New year, new decade, new mock draft.
The NFL regular season is officially in the books, and while 12 teams still have their eyes on the Lombardi Trophy, the rest of the league is preparing for an offseason battle plan to hopefully be one of those contenders next season.
Now that the top 20 spots in next year’s draft order have been locked into place (for now), let’s take an updated look at how the first three rounds of the 2020 NFL draft could shake out.
1. Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow | QB | LSU
The Andy Dalton era needs to end, and the Bengals are in the perfect spot to take his successor. Burrow has not only been dominant all year long against top competition, he’s taken his game to another level on the game’s biggest stages at the SEC title game and the College Football Playoff.
2. Washington Redskins
Chase Young | EDGE | Ohio State
Much like last year with the San Francisco 49ers and Nick Bosa, Washington lands the best overall prospect in this class at the No. 2 pick. Young is a rare pass rusher with an incredible combination of size, athleticism and explosiveness, making him a steal even this early.
3. Detroit Lions
Derrick Brown | DL | Auburn
This defense needs a dominant, disruptive force in the trenches to build around, whether that’s on the edge or along the interior. In this scenario, Brown is the best combination of value, need and fit. He’s got rare athleticism for his size, and all the strength and power you’d expect.
4. New York Giants
Andrew Thomas | OT | Georgia
Losing out on Young hurts, but this pick is hardly a consolation prize. The Giants need a franchise left tackle every bit as much as they need an impact edge rusher, and Thomas has all the physical and mental tools to be an immediate and long-term upgrade at a premium position.
5. Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama
After a season-ending hip injury, Tagovailoa is obviously the biggest wild-card in this year’s draft. If he makes a full recovery, Tua still has a fantastic skill set and all the tools to be a franchise quarterback. It’s a big if, but if he’s healthy, he’s still worthy of top-five consideration for a QB-needy team like Miami.
6. Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert | QB | Oregon
The Philip Rivers era is limping to a halt, so it’s time for the Bolts to find a successor for the future Hall of Famer. Herbert went back to school to polish his skill set, and while he’s still somewhat inconsistent, he’s got more than enough tools to work with, and he should end up being a top-10 pick.
7. Carolina Panthers
Jeff Okudah | CB | Ohio State
The Panthers lost the last eight games of their 2019 season, but they may just get this year’s best corner for their trouble. With James Bradberry heading into free agency this offseason, getting a polished playmaker like Okudah to replace him would be a fantastic scenario.
8. Arizona Cardinals
CeeDee Lamb | WR | Oklahoma
This may come as a surprise to some, but even with Jerry Jeudy still on the board, I’m betting Kyler Murry would be able to convince Kliff Kingsbury to make his college teammate the first receiver off the board. Lamb is a complete player who would make an immediate impact.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars
Jerry Jeudy | WR | Alabama
This is a fantastic scenario for the Jags, who desperately need a dynamic pass-catcher like Jeudy, and are still able to land him as the second receiver off the board. Jeudy’s explosiveness and precise route-running ability will make him a big-play machine at the next level.
10. Cleveland Browns
Tristan Wirfs | OT | Iowa
After a hugely disappointing season, the Browns need to start their bounce-back by rebuilding the offensive line in front of Baker Mayfield. Wirfs would be a fantastic first step in that direction, giving Mayfield an immediate upgrade at either tackle spot.
11. New York Jets
A.J. Epenesa | EDGE | Iowa
The Jets needs help at receiver and offensive tackle, but they also need an impact edge rusher, and the value is better there with Epenesa. One of the most complete defenders in this entire class, Epenesa would give this defense a dominant, disruptive presence who can attack from any alignment.
12. Oakland Raiders
Isaiah Simmons | LB | Clemson
This is a tough choice for the Raiders, who could use an explosive pass-catcher like Henry Ruggs III here, as well. This year’s receiver class is much deeper than the linebacker group, though, and Simmons’ rare combination of athleticism and versatility would make him a steal outside the top 10.
13. Indianapolis Colts
Henry Ruggs III | WR | Alabama
The Colts would love to see the Raiders pass on Ruggs and leave him on the board for them here. Pairing his world-class speed with explosive playmakers like T.Y. Hilton and Parris Campbell would make life easier on whoever ends up playing quarterback for the Colts next season.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jedrick Wills | OT | Alabama
Quarterback could end up being Tampa Bay’s biggest need, but there’s nobody left worth taking this early. Donovan Smith and Demar Dotson have been reliable, but the Bucs could still upgrade either tackle spot. Landing a well-rounded blocker like Wills at this spot would be a huge win for Tampa Bay.
15. Denver Broncos
Javon Kinlaw | DL | South Carolina
This defense has one of the league’s best edge-rushing tandems, but it could use a difference-maker for the interior. A rare athlete for his size, Kinlaw is a versatile, disruptive defender who would wreak havoc while opposing offensive lines are focused on Von Miller and Bradley Chubb.
