We’re nearly two weeks into the NFL new year, which means free agency is starting to slow down, and preparations for the 2020 NFL draft are beginning to ramp up.
Many teams have already used free agency to fill their biggest needs with veteran help, while others may have struck out on the open market, and will now head into the draft desperate for rookies who can make an immediate impact.
As the league continues to grapple with the changes forced by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, here’s an updated look at how the first four rounds of this year’s draft could shake out, including compensatory picks.
Positional Rankings | Top 200 Big Board
1. Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow | QB | LSU
Despite rumors to the contrary, this has been set in stone for quite a while. Burrow won’t make trouble about playing in Cincy, and the Bengals finally get the franchise quarterback they so desperately need.
2. Washington Redskins
Chase Young | EDGE | Ohio State
This is another no-brainer pick. Unless Washington gets a huge offer from a QB-needy team trying to jump ahead of everyone else on the board, this has to be the selection. Young is the best overall prospect in this year’s class, which makes him a steal anywhere else but No. 1 overall.
3. Detroit Lions
Jeff Okudah | CB | Ohio State
I’m betting the Lions would love to move down from this spot, and they’re sure to have plenty of willing trade partners with some talented QB prospects on the board. If not, though, expect them to replace the recently traded Darius Slay with Okuda, this year’s best corner prospect by far.
4. New York Giants
Tristan Wirfs | OT | Iowa
Any of this year’s top four offensive tackle prospects could make a strong case to go here, which is good news for the Giants, who need a franchise player at the position. Wirfs is a rare athlete for his size, and has as much upside as any other tackle in the class. He’s ready to protect Daniel Jones from Day 1.
5. Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama
It’s highly likely that the Dolphins will need to move up to get Tagovailoa on draft day, but in this scenario, they’re able to land him without moving up. Yes, there will be durability concerns, but Tagovailoa’s recovery appears to be ahead of schedule. At full strength, he would easily be in the conversation for the No. 1 overall pick.
6. Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert | QB | Oregon
Landing a franchise quarterback without having to trade up would be an ideal outcome for the Chargers, who let Philip Rivers walk and will be comfortable with Tyrod Taylor as their bridge. That said, Herbert is polished and experienced enough to take over sooner than later.
7. Carolina Panthers
Isaiah Simmons | LB | Clemson
The retirement of Luke Kuechly took the NFL world by surprise, and left the Panthers with a gaping hole in their defense that they weren’t planning on having to address this offseason. While a presence like Kuechly is not easily replaced, landing a rare athlete and playmaker like Simmons to help fill the void is far from the worst possible outcome. No matter where Simmons lines up at the next level, he’s going to be a game-wrecker.
8. Arizona Cardinals
Jedrick Wills | OT | Alabama
After trading for DeAndre Hopkins, the Cards aren’t likely to spend a top-10 pick on another pass-catcher, no matter how much Kyler Murray might like to throw to CeeDee Lamb again. Instead, the Cards opt to improve the protection for their young quarterback. With D.J. Humphries back, Wills slides in as the immediate starter at right tackle.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars
Derrick Brown | DL | Auburn
I’m sure Jags fans are sick of their team spending first-round picks on defensive linemen, but considering they can’t seem to retain their best veterans, they have to keep reloading. Yannick Ngakoue seems to be headed elsewhere, so it’s a good thing they took Josh Allen last year. Marcell Dareus won’t be back to help a dismal rush defense, so that’s where Brown comes in. A rare athlete for his size, Brown is a dominant force who can wreck opposing offenses all by himself.
10. Cleveland Browns
Mekhi Becton | OT | Louisville
The Browns are in a perfect spot to address their biggest need and get ideal value at this spot. Any of the top four offensive tackle prospects would be a fantastic pick for Cleveland, and it’s Wills in this scenario, a player who could easily be a top-five pick. Becton’s arrival would allow the newly signed Jack Conklin to stay at his comfortable right tackle spot.
