2020 NFL mock draft 7.0
Joe Burrow, Chase Young, Tua Tagovailoa and other prospects are expected to be top picks in the 2020 NFL Draft, which will be held virtually beginning this Thursday. But which teams will pick them?
With the draft just a day away, here’s our final mock draft of the full first round.
Previous picks denote selections made in mock drafts 1.0 (Dec. 31), 2.0 (Feb. 3), 3.0 (Feb. 19), 4.0 (March 20), 5.0 (April 6) and 6.0 (April 20).
1. Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
Could Burrow — an Ohio native — be the one to help the Bengals get back to their winning ways? He has the size (6-4, 221 pounds), arm strength, accuracy, awareness and toughness to be a potential long-term starter. Previous picks: Burrow (1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0)
2. Washington Redskins: Chase Young, Edge rusher, Ohio State
Young has a very strong case as the best player in this entire class and a potential once-every-five-years type of prospect thanks to his rare mix of size (6-5, 264 pounds), athleticism, speed and explosiveness. On top of that, he has experience as both a 4-3 end and 3-4 outside linebacker, making him a fit for virtually any NFL defensive scheme. Previous picks: Young (1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0)
3. Detroit Lions: Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State
The Lions allowed an NFL-worst 285.2 passing yards per game in 2019. They signed former Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant but still need another after trading Darius Slay to the Eagles. Okudah has the size (6-1, 205 pounds), technique, athleticism and instincts to be a potential No. 1 cornerback. Previous picks: Okudah (1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0)
4. Giants: Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
The Giants rebuilt their linebacking corps and added James Bradberry to be their No. 1 cornerback. That leaves offensive tackle as their biggest remaining need, even after Cam Fleming signed a one-year deal. The 6-4, 312-pound Wills, who played right tackle for Alabama, is an excellent pass-blocker with the bend and balance to take on bull-rushers. Previous picks: Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia (1.0, 2.0); Wills (3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0)
5. Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
The Dolphins addressing key areas of need in free agency, leaving quarterback as the biggest remaining hole. Tagovailoa was well on his way to being the No. 1 pick before a dislocated hip ended his season. He has an excellent arm, pocket poise and mobility, but his injury history is cause for concern — before the hip, he had procedures to repair high ankle sprains in both legs. Previous picks: Tagovailoa (1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0)
6. Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
After missing out on Tom Brady in free agency, the Chargers could decide to roll with Tyrod Taylor for 2020 and get their long-term answer in the draft. Herbert has prototypical size at 6-6, 236 pounds, as well as great arm strength and touch on his throws. But, he worked in a quick-hitting offense at Oregon, which can lead to some messy footwork, one-read throws and struggles against the rush. Previous picks: Herbert (1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0)
7. Carolina Panthers: Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
This pick could come down to either of the top remaining defensive players. Neither one would be a wrong choice, but in this case, the Panthers shore up a run defense that ranked 21st in the league and let Vernon Butler, Gerald McCoy and Kyle Love walk in free agency. The 6-5, 326-pound Brown has an excellent combination of power and athleticism against both the run and pass, and he can line up anywhere along the defensive line. Previous picks: Brown (1.0, 2.0, 3.0); Simmons (4.0, 5.0, 6.0)
8. Arizona Cardinals: Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson
The Cardinals’ defense allowed the most yards per game last year (402). Arizona loves defenders who can play multiple positions — their recent draft history includes Tyrann Mathieu, Deone Bucannon, Haason Reddick and Budda Baker, to name a few — and Simmons is the most versatile player in this class. At 6-4, 238 pounds, he has the athleticism and sideline-to-sideline range to cover tight ends as well as the instincts and tackling ability to stop the run. Previous picks: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama (1.0); Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama (2.0); Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa (3.0, 4.0, 6.0); Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina (5.0)
9. Jacksonville Jaguars: C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida
The Jaguars’ main needs are defensive line and cornerback, and they’re in great position to pick from a solid group at either position. Henderson reportedly has caught the eye of several teams as the second-best corner in this class, with some ranking him alongside Jeff Okudah at the top. The 6-footer has the length teams look for in an outside cornerback, as well as the athleticism, fluidity and ball skills to match. He also fits the trend of the Jaguars drafting Florida prospects— they’ve taken a Gator in each of the last two drafts and also picked Dante Fowler Jr. in 2015. Previous picks: Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU (1.0); Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson (2.0, 3.0); Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn (4.0, 5.0)
10. Cleveland Browns: Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
Even after signing ex-Titans right tackle Jack Conklin, the Browns need help on the left side of the line. Thomas has excellent technique in pass protection and long arms to keep opposing pass rushers at bay. Previous picks: Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa (1.0, 2.0); Thomas (3.0, 4.0, 5.0); Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville (6.0)
