NFL Mock Draft 2020: Edition 1 (Early Edition)

Jerry Jeudy, No. 4 to New York Giants

1. Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
A brutal 2019 in Cincinnati may soon be forgotten if the Bengals can get their hands on the top prize of the 2020 NFL Draft: Joe Burrow. That's something that might not have been said a few months ago, but Burrow has quickly shot up draft boards in response to his incredible Heisman season. Not only is he a great college player, he has a lot of the tools NFL scouts love, from his poise and toughness to his accuracy in tight windows. He is the much-needed solution to the frustrating Andy Dalton era in Cincy.
2. Washington Redskins
Chase Young, DE, Ohio State
No disrespect to Joe Burrow, who I think will be a solid pro, but Chase Young is far and away the best player in the 2020 Draft. He already has the look of a seasoned veteran in the league, playing like a man amongst boys at Ohio State in 2019. If the 16.5 sacks weren't impressive enough, consider that he did it in just 12 games, while facing double and triple teams all season. He has all the tools you look for in a franchise pass rusher, and the Redskins need a new face to their defense.
3. Detroit Lions
Derrick Brown, DL, Auburn
Detroit is going to be a fascinating team to watch over the off-season. They still have pieces to compete for the postseason, but they have to do serious patchwork across the entire defense. A defensive back like Jeffrey Okudah could make sense, but instead the Lions choose the best player available: Derrick Brown. Brown just has the look of a NFL defensive linemen, and his impact goes far behind his numbers. He strengthens a porous Detroit interior D-Line, which is imperative for a Matt Patricia-led team.
4. New York Giants
Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
New York GM Dave Gettleman will be retained for the 2020 season, but he has a long list of things he must address if the Giants are to compete in the near future. Their defense is a mess, but even more concerning is the lack of offensive weapons for young signal-caller Daniel Jones. Odell Beckham is long gone, and the leading receiver for the Giants in '19 was rookie Darius Slayton. The Giants change that by adding Jerry Jeudy, one of the best wide out prospects in some time. He has the speed, explosiveness and hands that any NFL scout covets.
5. Miami Dolphins
Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
Even with all their needs on both sides of the ball, you still get the feeling Miami is going to go quarterback with their first selection. Tua Tagovailoa would certainly make sense, but you get the feeling he is leaning towards returning to Alabama and if not, his injury history is concerning. Instead, the Dolphins turn to Justin Herbert, who capped off a stellar collegiate career by beating Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl.
6. Los Angeles Chargers
Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
Phillip Rivers' time with the Chargers may be over, but there is no obvious quarterback solution here, with Tua's future so up in the air. So instead, they work on improving an offensive line that has been a weak point for some time. Andrew Thomas was a monster during his time with Georgia, and he has the ability to start right away.
7. Carolina Panthers
Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
Even with such an uncertain future, there is no way I could leave Tua Tagovailoa out of the Top 10. Despite the aforementioned injury history, he has remarkable arm talent and is a fearless competitor. Carolina is almost certainly done with Cam Newton and Kyle Allen is not the future. They could be willing to take a chance on a high-risk, high-reward type prospect at this spot.
8. Arizona Cardinals
CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
Kyler Murray had some notable ups-and-downs in his first year in the league, but he still looks like the franchise guy for Arizona going forward. What better way to make him more comfortable than picking his top guy from Oklahoma, CeeDee Lamb? Lamb is well-known for his spectacular catches, and he has good size for an NFL wide out. He could be the heir apparent to Larry Fitzgerald, whose Hall of Fame career has to be coming to a close.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars
Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State
The Jaguars don't have a major need at cornerback right now, but they would love to add another defensive playmaker, and Jeffrey Okudah would be too good to pass up if he was available here. The Ohio State product should've been the Jim Thorpe Award winner this season, and his ball skills and athleticism are at a pro level.
