We’re down to just four teams remaining in the NFL Playoffs, as another wild week of postseason action sent another disappointing quartet back to the drawing board to prepare for the offseason.
At the same time, the college football landscape is buzzing, with the national championship game taking place Monday night, and the all-star circuit already in full swing for some of this year’s top prospects. Shrine Game practices kick off this week, while the Senior Bowl awaits in Mobile next week.
As draft stock continues to shift, underclassmen make their declarations, and the selection order becomes more secure, here’s an updated look at how the first four rounds of the 2020 NFL draft could shake out, using the latest updated order:
1. Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow | QB | LSU
The last time the Bengals had this pick, they spent it on a Heisman-winning quarterback in Carson Palmer. 17 years later, Cincy’s hoping to land another franchise quarterback in Burrow, who has been dominant all year long despite facing stiff competition. Only an elite QB prospect would be worth passing up Chase Young, but Burrow is exactly that.
2. Washington Redskins
Chase Young | EDGE | Ohio State
For the second straight year, the team picking No. 2 gets the No. 1 prospect. Washington has bigger needs elsewhere, but Young is a generational talent who would be the rare “bargain” at this pick. A complete player who can take over a game all on his own, Young is one of the best pass-rushing prospects we’ve seen in years.
3. Detroit Lions
Jeff Okudah | CB | Ohio State
This defense has needs at every level, so this pick is about getting the best value anywhere they can. Trading down would be ideal, likely for a team targeting a franchise quarterback, but Okudah is the most worthy candidate for this pick if they stay put. He’s the best of a corner class that could produce a handful of first-round picks.
4. New York Giants
Andrew Thomas | OT | Georgia
You won’t find a more old-school general manager than Dave Gettleman, so don’t be surprised when he spends this pick on improving the offensive trenches. If Saquon Barkley and Daniel Jones are going to rebuild this offense, they’ll need plenty of improvement up front. Thomas is a franchise left tackle who will be pro-ready from Day 1.
5. Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama
They might have to move up to land him on draft day, but if Tagovailoa is still on the board here, it’s a no-brainer for the Dolphins. Assuming his medicals check out, Tagovailoa is an elite quarterback prospect with all the physical and mental tools to be the difference-maker Miami has been desperately seeking for years.
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 his successor. Herbert went back to Eugene for his senior season to polish his skill set, and while he’s still got some rough edges to smooth out, he’s shown enough potential to warrant top-10 consideration. A strong week at the Senior Bowl could lock him in at this range.
7. Carolina Panthers
Derrick Brown | DL | Auburn
The Panthers need help on the back end of their defense, but the value’s just not there in terms of secondary prospects in this scenario. Instead, they get back to what they did when their franchise was playing its best football, fortifying the defensive front with a massive, disruptive force in Brown, who is a rare athlete for his size.
8. Arizona Cardinals
CeeDee Lamb | WR | Oklahoma
This may surprise some, seeing Lamb come off the board before Alabama’s Jerry Jeudy, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see some teams have them graded in that order. One such team could absolutely be the Cards, who would love to pair Lamb with his college quarterback, Kyler Murray. This tandem could make the same kind of magic they did in Norman.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars
Jerry Jeudy | WR | Alabama
I’m betting the Jags would love this scenario, considering their desperate need for a true No. 1 receiver with a complete skill set. Jeudy has been widely regarded as the top receiver in a deep class since last offseason, so getting him as the second pass-catcher off the board would be a huge win for Jacksonville, no matter who is throwing passes for them in 2020.
10. Cleveland Browns
Jedrick Wills | OT | Alabama
There’s no denying the amount of talent this offense has at the skill positions, but it’ll be all for naught if the Browns don’t improve their offensive line in a big way this offseason. Wills has been a fast riser throughout this season, and could easily be off the board by this pick. If he’s not, he’d be the perfect blend of need and value for Cleveland.
11. New York Jets
A.J. Epenesa | EDGE | Iowa
Offensive tackle is also a need here, so don’t count out Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs at this spot. That said, this defense has been desperate for an impact edge rusher for some time now, and this scenario provides them the perfect opportunity. Epenesa is a powerful rusher who can collapse the pocket and set the edge against the run.
12. Las Vegas Raiders
Isaiah Simmons | LB | Clemson
This defense needs quite a few things, so why not take a defender who can play just about every position? While some may view Simmons as a ‘tweener, a smart team will see his versatility as a positive. Simmons has lined up at linebacker, defensive back, and even on the edge, wreaking havoc on opposing offenses from every spot.
