We’ve only got three weeks of NFL regular season action left in 2019, and with conference title games in the books, bowl season lies ahead in the college football ranks.
That means top prospects and sleeper hopefuls are putting the finishing touches on their film before heading into draft preparation, while the NFL’s bottom-feeders are preparing for the offseason while their more successful counterparts keep making playoff pushes.
With Week 14 action in the books, here’s my latest stab at projecting the first three rounds of the 2020 NFL draft, using the latest updated order.
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. After yet another masterful performance in the SEC title game, Burrow should be locked into this spot, even before he takes home the Heisman Trophy and leads the Bayou Bengals into the College Football Playoff.
2. New York Giants
Chase Young | EDGE | Ohio State
If this scenario holds, the Giants will luck out by landing the best overall prospect in the draft without having to get the No. 1 pick. Young is one of the most dominant pass rushers I’ve ever seen at the college level, and he has the potential to be a dominant player at the next level from Day 1.
3. Washington Redskins
Jerry Jeudy | WR | Alabama
Offensive tackle is a strong possibility here, but whatever Washington does with this pick, it has to be about helping Dwayne Haskins. There are attractive options both in the trenches and at the skill positions, but Jeudy’s polish and pro-ready skill set will allow him to make the most immediate impact.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Arizona Cardinals
Andrew Thomas | OT | Georgia
If Kyler Murray is going to reach his full potential, he’ll need a franchise left tackle to grow with him. This scenario plays out perfectly for the Cardinals, as they get their pick of a deep tackle class. Thomas is polished and battle-tested, making him the best option here.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars
Jeff Okudah | CB | Ohio State
After trading one of the NFL’s best corners, the Jags need to replace Jalen Ramsey with one of their multiple first-round picks in this draft. They luck out here, as this year’s top cover man falls to them at this pick. Okudah is a complete player who can make an immediate impact at a premium position of need.
8. Atlanta Falcons
A.J. Epenesa | EDGE | Iowa
This defense is desperate to improve their completely absent pass rush, both on the edge and inside. This pick has to be used to that end, and the value points to grabbing a versatile rusher like Epenesa, who has the size and skill set to line up anywhere on the defensive line and get after the quarterback.
9. New York Jets
Tristan Wirfs | OT | Iowa
Sam Darnold needs more help up front, and both tackle spots especially need attention. If the draft plays out this way, the Jets would land one of this year’s best prospects at the position, getting a powerful blocker in Wirfs who can be an immediate upgrade on either side.
10. 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.
11. Denver Broncos
Isaiah Simmons | LB | Clemson
This defense needs a three-down playmaker at the second level, and this pick would be the perfect fit. Simmons is a rare athlete and a versatile defender who can matchup with the best player on any offense, making him the kind of guy opposing offenses have to scheme for on a weekly basis.
12. Carolina Panthers
Kristian Fulton | CB | LSU
There are other tempting options here, but with James Bradberry likely headed elsewhere in free agency, the Panthers need a replacement for their top cover man. Fulton has the size, physicality and ball skills to be the perfect fit.
13. Philadelphia Eagles
CeeDee Lamb | WR | Oklahoma
What a lucky break for the Eagles, who desperately need a difference-maker to improve their beat-up receiving corps. Lamb is easily a top-10 prospect in this class, making him a huge steal outside that range. His complete skill set and prowess after the catch would make him an immediate star in Philly.
14. Oakland Raiders
Henry Ruggs III | WR | Alabama
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. Ruggs has rare speed and explosiveness, with the polished route-running skills to make big plays every time the ball comes his way.
15. Indianapolis Colts
Javon Kinlaw | DL | South Carolina
This defense loves versatility and athleticism, which makes Kinlaw the perfect fit in the trenches. He’s still smoothing out the rough edges in his game, but Kinlaw’s combination of size and athleticism make him a dominant force, no matter where he lines up.
16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jedrick Wills | OT | Alabama
Jameis Winston bears plenty of responsibility for his turnovers, but he’s also getting hit and sacked as much as any quarterback in the league. The Bucs need an immediate upgrade at right tackle, and Wills is the perfect fit. He can start from Day 1 on the right side, and could eventually unseat Donovan Smith at left tackle.
17. Cleveland Browns
Grant Delpit | S | LSU
Offensive line is easily the biggest need for the Browns, but the way the board falls in this scenario, the value just isn’t there. Instead, they steal one of the most promising defenders in the entire draft. Delpit hasn’t lived up to the top-10 preseason hype, but he’s still loaded with potential at a position of need in Cleveland.