11. Jets: Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
Wide receiver may be a more pressing need for GM Joe Douglas, but the cost of taking a receiver here is higher than that of taking a tackle — in essence, there will more likely be higher-graded receivers in the second round than offensive tackles. Wirfs played right tackle almost exclusively in three seasons at Iowa, but he does have a little experience on the left side and could be a fit inside at guard as well. He’s a powerful run-blocker who is able to maintain balance in passing sets. Previous picks: Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama (1.0); Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville (2.0, 3.0, 4.0); Wirfs (5.0); Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia (6.0)
12. Las Vegas Raiders: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
The Raiders still have yet to find a true No. 1 receiver. Jeudy may be the most complete wideout in this loaded receiver class. The 6-1, 193-pounder is sure-handed and has excellent route-running ability, explosiveness, shiftiness and speed after the catch. He can turn a routine 5-yard slant into a long touchdown. Previous picks: Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson (1.0); Jeudy (2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0)
13. San Francisco 49ers (via Colts): CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
The 49ers received this pick when they traded DeForest Buckner to Indianapolis. They're now in position to give Jimmy Garoppolo another big-time target alongside Deebo Samuel and George Kittle. Lamb's 6-2 frame and excellent body control help him make tough, contested catches. He also has enough quickness to create separation off the snap. Previous picks: Lamb (4.0, 5.0, 6.0)
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
In 18 seasons as the Patriots’ starting quarterback (not counting an injury-shortened 2008), Tom Brady was sacked 40 or more times just twice (2001, 2013). That speaks volumes to New England’s ability to protect their quarterback, which the Buccaneers will have to replicate to make the Brady signing worth it long-term. At 6-7, 364 pounds, Becton is a very large individual. He moves very well for a player of his size and has a high ceiling, but he is a bit more raw at this stage than the other top tackles in this class. Previous picks: Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina (1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0); Becton (5.0); Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn (6.0)
15. Denver Broncos: Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
Courtland Sutton and Noah Fant are promising young targets for Drew Lock, but the Broncos could use another receiver. Ruggs had everyone talking at the Combine when he ran a 4.27 40-yard dash. He has more than enough speed to stretch opposing defenses and the leaping ability and hands to come down with 50-50 balls. Previous picks: Ruggs (1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0)
16. Atlanta Falcons: Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina
The Falcons don’t have a No. 1 cornerback, but they also could use another interior penetrator alongside Grady Jarrett. Kinlaw moves very well for a 6-5, 324-pound lineman, and he uses his quickness and a very explosive first step to create chaos up the middle. Previous picks: A.J. Epenesa, Edge rusher, Iowa (1.0); K’Lavon Chaisson, Edge rusher, LSU (2.0, 3.0); C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida (4.0, 5.0); Kinlaw (6.0)
17. Dallas Cowboys: Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama
Byron Jones and Jeff Heath are gone, leaving the Cowboys with holes at cornerback and safety. McKinney can play either spot. His listed position is safety, but he has the versatility and athleticism to play deep zone, up in the box or at cornerback. Previous picks: Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama (1.0); C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida (2.0, 3.0); McKinney (4.0); K’Lavon Chaisson, Edge rusher, LSU (5.0, 6.0)
18. Dolphins (via Steelers): Josh Jones, OT, Houston
No matter who starts under center for the Dolphins, they’ll need to keep him upright. Jones has the size, length and athleticism to protect his quarterback’s blind side. Previous picks: D’Andre Swift, RB, Georgia (1.0); A.J. Epenesa, Edge rusher, Iowa (2.0, 3.0); Grant Delpit, S, LSU (4.0); Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama (5.0, 6.0)
19. Raiders (via Chicago Bears): A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson
The Raiders still need more help in the secondary alongside second-year pro Trayvon Mullen after their deal with Eli Apple fell through. In this case, they get Mullen’s former teammate from Clemson. Terrell is very good in man coverage, with the size and athleticism to stick with his receiver. Previous picks: Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson (1.0); Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma (2.0, 3.0); Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU (4.0, 5.0)
20. Jaguars (via Rams): K’Lavon Chaisson, Edge rusher, LSU
Disgruntled pass-rusher Yannick Ngakoue wants out of Jacksonville. Chaisson suffered a torn ACL in 2018, but he came back with the same burst and athleticism in 2019 that made him Freshman All-SEC in 2017. He also is experienced at 4-3 weak-side end and 3-4 outside linebacker. Previous picks: Tyler Biadasz, OG/C, Wisconsin (1.0); Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU (2.0, 3.0); Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama (4.0, 5.0); A.J. Epenesa, Edge rusher, Iowa (6.0)
21. Philadelphia Eagles: Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
