2020 Mock Draft 1.0

With the 2019 regular season officially ending, all teams (minus the playoff teams) are focusing entirely on the road ahead. This is where the NFL Draft comes into play, as this gives teams the opportunity to select young stars in their respective positions from schools where they showed their talents. With most of the draft placements all but settled and each team’s major needs noted, it is now time for the NFL draft to open. The Cincinnati Bengals are now on the clock.

#1 – Cincinnati Bengals – Joe Burrow – Qb – lsu

The 2019 Heisman winner is undoubtedly the best QB available in the draft. The Bengals are a team that needs a younger leader for the offense, and Joe Burrow is the perfect project for former QB coach / now Bengal head coach Zac Taylor to build on.

#2 – Washington Redskins – Chase Young – EDGe – ohio state

Now it is time for likely THE BEST prospect in the 2020 Draft to be selected. With Kerrigan on his final year of his contract, this leaves a wide open spot for Young to come in and make an immediate impact. Him and Montez Sweat will help solidify the Redskins pass rush and help the defense dominate for years to come.

#3 – Detroit Lions – Isaiah Simmons – MLB/SS – CLEMSON

The Detroit Lions have lacked stability in the coverage linebacker spot and have been denied of a defensive field general for many seasons. Simmons not only demonstrates the speed and awareness to elevate the front seven, but he is also versatile, and can play as a safety at times, which the Lions would gladly accept, having lost Quandre Diggs during the season.

#4 – New York Giants – Andrew Thomas – Ot – georgia

With the struggling play of Nate Solder and uncertainty towards the starting RT in 2020, Thomas seems like the clear fire pick to aid the Giants OL and give Daniel Jones more time to make plays and also pave the way for Saquon.

#5 – Miami Dolphins – Tua Tagovailoa – Qb – alabama

This kid is special. Even before he got hurt, he still had 33 touchdowns to go along with 3 lone interceptions. There is a reason he was regarded as the #1 prospect in the nation. The injury does not mean the Dolphins would go wrong either. Even as he is healing, they can still do their due-diligence and play Rosen, a guy they invested a 2nd round pick for. This helps both QBs on first glance. If they want to discover Rosen’s worth and get one of the most highly regarded players in the draft, Tua should be the pick.

#6 – Los Angeles Chargers – justin herbert – QB – Oregon

Rivers is likely gone from the Chargers. L.A. would start out fresh at QB. Herbert has been regarded as a very safe prospect out of Oregon. After putting up 3,333 yards with 32 touchdowns and 5 interceptions, he could be the Chargers long term option at QB.

#7 – Carolina Panthers – derrick brown – dl – auburn

While many are looking at Cam Newton’s job status as the problem, another problem has emerged in Carolina. The combination of Kawann Short, Gerald McCoy, and Dontari Poe was thought of to be a three-headed monster, but sadly, they played poorly in 2019, and all three will be in their 30s in the wake of the 2020 season. Not only that, but they absorb tons of cap space altogether, which may lead to release, and most certainly a lack of depth. The Panthers should likely go for the young run-stopper, who is arguably the best interior lineman in the draft.

#8 – Arizona Cardinals – Jerry jeudy – wr – alabama

With Larry Fitzgerald nearing retirement, it would be pretty intelligent of the Cardinals to go for the best WR in the draft. He can help elevate Kyler Murray’s performance and build on that air-raid offense along with guys like Christian Kirk, Hakeem Butler, and Andy Isabella.

#9 – Jacksonville Jaguars – Jeff Okudah – Cb – ohio state

The Jaguars are hoping to start the new decade by preventing themselves from drafting in the Top 10 anymore. A.J. Bouye and Tre Herndon have not been entirely fruitful in coverage this season. Getting Okudah should hopefully bring in another CB like Jalen Ramsey to help spark the secondary.

#10 – Cleveland Browns – tristan wirfs – ot – iowa

It is very difficult to decipher a significant need by the Cleveland Browns. Their main struggles was coaching… hence why Freddie Kitchens was fired. Their other struggles was on offense with the inconsistency at the tackle position, having to move between Greg Robinson and Kendall Lamm numerous times throughout the season. With Tristan Wirfs, the Browns would find stability at the tackle spot and hopefully someone to help Baker Mayfield “feel dangerous” again.

#11 – New York Jets – Jedrick wills jr. – OT – alabama

The offensive line has not done a good job protecting Darnold in 2019. Not only that, but they lost Kelechi Osemele, and will likely be parting ways with Ryan Kalil and Kelvin Beachum. With Chuma Edoga likely covering for the RT spot, the Jets should go for the young blocker from Alabama to help solidify the offensive line.

