The first round of the 2020 NFL Draft is now in the books, and after 32 selections and countless hours of trying to figure out where players might land, it’s time to break down who win the day.
Here are our picks for the best and worst draft choices from Thursday night’s first-round action:
BEST PICKS
Cincinnati Bengals | LSU QB Joe Burrow, No. 1 overall
This was an easy decision. Burrow was the best quarterback available, and well, the Bengals needed a quarterback. In no way, shape or form should the team have gone in any other direction and they didn’t. They resisted the urge to listen to trade offers for this pick, and they’ll reap the benefits. Burrow brings a lot of excitement to a fan base in dire need of some.
Washington Redskins | Ohio State EDGE Chase Young, No. 2 overall
This is once again a no-brainer, but given the history of Washington, would they stick to it? Young was by far the best player in this draft. Had it not been for a quarterback-needy team selecting first, Young would have and should have been the top player overall. The strength of this Washington team just got stronger.
Denver Broncos | Alabama WR Jerry Jeudy, No. 15 overall
The Broncos have recently drafted a young tight end in Noah Fant, their quarterback in Drew Lock, and another wide receiver in Courtland Sutton. Now add in Jerry Jeudy to the mix, the most complete pass-catcher in this year’s loaded class. The Broncos have a young group of playmakers that should breathe excitement into the fan base. The way to compete with Kansas City is to load up on offense, and John Elway has done that over the last few years.
Dallas Cowboys | Oklahoma WR CeeDee Lamb, No. 17 overall
The Cowboys had one of the top offenses in all of the NFL a season ago. We’re not sure why or how, but a a top-10 overall prospect fell all out of the top 15 and into their waiting arms. Lamb was widely viewed as the top receiver in a deep class, him landing in Dallas has now made an already potent offense just that much more lethal.
Minnesota Vikings | LSU WR Justin Jefferson, No. 22 overall & TCU CB Jeff Gladney, No. 31 overall
Minnesota had needs at wide receiver and cornerback. They were able to address both in the first round, and that will allow them to lock both players up for the next five years. Jefferson comes in to replace Stefon Diggs, and Gladney to replace Trae Waynes and Xavier Rhodes. They filled their top needs with two players that can help bring the Vikings back to the top of the division.
WORST PICKS
Atlanta Falcons | Clemson CB A.J. Terrell, No. 16 overall
The first head-scratcher of the night came when the Falcons selected Terrell. He played on a great defense at Clemson, but was viewed by many as a second-rounder, at best. There was some first-round buzz surrounding him, but what made it an even more strange selection is that K’Lavon Chaisson was sitting there. The Falcons did need a corner, but one could argue that help on the edge was a much larger need.
Las Vegas Raiders | Ohio State CB Damon Arnette, No. 19 overall
This again falls into the worst category due to taking a player ahead of where many analysts projected him. Yes, the Raiders needed another corner, even after signing Eli Apple. Arnette figures to be that No. 2 guy, but given the fact that players such as Jeff Gladney were available at the time, it doesn’t immediately look like the right move.
Philadelphia Eagles | TCU WR Jalen Reagor, No. 21 overall
The No. 1 need for the Eagles was without a doubt finding some pass catchers. Reagor definitely has some big-play ability as both a receiver and a return man, but it’s the receivers they passed up that make this an odd move. Justin Jefferson was mocked to Philly quite often, and it felt like a great fit. Reagor appeared to be destined for Day 2, so it feels like a bit of a reach to go with him over someone like Jefferson.
Seattle Seahawks | Texas Tech LB Jordyn Brooks, No. 27 overall
Brooks was a highly productive player for Texas Tech, but viewed as a Day 2 pick by most. Sitting around the top 50 spot on many boards, it came as a shock when Seattle made him the 27th overall pick. Patrick Queen would be available at that point, and many felt Queen was a better player. Seattle isn’t afraid to think outside the box, but it felt like too much of a stretch.
Miami Dolphins | Auburn CB Noah Igbinoghene, No. 30 overall
The Dolphins have already have Xavien Howard, and recently signed Byron Jones to a big-money contract. With all that money already locked up at the corner position, Igbinoghene makes little sense in the first round for them. They just selected their quarterback of the future, and he could have used help with a running back, with all of them still on the board here. Not to mention, there is that need at safety. With all of the safeties on the board, they could have made their pick. Igbinoghene may develop into a solid player, but using a first-rounder on a third corner feels like a waste of draft capital.
