Here is
my Draft Week 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 moxie, the Bengals are looking at a no-brainer 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 selection 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 priority.
5. Detroit Lions (Projected trade with Miami) – Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State:
After parting ways with star cornerback Darius Slay this offseason, Jeffrey Okudah of Ohio State would fill a huge hole in the Lions' secondary as the highest rated player on their board, whether they pick at #3 or #5.
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, pocket presence, and moxie.
Isaiah Simmons would be a tempting pick if he's still on the board, but Derrick Brown is too good of a player, too good of a person, too good of a leader, and would fill too big of a need on Carolina's defensive line.
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 is 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 - Isaiah Simmons, S/LB, Clemson:
Jacksonville is full blown rebuilding and cannot afford to pass on a top five talent like Isaiah Simmons of Clemson if he falls to them at #9. .
9. Jacksonville Jaguars - Isaiah Simmons, S/LB, Clemson:
Jacksonville is full blown rebuilding and cannot afford to pass on a top five talent like Isaiah Simmons of Clemson if he falls to them at #9. .
10. Denver Broncos (projected trade with the Cleveland Browns) - Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama:
Word is that Denver is aggressively looking to move up for a wide receiver. Jerry Jeudy is the most well rounded receiver in this draft class, and would give Drew Lock two amazing targets when paired opposite Courtland Sutton.
Word is that Denver is aggressively looking to move up for a wide receiver. Jerry Jeudy is the most well rounded receiver in this draft class, and would give Drew Lock two amazing targets when paired opposite Courtland Sutton.
11. New York Jets – Mekhi Becton, T, Louisville:
The Jets have improved their offensive line through free agency, but they still lack a dominating force that can protect Sam Darnold and set the tone in the their running game. Mekhi Becton of Louisville is not only a 350 monster who can dominate in the running game, but he also has the foot quickness to play left tackle.
12. Las Vegas Raiders – Cee Dee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma:
Finding a wide receiver to fill the role that the Raiders expected Antonio Brown to handle is a must, especially with multiple first round picks. Cee Dee Lamb of Oklahoma is the premier play-making wide receiver in this year's draft, especially when it comes to making defenders miss after the catch in the open field.
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 should be looking for when it comes to a disruptive defensive tackle.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Andrew Thomas, T, Georgia:
With Tampa Bay gambling on an aging quarterback in Tom Brady, an athletic tackle like Andrew Thomas of Georgia could help set the tone for their new offense, especially if they pair him with a bell-cow running back on day two.
15. Cleveland Browns – Ezra Cleveland, T, Boise State:
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. If the Brown's trade back like they are hoping, Ezra Cleveland of Boise State projects as a pure NFL tackle at the NFL level, and Cleveland seems to have an interest in him.
16. Atlanta Falcons - C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida:
After 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 corner in the NFL, and depending on how the draft plays out, Atlanta may even be aggressive and move up to get him.
17. Dallas Cowboys – K'Lavon Chaisson, Edge, LSU:
After losing Byron Jones, the Cowboys will be looking for help in their secondary. If Jeffrey Okudah and C.J. Henderson are off the board when they pick, Dallas will be looking for a consolation prize. K'Lavon Chaisson of LSU would give them a much needed pass rusher to pair opposite of Demarcus Lawrence.
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 for years to come.
19. Las Vegas Raiders (via Chicago) - Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma:
The Raiders have a huge need at linebacker, and Kenneth Murray of Oklahoma would almost be the anti-Vontaze Burfict when it comes to speed, instinct, and intelligence...Which would be a good thing.
20. Jacksonville Jaguars (via Los Angeles Rams) – Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama:
The Jaguars need a playmaker at wide receiver, and nobody in this draft has better speed or college production than Henry Ruggs III did at Alabama.
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) - Austin Jackson, T, USC:
With two picks in the 1st round, the Vikings need to address their offensive line yet again, and while cornerback and wide receiver are also needs, they need to get ahead of the run on tackles and select a raw talent like Austin Jackson of USC.
Let's face facts, the Patriots are rebuilding. They may not want to go out of their way to draft a quarterback, but if Jordan Love of Utah State falls to them as a scheme dependent signal caller that can plug into New England's system like Tom Brady did after a year or so, they are likely to pounce.
24. New Orleans Saints - Patrick Queen, LB, LSU:
The Saints have few needs, so they can truly take a best player available approach to the draft. Because their speed on defense can be upgraded, especially at linebacker, Patrick Queen of LSU would be an ideal fit.