#12 – las vegas Raiders – CeeDee lamb – wr – oklahoma

No one expected the Antonio Brown trade to end like it did. Since then, the Raiders have been unable to solidify their receiving core, moving through players like J.J. Nelson, Trevor Davis, Ryan Grant, and soon trading for Zay Jones, who has not done a lot for the Raiders post-trade, only putting up 147 yards receiving and 0 TDs. Besides Renfrow and Williams, there has not been a lot of action with other receivers, and with the struggles the Raiders had in 2019, there is no reason not to bring the highly praised CeeDee Lamb into Sin City to play on the outside.

#13 – Indianapolis Colts – Jacob Eason – QB – Washington

Jacoby Brissett has been signed to a 2-year deal worth $30 million. With the way he has been playing in the second half of the season, however, there is still uncertainty on whether or not he is a starting QB in this league. The Colts may take Eason with his 23 TD to 8 INT ratio and let him groom behind Brissett for a while before putting him in the starting role.

#14 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – a.j. epenesa – de – iowa

Besides Chase Young, Epenesa is the best pure pass rusher in the draft. He is the perfect defensive end to plug into the d-line over William Gholston. His double digit sack numbers and 4 forced fumbles in 2018 and 2019 are good stats to show for when you account for Epenesa’s skill set.

#15 – Denver Broncos – Henry Ruggs III – WR – Alabama

Getting rid of Emmanuel Sanders has both helped and damaged the Broncos. Yes, sadly, this weakened the WR room, however, it DID help Courtland Sutton’s production. Why not freshen up and build off of that? Adding in Henry Ruggs gives Drew Lock another guy to throw to, and this could truly elevate the Broncos to return back to playoff contention.

#16 – Dallas Cowboys – Grant Delpit – S – LSU

The Cowboys have been looking to solidify the safety position for a couple years now. With Jeff Heath seemingly on the decline and the safety room being thin itself, getting this LSU defender should be a no-brainer for Dallas.

#17 – Atlanta Falcons – Yetur Gross-Matos – EDGE – PSU

Even with guys like Takk McKinley, Vic Beasley, Allen Bailey, and Adrian Clayborn, the Falcons have been unable to apply a lot of pressure onto opposing offenses, finishing the season with 28 sacks total, tied for 4th worst in the NFL. The Falcons should build off of Yetur Gross-Matos, who put up 9.5 sacks in his 2019 season with Penn State.

#18 – Miami Dolphins (Pittsburgh Steelers) – D’Andre Swift – RB – Georgia

After losing their star RB Kenyan Drake, it is very clear that the Dolphins will be looking for another one. Patrick Laird is somewhat decent, but not a premiere back. Kalen Ballage had an awful 2019 season, averaging 1.8 yards per carry. Here comes Swift, who could be looking to make an impact similar to what former Alabama runner Josh Jacobs has done with the Raiders, with his 2018 and 2019 1,000+ yard seasons to show for.

#19 – Las Vegas Raiders (Chicago Bears) – Kristian fulton – cb – lsu

With Daryl Worley and Nevin Lawson becoming unrestricted free agents and also accounting to the poor play of the Raiders defense in 2019, Las Vegas could be looking to bring in the highly regarded Kristian Fulton to play opposite of Trayvon Mullen.

#20 – Jacksonville Jaguars (Los Angeles Rams) – Laviska Shenault Jr. – WR – Colorado

Marqise Lee could very likely get released from his 4-year deal, having not done a lot for the Jags offense in 2018 and 2019, along with Keelan Cole, who is at the end of his undrafted-rookie deal. If the Jaguars want to elevate Gardner Minshew’s play upon his 21 TD to 6 INT rookie season, they would bring in this 6 foot 2, 220 pound receiver to frighten opposing defenses. With over 700 receiving yards and 4 TDs in his 2019 season, Shenault is looking like a force to be reckoned with, pairing up with D.J. Chark, Dede Westbrook and Chris Conley.

#21 – Philadelphia Eagles – Kenneth Murray – LB – Oklahoma

The Eagles have lacked a pure tackler ever since the departures of Jordan Hicks, Mychal Kendricks, and Zach Brown. Kenneth Murray is exactly that, with 155 total tackles and 4.5 sacks in 2018, and 102 total tackles and 4 sacks in 2019.

#22 – Tennessee Titans – Julian Okwara – EDGE – Notre Dame

With Cameron Wake likely returning for his final season at the age of 38 in 2020, the Titans would have to be looking for a new edge rusher to build on and play across from Harold Landry. Okwara fits the Titans’ need at edge rusher.