11. New York Jets
Jerry Jeudy | WR | Alabama
This is a good problem to have for the Jets, who need both a franchise left tackle and a No. 1 receiver, both of which would be huge helps for Sam Darnold. Yes, the WR class is deeper, but the Jets might prefer getting to pick the best of the bunch at that position instead of taking the fourth-best offensive tackle. Jeudy is the most polished and pro-ready pass-catcher in this year’s loaded class.
12. Las Vegas Raiders
CeeDee Lamb | WR | Oklahoma
Derek Carr and the Raiders desperately need a true No. 1 receiver after the Antonio Brown debacle blew up in their faces. While a strong case could be made for Alabama’s Henry Ruggs III, Lamb is a more complete prospect with a bigger frame, so he gets the edge here.
13. San Francisco 49ers (from IND)
Henry Ruggs III | WR | Alabama
George Kittle is Jimmy Garoppolo’s No. 1 target, but the 49ers need to give him an elite wide receiver prospect to balance out the target share. Ruggs is a dangerous weapon who can stretch the field vertically and after the catch, capable of turning every touch into a huge play. The 49ers made a big trade for this pick, and they need someone who can make an immediate impact.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Andrew Thomas | OT | Georgia
Tampa Bay desperately needs a starting-caliber tackle at this pick, which means they may get nervous and have to move up to make sure they land one of the top four. Thankfully in this scenario, that doesn’t prove necessary. Thomas is talented enough to not only start at right tackle immediately, but could even push longtime starter Donovan Smith at left tackle.
15. Denver Broncos
Javon Kinlaw | DL | South Carolina
The early run on the top receivers hurts the Broncos, who would have to move up if they want to land an explosive pass-catcher to pair with Courtland Sutton. Instead, they switch gears and go defense, taking one of this year’s most dominant and versatile interior linemen. Kinlaw backed up strong film with a dominant performance in Senior Bowl practices.
16. Atlanta Falcons
K’Lavon Chaisson | EDGE | LSU
This entire defensive front needs help in a bad way, outside of Grady Jarrett. In this scenario, the value is better on the edge than along the interior, and Chaisson is the best fit. He’s got size, length and athleticism, and can handle all three phases of playing on the edge.
17. Dallas Cowboys
CJ Henderson | CB | Florida
After letting Byron Jones walk in free agency, the Cowboys need to find themselves a corner who can fill his shoes. While that’s a tall task, Henderson has all the physical tools to quickly develop into that kind of player. His experience going up against top talent in the SEC on a weekly basis has Henderson ready to make an immediate impact.
18. Miami Dolphins (from PIT)
Josh Jones | OT | Houston
After getting their franchise quarterback earlier, the Dolphins now turn their attention to protecting their investment. There are already four offensive tackles off the board, but while this may seem like a reach, Jones has loads of potential. His impressive week at the Senior Bowl against top competition is proof of his limitless upside.
19. Las Vegas Raiders (from CHI)
Kenneth Murray | LB | Oklahoma
The Raiders got the perfect pick for their offense at No. 12 overall, and here, they get the exact same thing for their defense. This unit desperately needs a difference-maker at the heart of the action, and Murray has both the physical traits to be that three-down playmaker, and the leadership ability to transform the identity of the entire defense. He’ll make an instant impact, and the Raiders leave the first round with a cornerstone player on each side of the ball.
20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from LAR)
Kristian Fulton | CB | LSU
In just a couple of years, the Jags have gone from having one of the league’s most promising corner tandems to trading away both Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye. With two first-round picks in this year’s draft, they absolutely have to use one of them to find a starting-caliber corner. Fulton has the height, length and cover skills to shoulder that responsibility from Day 1, and he’s been tested by some of the most talented pass-catchers in the country.
21. Philadelphia Eagles
Denzel Mims | WR | Baylor
After filling their biggest need on defense by trading for Darius Slay, the Eagles free themselves up to do the same for their offense with this pick. Mims backed up his strong film by blowing up the NFL Scouting Combine, showing off the size and athleticism it takes to be a top target at the next level.