13. Indianapolis Colts
Jordan Love | QB | Utah State
Jacoby Brissett had his moments, but the Colts need to find a quarterback of the future with a higher ceiling. This may seem early for Love, but if he impresses at the Senior Bowl, he could easily lock himself into the top-15 conversation. He regressed statistically in 2019, but he’s got all the tools to develop into a franchise passer.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tristan Wirfs | OT | Iowa
This is an ideal scenario for the Bucs, who need to upgrade at least one of their tackle spots this offseason. Regardless of who is playing quarterback in Tampa Bay next season, the protection needs to improve in a big way if that player is going to succeed. Wirfs is ready to start from Day 1, and would be a bargain at this spot.
15. Denver Broncos
Javon Kinlaw | DL | South Carolina
Denver already boasts one of the NFL’s best edge-rushing tandems, but they could use a dominant, disruptive playmaker for the interior of their defensive line. Kinlaw is an absolute monster with rare athleticism and explosiveness for his size, making him the perfect pick to take advantage of the attention opposing offenses are forced to pay to Von Miller and Bradley Chubb.
16. Atlanta Falcons
Yetur Gross-Matos | EDGE | Penn State
This entire defensive front needs help in a bad way, as the Falcons have failed to generate any sort of formidable pass rush. This pick is about finding the best value, whether it’s along the interior or on the edge. Gross-Matos would be a perfect pick to either push or supplant Vic Beasley or Takk McKinley.
17. Dallas Cowboys
Grant Delpit | S | LSU
Another defense with multiple holes to fill this offseason, the Cowboys need help up front and in the secondary at all levels. In this scenario, the best value comes on the back end, where Delpit has been a versatile playmaker for the Bayou Bengals. Injuries slowed him in 2019, but at full strength, he’s a dynamic defender who can impact the game in many ways.
18. Miami Dolphins (from PIT)
Henry Ruggs III | WR | Alabama
After using their first pick on a franchise quarterback, the Dolphins need to build a worthy supporting cast around Tagovailoa. Why not start by giving him one of his favorite weapons from the college ranks? Tua has been taking advantage of Ruggs’ elite explosiveness and big-play ability for quite some time now, and he could do the same in Miami for years to come.
19. Las Vegas Raiders (from CHI)
Tee Higgins | WR | Clemson
The Antonio Brown situation was an absolute debacle, and despite having some solid role players in this receiving corps, the Raiders are still in desperate need of a true No. 1 target for Derek Carr. Higgins has a rare combination of size, length, athleticism and body control, giving him all the tools to quickly become that player for Jon Gruden’s offense.
20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from LAR)
Kristian Fulton | CB | LSU
The Jags got this pick as part of the Jalen Ramsey trade, so why not use it to draft his replacement? While LSU freshman standout Derek Stingley, Jr. got plenty of press this season (and with good reason), Fulton’s play should not be overlooked. He’s big, physical, and has been tested by some of the nation’s elite pass-catchers, making him well worth the investment at this spot.
21. Philadelphia Eagles
Trevon Diggs | CB | Alabama
This will be a tough decision for the Eagles, who have big needs at both corner and receiver, and solid options at both spots in this scenario. Due to the depth of this year’s loaded receiver class compared to that of the corner group, I’m giving them the big, athletic Diggs, assuming they’ll get better value at receiver later in the draft.
22. Buffalo Bills
Laviska Shenault, Jr. | WR | Colorado
The Eagles passing on a receiver here is a big win for the Bills, who are also in desperate need of a true No. 1 target for Josh Allen. Shenault is a physical player with a well-built frame who puts it to good use, both at the catch point and after the catch. He’s the complete player this offense needs to take their game to the next level in 2020 and beyond.
23. New England Patriots
Xavier McKinney | S | Alabama
Tom Brady’s future is obviously the big question mark, and finding him another pass-catcher could be a priority here if he returns. That said, the Pats would have a tough time passing on McKinney, a smart and versatile defender who has all the physical and mental tools to become an immediate difference-maker for an aging New England secondary.
24. New Orleans Saints
Cole Kmet | TE | Notre Dame
There are bigger needs on defense, but the Saints may need to spend this pick on helping whoever is throwing passes for them next year and beyond. Jared Cook was a valuable weapon for this offense in 2019, but he turns 33 this offseason. Kmet was a surprising addition to this year’s draft class, and his complete skill set immediately put him at the top of the the tight end group.
25. Minnesota Vikings
Mekhi Becton | OT | Louisville
The Vikings have a strong core at the skill positions, but the offensive line continues to be inconsistent at best. After spending last year’s first-rounder on an interior blocker, the Vikings use this one to upgrade at tackle, where Riley Reiff hasn’t lived up to expectations. Becton is a massive mauler with rare athleticism and agility for his size.
