Locked On Patriots - Daily Podcast On The New England Patriots - Mock Draft Special: Patriots Draft Needs and Wants - 4/13/2020

Episode Date: April 13, 2020

The 2020 NFL Draft is just over one week away. On this Mock Draft Monday, host Mike D’Abate delves into the Patriots special teams needs, as the Draft approaches. Also, he selects the most passionate mock draft selection for this week’s Mocks of March/Profiles of April exercise. Lastly, the Locked On NFL Mock Draft Special kicks off across the network, and we share a preview of this weeklong series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Patriots fans, you are now locked in to the Locked On Patriots Podcast. I'm going to show you how to make a beautiful and beautiful flower. I'm going to use a small flower pot. I'm going to use a small pot Hello to all of you Foxborough football faithful, and welcome as we kick off another week here on the Lockdown Patriots Podcast, your daily home for news notes and analysis infused with the occasional opinion on your six-time Super Bowl champions, the New England Patriots.

My name is Mike DeBate, your host of the Locked On Patriots podcast, which of course is a proud part of the Locked On Podcast Network, your team every day. And because it's your team every day, that means your questions, your comments, and your feedback, always welcomed and appreciated. And you may share that feedback by reaching out to me and following me on Twitter at MDABATEFPC. And while you're out there roaming around on that Twitterverse, please be sure to follow the Locked On Patriots account as well at LO underscore Patriots. Patriots fans, today is Monday, April 13th,

and that means we are 10 calendar days away from the start of the 2020 NFL Draft, kicking off on Thursday, April 23rd. And because the times in which we live are unique, the draft will be just as unique. A virtual experience for the NFL Draft this year, as teams will be collaborating via teleconference and videoconference. And over the weekend, we even learned that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will be making picks by virtual video conference from the privacy of his home basement. And folks, the minute I heard this, the first thing that I thought of was Will Ferrell's character from Wedding Crashers asking Ma for some meatloaf. I'm definitely not the first to think of it, I know that, but it's just so fitting in this

circumstance, and maybe it'll help to give you a little bit of a chuckle during these times in which all of us need it most. But again, as they did last month with free agency, the NFL continues to deliver real-time content. And this really will be a unique experience for all of us folks, for the draftees, for the teams, for the fans, for those of us in the media covering the event. It's just a different experience, and the NFL feels it too. As a matter of fact, they have announced that later this week, they will be conducting their own mock draft to make sure that everything goes through without a hitch. Now, we don't have a whole lot of details on this mock draft right now,

but one would have to think that no NFL team would want to tip their hand or in any way reveal even the slightest shred of strategy as they head toward 23rd and the start of the real NFL draft. So while you can't count on a whole lot of substance coming from this NFL mock draft, dress rehearsal for the real thing, the rest of us who are immersed in draft coverage are bringing you mock drafts across the board, and I am proud to say that I am a part of some of the greatest collection of analysts covering the NFL draft anywhere. The Locked On Podcast Network's NFL Draft channel has been working tirelessly, really since the 2019 season ended,

to continue to bring you the greatest comprehensive coverage as possible. And that includes partnering with our good friends at thedraftnetwork.com for the widely popular Mock Draft Monday segments, which continue each and every week right up until the NFL Draft. And this week right here,

being the last full week until the NFL Draft, my colleagues and I, the hosts of the Locked On NFL Podcasts, all 32 teams, have taken matters into their own hands this week. And we have put together the Locked On NFL Mock Draft Special, which runs all week here on the Locked On Podcast Network. And as a part of today's show, I will be sharing the introduction of that series with you right here on Locked On Patriots. All of us across the Locked On NFL landscape have worked very hard on this mock draft.

I have no doubt that once you listen to today's segment right here on Locked On Patriots, you will want to subscribe, download, and follow via your preferred podcast provider, and you will not want to miss an episode of the Locked On NFL mock draft special, which again, folks, is available Monday through Friday on the Locked On NFL channel, part of the Locked On Podcast Network. But folks, you haven't forgot, and I certainly haven't forgot, that this is Locked On Patriots. And even though today's episode might have a little bit more of a national flavor to it, there is still a good amount of draft coverage to cover here today when it comes

to your New England Patriots, including a little bit of an extra focus on the special teams. And with the Patriots seemingly in need of a place kicker, what do our friends at the DraftNetwork.com have to say about the Patriots possibly using a mid-to-late round pick on the next leg hoping to split the uprights at Gillette Stadium? And of course, the Mocs of March, Profiles of April segment continues here on the Locked On Patriots podcast. And this week's feature mock draft came from a contributor who, how shall I put this folks, I simply couldn't refuse.

