NFL Mock Draft 2020: Edition 4.1 (Final Edition, Round One)

Isaiah Simmons, No. 4 to NY Giants

1. Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
With just a few days until the 2020 NFL Draft, there remains little to no controversy about who the No. 1 overall selection will be. Joe Burrow will be returning to the state of Ohio to lead a Cincinnati organization that simply couldn't get over the hump with Andy Dalton at the helm. It seems like a natural fit between the two sides, and it will be interesting to see how Burrow works with second-year head coach Zac Taylor, who became a trendy name under his former boss, Sean McVay.
Previous Selection: Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
Other Possibility: Chase Young, DE, Ohio State
2. Washington Redskins
Chase Young, DE, Ohio State
While Burrow has been a constant as the top pick in this Draft, there's been a little more controversy in which direction Washington goes. There remains people out there that think the Redskins could fall in love with the idea of Tua Tagovailoa at No. 2, but I'd be shocked if they don't end up going with Chase Young. He's a dominant force off the edge who should follow in the footsteps of former Ohio State pass rushers Nick & Joey Bosa as immediate impact defenders.
Previous Selection: Chase Young, DE, Ohio State
Other Possibility: Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
3. Detroit Lions
Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State
This selection is where the Draft could get really interesting, as Detroit could trade this selection or use it to go any number of directions. I still think there remains a good chance they stick firm and go with Jeffrey Okudah, the most logical choice when you consider their needs. Recent rumors that Okudah could end up dropping this Thursday seem like a smoke screen to me, this guy is the best defensive back in this cycle.
Previous Selection: Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State
Other Possibility: Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson
4. New York Giants
Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson
I've had an offensive linemen mocked to New York for some time now, but the closer we get to Draft Day, the more I think Dave Gettleman will end up going in a different direction. The Giants could use a real impact player on this defense, and Isaiah Simmons is just that. He can line up nearly everywhere on that side of the ball, and I view him as the second best player in this Draft, behind only Young.
Previous Selection: Tristian Wirfs, OT, Iowa
Other Possibility: Tristian Wirfs, OT, Iowa
5. Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
The "Tua to Miami" hype train has been ever-present for close to a year now, and it just seems it is going to happen. Perhaps the Dolphins will have to end up trading up to land the dynamic Alabama quarterback, but they'd obviously love if he were to drop into their laps at five. Even with the injury concerns, it's rare a player of his magnitude is available at this spot.
Previous Selection: Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
Other Possibility: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
6. Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
The Chargers clearly felt it was time to start fresh at quarterback when they let Phillip Rivers walk this off-season, and they'll likely go with either Tua or Justin Herbert, assuming at least one is available here. In most Drafts, Herbert would be the top QB off the board and the idea of him staying on the West Coast seems right.
Previous Selection: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
Other Possibility: Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
7. Carolina Panthers
Derrick Brown, DL, Auburn
Carolina's rush defense was among the worst in the league in 2019, and that was before Luke Kuechly's surprise retirement. They'd love to get a proven run stuffer in the form of Brown, who seemed to further help his Draft stock by returning for his senior season.
Previous Selection: Derrick Brown, DL, Auburn
Other Possibility: Javon Kinlaw, DL, South Carolina
8. Arizona Cardinals
Tristian Wirfs, OT, Iowa
Arizona's focus this off-season has clearly been about providing Kyler Murray with better weapons. They already made the trade of the off-season by acquiring DeAndre Hopkins, and should focus on the O-Line with this selection. Tristian Wirfs has long been rising up draft boards following the Combine, and he should be the top tackle taken.
Previous Selection: Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
Other Possibility: Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
9. Jacksonville Jaguars
Javon Kinlaw, DL, South Carolina
If you've looked at my defensive position rankings, you'll notice that Javon Kinlaw is actually my top interior D-Linemen in this Draft. He hasn't got the attention Brown has throughout this process, but he was an absolute monster at South Carolina, and I think he actually has a higher ceiling. He could actually end up being a steal at the nine spot.
Previous Selection: Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson
Other Possibility: C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida
10. Cleveland Browns
Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
Recent rumors seem to indicate that Andrew Thomas could be a late riser up boards this Thursday, and I think he is in play for the Giants at No. 4. If he is available for the Browns here, I think they don't hesitate. He's proven himself for years in the physical SEC, and is a tremendous run blocker for his position. He could really open up lanes for Nick Chubb, and the two have the Georgia connection.
Previous Selection: Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
Other Possibility: Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
11. New York Jets
Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
The Jets need to upgrade their offense around Sam Darnold, and they're in good position to do that with pick 11. They have their pick of receivers at this spot, but the most likely solution seems to be on the offensive line. They ranked close to dead last in every important category in 2019, and Mekhi Becton is too intriguing too pass up on.
