By: Brandon Carr
The NFL Combine festivities have officially ended. Over 300 NFL prospects participated to showcase their physical traits and to improve their draft stock come draft day. I wanted to wait until after the combine to make my first mock draft. Here is my first official NFL Mock Draft for the 2020 draft….
Round 1 – Pick 1 Cincinnati Bengals
Pick: Joe Burrow (QB-LSU)
This pick has gotten to the point where it has become obvious that the Bengals are drafting their future signal caller. Joe Burrow is coming off of the greatest season ever by a college quarterback where he set multiple single season passing records along with a heisman trophy and a national championship victory. The Bengals have a lot of holes but with the likely departure of Andy Dalton, the Bengals will need a quarterback and they will get one of the best quarterbacks in this draft who will start day 1.
Round 1 – Pick 2 Washington Redskins
Pick: Chase Young (DE-Ohio State)
The Redskins have been rumored with them taking a quarterback with this pick or they trade the pick to a team in need of a quarterback. However I believe none of that is true. The Redskins will draft the best player in this draft in Chase Young. Young is one of the most dominant pass rushers that the NFL draft has seen in a long time. His athletic ability and his ability to cause havoc to opposing quarterbacks will be hard to pass up. Ron Rivera will get his guy and Young will be a player who can help turn around the Redskins defense.
Round 1 – Pick 3 Miami Dolphins (Trade w/ Detroit Lions)
Pick: Tua Tagovailoa (QB-Alabama)
The Miami Dolphins in my projection will look to move up in this draft to take their quarterback for the future. There are a lot of hungry teams who are in need of a quarterback and the Dolphins have the most draft capital to give up to move up in this draft. Tua Tagovailoa’s hip injury is a huge concern, however his MRI on the hip came back clean which is a good sign. Tua is one of the best quarterbacks to come out of Alabama. Miami can draft Tua knowing that they can sit him to learn under Ryan Fitzpatrick and if the hip is a concern that gives him as much time as possible.
Round 1 – Pick 4 New York Giants
Pick: Jedrick Wills (OT-Alabama)
The Giants at this spot could go in multiple directions as they have a lot of needs. However their biggest need is at the offensive line. Jedrick Wills in my opinion is the best offensive lineman in this draft. Wills played a lot of right tackle for the Crimson Tide due to Tua being a left handed passer. Which made Wills his blindside protector. Wills has the talent at the position to move over to the left side to protect Daniel Jones. Giants quarterbacks last season were sacked 43 times. This is a pressing need for the Giants and Wills will help to protect Daniel Jones for years to come.
Round 1 – Pick 5 Detroit Lions (Trade w/ Miami Dolphins)
Pick: Isaiah Simmons (LB-Clemson)
The Lions still get the player they would have taken with their original pick. Isaiah Simmons at the combine proved that he is the best athlete in this draft. His physical traits are off the charts. Simmons at the combine ran a 4.39 40 along with a 39” vertical, and a 11” broad jump all with being 238 pounds. Simmons played 5 different positions for the Clemson Tigers and the Lions would be getting a guy who can play all over their defense.
Round 1 – Pick 6 Los Angeles Chargers
Pick: Justin Herbert (QB-Oregon)
The Chargers fail to move up to take Tua Tagovailoa over the Dolphins in this projection. They instead take Justin Herbert who has improved his draft stock from the Senior Bowl to his combine workouts. Herbert would have a strong chance to open up the season as their starter if he can beat out Tyrod Taylor. Herbert would go to a situation where he has a lot of good offensive weapons and are moving to a brand new stadium.
Round 1 – Pick 7 Carolina Panthers
Pick: Derrick Brown (DT-Auburn)
The Panthers could be in the market for a quarterback with this pick however the Panthers take the best available player on the board here. Derrick Brown was a monster for Auburn this past season who is an elite run stuffer and has pass rush upside. With the Panthers most likely losing Gerald McCoy in free agency, Brown would take over his spot. Brown’s combine wasn’t anything to be blown away by but Brown is the best defensive tackle in this class and would fill a need for the Panthers.
