As the world is still currently dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, I just have to say thank goodness for the NFL! Last week free agency was absolute madness with signings and trades left and right. The 1st round now looks different from a week ago with a handful of trades. Now before getting into my picks for this week, it’s important to remind fans that the draft is still on for April 23rd-25th. However, reports now indicate that the NFL is planning to move the draft into a studio rather than doing anything in Las Vegas. Obviously the draft this year will lose a little bit of luster, but better that than not having the draft at all. With that, we are just four short weeks away from the draft and without further a due, here are my picks for this week!

1. Bengals-Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
2. Redskins- Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State
3. Lions- Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State
4. Giants- Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson
5. Dolphins- Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
6. Chargers- Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
7. Panthers-Derrick Brown, DL, Auburn
8. Cardinals-Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
9. Jaguars- CJ Henderson, CB, Florida
10. Browns- Mekhi Becton , OT, Louisville
11. Jets- Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
12. Raiders-CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
13. 49’ers- Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
14. Buccaneers- Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
15. Broncos-Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
16. Falcons-K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, LSU
17. Cowboys- Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
18. Dolphins- Josh Jones, OT, Houston
19. Raiders- Javon Kinlaw, DL, South Carolina
20. Jaguars- Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama
21. Eagles- Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
22. Vikings- A.J Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa
23. Patriots- Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE, Penn State
24. Saints-Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU
25. Vikings- Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado
26. Dolphins- Grant Delpit, S, LSU
27. Seahawks-Zack Baun, EDGE, Wisconsin
28. Ravens-Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
29. Titans-Ross Blacklock, DL, TCU
30. Packers-Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor
31. 49’ers- Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
32. Chiefs- D’Andre Swift, RB, Georgia

So the biggest changes in the 1st round come with the 13th overall pick where the Colts traded it to the 49’ers in exchange for DeForest Buckner. With the 49’ers I have them adding wide receiver Henry Ruggs from Alabama to their already deep offensive pool. Yes they drafted Deebo Samuel in the 2nd round last year, but they just lost Emmanuel Sanders to the Saints. To add Ruggs along with Samuel makes for one of the most dangerous pair of wide receivers in the league. You’re welcome Jimmy Garoppolo.

The next big change comes with the Vikings now picking at 22nd as they traded wide receiver Stefon Diggs to the Bills for a handful of draft picks. I have them taking edge rusher A.J Epenesa from Iowa at 22 to fill the loss of Everson Griffen and then at 25 they take wide receiver Laviska Shenault from Colorado to help fill the void of losing Diggs.

Finally at 23rd I still have the Patriots taking edge rusher Yetur Gross Matos from Penn State and not a quarterback. I still believe the Patriots are going to sign a quarterback this offseason before the draft. Jacoby Brissett makes a lot of sense considering the Colts just signed Philip Rivers. My mindset with not giving the Patriots a quarterback is that I believe they are going to look forward to 2021 where they might have a chance of taking Trevor Lawrence from Clemson. I believe they will find a “stop gap” quarterback this year and then really go all in for a quarterback in 2021.

Let me know what you think? Love the picks? Hate them? Let us know on Twitter @TheScore1260! You can also listen into “Drive Time Sports” at 5:00 on thescore1260.com as I along with Paul “BoyGreen” Esden reveal and break down our new mock drafts every week! The draft is just around the corner and we are only getting started!