18. Oakland Raiders (from CHI)
Kenneth Murray | LB | Oklahoma
After filling their biggest offensive need earlier in the round, the Raiders need to use their second first-rounder to do the same for their defense. Murray’s instincts and athleticism make him one of the nation’s most complete linebacker prospects.
19. Tennessee Titans
Tyler Biadasz | OL | Wisconsin
The Titans might just have their quarterback in veteran Ryan Tannehill, but they need to surround him with as much help as possible. That starts in the trenches, where they land one of the nation’s best blockers in Biadasz, who can be an immediate starter on the inside.
20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from LAR)
Tee Higgins | WR | Clemson
After getting a defensive playmaker in the top 10, the Jags need to use their additional first-rounder in this draft to give their offensive a true No.1 receiver for whoever ends up throwing passes next season. Higgins has a rare combination of size, length, athleticism and body control.
21. Dallas Cowboys
Raekwon Davis | DL | Alabama
Trysten Hill is showing promise, but the Cowboys still need another disruptive force for the interior of their defensive line. Davis is a much more complete player than he was a year ago, making him look wise for returning to school in 2019. He’s a versatile defender who can line up anywhere and make an impact.
22. Miami Dolphins (from PIT)
Laviska Shenault, Jr. | WR | Colorado
After getting their franchise quarterback, the Dolphins need to surround him with as much help as possible. There’s not much value in terms of offensive line help here, so Miami tabs one of the most complete pass-catchers in the draft in Shenault, who excels at breaking tackles and making big plays after the catch.
23. Miami Dolphins (from HOU)
Jonathan Taylor | RB | Wisconsin
Few (if any) teams need an upgrade in the backfield more than the Dolphins, and this scenario lets them have their pick of a deep, talented class. With three first-round picks, they can afford the luxury of using one at running back, where they land one of the most productive runners in college football history.
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. Buffalo Bills
K’Lavon Chaisson | EDGE | LSU
A defensive coach like Sean McDermott loves getting raw talent he can mold into a star, and that’s exactly what Chaisson brings to the table. A long, athletic pass rusher with a wide range of moves already, Chaisson could quickly develop into an impact player.
26. Kansas City Chiefs
Trevon Diggs | CB | Alabama
This secondary needs a true shutdown artist, and the Chiefs love corners with length, athleticism and physicality. Diggs brings all of those traits to the table, and while the Crimson Tide defense has underwhelmed this season, he’s shown flashes of potential that make him first-round worthy.
27. Green Bay Packers
Dylan Moses | LB | Alabama
This defense desperately needs a difference-maker at linebacker who can make plays all over the field. A top-10 prospect before a knee injury stole his entire 2019 season, Moses would be a huge steal here once he’s back to full strength.
28. Seattle Seahawks
Paulson Adebo | CB | Stanford
The rebuild of the “Legion of Boom” is still ongoing, and the Seahawks need another playmaker at corner to help round things out. Adebo has all the tools NFL teams love at this premium position, and he’s polished enough to be an immediate starter.
29. New England Patriots
Yetur Gross-Matos | EDGE | Penn State
The Pats do their best drafting when they let the board fall to them, prioritizing value over need. That’s what happens here, as they grab one of the most talented edge rushers in this year’s class, who could easily end up being a top-20 pick.
30. New Orleans Saints
Jalen Hurts | QB | Oklahoma
Who knows if Drew Brees or Teddy Bridgewater will be back in 2020, so the Saints need to start thinking about a new quarterback. Even if Brees returns for a swan song next season, Hurts would be the perfect understudy to the future Hall of Famer.
31. 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.
32. San Francisco 49ers
Travis Etienne | RB | Clemson
There are bigger needs elsewhere on both sides of the ball, but this team can afford a luxury pick here. Matt Breida and Tevin Coleman are a fantastic 1-2 punch in this backfield, but their contracts are expiring soon. Etienne’s explosiveness and three-down skill set would be the perfect match with a creative offensive coach like Kyle Shanahan.
