2020 NFL Mock Draft 2.0

5 years ago by Andrew Lalama

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With the NFL Draft just one week away, smokescreen season is upon us. Most mock drafters agree on the top three picks, but the draft gets fascinating at pick No. 4. The Giants could trade the pick to a team looking for a quarterback or sit tight and take the best offensive lineman or defensive player available.

At No. 5, The Miami Dolphins are rumored to covet Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert, but many in the media believe Tua Tagovailoa is the better prospect. Rumors about Tua’s medical concerns are swirling, which could result in a surprising draft-day slide.

The purpose of this Mock Draft is to project the selections as I believe they will happen on draft day. These projections have nothing to do with my personal rankings and do not reflect what I would do if I were each team. This article will be updated in the coming days. Remember that shocking picks and trades will inevitably happen. As such, there are a few projected surprises below. You can check out other NFL mock drafts from our RotoBaller staff as well.

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Round 1

1. Bengals - Joe Burrow - QB, LSU

The Bengals burrowed for Burrow and the Tiger King goes to Cincinnati. Joe Exotic had one of the best single seasons ever for a college QB and will start his career with a decent supporting cast around him. Burrow is fantastic against pressure, throws a beautiful deep ball, and has the ball placement of a franchise QB. A nitpick against him would be that he holds the ball too long sometimes. Carole killed her husband.

2. Redskins - Chase Young - EDGE, Ohio St.

Last year, the Cardinals made the smart decision to jettison Josh Rosen and use a second consecutive top-10 pick on a quarterback. The position is just too important, and Kyler Murray was too good to pass up. The Redskins situation with Dwayne Haskins is different for one main reason - Chase Young. Young is the best edge-rushing prospect since Jadaveon Clowney. He has incredible traits and was a monster for Ohio State. If there wasn't a generational talent at the top of this draft, Tua Tagovailoa would have likely been the pick. Ron Rivera and the Skins will go to battle next season with Dwayne Haskins behind center and one of the best defensive lines in football.

3. Lions - Jeff Okudah - CB, Ohio St.

After trading away Darius Slay, the Lions have a gaping hole at cornerback. Jeff Okudah is the best corner in the draft and will immediately give Detroit a shutdown presence on the outside. Okudah has advanced man coverage skills and swagger to match.

4. Giants - Tristan Wirfs - OT, Iowa

The Week 16 overtime win against the Redskins was the highlight of Daniel Jones' rookie campaign. Unfortunately, that win will likely cost the Giants Chase Young. General Manager Dave Gettleman rarely trades down. This slot is prime real estate for teams vying for a quarterback, but expect the G-Men to stay put and draft the top offensive lineman on their board. In this projection, it’s Tristan Wirfs. The former Iowa Hawkeye has experience at right tackle, which will allow Nate Solder to stay at left tackle. Wirfs is athletically gifted and has big-time upside if he can clean up some technique.

5. Dolphins – Justin Herbert – QB, Oregon

The Dolphins have a ton of draft capital and a need at quarterback. If any of the teams picking in the top four want to trade down, Miami can easily move up to secure their preferred non-Burrow QB. Herbert has almost everything teams look for in a franchise QB, and may be suffering from some prospect fatigue having been a big name at Oregon for three-plus years. His mobility and arm talent make him a potential star, but questions about his transition from the Oregon spread offense and inconsistent ball placement linger.

6. Chargers - Isaiah Simmons - LB, Clemson

The decisions the Chargers make in this draft will determine the fate of the franchise for years to come. Head Coach Anthony Lynn is reportedly high on current starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor, but it’s very possible the Chargers go with a QB here. In this projection, they choose to wait on quarterback and take the best player available in Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons. Simmons is a defensive chess piece that can play linebacker, safety, or nickel.

7. Panthers - Derrick Brown - DT, Auburn

The Panthers have a huge need on the defensive line and Derrick Brown is commonly ranked as the top defensive lineman in this draft. He showed flashes of dominance at Auburn and can disrupt both the run and pass. In a rebuilding year, Carolina should look to add a building block regardless of position. This just happens to be a case where value matches up with need.

