red-Found in Far Away Places (2015)
13.Alleageon-Apoptosis (2019)
12.Death Grips-The Money Store (2012)
11.Danny Brown-Atrocity Exhibition (2016)
10.Rivers of Nihil-Where Owls Know My Name (2018)
9.Fallujah-The Flesh Prevails (2014)
8.Revocation-Deathless (2014)
7.The Black Dahlia Murder-Nightbringers (2017)
6.Between the Buried and Me-The Parallax II: Future Sequence (2012)
5.Lana Del Rey-Born to Die (2012)
4.Fallujah-Dreamless (2016)
3.Lana Del Rey-Norman Fucking Rockwell! (2019)
2.The Dillinger Escape Plan-Option Paralysis (2010)
1.The Black Dahlia Murder-Ritual (2011)
Monday, April 27, 2020
2020 NFL Draft Recap: Winners, Losers and Premature Grades for All 32 Teams
Biggest Winners: Baltimore Ravens
Addressing needs while consistently getting good value over the course of 7 rounds is an exceptionally difficult task in any draft, but Eric DeCosta pulled it off. He managed to secure players (super athlete inside linebacker Patrick Queen, versatile running back J.K. Dobbins, slot YAC machine Devin Duvernay, people-moving defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, road-grating guard Ben Bredeson, disciplined cover safety Geno Stone) that perfectly fit their scheme on both sides of the ball without overpaying in trades or reaching for questionable talent. Considering the current vacancies the Ravens have in their starting lineup along the offensive line and front 7, these guys should get more of a chance to prove their worth right away than most rookies traditionally do.
Honorable Mentions: Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns
Biggest Losers: Green Bay Packers
I'm having a hard time remembering a more head-scratching draft approach than the one Brian Gutekunst utilized this year. He glossed over just about all of the team's biggest immediate needs (wide receiver, defensive line, offensive line-where they took 3 interior guys in the 6th round that might not even make the roster) in favor of taking huge swings at positions that didn't really need to be addressed. Josiah Deguara is a blocking specialist tight end that probably could've been taken at least 2 rounds later than he was, A.J. Dillon received an insane workload at Boston College that could quickly diminish the smashmouth power running skill set that makes up the bulk of his value and regardless of how you feel about Jordan Love as a QB prospect (his erratic decisionmaking and mechanical issues make me believe that he's a strong bust candidate) or the potential positive motivation it could give Aaron Rodgers, his selection is a move that makes little sense for a team coming off an NFC Championship Game appearance.
Dishonorable Mentions: Las Vegas Raiders, Houston Texans, New England Patriots
Best Value Pick: CeeDee Lamb, wide receiver (Selected 17th overall by the Dallas Cowboys)
Was this the most sensible pick considering the several holes the Cowboys currently have on defense? Of course not. However, getting a chance to add a potential gamebreaker in Lamb to a receiving corps that already has Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup is the rare luxury selection that can be justified. Lamb possesses the type of deep, refined skill set (route running, hands, speed, elusiveness/tackle-breaking after the catch) that you rarely see out of a receiver prospect and if he lives up to his massive potential, the Cowboys could have one of the most explosive passing attacks in the league for the foreseeable future.
Honorable Mentions: Jerry Jeudy, wide receiver (Selected 15th overall by the Denver Broncos), Kristian Fulton, cornerback (Selected 61st overall by the Tennessee Titans), Josh Jones, tackle (Selected 72nd overall by the Arizona Cardinals)
Worst Value Pick: Isaiah Wilson, tackle (Selected 29th overall by the Tennessee Titans)
Teams selecting outside the top 15 were bound to start reaching for tackles with the most lauded prospects (Andrew Thomas, Jedrick Wills Jr., Mekhi Becton, Tristian Wirfs) all flying off the board by pick 13. The fact that the Titans ended up being among those teams throwing darts was downright shocking. Wilson is an all size, no finesse tackle with limited college reps who could get overwhelmed in the Titans old-school, pound the rock offense and might not even get a chance to start right away as the team re-signed veteran Dennis Kelly, who has 31 career starts, to a 3-year deal to conceivably take over for the departed Jack Conklin at right tackle.
Dishonorable Mentions: Austin Jackson, tackle (Selected 18th overall by the Miami Dolphins) Damon Arnette, cornerback (Selected 19th overall by the Las Vegas Raiders), Jordan Love, quarterback (Selected 27th overall by the Green Bay Packers)
Most Absurd Home of a Coach/Executive: Kliff Kingsbury (Cardinals)
Getting a glimpse inside the living areas of the houses of these NFL coaches proved to be one of the biggest treats of having a remote draft. From Jerry Jones having a revolving door of women hold his phone while sitting on his $250 million yacht to Mike Zimmer looking pissed that he was forced to use newfangled technology in what appeared to be a backwoods hunting lodge to Mike Vrabel's teenage son possibly shitting with the door open, fans were treated of an array of bizarre sights that gave this draft a distinctly intimate, almost surreal feeling. Despite lacking the lively secondary players that many of his peers had, Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury commanded a lot of attention with his insane mega mansion that doesn't appear to be located in the greater Phoenix area. Drafting alone from his comically large living room that had a pristine view of his pool/firepit was just an absurd flex that made a lot of viewers question whether or not he was a football coach or a high-profile cocaine dealer.
Honorable Mentions: Mike Zimmer (Vikings), Jerry Jones (Cowboys), Bill Belichick (Patriots)
Premature Grades (Full Draft Classes Can be Viewed Here: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001111711/article/2020-nfl-draft-final-quicksnap-grades-for-all-32-teams):
Arizona Cardinals: A
Atlanta Falcons: B+
Baltimore Ravens: A
Buffalo Bills: A
Carolina Panthers: B-
Chicago Bears: B-
Cincinnati Bengals: B+
Cleveland Browns: A
Dallas Cowboys: A
Denver Broncos: A-
Detroit Lions: A-
Green Bay Packers: D+
Houston Texans: C-
Indianapolis Colts: A-
Jacksonville Jaguars: B
Kansas City Chiefs: B+
Las Vegas Raiders: C-
Los Angeles Chargers: C+
Los Angeles Rams: B
Miami Dolphins: B-
Minnesota Vikings: A-
New England Patriots: C
New Orleans Saints: B+
New York Giants: B+
New York Jets: A-
Philadelphia Eagles: B
Pittsburgh Steelers: B
San Francisco 49ers: B+
Seattle Seahawks: B
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: B+
Tennessee Titans: B
Washington Redskins: B-
Addressing needs while consistently getting good value over the course of 7 rounds is an exceptionally difficult task in any draft, but Eric DeCosta pulled it off. He managed to secure players (super athlete inside linebacker Patrick Queen, versatile running back J.K. Dobbins, slot YAC machine Devin Duvernay, people-moving defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, road-grating guard Ben Bredeson, disciplined cover safety Geno Stone) that perfectly fit their scheme on both sides of the ball without overpaying in trades or reaching for questionable talent. Considering the current vacancies the Ravens have in their starting lineup along the offensive line and front 7, these guys should get more of a chance to prove their worth right away than most rookies traditionally do.
Honorable Mentions: Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns
Biggest Losers: Green Bay Packers
I'm having a hard time remembering a more head-scratching draft approach than the one Brian Gutekunst utilized this year. He glossed over just about all of the team's biggest immediate needs (wide receiver, defensive line, offensive line-where they took 3 interior guys in the 6th round that might not even make the roster) in favor of taking huge swings at positions that didn't really need to be addressed. Josiah Deguara is a blocking specialist tight end that probably could've been taken at least 2 rounds later than he was, A.J. Dillon received an insane workload at Boston College that could quickly diminish the smashmouth power running skill set that makes up the bulk of his value and regardless of how you feel about Jordan Love as a QB prospect (his erratic decisionmaking and mechanical issues make me believe that he's a strong bust candidate) or the potential positive motivation it could give Aaron Rodgers, his selection is a move that makes little sense for a team coming off an NFC Championship Game appearance.
Dishonorable Mentions: Las Vegas Raiders, Houston Texans, New England Patriots
Best Value Pick: CeeDee Lamb, wide receiver (Selected 17th overall by the Dallas Cowboys)
Was this the most sensible pick considering the several holes the Cowboys currently have on defense? Of course not. However, getting a chance to add a potential gamebreaker in Lamb to a receiving corps that already has Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup is the rare luxury selection that can be justified. Lamb possesses the type of deep, refined skill set (route running, hands, speed, elusiveness/tackle-breaking after the catch) that you rarely see out of a receiver prospect and if he lives up to his massive potential, the Cowboys could have one of the most explosive passing attacks in the league for the foreseeable future.
Honorable Mentions: Jerry Jeudy, wide receiver (Selected 15th overall by the Denver Broncos), Kristian Fulton, cornerback (Selected 61st overall by the Tennessee Titans), Josh Jones, tackle (Selected 72nd overall by the Arizona Cardinals)
Worst Value Pick: Isaiah Wilson, tackle (Selected 29th overall by the Tennessee Titans)
Teams selecting outside the top 15 were bound to start reaching for tackles with the most lauded prospects (Andrew Thomas, Jedrick Wills Jr., Mekhi Becton, Tristian Wirfs) all flying off the board by pick 13. The fact that the Titans ended up being among those teams throwing darts was downright shocking. Wilson is an all size, no finesse tackle with limited college reps who could get overwhelmed in the Titans old-school, pound the rock offense and might not even get a chance to start right away as the team re-signed veteran Dennis Kelly, who has 31 career starts, to a 3-year deal to conceivably take over for the departed Jack Conklin at right tackle.
Dishonorable Mentions: Austin Jackson, tackle (Selected 18th overall by the Miami Dolphins) Damon Arnette, cornerback (Selected 19th overall by the Las Vegas Raiders), Jordan Love, quarterback (Selected 27th overall by the Green Bay Packers)
Most Absurd Home of a Coach/Executive: Kliff Kingsbury (Cardinals)
Getting a glimpse inside the living areas of the houses of these NFL coaches proved to be one of the biggest treats of having a remote draft. From Jerry Jones having a revolving door of women hold his phone while sitting on his $250 million yacht to Mike Zimmer looking pissed that he was forced to use newfangled technology in what appeared to be a backwoods hunting lodge to Mike Vrabel's teenage son possibly shitting with the door open, fans were treated of an array of bizarre sights that gave this draft a distinctly intimate, almost surreal feeling. Despite lacking the lively secondary players that many of his peers had, Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury commanded a lot of attention with his insane mega mansion that doesn't appear to be located in the greater Phoenix area. Drafting alone from his comically large living room that had a pristine view of his pool/firepit was just an absurd flex that made a lot of viewers question whether or not he was a football coach or a high-profile cocaine dealer.
Honorable Mentions: Mike Zimmer (Vikings), Jerry Jones (Cowboys), Bill Belichick (Patriots)
Premature Grades (Full Draft Classes Can be Viewed Here: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001111711/article/2020-nfl-draft-final-quicksnap-grades-for-all-32-teams):
Arizona Cardinals: A
Atlanta Falcons: B+
Baltimore Ravens: A
Buffalo Bills: A
Carolina Panthers: B-
Chicago Bears: B-
Cincinnati Bengals: B+
Cleveland Browns: A
Dallas Cowboys: A
Denver Broncos: A-
Detroit Lions: A-
Green Bay Packers: D+
Houston Texans: C-
Indianapolis Colts: A-
Jacksonville Jaguars: B
Kansas City Chiefs: B+
Las Vegas Raiders: C-
Los Angeles Chargers: C+
Los Angeles Rams: B
Miami Dolphins: B-
Minnesota Vikings: A-
New England Patriots: C
New Orleans Saints: B+
New York Giants: B+
New York Jets: A-
Philadelphia Eagles: B
Pittsburgh Steelers: B
San Francisco 49ers: B+
Seattle Seahawks: B
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: B+
Tennessee Titans: B
Washington Redskins: B-
Sunday, April 26, 2020
2020 NFL Draft: Top 50 Prospects/Top 5 By Position, Biggest Potential Sleepers and Busts (Updated w/Landing Spots)
Top 50 Overall Prospects:
1.Joe Burrow, quarterback (LSU) Selected 1st overall by the Cincinnati Bengals
2.Jeffery Okudah, cornerback (Ohio State) Selected 3rd overall by the Detroit Lions
3.CeeDee Lamb, wide receiver (Oklahoma) Selected 17th overall by the Dallas Cowboys
4.Jerry Jeudy, wide receiver (Alabama) Selected 15th overall by the Denver Broncos
5.Isaiah Simmons, inside linebacker (Clemson) Selected 8th by the Arizona Cardinals
6.Chase Young, edge rusher (Ohio State) Selected 2nd overall by the Washington Redskins
7.Derrick Brown, defensive tackle (Auburn) Selected 7th overall by the Carolina Panthers
8.Javon Kinlaw, defensive tackle (South Carolina) Selected 14th overall by the San Francisco 49ers
9.Andrew Thomas, tackle (Georgia) Selected 4th overall by the New York Giants
10.Tua Tagovailoa, quarterback (Alabama) Selected 5th overall by the Miami Dolphins
11.Jedrick Wills Jr., tackle (Alabama) Selected 10th overall by the Cleveland Browns
12.Tristan Wirfs, tackle (Iowa) Selected 13th overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
13.Henry Ruggs III, wide receiver (Alabama) Selected 12th overall by the Las Vegas Raiders
14.Kristian Fulton, cornerback (LSU) Selected 61st overall by the Tennessee Titans
15.Tee Higgins, wide receiver (Clemson) Selected 33rd overall by the Cincinnati Bengals
16.A.J. Epenesa, edge rusher (Iowa) Selected 54th overall by the Buffalo Bills
17.Josh Jones, tackle (Houston) Selected 72nd overall by the Arizona Cardinals
18.Grant Delpit, safety (LSU) Selected 44th overall by the Cleveland Browns
19.Xavier McKinney, safety (Alabama) Selected 36th overall by the New York Giants
20.Zack Baun, inside/outside linebacker (Wisconsin) Selected 74th overall by the New Orleans Saints
21.D'Andre Swift, running back (Georgia) Selected 35th overall by the Detroit Lions
22.Denzel Mims, wide receiver (Baylor) Selected 59th overall by the New York Jets
23.Patrick Queen, inside linebacker (LSU) Selected 28th overall by the Baltimore Ravens
24.Michael Pittman Jr., wide receiver (USC) Selected 34th overall by the Indianapolis Colts
25.Ceaser Ruiz, center/guard (Michigan) Selected 24th overall by the New Orleans Saints
26.Jordan Elliott, defensive tackle (Missouri) Selected 88th overall by the Cleveland Browns
27.Curtis Weaver, edge rusher (Boise State) Selected 164th overall by the Miami Dolphins
28.Zack Moss, running back (Utah) Selected 86th overall by the Buffalo Bills
29.C.J. Henderson, cornerback (Florida) Selected 9th overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars
30.Laviska Shenault Jr., wide receiver (Colorado) Selected 42nd overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars
31.Marlon Davidson, edge rusher (Auburn) Selected 47th overall by the Atlanta Falcons
32.A.J. Terrell, cornerback (Clemson) Selected 16th overall by the Atlanta Falcons
33.Jeff Gladney, cornerback (TCU) Selected 31st overall by the Minnesota Vikings
34.Clyde Edwards-Helaire, running back (LSU) Selected 32nd overall by the Kansas City Chiefs
35.Trevon Diggs, cornerback (Alabama) Selected 51st overall by the Dallas Cowboys
36.Jalen Reagor, wide receiver (TCU) Selected 21st overall by the Philadelphia Eagles
37.Antoine Winfield Jr., safety (Minnesota) Selected 45th overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
38.Netane Muti, guard (Fresno State) Selected 181st overall by the Denver Broncos
39.Bryce Hall, cornerback (Virginia) Selected 138th overall by the New York Jets
40.Jonathan Taylor, running back (Wisconsin) Selected 41st overall by the Indianapolis Colts
41.Brandon Aiyuk, wide receiver (Arizona State) Selected 25th overall by the San Francisco 49ers
42.Jalen Hurts, quarterback (Oklahoma) Selected 53rd overall by the Philadelphia Eagles
43.Ashytn Davis, safety (California) Selected 68th overall by the New York Jets
44.Jaylon Johnson, cornerback (Utah) Selected 50th overall by the Chicago Bears
45.Jordyn Brooks, inside linebacker (Texas Tech) Selected 27th overall by the Seattle Seahawks
46.Tyler Johnson, wide receiver (Minnesota) Selected 161st overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
47.Cam Akers, running back (Florida State) Selected 52nd overall by the Los Angeles Rams
48.Justin Herbert, quarterback (Oregon) Selected 6th overall by the Los Angeles Chargers
49.Justin Madubuike, defensive tackle (Texas A&M) Selected 71st overall by the Baltimore Ravens
50.Justin Jefferson, wide receiver (LSU) Selected 22nd overall by the Minnesota Vikings
Top 5 By Position
Quarterback:
1.Joe Burrow (LSU) NFL team: Cincinnati Bengals
2.Tua Tagovailoa (Alabama) NFL team: Miami Dolphins
3.Jalen Hurts (Oklahoma) NFL team: Philadelphia Eagles
4.Justin Herbert (Oregon) NFL team: Los Angeles Chargers
5.Jake Fromm (Georgia) NFL team: Buffalo Bills
Running Back:
1.D'Andre Swift (Georgia) Team: Detroit Lions
2.Zack Moss (Utah) NFL team: Buffalo Bills
3.Clyde Edwards-Helaire (LSU) NFL team: Kansas City Chiefs
4.Jonathan Taylor (Wisconsin) NFL team: Indianapolis Colts
5.Cam Akers (Florida State) NFL team: Los Angeles Rams
Wide Receiver:
1.CeeDee Lamb (Oklahoma) NFL team: Dallas Cowboys
2.Jerry Jeudy (Alabama) NFL team: Denver Broncos
3.Henry Ruggs III (Alabama) NFL team: Las Vegas Raiders
4.Tee Higgins (Clemson) NFL team: Cincinnati Bengals
5.Denzel Mims (Baylor) NFL team: New York Jets
Tight End:
1.Cole Kmet (Notre Dame) NFL team: Chicago Bears
2.Hunter Bryant (Washington) NFL team: Detroit Lions
3.Brycen Hopkins (Purdue) NFL team: Los Angeles Rams
4.Adam Trautman (Dayton) NFL team: New Orleans Saints
5.Jared Pinkney (Vanderbilt) NFL team: Atlanta Falcons
Tackle:
1.Andrew Thomas (Georgia) NFL team: New York Giants
2.Jedrick Wills Jr. (Alabama) NFL team: Cleveland Browns
3.Tristan Wirfs (Iowa) NFL team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
4.Josh Jones (Houston) NFL team: Arizona Cardinals
5.Mekhi Becton (Louisville) NFL team: New York Jets
Guard:
1.Netane Muti (Fresno State) NFL team: Denver Broncos
2.Jonah Jackson (Ohio State) NFL team: Detroit Lions
3.Damien Lewis (LSU) NFL team: Seattle Seahawks
4.Michael Onwenu (Michigan) NFL team: New England Patriots
5.Ben Bredeson (Michigan) NFL team: Baltimore Ravens
Center:
1.Ceaser Ruiz (Michigan) NFL team: New Orleans Saints
2.Tyler Biadasz (Wisconsin) NFL team: Dallas Cowboys
3.Nick Harris (Washington) NFL team: Cleveland Browns
4.Lloyd Cushenberry III (LSU) NFL team: Denver Broncos
5.Matt Hennessy (Temple) NFL team: Atlanta Falcons
Edge Rusher:
1.Chase Young (Ohio State) NFL team: Washington Redskins
2.A.J. Epenesa (Iowa) NFL team: Buffalo Bills
3.Curtis Weaver (Boise State) NFL team: Miami Dolphins
4.Marlon Davidson (Auburn) NFL team: Atlanta Falcons
5.Josh Uche (Michigan) NFL team: New England Patriots
Defensive Tackle:
1.Derrick Brown (Auburn) NFL team: Carolina Panthers
2.Javon Kinlaw (South Carolina) NFL team: San Francisco 49ers
3.Jordan Elliott (Missouri) NFL team: Cleveland Browns
4.Justin Madubuike (Texas A&M) NFL team: Baltimore Ravens
5.Neville Gallimore (Oklahoma) NFL team: Detroit Lions
Inside Linebacker:
1.Isaiah Simmons (Clemson) NFL team: Arizona Cardinals
2.Zack Baun (Wisconsin) NFL team: New Orleans Saints
3.Patrick Queen (LSU) NFL team: Baltimore Ravens
4.Jordyn Brooks (Texas Tech) NFL team: Seattle Seahawks
5.Willie Gay Jr. (Mississippi State) NFL team: Kansas City Chiefs
Cornerback:
1.Jeffery Okudah (Ohio State) NFL team: Detroit Lions
2.Kristan Fulton (LSU) NFL team: Tennessee Titans
3.C.J. Henderson (Florida) NFL team: Jacksonville Jaguars
4.Jeff Gladney (TCU) NFL team: Minnesota Vikings
5.Trevon Diggs (Alabama) NFL team: Dallas Cowboys
Safety:
1.Grant Delpit (LSU) NFL team: Cleveland Browns
2.Xavier McKinney (Alabama) NFL team: New York Giants
3.Antoine Winfield Jr. (Minnesota) NFL team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
4.Ashytn Davis (California) NFL team: New York Jets
5.Geno Stone (Iowa) NFL team: Baltimore Ravens
Biggest Potential Sleepers:
1.Denzel Mims, wide receiver (Baylor) NFL team: New York Jets
2.Jordan Elliott, defensive tackle (Missouri) NFL team: Cleveland Browns
3.Curtis Weaver, edge rusher (Boise State) NFL team: Miami Dolphins
4.Zack Moss, running back (Utah) NFL team: Buffalo Bills
5.Bryce Hall, cornerback (Virginia) NFL team: New York Jets
6.Tyler Johnson, wide receiver (Minnesota) NFL team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
7.Willie Gay Jr, inside linebacker (Mississippi State) NFL team: Kansas City Chiefs
8.Josh Uche, edge rusher (Michigan) NFL team: New England Patriots
9.Jauan Jennings, wide receiver (Tennessee) NFL team: San Francisco 49ers
10.Devin DuVernay, wide receiver (Texas) NFL team: Baltimore Ravens
Biggest Potential Busts:
1.Yetur Gross-Matos, edge rusher (Penn State) NFL team: Carolina Panthers
2.Jordan Love, quarterback (Utah State) NFL team: Green Bay Packers
3.Austin Jackson, tackle (USC) NFL team: Miami Dolphins
4.Damon Arnette, cornerback (Ohio State) NFL team: Las Vegas Raiders
5.Isaiah Wilson, tackle (Georgia) NFL team: Tennessee Titans
6.K'Lavon Chaisson, edge rusher (LSU) NFL team: Jacksonville Jaguars
7.Kenneth Murray, inside linebacker (Oklahoma) NFL team: Los Angeles Chargers
8.Mekhi Becton, tackle (Louisville) NFL team: New York Jets
9.Ross Blacklock, defensive tackle (TCU) NFL team: Houston Texans
10.Justin Herbert, quarterback (Oregon) NFL team: Los Angeles Chargers
2.Jeffery Okudah, cornerback (Ohio State) Selected 3rd overall by the Detroit Lions
3.CeeDee Lamb, wide receiver (Oklahoma) Selected 17th overall by the Dallas Cowboys
4.Jerry Jeudy, wide receiver (Alabama) Selected 15th overall by the Denver Broncos
5.Isaiah Simmons, inside linebacker (Clemson) Selected 8th by the Arizona Cardinals
6.Chase Young, edge rusher (Ohio State) Selected 2nd overall by the Washington Redskins
7.Derrick Brown, defensive tackle (Auburn) Selected 7th overall by the Carolina Panthers
8.Javon Kinlaw, defensive tackle (South Carolina) Selected 14th overall by the San Francisco 49ers
9.Andrew Thomas, tackle (Georgia) Selected 4th overall by the New York Giants
10.Tua Tagovailoa, quarterback (Alabama) Selected 5th overall by the Miami Dolphins
11.Jedrick Wills Jr., tackle (Alabama) Selected 10th overall by the Cleveland Browns
12.Tristan Wirfs, tackle (Iowa) Selected 13th overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
13.Henry Ruggs III, wide receiver (Alabama) Selected 12th overall by the Las Vegas Raiders
14.Kristian Fulton, cornerback (LSU) Selected 61st overall by the Tennessee Titans
15.Tee Higgins, wide receiver (Clemson) Selected 33rd overall by the Cincinnati Bengals
16.A.J. Epenesa, edge rusher (Iowa) Selected 54th overall by the Buffalo Bills
17.Josh Jones, tackle (Houston) Selected 72nd overall by the Arizona Cardinals
18.Grant Delpit, safety (LSU) Selected 44th overall by the Cleveland Browns
19.Xavier McKinney, safety (Alabama) Selected 36th overall by the New York Giants
20.Zack Baun, inside/outside linebacker (Wisconsin) Selected 74th overall by the New Orleans Saints
21.D'Andre Swift, running back (Georgia) Selected 35th overall by the Detroit Lions
22.Denzel Mims, wide receiver (Baylor) Selected 59th overall by the New York Jets
23.Patrick Queen, inside linebacker (LSU) Selected 28th overall by the Baltimore Ravens
24.Michael Pittman Jr., wide receiver (USC) Selected 34th overall by the Indianapolis Colts
25.Ceaser Ruiz, center/guard (Michigan) Selected 24th overall by the New Orleans Saints
26.Jordan Elliott, defensive tackle (Missouri) Selected 88th overall by the Cleveland Browns
27.Curtis Weaver, edge rusher (Boise State) Selected 164th overall by the Miami Dolphins
28.Zack Moss, running back (Utah) Selected 86th overall by the Buffalo Bills
29.C.J. Henderson, cornerback (Florida) Selected 9th overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars
30.Laviska Shenault Jr., wide receiver (Colorado) Selected 42nd overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars
31.Marlon Davidson, edge rusher (Auburn) Selected 47th overall by the Atlanta Falcons
32.A.J. Terrell, cornerback (Clemson) Selected 16th overall by the Atlanta Falcons
33.Jeff Gladney, cornerback (TCU) Selected 31st overall by the Minnesota Vikings
34.Clyde Edwards-Helaire, running back (LSU) Selected 32nd overall by the Kansas City Chiefs
35.Trevon Diggs, cornerback (Alabama) Selected 51st overall by the Dallas Cowboys
36.Jalen Reagor, wide receiver (TCU) Selected 21st overall by the Philadelphia Eagles
37.Antoine Winfield Jr., safety (Minnesota) Selected 45th overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
38.Netane Muti, guard (Fresno State) Selected 181st overall by the Denver Broncos
39.Bryce Hall, cornerback (Virginia) Selected 138th overall by the New York Jets
40.Jonathan Taylor, running back (Wisconsin) Selected 41st overall by the Indianapolis Colts
41.Brandon Aiyuk, wide receiver (Arizona State) Selected 25th overall by the San Francisco 49ers
42.Jalen Hurts, quarterback (Oklahoma) Selected 53rd overall by the Philadelphia Eagles
43.Ashytn Davis, safety (California) Selected 68th overall by the New York Jets
44.Jaylon Johnson, cornerback (Utah) Selected 50th overall by the Chicago Bears
45.Jordyn Brooks, inside linebacker (Texas Tech) Selected 27th overall by the Seattle Seahawks
46.Tyler Johnson, wide receiver (Minnesota) Selected 161st overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
47.Cam Akers, running back (Florida State) Selected 52nd overall by the Los Angeles Rams
48.Justin Herbert, quarterback (Oregon) Selected 6th overall by the Los Angeles Chargers
49.Justin Madubuike, defensive tackle (Texas A&M) Selected 71st overall by the Baltimore Ravens
50.Justin Jefferson, wide receiver (LSU) Selected 22nd overall by the Minnesota Vikings
Top 5 By Position
Quarterback:
1.Joe Burrow (LSU) NFL team: Cincinnati Bengals
2.Tua Tagovailoa (Alabama) NFL team: Miami Dolphins
3.Jalen Hurts (Oklahoma) NFL team: Philadelphia Eagles
4.Justin Herbert (Oregon) NFL team: Los Angeles Chargers
5.Jake Fromm (Georgia) NFL team: Buffalo Bills
Running Back:
1.D'Andre Swift (Georgia) Team: Detroit Lions
2.Zack Moss (Utah) NFL team: Buffalo Bills
3.Clyde Edwards-Helaire (LSU) NFL team: Kansas City Chiefs
4.Jonathan Taylor (Wisconsin) NFL team: Indianapolis Colts
5.Cam Akers (Florida State) NFL team: Los Angeles Rams
Wide Receiver:
1.CeeDee Lamb (Oklahoma) NFL team: Dallas Cowboys
2.Jerry Jeudy (Alabama) NFL team: Denver Broncos
3.Henry Ruggs III (Alabama) NFL team: Las Vegas Raiders
4.Tee Higgins (Clemson) NFL team: Cincinnati Bengals
5.Denzel Mims (Baylor) NFL team: New York Jets
Tight End:
1.Cole Kmet (Notre Dame) NFL team: Chicago Bears
2.Hunter Bryant (Washington) NFL team: Detroit Lions
3.Brycen Hopkins (Purdue) NFL team: Los Angeles Rams
4.Adam Trautman (Dayton) NFL team: New Orleans Saints
5.Jared Pinkney (Vanderbilt) NFL team: Atlanta Falcons
Tackle:
1.Andrew Thomas (Georgia) NFL team: New York Giants
2.Jedrick Wills Jr. (Alabama) NFL team: Cleveland Browns
3.Tristan Wirfs (Iowa) NFL team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
4.Josh Jones (Houston) NFL team: Arizona Cardinals
5.Mekhi Becton (Louisville) NFL team: New York Jets
Guard:
1.Netane Muti (Fresno State) NFL team: Denver Broncos
2.Jonah Jackson (Ohio State) NFL team: Detroit Lions
3.Damien Lewis (LSU) NFL team: Seattle Seahawks
4.Michael Onwenu (Michigan) NFL team: New England Patriots
5.Ben Bredeson (Michigan) NFL team: Baltimore Ravens
Center:
1.Ceaser Ruiz (Michigan) NFL team: New Orleans Saints
2.Tyler Biadasz (Wisconsin) NFL team: Dallas Cowboys
3.Nick Harris (Washington) NFL team: Cleveland Browns
4.Lloyd Cushenberry III (LSU) NFL team: Denver Broncos
5.Matt Hennessy (Temple) NFL team: Atlanta Falcons
Edge Rusher:
1.Chase Young (Ohio State) NFL team: Washington Redskins
2.A.J. Epenesa (Iowa) NFL team: Buffalo Bills
3.Curtis Weaver (Boise State) NFL team: Miami Dolphins
4.Marlon Davidson (Auburn) NFL team: Atlanta Falcons
5.Josh Uche (Michigan) NFL team: New England Patriots
Defensive Tackle:
1.Derrick Brown (Auburn) NFL team: Carolina Panthers
2.Javon Kinlaw (South Carolina) NFL team: San Francisco 49ers
3.Jordan Elliott (Missouri) NFL team: Cleveland Browns
4.Justin Madubuike (Texas A&M) NFL team: Baltimore Ravens
5.Neville Gallimore (Oklahoma) NFL team: Detroit Lions
Inside Linebacker:
1.Isaiah Simmons (Clemson) NFL team: Arizona Cardinals
2.Zack Baun (Wisconsin) NFL team: New Orleans Saints
3.Patrick Queen (LSU) NFL team: Baltimore Ravens
4.Jordyn Brooks (Texas Tech) NFL team: Seattle Seahawks
5.Willie Gay Jr. (Mississippi State) NFL team: Kansas City Chiefs
Cornerback:
1.Jeffery Okudah (Ohio State) NFL team: Detroit Lions
2.Kristan Fulton (LSU) NFL team: Tennessee Titans
3.C.J. Henderson (Florida) NFL team: Jacksonville Jaguars
4.Jeff Gladney (TCU) NFL team: Minnesota Vikings