Round 1 – Pick 8 Arizona Cardinals
Pick: Tristian Wirfs (OT-Iowa)
The Cardinals are in desperate need of offensive line help. Enter Tristian Wirfs. Wirfs had the most impressive combine out of any offensive lineman in this draft class. Wirfs had the best 40 yard dash (4.85), the best vertical jump (36.5), and the best broad jump (121.0”) out of any offensive lineman in this draft class. Wirfs athleticism can’t go unnoticed and he has the ability to play tackle and guard. Wirfs would be a huge boost to this Cardinals offensive line that allowed Kyler Murray to be sacked 48 times.
Round 1- Pick 9 Jacksonville Jaguars
Pick: Jeffery Okudah (CB-Ohio State)
The Jaguars are fortunate enough to land Jeffrey Okudah. The Jaguars traded Jalen Ramsey to the Rams last season and look to replace him with a guy like Okudah. Okudah was a shutdown corner for the Buckeyes last season and will look to fill that hole for the Jaguars. Okudah is the best cornerback in this draft class and has all of the measurables to translate to the NFL.
Round 1 – Pick 10 Cleveland Browns
Pick: Mekhi Becton (OT-Louisville)
The Browns are the next team to take an offensive lineman in this projection. They take Mehki Becton who is listed at 6”7 and 364 pounds. Becton at the combine while being this size ran a 5.10 40 time. Becton is a freak for a guy his size and moves like he is way lighter than what he really is. Baker Mayfield was sacked 40 times last season and Becton will look to help protect Mayfield for years to come.
Round 1 – Pick 11 New York Jets
Pick: Andrew Thomas (OT-Georgia)
The Offensive tackle fire sale continues with the New York Jets. The Jets grab Andrew Thomas in this projection. Thomas checked off a lot of boxes at the combine this year. He may have not had anything that blew everyone away at the combine but he dominated when he was at college and will fill an immediate hole for a Jets team who has struggled protecting Sam Darnold’s blind side.
Round 1 – Pick 12 Oakland Raiders
Pick: Jerry Jeudy (WR-Alabama)
The Oakland Raiders are in need of a wide receiver and they have the luxury of choosing between the two best receivers in this year’s draft with Jerry Jeudy and CeeDee Lamb. In my projection the Raiders go with Jeudy. Jeudy is the best route runner in this draft and he had an impressive combine performance to solidify his standings. Jeudy can play in the slot and outside. Jeudy would fit right in with the Raiders who don’t have a number one receiver on their roster currently.
Round 1 – Pick 13 Indianapolis Colts
Pick: Jordan Love (QB-Utah State)
The Colts at this point know that they need a franchise quarterback. Jordan Love had an up and down career at his time at Utah State however his talent is off the charts. He would go to a situation where he can sit and develop behind Jacoby Brissett or another quarterback if the Colts sign one in free agency. Love has the arm talent but his mechanics and feetwork needs work and going to a team like the Colts gives him a chance to develop under Frank Reich.
Round 1 – Pick 14 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Pick: CJ Henderson (CB-Florida)
The Buccaneers could use help on their offensive line, however since 4 have been drafted already the Buccaneers in my projection decide to get some help on the back end of their defense. CJ Henderson is one of the better corners in this draft and at his time spent at Florida he is a man to man corner. Along with his 4.39 40 at the combine, Henderson is also 6’1 which makes him long. He would be a fit in a Todd Bowles defense that tends to play more man to man coverage. The Buccaneers get their number one corner who fits with the scheme and has the ability to cover the number 1 receiver on an opposing team.
