NFL Mock Draft 2020: Edition 3
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| Tristan Wirfs, No. 4 to NY Giants |
1. Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
Unless something crazy happens between now and Draft Day, there shouldn't be much debate on who will be the No. 1 overall selection. Cincinnati has needed a fresh start at quarterback for some time now, and Burrow just completed one of the best seasons we've ever seen from a college quarterback. It really is that easy.
Previous Selection: Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
2. Washington Redskins
Chase Young, DE, Ohio State
It appears as though the rumors of Washington going with Tua Tagovailoa at the No. 2 spot have died down, at least at this point. It makes complete sense for Washington, who should try and develop last year's first-rounder Dwayne Haskins, while working on filling out the rest of the roster. Young would be the best defensive player the Redskins have had in years, from the get-go.
Previous Selection: Chase Young, DE, Ohio State
3. Detroit Lions
Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State
As I've mentioned previously, I believe there is a great chance Detroit trades this pick. However, the Lions' recent decision to trade corner Darius Slay may indicate they will stick firm and replace him with Okudah. It would certainly give head coach Matt Patricia a physical, press corner to enable his defense to succeed.
Previous Selection: Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State
4. New York Giants
Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
This is the point in the Draft where things could get really interesting, as the Giants could go any numbers of directions at 4. With their recent moves on defense, I think Dave Gettleman goes offensive line. Either Mekhi Becton or Tristan Wirfs make sense, but Wirfs helped himself the most at the NFL Combine and seems like an ideal fit.
Previous Selection: Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
5. Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
The volatility in this year's free agent quarterback market makes Tua's future completely uncertain but if he is indeed on the board at pick five, Miami doesn't wait. They've openly adored the former Alabama signal-caller for some time now and even with the injury concerns, there is no arguing his talent. He immediately becomes the new face of the franchise in Miami.
Previous Selection: Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
6. Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
With the Chargers officially missing out on Tom Brady, it seems pretty clear-cut that they'll go with the best quarterback available (assuming they don't make a late run at Cam Newton). Justin Herbert might be the best QB in most Drafts, but just happened to land in the same year as two absolute studs in Burrow & Tua. He's a worthy prize for Los Angeles, but they'll need to upgrade the weapons around him.
Previous Selection: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
7. Carolina Panthers
Derrick Brown, DL, Auburn
With all my recent free time, I re-watched Auburn's matchups this past season in the opener against Oregon, and the Iron Bowl. I was repeatedly amazed by Derrick Brown, who was just so dominant, even against elite offensive lines. I previously had Isaiah Simmons mocked to Carolina, but feel like Brown is going to continue to rise. He is the long-term solution for the Panthers for aging Gerald McCoy.
Previous Selection: Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson
8. Arizona Cardinals
Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
The Cardinals made quite a shocking acquisition when they landed DeAndre Hopkins earlier this week, making their need at receiver obsolete. I think they continue to help out Kyler Murray by upgrading an aging and mediocre offensive line. Either Becton or Jedrick Wills should be the pick; Becton has more upside in my opinion.
Previous Selection: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
9. Jacksonville Jaguars
Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson
With Jacksonville recently trading Nick Foles, could quarterback be in play at No. 9? I think so, but I also think the Jaguars might try out one more season of Gardner Minshew. If that's the case, they need to upgrade a defense that has really slipped the last couple seasons. Do-it-all Isaiah Simmons would be a huge helper, and he's a steal at 9.
Previous Selection: Derrick Brown, DL, Auburn
10. Cleveland Browns
Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
Even though Cleveland spent big to bring Jack Conklin in from Tennessee, they need to continue to improve their offensive line. It's consistently been a problem for the Browns in the past and will be particularly important as they continue to develop Baker Mayfield. Jedrick Wills is the best available option on the O-Line here, and a proven run blocker.