8. Cardinals - Jedrick Wills Jr. - OT, Alabama

After stealing DeAndre Hopkins from the Texans, Kliff Kingsbury and the Cardinals add a potential franchise left tackle. Protecting Kyler Murray and adding defensive talent should be their two main goals for this draft. Jedrick Wills Jr. is by no means a perfect prospect, but he has the tools to develop into a quality blindside protector for the dynamic, diminutive Murray.

9. Jaguars – C.J. Henderson – CB, Florida

Gardner Minshew showed flashes (and stashes) as a starter for the Jaguars last year, but if Justin Herbert or Tua Tagovailoa is on the board, they may not be able to pass. In this projection, they go with one of the steadiest risers in this class. C.J. Henderson is a smooth cover-corner with lockdown potential.

10. Browns – Mekhi Becton - OT, Louisville

The Browns have a gaping hole at left tackle and Mekhi Becton would fill it and then some. Becton is enormous in stature and upside. He is insanely athletic for his size and shows flashes of brilliance on film. Keeping his weight in check will define his career.

11. Jets - CeeDee Lamb - WR, Oklahoma

The Jets have glaring needs at outside wide receiver and offensive tackle. They will likely select the best receiver or tackle on the board, and in this projection, it’s CeeDee Lamb of Oklahoma. Lamb is a run-after-catch machine with off-the-charts production and competitiveness. He can immediately step in and be Sam Darnold’s No. 1 weapon.

12. Raiders – Henry Ruggs III – WR, Alabama

The Raiders will likely target a wide receiver with this pick, especially if C.J.Henderson is off the board. Henry Ruggs III has incredible speed (4.27 40), and a nice mix of strong hands and tenacity. He played second-fiddle to Jerry Jeudy at Alabama but has the tools to blossom into a WR1 with Derek Carr in Las Vegas.

13. 49ers (f/IND) - Jerry Jeudy - WR, Alabama

After trading away DeForest Buckner, some believe the 49ers will target defensive line with this pick. They could also use a receiver, and Jerry Jeudy is an immediate upgrade in the slot. Jimmy Garoppolo has a strong rushing attack, George Kittle, and Deebo Samuel, but little else in terms of weapons. Jeudy is a route-runner extraordinaire with great hands, speed, and quickness.

14. Buccaneers – Andrew Thomas – OT, Georgia

Many expect the Buccaneers to focus on right tackle in the first round. Andrew Thomas of Georgia is a sound, high-character player who can step in and start right away.

15. Broncos – Justin Jefferson – WR, LSU

The Broncos need wide receivers and no pass-catcher has upped his stock more than Justin Jefferson of LSU. Jefferson dominated at Oklahoma and pleasantly surprised scouts with a 4.43 40. He operated mostly out of the slot at LSU, but has the potential to be an outside threat as well for Drew Lock.

16. Falcons – A.J. Epenesa – EDGE, Iowa

It seems that every year the Falcons need help on defense. A.J. Epenesa from Iowa is big, strong, and twitchy, and has the motor and pass-rushing skills to help bolster the Falcons Defense. The Matt Ryan window is slowly closing, and Epenesa can help right away.

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Projected Trade – Dolphins get pick No. 17. Cowboys get picks No. 26, 56, and 173.

17. Dolphins - K'Lavon Chaisson - EDGE, LSU

The Dolphins trade up to add a potential star for Brian Flores’ defense. K’Lavon Chaisson is the second-best edge player in the draft. He possesses all the physical traits of a disruptive pro pass-rusher and is oozing with upside at just 20 years old.

18. Dolphins (f/PIT) – Josh Jones - OT, Houston

After adding a franchise quarterback at No. 5, the Dolphins use No. 18 on his blindside protector. Laremy Tunsil was traded to the Texans so there is a huge hole at left tackle in Miami. Josh Jones of Houston was solid against relatively mediocre college competition but possesses all the traits that translate to the pro game.

19. Raiders (f/CHI) – A.J. Terrell – CB, Clemson

The Raiders have a need at cornerback but with C.J. Henderson and Jeff Okudah off the board, they may have to reach a bit. Last year General Manager Mike Mayock drafted Clemson EDGE Clelin Ferrell much higher than expected. He could do the same this year with Clemson corner A.J. Terrell. Terrell was exposed a bit versus the beastly receivers at LSU, but generally shows good press-man skills on film.