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 is an underrated press cover corner from a great secondary at Utah who could step in after the team parted ways with Trae Waynes and Xavier Rhodes.
26. Miami Dolphins, via Houston - D'Andre Swift, RB, Georgia:
The Dolphins could use a bell-cow running back. D'Andre Swift of Georgia is the most complete running back in this draft, and would give Miami a security blanket in the event that they draft a quarterback at the top of round one.
27. Seattle Seahawks - Yetur Gross-Matos, DE, Penn State:
Seattle is looking to improve their defense. If they can't re-sign Jadaveon Clowney, who is still in play for the team towards the end of free agency, Yetur Gross-Matos of Penn State is a defensive end who projects as a plus pass rusher in the NFL.
28. Baltimore Ravens - Cesar Ruiz, C, Michigan:
If one of the top interior linebackers is not on the board when Baltimore picks, the Ravens should look to protect Lamar Jackson long term with help on the interior of their offensive line. Cesar Ruiz is a center who has the capability of playing guard if needed, which gives him added versatility as a rookie.
29. Tennessee Titans - A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson:
With Logan Ryan still a free agent and unlikely to return to Tennessee at this point, the Titans need to find a starting caliber outside corner in this year's draft if they want to contend. A.J. Terrell of Clemson has some speed limitations, but has the size to compliment their other options and play match-ups in the secondary.
30. Green Bay Packers - Isaiah Wilson, T, Georgia:
Green Bay needs to find a long term replacement for Brian Bulaga, as free agent signee Rick Wagner is a liability at right tackle who is likely to get Aaron Rodgers hurt at some point. Isaiah Wilson of Georgia may not be a day one plug and play with a veteran like Wagner on the roster, but he should secure the position long term, possibly by mid-season.
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 - Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU:
The Chiefs have a desperate need at cornerback While Kristian Fulton of LSU has some off the field issues, the NFL's new drug testing policy probably benefits him more than anybody else in this year's draft, especially since he's proven himself as a press coverage corner.
2nd Round
33. Cincinnati Bengals - Grant Delpit, S, LSU:
34. Indianapolis Colts - Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU:
35. Detroit Lions - A.J. Epenesa, DE, Iowa:
36. New York Giants - Terrell Lewis, Edge, Alabama:
37. Los Angeles Chargers - Lucas Niang, T, TCU:
38. Carolina Panthers - Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU:
39. Detroit Lions (projected trade with the Miami Dolphins) - Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU:
40. Houston Texans (via the Arizona Cardinals) - Noah Ighinoghene, CB, Auburn:
41. Cleveland Browns - Kyle Dugger, S, Lenoire-Rhyne:
42. Jacksonville Jaguars - Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama:
43. Chicago Bears (via Las Vegas Raiders) - Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama:
44. Indianapolis Colts - Jacob Eason, QB, Washington:
45. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, LSU:
46. Denver Broncos - Willie Gay, Jr., LB, Mississippi State:
47. Atlanta Falcons - Lloyd Cushenberry, C, LSU:
48. New York Jets - Josh Uche, Edge, Michigan:
49. Pittsburgh Steelers - Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado:
50. Chicago Bears - K.J. Hamler, WR, Penn State:
51. Dallas Cowboys - Jeremy Chinn,S/LB, Southern Illinois:
52. Los Angeles Rams - Chase Claypool, WR, Notre Dame:
53. Philadelphia Eagles - Bryce Hall, CB, Virginia:
54. Buffalo Bills - Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson:
55. Baltimore Ravens (from New England Patriots, via Atlanta Falcons) - Zack Baun, Edge, Wisconsin:
56. Miami Dolphins (via New Orleans Saints) - Julian Okwara, DE, Notre Dame:
57. Los Angeles Rams (via the Houston Texans) - Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin:
58. Minnesota Vikings - Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor:
59. Seattle Seahawks - Michael Pittman, Jr., WR, USC:
60. Baltimore Ravens - Robert Hunt, G, Louisiana Lafayette
61. Tennessee Titans - Darrell Taylor, Edge, Tennessee:
62. Green Bay Packers - Jonathan Edwards, WR, South Carolina:
63. Kansas City Chiefs (via San Francisco 49'ers) - J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ohio State:
64. Seattle Seahawks (via Kansas City Chiefs) - Prince Tega Wanogho, T, Auburn:
