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1. Jacksonville Jaguars—OT Evan Neal, Alabama
The temptation to draft a pass-rusher will be here for the Jaguars, but I’m a believer in Josh Allen and K’Lavon Chaisson coming off the edge. The biggest need is at left tackle where Cam Robinson is a free agent. Some will ask for a trade back, but this isn’t the type of draft class teams are jumping to get to the No. 1 pick in.
2. Detroit Lions—DE Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon
Something I’ve heard as of lately is that the Lions prefer Thibodeaux over Aidan Hutchinson in the edge class. If that’s accurate, Thibodeaux’s athleticism would be the tempo setter for Dan Campbell’s tough-as-hell defense.
3. Houston Texans—DE Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan
The Texans find themselves in a great position to land arguably the top player in the entire class. Hutchinson had an historic season and has shown the power and athleticism to be a beast edge-rusher in a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme.
4. NY Jets—CB Derek Stingley Jr., LSU
The Jets are a team with many needs but not one overall glaring hole in the roster. While they would likely draft any of the three players selected ahead of them given the chance, the consolation prize of Stingley is a good one. Many scouts believe–and I agree–that he’ll bounce back to his 2019 form in a better coaching environment.
5. NY Giants (from Chicago)—OT Charles Cross, Mississippi State
One of my favorite linemen in this entire class and he goes to a spot in New York where he can immediately shore up the offensive line. This most likely means Andrew Thomas moves to the right side, but that’s a comfortable position for him. Most importantly is that the Giants find a coach that can develop the talent they’re collecting on the offensive line.