Here is
my Post Free Agency 2020 NFL Mock Draft.
This is not a mock draft where I substitute my judgment for that of the teams. I try to research the opinions of those who most closely follow NFL teams like scouts, insiders, and beat writers from all of the NFL cities. I then try to make the most educated prediction as to which way each team will go in the draft based upon that information.
I start out by targeting each team's most obvious need, and then try to hone in on the most logical pick based upon value and need as roster cuts and free agency transpires.
My mock draft has been linked by DC Pro Sports Report, Walter Football, The Huddle Report, and EDS Football, in their Mock Draft Databases, so click their links to check out all of their draft related content!
1st Round
1. Cincinnati Bengals - Joe Burrow, QB, LSU:
With an elite blend of accuracy, touch, and arm strength, the Bengals are looking at a no-brain pick when it comes to LSU quarterback Joe Burrow.
2. Washington Redskins - Chase Young, DE, Ohio State:
The Redskins have needs all over the place and could be interested in trading down for more picks. If they stay put at #2, Chase Young of Ohio State would be an easy pick as the most talented player in the draft for a team not actively seeking a quarterback.
3. Miami Dolphins (Projected trade with Detroit) - Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama:
A trade between the draft pick rich Dolphins and a team like Detroit with an established quarterback in a win now mode makes too much sense. Tua Tagovailoa of Alabama seems like a sure thing if he's healthy, and giving him a year to study under Ryan Fitzpatrick and get healthy would be an ideal situation.
4. New York Giants - Tristan Wirfs, T, Iowa:
The Giants have needs across the board, but with young skill players like Daniel Jones at quarterback and Saquan Barkley at running back to build around, a long term answer at left tackle like Tristan Wirfs of Iowa should be their first priority.
5. Detroit Lions (Projected trade with Miami) – Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State:
The Lions' biggest need right now is along the interior of their defensive line. While an improved pass rush would undoubtedly make their existing secondary look better, after parting ways with star cornerback Darius Slay this offseason, Jeffrey Okudah of Ohio State would fill an equally big hole in their secondary with the highest rated player still available.
6. Los Angeles Chargers - Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon:
After cutting ties with Phillip Rivers, the Chargers need a long term option at quarterback. Justin Herbert of Oregon has prototypical size and arm strength that teams look to build around, but will need to answer questions regarding his touch, leadership and moxie.
After locking in a mid range free agent acquisition at quarterback in Teddy Bridgewater along with the release of Cam Newton, bringing in a successor for Luke Kuechly at linebacker in Clemson hybrid LB/S Isaiah Simmons seems like a match when it comes to star talent and need.
8. Arizona Cardinals - Jedrick Wills, T, Alabama:
The Cardinals addressed their biggest offseason need by trading for wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Their next biggest need was at right tackle, which is a position that Jedrick Wills played at Alabama in order to protect lefty quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's blindside, even though he has the athleticism to play on the left side if needed.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars - Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn:
9. Jacksonville Jaguars - Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn:
Derrick Brown of Auburn not only offers the ability to disrupt the backfield while stuffing the run, but he is a high motor, high character leader that any would like to build their defense around.
10. Cleveland Browns – Andrew Thomas, T, Georgia:
Cleveland was foolish to rely upon Greg Robinson as their starter at left tackle in 2019. While free agent signee Jack Conklin has the ability to play left tackle if needed, he's a Pro Bowl caliber player on the right side. Andrew Thomas, a pure left tackle out of Georgia, would finally give them bookend tackles to solidify what has been a terrible offensive line for years.
11. New York Jets – CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma:
The Jets have improved their offensive line through free agency, while their already shaky wide receiver corps has merely made lateral moves in free agency. CeeDee Lamb of Oklahoma would give Sam Darnold the big play, go-to receiver that he needs. .
12. Las Vegas Raiders – Jerry Jeudy, WR Alabama:
Finding a wide receiver to fill the role that they expected Antonio Brown to handle is a must. Jerry Jeudy is as NFL ready of receiver entering the NFL as it gets with his elite route running ability and dependable hands.
13. San Francisco 49'ers (via the Indianapolis Colts) - Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina:
After swapping draft picks and needs along the defensive line with the Colts, Javon Kinlaw of South Carolina meets what the 49'ers will be looking for when it comes to a penetrating run-stuffer.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Mekhi Becton, T, Louisville:
With Tampa Bay gambling on an aging quarterback in Tom Brady, a massive, yet athletic tackle like Mekhi Becton of Louisville could set the tone for their new offense, especially if they pair him with a bell-cow running back in day two.
15. Denver Broncos – Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama:
Denver has a huge need at wide receiver opposite of emerging star Courtland Sutton, and they seem to be looking for a speedy deep threat to compliment him. Henry Ruggs of Alabama is the fastest player in this year's draft, and matched his speed with big time production at Alabama, especially when it came to getting into the end-zone.