#23 – Buffalo Bills – Tee Higgins – WR – Clemson

The one main thing the Bills have been lacking is a big-bodied receiver. Tee Higgins, with his 6 foot 4 frame, will fill that need tremendously and go along nicely with John Brown, Cole Beasley, and Robert Foster. This is something the Bills wanted with Zay Jones but did not get, so why not go bigger? Josh Allen will enjoy his presence.

#24 – Minnesota Vikings – Javon kinlaw – dt – south carolina

The Vikings get a steal with Javon Kinlaw of South Carolina. Here they would select the next Sharif Floyd and Sheldon Richardson to accompany Linval Joseph, who is getting older and has a contract that could soon be up due to his current regression. This would be the next interior run stopper the Vikings need.

#25 – Miami Dolphins (Houston Texans) – Tyler Biadasz – C – Wisconsin

The Dolphins have not had a solid center since Mike Pouncey. Even then, their inside offensive line has been struggling alone, which gives the perfect scenario for Tyler Biadasz, as he would come in and make an immediate impact similar to how Garrett Bradbury did with Minnesota in 2019. The Dolphins would draft the best center in the draft and this would be the safest pick overall.

#26 – Seattle Seahawks – Alex leatherwood – OL – alabama

The Seahawks have had its fair share of problems with their o-line, being 8th worst in pass protection, allowing 48 sacks. With the struggles demonstrated, the Seahawks should go for a fresh offensive lineman in Alex Leatherwood, who should help Wilson get more time to survey the field. The best part about him is his versatility, as he can move between playing offensive tackle and offensive guard positions.

#27 – New England Patriots – Jalen Reagor – WR – TCU

The Patriots offense is beginning to decline, and it all starts with the QB Tom Brady. This 42 year old signal caller and clear 1st ballot Hall-of-Famer is likely nearing his final year in New England. While the top QBs would have already been picked in 2020, the Patriots could still build their offense with the WR position. Edelman and Sanu will not be around for the next Patriots QB, so the Patriots could snag Jalen Reagor to tag along with N’Keal Harry, a 2019 1st round receiver. Reagor demonstrates strong agility, putting up solid numbers in TCU, and even having a monster 2018 season with over 1,000 yards receiving and 9 touchdowns.

#28 – Green Bay Packers – Trevon diggs – cb – Alabama

As good as the Packers secondary has gotten ever since 2017, they still have some issues brewing. Kevin King will be a free agent after 2020, Josh Jackson did not develop into the player they had hoped, and Tramon Williams is nearing the end of his playing career. Enter Trevon Diggs, who has been very solid in his 4-year career in Alabama and could very well bolster the secondary.

#29 – New Orleans Saints – Justin Jefferson – WR – LSU

The Saints are a team widely known for filling up depth in each of their positions. They could go for a guy who’s time in LSU has seemingly improved by the season. Justin Jefferson, who totaled 875 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns in 2018, has just came off of a big game. With the help of Joe Burrow, Jefferson produced 227 yards from his 14 receptions and 4 touchdowns in the Peach Bowl. So far, he has 1,434 yards with 18 touchdowns and could be dangerous alongside Michael Thomas.

#30 – Kansas City Chiefs – jonathan taylor – rB – wisconsin

To replace the aging LeSean McCoy, the Chiefs are looking to bring in a NEW LeSean McCoy. Jonathan Taylor is the definition of shiftiness and elevates any offense he sets foot in. In his 3-year career in Wisconsin, Taylor has over 1,900 rushing yards in each season and over 12 rushing touchdowns, with 2019 being the most, having 21 rushing touchdowns total. He could very well become KC’s newest premiere back.

#31 – San Francisco 49ers – Raekwon Davis – DL – Alabama

This 49ers defensive line is already a scary unit. The pressure applied by guys like Dee Ford, Arik Armstead, DeForest Buckner, and Solomon Thomas is already enough to frighten opposing offenses. With their defensive front, they should also look to pair DeForest Buckner up with Raekwon Davis on the inside to truly solidify this defensive unit. Davis demonstrates game-changing run stopping technique.

#32 – Baltimore Ravens – Creed Humphrey – Ol – Oklahoma

Here, the Ravens get another Oklahoma lineman, having already drafted Orlando Brown Jr. two years ago. With the interior of the line aside from Marshal Yanda being the weakest link on offense, the Ravens could look to solidify it by drafting the lineman out of Oklahoma.