26. Miami Dolphins (from HOU)
Jonathan Taylor | RB | Wisconsin
Offensive tackle would be the top priority here, but with Becton off the board just before their pick, the value is likely to be better at their next pick. Instead, the Dolphins could opt to take the best of a deep running back class, adding a complete runner in Taylor, who averaged 2,000 yards per season on the ground over his three years with the Badgers.
27. Seattle Seahawks
Solomon Kindley | OL | Georgia
The Seahawks aren’t afraid to be unconventional with their first-round picks, and that’s how some might view taking Kindley here. But protecting Russell Wilson and reloading this offensive line to keep their ground game rolling should be a high priority for Seattle, so taking the top interior blocker in this year’s class would make plenty of sense.
28. Baltimore Ravens
D’Andre Swift | RB | Georgia
Mark Ingram’s absence was painfully obvious in Baltimore’s playoff meltdown, and the Ravens would do well to seek a young back who can do all things he brings to the table. Swift is a complete runner who has the vision, patience and explosiveness to be a dangerous weapon in the league’s top rushing attack.
29. Tennessee Titans
K’Lavon Chaisson | EDGE | LSU
Harold Landry has established himself as one of the league’s best young edge rushers, but the Titans could use another one to groom behind Cameron Wake. Chaisson is an explosive, athletic defender who is still just scratching the surface of his potential, and his breakout 2019 season is just a taste of what he could be capable of at the next level.
30. Green Bay Packers
Kenneth Murray | LB | Oklahoma
This defense was much improved in 2019, but there’s still a huge need for a three-down difference-maker at the second level. Murray is athletic and physical, with all the physical and mental tools to make an immediate impact in Green Bay. His vocal leadership and big-play mentality would be a welcome addition to this unit.
31. Kansas City Chiefs
Travis Etienne | RB | Clemson
There may be bigger needs elsewhere, but the Kansas City offense is so dangerous because of the explosive playmakers it has and the mismatches they create. One spot where they could use an upgrade in that department is at running back, where a versatile, dynamic weapon like Etienne would be a scary addition.
32. San Francisco 49ers
CJ Henderson | CB | Florida
Richard Sherman is still proving himself as one of the league’s most dominant corners, but finding a young cover man to groom behind him should be a priority. Henderson has all the tools to quickly develop into a quality starter, something the 49ers could use across the field from Sherman sooner than later.
SECOND ROUND
33. Cincinnati Bengals | Tyler Biadasz | OL | Wisconsin
34. Indianapolis Colts (from WAS) | Justin Jefferson | WR | LSU
35. Detroit Lions | Raekwon Davis | DL | Alabama
36. New York Giants | Terrell Lewis | EDGE | Alabama
37. Los Angeles Chargers | Austin Jackson | OT | USC
38. Carolina Panthers | Jacob Eason | QB | Washington
39. Miami Dolphins | Prince Tega Wanagho | OT | Auburn
40. Arizona Cardinals | Trey Adams | OT | Washington
41. Cleveland Browns | Antoine Winfield, Jr. | S | Minnesota
42. Jacksonville Jaguars | Rashard Lawrence | DL | LSU
43. Chicago Bears (from LV) | Calvin Throckmorton | OL | Oregon
44. Indianapolis Colts | Neville Gallimore | DL | Oklahoma
45. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | J.K. Dobbins | RB | Ohio State
46. Denver Broncos | Isaiah Wilson | OT | Georgia
47. Atlanta Falcons | Marlon Davidson | DL | Auburn
48. New York Jets | A.J. Terrell | CB | Clemson
49. Pittsburgh Steelers | Curtis Weaver | EDGE | Boise State
50. Chicago Bears | Malik Harrison | LB | Ohio State
51. Dallas Cowboys | Hunter Bryant | TE | Washington
52. Los Angeles Rams | Josh Jones | OT | Houston
53. Philadelphia Eagles | Jalen Reagor | WR | TCU
54. Buffalo Bills | Jeff Gladney | CB | TCU
55. Atlanta Falcons (from NE) | John Simpson | OL | Clemson
56. Miami Dolphins (from NO) | Nick Harris | OL | Washington