22. Minnesota Vikings (from BUF)
Jalen Reagor | WR | TCU
In trading away Stefon Diggs, the Vikings lost a polished route-runner and explosive playmaker from their passing game. It only makes sense for them to use one of their first-round picks to fill that void with a similar player, and Reagor has the skill set to be the perfect fit.
23. New England Patriots
Jordan Love | QB | Utah State
As hard as it may be to believe, the Tom Brady era if officially over in New England. The Pats are still high on Jarrett Stidham, but his upside is nowhere near what Love brings to the table. He’s still plenty raw, but Love has all the physical and mental tools to quickly rise to the top of this depth chart and take command of the next generation for the Pats.
24. New Orleans Saints
Trevon Diggs | CB | Alabama
Marshon Lattimore is still one of the league’s top corners, but the Saints could use an upgrade on the other side of the field. Diggs has the size, length, athleticism and ball skills to quickly develop into a valuable playmaker at the next level, making it difficult for opposing quarterbacks to choose which side of the field they want to challenge.
25. Minnesota Vikings
Xavier McKinney | S | Alabama
There are bigger needs on both sides of the ball for Minnesota, but the value just isn’t there at corner or offensive tackle. Instead, they opt for the best safety in this year’s class, grabbing a smart, athletic and punishing defender in McKinney. The Vikings would have one of the league’s most talented safety groups if this is the pick.
26. Miami Dolphins (from HOU)
Cesar Ruiz | OL | Michigan
Let’s keep with the “protect Tua at all costs” mentality here. Yes, it would be tempting to take the top running back off the board here, but the depth of this year’s class should give Miami better value on Day 2. Instead, they grab this year’s best interior blocker in Ruiz, who is just 20 years old and already as athletic and physical as they come.
27. Seattle Seahawks
Antoine Winfield, Jr. | S | Minnesota
Gone are the days of Earl Thomas roaming the Seattle secondary, but if the Seahawks want to try and recreate that kind of presence for the future, Winfield is about as close as they can get. The son of a Pro Bowler by the same name, Winfield was a one-man wrecking crew for the Golden Gophers, and he could instantly bring the swagger back to what was once one of the NFL’s most feared defensive backfields.
28. Baltimore Ravens
Jonathan Taylor | RB | Wisconsin
Mark Ingram’s absence was painfully evident when injuries kept him out of the lineup in 2019, which means the Ravens need to find a succession plan for their veteran runner. They get their pick of some talented runners in this scenario, and Taylor’s performance at the NFL Combine proved he’s more than worthy of being the first running back off the board. He would make the NFL’s best rushing attack even better from Day 1.
29. Tennessee Titans
Yetur Gross-Matos | EDGE | Penn State
The Titans are built for sustained success, which should allow them to play the “best player available” game here. Thankfully for them, this scenario gives them a fantastic balance of value and need. Gross-Matos is the prototype for today’s NFL edge defender, and his strong finish to the 2019 season proved he’s still worthy of first-round consideration.
30. Green Bay Packers
Justin Jefferson | WR | LSU
This pick simply has to be another weapon for Aaron Rodgers, and the Packers have some fantastic options in this scenario. Clemson’s Tee Higgins and Colorado’s Laviska Shenault, Jr. would be solid picks, but after Jefferson’s combine performance, he may have just leapfrogged those names on some draft boards. He’s a polished, complete player who would pair extremely well with Devante Adams.
31. San Francisco 49ers
Ross Blacklock | DL | TCU
Considering how few picks they have overall, I’m betting the 49ers would love to move back from this pick. If they can’t, though, they still have plenty of attractive options in this scenario. After trading away one of the league’s best interior defenders in DeForest Buckner, the 49ers are able to replace him with another disruptive force in Blacklock, who is younger and cheaper.
32. Kansas City Chiefs
A.J. Epenesa | EDGE/DL | Iowa
Another team that probably wouldn’t mind trading back, the Chiefs can also just wait for the value to fall to them. That lines up with their biggest needs in this situation, as a versatile defensive linemen like Epenesa would be a huge boost to a front that needs to reload with some youth. Despite disappointing at the combine, Epenesa’s film should still prove him to be a first-round pick.