And yes, that pun was absolutely intended. So settle in folks, an action-packed episode here on Mock Draft Monday of Locked On Patriots, and I sincerely hope that you enjoy what we have in store for you today as we get you ready for the 2020 NFL Draft, and again, folks, just over 10 days' time. But first, some Patriots-related information is in the news, folks. And it starts with the kickoff of that time of year, selection time at the Patriots Hall of Fame. And last year, Patriots great Rodney Harrison took his place among the elite players to ever put on a Patriots uniform. But Monday at noontime, it's time to start to begin to narrow those candidates for induction into the Pats Hall of Fame.

Because that's when the 28-member committee is scheduled to meet virtually to discuss who might be worthy of this year's enshrinement. And folks, every former Patriots player or head coach who has been retired for at least four years is eligible for consideration. And even though the selection committee will ultimately decide on the panel, it's fan vote that will definitively decide on the one inductee for each year. Former Patriots linebacker and current Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel had been a finalist each of the past four years. It's hard to imagine that Vrabel won't at least be in consideration again this year. Another finalist for the last three years is former defensive lineman Richard Seymour. Will it be each of their years?

Both obviously have a great case for Hall of Fame enshrinement, but to me, folks, I think it's high time and I think it's long overdue that Richard Seymour finally gets enshrined into the Patriots Hall of Fame. He's been a pro football Hall of Fame finalist for the past two years, and if he can make that list, to me it's overdue for him to earn his spot in the Patriots Hall. But ultimately, it will be up to the committee, who again is meeting on Monday afternoon, and sooner rather than later, that committee will end up selecting their pool for inductees before they ultimately open up the group of finalists for a fan vote. But we move quickly from Patriots past to Patriots future, because at 2 p.m. Eastern on Monday, head coach Bill Belichick will meet with the media for the first time in the offseason to discuss the Patriots'

plans for the upcoming NFL draft. Now, folks, you know as well as I, on that conference call, there will be journalists that will ask Bill Belichick about Tom Brady. I'm far from being a soothsayer here, but I would say it's a strong bet that Bill's not going to be addressing those questions, at least not extensively. He put out a statement shortly after Tom announced that he was leaving, and if history is any indicator here, Bill is going to let that statement speak for himself. But it will be interesting to hear his insight on the draft, and maybe get an inkling as to what the Patriots' future plans might be at certain positions.

I know, folks, I live in hope, but it is a possibility. So keep a sharp eye on Patriots social media today, folks. A lot of different pieces of news swirling around, and whatever we learn today by way of Patriots Nation, you can always count on my news notes and analysis here each and every day on the Locked On Patriots podcast. But even though Bill the GM is going to be giving us his insight on what the Patriots 2020 draft strategy might look like, we still like to do our own GM prognosticating

here on the Locked On Patriots podcast. And in just a moment, we will check in with our friends at thedraftnetwork.com to find out if the Patriots spending a pick on a special teamer is something they might do this year, even sooner rather than later. And of course, I will provide my analysis on our feature mock draft as submitted by you, the listeners, on the Mocks of March slash Profiles of April exercise when the Locked On Patriots Podcast continues.

Patriots fans, it is once again Mock Draft Monday here on the Locked On Patriots podcast. And as I said to open the pod today, across the Locked On NFL draft landscape, myself and all of my colleagues, the host of all 32 NFL team podcasts, will be sharing with all of you the inaugural segment of the Locked On NFL Mock Draft special. But before doing so on this Mock Draft Monday, I could not in good faith let the episode go by without giving you some additional insight on your New England Patriots. Because after all, folks, this is the Locked On Patriots Podcast. And for the past few weeks, we've been chronicling and profiling several Patriots draft prospects.