57. Houston Texans | Najee’ Harris | RB | Alabama
58. Minnesota Vikings | Bryce Hall | CB | Virginia
59. Seattle Seahawks | Cameron Dantzler | CB | Mississippi State
60. Baltimore Ravens | Brandon Aiyuk | WR | Arizona State
61. Tennessee Titans | Cesar Ruiz | OL | Michigan
62. Green Bay Packers | Donovan Peoples-Jones | WR | Michigan
63. Kansas City Chiefs | Jaylon Johnson | CB | Utah
64. Seattle Seahawks (from SF) | Zach Baun | EDGE | Wisconsin
THIRD ROUND
65. Cincinnati Bengals | Lucas Niang | OT | TCU
66. Washington Redskins | Michael Pittman, Jr. | WR | USC
67. Detroit Lions | Jonathan Greenard | EDGE | Florida
68. New York Jets (from NYG) | Robert Hunt | OT | Louisiana-Lafayette
69. Carolina Panthers | Deommodore Lenoir | CB | Oregon
70. Miami Dolphins | Julian Okwara | EDGE | Notre Dame
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 | Ben Bredeson | OL | Michigan
75. Indianapolis Colts | Alton Robinson | EDGE | Syracuse
76. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Ashtyn Davis | S | California
77. Denver Broncos | K.J. Hamler | WR | Penn State
78. Atlanta Falcons | Cam Akers | RB | Florida State
79. New York Jets | Bryan Edwards | WR | South Carolina
80. Las Vegas Raiders | Shane Lemieux | OL | Oregon
81. Las Vegas Raiders (from CHI) | Shyheim Carter | DB | Alabama
82. Dallas Cowboys | Justin Madubuike | DL | Texas A&M
83. Denver Broncos (from PIT) | Jacob Phillips | LB | LSU
84. Los Angeles Rams | Leki Fotu | DL | Utah
85. Philadelphia Eagles | Brandon Jones | S | Texas
86. Buffalo Bills | Anfernee Jennings | EDGE | Alabama
87. New England Patriots | Albert Okwuegbunam | TE | Missouri
88. New Orleans Saints | Jalen Hurts | QB | Oklahoma
89. Minnesota Vikings | Kyle Dugger | S | Lenoir-Rhyne
90. Cleveland Browns (from HOU) | Colby Parkinson | TE | Stanford
91. Las Vegas Raiders (from SEA) | Jake Fromm | QB | Georgia
92. Baltimore Ravens | Darryl Williams | OL | Mississippi State
93. Tennessee Titans | Adam Trautman | TE | Dayton
94. Green Bay Packers | Hakeem Adeniji | OL | Kansas
95. Kansas City Chiefs | Khalid Kareem | EDGE | Notre Dame
96. Denver Broncos (from SF) | Lloyd Cushenberry III | OL | LSU
FOURTH ROUND
97. Cincinnati Bengals | Jordan Mack | LB | Virginia
98. Washington Redskins | Yasir Durant | OT | Missouri
99. Detroit Lions | Clyde Edwards-Helaire | RB | LSU
100. New York Giants | Lavert Hill | CB | Michigan
101. Houston Texans (from MIA) | Damon Arnette | CB | Ohio State
102. Los Angeles Chargers | Matt Hennessy | OL | Temple
103. Carolina Panthers | K’Von Wallace | S | Clemson
104. Arizona Cardinals | Kenny Willekes | EDGE | Michigan State
105. Cleveland Browns | Jordyn Brooks | LB | Texas Tech
106. Jacksonville Jaguars | Logan Stenberg | OL | Kentucky
107. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Jordan Elliott | DL | Missouri
108. Denver Broncos | Amik Robertson | CB | Louisiana Tech
109. Atlanta Falcons | Chris Orr | LB | Wisconsin
110. New York Jets | Ben Cleveland | OL | Georgia
111. Las Vegas Raiders | Tyler Johnson | WR | Minnesota
112. Indianapolis Colts | Alohi Gilman | S | Notre Dame
113. Dallas Cowboys | Collin Johnson | WR | Texas
114. Pittsburgh Steelers | Jacob Breeland | TE | Oregon
115. New England Patriots (from CHI) | Lynn Bowden, Jr. | WR | Kentucky
116. Los Angeles Rams | Zack Moss | RB | Utah
117. Philadelphia Eagles | Antonio Gandy-Golden | WR | Liberty
118. Buffalo Bills | Scott Frantz | OT | Kansas State
119. Baltimore Ravens (from NE) | Bradlee Anae | EDGE | Utah
120. New Orleans Saints | Michael Divinity, Jr. | LB | LSU
121. Houston Texans | Josh Uche | EDGE | Michigan
122. Minnesota Vikings | John Hightower | WR | Boise State
123. Seattle Seahawks | Ross Blacklock | DL | TCU
124. Baltimore Ravens | Gabriel Davis | WR | UCF
125. Pittsburgh Steelers (from TEN) | Netane Muti | OL | Fresno State
126. Green Bay Packers | Davon Hamilton | DL | Ohio State
127. Kansas City Chiefs | Ezra Cleveland | OT | Boise State
128. Denver Broncos (from SF) | Jabari Zuniga | EDGE | Florida