5.Trevon Diggs (Alabama) NFL team: Dallas Cowboys
Safety:
1.Grant Delpit (LSU) NFL team: Cleveland Browns
2.Xavier McKinney (Alabama) NFL team: New York Giants
3.Antoine Winfield Jr. (Minnesota) NFL team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
4.Ashytn Davis (California) NFL team: New York Jets
5.Geno Stone (Iowa) NFL team: Baltimore Ravens
Biggest Potential Sleepers:
1.Denzel Mims, wide receiver (Baylor) NFL team: New York Jets
2.Jordan Elliott, defensive tackle (Missouri) NFL team: Cleveland Browns
3.Curtis Weaver, edge rusher (Boise State) NFL team: Miami Dolphins
4.Zack Moss, running back (Utah) NFL team: Buffalo Bills
5.Bryce Hall, cornerback (Virginia) NFL team: New York Jets
6.Tyler Johnson, wide receiver (Minnesota) NFL team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
7.Willie Gay Jr, inside linebacker (Mississippi State) NFL team: Kansas City Chiefs
8.Josh Uche, edge rusher (Michigan) NFL team: New England Patriots
9.Jauan Jennings, wide receiver (Tennessee) NFL team: San Francisco 49ers
10.Devin DuVernay, wide receiver (Texas) NFL team: Baltimore Ravens
Biggest Potential Busts:
1.Yetur Gross-Matos, edge rusher (Penn State) NFL team: Carolina Panthers
2.Jordan Love, quarterback (Utah State) NFL team: Green Bay Packers
3.Austin Jackson, tackle (USC) NFL team: Miami Dolphins
4.Damon Arnette, cornerback (Ohio State) NFL team: Las Vegas Raiders
5.Isaiah Wilson, tackle (Georgia) NFL team: Tennessee Titans
6.K'Lavon Chaisson, edge rusher (LSU) NFL team: Jacksonville Jaguars
7.Kenneth Murray, inside linebacker (Oklahoma) NFL team: Los Angeles Chargers
8.Mekhi Becton, tackle (Louisville) NFL team: New York Jets
9.Ross Blacklock, defensive tackle (TCU) NFL team: Houston Texans
10.Justin Herbert, quarterback (Oregon) NFL team: Los Angeles Chargers
Saturday, April 25, 2020
2020 NFL Draft: Top 25 Prospects Available on Day 3
1.Curtis Weaver, edge rusher (Boise State)
2.Netane Muti, guard (Fresno State)
3.Bryce Hall, cornerback (Virginia)
4.Tyler Johnson, wide receiver (Minnesota)
5.Jauan Jennings, wide receiver (Tennessee)
6.Geno Stone, safety (Iowa)
7.K'Von Wallace, safety/cornerback (Clemson)
8.Jake Fromm, quarterback (Georgia)
9.Tyler Biadasz, center (Wisconsin)
10.K.J. Hill, wide receiver (Ohio State)
11.Hunter Bryant, tight end (Washington)
12.Troy Dye, inside linebacker/safety (Oregon)
13.Kenny Willekes, edge rusher (Michigan State)
14.Ben Bartch, tackle (Saint John's)
15.Akeem Davis-Gather, inside linebacker (Appalachian State)
16.Amik Robertson, cornerback (Louisiana Tech)
17.Jack Driscoll, tackle (Auburn)
18.Brycen Hopkins, tight end (Purdue)
19.Nick Harris, center (Washington)
20.Darnay Holmes, cornerback (UCLA)
21.Troy Pride Jr., cornerback (Notre Dame)
22.John Hightower, wide receiver (Boise State)
23.Anthony Gordon, quarterback (Washington State)
24.Leki Fotu, defensive tackle (Utah)
25.Eno Benjamin, running back (Arizona State)
2.Netane Muti, guard (Fresno State)
3.Bryce Hall, cornerback (Virginia)
4.Tyler Johnson, wide receiver (Minnesota)
5.Jauan Jennings, wide receiver (Tennessee)
6.Geno Stone, safety (Iowa)
7.K'Von Wallace, safety/cornerback (Clemson)
8.Jake Fromm, quarterback (Georgia)
9.Tyler Biadasz, center (Wisconsin)
10.K.J. Hill, wide receiver (Ohio State)
11.Hunter Bryant, tight end (Washington)
12.Troy Dye, inside linebacker/safety (Oregon)
13.Kenny Willekes, edge rusher (Michigan State)
14.Ben Bartch, tackle (Saint John's)
15.Akeem Davis-Gather, inside linebacker (Appalachian State)
16.Amik Robertson, cornerback (Louisiana Tech)
17.Jack Driscoll, tackle (Auburn)
18.Brycen Hopkins, tight end (Purdue)
19.Nick Harris, center (Washington)
20.Darnay Holmes, cornerback (UCLA)
21.Troy Pride Jr., cornerback (Notre Dame)
22.John Hightower, wide receiver (Boise State)
23.Anthony Gordon, quarterback (Washington State)
24.Leki Fotu, defensive tackle (Utah)
25.Eno Benjamin, running back (Arizona State)
Friday, April 24, 2020
2020 NFL Draft: Top 25 Prospects Available on Day 2
1.Kristian Fulton, cornerback (LSU)
2.Tee Higgins, wide receiver (Clemson)
3.A.J. Epenesa, edge rusher (Iowa)
4.Josh Jones, tackle (Houston)
5.Grant Delpit, safety (LSU)
6.Xavier McKinney, safety (Alabama)
7.Zack Baun, inside/outside linebacker (Wisconsin)
8.D'Andre Swift, running back (Georgia)
9.Denzel Mims, wide receiver (Baylor)
10.Michael Pittman Jr., wide receiver (USC)
11.Jordan Elliott, defensive tackle (Missouri)
12.Curtis Weaver, edge rusher (Boise State)
13.Zack Moss, running back (Utah)
14.Laviska Shenault Jr., wide receiver (Colorado)
15.Marlon Davidson, edge rusher (Auburn)
16.Trevon Diggs, cornerback (Alabama)
17.Antoine Winfield Jr., safety (Minnesota)
18.Netane Muti, guard (Fresno State)
19.Bryce Hall, cornerback (Virginia)
20.Jonathan Taylor, running back (Wisconsin)
21.Jalen Hurts, quarterback (Oklahoma)
22.Ashytn Davis, safety (California)
23.Jaylon Johnson, cornerback (Utah)
24.Tyler Johnson, wide receiver (Minnesota)
25.Cam Akers, running back (Florida State)
2.Tee Higgins, wide receiver (Clemson)
3.A.J. Epenesa, edge rusher (Iowa)
4.Josh Jones, tackle (Houston)
5.Grant Delpit, safety (LSU)
6.Xavier McKinney, safety (Alabama)
7.Zack Baun, inside/outside linebacker (Wisconsin)
8.D'Andre Swift, running back (Georgia)
9.Denzel Mims, wide receiver (Baylor)
10.Michael Pittman Jr., wide receiver (USC)
11.Jordan Elliott, defensive tackle (Missouri)
12.Curtis Weaver, edge rusher (Boise State)
13.Zack Moss, running back (Utah)
14.Laviska Shenault Jr., wide receiver (Colorado)
15.Marlon Davidson, edge rusher (Auburn)
16.Trevon Diggs, cornerback (Alabama)
17.Antoine Winfield Jr., safety (Minnesota)
18.Netane Muti, guard (Fresno State)
19.Bryce Hall, cornerback (Virginia)
20.Jonathan Taylor, running back (Wisconsin)
21.Jalen Hurts, quarterback (Oklahoma)
22.Ashytn Davis, safety (California)
23.Jaylon Johnson, cornerback (Utah)
24.Tyler Johnson, wide receiver (Minnesota)
25.Cam Akers, running back (Florida State)
Thursday, April 23, 2020
2020 NFL Mock Draft 6.0 (Draft Day)
1.Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow, quarterback (LSU):
Unless an Eli Manning-esque situation materializes out of nowhere, this pick is essentially a lock at this point. Andy Dalton has finally reached the end of his rope in Cincinnati and despite his limited starting experience in college, Burrow is one of the most intriguing QB prospects to emerge in recent years.
2.Washington Redskins: Chase Young, edge rusher (Ohio State):
While cornerback is arguably a bigger need for the 'Skins at this point after they cut Josh Norman and traded Quinton Dunbar to Seattle this offseason, new HC Ron Rivera came up as a defensive line/linebackers coach and he's not likely to pass up the chance to work with a guy that's being nearly universally touted as a potential generational pass-rusher.
3.Detroit Lions: Jeffrey Okudah, cornerback (Ohio State):
No team picking in the top 10 is more desperate to win now than the Lions as Matt Patricia and Bob Quinn are strong contenders to get axed if they put together another sorry campaign. Word is they've been looking to trade down so they can stockpile picks and "increase" their odds of getting a good haul in a draft that's considered to be deep at many key positions (wide receiver, tackle, running back, cornerback, safety). Regardless of where they select, Okudah seems like their top target in the 1st round. Longtime top dog Darius Slay just got shipped off to the Eagles last month and Okudah has the type of well-rounded skill set (ball skills, discipline, fluid footwork, ability to shadow receivers, sure tackling) to come in and fill that currently vacant #1 corner role right away.
4.New York Giants: Mekhi Becton, tackle (Louisville):
This year's logjam at the top of the tackle class is difficult to figure out. Seemingly every mock has Becton, Andrew Thomas, Jedrick Wills Jr and Tristian Wirfs going in a different order and there's no indication from league sources as to who the needy teams are favoring. To try and crack this code I asked myself a simple question: Which one of these guys is the most likely to wow the singularly brilliant football mind of Dave Gettleman? Becton is the easy answer. The thought of bringing in a tackle with imposing size (6'7, 364 lbs), dazzling athleticism (he ran an absurd 5.1 40 at the Combine) and absolutely no polish to speak of has to be what's getting Gettleman through these trying times.
5.Miami Dolphins: Justin Herbert, quarterback (Oregon):
The Herbert to the Dolphins talk that has heated up significantly in the past 10 days could very well be an elaborate, alarmist smokescreen designed to drum up manufactured panic over Tua Tagovaiola's health-related red flags. That being sad, it's not even remotely inconceivable that Herbert's clean medical record could give him the edge over Tua in a year where teams weren't able to conduct their traditional pre-draft check-ups. Since this move could have a monumental impact on the trajectory of this rebuilding franchise, the Dolphins better hope that offensive coordinator Chan Gailey can clean up Herbert's mechanics and generally erratic level of play.
6.Los Angeles Chargers: Tua Tagovaiola, quarterback (Alabama):
No amount of question marks over Tua's health should force him to slide significantly down the board. His skill set is too refined (his combo of accuracy, arm strength, decisionmaking and mobility is reminiscent of last year's top overall pick Kyler Murray) and the big game experience he picked up at 'Bama is too valuable for some team to not justify taking a swing on him in the top 10. Plus the Chargers have the luxury of having a veteran QB with ample starting experience (46 games) in Tyrod Taylor on their roster that would allow them to ease Tua into the system if they feel his hip isn't 100% by the start of the season (if there is one).
7.Carolina Panthers: Isaiah Simmons, inside linebacker (Clemson):
Stepping into a role vacated by a future Hall of Famer in Luke Kuechly is a mighty imposing task for a young player, but Simmons is as qualified as anyone to do it. If the blistering field-covering speed, sharp instincts and willingness to handle any assignment he's asked to take on over the course of a game he displayed at Clemson translates to the NFL, Simmons could very well end up joining Kuechly in Canton someday.
8.Arizona Cardinals: Jedrick Wills Jr., tackle (Alabama):
Bringing in shiny toys like Kyler Murray, DeAndre Hopkins and Kenyan Drake for perceived offensive guru Kliff Kingsbury to play with doesn't make any sense if you don't do anything to protect your investment. A nasty, technically-sound tackle like Wills Jr. could be the first step in a long-needed overhaul for a putrid Cardinals o-line that's going need to dramatically improve if the Cardinals want to blossom into an elite offense.
9.Jacksonville Jaguars: Derrick Brown, defensive tackle (Auburn):
While he definitely needs to work on his technique before he can consistently contribute as a pass-rusher, Brown is a powerful, space-eating interior defensive lineman that should immediately improve a group that finished 28th against the run in 2019.
10.Cleveland Browns: Tristian Wirfs, tackle (Iowa):
Even after inking Jack Conklin to a huge deal in free agency, the Browns still need to do more to ensure Baker Mayfield doesn't get murdered like he did a year ago. Wirfs may be the most pro-ready tackle in this class-registering numerous starts on both sides of the line over his 3 years at Iowa and should serve as an immediate upgrade from human turnstile /marijuana transportation enthusiast Greg Robinson at left tackle.
11.New York Jets: CeeDee Lamb, wide receiver (Oklahoma):
The direction of this pick really comes down to whether or not the Jets front office believe their mostly economical free agent additions (Connor McGovern, Greg Van Roten, George Fant) will be enough to patch up an offensive line that has been absolutely wretched over the past 2 seasons. Evaluating Sam Darnold's ability to be a franchise quarterback is impossible when he's frequently put in a position where it's impossible to make plays. Right now, I'm leaning towards the belief that they're confident enough in the group they've assembled upfront to focus on their second most pressing need with this pick: weapons for Darnold to throw to. Lamb has the separation/YAC ability that pass-happy NFL offenses covet and has a track record of making plays all over the field, which would make him an ideal complement on paper to slot possession receiver Jamison Crowder and newly-signed deep threat Breshad Perriman.
12.Las Vegas Raiders: Jerry Jeudy, wide receiver (Alabama):
Jon Gruden ran a mighty conservative offense last year in part due to a complete lack of receivers who could take the top off of a defense. Adding Jeudy to the mix could allow him to open things up more. Jeudy is quick enough to embarrass defenders downfield yet slippery and polished enough as a route-runner to also make plays in the short-to-intermediate game.
13.San Francisco 49ers: Javon Kinlaw, defensive tackle (South Carolina):
The Broncos are reportedly hot to trade up for a receiver and with 2 picks in the 1st round and a pretty talented roster overall, the 49ers would be a very logical trade partner. If they do move down, Kinlaw should still be available and would make for a very intriguing replacement for DeForest Buckner. A freakishly strong defensive lineman with a relentless motor that's known for his ability to get after the quarterback could be downright horrifying playing next to Nick Bosa, Dee Ford and Arik Armstead.
14.Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Andrew Thomas, tackle (Georgia):
Trotting out 43-year old Tom Brady under center without even attempting to improve your sorry offensive line would be flat-out negligent on the Bucs part. Fortunately for Tom ("Insert whatever bad Tampa-related pun nickname that he gets a copyright for") Brady, Bruce Arians and Jason Licht invested too much to piss him off right away. Thomas may not have the athleticism of the tackles taken before him, but his versatility, pass protection prowess and strong track record against top SEC competition makes him arguably the highest floor option in this class.
15.Denver Broncos: Henry Ruggs III, wide receiver (Alabama):
There's a desperate need for the Broncos to go out and add another receiver to put alongside Courtland Sutton, who is coming off an excellent sophomore campaign, ahead of Drew Lock's inaugural season as a full-time starter. As a downfield burner with surprisingly sure hands and a wide enough route tree to be deployed in other passing situations, Ruggs III would fit that role perfectly. Pairing Sutton with another scary vertical threat in an offense run by a gunslinger QB could make the Broncos passing attack an absolute nightmare to contain.