20. Jaguars (f/LAR) - Javon Kinlaw - DT, S. Carolina

It’s crazy that just three years ago the Jaguars were a missed call away from beating the Patriots in the AFC Championship. Blake Bortles and Tom Coughlin are gone, but somehow Doug Marrone has survived. Finding a quarterback should be priority No. 1, but re-tooling the defense is a close second. Javon Kinlaw is a penetrating defensive tackle with great burst and the ability to shoot gaps in the run game. He has added value as a potential contributor on special teams, having flashed the ability to block field goals at South Carolina.

Projected Trade – Patriots get pick No. 21. Eagles get pick No. 23 and a 2021 3^rd-round pick.

21. Patriots (f/PHI) – Tua Tagovailoa - QB, Alabama

In this projection, Tua Tagovailoa falls the same way many quarterbacks have before him. If the Dolphins truly prefer Justin Herbert, Tua sliding is not out of the question. The Raiders could choose to roll with Derek Carr, while the Jaguars and Chargers appear to be high on Gardner Minshew and Tyrod Taylor respectively. Obviously, the main factor in a Tua free-fall would be his medical history.

If there was ever a time for Bill Belichick to trade up, this would be it. The Belichick-Nick Saban connection is there and Tom Brady is gone. Tua has the film of a franchise signal-caller, but his draft day destiny is clouded by injury concerns.

22. Vikings (f/BUF) – Denzel Mims - WR, Baylor

The Vikings traded Stefon Diggs to the Bills and have a glaring need at receiver. Denzel Mims isn’t the most polished prospect, but his tools are tantalizing. Mims has the potential to develop into a beastly outside complement to Adam Thielen in the slot for Kirk Cousins.

23. Eagles (f/NE) - Kenneth Murray - LB, Oklahoma

Kenneth Murray of Oklahoma is a pure football player. Eagles fans may not love the positional value of an off-ball linebacker in the first round, especially in a great receiver class. However, Philadelphia can take a receiver in the second round after adding one of the best linebackers in this class. Their current linebacking corps is nothing to write home about, and Murray can play on all three downs.

24. Saints – Jordan Love – QB, Utah St.

The Saints will surely add a quarterback-of-the-future at some point in this draft. In this projection, they select Utah State’s Jordan Love with their first pick. Love has all the tools of a franchise quarterback, including ridiculous arm talent that is reminiscent of Patrick Mahomes. However, he is coming off a down year and struggled with bouts of inaccuracy and turnovers. The potential is clearly there, and there’s no better situation for a young quarterback than learning from Drew Brees and Sean Payton in New Orleans.

25. Vikings - Isaiah Wilson - OT, Georgia

Rumors are swirling that NFL teams expect Isaiah Wilson to be drafted in the first round. The former Georgia Bulldog is a raw prospect who looks the part but has inconsistent film. When he gets his hands inside, he's very powerful and he's good on double teams. However, he needs to be coached out of his waist-bending tendencies. For the Vikings, he would slot in at right guard.

26. Cowboys (f/HOU t/MIA) – Antoine Winfield Jr. – S, Minnesota

After trading down, the Cowboys make a somewhat surprising pick with Antoine Winfield Jr. of Minnesota. Dallas needs a safety and Winfield’s game has shades of Earl Thomas in it. He’s a ballhawk (seven interceptions this season) who submarines ball-carriers and has an NFL pedigree.

Projected Trade – Chargers get pick No. 27. Seahawks get picks No. 36 and 71.

27. Chargers (f/SEA) – Jalen Hurts - QB, Oklahoma

In a shocking move, the Chargers move up for quarterback Jalen Hurts of Oklahoma. Lamar Jackson’s success in Baltimore has definitely impacted Hurts’stock, as some believe he won’t fall out of the second round. With the Colts and Steelers looming, the Chargers choose to secure their preferred quarterback-of-the-future. Hurts doesn't always make great decisions, but his film shows a dynamic dual-threat. He had a 69.7 completion percentage for the Sooners in 2019.

28. Ravens – Patrick Queen – LB, LSU

The Ravens need a linebacker and Patrick Queen is one of the best off-ball linebackers in this class. Queen is a fast, play-making defender who flashes on film. He jumped off the screen in the National Championship against Clemson.