16. Atlanta Falcons
Yetur Gross-Matos | EDGE | Penn State
This defensive line needs help across the board, so this pick is about finding the best value, either on the edge or along the interior. In this scenario, the Ditry Birds opt for edge help with a stellar pass rusher who could replace either Vic Beasley or Takk McKinley.
17. Dallas Cowboys
Grant Delpit | S | LSU
This defensive front needs help across the board, but the value just isn’t there in this scenario. Instead, the Cowboys opt for a playmaker on the back end of the secondary, where they could also use an upgrade. Delpit was slowed by injuries for much of this season, but when healthy, he’s an impact player all over the field.
18. Miami Dolphins (from PIT)
Tyler Biadasz | OL | Wisconsin
If the Dolphins want to keep Tua healthy, they need huge upgrades in the trenches. The best value in this scenario is Biadasz, who would give Miami a smart, physical anchor for the interior of their offensive line. His presence would instantly make life easier for their new franchise quarterback.
19. Oakland Raiders (from CHI)
Tee Higgins | WR | Clemson
After the Antonio Brown debacle, the Raiders are still in need of a dynamic pass-catcher who can take the top off opposing defenses and also make plays at every level of the field. Higgins has a rare combination of size, length, athleticism and body control that would make him the perfect fit.
20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from LAR)
Kristian Fulton | CB | LSU
After spending their earlier first-rounder for an offensive playmaker, the Jags spend this one on one for the other side of the ball. After trading Jalen Ramsey to the Rams, Jacksonville uses one of the picks they received to replace him with a big, athletic cover man in Fulton.
21. Philadelphia Eagles
Laviska Shenault, Jr. | WR | Colorado
Injuries have decimated this receiving corps, and Carson Wentz needs it bolstered this offseason in the worst way. A complete player and a terror after the catch, Shenault would immediately become Wentz’s most complete pass-catcher.
22. Tennessee Titans
K’Lavon Chaisson | EDGE | LSU
Harold Landry is already proving to be a huge bargain as a second-round pick, but he could use a young running mate across from him. Chaisson made a huge leap this season, proving himself to be one of the most explosive edge rushers in the country.
23. Buffalo Bills
Trevon Diggs | CB | Alabama
This defense already boasts one of the NFL’s top corners in Tre’Davious White, but the Bills could use an upgrade on the other side of the field. Diggs has the size, athleticism and ball skills to make an immediate impact for one of the league’s best units.
24. Minnesota Vikings
CJ Henderson | CB | Florida
This secondary has been one of the league’s most unpleasant surprises, considering the money and draft resources the Vikings have invested in recent years. Mike Zimmer isn’t afraid to keep targeting talented corners, and he gets another one here.
25. Miami Dolphins (from HOU)
Alex Leatherwood | OT | Alabama
This might be a bit of a reach, but the Dolphins desperately need to come out of this first round with an offensive tackle to replace Laremy Tunsil. Leatherwood has been battle-tested against some of the nation’s best pass rushers, and would be the team’s best option in this scenario.
26. Seattle Seahawks
Raekwon Davis | DL | Alabama
Free agency could decimate this defensive line this offseason, so don’t be surprised if the Seahawks opt for cheaper, younger talent in the draft to replace whatever they lose on the open market. Davis is huge, athletic, and versatile, and is ready to make an immediate impact.
27. New England Patriots
Xavier McKinney | S | Alabama
This is a fantastic marriage of value and need for the Pats, who could use an infusion of young talent on the back end of their secondary. McKinney is smart, athletic and versatile, with a skill set that allows him to make plays at every level of the field.
28. Green Bay Packers
Kenneth Murray | LB | Oklahoma
This defense desperately needs a difference-maker at linebacker who can make plays all over the field. Murray has been a one-man wrecking crew for the Sooners since the moment he arrived in Norman, and would no doubt continue his dominance at the next level.
29. Kansas City Chiefs
Jonathan Taylor | RB | Wisconsin
There are bigger needs on defense, but the Chiefs have the opportunity to take the best running back in a deep class. Taylor is a complete player who would give Patrick Mahomes yet another dynamic weapon, helping balance one of the league’s most explosive offenses.
30. New Orleans Saints
Dylan Moses | LB | Alabama
This defense could use another second-level playmaker to pair with Demario Davis, and this scenario plays perfectly into their hands. A top-10 prospect before a preseason knee injury cost him the entire 2019 campaign, Moses would be a huge steal if he’s back to full strength.
31. San Francisco 49ers
Paulson Adebo | CB | Stanford
Richard Sherman has proven he’s still one of the NFL’s best corners, but it would be wise to find an understudy in this draft. Why not go back to Sherman’s alma mater for Adebo, an athletic cover man with the smarts and technique to quickly develop into a difference-maker.
32. Baltimore Ravens
D’Andre Swift | RB | Georgia
This rushing attack is already the league’s most terrifying, but Mark Ingram won’t play forever, and Justice Hill is better suited as a change-of-pace back. Swift is big, powerful and explosive, and would be even more dangerous than normal lining up next to Lamar Jackson.