16.Atlanta Falcons: C.J. Henderson, cornerback (Florida):
A drastic, sudden defensive improvement is really the only chance Dan Quinn has of surviving another season in Atlanta. Considering their dire situation at corner (lone returning starter Isaiah Oliver struggled mightily in 2019) and his strong man-to-man cover skills, Henderson could be a nice addition that aides in these last ditch efforts to save Quinn's job.
17.Dallas Cowboys: Xavier McKinney, safety (Alabama):
Edge rusher is a popular projection here, but with the losses of Byron Jones and Jeff Heath in free agency, secondary help seems like a more pressing need. McKinney is a fearless, aggressive safety with a nose for sniffing out the ball that could be the heat seeking-missile style of player that the Cowboys need to get their edge back defensively after a middling 2019.
18.Miami Dolphins: Josh Jones, tackle (Houston):
As comical as it would be to wait until #26 to draft a tackle with the pick they got in exchange for Laremy Tunsil last fall, the chance to dunk on Bill O'Brien yet again isn't worth losing out on a chance to draft the last "safe" option to protect the blindside of your newest potential franchise quarterback. If you take the word of the analytics people over at Pro Football Focus seriously, Jones is a disciplined, well-rounded powerhouse whose ceiling is pretty comparable to the more celebrated prospects from bigger D1 schools that went in the top 10. If that assessment ends up being accurate, Jones would be in prime position to be the steal of the 1st round.
19.Las Vegas Raiders: Jaylon Johnson, cornerback (Utah):
Nearly every move Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock have made over the past 2 seasons indicates their intention to turn the Raiders into the type of throwback hard-nosed football team that seldom exists in the modern NFL. With his length, speed and fearless, physical style of play, Jaylon Johnson is the poster child for the type of player they want on their roster while also filling a huge need for a team that was abysmal against the pass last season (31st in the league).
20.Jacksonville Jaguars: Kristian Fulton, cornerback (LSU):
A longtime strength for the Jags has completely disappeared with both Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye being traded in the last six months. Boasting a winning combination of ball skills (20 passes defensed and a staggering 30.5% forced incompletion rate in his final 22 games at LSU), instincts and ability to firmly stick to his man in coverage, Fulton's resume is arguably stronger than any corner in this class outside of Jeffrey Okudah. If the Jags are willing to look past the failed drug test (for weed) that kept him off the field for a year and a half, he'd be a high-upside addition to this rebuilding defense.
21.Philadelphia Eagles: Justin Jefferson, wide receiver (LSU):
If you watched an Eagles game at just about any juncture last season, it was abundantly obvious that their wide receivers were a major liability. It got to the point where they were failing to get open or dropping passes so regularly that a single catch felt like a triumph. Even if top returning receivers Alshon Jeffrey and Desean Jackson-who appeared in a combined total of 13 games in 2019-come back fully healthy (which isn't likely), this is a position they desperately need to upgrade in the draft. With his willingness to line up anywhere he's asked and level of leaping ability/body control that allows him to bring down 50/50 balls, Jefferson is a seemingly ideal schematic fit for Doug Pederson's intricate, inventive offense.
22.Minnesota Vikings: Tee Higgins, wide receiver (Clemson):
Receiver depth was an issue for the Vikings even before Stefon Diggs finally had his longtime trade wish fulfilled last month. Olabisi Johnson and Laquon Treadwell-who is also no longer with the team- didn't exactly light things up when they were forced into more significant roles during Adam Thielen's absence last season. The 6'3 Higgins would allow Thielen to continue operate in his comfort zone in the slot and potentially give Kirk Cousins another imposing, sure-handed player that can cause serious matchup problems.
23.New England Patriots: A.J. Epenesa, edge rusher (Iowa):
Zack Baun remains a distinct possibility here if the Patriots actually stick and pick since he has the versatility to lineup at every linebacker spot, which could make him very appealing for a team that could have up to 3 new starters on the back end of their front 7 after losing Kyle Van Noy, Jamie Collins and Elandon Roberts in free agency. However, Epenesa is such a Belichick guy that I don't think he'll be able to pass him up. Epenesa is a completely unflashy, throwback edge player that wouldn't have looked out of place on the '80s Giants defenses Belichick coordinated that beats you with pure power and hand fighting prowess opposed to explosiveness. He was incredibly productive under Belichick protégé Kirk Ferentz at Iowa (22 sacks during his 2 seasons as a starter), so there's no reason to believe he couldn't eat in New England too.
24.New Orleans Saints: Patrick Queen, inside linebacker (LSU):
Not only would Saints fans rejoice if a prominent LSU product joined the team, adding another sure-tackling, field-spanning presence to the middle of their steadily improving defense would be a very wise move for Mickey Loomis and co. to make.
25.Minnesota Vikings: A.J. Terrell, cornerback (Clemson):
The Vikings wisely decided to overhaul their poor corner group by cutting ex-lockdown threat Xavier Rhodes and letting the erratic Trae Waynes walk in free agency. While they're likely to struggle at corner again in 2020, adding a corner with Terrell's nimble footwork and experience in handling a variety of different coverages could get them a step closer to regaining respectability.
26.Miami Dolphins: D'Andre Swift, running back (Georgia):
The carousel of clowns the Dolphins trotted out at running back after dealing Kenyan Drake to the Cardinals in late October was honestly staggering. Sure the poor offensive line didn't help matters, but the comical lack of production Kalen Ballage, Mark Walton and Patrick Laird posted can equally be attributed to their alarming lack of vision, patience, elusiveness, etc. Pairing a slippery dual-threat speedster in Swift with veteran power back Jordan Howard could give the Dolphins a sneaky deadly 1-2 backfield punch that would be capable of erasing the painful memories of last season's anemic rushing attack.
27.Seattle Seahawks: K'Lavon Chaisson, edge rusher (LSU):
John Schneider is one for taking big swings in the draft and with his intriguing raw physical tools (speed, strength, agility, an impressive spin move) and middling production at LSU (9.5 sacks in a little over 2 seasons worth of playing time), Chaisson certainly falls into that camp.
28.Baltimore Ravens: Kenneth Murray, inside linebacker (Oklahoma)
This seems like a no-brainer if Murray is available when the Ravens go on the clock. A stupid fast field general who plays with an inhuman level of ferocity should have ample opportunity to feast in Wink Martindale's blitz-heavy scheme and with Josh Bynes leaving for the Bengals in free agency, the Ravens have a starting inside linebacker spot that's ripe for the taking.
29.Tennessee Titans: Trevon Diggs, cornerback (Alabama)
Having their below average pass defense get exposed by the Chiefs played a key part in the tragic ending of the Titans Cinderella playoff run last season. With Logan Ryan seemingly out of the picture, there's an opening at a corner spot that Diggs seems qualified to fill. Although his aggressive mindset can get him into trouble with blown coverages and PI calls from time to time, his solid ball skills and abundant scrappiness would likely endear him to Mike Vrabel.
30.Green Bay Packers: Laviska Shenault Jr., wide receiver (Colorado)
This would be a ballsy pick since Shenault Jr. has a checkered injury history (he's had labrum, toe and core muscle surgeries over the last 2 years), but boy oh boy does he have a chance to be an electric nightmare of a wideout if he can stay healthy. Aaron Rodgers needs more weapons at his disposal if the Packers want to capitalize on the limited championship window they have remaining with the 2x MVP under center and a shifty, bruising YAC wonder that can be deployed in a number of creative ways (everywhere from the outside receiver spot to the backfield) would be an ideal complement to Davante Adams' elite redzone/contested catch skills.
31.San Francisco 49ers: Jeff Gladney, cornerback (TCU)
The corner play outside of Richard Sherman was one of the few blemishes on last year's terrific 49ers squad. Bringing in a tough, battle-tested corner in Gladney who admirably handled the certified burners that dominate the receiver position in the Big 12 could very well prove to be the remedy for that crippling problem.
32.Kansas City Chiefs: Cesar Ruiz, center/guard (Michigan)
Considering the cap problems they're about to run into once they give Patrick Mahomes his record-breaking extension in the (possibly very) near future, the Chiefs REALLY need to nail this draft to ensure that their roster doesn't fall apart once their franchise QB gets his well-deserved bag. While an interior offensive lineman may not be the sexiest 1st round pick in the world, Ruiz is a sound, high floor player who plays with a palpable edge that should be able to come in and improve an understated weakness for the defending Super Bowl champs right away.
2nd Round:
33.Cincinnati Bengals: Zack Baun, inside/outside linebacker (Wisconsin)
34.Indianapolis Colts: Grant Delpit, safety (LSU)
35.Detroit Lions: Marlon Davidson, edge rusher (Auburn)
36.New York Giants: Jordyn Brooks, inside linebacker (Texas Tech)
37.Los Angeles Chargers: Austin Jackson, tackle (USC)
38.Carolina Panthers: Ashytn Davis, safety (California)
39.Miami Dolphins: Yetur Gross-Matos, edge rusher (Penn State)
40.Houston Texans: Denzel Mims, wide receiver (Baylor)
41.Cleveland Browns: Brandon Aiyuk, wide receiver (Arizona State)
42.Jacksonville Jaguars: Julian Okwara, edge rusher (Notre Dame)
43.Chicago Bears: Antoine Winfield Jr., safety (Minnesota)
44.Indianapolis Colts: Jalen Reagor, wide receiver (TCU)
45.Tampa Bay Buccaneers: J.K. Dobbins, running back (Ohio State)
46.Denver Broncos: Noah Igbinoghene, cornerback (Auburn)
47.Atlanta Falcons: Ross Blacklock, defensive tackle (TCU)
48.New York Jets: Ezra Cleveland, tackle (Boise State)
49.Pittsburgh Steelers: Jordan Love, quarterback (Utah State)
50.Chicago Bears: Netane Muti, guard (Fresno State)
51.Dallas Cowboys: Terrell Lewis, edge rusher (Alabama)
52.Los Angeles Rams: Jonathan Taylor, running back (Wisconsin)
53.Philadelphia Eagles: Kyle Dugger, safety (Lenoir-Rhyne)
54.Buffalo Bills: Isaiah Wilson, tackle (Georgia)
55.Baltimore Ravens: Curtis Weaver, edge rusher (Boise State)
56.Miami Dolphins: Michael Pittman Jr., wide receiver (USC)
57.Los Angeles Rams: Willie Gay Jr., inside linebacker (Mississippi State)
58.Minnesota Vikings: Justin Madubuike, defensive tackle (Texas A&M)
59.Seattle Seahawks: Jeremy Chinn, safety (Southern Illinois)
60.Baltimore Ravens: Jonah Jackson, guard (Ohio State)
61.Tennessee Titans: Neville Gallimore, defensive tackle (Oklahoma)
62.Green Bay Packers: Adam Trautman, tight end (Dayton)
63.Kansas City Chiefs: Bryce Hall, cornerback (Virginia)
64.Seattle Seahawks: Lloyd Cushenberry III, center/guard (LSU)
Unless an Eli Manning-esque situation materializes out of nowhere, this pick is essentially a lock at this point. Andy Dalton has finally reached the end of his rope in Cincinnati and despite his limited starting experience in college, Burrow is one of the most intriguing QB prospects to emerge in recent years.
2.Washington Redskins: Chase Young, edge rusher (Ohio State):
While cornerback is arguably a bigger need for the 'Skins at this point after they cut Josh Norman and traded Quinton Dunbar to Seattle this offseason, new HC Ron Rivera came up as a defensive line/linebackers coach and he's not likely to pass up the chance to work with a guy that's being nearly universally touted as a potential generational pass-rusher.
3.Detroit Lions: Jeffrey Okudah, cornerback (Ohio State):
No team picking in the top 10 is more desperate to win now than the Lions as Matt Patricia and Bob Quinn are strong contenders to get axed if they put together another sorry campaign. Word is they've been looking to trade down so they can stockpile picks and "increase" their odds of getting a good haul in a draft that's considered to be deep at many key positions (wide receiver, tackle, running back, cornerback, safety). Regardless of where they select, Okudah seems like their top target in the 1st round. Longtime top dog Darius Slay just got shipped off to the Eagles last month and Okudah has the type of well-rounded skill set (ball skills, discipline, fluid footwork, ability to shadow receivers, sure tackling) to come in and fill that currently vacant #1 corner role right away.
4.New York Giants: Mekhi Becton, tackle (Louisville):
This year's logjam at the top of the tackle class is difficult to figure out. Seemingly every mock has Becton, Andrew Thomas, Jedrick Wills Jr and Tristian Wirfs going in a different order and there's no indication from league sources as to who the needy teams are favoring. To try and crack this code I asked myself a simple question: Which one of these guys is the most likely to wow the singularly brilliant football mind of Dave Gettleman? Becton is the easy answer. The thought of bringing in a tackle with imposing size (6'7, 364 lbs), dazzling athleticism (he ran an absurd 5.1 40 at the Combine) and absolutely no polish to speak of has to be what's getting Gettleman through these trying times.
5.Miami Dolphins: Justin Herbert, quarterback (Oregon):
The Herbert to the Dolphins talk that has heated up significantly in the past 10 days could very well be an elaborate, alarmist smokescreen designed to drum up manufactured panic over Tua Tagovaiola's health-related red flags. That being sad, it's not even remotely inconceivable that Herbert's clean medical record could give him the edge over Tua in a year where teams weren't able to conduct their traditional pre-draft check-ups. Since this move could have a monumental impact on the trajectory of this rebuilding franchise, the Dolphins better hope that offensive coordinator Chan Gailey can clean up Herbert's mechanics and generally erratic level of play.
6.Los Angeles Chargers: Tua Tagovaiola, quarterback (Alabama):
No amount of question marks over Tua's health should force him to slide significantly down the board. His skill set is too refined (his combo of accuracy, arm strength, decisionmaking and mobility is reminiscent of last year's top overall pick Kyler Murray) and the big game experience he picked up at 'Bama is too valuable for some team to not justify taking a swing on him in the top 10. Plus the Chargers have the luxury of having a veteran QB with ample starting experience (46 games) in Tyrod Taylor on their roster that would allow them to ease Tua into the system if they feel his hip isn't 100% by the start of the season (if there is one).
7.Carolina Panthers: Isaiah Simmons, inside linebacker (Clemson):
Stepping into a role vacated by a future Hall of Famer in Luke Kuechly is a mighty imposing task for a young player, but Simmons is as qualified as anyone to do it. If the blistering field-covering speed, sharp instincts and willingness to handle any assignment he's asked to take on over the course of a game he displayed at Clemson translates to the NFL, Simmons could very well end up joining Kuechly in Canton someday.
8.Arizona Cardinals: Jedrick Wills Jr., tackle (Alabama):
Bringing in shiny toys like Kyler Murray, DeAndre Hopkins and Kenyan Drake for perceived offensive guru Kliff Kingsbury to play with doesn't make any sense if you don't do anything to protect your investment. A nasty, technically-sound tackle like Wills Jr. could be the first step in a long-needed overhaul for a putrid Cardinals o-line that's going need to dramatically improve if the Cardinals want to blossom into an elite offense.
9.Jacksonville Jaguars: Derrick Brown, defensive tackle (Auburn):
While he definitely needs to work on his technique before he can consistently contribute as a pass-rusher, Brown is a powerful, space-eating interior defensive lineman that should immediately improve a group that finished 28th against the run in 2019.
10.Cleveland Browns: Tristian Wirfs, tackle (Iowa):
Even after inking Jack Conklin to a huge deal in free agency, the Browns still need to do more to ensure Baker Mayfield doesn't get murdered like he did a year ago. Wirfs may be the most pro-ready tackle in this class-registering numerous starts on both sides of the line over his 3 years at Iowa and should serve as an immediate upgrade from human turnstile /marijuana transportation enthusiast Greg Robinson at left tackle.
