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There are still nearly three months to go until the NFL draft, and teams are a long ways away from having their draft meetings and finalizing their boards. It's too early to know anything, really, especially with the scouting combine still three weeks away.
But it's never too early to take a look, so here's a projection of how the first 11 picks of the 2020 NFL draft will go, including the picks for the Giants (at 4) and Jets (at 11). Their needs are easy to figure out, even it's still too difficult to zero in on the players:
1. Cincinnati Bengals - LSU QB Joe Burrow
At some point over the next three months there will be drama with the Bengals and this pick. It will leak that they might consider someone else, or maybe they'd be interested in trading down. Don't buy it. This is a lock. The Bengals need a quarterback and they can't pass on the Heisman winner, especially when he's exactly the kind of quarterback Zac Taylor needs for his scheme.
2. Washington Redskins - Ohio State DE Chase Young
There's already some chatter that maybe the 6-5, 265-pound Young isn't the best pass-rusher in the draft. But he is, and he's almost certain to be the first defensive player off the board. The only question is whether the Redskins break the Giants' hearts or if they trade this pick to one of the many quarterback-needy teams in the Top 10.
3. Detroit Lions - Ohio State CB Jeff Okudah
Matthew Stafford is 31 and coming off a broken back, so a quarterback here isn't the craziest idea. But that depends on Stafford's medical situation. Assuming they think he's got a few years left, the Lions will look to upgrade their defense. Grabbing the best corner in the draft by a wide margin is a good place to start.
4. GIANTS - Iowa OT Tristan Wirfs
Unless Chase Young falls to four, the Giants have to grab a Hog Molly here. GM Dave Gettleman has talked constantly about the importance of the offensive line, but hasn't done nearly enough to fix it. The 6-5, 322-pound Wirfs is up there with Georgia's Andrew Thomas as the best tackle in the draft. He could start on the right side immediately and then replace Nate Solder on the left side in a year or two.
5. Miami Dolphins - Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa
Everyone thought they were Tanking for Tua, until they started winning. And lo and behold, they might end up with Tua anyway. Tagovailoa is still recovering from hip surgery and no one really knows his status for 2020. But the Dolphins are bringing back Ryan Fitzpatrick and are still a couple of years away from being a contender again, so they can afford to wait.
6. Los Angeles Chargers - Oregon QB Justin Herbert
One year ago, Herbert might have been a contender to be the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. Now he's more likely to be the third quarterback off the board. But a strong Senior Bowl likely solidified his place in the Top 10. And with the Chargers apparently ready to move on from Philip Rivers, boy do they have to take a quarterback here.
7. Carolina Panthers - Clemson LB Isaiah Simmons
This makes too much sense after the surprising retirement of Luke Keuchly. The Panthers need a linebacker who can do it all, and the 6-4, 230-pound Simmons is a perfect fit. Many doubt he'll be available this low, but if he is, the Panthers will have to pass on much-needed offensive line help to get the new leader of their defense.
8. Arizona Cardinals - Alabama WR Jerry Jeudy
Larry Fitzgerald is coming back, but he's 36 and who knows how much longer he's going to play? So the Cardinals need a big target for their young, star quarterback, Kyler Murray. The 6-1, 192-pound Jeudy is the best receiver in the draft, and could form a dynamic duo with Murray for years to come.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars - Auburn DT Derrick Brown
There's great value here and they fill a need with the best interior defensive lineman in the draft. At 6-5, 318, he's got a chance to be a monster in the middle. He'll be huge for them against the run and definitely has the tools to be a force in the pass rush, too.
10. Cleveland Browns - Georgia OT Andrew Thomas
This is a big problem for the Jets. They desperately need an offensive tackle, and many believe it's a lock that new GM Joe Douglas will take one at 11. But the Browns are pretty desperate for tackle help, too. They are more likely than not to take one off the board right before the Jets pick. The 6-5, 320-pound Thomas is a good one, too. Some say he's the best tackle in the draft.
11. JETS - Alabama OT Jedrick Wills
They may get the third tackle off the board, but they can't go wrong if that turns out to be the 6-5, 320-pound Willis. Honestly, right now, Wirfs, Thomas, Wills and Louisville's massive Mekhi Becton (6-7, 369) are pretty interchangeable, depending on who you ask. Whoever the Jets land figures to be an immediate starter, either at right or left tackle, as Gang Green undergoes what is likely a nearly complete line overhaul this offseason.