On the offensive side of the ball, we've looked at quarterbacks, tight ends, wide receivers, offensive linemen, and even a running back or two. On the defensive side of the ball, edge rushers, linebackers, help in the defensive backfield. But one conspicuous hole in the Patriots roster this year is on the special teams unit, and it's one that, save for an injury in 2019, Patriots fans haven't had to worry a whole lot about in the last 20 years. And I'm talking about the kicker position. Now, yes, we have discussed the Patriots fans haven't had to worry a whole lot about in the last 20 years. And I'm talking about the kicker position. Now, yes, we have discussed the Patriots kicking situation with several of our guests here on Locked On Patriots, and a few of you have even addressed this position via the mock drafts

which you've submitted here for the Mocks of March exercise. And with the release of Steven Gostowski, which if any of you needed a little bit of a refresher as to how good Gostowski was throughout his career in New England, he was just named to the NFL's all-decade team for the 2010s just last week. The Patriots definitely have a big shoe and a big leg to fill. But who will fill that shoe? Who will fill that leg? Well, last year when Gostowski was placed on season-ending injured reserve with a hip injury, we saw the free agent options that were open last year. Slim pickings,

folks. Now, that's no disrespect to Nick Folk, who I thought came in, did a pretty good job under the circumstances, but I think even Nick would be the first to tell you that he's not going to be the Patriots' long-term solution at the position. If they're looking for their kicker of the future, well, they may have to do it via the NFL draft, and our friends over at thedraftnetwork.com here on Mock Draft Monday tend to agree with that assessment. One of TDN's most valued draft experts, Jordan Reed, recently profiled two kickers that might interest the Patriots. And folks, do not be a bit surprised if Bill Belichick looks to use as high of a fourth round pick to nab one of these guys. I know, I know, a fourth rounder is high. There are two potential talents in this year's draft that have the ability to make Patriots kicking position, which, let's face it, has been occupied by two legends over the last 20 years.

Now, to Vinatieri and Steven Gostowski, these guys could come in and make the position their own and do so fairly quickly. The first is a name that you've heard several times here on the Locked On Patriots podcast, and that is the hot rod himself, Rodrigo Blankenship out of the University of Georgia. Personality-wise, Blankenship would be a thrill to cover. He's got a little bit of an offbeat quirk to him, definitely doesn't let the moment get too big for him, and he's capable of kicking in a lot of clutch and pressure situations. Logistically, Blankenship definitely has the resume and the stats, folks. He was one of the most popular players at Georgia, but he was also a walk-on under a provisional scholarship given to

him after the first season. He earned it and made that job his own. Blankenship finished his career at Georgia as their all-time leading scorer, and he won the 2019 Lou Groza Award, and that's given to the nation's top place kicker. He became the first Georgia kicker to ever win the award, and Blankenship also broke the SEC record with 198 consecutive extra points scored. Based on hearing that, you're probably all thinking, sign him up, draft him, do whatever you need to do to get this kid into New England. Under most circumstances, I agree with you folks. One thing that concerns me a little bit about Blankenship, and he's

actually stated this himself, even reiterated it earlier this year at the 2020 NFL Combine, he doesn't have a whole lot of experience kicking in the elements, meaning snow. Now, don't misconstrue this here, folks. Blankenship is definitely not afraid of kicking in the snow. His comments indicate that he would be more than willing to come into a snowy, cold, rough weather environment, put in the practice time, and be able to thrive. But if I'm being very honest here, folks, it's kind of tough to do that when you're surrounded by photos and memorabilia commemorating the greatest kick in NFL history. And I'm talking about Adam Vinatieri and the snow kick. Again, folks, I'm not saying Blankenship can't do it, but if I'm the New England Patriots,

it has to at least be in the back of your mind that he hasn't done it yet. But that being said, I don't see this as a deterrent to the Patriots drafting Blankenship. What would deter them even more is the fact that they have another option on the board in the NFL draft, and that is kicker Tyler Bass out of Georgia Southern. Bass was offered a preferred walk-on spot by Clemson and Georgia Southern. He elected to take his talents further south, and he redshirted his first season at Georgia Southern. As a redshirt freshman, he started all 12 games as the kickoff specialist, but he remained the backup field goal kicker as well, sort of biding his time to get the main job. Bass ended up finishing with 45 touchbacks on 66

