by The 2020 NFL Draft could be a train wreck for viewers. The fully virtual draft could lead to technology issues and there are questions as to whether the draft could get hacked. Communicating over Zoom allows for video conferencing, but I personally do not want to hear the NFL executives for each team. The rumors from test runs sound like there have already been issues.
The broadcast will be better if kept simple. Hearing the announcement from Roger Goodell and just the broadcast team on the network should be enough. It is actually an opportunity to show more film and highlights of the draft picks. The fans would probably prefer that anyway. We can only wait and see what will actually happen come Thursday.
There are several other strange parts about this year. Without pro days, the combine serves as the only physical testing for prospects. Most contact has also been virtual conversations rather than pre-draft visits. This makes it tougher to know which teams have been in contact with what players. Most drafts are full of surprises but this one could take that to a different level.
The biggest thing to remember going into the first round is that there will be trades. I believe this year there will be plenty of them. This four-round mock draft does include plenty of movement in the first round. Here is how I believe the 2020 NFL Draft might play out.
Round 1
- Cincinnati (2-14) – Joe Burrow QB LSU
- 1.0 Prediction: Joe Burrow QB LSU
Joe Burrow has to be the number one pick. Miami would most likely love to trade up for the star quarterback, but the Bengals need to keep the pick. Burrow is the guy for Cincinnati and will become their franchise quarterback.
2. Washington (3-13) – Chase Young Edge Ohio State
- 1.0 Prediction: Chase Young Edge Ohio State
This last week has brought about rumors that the Redskins are fielding calls about trading the number two pick. Chase Young is way too good to pass up though. He is a monster and will terrorize the NFC East. The local Maryland, consensus five-star product, should be back home for the start of his NFL career. The Redskins will most likely hold and select the best overall player in the draft.
3. Miami **Mock Trade with Detroit (3-12-1)** – Justin Herbert QB Oregon
- 1.0 Prediction: Lions take Jeff Okudah CB Ohio State
Lions receive 5 and 56 / Dolphins receive 3 and 67
The Lions need a star cornerback. If the Dolphins come calling it would be worth moving down to five though. Jeff Okudah of Ohio State would almost certainly still be on the board two picks later. This would also most likely allow the Lions to grab pick 56 at the end of the second round. Swapping picks seems like great value for Detroit. Miami needs to make sure the Chargers don’t get ahead of them in the race for a quarterback. The word on the street is that the Dolphins have made more contact with Herbert than any other team. Tua’s injury concerns are something the Dolphins might not want to risk. Moving up for the bigger, more durable QB is a move I expect. Herbert is trending up as the second QB off the board.
4. New York Giants (4-11) – Tristan Wirfs OT Iowa
- 1.0 Prediction: Tristan Wirfs OT Iowa
The Giants have lots of great options on the board at four. Isaiah Simmons has to be an extremely tempting option. Right tackle is still the big need. Jedrick Wills Jr. would be a good pick but Wirfs is still my top tackle. He can start at right tackle or even slide into guard if needed at any point. The Giants might receive calls and consider trading down even. Due to the need on the line, they should stay put.
5. Detroit **Mock Trade with Miami (5-11)** – Jeff Okudah CB Ohio State
- 1.0 Prediction: Dolphins take Tua Tagovailoa QB Alabama
Detroit swaps down to five and can still grab their guy. Jeff Okudah is a phenomenal talent. He is clearly the best cornerback in this draft and has Pro Bowl potential early on in his NFL career. Okudah will be off the board early and the Lions appear to be the best fit.
- Los Angeles Chargers (5-11) – Isaiah Simmons LB Clemson
- 1.0 Prediction: Justin Herbert QB Oregon
As mentioned in mock draft 1.0, the Chargers job is Tyrod Taylor’s to lose at the moment. The team does need a quarterback though and I believe Herbert is their initial choice. With Herbert off the board, Tua is the next person eyes would go to. Several stories have come out that three teams in need of a quarterback removed Tua from their board. A lot of this has to do with the injury concerns. My gut tells me that if the rumors are true, the Chargers happen to be one of those teams. This means Tua will begin to slide and the Chargers will go to another position of need – Linebacker. Isaiah Simmons is one of the greatest talents and an extremely versatile defensive weapon. Simmons would be the best available on the board at this point. Putting the Clemson standout in those slick new uniforms would be a sight to see.
7. Carolina (5-11) – Derrick Brown DT Auburn
- 1.0 Prediction: Isaiah Simmons LB Clemson
The Panthers would have liked having Simmons on their defense. With the Chargers taking him a pick prior, Derrick Brown is the next best option. The Panthers have a big need on the defensive line and Derrick Brown is a wrecking ball. His strength and speed makes him a top tier DT. Brown would be a nice fit with Carolina.
