NFL Mock Draft 1.0: Where the Seahawks go with their first selection

Let’s be clear about this: the Bengals should take Chase Young. He is clearly the best player in this draft and a potential 1-15 record means you need talent. I’m not a fan of this QB class, but it is hard to imagine Cincinnati not taking a passer with their first pick.

Ideally, the Bengals would trade down, gain more capital, and just select one of the other QBs, or possibly gain capital to move into the back half of the first round for somebody like Jacob Eason. But there are no trades and Burrows is the QB with the highest floor in this class.

Burrow should be a functional NFL QB early and has a chance to be an above-average starter, but I don’t see a future superstar. The Ohio native is a solid player and the safe pick, just not one that I would make.

There is no way Young drops below this spot unless an injury or off the field incident crops up between now and draft night. Young is an elite pass-rushing prospect, perhaps the best since Khalil Mack.

New York has the QB they like in place, have the offensive weapons around him to make him comfortable, and there just isn’t an offensive lineman who can make it worth passing on Chase Young.

Young can alter the path of defense, similar to what Mack did to Chicago last season and what Von Miller did to the Broncos years ago. Don’t screw this up guys, it is a layup.

Washington needs a lot of help and could go a number of directions. Their best bet is to trade down, but since we aren’t allowed to do that, we will predict they select the replacement for a long-time left tackle, Trent Williams.

Thomas is a strong run blocker and an able pass blocker, with the size (6’5″, 320 lbs) to fit the prototypical template for a tackle.  Thomas may be better suited for right tackle, but Washington appears committed to protecting Dwayne Haskins and Thomas is the best in the class.

Washington could also take Jerry Jeudy of Alabama, and is a better value than Thomas. But this is Washington and it is hard to see them make the right decision too often. Thomas is a good player and is palatable to take with the 3rd pick.

Again, I’m not a fan of this QB class. I would take Tua Tagovailoa ahead of any of them, but with his hip injury and concerns he can hold up, he will probably slide. Herbert is a fine prospect. He is reasonably athletic, has a big arm, and comes from a good school.

But his mechanics, particularly his footwork, are still a work in progress. This leads to him overthrowing open receivers, which can lead to bad turnovers. I’m a believer in Dolphins Head Coach Brian Flores, and believe he is smart enough to put Herbert in a good position to succeed.

Herbert won’t be a disaster, I just don’t see a star. An above-average starter is where I see his value. And as Miami builds up the team around him, you could make a lot worse selection than Herbert.

Jeff Okudah is easily the best corner in this draft and maybe the second-best prospect behind Young in the entire draft. He has speed, agility, instincts, ball skills, toughness, and elite athleticism. He plays with excellent technique and should be a solid NFL starter from Day 1.

The Falcons defense has been a disaster this year and they have already invested heavily in their offensive line and weapons for Matt Ryan. Drew Brees can’t play forever and Atlanta may not be far off from competing for another Super Bowl soon.