We have gone over the first two 2020 NFL mock drafts together. Now that the 2020 draft combine is complete and a trade or two has happened, let’s see how the third 2020 NFL mock draft pans out.
There are almost zero sure picks when it comes to draft day. All sorts of analysts and fans alike try to predict the outcome of the draft every year and the hit rate is always low. I have already covered two 2020 NFL mock draft outcomes with you guys but those were are pre-combine and before the recent trades that happened. With some trade action happening in this one, read on to see how my third and final 2020 NFL mock draft pans out.
Pick #1 Cincinnati Bengals – Joe Burrow Quarterback LSU
This is one of the only constants in my 2020 NFL mock draft. Joe Burrow had a historic season for LSU last year and it is time for the Bengals to move on from the Andy Dalton experiment. With A.J. Green, Tyler Boyd and Joe Mixon still as offensive weapons, it is not like Burrow is jumping into a baron wasteland. Please do not do Bengals things Cincy, pick Burrow.
Pick #2 Washington Redskins – Chase Young Edge Ohio St.
The option to select one of the best edge prospects in years will be too alluring for the new coaching staff to pass on. Many think that the Redskins are already out on Dwayne Haskins but I think that Coach Rivera gives him a shot this year and grabs his type of draft pick, a menace off of the edge.
Pick #3 Detroit Lions – Jeffrey Okudah Cornerback Ohio St.
Jeffrey Okudah is probably the best cornerback prospect since fellow Buckeye Marshon Lattimore came into the league in 2017. His technique to go with his athleticism and alpha mentality is tough to match. The Lions just traded away Darius Slay to the Eagles and was the team’s long time number one corner. They currently do not roster anybody able to fill that void though Okudah could from day 1.
Pick #4 New York Giants – Andrew Thomas Offensive Tackle Georgia
The Giants need to do a better job of protecting second-year signal-caller Daniel Jones. When pressured last year he did not look good at all and if they want him long term they need to keep him off of his back. Thomas gave up only one sack in his final year at Georgia and also graded out as one of the better run-blocking tackles in the nation. He would be a great start to rebuild the offensive line.
Pick #5 Miami Dolphins – Justin Herbert Quarterback Oregon
Tua Tagovailoa is the main consensus pick, though there have been reports that teams are higher on Herbert than Tua due to the unknown injury concerns. The Dolphins are in a rebuild and the coaching staff seems to have the team on an upward trajectory. Herbert could come in and start right away for the team with plenty of upside to be a starting NFL quarterback.
Pick #6 Los Angeles Chargers – Tua Tagovailoa Qaurternback Alabama
Tua suffered a devastating hip injury during his final year with the Crimson Tide. Some speculate that he will not be ready for this season though he has been medically cleared. The Chargers already employ a good bridge quarterback in Tyrod Taylor and can let Tua ease himself into action. Either way, the Chargers need a QB of the future and Tua is a great consolation prize.
Pick #7 Carolina Panthers – Isaiah Simmons Linebacker/Defensive Back Clemson
The Panthers lost Luke Kuechly this offseason which was a huge blow to the defense. We have all been waiting for Shaq Thompson to step up and though he keeps improving, he is not the caliber player that Kuechly was. I’m not saying that Simmons is either, yet, though he is the most versatile player in this year’s draft. He can fill the void left in the middle of the field and keep this defense moving as it was.
Pick #8 Arizona Cardinals – Tristian Wirfs Offensive Tackle Iowa
he Cardinals allowed cornerstone quarterback Kyler Murray to be sacked 48 times last season and the offensive line looked atrocious. They started the improvement by giving D.J. Humphries a 3- year extension but they cannot stop there. They traded for Deandre Hopkins so the need for a receiver is no longer necessary. Tristan Wirfs was a maniac at the combine and should be an instant upgrade to anybody across the line.
Trade: Atlanta Falcons send #16 Pick, #78 pick, and a future 4th to the Jacksonville Jaguars for Pick #9
Pick #9 Atlanta Falcons – Derrick Brown Defensive Tackle Auburn
The Atlanta Falcons are only a couple pieces away from being a contender. They filled their running back void with Todd Gurley and upgraded Vic Beasley with Dante Fowler. The Falcons could choose to hold their pick and draft a replacement for Desmond Trufant at cornerback but without giving up their second-rounder they can attack that position later. Derrick Brown would form a scary tandem lining up next to Grady Jarrett and Dante Fowler. Winning up front would be a huge upgrade for the Falcons.
Pick #10 Cleveland Browns – Mekhi Becton Offensive Tackle Louisville
The Browns traded their best offensive lineman last season for Odell Beckham Jr. It does not do them any good though as Baker Mayfield did not have time to do anything in the passing game. The offensive line needs to be addressed early and Mekhi Becton is their guy. Possibly the strongest lineman in the draft Becton is an anchor at the tackle position and should do a nice job at keeping Mayfield safe.