total attempts and 6 of 7 on point after attempts. The following season in 2017, Bass was 15 of 19 with 9 of his kicks coming from 40 plus yards. As the kickoff specialist, 46 of his 54 attempts went for touchbacks. But 2018 is where Tyler Bass really came on the map. He excelled in that year. Bass started 13 games and 52 of his 76 attempts went for touchbacks. He also finished a perfect year. Bass started 13 games, and 52 of his 76 attempts went for touchbacks. He also finished a perfect 45 of 45 on point after attempts. He also went 19 of 21 on field goal attempts, which included a season-long 50-yard make. His 19 converted field goals tied a program record, and he was voted as a team captain in his final season in 2019 and led the

team with 96 points scored. So while Blankenship is going to get the majority of the headlines here, keep a sharp eye on Tyler Bass. Like Blankenship, his track record in rough weather is a little bit suspect. He doesn't seem to have as much of the quirk to his personality as the Hot Rod, but in terms of his ability to make kicks and be versatile, which you know is something Bill Belichick values, Bass looks like he could be a great choice to replace Steven Kostowski in New England as well. But folks, when it comes to the kicking position, there is even another option.

And this one comes courtesy of a Sunday column by ESPN Boston's Mike Reese. And folks, this is great news for any of you that still have a blue or white Vinatieri No. 4 jersey hanging in your closet. Don't get ahead of yourself, folks. I'm not talking about Adam here. But the kicker I am talking about does share a last name with him. And he is Chase Vinatieri, who just recently finished up duties kicking for South Dakota State, just like Uncle Adam.

And besides having amazing family pedigree, Chase Vinatieri also has a pretty good resume of his own. Chase stands 6'2", 215 pounds, ranks third in South Dakota State University's history in field goals made with 47, and points scored with 374. Now, according to ESPN's ranking system, Vinatieri is ranked as the fifth best kicker in the upcoming 2020 NFL Draft class. Now, both Blankenship and Bass are ranked higher, but Vinatieri not only brings with him his New England prowess pedigree from his uncle, but he also spent time with Mike McCabe of one-on-one kicking in Birmingham, Alabama.

The Pats are pretty familiar with McCabe from his pre-draft work with Ryan Allen, who was a prolific punter here in New England for a number of years. So folks, even though I think Blankenship and Bass are more likely choices, this one is not as far-fetched as you might believe. I would keep my eye on Chase, who's described very much like his uncle, football player before a kicker. And if for no other reason, folks, any time it comes from the pen of Mike Reese, I will always pay attention and give it its just due. Mike is among the best in the business, and I always have

a lot of interest and trust in what he says. But experts like Mike Reese and the DraftNetwork.com's Jordan Reed are not the only ones who have their thoughts on what the Pats' plans are for the upcoming NFL Draft. To close out last Friday's show, I once again commissioned all of you to submit your great mock drafts, along with an indication of the player that you were most passionate about in being a member of the New England Patriots for 2020. And while I received some great submissions, there was one that I simply could not refuse. And yes, folks, I used the joke in the opening segment, I'm using it again. Because the submission this week that I chose as our feature mock draft came from the Fantasy Football Godfather himself.

At Fantasy Godfather. F-A-N-T-A-S-Y G-O-D-F-A-T-H. And Fantasy Football Godfather, thank you for inviting me into your home on the day of your daughter's wedding. And for submitting the player that you believe would be the best fit in Patriot Blue in 2020. And no, folks, it's not Luca Brazzi. The fantasy football godfather himself was so passionate about this player that he believed it was in the Patriots' best interest to trade down to get him.

