Sports fanatics across the globe have been patiently waiting for their fix with no live games due to the coronavirus pandemic.

But lovers of gridiron still have something to savour with just three weeks remaining before the 2020 NFL draft.

The event has become even more popular over the past decade with amateur scouts poring over hours of footage looking to uncover a college football gem ahead of April 23.

And we're no different as Record Sport Online unveils our very own mock draft as we project where the most sought-after prospects will end up starring in the professional game.

It also provides the league with parity as the worst teams get to select the best players. Could you imagine how that would change the Scottish Premiership?

We have a few shocks along the way, too, as we omit Utah State's Jordan Love but find room for another quarterback who is rising up drafts boards.

So, without any further ado, let's get this party started.

1. Joe Burrow (QB) - Cincinnati Bengals

The best quarterback prospect since Andrew Luck. The LSU standout was incredible in Joe Brady's pro-style offence as the Tigers landed the National Championship. Cincinnati need a jump start in the worst way and will almost certainly select the Ohio native with the No.1 overall pick. And despite their lowly record - the Bengals have talented offensive pieces for when Burrow arrives.

2. Chase Young (DE) - Washington Redskins

An elite pass-rusher is always welcomed and, although the Redskins are well-stocked up front, they cannot say no to the Ohio State standout who will give new head coach Ron Rivera a fearsome star to build his defence around. Young's array of move to get to the quarterback are impressive already and he is poised to get even better in the professional ranks.

3. Jeff Okudah (CB) - Detroit Lions

Okudah is the best defensive back in this draft class and probably bears lauded former Ohio State pals Denzel Ward and Marshon Lattimore when they turned over. The 6ft 1in star has great vision, ball skills and sticks to receivers like glue. Detroit's puzzling rebuild needs a short in the arm and Matt Patricia lands his dream cornerback to start building a Patriots-style defence. A no-brainer selection.

4. Mekhi Becton (OT) - New York Giants

Becton has raced up draft boards in recent months and because there aren't many 6ft 7in men who can move like him. He's not in the same class as Jedrick Wills as a pass blocker yet but his size and quickness has earned comparisons with Bryant McKinnie and Giants general manager Dave Gettleman covets players who stand out from the pack. A logical fit.

5. Tua Tagovailoa (QB) - Miami Dolphins

The left-handed version of Drew Brees finds a home in South Florida. Chris Grier, a GM with a chequered draft history, can't pass on the most naturally talented quarterback in the draft. Tagovailoa would be challenging Burrow for the No.1 pick if it wasn't for his troubling injury history. But the Alabama star is on the mend after hip surgery and his elite skills will earn him a top 10 selection.

6. Jedrick Wills (OT) - Los Angeles Chargers

The temptation to grab a quarterback here is obvious but the Chargers are building a deep roster that will only be further enhanced if they land a top-flight offensive tackle. The trade for Trai Turner was a stroke of genius and instead of reaching for quarterback's Justin Herbert or Jordan Love - they can ponder Cam Newton in free agency, Andy Dalton via trade or even land a signal caller in the second or third round to compete with Tyrod Taylor.

7. Tristan Wirfs (OT) - Carolina Panthers

My personal favourite tackle in this class who also has potential to become an All-Pro guard for years to come. Iowa has become a finishing school for offensive tackles over the past decade and Wirfs might be their finest graduate yet. The Panthers are a confusing bunch as the flit between rebuild and instant success. New QB Teddy Bridgewater will be glad for some extra help.

8. Isaiah Simmons (LB/S) - Arizona Cardinals

Desribed perfectly as a 'bigger and badder' Derwin James. Simmons is Clemson's Swiss Army knife ready to burst onto the NFL scene. But the hybrid safety-linebacker must prove he isn't a jack of all trades type. He makes sense for Arizona who appear to be rolling after the arrival of superstar wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Offensive tackle is a consideration but the best two are already off the board.

9. Andrew Thomas (OT) - Jacksonville Jaguars

Big, brash and underrated. The Georgia standout isn't body beautiful but is a starting left tackle and will be the perfect bookend to pair with Jawaan Taylor on the other side.

10. Josh Jones (OT) - Cleveland Browns

Is this a reach? Probably, but the analytics darling is effective despite some hairy moments when you watch him on tape. Comparisons have been made with Terron Armstead and if he's in that calibre then the Browns have made the right choice by taking the plunge on the Houston standout.

11. Jerry Jeudy (WR) - New York Jets

Jets GM Joe Douglas is all about the offensive line but he cannot pass on Jerry Jeudy. The Alabama wide receiver is a superstar in the making and third-year Jets QB Sam Darnold needs every bit of help he can get to energise one of the least talented rosters in the league.

12. C.J. Henderson (CB) - Las Vegas Raiders

Okudah is the best cornerback in the class but Florida's Henderson is miles clear of everyone else in second. A bonafide top-15 player who has all the traits to be a long-time NFL starter

13. Javon Kinlaw (DT)- San Francisco 49ers

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The defensive tackle with the best hands at his position has been shooting up draft boards since the Senior Bowl. A ready-made replacement for DeForest Buckener. Juedy would have been the pick if he was still on the board

14. Henry Ruggs (WR) - Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

The fastest player in the draft teams up with Tom Brady and forms a deadly triple option in Bruce Arian's offence alongside Chris Godwin and Mike Evans.