29. Titans – Yetur Gross-Matos – EDGE, Penn St.

The Titans have become a smashmouth, physical football team under head coach Mike Vrabel. Yetur Gross-Matos can set the edge as well as anyone in this class in the running game and displays devastating inside moves as a pass-rusher. If he can develop more on the edge, he can become a disruptive force for the Titans as they chase the Chiefs in the AFC.

30. Packers - Tee Higgins - WR, Clemson

Tee Higgins has some injury concerns and isn’t the strongest or fastest receiver prospect in this draft. However, his ability to receive footballs in football games is unquestionable. The Packers need a complement to Davante Adams at receiver and Higgins can be an outside threat while Adams plays more slot. Higgins’ game matches up so well with Aaron Rodgers it’s scary. The Lambeau Leaps after toe-tapping sideline grabs and high-point fades could be glorious in Green Bay.

31. 49ers - Damon Arnette - CB, Ohio St.

After going receiver earlier, the 49ers could choose to improve their secondary with a potential starter opposite Richard Sherman. Damon Arnette was the counterpart to Jeff Okudah at Ohio State, and likely saw more targets thrown at him because of it. Arnette is competitive and alert, who explodes to ball-carriers in the run game and can play press-man on the outside. He is unconventional with his stances and punches, but has enough man coverage skills to be an adequate NFL starter.

32. Chiefs - Cesar Ruiz - C, Michigan

The Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs (sounds good, right Chiefs fans?) have a need at center. Cesar Ruiz is the best center prospect in the draft. Running backs are commonly mocked here for the Chiefs but the top runners in this class lack the passing game skills Andy Reid usually covets. Ruiz can be a starter from day one as the Chiefs look to defend their title.

Round 2

33. Bengals - Ezra Cleveland – OT, Boise St.

After adding their franchise signal-caller in the first round, the Bengals invest another high pick in a quality tackle to help protect him.

34. Colts (f/WAS) - Jeff Gladney – CB, TCU

The Colts need help at corner and Jeff Gladney has the quick feet and aggressiveness of a quality pro.

Projected Trade: Bills get pick No. 35. Lions get pick No. 54 and 86.

35. Bills (f/DET) – Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah

In this projection, the favorites in the AFC East trade up to add the talented Jaylon Johnson to their already formidable secondary.

36. Giants - Matt Hennessy – C, Temple

The Giants need a center and Matt Hennessy has the makings of a plug-and-play pivot on a revamped offensive line.

37. Seahawks (f/LAC) - Zack Baun – EDGE, Wisconsin

After trading out of the first-round altogether, the Seahawks add a play-making presence at EDGE in Zack Baun.

38. Panthers - Kristian Fulton – CB, LSU

Re-tooling the defense continues as the Panthers select the best corner from the National Champion LSU Tigers.

39. Dolphins - Grant Delpit – S, LSU

The Dolphins get a discount on the best safety in the draft after he struggled with injuries during his senior season. Grant Delpit still did enough to lead his team to a title and would be a starting safety for Brian Flores for years to come.

40. Texans (f/ARI) - Ross Blacklock - DL, TCU

The Texans need defensive line help and Ross Blacklock plays with great leverage and gap integrity.

41. Browns - Xavier McKinney – S, Alabama

With a need at safety, the Browns take the opportunistic Xavier McKinney from Alabama. His range is not elite but he is comfortable in the box and has the instincts of a productive pro.

42. Ravens (f/JAC) - Jonathan Taylor – RB, Wisconsin

In this projection, the Ravens trade up to grab a sliding Jonathan Taylor of Wisconsin. Mark Ingram is going to be 31 next year and the Ravens surely don’t want to run Lamar Jackson as often as they did last season.

43. Bears -Michael Pittman Jr. – WR, USC

Whether it’s Mitch Trubisky or Nick Foles at quarterback, a skilled receiver with size like Michael Pittman Jr. would make for a terrific complement to Allen Robinson.

44. Colts - Jalen Reagor – WR, TCU

Jalen Reagor struggled with drops, but has speed to burn and could learn a lot under T.Y. Hilton in Indianapolis.