Number 23 pick, number 100 pick, go to Dup Bears, meaning the Chicago Bears. The Patriots picked up pick number 43 and number 50, and he also shipped off offensive lineman Joe Tooney to the Detroit Lions for pick number 67. But the player that the Fantasy Football Godfather could not refuse at number 43 was Cole Komet, tight end out of Notre Dame. And Fantasy Football Godfather, you know you always have my loyalty, you know you always have my respect, but I must say no to you, and I'll give you my reasons. And before we begin, I just want to say thank you for allowing me to break out that Godfather impression. However, I will admit that the more film that I watch on Kemet, the more I like him. The more I think he's going to be a

pretty good pro. However, I don't believe he'll be the first player that the Patriots take on the board. If they've identified Kemet as the guy they absolutely have to have, then I like your strategy. Because Komet is that type of talent, simply won't be there when the Patriots go to select in the third round. They would need to trade up into the second to get him. My issue, once again, is that I believe the Patriots will identify additional talent in that draft that could be achieved

by simply hanging on to one of their third round picks. Whether it be Adam Trotman, Harrison Bryant, Bryson Hopkins, all of these tight ends have the ability to come into New England and contribute right away in this offense. So again, even though I personally disagree with it, this is the reason why I chose the Fantasy Football Godfather's mock draft to showcase here today on Mock Draft Monday. And no, folks, it wasn't just because I wanted to do Godfather impressions. All right, maybe a little bit, but I like the passion that he showed in trying to trade to acquire the most talented tight end in the NFL draft class this year.

That is exactly the type of passion that I was looking for in this weekend's exercise. And again, Fantasy Football Godfather, I am honored and grateful by your submission. And the rest of the Godfather's four-round submissions were pretty solid. And he took a couple of Auburn Tigers with the next two selections. At pick number 50, tackle Prince Tego Wanago, and at number 67, defensive lineman Marlon Davidson. Solid picks, filling positions of need for the New England Patriots on both sides of the ball.

He even had the Patriots picking up linebacker Malik Harrison out of Ohio State with the number 87th pick, and at number 125, wide receiver Van Jefferson out of Florida. Truth be told, Godfather, I love both of these picks. However, I do think it's unlikely that Harrison is there at 87, and I think it's really unlikely that Jefferson is there at number 125, especially with a lot of the pre-draft hype he's been getting lately. I don't think Harrison makes it out of the second round. I don't think Jefferson makes it out of the third. But if by any chance both of these players are available when the Patriots number is up, I really can't imagine the Patriots passing on either one of them.

So folks, there are some draft tidbits from your New England Patriots perspective. But what about from a national standpoint? Well, in just a moment, I will transport all of you to the national stage and the Locked On NFL Mock Draft Special when the Locked On Patriots podcast continues. Patriots fans, here on this Mock Draft Monday of the Locked On Patriots podcast, we have a very special treat for you, and that across the Locked On NFL landscape, we are going to play the first portion of the 2020 Locked On NFL Mock Draft Special.

This project was truly a labor of love for all of us across the Locked On network. I particularly want to thank our content director, Jay Soderberg, a.k.a. the Podvator, who has joined me twice here on the Locked On Patriots podcast as my esteemed guest. Also, the hosts of Locked On NFL, Brian Peacock and Matt Williamson, who have all done a tremendous job with this project. And this is the culmination of every host on the Locked On Podcast Network's NFL channel and many of the hosts of the college channel.

It includes insights from the DraftNetwork.com, of every host on the Locked On Podcast Network's NFL channel and many of the hosts of the college channel. It includes insights from the draftnetwork.com, from the hosts of the Locked On NFL Draft, and the Draft Dudes. And again, folks, as I said on Friday, keep in mind that this is not a predictive mock draft. None of the hosts, including myself, selected who they think the team will pick come April 23rd.

Instead, they are picking who they want their teams to select on draft day. So as you listen to these segments throughout the week, keep in mind there will be trades, there will be surprises, and the best part is that all 32 NFL teams are featured, even the teams without a first round selection. Our Locked On college hosts were gracious enough to provide player profiles of all of the players selected in the mock draft, so I have no doubt that you will thoroughly enjoy listening and being a part of this project, which we are all proud of across the Locked On Podcast Network. So how can you ensure that you do not miss an episode? Very simple.

Be sure to subscribe to Locked On NFL on Apple Podcasts, follow on Spotify, and if you're already doing so, you're a step ahead. Just go back into the archive and make sure that you play each and every episode of Locked On NFL each and every day this week. So without further ado, here is the 2020 Locked On NFL Mock Draft Special featuring Brian Peacock and Matt Williamson of Locked On NFL. They've been playing the game their entire life. From the playground.