SECOND ROUND
33. Cincinnati Bengals | Patrick Queen | LB | LSU
34. Indianapolis Colts (from WAS) | Jacob Eason | QB | Washington
35. Detroit Lions | Terrell Lewis | EDGE | Alabama
36. New York Giants | Grant Delpit | S | LSU
37. Los Angeles Chargers | Austin Jackson | OT | USC
38. Carolina Panthers | A.J. Terrell | CB | Clemson
39. Miami Dolphins | D’Andre Swift | RB | Georgia
40. Houston Texans (from ARI) | Jeff Gladney | CB | TCU
41. Cleveland Browns | Kyle Dugger | S | Lenoir-Rhyne
42. Jacksonville Jaguars | Laviska Shenault, Jr. | WR | Colorado
43. Chicago Bears (from LV) | Cole Kmet | TE | Notre Dame
44. Indianapolis Colts | Tee Higgins | WR | Clemson
45. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | J.K. Dobbins | RB | Ohio State
46. Denver Broncos | K.J. Hamler | WR | Penn State
47. Atlanta Falcons | Neville Gallimore | DL | Oklahoma
48. New York Jets | Ezra Cleveland | OT | Boise State
49. Pittsburgh Steelers | Rashard Lawrence | DL | LSU
50. Chicago Bears | Damon Arnette | CB | Ohio State
51. Dallas Cowboys | Justin Madubuike | DL | Texas A&M
52. Los Angeles Rams | Prince Tega Wanogho | OT | Auburn
53. Philadelphia Eagles | Jeremy Chinn | S | Southern Illinois
54. Buffalo Bills | Julian Okwara | EDGE | Notre Dame
55. Baltimore Ravens (from NE) | Solomon Kindley | OL | Georgia
56. Miami Dolphins (from NO) | Curtis Weaver | EDGE | Boise State
57. Houston Texans | Isaiah Wilson | OT | Georgia
58. Minnesota Vikings | Noah Igbenoghene | CB | Auburn
59. Seattle Seahawks | Raekwon Davis | DL | Alabama
60. Baltimore Ravens | Brandon Aiyuk | WR | Arizona State
61. Tennessee Titans | Lloyd Cushenberry III | OL | LSU
62. Green Bay Packers | Jordyn Brooks | LB | Texas Tech
63. Kansas City Chiefs (from SF) | Jaylon Johnson | CB | Utah
64. Seattle Seahawks (from KC) | Zach Baun | EDGE | Wisconsin
THIRD ROUND
65. Cincinnati Bengals | Lucas Niang | OT | TCU
66. Washington Redskins | Trey Adams | OT | Washington
67. Detroit Lions | Marlon Davidson | DL | Auburn
68. New York Jets (from NYG) | Bryce Hall | CB | Virginia
69. Carolina Panthers | Damien Lewis | OL | LSU
70. Miami Dolphins | Ashtyn Davis | S | California
71. Los Angeles Chargers | Malik Harrison | LB | Ohio State
72. Arizona Cardinals | Cameron Dantzler | CB | Mississippi State
73. Jacksonville Jaguars | Hunter Bryant | TE | Washington
74. Cleveland Browns | Logan Stenberg | OL | Kentucky
75. Indianapolis Colts | Jonathan Greenard | EDGE | Florida
76. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Michael Pittman, Jr. | WR | USC
77. Denver Broncos | Amik Robertson | CB | Louisiana Tech
78. Atlanta Falcons | Tyler Biadasz | OL | Wisconsin
79. New York Jets | Bradlee Anae | EDGE | Utah
80. Las Vegas Raiders | Darnay Holmes | CB | UCLA
81. Las Vegas Raiders (from CHI) | Brandon Jones | S | Texas
82. Dallas Cowboys | Chase Claypool | WR/TE | Notre Dame
83. Denver Broncos (from PIT) | Matt Peart | OT | UConn
84. Los Angeles Rams | Jordan Elliott | DL | Missouri
85. Detroit Lions (from PHI) | Donovan Peoples-Jones | WR | Michigan