10. Cleveland Browns
Austin Jackson, OT, USC
It was an infuriating season for Cleveland, who had serious postseason expectations before a 6-10 2019 campaign. That doesn't mean they have to blow things up entirely, as the offense is still stocked to the brim with offensive playmakers. What really needs improvement is the O-Line, and Austin Jackson is the type of prospect who could rise up boards throughout the Draft process.
11. New York Jets
Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
The Jets will head into 2020 with Sam Darnold still being their franchise quarterback, but the young signal-caller needs help. Either a receiver or offensive linemen makes sense, and with Jeudy and Lamb both off the board, New York turns to Alabama's Jedrick Wills. Wills is a superb run blocker who could finally get Le'Veon Bell going after a down 2019.
12. Las Vegas Raiders
Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
The Raiders were hoping Antonio Brown was going to become their go-to guy in the passing game, but obviously, that didn't go as planned. Instead, they turn to this year's Draft, where Henry Ruggs III seems like a fine consolation. An explosive perimeter weapon, Ruggs is the type of prospect that brings plenty of excitement, which should help fill the seats in their debut season in Las Vegas.
13. Indianapolis Colts
Yetur Gross-Matos, DE, Penn State
In an AFC that includes Patrick Mahomes, Deshaun Watson, Lamar Jackson and Tom Brady, adding a dynamic pass rusher is never a bad idea. Gross-Matos was a force off the edge during his time with Penn State, and he has the physique to play multiple positions at the next level.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tristian Wirfs, OT, Iowa
Tampa is one of those teams that could go any number of directions with their first-round selection, including QB, running back, O-Line and defensive back. You get the sense they'll stick with Jameis Winston at quarterback for one more season, so helping him out with some improved line play makes sense. Tristian Wirfs is a first-round talent, and while worth a pick at 14.
15. Denver Broncos
Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado
Denver continues to improve their receiver position, which now boasts Courtland Sutton, DaeSean Hamilton and tight end Noah Fant. They could become even more potent by adding Laviska Shenault, who just happens to come from nearby Colorado. Shenault is a truly dynamic weapon, who could have been even better in the college ranks if he didn't struggle through some injuries.
16. Atlanta Falcons
Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
There were a lot of problems with Atlanta during their slow start to 2019, chief among them a lack of a true shutdown cornerback. Trevon Diggs is another 'Bama product sure to get first-round love, and he has the bloodline to succeed in the NFL, as the younger brother of Minnesota star Stefon Diggs.
17. Dallas Cowboys
Grant Delpit, S, LSU
Safety has been a pretty notable concern for Dallas for a few years, and despite making a run at Earl Thomas, they haven't been able to figure it out. It would make a lot of sense to select Grant Delpit in the middle of the first, and he could be a steal. Don't let the injury-plagued 2019 fool you, this is one of the best defensive prospects available.
18. Miami Dolphins
A.J. Epenesa, DE, Iowa
Already getting their QB of the future in Justin Herbert, the Dolphins look to add a franchise pass rusher. A.J. Epenesa was an absolute sack machine during his time in Iowa City, and is incredibly quick for his size. He could certainly be a Top 10 pick, so if he lasts until 18, Miami doesn't waste the opportunity.
19. Las Vegas Raiders
Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock continue to reconstruct their defense in another selection coming from the Khalil Mack deal. Kenneth Murray is a rangy linebacker that meant so much to this Oklahoma defense, which so happened to have a much improved 2019. He's a plug and play prospect, who shouldn't fall out of the first round.
20. Jacksonville Jaguars
Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson
Already getting quite a steal with Jeffrey Okudah at pick nine, Jacksonville would drool at the opportunity to add another defensive stud in Isaiah Simmons. An ultra-versatile defender who plays linebacker but looks more like a safety, Simmons was instrumental in Clemson's terrific defense in 2019.
21. Philadelphia Eagles
Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
Snagging a new No. 1 wide out seems like the most likely move for Philadelphia in the first round. Alshon Jeffery is incredibly injury-prone, Nelson Agholor seems to be regressing, and DeSean Jackson is clearly not a long term solution. They'd be just fine with Tee Higgins if he was available, the security blanket for Trevor Lawrence these last two years.