I promise to exercise and eat right. Don't forget 60 minutes of play a day, right? I'm playing the NFL. Yes, sir. Can be drafted number one. Maybe. To their forget 60 minutes of play a day, right? I'm playing the NFL. Yes, sir. I'm going to be dressing number one. Maybe. To their high school. Let's hear it, gentlemen.

Clear eyes. Full hearts. Can't lose. Let's go play some football. Let's go. To the university. We have 95 players here. So accomplished as athletes in high school,

we gave them full scholarships to the best football program in the country. Now, their lives are about to change forever. Become your mom's favorite player? Whoa. This is Locked On NFL, and this is the Locked On On NFL Mock Draft special. Brian Peacock here alongside former NFL scout Matt Williamson. We will take you through the first round plus in a network-wide mock draft. All 32 teams represented, even those without first round picks.

Hosts making picks for the teams they cover are friends from the college side of the network with profiles on each one of these prospects that get selected in the Locked On NFL Mock Draft Special, why they are considered worthy of first round selections, and analysis from my co-host Matt Williamson, as well as Draft Dudes Kyle Krabs and Joe Marino, and the Locked On NFL draft crew Trevor Sykema and Ben Solak. If you're listening to this kickoff episode on a team-specific podcast, you can follow along all week, every pick, throughout round one on the Locked On NFL channel. Teams are talking trades, so you may not know exactly where your team ends up selecting.

We'll conclude this draft next Friday, checking in with those teams in round two who didn't select in the opening stanza, some of which might jump into round one before it's all finished, and recapping everything that went down all week long. Matt, I'm pumped. Are you ready to do this thing? I'm very ready to do this thing. This is a very cool event i think people will enjoy it we've had so many new subscribers since last year that didn't get to enjoy it so you're in for a treat you're in for a wild ride and a really well put together whole situation here starting right now absolutely yeah and it was one of the most popular it was the most popular

show on the nfl side of the network last year and and I expect it to be even bigger and better and the way things are right now in the world. And wherever you are listening to this podcast, I hope you are well, and I hope this is something fun for you to listen to all week long. Matt, as the Cincinnati Bengals go on the clock with the opening selection

in the locked-on NFL mock draft, you've been through this. What are teams doing in preparation, the final days and minutes leading up to the first pick for those specific teams well this year who the heck knows i mean i'm sure that there's things like you know the electronics or the it people are coming to everyone's homes to make sure everything works checking double checking doing all that kind of stuff we mentioned before you know maybe you could

run mock drafts in terms of let's try to just do a whole walkthrough basically of how this thing's going to work if we're going to make a trade who's in charge of calling this team etc etc but honestly in old in the olden days and the not draft, most of the hay is in the barn, really, a day or two before the draft. I mean, you might be calling agents of your favorite people to make sure that prospects didn't fall down the stairs or that knee that you're worried about isn't flaring up. But for the most part, things should be done a couple days before the draft. Let's check in with some of our analysts here on the network. We have a pair of NFL draft shows, Draft Dudes, Kyle Krabs, and Joe Marino.

It's Joe Marino and Kyle Krabs of the Draft Dudes podcast. And let me just tell you, as a couple of Draft Dudes, we are really excited for this Locked On Podcast Network draft simulation where each host is going to make the picks for their team. And I know it's not the real thing, but it's pretty damn close. And this draft promises to be very exciting with all the dynamics between the teams with multiple first round picks and all the quarterbacks. So, Kyle, I'm sure you're just as excited as I am. Yeah, the big mystery here is from the quarterback perspective, how many can we get to go early? And then the other fascinating subplot is when does the offensive tackle run start and how fast

does it go? Because there's generally considered to be four top offensive tackles. There's generally considered to be three top quarterbacks, maybe a fourth with Jordan Love if he sneaks in there, remains to be seen. And the order of all seven of those players who are feasibly top 12 talents coming off the board is going to be a really interesting scenario to see how it actually plays out here. I think just as interesting as the offensive tackle discussion is the wide receiver. Everybody knows this is a really deep and talented crop of receivers, but there's really exciting

guys at the top of the board. You know, could we see six, seven, eight guys go off the board in the first round? When does that run start? And who are those late first round guys that teams that, you know, like the Packers or like the Saints and Eagles and Vikings? Who do they get if they are left kind of picking the later half of those top tier prospects? So offensive tackles, quarterbacks, wide receivers, the NFL is a passing league. And you can tell that this this draft is going to really help these offenses be more dynamic. Yeah, it's a deep class, and we're going to have a lot of opportunities to see players that in a typical class are probably off the board by 20.

