The Super Bowl has not even shaped into place yet but that doesn’t mean we can’t start dreaming on our NFL franchises for 2020. There is nothing more exciting for the fan of a team who is already out than looking forward to the NFL Draft. This mock is the first of a series that will lead up to late-April’s NFL Draft. I will go two rounds deep in this one, and as you’ll notice, we’ve got a remarkably talented and deep crop of both wide receivers and quarterbacks. So if it isn’t too late in your dynasty leagues, try to make a few moves for those 2020 first-round picks.
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#1 – Cincinnati Bengals – Joe Burrow (QB, LSU)
Although Tua is still an option here depending on how his health develops, it seems quite likely that the Bengals will add the polished signal-caller who happens to be coming off the best season in NCAAF quarterback history.
#2 – Washington – Chase Young (Edge, Ohio St.)
Considering Washington already has Dwayne Haskins, it seems like a foregone conclusion that they’ll take the obvious top player on every analysts’ draft boards. If you thought Nick Bosa made a big rookie impact, just wait for Young, who is even better.
#3 – Detroit Lions – Tua Tagovailoa (QB, Alabama)
Most seem to be mocking Okudah here, which would make plenty of sense as well, but it is tough to imagine Detroit passing on a potentially generational quarterback when there is no telling when they’ll have that opportunity again. He can develop behind Stafford for a year or two as he heals.
#4 – New York Giants – Jeff Okudah (CB, Ohio St.)
The Giants would surely be doing cartwheels if Okudah, the #2 player on my draft board and top corner prospect since Jalen Ramsey, fell past the Lions. You can also be sure Andrew Thomas will be an option here as well.
#5 – Miami Dolphins – Jedrick Wills (OT, Alabama)
If Tua is gone, they could take Herbert, Fromm or even Eason but more likely, they’ll wait their turn and grab their franchise QB next year. Willis is flying up boards and Miami would do well to begin protecting their future QB with this pick.
#6 – Los Angeles Chargers – Andrew Thomas (OT, Georgia)
Many are clamoring for Herbert here, but I’m convinced the best fit at QB for them is a second-rounder. They have other holes too and could potentially grab a perennial Pro-Bowler at an essential position if Thomas is still available.
#7 – Carolina Panthers – Isaiah Simmons (LB, Clemson)
The Panthers defense is an absolute trainwreck and you can bet this hybrid safety would go a long way towards making the unit competent. Don’t be surprised if they turn to quarterback here considering the GM said he will consider trading Cam Newton.
#8 – Arizona Cardinals – CeeDee Lamb (WR, Oklahoma)
Although I’m convinced Jeudy is still the top wideout in the class, Lamb might not be far behind and it wouldn’t surprise anyone if Kingsbury drafted him to pair with ex-college quarterback, Kyler Murray.
#9 – Jacksonville Jaguars – Mekhi Becton (OT, Louisville)
With Jeudy on the board, Jags fans would expect this to be a slam dunk, but their offensive line was so horrendous that I expect them to trade down for Becton or Wirfs. The defensive line or Simmons are quality options here as well.
#10 – Cleveland Browns – Austin Jackson (OT, USC)
Although the record doesn’t do much to show it, this is a very complete roster with the exception of the offensive line. The run continues as the Browns draft Jackson, the post-combine riser and interview darling.
#11 – New York Jets – Jerry Jeudy (WR, Alabama)
Much like we saw with Leonard Williams, Quinnen Williams and Jamal Adams, the Jets just happen to be in the right place at the right time as Stefon Diggs++ falls to them at pick 11 and fills their most pressing need.
#12 – Oakland Raiders – Trevon Diggs (CB, Alabama)
Although the Raiders’ secondary improved to close the year, they could still use help there. Diggs is a big-bodied athlete with absolutely bonkers potential. Don’t be surprised if Gruden “reaches” to get his guy again.