15. CeeDee Lamb (WR) - Denver Broncos

The player many reckon could be the first wide receiver selected heads to the Mile-High city and will forge a formidable tandem alongside Courtland Sutton. Denver are a team on the rise.

16. K'Lavon Chaisson (DE) - Atlanta Falcons

Chaisson is a scary prospect. He's tall, lean and appears poised for a Danielle Hunter-style breakout in the professional ranks but his average production at college level is a concern. But Dan Quinn's defence needs a spark in the worst way and the LSU national champion appears a fit.

17. Xavier McKinney (S) - Dallas Cowboys

Opinions on where McKinney will go vary but the Alabama star has all the tools needed to be an impact player in today's modern NFL. Dallas need help in the secondary and drafting will be vital considering how much money they have tied up in Dak Prescott, Zeke Elliot and Amari Cooper.

18. Cesar Ruiz (C) - Miami Dolphins

A centre at 18? Well, Ruiz is really good and teams will remember the success Erik McCoy had as a rookie last season and the difference a top-flight lineman in the middle can make. Too many teams reach for players and a second-tier tackle here could be problematic down the road if they bust. Ruiz fits Brian Flores' vision for the future.

19. Derrick Brown (DT) - Las Vegas Raiders

Brown is arguably a top-three talent in this draft but teams have been burned on 'can't-miss' defensive tackles in recent years. The former Auburn star often had to deal with being triple teamed and Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden won't pass up the chance to bring him to Sin City.

20. Justin Herbert (QB) - Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville have been risk-taking for years under Dave Coldwell - so why stop now? The Oregon signal caller isn't for everyone but can be a success in a downfield passing-based team. Gardner Minshew is pencilled in as the starter but his cult of personality is more endearing than his actual ability. A new start in Duval.

21. Justin Jefferson (WR) - Philadelphia Eagles

Eagles GM Howie Roseman knows his team needs a spark after a frustrating season and Carson Wentz is craving a reliable No.1 receiver. LSU's Jefferson is one of the biggest risers in this class and his contested catch ability and ability to come alive in the red zone will see him selected on day one.

22. Kristian Fulton (CB) - Minnesota Vikings

Mike Zimmer watched former cornerback Xavier Rhodes age before his eyes last season before moving on from his former star peformer. Fulton is a curious case as in some games he looks elite and in others he is off the pace. But the LSU star is gritty and the Vikings head coach will appreciate that. A perfect fit.

23. Jalen Hurts (QB) - New England Patriots

Let's not kid ourselves - Jalen Hurts is going in the first round. He'll continue to rise in the coming weeks as teams warm to the dual-threat Oklahoma quarterback. At a time when the league is in flux, Hurts is a familiar face in times of strife. Bill Belichick gets his Tom Brady successor and Josh McDaniels can get creative with a multi-skilled signal caller.

24. Patrick Queen (ILB) - New Orleans Saints

Demario Davis is the Saints' unquestioned heartbeat in the middle but the perennial Super Bowl contenders cannot continue to rely on old-timers like Kiko Alonso and Craig Robertson to get by. Queen is quicker than a hiccup and his LSU team-mates rave about his leadership qualities.

25. Brandon Aiyuk (WR) - Minnesota Vikings

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announces the number one overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft

With 25-plus receivers set to be drafted it's understandable that projections are all over the place after Jeudy/Lamb/Ruggs. Arizona State's Brandon Aiyuk appears destined to be a star in the NFL due to his yards after the catch ability. A smooth runner who has some nifty moves to juke his defender at the line of scrimmage. Stefon who?

26. Kenneth Murray (LB) - Miami Dolphins

There's nothing between Queen and Kenneth Murray and the Oklahoma star is welcomed in Miami. The Dolphins need good players all over the field they land their defensive leader for the next five years at the end of the first round. 

27. AJ Epenesa (DE) - Seattle Seahwaks

The Seahawks are almost impossible to second guess as they usually select a left-field option towards the end of the first round year upon year. Epenesa's testing numbers at the combine were sub-standard but watching him on tape reminds you of his talent. He flashes glimpses of a Richard Seymour/Cameron Jordan-hybrid when he's on form. But there's also games where he is anonymous. Pete Carrol and John Schneider aren't scared in taking a risk, however.

28. D'Andre Swift (RB) - Baltimore Ravens

Mark Ingram was brilliant last season but a Lamar Jackson-Swift combo would be hard to stop for any team. The gifted Georgia tailback projects brilliantly to the next level.

29. Lucas Niang (OT) - Tennessee Titans

Has right tackle experience and could be a plug and play replacement for Jack Conklin. Has more upside than Georgia's Isaiah Wilson who could be a safer option.

30. Grant Delpit (S) - Green Bay Packers

Delpit was off the boil all season after his incredible 2018 season with LSU. But his range and ball skills will have teams salivating and the Packers take a chance on him at the end of the first.

31. Antoine Winfield Jr (S) - San Francisco 49ers

The son of former Vikings and Seahawks star Antoine - Winfield Jr isn't an athletic freak but his football IQ is extremely high. The 49ers have one of the best rosters in the league and adding Winfield and Kinlaw will only improve them.

32. Jonathan Taylor (RB) - Kansas City Chiefs

The Wisconsin machine is good at everything but is let down by fumbling issues. Ball security is critical in the NFL and Taylor will quickly become one of the best running backs in the league if finds a solution to his one negative.