8. Atlanta **Mock Trade with Arizona (5-10-1)** – CJ Henderson CB Florida
- 1.0 Prediction: Cardinals take Jedrick Wills Jr. OT Alabama
Falcons receive 8 and 114 / Cardinals receive 16, 78 and a 2021 1st
The Atlanta Falcons really seem like they want to move up. I do not think this is a smokescreen. This seems like a real pursuit for a top cornerback. The Falcons would love a pairing with Jeff Okudah but unless Detroit trades way down, it is an unlikely selection for Atlanta. The next best option is CJ Henderson of Florida. He would fill the biggest need for the Falcons. For Arizona, the value of trading down eight picks with Atlanta would likely result in acquiring a 2021 1st round pick. The Cardinals need offensive line help and they should still be able to acquire that at 16. Trading down with Atlanta could be the best value for the organization.
9. Jacksonville (6-10) – Javon Kinlaw DT South Carolina
- 1.0 Prediction: Derrick Brown DT Auburn
I still believe the Jaguars go with a defensive tackle at nine. In mock draft 1.0 Derrick Brown was on the board. My belief now is that he will not be. That means Javon Kinlaw is the next man up. Brown and Kinlaw are clearly the best DT prospects and there isn’t much drop-off between the two. Kinlaw is better at timing the snap than Brown but needs some more work with his pass rush moves. The physical tools make him true top ten value.
10. Denver **Mock Trade with Cleveland (6-10)** – Henry Ruggs III WR Alabama
- 1.0 Prediction: Browns take Andrew Thomas OT Georgia
Browns receive 15, 83 and a 2021 2nd & 4th / Broncos receive 10, 115
The Browns should hold at ten and select Andrew Thomas. He is a true left tackle and would be the best choice. My advice is to hold, yet my gut feeling is that the organization will trade down. The Broncos need a wide receiver and the Jets, Raiders and 49ers need one as well. If the Broncos sit at 15, the top three of Lamb, Jeudy and Ruggs will probably be gone. The Broncos have supposedly taken the most interest in the lightning fast Henry Ruggs III. If they trade up with the Browns, they will be almost guaranteed to have him. Ruggs would be a nice pairing with Courtland Sutton and would help Drew Lock stretch the field.
11. New York Jets (7-9) – CeeDee Lamb WR Oklahoma
- 1.0 Prediction: CeeDee Lamb WR Oklahoma
CeeDee Lamb might not be the first wide receiver off the board but he is the best in my opinion. The Jets could go offensive tackle with Wills, Thomas and Becton all still available and sliding. Wide receiver is still the biggest need though after losing Robbie Anderson in the offseason. Lamb’s great hands and playmaking ability will make him a fan favorite in New York.
12. Las Vegas (7-9) – Jerry Jeudy WR Alabama
- 1.0 Prediction: CJ Henderson CB Florida
I am confident the Raiders will go with either a wide receiver or cornerback here at 12. No corner still on the board has the same value as Jerry Jeudy though, which makes receiver the top priority. Jeudy has amazing footwork and can make guys miss. He will instantly be the team’s number one target.
- New England **Mock Trade with San Francisco – from Indianapolis (7-9)** – Tua Tagovailoa QB Alabama
- 1.0 Prediction: 49ers take Jerry Jeudy WR Alabama
49ers receive 23, 87 and 100 / Patriots receive 13 and 2021 4th
If one of the top three wide receivers were still available, then the 49ers might have selected here. The 49ers have a pretty complete team but just need some picks mostly for depth and for the future. They have two first rounders which is a nice card in the back pocket. The problem is that they currently don’t possess a single pick between rounds two and four. In order to stock up on some day two selections, expect John Lynch to trade down. The Patriots would be a great partner for a deal. They need a quarterback and Tua sliding could be of great interest. Tua is an accurate quarterback and would fit the Patriots system well. Tom Brady did not get hit often because of lots of check downs, screens and intermediate passes. Quickly getting the ball away might be the perfect protection for Tua. New England and Tua makes a ton of sense. It’s doubtful he would be there at 23, so if he gets past 12 the Patriots could strike.
14. Tampa Bay (7-9) – Andrew Thomas OT Georgia
- 1.0 Prediction: Mekhi Becton OT Louisville
From 13 to 14, we could go from replacing Brady to protecting Brady. The Buccaneers need an offensive tackle and they could have plenty of options picking from the top four. Most believe the group will be gone already, which is why I will take a different standpoint. The draft always has plenty of movement not only for individuals but whole position groups. If most tackle needy teams trade down, this could be the result. Andrew Thomas is a great left tackle. This would be an upgrade from my 1.0 selection in Becton. Thomas is consistent and fairly clean in his technique.