Round 1 – Pick 15 Denver Broncos
Pick: CeeDee Lamb (WR-Oklahoma)
The Denver Broncos begin to surround Drew Lock with more offensive weapons. CeeDee Lamb who many consider to be the best receiver in this draft falls to them the middle of the first round. Lamb is a physical receiver who wins a lot of jumps balls and is also the best run after the catch receiver in this draft. Lamb would lineup opposite of Courtland Sutton in this Broncos offense and he would provide another great pass catching weapon for Drew Lock to thrive in this Broncos offense.
Round 1 – Pick 16 Atlanta Falcons
Pick: Javon Kinlaw (DT-South Carolina)
The Falcons get some help on their defensive line. Javon Kinlaw who many project to be a top 10 pick in the draft falls all the way down to 16 in my projection due to other needs and him missing the combine due to tendinitis. Kinlaw is the best interior pass rushing defensive tackle in the draft and he can play alongside Grady Jarrett to give the Falcons a great duo in the interior of their defense.
Round 1 – Pick 17 Dallas Cowboys
Pick: Xavier McKinney (S-Alabama)
The Cowboys are in desperate need of a playmaker in their secondary. Xavier McKinney is regarded as the best safety in this draft. McKinney’s versaitility to play multiple positions in the secondary will provide that boost that the Cowboys secondary needs.
Round 1 – Pick 18 Miami Dolphins
Pick: K’Lavon Chaisson (LB-LSU)
The Dolphins land a pass rusher with this selection with K’Lavon Chaisson still being on the board. Chaisson is more of a speed rusher and he will provide the Dolphins with some help rushing the passer. The Dolphins were last in the NFL in terms of total team sacks. Chaisson is a player who not only was asked to rush the passer but he also played in coverage when asked which makes him versatille.
Round 1 – Pick 19 Oakland Raiders
Pick: Kenneth Murray (LB-Oklahoma)
The Raiders get some help on their defense with Kenneth Murray. Murray was far and away the best player on a lackluster Oklahoma Sooners’ defense last season however he has some real talent. He has a great ability to stop the run and he is athletic enough to cover if need be. Murray would be a boost to a Raiders defense that needs more talent.
Round 1 – Pick 20 Jacksonville Jaguars
Pick: Josh Jones (OT-Houston)
The Jaguars now look to help boost their offensive line with this pick. Josh Jones would be the 5th tackle to be selected in the first round of this draft. Jones had a very impressive Senior Bowl and a solid combine to show that he has the ability to translate to the next level. He would play on the opposite side of Jawaan Taylor for the Jaguars who need some help on their line.
Round 1 – Pick 21 Philadelphia Eagles
Pick: Henry Ruggs III (WR-Alabama)
The Eagles could go in a lot of different directions however they have the opportunity to grab the fastest receiver in the draft with Henry Ruggs. Ruggs is an explosive player who the Eagles desperately need in their receiving corps. Without DeSean Jackson the Eagles offense lacked a down the field threat. Ruggs can provide that for the Eagles to give Carson Wentz another weapon in their offense.
Round 1 – Pick 22 Buffalo Bills
Pick: Tee Higgins (WR-Clemson)
The Buffalo Bills add another weapon for Josh Allen in my projection. Tee Higgins would be an immediate red zone threat for the Bills. Higgins is 6”4 who has the physicality and the size to win a lot of jump balls for the Bills. Higgins is a perfect receiver for what the Bills are looking for since they don’t have a lot of size at that position.
Round 1 – Pick 23 New England Patriots
Pick: Patrick Queen (LB-LSU)
The Patriots have a lot of concerns however Bill Belichick I believe goes with a guy to add to their defense. Patrick Queen was the defensive MVP of the national championship game and he is an athletic linebacker who has the ability to play every down. With the likes of Kyle Van Noy and Jamie Collins potentially leaving in free agency, Queen would fit right into Bill Belichick’s defense.
Round 1 – Pick 24 New Orleans Saints
Pick: Justin Jefferson (WR-LSU)
The Saints go and get Michael Thomas a running mate with Justin Jefferson. Jefferson is a very good slot receiver who has great run after the catch ability and he had an impressive combine showing that made him stand out. Jefferson would be an immediate upgrade over any of the receivers the Saints have except Michael Thomas and will be a solid option for Drew Brees in the Saints passing attack.