11.New York Jets: CeeDee Lamb, wide receiver (Oklahoma):
The direction of this pick really comes down to whether or not the Jets front office believe their mostly economical free agent additions (Connor McGovern, Greg Van Roten, George Fant) will be enough to patch up an offensive line that has been absolutely wretched over the past 2 seasons. Evaluating Sam Darnold's ability to be a franchise quarterback is impossible when he's frequently put in a position where it's impossible to make plays. Right now, I'm leaning towards the belief that they're confident enough in the group they've assembled upfront to focus on their second most pressing need with this pick: weapons for Darnold to throw to. Lamb has the separation/YAC ability that pass-happy NFL offenses covet and has a track record of making plays all over the field, which would make him an ideal complement on paper to slot possession receiver Jamison Crowder and newly-signed deep threat Breshad Perriman.
12.Las Vegas Raiders: Jerry Jeudy, wide receiver (Alabama):
Jon Gruden ran a mighty conservative offense last year in part due to a complete lack of receivers who could take the top off of a defense. Adding Jeudy to the mix could allow him to open things up more. Jeudy is quick enough to embarrass defenders downfield yet slippery and polished enough as a route-runner to also make plays in the short-to-intermediate game.
13.San Francisco 49ers: Javon Kinlaw, defensive tackle (South Carolina):
The Broncos are reportedly hot to trade up for a receiver and with 2 picks in the 1st round and a pretty talented roster overall, the 49ers would be a very logical trade partner. If they do move down, Kinlaw should still be available and would make for a very intriguing replacement for DeForest Buckner. A freakishly strong defensive lineman with a relentless motor that's known for his ability to get after the quarterback could be downright horrifying playing next to Nick Bosa, Dee Ford and Arik Armstead.
14.Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Andrew Thomas, tackle (Georgia):
Trotting out 43-year old Tom Brady under center without even attempting to improve your sorry offensive line would be flat-out negligent on the Bucs part. Fortunately for Tom ("Insert whatever bad Tampa-related pun nickname that he gets a copyright for") Brady, Bruce Arians and Jason Licht invested too much to piss him off right away. Thomas may not have the athleticism of the tackles taken before him, but his versatility, pass protection prowess and strong track record against top SEC competition makes him arguably the highest floor option in this class.
15.Denver Broncos: Henry Ruggs III, wide receiver (Alabama):
There's a desperate need for the Broncos to go out and add another receiver to put alongside Courtland Sutton, who is coming off an excellent sophomore campaign, ahead of Drew Lock's inaugural season as a full-time starter. As a downfield burner with surprisingly sure hands and a wide enough route tree to be deployed in other passing situations, Ruggs III would fit that role perfectly. Pairing Sutton with another scary vertical threat in an offense run by a gunslinger QB could make the Broncos passing attack an absolute nightmare to contain.
16.Atlanta Falcons: C.J. Henderson, cornerback (Florida):
A drastic, sudden defensive improvement is really the only chance Dan Quinn has of surviving another season in Atlanta. Considering their dire situation at corner (lone returning starter Isaiah Oliver struggled mightily in 2019) and his strong man-to-man cover skills, Henderson could be a nice addition that aides in these last ditch efforts to save Quinn's job.
17.Dallas Cowboys: Xavier McKinney, safety (Alabama):
Edge rusher is a popular projection here, but with the losses of Byron Jones and Jeff Heath in free agency, secondary help seems like a more pressing need. McKinney is a fearless, aggressive safety with a nose for sniffing out the ball that could be the heat seeking-missile style of player that the Cowboys need to get their edge back defensively after a middling 2019.
18.Miami Dolphins: Josh Jones, tackle (Houston):
As comical as it would be to wait until #26 to draft a tackle with the pick they got in exchange for Laremy Tunsil last fall, the chance to dunk on Bill O'Brien yet again isn't worth losing out on a chance to draft the last "safe" option to protect the blindside of your newest potential franchise quarterback. If you take the word of the analytics people over at Pro Football Focus seriously, Jones is a disciplined, well-rounded powerhouse whose ceiling is pretty comparable to the more celebrated prospects from bigger D1 schools that went in the top 10. If that assessment ends up being accurate, Jones would be in prime position to be the steal of the 1st round.
19.Las Vegas Raiders: Jaylon Johnson, cornerback (Utah):
Nearly every move Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock have made over the past 2 seasons indicates their intention to turn the Raiders into the type of throwback hard-nosed football team that seldom exists in the modern NFL. With his length, speed and fearless, physical style of play, Jaylon Johnson is the poster child for the type of player they want on their roster while also filling a huge need for a team that was abysmal against the pass last season (31st in the league).
20.Jacksonville Jaguars: Kristian Fulton, cornerback (LSU):
A longtime strength for the Jags has completely disappeared with both Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye being traded in the last six months. Boasting a winning combination of ball skills (20 passes defensed and a staggering 30.5% forced incompletion rate in his final 22 games at LSU), instincts and ability to firmly stick to his man in coverage, Fulton's resume is arguably stronger than any corner in this class outside of Jeffrey Okudah. If the Jags are willing to look past the failed drug test (for weed) that kept him off the field for a year and a half, he'd be a high-upside addition to this rebuilding defense.
21.Philadelphia Eagles: Justin Jefferson, wide receiver (LSU):
If you watched an Eagles game at just about any juncture last season, it was abundantly obvious that their wide receivers were a major liability. It got to the point where they were failing to get open or dropping passes so regularly that a single catch felt like a triumph. Even if top returning receivers Alshon Jeffrey and Desean Jackson-who appeared in a combined total of 13 games in 2019-come back fully healthy (which isn't likely), this is a position they desperately need to upgrade in the draft. With his willingness to line up anywhere he's asked and level of leaping ability/body control that allows him to bring down 50/50 balls, Jefferson is a seemingly ideal schematic fit for Doug Pederson's intricate, inventive offense.
22.Minnesota Vikings: Tee Higgins, wide receiver (Clemson):
Receiver depth was an issue for the Vikings even before Stefon Diggs finally had his longtime trade wish fulfilled last month. Olabisi Johnson and Laquon Treadwell-who is also no longer with the team- didn't exactly light things up when they were forced into more significant roles during Adam Thielen's absence last season. The 6'3 Higgins would allow Thielen to continue operate in his comfort zone in the slot and potentially give Kirk Cousins another imposing, sure-handed player that can cause serious matchup problems.
23.New England Patriots: A.J. Epenesa, edge rusher (Iowa):
Zack Baun remains a distinct possibility here if the Patriots actually stick and pick since he has the versatility to lineup at every linebacker spot, which could make him very appealing for a team that could have up to 3 new starters on the back end of their front 7 after losing Kyle Van Noy, Jamie Collins and Elandon Roberts in free agency. However, Epenesa is such a Belichick guy that I don't think he'll be able to pass him up. Epenesa is a completely unflashy, throwback edge player that wouldn't have looked out of place on the '80s Giants defenses Belichick coordinated that beats you with pure power and hand fighting prowess opposed to explosiveness. He was incredibly productive under Belichick protégé Kirk Ferentz at Iowa (22 sacks during his 2 seasons as a starter), so there's no reason to believe he couldn't eat in New England too.
24.New Orleans Saints: Patrick Queen, inside linebacker (LSU):
Not only would Saints fans rejoice if a prominent LSU product joined the team, adding another sure-tackling, field-spanning presence to the middle of their steadily improving defense would be a very wise move for Mickey Loomis and co. to make.
25.Minnesota Vikings: A.J. Terrell, cornerback (Clemson):
The Vikings wisely decided to overhaul their poor corner group by cutting ex-lockdown threat Xavier Rhodes and letting the erratic Trae Waynes walk in free agency. While they're likely to struggle at corner again in 2020, adding a corner with Terrell's nimble footwork and experience in handling a variety of different coverages could get them a step closer to regaining respectability.
26.Miami Dolphins: D'Andre Swift, running back (Georgia):
The carousel of clowns the Dolphins trotted out at running back after dealing Kenyan Drake to the Cardinals in late October was honestly staggering. Sure the poor offensive line didn't help matters, but the comical lack of production Kalen Ballage, Mark Walton and Patrick Laird posted can equally be attributed to their alarming lack of vision, patience, elusiveness, etc. Pairing a slippery dual-threat speedster in Swift with veteran power back Jordan Howard could give the Dolphins a sneaky deadly 1-2 backfield punch that would be capable of erasing the painful memories of last season's anemic rushing attack.
27.Seattle Seahawks: K'Lavon Chaisson, edge rusher (LSU):
John Schneider is one for taking big swings in the draft and with his intriguing raw physical tools (speed, strength, agility, an impressive spin move) and middling production at LSU (9.5 sacks in a little over 2 seasons worth of playing time), Chaisson certainly falls into that camp.
28.Baltimore Ravens: Kenneth Murray, inside linebacker (Oklahoma)
This seems like a no-brainer if Murray is available when the Ravens go on the clock. A stupid fast field general who plays with an inhuman level of ferocity should have ample opportunity to feast in Wink Martindale's blitz-heavy scheme and with Josh Bynes leaving for the Bengals in free agency, the Ravens have a starting inside linebacker spot that's ripe for the taking.
29.Tennessee Titans: Trevon Diggs, cornerback (Alabama)
Having their below average pass defense get exposed by the Chiefs played a key part in the tragic ending of the Titans Cinderella playoff run last season. With Logan Ryan seemingly out of the picture, there's an opening at a corner spot that Diggs seems qualified to fill. Although his aggressive mindset can get him into trouble with blown coverages and PI calls from time to time, his solid ball skills and abundant scrappiness would likely endear him to Mike Vrabel.
30.Green Bay Packers: Laviska Shenault Jr., wide receiver (Colorado)
This would be a ballsy pick since Shenault Jr. has a checkered injury history (he's had labrum, toe and core muscle surgeries over the last 2 years), but boy oh boy does he have a chance to be an electric nightmare of a wideout if he can stay healthy. Aaron Rodgers needs more weapons at his disposal if the Packers want to capitalize on the limited championship window they have remaining with the 2x MVP under center and a shifty, bruising YAC wonder that can be deployed in a number of creative ways (everywhere from the outside receiver spot to the backfield) would be an ideal complement to Davante Adams' elite redzone/contested catch skills.
31.San Francisco 49ers: Jeff Gladney, cornerback (TCU)
The corner play outside of Richard Sherman was one of the few blemishes on last year's terrific 49ers squad. Bringing in a tough, battle-tested corner in Gladney who admirably handled the certified burners that dominate the receiver position in the Big 12 could very well prove to be the remedy for that crippling problem.
32.Kansas City Chiefs: Cesar Ruiz, center/guard (Michigan)
Considering the cap problems they're about to run into once they give Patrick Mahomes his record-breaking extension in the (possibly very) near future, the Chiefs REALLY need to nail this draft to ensure that their roster doesn't fall apart once their franchise QB gets his well-deserved bag. While an interior offensive lineman may not be the sexiest 1st round pick in the world, Ruiz is a sound, high floor player who plays with a palpable edge that should be able to come in and improve an understated weakness for the defending Super Bowl champs right away.
2nd Round:
33.Cincinnati Bengals: Zack Baun, inside/outside linebacker (Wisconsin)
34.Indianapolis Colts: Grant Delpit, safety (LSU)
35.Detroit Lions: Marlon Davidson, edge rusher (Auburn)
36.New York Giants: Jordyn Brooks, inside linebacker (Texas Tech)
37.Los Angeles Chargers: Austin Jackson, tackle (USC)
38.Carolina Panthers: Ashytn Davis, safety (California)
39.Miami Dolphins: Yetur Gross-Matos, edge rusher (Penn State)
40.Houston Texans: Denzel Mims, wide receiver (Baylor)
41.Cleveland Browns: Brandon Aiyuk, wide receiver (Arizona State)
42.Jacksonville Jaguars: Julian Okwara, edge rusher (Notre Dame)
43.Chicago Bears: Antoine Winfield Jr., safety (Minnesota)
44.Indianapolis Colts: Jalen Reagor, wide receiver (TCU)
45.Tampa Bay Buccaneers: J.K. Dobbins, running back (Ohio State)
46.Denver Broncos: Noah Igbinoghene, cornerback (Auburn)
47.Atlanta Falcons: Ross Blacklock, defensive tackle (TCU)
48.New York Jets: Ezra Cleveland, tackle (Boise State)
49.Pittsburgh Steelers: Jordan Love, quarterback (Utah State)
50.Chicago Bears: Netane Muti, guard (Fresno State)
51.Dallas Cowboys: Terrell Lewis, edge rusher (Alabama)
52.Los Angeles Rams: Jonathan Taylor, running back (Wisconsin)
53.Philadelphia Eagles: Kyle Dugger, safety (Lenoir-Rhyne)
54.Buffalo Bills: Isaiah Wilson, tackle (Georgia)
55.Baltimore Ravens: Curtis Weaver, edge rusher (Boise State)
56.Miami Dolphins: Michael Pittman Jr., wide receiver (USC)
57.Los Angeles Rams: Willie Gay Jr., inside linebacker (Mississippi State)
58.Minnesota Vikings: Justin Madubuike, defensive tackle (Texas A&M)
59.Seattle Seahawks: Jeremy Chinn, safety (Southern Illinois)
60.Baltimore Ravens: Jonah Jackson, guard (Ohio State)
61.Tennessee Titans: Neville Gallimore, defensive tackle (Oklahoma)