After addressing defensive end in free agency and cutting Desmond Trufant, the Falcons need to find a #1 cornerback. C.J. Henderson of Florida has prototypical size and athleticism to become an elite cover man in the NFL.
17. Dallas Cowboys – Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU:
After losing Byron Jones in free agency, the Cowboys will be looking for help in their secondary. The Cowboys were already a team who didn't mind gambling on players with substance abuse issues like LSU cornerback Kristian Fulton, who stands to benefit more than any player in this year's draft from the NFL's new drug suspension policy.
18. Miami Dolphins (via Pittsburgh) – Josh Jones, T, Houston:
The smart play after drafting a young franchise quarterback is to pair him with someone to protect his blind side. Josh Jones of Houston could add a little strength to his frame, but has the feet and athleticism to be a solid left tackle in the NFL.
19. Las Vegas Raiders (via Chicago) - Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama:
The Raiders have a need at corner, and while Trevon Diggs may not be the highest rated player at that position in this year's draft, he seems like a safe bet to be a solid starter for years to come.
20. Jacksonville Jaguars (via Los Angeles Rams) – A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson:
The Jaguars are rebuilding and have the need for play-makers across the board, but no need is bigger than the one they have at cornerback. A.J. Terrell of Clemson is a big outside corner who would help rebuild the Jag's secondary.
21. Philadelphia Eagles - Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU:
The Eagles are looking for a speedy deep threat at wide receiver. Justin Jefferson put up huge numbers in LSU's offense last year playing out of the slot, and eased any concerns about his straight line speed by running a 4.43-forty yard dash at the Combine, showing that he could play outside as well.
22. Minnesota Vikings (via the Buffalo Bills) - Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson:
After trading Stefon Diggs to Buffalo, the Vikings need to find another deep threat at wide receiver. Tee Higgins is a big target who could compliment Adam Thielen on the outside.
The Patriots lost outside linebackers Kyle Van Noy and Jamie Collins in free agency. Adding an edge rusher to pair with Chase Winovich will be a priority if New England looks to compete for one more year instead of adding a quarterback and straight up rebuilding.
24. New Orleans Saints - Laviska Shenault, Jr., WR, Colorado:
The Saints need to find a receiver to compliment and take some pressure off of Michael Thomas. While they did add Emmanuel Sanders in free agency, Laviska Shenault of Colorado is a huge target with the ability to make plays from the slot, which could free up Thomas and Sanders to work more on the outside.
25. Minnesota Vikings - Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah:
Minnesota will be looking to rebuild their secondary this offseason after being relatively deep at cornerback in recent years. Jaylon Johnson would be an underrated press cover corner from a great secondary at Utah who could serve as a foundation after the team parted ways with Trae Waynes and Xavier Rhodes.
26. Miami Dolphins, via Houston - Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama:
The Dolphins need to use some of the assets they received from their fire-sale of a year ago and find a replacement for Minkah Fitzpatrick. Like Fitzpatrick, Xavier McKinney is another elite product coming out of Alabama, but is more of a traditional free safety than the Swiss army knife that they tried to force Fitzpatrick to be.
27. Seattle Seahawks - A.J Epenesa, DE, Iowa:
Seattle is looking to improve their defense. If they can't re-sign Jadaveon Clowney, who is still very much in play for the team towards the end of free agency, A.J. Epenesa of Iowa is a base end with the size to stuff the run who also projects as a plus pass rusher in the NFL.
28. Baltimore Ravens - Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma:
The Ravens took care of their defensive line in free agency, but still have a hole in the middle of their defense. Kenneth Murray of Oklahoma may have some limitations in coverage, but is an instinctive linebacker who can diagnose plays and pursue the run from sideline to sideline..Kind of like a former Ravens middle linebacker.
29. Tennessee Titans - Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU:
After trading Jurrell Caey for a bag of jock straps, the Titans went from potential Super Bowl contenders to team figuring out whether to compete or rebuild. Instead of targeting a prior position of need, Tennessee now needs to target a top interior defensive lineman in this year's draft unless they are able to work some magic in free agency or via a trade.
30. Green Bay Packers - Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor:
Denzel Mims of Baylor is a big target who can flat out go up and get the ball. Couple that with a 4.38 40-yard dash, and you have a receiver can serve as a legit 1-B target and draw some coverage away from Davante Adams.
31. San Francisco 49'ers - Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State:
If the 49'ers stay put at the 31st pick, wide receiver is a big need that they will need to address early. Brandon Aiyuk of Arizona State is a big receiver with speed, who would serve as a compliment opposite Deebo Samuel.
32. Kansas City Chiefs - Patrick Queen, LB, LSU:
The Chiefs face losing the entirety of their cornerbacks corps in free agency. Even if they find the cap space to retain a key piece or two, they'll still likely need to add a starter and some depth in the draft. A.J. Terrell is a big corner who projects to play outside, so he wouldn't solve all of Kansas City's coverage needs, but he'd be a necessary start.