A slew of late-season injuries highlighted the Eagles’ lack of depth at receiver. Jefferson is a big-play receiver who became one of Joe Burrow’s top targets this season. He has great size (6-1, 202) and route-running ability, which helps him create separation, and he ran a surprisingly quick 4.43-second 40 at the Combine. He also has experience lining up both out wide and in the slot. Previous picks: Grant Delpit, S, LSU (1.0); Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson (2.0, 3.0); Jefferson (4.0, 5.0, 6.0)
22. Minnesota Vikings (via Bills): Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor
The Vikings got this pick in the deal that sent Stefon Diggs to the Bills. It might make sense to get Diggs’ successor with it. Mims has risen up draft boards and has firmly placed himself in the second tier of receivers in this class. The 6-3, 207-pounder showed physicality, contested-catch skills and separation ability at the Senior Bowl, and he tested extremely well at the Combine. He tied for second-fastest among receivers with a 4.38 40, led the position with a 6.66-second three-cone and he had a 38 1/2-inch vertical. Previous picks: Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson (4.0); Mims (5.0, 6.0)
23. New England Patriots: A.J. Epenesa, Edge rusher, Iowa
And so begins the Patriots’ post-Tom Brady era. Do they think second-year QB Jarrett Stidham is the answer, or is their future starting quarterback in this draft class? In this case, they pass on the chance to take a quarterback early and add Epenesa, who checks off every box Bill Belichick looks for in a defensive lineman. He isn’t as fast, bendy or explosive as Chase Young or K’Lavon Chaisson, but he’s a balanced end with size (6-5, 275 pounds), length, strength and power. Previous picks: Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama (1.0, 2.0, 3.0); Jordan Love, QB, Utah State (4.0, 5.0, 6.0)
24. New Orleans Saints: Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State
Even Michael Thomas could use a running mate. Aiyuk has a well-rounded skillset: good hands, crisp route-running ability, length to make tough 50-50 grabs and shiftiness to get yards after the catch. Previous picks: Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU (1.0, 2.0, 3.0); Laviska Shenault Jr., WR, Colorado (4.0, 5.0, 6.0)
25. Minnesota Vikings: Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
Free agency has left the Vikings very thin at cornerback behind last year’s first-rounder, Mike Hughes. Fulton excels in man coverage, and at 6-foot, 197 pounds, he has the size to play press when needed. He also has experience in the slot and as a nickel safety. Previous picks: C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida (1.0); Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama (2.0, 3.0); A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson (4.0, 5.0); Fulton (6.0)
26. Dolphins (via Texans): D’Andre Swift, RB, Georgia
The Dolphins signed Jordan Howard in free agency, but they could use another back to help share the burden and ease the load on their new young quarterback. Swift is an elusive, versatile runner whose sharp cuts and excellent vision help him make defenders miss in the open field. Previous picks: Yetur Gross-Matos, Edge rusher, Penn State (1.0); Swift (2.0, 3.0); Josh Jones, OT, Houston (4.0, 5.0, 6.0)
27. Seattle Seahawks: Yetur Gross-Matos, Edge rusher, Penn State
Jadeveon Clowney remains a free agent, and it doesn’t seem likely the Seahawks are bringing him back. Gross-Matos (6-5, 266) is athletic, and his length helps him set the edge on run plays. He has a quick first step. Previous picks: K’Lavon Chaisson (1.0, 4.0); Gross-Matos (2.0, 3.0); A.J. Epenesa, Edge rusher, Iowa (5.0); Zack Baun, Edge rusher, Wisconsin (6.0)
28. Baltimore Ravens: Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
The Ravens addressed their defensive line by franchise-tagging Matt Judon and trading for Calais Campbell. Now they need someone to play behind them in the middle of the defense. Murray has great athleticism, range and coverage skills and is a good open-field tackler. He can match up against opposing tight ends and get downhill against the run. Previous picks: Curtis Weaver, Edge rusher, Boise State (1.0, 2.0, 3.0); Murray (4.0, 5.0, 6.0)
29. Tennessee Titans: Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah
There’s not much depth at cornerback behind Malcolm Butler — who’s scheduled to be a free agent after the 2020 season — and former first-rounder Adoree’ Jackson. Johnson is a physical, aggressive corner with great length and athleticism. Previous picks: Julian Okwara, Edge rusher, Notre Dame (1.0); Zack Baun, Edge rusher, Wisconsin (2.0, 3.0, 5.0); A.J. Epenesa, Edge rusher, Iowa (4.0); Johnson (6.0)
30. Green Bay Packers: Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
The Packers signed Christian Kirksey to replace the departed Blake Martinez, but defensive coordinator Mike Pettine always could use athleticism in his linebacker corps. Queen started just one season at LSU, but he has excellent sideline-to-sideline range, instincts and tackling ability, making him useful in coverage. Previous picks: Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU (1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0); Queen (6.0)
31. San Francisco 49ers: Austin Jackson, OT, USC
The 49ers may use this pick to trade back and stock up on some Day 2 selections — as it stands, their two first-rounders are their only picks in the draft’s first 139 selections. If they stand pat, they could opt to take an eventual replacement for Joe Staley, who turns 36 in August. Jackson, 20, has excellent size and athleticism for the left tackle position, but he’ll likely need a year before he’d be ready to inherit a starting job. Previous picks: Grant Delpit, S, LSU (2.0, 3.0); Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU (4.0, 5.0, 6.0)
32. Kansas City Chiefs: Cesar Ruiz, C/G, Michigan
The first 3 1/2 quarters of the Super Bowl highlighted the Chiefs' need for reinforcements along the interior line. Ruiz is an athletic, well-rounded blocker who can slot in at center or guard. Previous picks: Tyler Biadasz, OG/C, Wisconsin (2.0); Ruiz (3.0, 4.0, 6.0); Patrick Queen, LB, LSU (5.0)