#13 – Indianapolis Colts – A.J. Epenesa (Edge, Iowa)
Offensive line and quarterback will both be on the table with this pick, but with a terrific young edge rusher like Epenesa dropping to them, it is difficult to imagine Indy passing up that option.
#14 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Yetur Gross-Matos (Edge, Penn St.)
The Bucs need all the help they can get in the secondary and one of the best ways to do that is by getting pressure on the quarterback. Gross-Matos is flying up draft boards and can help at any spot on the defensive line.
#15 – Denver Broncos – Tee Higgins (WR, Clemson)
Courtland Sutton broke out for Denver but they still need a second weapon now that Emmanuel Sanders is gone. Higgins may not quite be on the level of Jeudy or Lamb, but he isn’t too far behind and should help from day one.
#16 – Atlanta Falcons – Solomon Kindley (OG, Georgia)
The Falcons started slow but clearly have the talent to compete for the playoffs next year pending health. Kindley is polished enough to start from day one and fills what may be their most pressing need.
#17 – Dallas Cowboys – Derrick Brown (DT, Auburn)
Not only is Brown the top player remaining on the board at this point, but it will fill the Cowboys’ biggest hole. Don’t be shocked if Dallas moves up a handful of picks to secure this obvious fit.
#18 – Miami Dolphins (via PIT) – Grant Delpit (S, LSU)
This is the first spot where a running back could come off the board, but the Dolphins have too many weak spots on their defense. Delpit could potentially go in the top 10 so if he was available here, it would be the jackpot.
#19 – Oakland Raiders (via CHI) – Laviska Shenault Jr. (WR, Colorado)
As we saw plain as day, Tyrell Williams is by no means a #1 receiver. The Raiders need a playmaker and that is exactly how anyone would define the dynamic Shenault.
#20 – Jacksonville Jaguars (via LAR) – D’Andre Swift (RB, Georgia)
The Jags would save a ton of money if they cut Leonard Fournette. Although Ryquell Armstead deserves a look, it wouldn’t be surprising for this run-heavy team to grab a potential all-pro with their 20th pick.
#21 – Philadelphia Eagles – Henry Ruggs III (WR, Alabama)
With DeSean Jackson and Alshon Jeffery in their 30s next year, the Eagles would be wise to add what may be the fastest weapon in draft history. Ruggs will stretch the field and open up the entire offense.
#22 – Buffalo Bills – Raekwon Davis (DL, Alabama)
The Bills passing defense was top-notch again but they need help at defending the run. Davis is prepared to plug the middle right from the get-go and would be an excellent addition if Buffalo doesn’t turn to a wideout here.
#23 – New England Patriots – Jalen Hurts (QB, Oklahoma)
After getting sniped on Davis, New England shocks the world by passing on Herbert, Fromm and Eason to get themselves a different quarterback. Hurts is dual-threat and the most NFL-ready should Brady move on to another franchise.
#24 – New Orleans Saints – Justin Herbert (QB, Oregon)
The Saints are pinching themselves to make sure they aren’t dreaming. A raw, but extraordinarily talented future franchise QB fell to them much like when Rodgers dropped to Green Bay at the end of Favre’s career.
#25 – Minnesota Vikings – CJ Henderson (CB, Florida)
The Vikings can save 10.5 million by cutting ties with Xavier Rhodes so it would only make sense that they replace him with a high-upside rookie like Henderson if he falls this far.
#26 – Miami Dolphins (via HOU) – Jonathan Taylor (RB, Wisconsin)
With Fromm, Eason and Jordan Love still on the board, they could secure a QB here instead. Taylor, though, fills a pressing need and should benefit from a much-improved Miami offensive line in 2020.
#27 – Seattle Seahawks – Kenneth Murray (LB, Oklahoma)
Seattle would well to grab a do-it linebacker like Murray to improve upon both their run stopping and pass coverage. Murray is a little raw, but could flourish under Pete Carroll even as a rookie.