45. Buccaneers - Curtis Weaver – EDGE, Boise State

After adding a right tackle in the first round, the Buccaneers look to defense in the second, selecting a productive edge-rusher in Boise State’s Curtis Weaver.

46. Broncos - Malik Harrison – LB, Ohio St.

The Broncos need an inside linebacker and Malik Harrison has been a terrific performer in his two years starting at Ohio State.

47. Falcons – D’Andre Swift – RB, Georgia

With Devonta Freeman gone, the Falcons could choose to keep D’Andre Swift in state. Swift has the pass-catching skills to be a productive 1A running-back in the Atlanta offense.

48. Jets - Austin Jackson – OT, USC

The Jets have clear needs at wide receiver, offensive tackle and edge-rusher. Austin Jackson has the size and mobility of a potential franchise left tackle.

49. Steelers - Jacob Eason - QB, Washington

After a disastrous display at quarterback in 2019, the Steelers take the plunge on Jacob Eason, who has the arm talent of a franchise quarterback. His issues with ball placement are evident in most games, but he looked like a first-round pick against Oregon.

50. Bears - Marlon Davidson – DL, Auburn

Marlon Davidson can play standing up or with his hand in the dirt and shows the ability to play his gap in the run game. He is a bit heavy-legged but makes up for it with hustle and tenacity on the edge.

51. Cowboys - Laviska Shenault Jr. – WR, Colorado

While dependable slot receivers and cornerbacks were considered, the Cowboys decide they can’t pass on the electric play-making of Laviska Shenault.

52. Rams - Jordyn Brooks – LB, Texas Tech

With Corey Littleton gone, the Rams find his replacement in Jordyn Brooks of Texas Tech. Brooks flashes on film but didn’t have his best game spying Jalen Hurts versus Oklahoma. He plays fast and can key and diagnose well enough to be a solid off-ball linebacker in the pros.

53. Eagles - Brandon Aiyuk – WR, Arizona St.

Brandon Aiyuk falls due to medical concerns and the Eagles steal a potential WR1 in the second round.

54. Lions (f/BUF) John Simpson – OG, Clemson

The Lions have a need at guard and John Simpson is an experienced and physical interior force who shows flashes of dominance in the run game.

55. Jaguars (f/NE t/ATL t/BAL) - Kyler Dugger - S, Lenoir-Rhyne

The Jaguars need a safety and former Division II star Kyle Dugger has the athletic traits that translate to the pro game.

56. Cowboys (f/NO t/MIA) - Neville Gallimore – DL, Oklahoma

In a strictly best-player-available move, the Cowboys add to their defensive line with Neville Gallimore, who shows pass-rushing moves inside on film.

57. Rams (f/HOU) - Ashtyn Davis - S, Cal

The Rams could use a young safety and Ashtyn Davis of Cal has the range and instincts of an NFL starter.

58. Vikings - Darrell Taylor - EDGE, Tennessee

Darrell Taylor is one of the best edge-rushers in an underwhelming class. He’s powerful, fast, and can bend. The Vikings need an edge threat opposite Danielle Hunter.

59. Seahawks - Lucas Niang – OT, TCU

The Seahawks signed a bunch of fringe veteran offensive linemen in free agency but should use at least one of their first four picks on an OL. Lucas Niang has an ugly-shaped body but functional strength and quickness.

60. Ravens - Ben Brederson – OG, Michigan

The Ravens are set at tackle but could use help at guard. Ben Brederson is an underrated prospect with steady film.

61. Titans - Raekwon Davis – DL, Alabama

Beefing up the defensive line even more, the Titans add a classic Alabama nose tackle prospect in Raekwon Davis.

62. Packers - Logan Wilson – LB, Wyoming

The Packers need an inside linebacker and Logan Wilson has the coverage skills and speed that translate to the pro game.

63. Chiefs (f/SF) - Clyde Edwards-Helaire – RB, LSU

Clyde Edwards-Helaire fits perfectly in an Andy Reid offense. He’s terrific in the passing game and has inspiring tape versus Alabama.

64. Seahawks (f/KC) - Lynn Bowden Jr. – WR, Kentucky

Lynn Bowden Jr. is a versatile playmaker who started at quarterback and wide receiver at Kentucky. He needs to learn how to run better routes but he has run-after-catch ability and enough speed and twitch to develop into a starter.