Previous Selection: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
Other Possibility: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
12. Las Vegas Raiders
CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
This would be a dream-come true for Las Vegas, who would have their pick of any of the top three receivers in the 2020 Class. They've needed to upgrade the position for some time, and the wide out that makes the most sense is CeeDee Lamb. I'm not as big of a fan of Lamb as others are, but his deep threat potential is the best fit with Derek Carr's huge arm.
Previous Selection: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
Other Possibility: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
13. San Francisco 49ers
Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
San Francisco's defense remains among the best in the NFL, but the offense suffers from a serious lack of playmakers on the outside. With both Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III available in this mock, it'd be hard to imagine the Niners going anywhere else. I have Jeudy slated as the top wide out in this cycle, and he'll be a difference-maker Day One.
Previous Selection: Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
Other Possibility: Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
Tampa got the biggest prize of the off-season in Tom Brady, but their offense is far from perfect. They could use another receiver on the outside, but the more pressing need is on an offensive line that was okay at best in 2019. Jedrick Wills is probably a Top 10 talent, but there is a chance he could slip depending on what happens with Wirfs, Becton, and Thomas. I don't think the Bucs hesitate at the chance to add the former Crimson Tide tackle.
Previous Selection: Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
Other Possibility: Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
15. Denver Broncos
Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
This would be another team ecstatic is the 2020 Draft works out in this fashion. The Broncos really need another young receiver on the outside, but there is some concern they could miss out on the "Big Three" of Jeudy, Lamb and Ruggs. However, if Ruggs is available here, they don't wait on a chance to improve their weapons around their new franchise QB, Drew Lock.
Previous Selection: Javon Kinlaw, DL, South Carolina
Other Possibility: C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida
16. Atlanta Falcons
C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida
The middle of this first round has a lot of teams that could really mix things up, and Atlanta is going to be interesting. There's been some chatter of them trading up, but it's unclear what their top need is going to be. They need to upgrade a stagnant pass rush, but just as concerning is a cornerback spot that lacks any long term talents. C.J. Henderson has Top 10 potential, and he could be the guy the Falcons want to trade up for.
Previous Selection: K'Lavon Chaisson, LB, LSU
Other Possibility: A.J. Epenesa, DE, Iowa
17. Dallas Cowboys
Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama
I've had a safety mocked to Dallas for some time now, and I still like the idea of the Cowboys addressing a dire need on their back-end. I'm a huge fan of Xavier McKinney, and I believe he's a logical decision for Jerry Jones. He's acceptable in coverage, and also a terrific help in run support for his position. He would allow Dallas to move on from Byron Jones, who departed in free agency.
Previous Selection: C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida
Other Possibility: Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
18. Miami Dolphins
Josh Jones, OT, Houston
Miami has one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL, and they have to be hoping any combination of Wirfs/Becton/Thomas/Wills drops to pick 18. However, with all of them gone, the 'Fins end up going with Josh Jones out of Houston. He's a little bit of a risk considering how inconsistent he was in the collegiate ranks, but still has plenty of talent.
Previous Selection: A.J. Epenesa, DE, Iowa
Other Possibility: A.J. Epensa, DE, Iowa
19. Las Vegas Raiders
Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
The Raiders are a team that really needs to upgrade a thin linebacker corps in this Draft, and they have a plethora of options at the position with pick No. 19. I'm a little bit hesitant about Patrick Queen because he disappeared on the LSU defense often, but his upside is significant. I could certainly see Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock taking a swing at him.
Previous Selection: Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
Other Possibility: A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson
20. Jacksonville Jaguars
Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
Cornerback makes the most sense for Jacksonville here, considering their recent trades of Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye. With that being said, I'm a little bit hesitant about the value of cornerback here, considering what is available. Even with that concern, the Jags take a swing on Trevon Diggs. There are concerns around him, but his potential is worth it.
Previous Selection: Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
Other Possibility: Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
21. Philadelphia Eagles

Justin Jefferson, No. 21 to Philadelphia

Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
Although he is not a member of the "Big Three" in this year's receiver class, Justin Jefferson is a legit first-round talent who could certainly be a steal later in Round One. He wasn't just a product of Joe Burrow's Heisman season, as he was consistently among the most reliable Tiger receivers on their roster. Philadelphia needs to work on a receiver corps that is underwhelming and injury-prone, validating this selection.
Previous Selection: Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
Other Possibility: A.J. Epenesa, DE, Iowa
22. Minnesota Vikings
Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU
The Vikings traded away Stefon Diggs this off-season, seeming to indicate they wanted to rid themselves of the drama surrounding him, while also getting younger at wide out. This is a really great class to snag a wide receiver in, and I think Jalen Reagor makes the most sense. He was highly productive at TCU despite suspect quarterback play, and ran an unofficial 40 timed at 4.22. I think he could become the new deep threat in the offense, with Adam Thielen working his magic underneath.