They might be lingering here in the late first round, early second round. So lots to look forward to, lots to get into. Looking forward to see how these teams start their drafts. Hey, everybody, Trevor Sykema and Benjamin Solak from the Locked On NFL Draft Podcast Looking forward to see how these, it's always nice when you're able to get 32 guys, each of whom knows their team as well as the host and the Locked On Podcast Network do, and they can control for their pick. And then you have the freedom for things like trade negotiations as the pick comes off the board. You have the ability for surprises as each individual analyst focuses on their guys.

I think, number one, it's not going to be a typical mock. It's not going to be like what we see when only one person controls all 32 teams. There's going to be a typical mock. It's not going to be like what we see. No, definitely not. When only one person controls all 32 teams, there's going to be a lot more aggressive moves. So I expect to see big trade-ups. I expect to see surprising picks. And that's the reality with these. When you're controlling just that one team, you go and get your guy. That's what we see in the league.

I guess that's what we'll be seeing in this mock as well. I'm really interested to see how the offensive tackles go here in the first round because it's just the possibilities are endless we saw that in our guest mock draft series that we're doing on our podcast but I mean what other positions are big ones quarterback wide receiver probably right well I think yeah I think that when you're making these sorts of picks and it's it's catered to your audience for your podcast you're tempted sometimes to go for those sexier positions and the sexy position in this draft is undoubtedly wide receiver.

So to me, I'm really interested to see. We know the big three will come off the board. And Jerry Judy, CeeDee Lamb, and Henry Ruggs. Who's wide receiver four? Who's wide receiver five? And just how many can we fit in this first round? Ooh, it's going to be a lot of fun. Ben and I are going to be back with you recapping a lot of these picks

throughout the mock draft. I'm very excited. So let's get it started. Okay, Matt, we're here. The Cincinnati Bengals are on the clock. Is there any doubt what the Bengals should do here? They earned the right through their poor play in the 2019 season to be drafting number one overall on everybody's list.

It seems to be the same name, the same prospect that should go first overall. If their phone is ringing, should they even be answering it, or do they know who the pick will be with the first overall if their phone is ringing should they even be answering it or do they know who the pick will be with the first overall selection in this draft I mean you answer it and if someone offers you a godfather-like offer you consider it and you still might not even say yes I mean I think Burrow is the super prospect he would go first in almost every draft you know nine out of 10 years. That's a gift, and the Bengals need it. He's an Ohio guy. They need to sell tickets. They need to sell jerseys.

The offense that he falls into isn't in that bad a shape as first overall selections go, so I think it's kind of too good to be true. All right, with that, this draft is underway. Let's go to the hosts of Locked on Bengals and get the pick for Cincinnati, Joe Goodberry and Jake Lisko. With the first overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals easily and without second thought select Joe Burrow. In fact, Joe, we received no calls in the war room for the number one pick. I guess everyone just knows not to ask. And I don't think we would have considered any offers anyway. So we make this pick. This pick has really been made since maybe late December

when the Bengals lost to the Miami Dolphins in week 16 of the regular season and clinched their first overall pick. Joe Burrow went on a tear in the playoffs after that, and the Bengals will finally get a franchise quarterback. First time they've drafted number one since 2003 when they drafted Carson Palmer out of USC. They're in that position again. The roster has been turned over on the defensive side through free agency,

and I think they're looking at this squarely of saying our Super Bowl window opens again if we draft Joe Burrow number one in 2020. That's right. The Bengals don't just spend money to spend money. This is a strategic injection of funds into the defense to make themselves competitive while they have Joe Burrow on his rookie deal for five years.