62.Green Bay Packers: Adam Trautman, tight end (Dayton)
63.Kansas City Chiefs: Bryce Hall, cornerback (Virginia)
64.Seattle Seahawks: Lloyd Cushenberry III, center/guard (LSU)
Wednesday, April 22, 2020
2020 NFL Draft: Top 50 Prospects/Top 5 by Position, Biggest Sleepers and Potential Busts
Top 50 Overall Prospects:
1.Joe Burrow, quarterback (LSU)
2.Jeffery Okudah, cornerback (Ohio State)
3.CeeDee Lamb, wide receiver (Oklahoma)
4.Jerry Jeudy, wide receiver (Alabama)
5.Isaiah Simmons, inside linebacker (Clemson)
6.Chase Young, edge rusher (Ohio State)
7.Derrick Brown, defensive tackle (Auburn)
8.Javon Kinlaw, defensive tackle (South Carolina)
9.Andrew Thomas, tackle (Georgia)
10.Tua Tagovailoa, quarterback (Alabama)
11.Jedrick Wills Jr., tackle (Alabama)
12.Tristan Wirfs, tackle (Iowa)
13.Henry Ruggs III, wide receiver (Alabama)
14.Kristian Fulton, cornerback (LSU)
15.Tee Higgins, wide receiver (Clemson)
16.A.J. Epenesa, edge rusher (Iowa)
17.Josh Jones, tackle (Houston)
18.Grant Delpit, safety (LSU)
19.Xavier McKinney, safety (Alabama)
20.Zack Baun, inside/outside linebacker (Wisconsin)
21.D'Andre Swift, running back (Georgia)
22.Denzel Mims, wide receiver (Baylor)
23.Patrick Queen, inside linebacker (LSU)
24.Michael Pittman Jr., wide receiver (USC)
25.Ceaser Ruiz, center/guard (Michigan)
26.Jordan Elliott, defensive tackle (Missouri)
27.Curtis Weaver, edge rusher (Boise State)
28.Zack Moss, running back (Utah)
29.C.J. Henderson, cornerback (Florida)
30.Laviska Shenault Jr., wide receiver (Colorado)
31.Marlon Davidson, edge rusher (Auburn)
32.A.J. Terrell, cornerback (Clemson)
33.Jeff Gladney, cornerback (TCU)
34.Clyde Edwards-Helaire, running back (LSU)
35.Trevon Diggs, cornerback (Alabama)
36.Jalen Reagor, wide receiver (TCU)
37.Antoine Winfield Jr., safety (Minnesota)
38.Netane Muti, guard (Fresno State)
39.Bryce Hall, cornerback (Virginia)
40.Jonathan Taylor, running back (Wisconsin)
41.Brandon Aiyuk, wide receiver (Arizona State)
42.Jalen Hurts, quarterback (Oklahoma)
43.Ashytn Davis, safety (California)
44.Jaylon Johnson, cornerback (Utah)
45.Jordyn Brooks, inside linebacker (Texas Tech)
46.Tyler Johnson, wide receiver (Minnesota)
47.Cam Akers, running back (Florida State)
48.Justin Herbert, quarterback (Oregon)
49.Justin Madubuike, defensive tackle (Texas A&M)
50.Justin Jefferson, wide receiver (LSU)
Top 5 by Position
Quarterback:
1.Joe Burrow (LSU)
2.Tua Tagovailoa (Alabama)
3.Jalen Hurts (Oklahoma)
4.Justin Herbert (Oregon)
5.Jake Fromm (Georgia)
Running Back:
1.D'Andre Swift (Georgia)
2.Zack Moss (Utah)
3.Clyde Edwards-Helarie (LSU)
4.Jonathan Taylor (Wisconsin)
5.Cam Akers (Florida State)
Wide Receiver:
1.CeeDee Lamb (Oklahoma)
2.Jerry Jeudy (Alabama)
3.Henry Ruggs III (Alabama)
4.Tee Higgins (Clemson)
5.Denzel Mims (Baylor)
Tight End:
1.Cole Kmet (Notre Dame)
2.Hunter Bryant (Washington)
3.Brycen Hopkins (Purdue)
4.Adam Trautman (Dayton)
5.Jared Pinkney (Vanderbilt)
Tackle:
1.Andrew Thomas (Georgia)
2.Jedrick Wills Jr. (Alabama)
3.Tristian Wirfs (Iowa)
4.Josh Jones (Houston)
5.Mekhi Becton (Louisville)
Guard:
1.Netane Muti (Fresno State)
2.Jonah Jackson (Ohio State)
3.Damien Lewis (LSU)
4.Michael Onwenu (Michigan)
5.Ben Bredeson (Michigan)
Center:
1.Ceaser Ruiz (Michigan)
2.Tyler Biadasz (Wisconsin)
3.Nick Harris (Washington)
4.Lloyd Cushenberry III (LSU)
5.Matt Hennessey (Temple)
Edge Rusher (Defensive End/Outside Linebacker):
1.Chase Young (Ohio State)
2.A.J. Epenesa (Iowa)
3.Curtis Weaver (Boise State)
4.Marlon Davidson (Auburn)
5.Josh Uche (Michigan)
Defensive Tackle:
1.Derrick Brown (Auburn)
2.Javon Kinlaw (South Carolina)
3.Jordan Elliott (Missouri)
4.Justin Madubuike (Texas A&M)
5.Neville Gallimore (Oklahoma)
Inside Linebacker:
1.Isaiah Simmons (Clemson)
2.Zack Baun (Wisconsin)
3.Patrick Queen (LSU)
4.Jordyn Brooks (Texas Tech)
5.Willie Gay Jr. (Mississippi State)
Cornerback:
1.Jeffrey Okudah (Ohio State)
2.Kristian Fulton (LSU)
3.C.J. Henderson (Florida)
4.A.J. Terrell (Clemson)
5.Jeff Gladney (TCU)
Safety:
1.Grant Delpit (LSU)
2.Xavier McKinney (Alabama)
3.Antoine Winfield Jr. (Minnesota)
4.Ashtyn Davis (California)
5.Geno Stone (Iowa)
Biggest Sleepers:
1.Michael Pittman Jr., wide receiver (USC)
2.Jordan Elliott, defensive tackle (Missouri)
3.Curtis Weaver, edge rusher (Boise State)
4.Zack Moss, running back (Utah)
5.Bryce Hall, cornerback (Virginia)
6.Tyler Johnson, wide receiver (Minnesota)
7.Willie Gay Jr., inside linebacker (Mississippi State)
8.Josh Uche, edge rusher (Michigan)
9.Jauan Jennings, wide receiver (Tennessee)
10.Devin DuVernay, wide receiver (Texas)
Potential Busts:
1.Yetur Gross-Matos, edge rusher (Penn State)
2.Jordan Love, quarterback (Utah State)
3.Austin Jackson, tackle (USC)
4.K'Lavon Chaisson, edge rusher (LSU)
5.Kenneth Murray, inside linebacker (Oklahoma)
6.Mekhi Becton, tackle (Louisville)
7.Ross Blacklock, defensive tackle (TCU)
8.Julian Okwara, edge rusher (Notre Dame)
9.Justin Herbert, quarterback (Oregon)
10.Justin Jefferson, wide receiver (LSU)
1.Joe Burrow, quarterback (LSU)
2.Jeffery Okudah, cornerback (Ohio State)
3.CeeDee Lamb, wide receiver (Oklahoma)
4.Jerry Jeudy, wide receiver (Alabama)
5.Isaiah Simmons, inside linebacker (Clemson)
6.Chase Young, edge rusher (Ohio State)
7.Derrick Brown, defensive tackle (Auburn)
8.Javon Kinlaw, defensive tackle (South Carolina)
9.Andrew Thomas, tackle (Georgia)
10.Tua Tagovailoa, quarterback (Alabama)
11.Jedrick Wills Jr., tackle (Alabama)
12.Tristan Wirfs, tackle (Iowa)
13.Henry Ruggs III, wide receiver (Alabama)
14.Kristian Fulton, cornerback (LSU)
15.Tee Higgins, wide receiver (Clemson)
16.A.J. Epenesa, edge rusher (Iowa)
17.Josh Jones, tackle (Houston)
18.Grant Delpit, safety (LSU)
19.Xavier McKinney, safety (Alabama)
20.Zack Baun, inside/outside linebacker (Wisconsin)
21.D'Andre Swift, running back (Georgia)
22.Denzel Mims, wide receiver (Baylor)
23.Patrick Queen, inside linebacker (LSU)
24.Michael Pittman Jr., wide receiver (USC)
25.Ceaser Ruiz, center/guard (Michigan)
26.Jordan Elliott, defensive tackle (Missouri)
27.Curtis Weaver, edge rusher (Boise State)
28.Zack Moss, running back (Utah)
29.C.J. Henderson, cornerback (Florida)
30.Laviska Shenault Jr., wide receiver (Colorado)
31.Marlon Davidson, edge rusher (Auburn)
32.A.J. Terrell, cornerback (Clemson)
33.Jeff Gladney, cornerback (TCU)
34.Clyde Edwards-Helaire, running back (LSU)
35.Trevon Diggs, cornerback (Alabama)
36.Jalen Reagor, wide receiver (TCU)
37.Antoine Winfield Jr., safety (Minnesota)
38.Netane Muti, guard (Fresno State)
39.Bryce Hall, cornerback (Virginia)
40.Jonathan Taylor, running back (Wisconsin)
41.Brandon Aiyuk, wide receiver (Arizona State)
42.Jalen Hurts, quarterback (Oklahoma)
43.Ashytn Davis, safety (California)
44.Jaylon Johnson, cornerback (Utah)
45.Jordyn Brooks, inside linebacker (Texas Tech)
46.Tyler Johnson, wide receiver (Minnesota)
47.Cam Akers, running back (Florida State)
48.Justin Herbert, quarterback (Oregon)
49.Justin Madubuike, defensive tackle (Texas A&M)
50.Justin Jefferson, wide receiver (LSU)
Top 5 by Position
Quarterback:
1.Joe Burrow (LSU)
2.Tua Tagovailoa (Alabama)
3.Jalen Hurts (Oklahoma)
4.Justin Herbert (Oregon)
5.Jake Fromm (Georgia)
Running Back:
1.D'Andre Swift (Georgia)
2.Zack Moss (Utah)
3.Clyde Edwards-Helarie (LSU)
4.Jonathan Taylor (Wisconsin)
5.Cam Akers (Florida State)
Wide Receiver:
1.CeeDee Lamb (Oklahoma)
2.Jerry Jeudy (Alabama)
3.Henry Ruggs III (Alabama)
4.Tee Higgins (Clemson)
5.Denzel Mims (Baylor)
Tight End:
1.Cole Kmet (Notre Dame)
2.Hunter Bryant (Washington)
3.Brycen Hopkins (Purdue)
4.Adam Trautman (Dayton)
5.Jared Pinkney (Vanderbilt)
Tackle:
1.Andrew Thomas (Georgia)
2.Jedrick Wills Jr. (Alabama)
3.Tristian Wirfs (Iowa)
4.Josh Jones (Houston)
5.Mekhi Becton (Louisville)
Guard:
1.Netane Muti (Fresno State)
2.Jonah Jackson (Ohio State)
3.Damien Lewis (LSU)
4.Michael Onwenu (Michigan)
5.Ben Bredeson (Michigan)
Center:
1.Ceaser Ruiz (Michigan)
2.Tyler Biadasz (Wisconsin)
3.Nick Harris (Washington)
4.Lloyd Cushenberry III (LSU)
5.Matt Hennessey (Temple)
Edge Rusher (Defensive End/Outside Linebacker):
1.Chase Young (Ohio State)
2.A.J. Epenesa (Iowa)
3.Curtis Weaver (Boise State)
4.Marlon Davidson (Auburn)
5.Josh Uche (Michigan)
Defensive Tackle:
1.Derrick Brown (Auburn)
2.Javon Kinlaw (South Carolina)
3.Jordan Elliott (Missouri)
4.Justin Madubuike (Texas A&M)
5.Neville Gallimore (Oklahoma)
Inside Linebacker:
1.Isaiah Simmons (Clemson)
2.Zack Baun (Wisconsin)
3.Patrick Queen (LSU)
4.Jordyn Brooks (Texas Tech)
5.Willie Gay Jr. (Mississippi State)
Cornerback:
1.Jeffrey Okudah (Ohio State)
2.Kristian Fulton (LSU)
3.C.J. Henderson (Florida)
4.A.J. Terrell (Clemson)
5.Jeff Gladney (TCU)
Safety:
1.Grant Delpit (LSU)
2.Xavier McKinney (Alabama)
3.Antoine Winfield Jr. (Minnesota)
4.Ashtyn Davis (California)
5.Geno Stone (Iowa)
Biggest Sleepers:
1.Michael Pittman Jr., wide receiver (USC)
2.Jordan Elliott, defensive tackle (Missouri)
3.Curtis Weaver, edge rusher (Boise State)
4.Zack Moss, running back (Utah)
5.Bryce Hall, cornerback (Virginia)
6.Tyler Johnson, wide receiver (Minnesota)
7.Willie Gay Jr., inside linebacker (Mississippi State)
8.Josh Uche, edge rusher (Michigan)
9.Jauan Jennings, wide receiver (Tennessee)
10.Devin DuVernay, wide receiver (Texas)
Potential Busts:
1.Yetur Gross-Matos, edge rusher (Penn State)
2.Jordan Love, quarterback (Utah State)
3.Austin Jackson, tackle (USC)
4.K'Lavon Chaisson, edge rusher (LSU)
5.Kenneth Murray, inside linebacker (Oklahoma)
6.Mekhi Becton, tackle (Louisville)
7.Ross Blacklock, defensive tackle (TCU)
8.Julian Okwara, edge rusher (Notre Dame)
9.Justin Herbert, quarterback (Oregon)
10.Justin Jefferson, wide receiver (LSU)
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
Top 20 Albums of the 2010's: #2-1
2.The Dillinger Escape Plan-Option Paralysis (2010):
At the start of the decade, there was a legitimate concern that mathcore pioneers The Dillinger Escape Plan were going to stop dealing in the world of musical chaos. 2007's Ire Works felt restrained by Dillinger's standards as it featured several electronic interludes and was relatively light on their trademark destruction. Those fears that Dillinger was "going soft" vanished with Option Paralysis. Their dazzlingly swift tempo shifts are masterfully combined with some more melodic sensibilities between the manic exclamation points to create the most refined, exhilarating project of their storied career. As their discography continues to get retrospectively evaluated, I hope this record will go onto to become more celebrated.
Standout Tracks: 1.Farewell, Mona Lisa 2.Endless Endings 3.Room Full of Eyes
1.The Black Dahlia Murder-Ritual (2011):
The Black Dahlia Murder have followed the Motorhead model of establishing a defined sound and sticking to it no matter what. That policy has served them very well so far and since consistent quality output is always the most important thing in the world of art, that likely will continue to until they hang it up. Ritual was a slight exception to that "If it ain't broke, don't fix" rule as it saw Black Dahlia utilize pianos and string arrangements to accompany their slamming American meets European melodic death metal attack. As simple as that tweak sounds, it paid major dividends. Those classical-esque backdrops only added to the sinister epic atmosphere that this record possesses and inspired the band to write riffs/drum patterns/vocal lines that meshed with those unconventional instruments while remaining in their punchy melodeath framework. Plain and simple, Ritual is a masterpiece of sonic evil that I'll always count as one of the high points of not only this decade, but in the history of death metal.
Standout Tracks: 1.A Shrine to Madness 2.Moonlight Equilibrium 3.Carbonized in Cruciform
At the start of the decade, there was a legitimate concern that mathcore pioneers The Dillinger Escape Plan were going to stop dealing in the world of musical chaos. 2007's Ire Works felt restrained by Dillinger's standards as it featured several electronic interludes and was relatively light on their trademark destruction. Those fears that Dillinger was "going soft" vanished with Option Paralysis. Their dazzlingly swift tempo shifts are masterfully combined with some more melodic sensibilities between the manic exclamation points to create the most refined, exhilarating project of their storied career. As their discography continues to get retrospectively evaluated, I hope this record will go onto to become more celebrated.
Standout Tracks: 1.Farewell, Mona Lisa 2.Endless Endings 3.Room Full of Eyes
1.The Black Dahlia Murder-Ritual (2011):
The Black Dahlia Murder have followed the Motorhead model of establishing a defined sound and sticking to it no matter what. That policy has served them very well so far and since consistent quality output is always the most important thing in the world of art, that likely will continue to until they hang it up. Ritual was a slight exception to that "If it ain't broke, don't fix" rule as it saw Black Dahlia utilize pianos and string arrangements to accompany their slamming American meets European melodic death metal attack. As simple as that tweak sounds, it paid major dividends. Those classical-esque backdrops only added to the sinister epic atmosphere that this record possesses and inspired the band to write riffs/drum patterns/vocal lines that meshed with those unconventional instruments while remaining in their punchy melodeath framework. Plain and simple, Ritual is a masterpiece of sonic evil that I'll always count as one of the high points of not only this decade, but in the history of death metal.
Standout Tracks: 1.A Shrine to Madness 2.Moonlight Equilibrium 3.Carbonized in Cruciform
Monday, April 20, 2020
Programming Notice
It's NFL Draft Week here at Maitland's Madness. Here's a glance at the posting schedule:
Tuesday: Top 20 Albums of the 2010's (finale)
Wednesday: Top 50 Players Available in the 2020 Draft
Thursday: Final Mock
Friday: Top Players Available on Day 2 of the 2020 Draft
Saturday: Top Players Available on Day 3 of the 2020 Draft
Next Monday: Draft Winners and Losers/Grades
Stay tuned for all of this content and may the draft gods be kind to your team!
Tuesday: Top 20 Albums of the 2010's (finale)
Wednesday: Top 50 Players Available in the 2020 Draft
Thursday: Final Mock
Friday: Top Players Available on Day 2 of the 2020 Draft
Saturday: Top Players Available on Day 3 of the 2020 Draft
Next Monday: Draft Winners and Losers/Grades
Stay tuned for all of this content and may the draft gods be kind to your team!
