2020 NFL Mock Draft - Post Scouting Combine

Here is my Post Scouting Combine 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:

The Bengals are faced with the possibility that Joe Burrow goes Elway/Eli if they select him, but as of now, Burrow is the no-brainer.

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 the 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, if they part ways with star cornerback Darius Slay this offseason as many expect, 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 even if they make a run at Tom Brady. 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.

7. Carolina Panthers – Isaiah Simmons, S/LB, Clemson:

Unless the Panthers trade up, they will likely find themselves one pick short of the top three quarterbacks in this year's draft class. With the remaining signal callers having no better than a second round grade, Carolina would be better served sticking with Cam Newton for the short term, and bringing in a successor for Luke Kuechly in Clemson hybrid LB/S Isaiah Simmons, who could be a game changer in underneath coverage.

8. Arizona Cardinals - CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma:

While Jerry Jeudy of Alabama may be the safest pick at wide receiver, pairing Kyler Murray with Cee Dee Lamb, his top receiving threat at Oklahoma, seems to be a better fit with what the Cardinals are looking for in attempting to build a high powered offense.

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 teams want to build their defenses around.

10. Cleveland Browns – Jedrick Wills, T, Alabama:

Despite their hype heading into the 2019 season, Cleveland's front office was foolish to rely upon a proven failure left tackle like Greg Robinson as their starter. The new regime must make protecting Baker Mayfield a priority to see whether or not he has the ability to be a long term answer at quarterback. 

11. New York Jets – Mekhi Becton, T, Louisville: 

Mekhi Becton of Louisville is a huge tackle who demonstrated the athleticism and feet in college to lock down Sam Darnold's blindside and help unleash Le'Veon Bell in the running game.

12. Las Vegas Raiders – Jerry Jeudy, WR Alabama:

With the Raiders looking to be all in on the Tom Brady sweepstakes, finding a wide receiver to fill the role that they expected Antonio Brown to handle is a must. Jerry Jeudy is as NFL ready as a college receiver entering the NFL gets with his elite route running ability and dependable hands.

13. Indianapolis Colts - Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina:

The Colts need help on the interior of their defensive line, and Javon Kinlaw of South Carolina meets what they are looking for in quicker, more disruptive players at the point of attack.

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Andrew Thomas, T, Georgia:

It's looking more and more like Tampa Bay will be cutting ties with Jamies Winston and moving on with an experienced veteran at quarterback. If that's the case, a solid tackle like Andrew Thomas of Georgia who can play on the right or left side of the offensive line could set the tone for their new offense.

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.

16. Atlanta Falcons - A.J Epenesa, DE, Iowa:

Atlanta is cutting ties with up and down Vic Beasley at defensive end, which makes what was already a weak position a major area of need. A.J. Epenesa of Iowa not only projects as a solid pass rusher, but has the size to set the edge against the run as a three down player. 

17. Dallas Cowboys – C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida:

With Byron Jones set to leave the team in free agency, the Cowboys will be looking for help in their secondary. With a strong Combine, C.J. Henderson of Florida has cemented himself as the #2 cornerback in this year's draft behind Jeffrey Okudah.

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 an elite left tackle in the NFL.

19. Las Vegas Raiders (via Chicago) - Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma:

If the Raiders want to improve their defense, the first step is finding a substantial upgrade over former middle linebacker Vontaze Burfict. Kenneth Murray of Oklahoma is a prototype middle linebacker, who will quarterback his defense and stuff the run from sideline to sideline.

20. Jacksonville Jaguars (via Los Angeles Rams) – Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah:  

If the Jaguars don't see Jeffrey Okudah fall to them with their first pick in the 1st Round, they will need to look at re-stocking their starting cornerback positions with their second 1st Round pick. Jaylon Johnson of Utah is an under the radar prospect who projects as a CB1 and can help fill the void left by the departures of Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye.

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. Buffalo Bills - Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson:

Josh Allen is developing nicely at quarterback for the Bills, but they are yet to give him a go to wide receiver. At 6-foot-4, Tee Higgins of Clemson is a big target who projects as a true #1 at the "X".

23. New England Patriots - Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama:

If the Patriots let free safety Devin McCourty walk in free agency, they will need a replacement to help anchor their secondary. Xavier McKinney of Alabama is the best free safety in this draft class, and would give New England the versatility they love with his ability to cover in the slot and step up in the box and tackle.

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. Laviska Shenault of Colorado is a huge target with the ability to make plays underneath, which could free up Thomas to work more on the outside.

25. Minnesota Vikings - Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama:

Minnesota will likely be looking to rebuild their secondary this offseason depending on how they handle free agency and their salary cap. Trevon Diggs of Alabama would be a press cover corner that could serve as a foundation in the event that they part ways with Trae Waynes and/or Xavier Rhodes.

26. Detroit Lions (Projected trade with Miami, via Houston) - Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU:

The Lions need to replace the entire interior of their defensive line. Ross Blacklock of TCU can play anywhere from the nose tackle, to the 3-technique, to even the end in a 3-4 system, which is something Detroit values when it comes to their multiple fronts scheme.

27. Seattle Seahawks - Ezra Cleveland, T, Boise State:

Seattle needs to rebuild their offensive line. Ezra Cleveland may be one of the draft's biggest movers this offseason, showing off his elite athleticism at the Combine. He should eventually pencil in at left tackle.

28. Baltimore Ravens - Zack Baun, Edge, Wisconsin:

If Baltimore loses Matt Judon in free agency, an edge rusher will be their primary need heading into the draft. Zack Baun of Wisconsin best projects as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme, and would be an ideal fit with the Ravens.

29. Tennessee Titans - K'Lavon Chaisson, Edge, LSU

Depending on how free agency, the Titans may have needs at right tackle, corner, and running back. However, edge rusher would still be their primary position of need, and K'Lavon Chaisson of LSU would fill that gap as a pass rusher opposite of emerging talent Harold Landry.

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 - Grant Delpit, S, LSU:

With Jimmy Ward a potential free agent, the 49'ers could be in the market for a free safety in the event that they don't think Tarvarius Moore can fill that role moving forward. Grant Delpit of LSU has the range to be the key single high safety the 49'ers defense relies upon.

32. Kansas City Chiefs - Kristian Fulton, CB, 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. While Kristian Fulton has a drug suspension at LSU looming over him, Andy Reid has never shied away from gambling on character risks with talent.