He's of course expected to come in and be a day one starter in Cincinnati. Andy Dalton is still on the roster, but will not be on the roster by the time training camp comes around. He might not even be on the roster by the time the draft is finished. We are looking openly to trade Andy Dalton for whatever assets we can recover. And if that doesn't work out, he'll be cut before Joe Burrow shows up for rookie camp or for the first offseason activity that we're allowed to hold with these rookies this summer. Joe, how much better does Joe Burrow make this team? Well, the quarterback is the most important position.

And I think we're looking at a guy coming off a historic college football season that many have said is the best passing performance throughout a whole season in the history of college football. What does he do better than Andy Dalton? Andy Dalton has been the Mendoza line for starting quarterbacks in the league for a long time, and I feel like all of the skills you look for typically when you look at college quarterbacks, usually they are the big guys with the strong arms going near the top and you say can they function in the pocket do they have accuracy how's their iq how's their processing how do they do off script all the questions you normally go into tape asking with joe burrow those are all the answers you have with him based on tape and based on what he showed this past year all those things are not in question he has them in spades it's the arm strength right that's the only area you really question. And I would say it's very similar to Andy Dalton. So it should be an upgrade in almost every area of

quarterbacking other than that. And that's okay. Because when you look at the best quarterbacks in the league over the last 20, 25 years, whether it's Tom Brady or Peyton Manning or Drew Brees, they all had those other features in their game without having a cannon for an arm. Simply put, Joe Burrow is the most influential recruit in LSU football history. In leading the Tigers to the 2019 National Championship, Burrow was fantastic, shattering school records and setting national marks that may not be touched. 5,671 yards and 60 touchdown passes for Burrow while completing 76% of his passes. His arm strength won't wow you, but Joe Burrow makes up for it everywhere else.

His decision-making is elite, just six interceptions on the 2019 season. He's the son of a coach and a film room junkie. There's a story about LSU beating Alabama, getting back from Tuscaloosa to Baton Rouge. And when Joe Brady, the passing game coordinator, got to LSU football ops that night to go get the cutoffs of the film, Burrow had already beaten him there. Burrow has very underrated athleticism. Not only was he a high school quarterback, he was also a high school basketball player, and his ability to move the chains with his feet is something that many have overlooked throughout this process.

Burrow is a fierce competitor whose teammates love him, who rises in the biggest moments. Should Joe Burrow stay healthy, he will have a long, prosperous NFL career as a franchise quarterback. This is Matt Moscona of Locked on LSU, your source for LSU and SEC content every day. All right, Matt, there's the pick. Joe Burrow goes number one overall to the Cincinnati Bengals, and there's a lot to like about Joe Burrow.

I think maybe if you're nitpicking, you can find some knocks here and there about arm strength, which in some cases is completely overrated. And I like what was said by many smart NFL people in the past that the quarterback position isn't so much played with your arm once you get to the NFL level. It's played from the neck up, and I think that's where Joe Burrow really shines. Yeah, absolutely, and he is a good athlete.

He has a remarkable head and poise and confidence for the game, processing, accuracy. He does not have a power arm, and that worries me a little bit considering the area of the country he's going to when it's sleeting and windy and in the NFC North and late in the year. We'll see how he deals with that, but that by no means would slow me down

from making such a pick. He's a tremendous prospect. More locked on NFL draft special coming up. The Washington Redskins are now on the clock with the second selection. Patriots fans, I hope that you've enjoyed this introductory episode of the Locked On NFL Mock Draft Special. Be sure to check out Locked On NFL all week long here on the Locked On Podcast Network for insight on the picks of all 32 NFL teams, including myself and what I have in store for your New England Patriots, which will air Wednesday on Locked On NFL.

But as for Locked On Patriots, I will be back tomorrow to continue to bring you the latest news notes and analysis from Foxborough. And please be sure to join me each and every day here on the Locked On Patriots podcast. Subscribe on Apple Podcast, follow on Spotify, and download via your preferred podcast provider. Once again, I am Mike DeBate. I thank the fantasy football godfather for his featured submission this week on the Mocks of March exercise. But most of all, I thank you so much for listening

and for staying locked in to Locked On, Patriots. Stay safe, stay well, and have a great day, everyone.