Thursday, April 16, 2020
Top 20 Albums of the 2010's: #4-3
4.Fallujah-Dreamless (2016):
As I stated earlier in the countdown, some sketchy production prevented Fallujah's otherwise masterful 2014 album The Flesh Prevails from achieving perfection. They managed to clean up that minor problem and then some on their follow-up effort Dreamless. By utilizing production that allows every element of their complex puzzle the proper amount of room to breathe and upping the amount of technical guitarwork in every song, Fallujah's mix of balls-out death metal and haunting progressive/atmospheric sections reaches its jaw-dropping peak.
Standout Tracks: 1.Adrenaline 2.Amber Gaze 3.The Void Alone
3.Lana Del Rey-Norman Fucking Rockwell! (2019):
While it may be a tired cliché statement to make, Norman Fucking Rockwell! truly is the record Lana Del Rey has been waiting her whole career to make. Behind trippy, textured production predominantly handled by Jack Antonoff that allows her to explore the full extent of her massive vocal range, Del Rey creates the most dense, mesmerizing and mature take on her signature somber vintage meets modern art pop sound to-date. The fact that it's also an emphatic reminder of why she's the undisputed queen of the "sad girl sound" only adds to its quickly-earned classic status.
Standout Tracks: 1.California 2.Norman Fucking Rockwell 3.Cinnamon Girl
As I stated earlier in the countdown, some sketchy production prevented Fallujah's otherwise masterful 2014 album The Flesh Prevails from achieving perfection. They managed to clean up that minor problem and then some on their follow-up effort Dreamless. By utilizing production that allows every element of their complex puzzle the proper amount of room to breathe and upping the amount of technical guitarwork in every song, Fallujah's mix of balls-out death metal and haunting progressive/atmospheric sections reaches its jaw-dropping peak.
Standout Tracks: 1.Adrenaline 2.Amber Gaze 3.The Void Alone
3.Lana Del Rey-Norman Fucking Rockwell! (2019):
While it may be a tired cliché statement to make, Norman Fucking Rockwell! truly is the record Lana Del Rey has been waiting her whole career to make. Behind trippy, textured production predominantly handled by Jack Antonoff that allows her to explore the full extent of her massive vocal range, Del Rey creates the most dense, mesmerizing and mature take on her signature somber vintage meets modern art pop sound to-date. The fact that it's also an emphatic reminder of why she's the undisputed queen of the "sad girl sound" only adds to its quickly-earned classic status.
Standout Tracks: 1.California 2.Norman Fucking Rockwell 3.Cinnamon Girl
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
2020 NFL Mock Draft 5.0 (Updated 4/15)
1.Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow, quarterback (LSU)
2.Washington Redskins: Chase Young, edge rusher (Ohio State)
3.Detroit Lions: Jeffrey Okudah, cornerback (Ohio State)
4.New York Giants: Tristian Wirfs, tackle (Iowa)
5.Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa, quarterback (Alabama)
6.Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Herbert, quarterback (Oregon)
7.Carolina Panthers: Isaiah Simmons, inside linebacker (Clemson)
8.Arizona Cardinals: Jedrick Wills Jr., tackle (Alabama)
9.Jacksonville Jaguars: Derrick Brown, defensive tackle (Auburn)
10.Cleveland Browns: Mekhi Becton, tackle (Louisville)
11.New York Jets: Andrew Thomas, tackle (Georgia)
12.Las Vegas Raiders: Jerry Jeudy, wide receiver (Alabama)
13.San Francisco 49ers: CeeDee Lamb, wide receiver (Oklahoma)
14.Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Josh Jones, tackle (Houston)
15.Denver Broncos: Javon Kinlaw, defensive tackle (South Carolina)
16.Atlanta Falcons: C.J. Henderson, cornerback (Florida)
17.Dallas Cowboys: Xavier McKinney, safety (Alabama)
18.Miami Dolphins: Henry Ruggs III, wide receiver (Alabama)
19.Las Vegas Raiders: Jaylon Johnson, cornerback (Utah)
20.Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevon Diggs, cornerback (Alabama)
21.Philadelphia Eagles: Justin Jefferson, wide receiver (LSU)
22.Minnesota Vikings: Tee Higgins, wide receiver (Clemson)
23.New England Patriots: Zack Baun, inside/outside linebacker (Wisconsin)
24.New Orleans Saints: Patrick Queen, inside linebacker (LSU)
25.Minnesota Vikings: Kristian Fulton, cornerback (LSU)
26.Miami Dolphins: Austin Jackson, tackle (USC)
27.Seattle Seahawks: K'Lavon Chaisson, edge rusher (LSU)
28.Baltimore Ravens: Kenneth Murray, inside linebacker (Oklahoma)
29.Tennessee Titans: A.J. Epenesa, edge rusher (Iowa)
30.Green Bay Packers: Laviska Shenault Jr., wide receiver (Colorado)
31.San Francisco 49ers: Jeff Gladney, cornerback (TCU)
32.Kansas City Chiefs: Cesar Ruiz, center/guard (Michigan)
2.Washington Redskins: Chase Young, edge rusher (Ohio State)
3.Detroit Lions: Jeffrey Okudah, cornerback (Ohio State)
4.New York Giants: Tristian Wirfs, tackle (Iowa)
5.Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa, quarterback (Alabama)
6.Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Herbert, quarterback (Oregon)
7.Carolina Panthers: Isaiah Simmons, inside linebacker (Clemson)
8.Arizona Cardinals: Jedrick Wills Jr., tackle (Alabama)
9.Jacksonville Jaguars: Derrick Brown, defensive tackle (Auburn)
10.Cleveland Browns: Mekhi Becton, tackle (Louisville)
11.New York Jets: Andrew Thomas, tackle (Georgia)
12.Las Vegas Raiders: Jerry Jeudy, wide receiver (Alabama)
13.San Francisco 49ers: CeeDee Lamb, wide receiver (Oklahoma)
14.Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Josh Jones, tackle (Houston)
15.Denver Broncos: Javon Kinlaw, defensive tackle (South Carolina)
16.Atlanta Falcons: C.J. Henderson, cornerback (Florida)
17.Dallas Cowboys: Xavier McKinney, safety (Alabama)
18.Miami Dolphins: Henry Ruggs III, wide receiver (Alabama)
19.Las Vegas Raiders: Jaylon Johnson, cornerback (Utah)
20.Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevon Diggs, cornerback (Alabama)
21.Philadelphia Eagles: Justin Jefferson, wide receiver (LSU)
22.Minnesota Vikings: Tee Higgins, wide receiver (Clemson)
23.New England Patriots: Zack Baun, inside/outside linebacker (Wisconsin)
24.New Orleans Saints: Patrick Queen, inside linebacker (LSU)
25.Minnesota Vikings: Kristian Fulton, cornerback (LSU)
26.Miami Dolphins: Austin Jackson, tackle (USC)
27.Seattle Seahawks: K'Lavon Chaisson, edge rusher (LSU)
28.Baltimore Ravens: Kenneth Murray, inside linebacker (Oklahoma)
29.Tennessee Titans: A.J. Epenesa, edge rusher (Iowa)
30.Green Bay Packers: Laviska Shenault Jr., wide receiver (Colorado)
31.San Francisco 49ers: Jeff Gladney, cornerback (TCU)
32.Kansas City Chiefs: Cesar Ruiz, center/guard (Michigan)
Tuesday, April 14, 2020
Movie Review: Love Wedding Repeat
Netflix's conveniently-timed spring escapism slate continues with their latest romantic comedy Love Wedding Repeat. Like he did with both versions of Death at a Funeral, Love Wedding Repeat sees writer/director Dean Craig telling a story about civility quickly making way for chaos at a massive gathering. The man of honor (Joel Fry) gets accidently drugged with a highly potent sleeping medication, the brother (Sam Claflin) of the bride (Eleanor Tomlinson) discovers that the ex-girlfriend (Frieda Pinto) he loathes along with her current boyfriend (Allan Mustafa) are seated next to him at the reception and an uninvited, coked-up guest (Jack Farthing) suddenly arrives after the ceremony with the sole intention of professing his love for the new bride. Now, it's up to the bride and her brother from preventing these potentially debilitating obstacles from completely derailing what was supposed to be an idyllic day in a picture-esque Roman castle.
For a movie that plays with the concept of how unforeseen variables can dramatically alter the outcome of an event, Love Wedding Repeat is surprisingly safe and predictable. Almost all of the hiccups as well as the fallout that stem from them can be telegraphed from a mile away and the few creative bits that do come along don't amount to much of anything in the bigger picture. Not even a resetting of the event that served as the start of the chaotic domino effect that occurs in the last 35 minutes can liven up the flat approach Craig takes in fleshing out a premise that should've been a rock solid jumping off point to make something really creative.
While its failure to capitalize on a golden opportunity to subvert the genre is disappointing, Love Wedding Repeat is still a hard movie to hate. There's a handful of really funny moments, the likable cast shows up to play (especially Claflin, Fry and Olivia Munn as the love interest of Claflin's character) and the scenery in/around the Italian castle in which this was filmed is breathtaking to look at. When the storytelling falls flat, pleasant characters and some laughs are usually enough to yield some positive returns in the world of romantic comedies.
Love Wedding Repeat isn't likely to become a widely celebrated entry in this time-tested genre. It's not the next The Big Sick, Long Shot or even Set It Up. However, it's a warm offering that gets just enough right to work. Throw this shit on a Sunday afternoon if you're feeling like watching something lighthearted and mindless, and chances are you'll come out satisfied.
Grade: B-
Monday, April 13, 2020
Top 20 Albums of the 2010's: #6-5
6.Between the Buried and Me-The Parallax II: Future Sequence (2012)
After a not overly great start, Between the Buried and Me closed out The Parallax Saga on an incredibly high note. Metal's most accomplished mad scientists concocted something that is unpredictable and out there even by their lofty standards as this invigoratingly over-the-top epic prog adventure shifts through tempos/genres/unconventional instrumentation at a breakneck pace.
Standout Tracks: 1.Bloom 2.Lay Your Ghosts to Rest 3.Telos
5.Lana Del Rey-Born to Die (2012):
The polarizing legend of Lana Del Rey was built here. Born to Die shaped an entire generation of pop artists with its lush, melancholic sound that combined understated atmosphere with the genre's traditional catchiness to make something that's hauntingly beautiful and thoroughly intoxicating.
Standout Tracks: 1.Blue Jeans 2.Off to the Races 3.National Anthem
After a not overly great start, Between the Buried and Me closed out The Parallax Saga on an incredibly high note. Metal's most accomplished mad scientists concocted something that is unpredictable and out there even by their lofty standards as this invigoratingly over-the-top epic prog adventure shifts through tempos/genres/unconventional instrumentation at a breakneck pace.
Standout Tracks: 1.Bloom 2.Lay Your Ghosts to Rest 3.Telos
5.Lana Del Rey-Born to Die (2012):
The polarizing legend of Lana Del Rey was built here. Born to Die shaped an entire generation of pop artists with its lush, melancholic sound that combined understated atmosphere with the genre's traditional catchiness to make something that's hauntingly beautiful and thoroughly intoxicating.
Standout Tracks: 1.Blue Jeans 2.Off to the Races 3.National Anthem
Thursday, April 9, 2020
Top 20 Albums of the 2010's: #8-7
8.Revocation-Deathless (2014):
As strong as Revocation's catalog is from top to bottom, Deathless stands defiantly atop the heap. It's an absolutely monstrous record that has only become more ferocious over time. The riff faucet never stops running at full blast, the genre variation (progressive, thrash, melodeath, tech death) present in the songwriting is top notch and the eerie atmospherics of the instrumentation perfectly match the Lovecraftian lyrics.
Standout Tracks: 1.Scorched Earth Policy 2.A Debt Owed to the Grave 3.The Blackest Reaches
7.The Black Dahlia Murder-Nightbringers (2017):
Member changes have plagued The Black Dahlia Murder throughout their career. While their two remaining founding members (vocalist Trevor Strnad, rhythm guitarist/primary songwriter Brian Eschbach) have done a terrific job of mitigating a lot of the potential negative effects that come with frequent turnover, there's no question that having a different lineup on almost every record (since their 2003 debut LP Unhallowed, they've had 5 drummers, 3 bassists and 3 lead guitarists) has had varying degrees of impact over the years. Their latest change at lead guitarist (Brandon Ellis replaced Ryan Knight-who had been with the band since 2009) ended up being the best thing to happen to them creatively in several years as Nightbringers was their most inspired effort since a certain record that came out earlier in the decade that will be appearing later on in this countdown. Ellis' electric solowork and explosive riffs served as a needed shot of adrenaline for a band that was coming off of two of their weaker efforts (Everblack, Abysmal). His zest for playing fast, bouncy riffs resulted in the band embracing a sound that was pretty reminiscent of the early Gothenburg melodeath, which subsequently made this perhaps the most purely fun record they've put out.
Favorite Tracks: 1.Kings of the Nightworld 2.Matriarch 3.As Good As Dead
As strong as Revocation's catalog is from top to bottom, Deathless stands defiantly atop the heap. It's an absolutely monstrous record that has only become more ferocious over time. The riff faucet never stops running at full blast, the genre variation (progressive, thrash, melodeath, tech death) present in the songwriting is top notch and the eerie atmospherics of the instrumentation perfectly match the Lovecraftian lyrics.
Standout Tracks: 1.Scorched Earth Policy 2.A Debt Owed to the Grave 3.The Blackest Reaches
7.The Black Dahlia Murder-Nightbringers (2017):
Member changes have plagued The Black Dahlia Murder throughout their career. While their two remaining founding members (vocalist Trevor Strnad, rhythm guitarist/primary songwriter Brian Eschbach) have done a terrific job of mitigating a lot of the potential negative effects that come with frequent turnover, there's no question that having a different lineup on almost every record (since their 2003 debut LP Unhallowed, they've had 5 drummers, 3 bassists and 3 lead guitarists) has had varying degrees of impact over the years. Their latest change at lead guitarist (Brandon Ellis replaced Ryan Knight-who had been with the band since 2009) ended up being the best thing to happen to them creatively in several years as Nightbringers was their most inspired effort since a certain record that came out earlier in the decade that will be appearing later on in this countdown. Ellis' electric solowork and explosive riffs served as a needed shot of adrenaline for a band that was coming off of two of their weaker efforts (Everblack, Abysmal). His zest for playing fast, bouncy riffs resulted in the band embracing a sound that was pretty reminiscent of the early Gothenburg melodeath, which subsequently made this perhaps the most purely fun record they've put out.