Previous Selection: Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
Other Possibility: Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
23. New England Patriots
A.J. Epenesa, DE, Iowa
There are some who think New England takes their new franchise signal-caller at pick 23, but that doesn't seem very much like a Bill Belichick selection. I think the Patriots instead go value, and A.J. Epenesa at this spot is too hard to pass up. He was a sack machine while at Iowa, and seems like he'd fit the Pats culture.
Previous Selection: Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama
Other Possibility: Grant Delpit, S, LSU
24. New Orleans Saints
Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
Drew Brees has undoubtedly had a Hall-of-Fame career, but he's nearing the end at 41 years of age. New Orleans does have an intriguing backup in Taysom Hill, but even he isn't very young, as he'll 30 by the start of 2020. Instead, Sean Payton gets his long-term solution at the position in Jordan Love, who is seems like a good fit. He put up numbers in 2018 while playing under Matt Wells, who runs a similar offensive attack to Payton.
Previous Selection: Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado
Other Possibility: Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
25. Minnesota Vikings
Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
Although they do have needs on their O-Line, I think the most logical decision for Minnesota is to go corner with their second selection of the first round. There's a lot to choose from in this spot, but Kristian Fulton seems like the likely choice. He was highly productive throughout his time at Baton Rouge, and seems like a good fit with Mike Zimmer.
Previous Selection: Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU
Other Possibility: Austin Jackson, OT, USC
26. Miami Dolphins
D'Andre Swift, RB, Georgia
Defense is in play for Miami here considering they've already gone offense with their first two picks. With that being said, this still seems like about the range for D'Andre Swift, who would add an interesting element to this Miami attack. There are some injury concerns there, but Swift's talent is unquestioned.
Previous Selection: Josh Jones, OT, Houston
Other Possibility: Ross Blacklock, DL, TCU
27. Seattle Seahawks
K'Lavon Chaisson, DE/LB, LSU
With how this mock is shaping up, there's a chance an elite pass rusher falls to the bottom of the first round. If that's the case, Seattle overlooks a more obvious need on their offensive line to add K'Lavon Chaisson. Chaisson is a real freak of nature off the edge, and he could eventually fill the role of Jadeveon Clowney, who still appears likely to head elsewhere sometime this off-season.
Previous Selection: Yetur Gross-Matos, DE, Penn State
Other Possibility: Cesar Ruiz, OL, Michigan
28. Baltimore Ravens
Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
There's a chance that Kenneth Murray could slip slightly, considering that he doesn't have the upside of other defenders in this Draft. That bodes well for a Baltimore defense that lost C.J. Mosley last off-season, and remains thin at linebacker. Murray is an absolute tackling machine, although he'll have to round out his game to be worth a first-round selection.
Previous Selection: Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
Other Possibility: Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
29. Tennessee Titans
Yetur Gross-Matos, DE, Penn State
Tennessee added Vic Beasley this off-season and remain in play for Jadeveon Clowney, but they could still use another piece on the defensive line. Although his production slipped a little in 2019, Yetur Gross-Matos still looks like a first-rounder. He's got NFL size, a powerful rush, and he can also help in run support.
Previous Selection: Austin Jackson, OT, USC
Other Possibility: Curtis Weaver, DE/LB, Boise State
30. Green Bay Packers
Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor
I've had Green Bay going with a receiver throughout this Draft season and if this mock breaks right, they have a surprising amount of options available. Tee Higgins would be hard to pass up on, but what I've seen, Denzel Mims seems the more likely scenario. He offers great size for the position, but still ran a 4.38 40 at the Combine.
Previous Selection: Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State
Other Possibility: Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
31. San Francisco 49ers
Cesar Ruiz, OL, Michigan
San Francisco could really go a lot of different ways with pick 31, including defensive back, D-Line and O-Line. I think Cesar Ruiz is going to be hard to pass up on, considering the need the Niners have on the interior line. He's certainly not a flashy pick in the late first, but he's the type of anchor you need in the NFL.
Previous Selection: Grant Delpit, S, LSU
Other Possibility: Grant Delpit, S, LSU
32. Kansas City Chiefs
Grant Delpit, S, LSU
Kansas City lost Kendall Fuller and Bashaud Breeland over the off-season, leaving them searching for back-seven help at the end of Round One. Grant Delpit didn't have an ideal 2019, and there are some concerns about his poor tackling throughout the season. If KC can figure that out, they have an extremely valuable defender to pair with Tyrann Mathieu.
Previous Selection: D'Andre Swift, RB, Georgia
Other Possibility: Antoine Winfield Jr., S, Minnesota