SECOND ROUND
33. Cincinnati Bengals | Alex Leatherwood | OT | Alabama
34. New York Giants | Trey Adams | OT | Washington
35. Miami Dolphins | Creed Humphrey | OL | Oklahoma
36. Indianapolis Colts (from WAS) | DeVonta Smith | WR | Alabama
37. Arizona Cardinals | Neville Gallimore | DL | Oklahoma
38. Detroit Lions | Terrell Lewis | EDGE | Alabama
39. Atlanta Falcons | Rashard Lawrence | DL | LSU
40. Jacksonville Jaguars | Calvin Throckmorton | OL | Oregon
41. Los Angeles Chargers | Nick Harris | OL | Washington
42. Denver Broncos | Prince Tega Wanagho | OT | Auburn
43. Carolina Panthers | Jacob Eason | QB | Washington
44. New York Jets | Curtis Weaver | EDGE | Boise State
45. Chicago Bears (from OAK) | Jaylon Johnson | CB | Utah
46. Indianapolis Colts | Xavier McKinney | S | Alabama
47. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Marvin Wilson | DL | Florida State
48. Cleveland Browns | Austin Jackson | OT | USC
49. Philadelphia Eagles | A.J. Terrell | CB | Clemson
50. Chicago Bears | Trey Smith | OT | Tennessee
51. Los Angeles Rams | Marlon Davidson | DL | Auburn
52. Tennessee Titans | Jabari Zuniga | EDGE | Florida
53. Dallas Cowboys | Hunter Bryant | TE | Washington
54. Houston Texans | J.K. Dobbins | RB | Ohio State
55. Pittsburgh Steelers | Anfernee Jennings | EDGE | Alabama
56. Minnesota Vikings | Alaric Jackson | OT | Iowa
57. Kansas City Chiefs | Najee’ Harris | RB | Alabama
58. Buffalo Bills | Justin Jefferson | WR | LSU
59. Seattle Seahawks | Shane Lemieux | OL | Oregon
60. Green Bay Packers | Jalen Reagor | WR | TCU
61. Miami Dolphins (from NO) | Mekhi Becton | OT | Louisville
62. Atlanta Falcons (from NE) | Richard Lecounte | S | Georgia
63. Baltimore Ravens | Tommy Kraemer | OL | Notre Dame
64. Seattle Seahawks (from SF) | Scott Frantz | OT | Kansas State
THIRD ROUND
65. Cincinnati Bengals | Darryl Williams | OL | Mississippi State
66. New York Jets (from NYG) | Lamar Jackson | CB | Nebraska
67. Washington Redskins | Bryce Hall | CB | Virginia
68. Miami Dolphins | Alton Robinson | EDGE | Syracuse
69. Detroit Lions | Donovan Peoples-Jones | WR | Michigan
70. Arizona Cardinals | Deommodore Lenoir | CB | Oregon
71. Jacksonville Jaguars | Leki Fotu | DL | Utah
72. Atlanta Falcons | Malik Harrison | LB | Ohio State
73. Denver Broncos | Michael Pittman, Jr. | WR | USC
74. Carolina Panthers | Brandon Jones | S | Texas
75. New York Jets | Bryan Edwards | WR | South Carolina
76. Los Angeles Chargers | Troy Dye | LB | Oregon
77. Indianapolis Colts | Cameron Dantzler | CB | Mississippi State
78. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Brandon Aiyuk | WR | Arizona State
79. Cleveland Browns | Ben Bredeson | OL | Michigan
80. Philadelphia Eagles | Ashtyn Davis | S | California
81. Oakland Raiders | Shaun Wade | CB | Ohio State
82. Oakland Raiders (from CHI) | Kyle Dugger | S | Lenoir-Rhyne
83. Tennessee Titans | Brycen Hopkins | TE | Purdue
84. Los Angeles Rams | Lucas Niang | OT | TCU
85. Dallas Cowboys | Shyheim Carter | DB | Alabama
86. Denver Broncos (from PIT) | Justin Madubuike | DL | Texas A&M
87. Cleveland Browns (from HOU) | Jacob Phillips | LB | LSU
88. Minnesota Vikings | Antoine Winfield, Jr. | S | Minnesota
89. Buffalo Bills | Jeff Gladney | CB | TCU
90. Kansas City Chiefs | Julian Okwara | EDGE | Notre Dame
91. Green Bay Packers | Solomon Kindley | OL | Georgia
92. Oakland Raiders (from SEA) | Collin Johnson | WR | Texas
93. New England Patriots | Hamsah Nasirildeen | S | Florida State
94. New Orleans Saints | Shaquille Quarterman | LB | Miami (FL)
95. Baltimore Ravens | Tyler Johnson | WR | Minnesota
96. Denver Broncos (from SF) | Hakeem Adeniji | OL | Kansas