Previous Selection: Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
11. New York Jets
Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
There's a good chance New York addresses their own offensive line concerns with this selection but with Wirfs, Becton and Wills all gone, they end up going elsewhere. Jerry Jeudy is the headliner in a stacked receiver class who was a star with Alabama since the moment he stepped on campus. He gives Sam Darnold a new top target.
Previous Selection: Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
12. Las Vegas Raiders
CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
The first quarterback in Las Vegas Raiders history will come down to either Derek Carr or recently acquired Marcus Mariota. Whoever starts will need some much needed help on the perimeter, and CeeDee Lamb fits the mold. He's a potent deep threat who has helped himself out with workouts and the Combine.
Previous Selection: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
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| Henry Ruggs III, No. 13 to San Francisco |
Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
San Francisco recently netted this selection by moving DeForest Buckner to Indianapolis. I think they could get a younger replacement in the form of Javon Kinlaw, but if Henry Ruggs III is available, that should be the move. Although overshadowed at times while at Alabama, this guy is an absolute stud, and he'll unlock fresh opportunities for Jimmy G.
Previous Selection: Javon Kinlaw, DL, South Carolina (Indianapolis)
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
Tampa officially won the Tom Brady sweepstakes, but will the 42-year-old will be able to succeed in a new home? The Buccaneers have an abundance of weapons on the outside, but the O-Line will need some work. Andrew Thomas would be the best available here, and he was likely the top O-Linemen off the board prior to the 2019 season. Utilizing his skills to keep Brady upright makes the most sense.
Previous Selection: A.J. Epenesa, DE, Iowa
15. Denver Broncos
Javon Kinlaw, DL, South Carolina
I've had Denver taking a receiver here for awhile but with the big three (Jeudy, Ruggs, Lamb) gone, I think the Broncos look elsewhere. They also could get solid value at the position in the second round. Instead, John Elway takes the best player available, which is Kinlaw. He has Top 10 talent, even if he doesn't play at the most respected position.
Previous Selection: Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
16. Atlanta Falcons
K'Lavon Chaisson, LB, LSU
The Falcons have really lacked a true elite-level pass rusher for some time, and they'll keep trying to find one through the Draft if they must. Chaisson recovered from missing nearly all of 2018 to put up 6.5 sacks this past fall. He has huge upside, offering tremendous value in the middle of the first round.
Previous Selection: Yetur Gross-Matos, DE, Penn State
17. Dallas Cowboys
C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida
Byron Jones signed with the Miami Dolphins, giving Dallas even more reason to work on their defensive backfield in this Draft. I've mocked a safety here previously, but think corner is now firmly in play. C.J. Henderson has really helped out his stock over the last few months, and could continue to rise up boards.
Previous Selection: Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama
18. Miami Dolphins
A.J. Epenesa, DE, Iowa
Miami has so many needs that I think they go best player available at 18, which would be A.J. Epenesa in this scenario. He was a sack machine while at Iowa and has the physical makeup to be a force at the next level as well.
Previous Selection: Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
19. Las Vegas Raiders
Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
Don't let Oklahoma's struggles on defense allow you to undervalue Kenneth Murray; he was an absolute machine for the Sooners. He'll continue to add to the defense that Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock are building as they begin the journey to Las Vegas.
Previous Selection: Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
20. Jacksonville Jaguars
Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
Trading away both Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye has left Jacksonville in dire need of a new cornerback. They might consider it at nine if Jeff Okudah were to drop, but the more likely scenario is for them to wait until their second selection. Trevon Diggs is the best available here, and could possibly assist as a returner.
Previous Selection: Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
21. Philadelphia Eagles
Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
I would be absolutely shocked if Philadelphia didn't invest in a receiver with this pick and they could possibly even trade up to land Jeudy, Lamb or Ruggs. If not, I think Justin Jefferson is quite a fine consolation. He can line up anywhere and make an impact, and gives the Eagles another element to this offense.