SECOND ROUND
33. Cincinnati Bengals | Creed Humphrey | OL | Oklahoma
34. Indianapolis Colts (from WAS) | Jordan Love | QB | Utah State
35. Detroit Lions | Terrell Lewis | EDGE | Alabama
36. New York Giants | Shaun Wade | CB | Ohio State
37. Los Angeles Chargers | Nick Harris | OL | Washington
38. Carolina Panthers | Jacob Eason | QB | Washington
39. Miami Dolphins | Travis Etienne | RB | Clemson
40. Arizona Cardinals | Mekhi Becton | OT | Louisville
41. Cleveland Browns | Ashtyn Davis | S | California
42. Jacksonville Jaguars | Calvin Throckmorton | OL | Oregon
43. Chicago Bears (from OAK) | Jaylon Johnson | CB | Utah
44. Indianapolis Colts | Neville Gallimore | DL | Oklahoma
45. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Jalen Hurts | QB | Oklahoma
46. Denver Broncos | Prince Tega Wanagho | OT | Auburn
47. Atlanta Falcons | Rashard Lawrence | DL | LSU
48. New York Jets | Trey Adams | OT | Washington
49. Pittsburgh Steelers | Curtis Weaver | EDGE | Boise State
50. Chicago Bears | Austin Jackson | OT | USC
51. Dallas Cowboys | Hunter Bryant | TE | Washington
52. Los Angeles Rams | Marlon Davidson | DL | Auburn
53. Tennessee Titans | Shane Lemieux | OL | Oregon
54. Philadelphia Eagles | A.J. Terrell | CB | Clemson
55. Minnesota Vikings | Alaric Jackson | OT | Iowa
56. Buffalo Bills | Justin Jefferson | WR | LSU
57. Houston Texans | J.K. Dobbins | RB | Ohio State
58. Seattle Seahawks | Ben Bredeson | OL | Michigan
59. Atlanta Falcons (from NE) | Malik Harrison | LB | Ohio State
60. Green Bay Packers | DeVonta Smith | WR | Alabama
61. Kansas City Chiefs | Bryce Hall | CB | Virginia
62. Miami Dolphins (from NO) | Jalen Reagor | WR | TCU
63. Seattle Seahawks (from SF) | Cameron Dantzler | CB | Mississippi State
64. Baltimore Ravens | Brandon Aiyuk | WR | Arizona State
THIRD ROUND
65. Cincinnati Bengals | Trey Smith | OT | Tennessee
66. Washington Redskins | Lucas Niang | OT | TCU
67. Detroit Lions | Jeff Gladney | CB | TCU
68. New York Jets (from NYG) | Donovan Peoples-Jones | WR | Michigan
69. Carolina Panthers | Richard Lecounte | S | Georgia
70. Miami Dolphins | Jonathan Greenard | EDGE | Florida
71. Los Angeles Chargers | Troy Dye | LB | Oregon
72. Arizona Cardinals | Lamar Jackson | CB | Nebraska
73. Jacksonville Jaguars | Brycen Hopkins | TE | Purdue
74. Cleveland Browns | Tommy Kraemer | OL | Notre Dame
75. Indianapolis Colts | Alton Robinson | EDGE | Syracuse
76. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Najee’ Harris | RB | Alabama
77. Denver Broncos | Michael Pittman, Jr. | WR | USC
78. Atlanta Falcons | Darryl Williams | OL | Mississippi State
79. New York Jets | Deommodore Lenoir | CB | Oregon
80. Oakland Raiders | Kyle Dugger | S | Lenoir-Rhyne
81. Oakland Raiders (from CHI) | Lavert Hill | CB | Michigan
82. Dallas Cowboys | Anfernee Jennings | EDGE | Alabama
83. Denver Broncos (from PIT) | Jacob Phillips | LB | LSU
84. Los Angeles Rams | Scott Frantz | OT | Kansas State
85. Philadelphia Eagles | Brandon Jones | S | Texas
86. Tennessee Titans | Shyheim Carter | DB | Alabama
87. Buffalo Bills | Jabari Zuniga | EDGE | Florida
88. Minnesota Vikings | Antoine Winfield, Jr. | S | Minnesota
89. Cleveland Browns (from HOU) | Shaquille Quarterman | LB | Miami (FL)
90. Oakland Raiders (from SEA) | Tyler Johnson | WR | Minnesota
91. New England Patriots | Albert Okwuegbunam | TE | Missouri
92. Green Bay Packers | Solomon Kindley | OL | Georgia
93. Kansas City Chiefs | Julian Okwara | EDGE | Notre Dame
94. New Orleans Saints | Jake Fromm | QB | Georgia
95. Denver Broncos (from SF) | Damon Arnette | CB | Ohio State
96. Baltimore Ravens | Kenny Willekes | EDGE | Michigan State
.png?w=600)