Round 1 – Pick 25 Minnesota Vikings
Pick: Trevon Diggs (CB-Alabama)
The Vikings have some holes on their team however in my projection they get some help in the secondary. Trevon Diggs is a rangy corner who would help the Vikings secondary who most likely will part ways with Xavier Rhodes this offseason. Diggs was Alabama’s top corner this past season and for the most part was able to shut down opposing wide receivers. Diggs would join his brother Stefon with the Vikings which would be a cool moment.
Round 1 – Pick 26 Detroit Lions (Trade W/ Miami Dolphins)
Pick: Kristian Fulton (CB-LSU)
The Lions get one of the Dolphins first round picks in my projection and with this pick they get some help on the backend of their defense. Kristian Fulton comes from a program where defensive backs tend to develop nicely. Fulton has been solid in coverage for the Tigers over the past couple of seasons and fills a need for a Detroit Lions team who need back end help on their defense.
Round 1 – Pick 27 Seattle Seahawks
Pick: Yetur Gross-Matos (DE-Penn State)
The Seahawks have a need on the defensive line with the likely departure of Jadeveon Clowney. Yetur Gross Matos enters the equation for the Seahawks. Gross-Matos has the make up to translate to the NFL with his physical traits and was productive with 9.5 sacks last season for the Nittany Lions. He does need some more time to develop his skills but he can become a key contributor to the Seahawks defensive line if he can hone those skills.
Round 1 – Pick 28 Baltimore Ravens
Pick: A.J. Epenesa (DE-Iowa)
The Ravens with this pick look to enhance their defense. A.J. Epenesa who many considered at one point to be a top 15 pick falls all the way to 28th. Epenesa didn’t have an amazing performance at the NFL Combine which hurt his draft stock however he is a player who by his production and film can be a contributor to a defense the first week of the NFL season. The Ravens might be losing Matthew Judon in free agency so Epenesa will fill an upcoming need for the Ravens.
Round 1 – Pick 29 Tennessee Titans
Pick: Noah Igbinoghene (CB-Auburn)
The Titans in my projection get some more help on their defense. They go with Noah Igbinoghene who may lack the size, however he is physical from the line of scrimmage, is solid in coverage, and can stop the run very well. He would be a solid fit for the Titans defense who could be without Logan Ryan since he will be a free agent this off-season. Igbinoghene played in the SEC which also should be enough to make him worthy of a first round selection.
Round 1 – Pick 30 Green Bay Packers
Pick: Jalen Reagor (WR-TCU)
The Packers could decide to go on the defensive side of the ball however they decide to give Davante Adams a running mate with this pick. Jalen Reagor isn’t the biggest receiver however he is a great run after the catch receiver who is explosive with the ball in his hands. The Packers could use some more talent at that position and Reagor can provide Aaron Rodgers with another weapon in this offense.
Round 1- Pick 31 San Francisco 49ers
Pick: Grant Delpit (S-LSU)
The 49ers with this pick look to add another piece to their already dominant defense. Delpit this past season didn’t have as great of a season as he did in the 2018 season but he is a player who is versatile and can play all over the defense. He has the tangibles to be a solid safety in the NFL. He however had a lot of missed tackles which he needs to work on but he would be a guy who can carve out a role in this 49ers secondary.
Round 1 – Pick 32 Kansas City Chiefs
Pick: Marlon Davidson (DE-Auburn)
The defending Super Bowl champions decide to get some help on their defense with this selection. Marlon Davidson was a four year starter for the Tigers in his college career and is exceptional against the run and has been improving as a pass rusher. The Chiefs could use a guy to play alongside Frank Clark on their defense and Davidson would be a solid fit in this 4-3 defense for the Chiefs.
Brandon's Breakdowns 