15. Cleveland **Mock Trade with Denver (7-9)** – Kenneth Murray LB Oklahoma (pictured above)
- 1.0 Prediction: Broncos take Patrick Queen LB LSU
The Browns trade down to 15 with the Broncos and also pick up 83 and some picks next year. The tackles are sliding and if Thomas fell to 15, he might still be the selection. With Thomas gone, Wills and Becton remain. Wills is a right tackle and the switch to left tackle does not appear worth the selection. Becton is a boom or bust guy and reminds me of Greg Robinson. That being said, the organization could instead look to a group of true left tackles with second round grades. At 15 it is not worth the reach. A linebacker next to Mack Wilson would be a nice value pick with the best inside linebacker still available. Kenneth Murray was dominant at Oklahoma. He is great at getting downhill against the run or on the blitz. Mack Wilson is better in coverage and the aggressiveness of Murray would be a perfect compliment. Murray will be a tackling machine in the NFL.
16. Arizona **Mock Trade with Atlanta (7-9)** – Jedrick Wills Jr. OT Alabama
- 1.0 Prediction: Falcons take A.J. Epenesa Edge Iowa
The trade down with the Falcons might not only give Arizona a 2021 1st round pick, but also the prospect I believed they would take at eight. Jedrick Wills Jr. is the second best right tackle in this draft and he would offer great protection for Kyler Murray. Wills can bring much needed aggression to the line.
17. Dallas (8-8) – K’Lavon Chaisson Edge LSU
- 1.0 Prediction: K’Lavon Chaisson Edge LSU
The Cowboys need an edge rusher and Chaisson still appears to be the best option at 17. He is a true pass rusher with lots of speed. Chaisson is best when standing up like more of a hybrid but he can also put his hand in the ground. This would check off the Cowboys biggest need.
18. Miami – from Pittsburgh (8-8) – Mekhi Becton OT Louisville
- 1.0 Prediction: Xavier McKinney S Alabama
Miami traded up to take Justin Herbert and protecting your new QB is crucial. Becton dropping to 18 is ideal. The Dolphins can grab one of the pre-draft top four tackles. Becton’s size and strength is intimidating. He has plenty of potential and the team will hope they can get a great career out of him. There will need to be some technique cleanup but the Dolphins need the tackle.
19. Las Vegas – from Chicago (8-8) – A.J. Terrell CB Clemson
- 1.0 Prediction: Henry Ruggs III WR Alabama
The Eli Apple deal fell through right before mock draft 1.0. The Raiders still need corners. Last year, the team went after several Alabama and Clemson prospects. I would not be surprised to see more of the same. After taking Alabama’s Jerry Jeudy at 12, taking a Clemson corner seems fitting. A.J. Terrell has nice length and good hands. He is one of the best at baiting opposing quarterbacks into bad throws. The Raiders will just need him to work on his tackling ability. Terrell would have the potential to immediately be the number one corner in Las Vegas. This would also be an opportunity to team up with Trayvon Mullen once again.
20. Jacksonville – from Los Angeles Rams (9-7) – Kristian Fulton CB LSU
- 1.0 Prediction: Kristian Fulton CB LSU
The Jaguars need to use the pair of first round picks on defense. Defensive line and cornerback are the areas of focus. Replacing Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye is extremely important. It’s a tall task but Kristian Fulton would be a step in the right direction.
21. Philadelphia (9-7) – Justin Jefferson WR LSU
- 1.0 Prediction: Justin Jefferson WR LSU
Injuries and inconsistency at the wide receiver position was like kryptonite for the Eagles last season. Justin Jefferson is pretty firmly the fourth best receiver prospect in my opinion. Jefferson to the Eagles is like a perfect match. Wentz needs a receiver with good hands and Jefferson is that player.
22. Minnesota – from Buffalo (10-6) – Jeff Gladney CB TCU
- 1.0 Prediction: Yetur Gross-Matos Edge Penn State
The Vikings are replacing a lot on defense. Gladney would be a nice start. Gladney was the best corner in the Big 12 and I believe the third best corner in this draft. He will get physical and breaks up lots of passes. Staying in purple would be fitting as well.
23. Los Angeles Chargers **Mock Trade with San Francisco using swapped pick with New England (12-4)** – Jordan Love QB Utah State
- 1.0 Prediction: Patriots take Jordan Love QB Utah State
49ers receive 37, 112 and 2021 2nd / Chargers receive 23
The 49ers receiving 23 from the Patriots does not mean they will pick here. It is once again an opportunity for Lynch and his crew to gather more picks. The Chargers need a quarterback and Jordan Love still available could result in the Chargers trading back into the first. Love is a fantastic talent with plenty of room to grow. He might not beat out Tyrod right away, but he would probably see time at some point in 2020.