#28 – Baltimore Ravens – Javon Kinlaw (DL, South Carolina)
Seeing as though the Ravens entire roster is stacked, it makes sense for them to take the best player available here. Kinlaw is capable of both stopping the run and getting after the quarterback.
#29 – Tennessee Titans – Shane Lemieux (OG, Oregon)
You might not notice it since Derrick Henry is such a beast but Nate Davis is having a rough year at right guard for the Titans. Upgrading at that spot should be a top priority if they want to remain competitive in 2020.
#30 – San Francisco 49ers – Jalen Reagor (WR, TCU)
With Deebo Samuel functioning as the possession receiver, San Francisco would have a serious duo if they add a field-stretch and big playmaker like Reagor with their first round pick.
#31 – Green Bay Packers – Justin Jefferson (WR, LSU)
Reagor would have been the perfect fit for Green Bay, but they’d surely settle for a reliable and polished playmaker like Joe Burrow‘s top weapon. Aaron Rodgers would be thrilled to upgrade his WR2.
#32 – Kansas City Chiefs – Travis Etienne (RB, Clemson)
Although Damien Williams is playing much better of late, everyone wants this move to happen and it seems like a very real possibility with this pick because of the edge NFL teams get using their first round contract on impact running back.
Second Round
#33 – Cincinnati Bengals – Tristan Wirfs (OT, Iowa)
#34 – Indianapolis Colts (via WAS) – Trey Adams (OT, Washington)
#35 – Detroit Lions – Kristian Fulton (CB, LSU)
#36 – New York Giants – Tyler Biadasz (C, Wisconsin)
#37 – Los Angeles Chargers – Jordan Love (QB, Utah St.)
#38 – Carolina Panthers – Jake Fromm (QB, Georgia)
#39 – Miami Dolphins – Julian Okwara (Edge, Notre Dame)
#40 – Arizona Cardinals – K’Lavon Chaisson (Edge, LSU)
#41 – Cleveland Browns – Cameron Dantzler (CB, Mississippi St.)
#42 – Jacksonville Jaguars – Tyler Johnson (WR, Minnesota)
#43 – Chicago Bears (via OAK) – Jared Pinkney (TE, Vanderbilt)
#44 – Indianapolis Colts – Donovan Peoples-Jones (WR, Michigan)
#45 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Kylin Hill (RB, Mississippi St.)
#46 – Denver Broncos – Ashtyn Davis (S, California)
#47 – Atlanta Falcons – Xavier McKinney (CB, Alabama)
#48 – New York Jets – Najee Harris (RB, Alabama)
#49 – Pittsburgh Steelers – Jacob Eason (QB, Washington)
#50 – Chicago Bears – Zack Baun (LB, Wisconsin)
#51 – Dallas Cowboys – Albert Okwuegbunam (TE, Missouri)
#52 -Los Angeles Rams – Curtis Weaver (LB, Boise St.)
#53 – Philadelphia Eagles – A.J. Terrell (CB, Clemson)
#54 – Buffalo Bills – Gabriel Davis (WR, Central Florida)
#55 – Atlanta Falcons (via NE) – Terrell Lewis (Edge, Alabama)
#56 – Miami Dolphins (vis NO) – Isaiah Wilson (OT, Georgia)
#57 – Houston Texans – Cole Kmet (TE, Notre Dame)
#58 – Minnesota Vikings – Michael Pittman Jr. (WR, USC)
#59 – Seattle Seahawks – Neville Gallimore (DE, Oklahoma)
#60 – Baltimore Ravens – Lucas Niang (OT, TCU)
#61 – Tennessee Titans – Jon Greenard (Edge, Florida)
#62 – Kansas City Chiefs (via SF) – Malik Harrison (LB, Ohio St.)
#63 – Green Bay Packers – Prince Tega Wanogho (OT, Auburn)
#64 – Seattle Seahawks (via KC) – Jeff Gladney (CB, TCU)
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