Previous Selection: Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU
22. Minnesota Vikings
Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
Trading away Stefon Diggs wasn't an easy decision, but Minnesota should feel great about the compensation they got for him. They can add a younger wide out here, and I think Tee Higgins is the best fit. He was Trevor Lawrence's security blanket at Clemson the past two seasons, and has more downfield ability than an Adam Thielen.
Previous Selection: Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson (Buffalo)
23. New England Patriots
Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama
Most would assume that the decision by Tom Brady to leave would mean New England goes with a quarterback at this spot, but if a talent like McKinney is available, I think Bill Belichick strikes. The Patriots' secondary could really use an upgrade and McKinney has Top 20 value.
Previous Selection: Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
24. New Orleans Saints
Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado
I would absolutely love to see the fit of Laviska Shenault in New Orleans. He'd pair well with Michael Thomas and Sean Payton would be creative in getting him the football. Shenault could end up making Thomas even more effective, as opposing teams would be forced to focus on another premier receiving threat.
Previous Selection: Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado
25. Minnesota Vikings
Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU
Interior D-Line or O-Line could both be in play for Minnesota but considering Mike Zimmer's affinity for the position, I think they stick with cornerback. Jeff Gladney doesn't have the ceiling of others in this Draft, but he has a higher floor. He is the physical defender that would work well in a Zimmer system.
Previous Selection: Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
26. Miami Dolphins
Josh Jones, OT, Houston
I previously had Miami going with an offensive linemen at 18, but if they go Epenesa, they will wait until 26 to fill that particular concern. Josh Jones has tremendous upside and should be able to sneak into the first round, but he must become more consistent if he wants to be a quality NFL starter in the future.
Previous Selection: D'Andre Swift, RB, Georgia
27. Seattle Seahawks
Yetur Gross-Matos, DE, Penn State
Jadeveon Clowney looks like he will be leaving Seattle at some point this free agency period, meaning the Seahawks will be in the market for a replacement. Yetur Gross-Matos isn't as flashy as other defenders in this Draft, but he's highly effective and has excellent value in the late first.
Previous Selection: K'Lavon Chaisson, LB, LSU
28. Baltimore Ravens
Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
It makes sense for Baltimore to upgrade their linebacker corps with this selection, and Patrick Queen would be the best available. He is an athletic, twitchy athlete that could really rack up some tackles behind the Ravens' defensive line. Running back could also be an option, as the Ravens could soon be looking for a long-term replacement for Mark Ingram.
Previous Selection: Terrell Lewis, DE/LB, Alabama
29. Tennessee Titans
Austin Jackson, OT, USC
With Jack Conklin recently signing in Cleveland, Tennessee finds a possible replacement in Austin Jackson out of USC. Jackson isn't on par with the other top tackles in this cycle, but he's a great athlete who proved his worth at 'SC, playing some underrated pass rushers in the Pac-12.
Previous Selection: Zack Baun, LB, Wisconsin
30. Green Bay Packers
Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State
This isn't an ideal spot for Green Bay to be in, as all the big name wide receivers and offensive tackles are going to be off the board most likely. Trading up may be an option but if they stay firm at 30, Brandon Aiyuk seems like the best option available. He fulfills their need at receiver, and is coming off a big year in Tempe.
Previous Selection: Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
31. San Francisco 49ers
Grant Delpit, S, LSU
This would be a huge win for San Francisco, getting Ruggs at 13 and having Grant Delpit drop in their laps at 31. I just don't see Delpit, the reigning Jim Thorpe Award winner, falling out of the first round and the Niners need to upgrade an aging defensive backfield.
Previous Selection: C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida
32. Kansas City Chiefs
D'Andre Swift, RB, Georgia
Damien Williams has done an admirable job being KC's feature back but I wouldn't be surprised if the Super Bowl Champs want to upgrade the position. D'Andre Swift was not fully healthy for much of 2019 and still proved to be one of the nation's best. Can you imagine this offense with Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, and a top-flight back?
Previous Selection: A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson
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