Pick #11 New York Jets – Jedrick Wills Offensive Tackle Alabama
Getting Wills at this point of the draft just shows how deep this offensive tackle class is. Any other draft Wills is likely a top 5 pick. The Jets luck out and draft a stud offensive lineman without having to move up. Darnold needs help at the line to make his leap and the entire offense should also take a leap.
Pick #12 Las Vegas Raiders – CeeDee Lamb Wide Receiver Oklahoma
Widely regarded as the top wide receiver in the draft, CeeDee Lamb is a legitimate difference-maker at the wide receiver position. he has very few holes, if any, to his game. The Raiders made some big additions to the defense in free agency and it is now time to get Derek Carr some help. Hunter Renfrow and Darren Waller were Carr’s two best-receiving options last season, both who spend most of their time in the slot. Lamb should enter as the team’s WR1.
Pick #13 San Francisco 49ers – Jerry Jeudy Wide Receiver Alabama
The 49ers were one overthrown pass to Emmanuel Sanders from being super bowl champions and everybody is calling for Jimmy Garoppolo‘s head. The 49ers are not going quarterback here. Instead, they draft the perfect receiver for Jimmy G. Jeudy is a route running technician and has the quick separation ability that will get him targeted where Jimmy G does best. Quick intermediate throws are where Garoppolo thrives and between Jeudy and Deebo Samuel‘s ability to separate, he should have two great options.
Trade: Minnesota Vikings send Pick #22, Pick #58 and a future 5th round pick to the Buccaneers for Pick #14
Pick #14 Minnesota Vikings – Javon Kinlaw Defensive Tackle South Carolina
The Minnesota Vikings lack any pressure up the middle of the defense. Linval Joseph was the best on the team in this aspect but he is aging and the team is likely not to resign him. With two 1st round picks and two 3rd round picks the Vikings will send a future late rounder, this year’s 2nd and one of their 1sts to move up and grab interior disruptor, Javon Kinlaw. Kinlaw should make a great addition to the interior of the Vikings defense.
Pick #15 Denver Broncos – Henry Ruggs III Wide Receiver Alabama
The Denver Broncos has their big-bodied WR1 in Courtland Sutton but they need to add receiver help to alleviate some of the pressure off of him. Henry Ruggs III can take the top right off of the defense with his 4.27 40 yard dash speed. He is not only a speedster though as his route running and hands are also plus traits. The Broncos should do everything they can to add receiving weapons for second-year signal-caller Drew Lock.
Pick #16 Jacksonville Jaguars (Traded From the Falcons)- K’Lavon Chaisson Edge LSU
This may seem like quite a redundancy for the Jaguars with both Yannick Ngakoue and Josh Allen on the team. On the contrary, Yannick Ngakoue has requested a trade and has said his time with the Jaguars is over (see later in the mock). Chaisson is regarded as the second-best edge rusher in the class outside of Chase Young. He has the same style rush as Josh Allen and the two could form an uber-athletic and also young edge duo.
Pick #17 Dallas Cowboys – Kristian Fulton Cornerback
Kristian Fulton is the best man coverage cornerback outside of Jeffrey Okudah in this draft class. The Cowboys were not able to retain lock-down cornerback Byron Jones this offseason and now have a glaring hole on the outside in the secondary. Fulton will bring a level of physicality he used to frustrate the top receivers in the SEC.
Pick #18 Miami Dolphins – Xavier McKinney Safety Alabama
Xavier McKinney is exactly what the Dolphins need on defense. He brings an elite level of playmaking to the table. He is a sound tackler, has tremendous ball skills and is a furious blitzer. The Dolphins shipped out Minkah Fitzpatrick last season to the Steelers and are not going to retain Reshad Jones. They beefed up other positions of the defense in free agency and will look to the draft to add safeties.
Pick #19 Las Vegas Raiders – C.J. Henderson Cornerback Florida
The Raiders made some great defensive acquisitions this offseason but need to add help at the cornerback position. Trayveon Mullen, last year’s draft pick, is slotted as the team’s CB1 and played admirably last season. C.J. Henderson adds great size and athleticism. His recovery speed is excellent and he is very physical in his press coverage. The two should form a great young outside cornerback group.
Pick #20 Jacksonville Jaguars – Trevon Diggs Cornerback Alabama
The Jaguars traded Jalen Ramsey last year for what ended up being this pick. The Jaguars go ahead and draft Ramsey’s replacement by grabbing Diggs, a big physical press corner out of Alabama. Football runs in the family’s blood as his brother is now Bills star receiver Stefon Diggs. Trevon Diggs is strong in man coverage and will slot in as a starter right away.
Pick #21 Philadelphia Eagles – Justin Jefferson Wide Receiver LSU
The Eagles have lacked any respective receiving threat for Carson Wentz to throw to for a couple of years now. Jefferson had an unreal catch rate in 2019 at 91%. How better can you showcase being a reliable target? Jefferson projects to be more of a possession receiver but will give Wentz somebody he can have confidence throwing to.