22. Tennessee Titans
Curtis Weaver, DE/LB, Boise State
Another team that could really go a few directions here, Tennessee had a very quiet successful campaign. They do still need to upgrade the pass rush, and Curtis Weaver is vastly underrated. He lived in opponent's backfields while at Boise State, concluding 2019 with 13.5 sacks.
23. Buffalo Bills
DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
The Bills and Josh Allen have been a great story in 2019, but the long-term prospects for the receiver position in Buffalo aren't overly encouraging. There are top two guys are John Brown and Cole Beasley, which should tell you all you need to know. DeVonta Smith had a real breakout season with the Crimson Tide, and is a gem in the late first round that can stretch the field vertically.
24. Minnesota Vikings
C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida
Once among the top corners in the NFL, Xavier Rhodes has faded fast in Minnesota, while Trae Waynes will be a free agent this off-season. Add to that Mike Zimmer's affinity for cornerbacks, and it makes too much sense for the Vikings to roll with C.J. Henderson at this spot. Henderson still has some holes in his game, notably run support, but you can see the potential every time he steps on the field.
25. Miami Dolphins
J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ohio State
Miami continues to build out their roster with their third selection on the first round (coming from Houston). They obviously have a bunch of needs, but consider this: Ryan Fitzpatrick, a journeyman QB, was their leading rusher in 2019. They need to find a true every down running back, and J.K. Dobbins is the real deal. He's well worth the value at pick No. 25.
26. Seattle Seahawks
Tyler Biadasz, OG, Wisconsin
It isn't merely injuries at running back that have limited Seattle's ability to run the ball in 2019, but the lack of a strong interior offensive line. I love the Tyler Biadasz selection in the late first; he's a proven run blocker that is the type of prospect who will have a lengthy NFL career.
27. New England Patriots
Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina
Somehow, New England always seems to get incredibly value in the late first round, and that doesn't change here. Javon Kinlaw is a Top 15-caliber prospect, but interior D-Linemen tend to drop come Draft Day. The Patriots don't rest on the chance to strengthen the line, which has been inconsistent throughout the fall and winter.
28. Green Bay Packers
Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU
Behind Davante Adams, Green Bay really lacks a go-to weapon in the passing game, and that has to change as Aaron Rodgers continues to age. Jalen Reagor didn't get much national attention while playing at TCU, but he was a 1,000-yard receiver in 2018. He's the type of speedster on the outside that could really open up this offense even more.
29. Kansas City Chiefs
Dylan Moses, LB, Alabama
Linebacker is a notable need for Kansas City no matter what happens this postseason, but it will be interesting to see how they address the position. There are a number of free agents hitting the open market that could draw their eye, but a youngster in the late first is too good to pass up. Dylan Moses has an unclear future; he has first-round talent without question but missed all of 2018 with a torn ACL and has flirted with coming back to Tuscaloosca. If he does stay in the Draft, there is a lot of value going with him in the late first.
30. San Francisco 49ers
Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama
Even with how great their defense has been in 2019, San Francisco could still address a need at free safety with Xavier McKinney. McKinney gets lost behind all the other astounding Crimson Tide talent, but if you watch just one of their games, you'll realize how important he was to this team. He's also the type of prospect GM John Lynch would have a hard time passing up on.
31. New Orleans Saints
Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State
Would New Orleans really go with a wide receiver when they already have the NFL's best in Michael Thomas? Well, somebody needs to take defense's attention away from Thomas, and as Drew Brees reaches the twilight of his career, he needs as much help as he can get. Brandon Aiyuk from Arizona State concludes a receiver-heavy first round.
32. Baltimore Ravens
Terrell Lewis, DE/LB, Alabama
The ninth Crimson Tide player to go in this mock, Terrell Lewis reminds me of a former Raven great that just so happens to have the same first name: Terrell Suggs. Lewis is the type of a stand-up defensive end, blitzing outside linebacker that can do it all in the NFL, and Baltimore would love another edge rusher.