24. New Orleans (13-3) – Patrick Queen LB LSU
- 1.0 Prediction: Kenneth Murray LB Oklahoma
The Saints roster only has one true spot of need – Inside Linebacker. Kiko Alonso will likely still be the starter but his injury history means the team needs to be prepared with another great talent. Patrick Queen would be a great plug-and-play linebacker. He could start or come off the bench and make an impact.
25. Minnesota (10-6) – A.J. Epenesa Edge Iowa
- 1.0 Prediction: A.J. Terrell CB Clemson
The departure of Everson Griffin means the Vikings need a pass rusher. A.J. Epenesa is a fantastic end in a 4-3 base defense. He has great power and plenty of pass rush moves. Not only can he rack up the sacks, but he is quite competent against the run.
26. Miami – from Houston (10-6) – Xavier McKinney S Alabama
- 1.0 Prediction: D’Andre Swift RB Georgia
The first two picks could very well go to the offense. The Dolphins have worked to patch up the defense but they desperately need a playmaking safety. McKinney is that guy. He is a hard hitter and also great at finding the football. He should be the first safety selected and the Dolphins would love to have him in the secondary.
27. Seattle (11-5) – Yetur Gross-Matos Edge Penn State
- 1.0 Prediction: Javon Kinlaw DT South Carolina
The Seahawks need defensive line. Defensive tackles and edge rushers. Producing the second fewest sacks last season makes it the main point of focus in this draft. Yetur Gross-Matos has the ability to become a productive NFL edge rusher. The Seahawks will need him to produce right away.
28. Baltimore (14-2) – Zack Baun Edge/LB Wisconsin
- 1.0 Prediction: Zack Baun Edge/LB Wisconsin
Baun’s versatility still makes him the ideal selection for the Ravens. He can drop in coverage as a linebacker. His strength is standing tough against the run on early down situations. Baun is tough and physical. He would serve as a nice addition to the defense in Baltimore.
29. Tennessee (9-7) – J. K. Dobbins RB Ohio State
- 1.0 Prediction: J. K. Dobbins RB Ohio State
The Titans have other needs that might be marked greater than running back. They need an edge rusher, DT, OT and CB. Still having Derrick Henry would likely mean that the other positions need to come first. In my opinion, that’s totally wrong. The running game is the entire Titans offense. Henry is franchise tagged and there is no guarantee he will be back in 2021. It appears to be trending in the direction of no. Not only would selecting a running back be protection for the future, but it is also security if Henry gets injured this upcoming season. The Titans will not win games without a run game. Dobbins and Jonathan Taylor are the best running backs in this draft. The Titans could not go wrong with either one. The burst of Dobbins when finding the hole gives him the edge for me. The Titans need to protect the run game.
30. Cleveland **Mock Trade with Green Bay (13-3)** – Ezra Cleveland OT Boise State
- 1.0 Prediction: Packers take Brandon Aiyuk WR Arizona State
Packers receive 41, 74 and 2021 2nd / Browns receive 30 and 242
The Browns still need a left tackle. Ezra Cleveland has been rumored to be a favorite of the Browns. He is a second-round player but waiting for 41 will be too risky in the eyes of the Browns. Trading back into the first with the Packers will cost the Browns, but it is late enough that they won’t have to give up too much. I am not that high on Ezra as a Browns player. He is good in pass protection but on film he lacks aggression when run blocking. It is something he will need to improve to succeed in Stefanski’s system. That being said, he would immediately be plugged in as the starting left tackle.
31. San Francisco (13-3) – Damon Arnette CB Ohio State
- 1.0 Prediction: Jeff Gladney CB TCU
The 49ers need another corner opposite Richard Sherman. The most underrated corner in this draft is Damon Arnette. He was in the shadows of Jeff Okudah last season but returning to school for one more season was the best decision. Arnette went from being not ready for the NFL to being a first or second round talent. Now he very well could be the ideal sidekick to Sherman in the 49ers secondary. The last time San Francisco selected an Ohio State defender in the first round that worked out quite well. Arnette isn’t Nick Bosa but he is a great talent.
32. Kansas City (12-4) – Trevon Diggs CB Alabama
- 1.0 Prediction: Austin Jackson OT USC
The Chiefs have a solid roster. Adding a corner would be beneficial. Trevon Diggs would be a great addition. I don’t necessarily see him becoming a star but his athleticism and experience at Alabama could lead to him becoming a long time NFL starter.