Favorite Tracks: 1.Kings of the Nightworld 2.Matriarch 3.As Good As Dead
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
2020 NFL Mock Draft 4.0 (Updated 4/8)
1.Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow, quarterback (LSU)
2.Washington Redskins: Chase Young, edge rusher (Ohio State)
3.Detroit Lions: Jeffrey Okudah, cornerback (Ohio State)
4.New York Giants: Tristian Wirfs, tackle (Iowa)
5.Miami Dolphins: Justin Herbert, quarterback (Oregon)
6.Los Angeles Chargers: Tua Tagovailoa, quarterback (Alabama)
7.Carolina Panthers: Isaiah Simmons, inside linebacker (Clemson)
8.Arizona Cardinals: Jedrick Wills Jr, tackle (Alabama)
9.Jacksonville Jaguars: Derrick Brown, defensive tackle (Auburn)
10.Cleveland Browns: Andrew Thomas, tackle (Georgia)
11.New York Jets: CeeDee Lamb, wide receiver (Oklahoma)
12.Las Vegas Raiders: Jerry Jeudy, wide receiver (Alabama)
13.San Francisco 49ers: Henry Ruggs III, wide receiver (Alabama)
14.Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mekhi Becton, tackle (Louisville)
15.Denver Broncos: Javon Kinlaw, defensive tackle (South Carolina)
16.Atlanta Falcons: C.J. Henderson, cornerback (Florida)
17.Dallas Cowboys: Xavier McKinney, safety (Alabama)
18.Miami Dolphins: Josh Jones, tackle (Houston)
19.Las Vegas Raiders: Grant Delpit, safety (LSU)
20.Jacksonville Jaguars: Kristian Fulton, cornerback (LSU)
21.Philadelphia Eagles: Denzel Mims, wide receiver (Baylor)
22.Minnesota Vikings: Justin Jefferson, wide receiver (LSU)
23.New England Patriots: Zach Braun, inside/outside linebacker (Wisconsin)
24.New Orleans Saints: Patrick Queen, inside linebacker (LSU)
25.Minnesota Vikings: A.J. Terrell, cornerback (Clemson)
26.Miami Dolphins: A.J. Epenesa, edge rusher (Iowa)
27.Seattle Seahawks: Yetur Gross-Matos, edge rusher (Penn State)
28.Baltimore Ravens: Kenneth Murray, inside linebacker (Oklahoma)
29.Tennessee Titans: Trevon Diggs, cornerback (Alabama)
30.Green Bay Packers: Tee Higgins, wide receiver (Clemson)
31.San Francisco 49ers: Jaylon Johnson, cornerback (Utah)
32.Kansas City Chiefs: D'Andre Swift, running back (Georgia)
2.Washington Redskins: Chase Young, edge rusher (Ohio State)
3.Detroit Lions: Jeffrey Okudah, cornerback (Ohio State)
4.New York Giants: Tristian Wirfs, tackle (Iowa)
5.Miami Dolphins: Justin Herbert, quarterback (Oregon)
6.Los Angeles Chargers: Tua Tagovailoa, quarterback (Alabama)
7.Carolina Panthers: Isaiah Simmons, inside linebacker (Clemson)
8.Arizona Cardinals: Jedrick Wills Jr, tackle (Alabama)
9.Jacksonville Jaguars: Derrick Brown, defensive tackle (Auburn)
10.Cleveland Browns: Andrew Thomas, tackle (Georgia)
11.New York Jets: CeeDee Lamb, wide receiver (Oklahoma)
12.Las Vegas Raiders: Jerry Jeudy, wide receiver (Alabama)
13.San Francisco 49ers: Henry Ruggs III, wide receiver (Alabama)
14.Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mekhi Becton, tackle (Louisville)
15.Denver Broncos: Javon Kinlaw, defensive tackle (South Carolina)
16.Atlanta Falcons: C.J. Henderson, cornerback (Florida)
17.Dallas Cowboys: Xavier McKinney, safety (Alabama)
18.Miami Dolphins: Josh Jones, tackle (Houston)
19.Las Vegas Raiders: Grant Delpit, safety (LSU)
20.Jacksonville Jaguars: Kristian Fulton, cornerback (LSU)
21.Philadelphia Eagles: Denzel Mims, wide receiver (Baylor)
22.Minnesota Vikings: Justin Jefferson, wide receiver (LSU)
23.New England Patriots: Zach Braun, inside/outside linebacker (Wisconsin)
24.New Orleans Saints: Patrick Queen, inside linebacker (LSU)
25.Minnesota Vikings: A.J. Terrell, cornerback (Clemson)
26.Miami Dolphins: A.J. Epenesa, edge rusher (Iowa)
27.Seattle Seahawks: Yetur Gross-Matos, edge rusher (Penn State)
28.Baltimore Ravens: Kenneth Murray, inside linebacker (Oklahoma)
29.Tennessee Titans: Trevon Diggs, cornerback (Alabama)
30.Green Bay Packers: Tee Higgins, wide receiver (Clemson)
31.San Francisco 49ers: Jaylon Johnson, cornerback (Utah)
32.Kansas City Chiefs: D'Andre Swift, running back (Georgia)
Tuesday, April 7, 2020
Quick Movie Reviews: Big Time Adolescence, Uncorked, Coffee & Kareem
Big Time Adolescence: This comedic coming-of-age story centered around the close friendship of a 16-year old high schooler (Griffin Gluck) and the 20-something screwup (Pete Davidson) that he idolizes captures a very specific slice of the suburban youth experience that doesn't make it to the screen too often. There are people like Davidson's Zeke who spend the early part of their 20's reliving their past glory by partying with kids that are 5-6 years younger than them as a way of postponing the painful responsibility of adulthood and just as many, if not more like Gluck's Mo whose justifiable naivety allows them to view these people as role models in most places around the world. Writer/director Jason Orley is smart enough to avoid glorifying or demonizing this type of relationship by sniffing out the small, teachable moments that can come from engaging in irresponsible behavior as well as portraying the big brother/little brother bond that exists underneath all of the debauchery. Seeing this dynamic played out on screen made Big Time Adolescence a comforting, authentic hangout movie that shouldn't flyer under the radar for much longer.
Grade: B+
Uncorked: Is calling a movie that's been out for 10 days on Netflix a hidden gem ridiculous? Probably, but I feel like Uncorked has gotten completely buried as a result of all the hype surrounding Tiger King. Prentice Penny's debut effort is an impressively assured family drama that tackles the age old dilemma that faces a young person (Mamoudou Athie, in a beautifully understated performance) that has to choose between following tradition by being groomed to take over the family business (a Memphis barbecue restaurant) or potentially alienating their loved ones by trying to forge their own unconventional path (becoming a master sommelier). Penny does a terrific job of highlighting how life can get in the way of achieving goals without ever feeling contrived, exploring the differing goals/perspectives/personalities of each member of the family and slowly building to a moving conclusion that gives his actors (in addition to Athie, Courtney B. Vance and Niecy Nash are terrific as his parents) ample opportunity to show off their range by weaving well-deployed moments of comedy into the serious narrative. It's the perfect low-key, pick me up for these trying times and I highly recommend anyone that could use a smile or two right now to go check it out.
Grade: B+
Coffee & Kareem: Michael Dowse has followed up Stuber with another thrifty, unapologetically crass buddy action comedy that feels like it was lifted straight from the 80's. While some of the gags (particularly in the middle of the film) are tasteless and hacky, I'll be damned if I wasn't laughing pretty often during this tightly-paced throwback sleazefest. The aloof cop (Ed Helms)/vulgar kid (Terrance Little Gardenhigh) dynamic works pretty well, the supporting cast is full of fully engaged scene-stealers (Taraji P. Henson, Andrew Bachelor, RonReaco Lee, David Alan Grier, Betty Gilpin-who is quickly building a rock solid quip-spewing action star resume) and the final sequence is bloody, outlandish poetry that features some of the more outrageous on-screen deaths in recent memory. The fact that there is still a place for proudly trashy entertainment like this in 2020 continues to make me happy, so a big thank you to Netflix for providing this completely non-vital public service.
Grade: B
Monday, April 6, 2020
Top 20 Albums of the 2010's: #10-9
10.Rivers of Nihil-Where Owls Know My Name (2018):
Where Owls Know My Name is a prime example of an artist delivering on the huge amount of potential they flashed on their previous effort. Expanding upon the progressive sound they introduced on 2015's Monarchy by adding several new elements (clean vocals, saxophones, keyboards) to their arsenal introduced a greater scale and surprising amount of emotion for a record that's so extreme in nature. That added dynamism fortunately didn't come at the expense of a reduction in the traditional death metal elements-which hit as hard as ever thanks to guitarist Brody Uttley's mammoth slam riffs and vocalist Jake Dieffenbach's tortured screams.
Standout Tracks: 1.A Home 2.Subtle Change (Including the Forest of Transition and Dissatisfaction Dance) 3.Hollow
9.Fallujah-The Flesh Prevails (2014):
If it wasn't for somewhat suspect production that mutes a bit of the rich world Fallujah created here, The Flesh Prevails would be a perfect album that easily would've placed in the top 5. This progressive/technical death metal triumph organically mixes no-holds-barred aggression and beautiful atmospherics with stunningly effective results.
Standout Tracks: 1.Starlit Path 2.Levitation 3.The Night Reveals
Where Owls Know My Name is a prime example of an artist delivering on the huge amount of potential they flashed on their previous effort. Expanding upon the progressive sound they introduced on 2015's Monarchy by adding several new elements (clean vocals, saxophones, keyboards) to their arsenal introduced a greater scale and surprising amount of emotion for a record that's so extreme in nature. That added dynamism fortunately didn't come at the expense of a reduction in the traditional death metal elements-which hit as hard as ever thanks to guitarist Brody Uttley's mammoth slam riffs and vocalist Jake Dieffenbach's tortured screams.
Standout Tracks: 1.A Home 2.Subtle Change (Including the Forest of Transition and Dissatisfaction Dance) 3.Hollow
9.Fallujah-The Flesh Prevails (2014):
If it wasn't for somewhat suspect production that mutes a bit of the rich world Fallujah created here, The Flesh Prevails would be a perfect album that easily would've placed in the top 5. This progressive/technical death metal triumph organically mixes no-holds-barred aggression and beautiful atmospherics with stunningly effective results.
Standout Tracks: 1.Starlit Path 2.Levitation 3.The Night Reveals
Thursday, April 2, 2020
Top 20 Albums of the 2010's: #12-11
12.Death Grips-The Money Store (2012):
Crafting music that feels genuinely rebellious is hard to do. Artists that fancy themselves the edgy type often try so hard to manufacture a "punk" sound that it comes off as disingenuous and kind of pathetic. That annoying trend makes the existence of organic anarchy like The Money Store joyously refreshing. This entire record is a carnival of singularly abrasive chaos that thrives on the industrial hip hop trio's abundant rage, speed freak energy and stunning gift for making even the most inaccessible music thoroughly catchy.
Standout Tracks: 1.The Fever (Aye Aye) 2.I've Seen Footage 3.The Cage
11.Danny Brown-Atrocity Exhibition (2016):
The introspective pain that was in the background of Danny Brown's releases like XXX and Old made its way to the forefront with staggering results on Atrocity Exhibition. Aided by a manic, sample-heavy backdrop, Brown takes the listener on a harrowing journey through his personal hell that's driven by depression, self-loathing and substance abuse. While it's often an uncomfortable and distressing listen, it's also a highly poignant and original take on the familiar concept of an artist trying to confront their deeply-rooted demons through art.
Standout Tracks: 1.Ain't It Funny 2.Golddust 3.From the Ground (feat. Kelela)
Crafting music that feels genuinely rebellious is hard to do. Artists that fancy themselves the edgy type often try so hard to manufacture a "punk" sound that it comes off as disingenuous and kind of pathetic. That annoying trend makes the existence of organic anarchy like The Money Store joyously refreshing. This entire record is a carnival of singularly abrasive chaos that thrives on the industrial hip hop trio's abundant rage, speed freak energy and stunning gift for making even the most inaccessible music thoroughly catchy.
Standout Tracks: 1.The Fever (Aye Aye) 2.I've Seen Footage 3.The Cage
11.Danny Brown-Atrocity Exhibition (2016):
The introspective pain that was in the background of Danny Brown's releases like XXX and Old made its way to the forefront with staggering results on Atrocity Exhibition. Aided by a manic, sample-heavy backdrop, Brown takes the listener on a harrowing journey through his personal hell that's driven by depression, self-loathing and substance abuse. While it's often an uncomfortable and distressing listen, it's also a highly poignant and original take on the familiar concept of an artist trying to confront their deeply-rooted demons through art.
Standout Tracks: 1.Ain't It Funny 2.Golddust 3.From the Ground (feat. Kelela)
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
2020 NFL Mock Draft 3.0 (Updated 4/1)
1.Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow, quarterback (LSU)
2.Washington Redskins: Chase Young, edge rusher (Ohio State)
3.Detroit Lions: Jeffrey Okudah, cornerback (Ohio State)
4.New York Giants: Tristan Wirfs, tackle (Iowa)
5.Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovaiola, quarterback (Alabama)
6.Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Herbert, quarterback (Oregon)
7.Carolina Panthers: Isaiah Simmons, inside linebacker (Clemson)
8.Arizona Cardinals: Jedrick Wills Jr., tackle (Alabama)
9.Jacksonville Jaguars: Derrick Brown, defensive tackle (Auburn)
10.Cleveland Browns: Javon Kinlaw, defensive tackle (South Carolina)
11.New York Jets: Ceedee Lamb, wide receiver (Oklahoma)
12.Las Vegas Raiders: Jerry Jeudy, wide receiver (Alabama)
13.San Francisco 49ers: Henry Ruggs III, wide receiver (Alabama)
14.Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Andrew Thomas, tackle (Georgia)
15.Denver Broncos: C.J. Henderson, cornerback (Florida)
16.Atlanta Falcons: Kristian Fulton, cornerback (LSU)
17.Dallas Cowboys: Xavier McKinney, safety (Alabama)
18.Miami Dolphins: Mekhi Becton, tackle (Louisville)
19.Las Vegas Raiders: Grant Delpit, safety (LSU)
20.Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevon Diggs, cornerback (Alabama)
21.Philadelphia Eagles: Brandon Aiyuk, wide receiver (Arizona State)
22.Minnesota Vikings: Justin Jefferson, wide receiver (LSU)
23.New England Patriots: Zach Braun, inside/outside linebacker (Wisconsin)
24.New Orleans Saints: Patrick Queen, inside linebacker (LSU)
25.Minnesota Vikings: Jeff Gladney, cornerback (TCU)
26.Miami Dolphins: A.J. Epenesa, edge rusher (Iowa)
27.Seattle Seahawks: Yetur Gross-Mantos, edge rusher (Penn State)
28.Baltimore Ravens: Kenneth Murray, inside linebacker (Oklahoma)
29.Tennnesee Titans: Josh Jones, tackle (Houston)
30.Green Bay Packers: Tee Higgins, wide receiver (Clemson)
31.San Francisco 49ers: Denzel Mims, wide receiver (Baylor)
32.Kansas City Chiefs: D'Andre Swift, running back (Georgia)
2.Washington Redskins: Chase Young, edge rusher (Ohio State)
3.Detroit Lions: Jeffrey Okudah, cornerback (Ohio State)
4.New York Giants: Tristan Wirfs, tackle (Iowa)
5.Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovaiola, quarterback (Alabama)
6.Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Herbert, quarterback (Oregon)
7.Carolina Panthers: Isaiah Simmons, inside linebacker (Clemson)
8.Arizona Cardinals: Jedrick Wills Jr., tackle (Alabama)
9.Jacksonville Jaguars: Derrick Brown, defensive tackle (Auburn)
10.Cleveland Browns: Javon Kinlaw, defensive tackle (South Carolina)
11.New York Jets: Ceedee Lamb, wide receiver (Oklahoma)
12.Las Vegas Raiders: Jerry Jeudy, wide receiver (Alabama)
13.San Francisco 49ers: Henry Ruggs III, wide receiver (Alabama)
14.Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Andrew Thomas, tackle (Georgia)
15.Denver Broncos: C.J. Henderson, cornerback (Florida)
16.Atlanta Falcons: Kristian Fulton, cornerback (LSU)
17.Dallas Cowboys: Xavier McKinney, safety (Alabama)
18.Miami Dolphins: Mekhi Becton, tackle (Louisville)
19.Las Vegas Raiders: Grant Delpit, safety (LSU)
20.Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevon Diggs, cornerback (Alabama)
21.Philadelphia Eagles: Brandon Aiyuk, wide receiver (Arizona State)
22.Minnesota Vikings: Justin Jefferson, wide receiver (LSU)
23.New England Patriots: Zach Braun, inside/outside linebacker (Wisconsin)
24.New Orleans Saints: Patrick Queen, inside linebacker (LSU)
25.Minnesota Vikings: Jeff Gladney, cornerback (TCU)
26.Miami Dolphins: A.J. Epenesa, edge rusher (Iowa)
27.Seattle Seahawks: Yetur Gross-Mantos, edge rusher (Penn State)
28.Baltimore Ravens: Kenneth Murray, inside linebacker (Oklahoma)
29.Tennnesee Titans: Josh Jones, tackle (Houston)
30.Green Bay Packers: Tee Higgins, wide receiver (Clemson)
31.San Francisco 49ers: Denzel Mims, wide receiver (Baylor)
32.Kansas City Chiefs: D'Andre Swift, running back (Georgia)
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