Pick #22 Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Josh Jones Offensive Tackle Houston
Josh Jones is a slight tier below those upper echelon tackles drafted within the top 11 picks. With that said he is still an excellent option, especially at the end of the first round. He proved during the senior bowl that he belongs with the top talent in college football. The Buccaneers need help along the offensive line and Jones is the next best available.
Pick #23 New England Patriots – Patrick Queen Linebacker LSU
We are now looking at a new era in New England, one without Tom Brady. Some think they will be going for a signal-caller in the first round but I think that the coaching staff is going to give Jarrett Stidham a shot. They lost both Jamie Collins, Kyle Van Noy and Elandon Roberts in free agency. All of those linebackers played heavy snaps though all in different roles. Queen can be a linebacker that stays on the field for every down with true sideline to sideline ability. He could lead the Patriots is tackles this season.
Pick #24 New Orleans Saints – Jordan Love Quarterback Utah St.
The Saints are built for yet another deep playoff run and Drew Brees is back for one more go of it. That is the key, one more go of it. Their current backup is Taysom Hill which there is hype over him being able to be a full-time starter though I would not hedge my bets on it. Jordan Love has some impressive arm talent and can use his legs as well. Brees can teach him all he can in one year and Love can take over the team moving forward.
Pick #25 Minnesota Vikings – Jaylon Johnson Cornerback Utah
The Vikings are all of the sudden in need of cornerback help. They cut Xavier Rhodes after a lackluster season to save on cap and lost Trae Waynes to free agency. Jaylon Johnson is one of the most physical cornerbacks in the draft and also one of the best press corners. He will fill the physical void left by Xavier Rhodes while also providing a possible upgrade.
Pick #26 Miami Dolphins – Austin Jackson Offensive Tackle USC
Austin Jackson is yet another impressive offensive tackle in this year’s draft class. The Dolphins will likely have a new franchise quarterback and they traded Laremy Tunsil last season to the Texans. Austin Jackson performed very well in 2019 starting all 13 games and was named to the first team All-Pac 12. He will be yet another high profile addition to improve the Dolphins, the right way.
Trade: The Seattle Seahawks trade the #27 Pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars for Yannick Ngakoue
Pick #27 Jacksonville Jaguars – Justin Madubuike Defensive Tackle Texas A&M
The Jaguars already drafted Yannick Ngakoue’s replacement at pick #16 when they took K’Lavon Chaisson. That move allowed them to move Ngakoue and grab another 1st round pick. They use it to draft interior defensive lineman Justin Madubuike. He was a terror on the interior in the SEC totaling 22.5 tackles for a loss and 11 sacks in his 24 games during his last two seasons. he joins Taven Bryan, Josh Allen, and K’Lavon Chaisson as a young but terrifying defensive line.
Pick #28 Baltimore Ravens – Kenneth Murray Linebacker Oklahoma
The Ravens were a wasteland when it came to interior linebacker production last season. It was so bad that Josh Bynes was their best inside linebacker option and they let Patrick Onwuasor walk in free agency. Kenneth Murray has true sideline to sideline ability and pays with great ferocity, a true Baltimore Raven trait.
Pick #29 Tennessee Titans – Jeff Gladney Cornerback TCU
The Titans prized free agent Logan Ryan is still a free agent and the cornerback group outside of him is nothing to write home about either. Jeff Gladney is a smooth operator and thrives as a nickel corner though he has fluid hips and great technique that will also allow him to play outside. He can slot in as a starter year one for Tennessee.
Pick #30 Green Bay Packers – Jalen Reagor Wide Receiver TCU
The Packers have been searching for a number two receiver since the departure of Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson. Jalen Reagor is an explosive athlete with unbelievable run after the catch-ability. He would add another dynamic to the Packers offense that has been missing for some time now.
Pick #31 San Francisco 49ers – A.J. Terrell Cornerback Clemson
A.J. Terrell has big-game experience having played in multiple national championship games including a pick-six in the 2018 title game win. Terrell is very athletic and incredibly aggressive with great press coverage. He fits the 49ers scheme and needs thoroughly.
Pick #32 Kansas City Chiefs – Neville Gallimore Defensive Tackle Oklahoma
The Chiefs need to add a running mate to go along next to stud Chris Jones. In this 2020 NFL mock draft, they select Neville Gallimore, an uber-athletic 300 lbs beast. He proved during his final two seasons to be a constant disruptor in the backfield. The combination of Chris Jones and Gallimore’s interior rush would also help open up things on the outside for guys like Frank Clark.
That concludes my final 2020 NFL mock draft. The Jaguars are very busy and look to speed up their rebuild while the Vikings and Falcons also complete trades to help bolster true positions of needs. The draft is in about two weeks, let’s see how my 2020 NFL mock draft matches up.
Follow me on Twitter @JoeyTheToothIDP and check out all of my written content at idpguys.org and dynastyfootballdigest.com. Be sure to also pre-order our rookie draft guides from each website. For the IDP rookie guide pre-order click here. For the Dynasty rookie draft guide pre-order click here. You can read and compare all 3 of my 2020 NFL mock draft articles.