86. Buffalo Bills | Troy Pride, Jr. | CB | Notre Dame
87. New England Patriots | Adam Trautman | TE | Dayton
88. New Orleans Saints | Troy Dye | LB | Oregon
89. Minnesota Vikings | Ben Bartch | OL | St. John’s
90. Houston Texans | Bryan Edwards | WR | South Carolina
91. Las Vegas Raiders (from SEA) | Hakeem Adeniji | OL | Kansas
92. Baltimore Ravens | Josh Uche | EDGE | Michigan
93. Tennessee Titans | Cam Akers | RB | Florida State
94. Green Bay Packers | Yasir Durant | OT | Missouri
95. Denver Broncos (from SF) | Akeem Davis-Gaither | LB | Appalachian State
96. Kansas City Chiefs | Clyde Edwards-Helaire | RB | LSU
97. Cleveland Browns (from HOU) | James Lynch | DL | Baylor
98. New England Patriots | K.J. Hill | WR | Ohio State
99. New York Giants | Anfernee Jennings | EDGE | Alabama
100. New England Patriots | Terrell Burgess | S | Utah
101. Seattle Seahawks | Ben Bredeson | OL | Michigan
102. Pittsburgh Steelers | Jonah Jackson | OL | Ohio State
103. Philadelphia Eagles | Nick Harris | OL | Washington
104. Los Angeles Rams | Zack Moss | RB | Utah
105. Minnesota Vikings | Davon Hamilton | DL | Ohio State
106. Baltimore Ravens | Shyheim Carter | DB | Alabama
FOURTH ROUND
107. Cincinnati Bengals | Matt Hennessy | OL | Temple
108. Washington Redskins | Michael Ojemudia | CB | Iowa
109. Detroit Lions | Robert Hunt | OL | Louisiana
110. New York Giants | Willie Gay, Jr. | LB | Mississippi State
111. Houston Texans (from MIA) | Leki Fotu | DL | Utah
112. Los Angeles Chargers | Darryl Williams | OL | Mississippi State
113. Carolina Panthers | Jason Strowbridge | DL/EDGE | North Carolina
114. Arizona Cardinals | Jabari Zuniga | EDGE | Florida
115. Cleveland Browns | Brycen Hopkins | TE | Purdue
116. Jacksonville Jaguars | Saahdiq Charles | OT | LSU
117. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Jalen Hurts | QB | Oklahoma
118. Denver Broncos | Netane Muti | OL | Fresno State
119. Atlanta Falcons | Antonio Gibson | RB | Memphis
120. New York Jets | Albert Okwuegbunam | TE | Missouri
121. Las Vegas Raiders | Devin Duvernay | WR | Texas
122. Indianapolis Colts | Reggie Robinson II | CB | Tulsa
123. Dallas Cowboys | K’Von Wallace | S | Clemson
124. Pittsburgh Steelers | Van Jefferson | WR | Florida
125. New England Patriots (from CHI) | John Simpson | OL | Clemson
126. Los Angeles Rams | Darrell Taylor | EDGE | Tennessee
127. Philadelphia Eagles | Antonio Gandy-Golden | WR | Liberty
128. Buffalo Bills | Larrell Murchison | DL | North Carolina State
129. Baltimore Ravens (from NE) | Lynn Bowden, Jr. | WR | Kentucky
130. New Orleans Saints | Jake Fromm | QB | Georgia
131. Arizona Cardinals (from HOU) | Jordan Mack | LB | Virginia
132. Minnesota Vikings | Khalid Kareem | EDGE | Notre Dame
133. Seattle Seahawks | A.J. Green | CB | Oklahoma State
134. Baltimore Ravens | Chris Orr | LB | Wisconsin
135. Pittsburgh Steelers (from TEN) | Thaddeus Moss | TE | LSU
136. Green Bay Packers | Harrison Bryant | TE | FAU
137. Jacksonville Jaguars (from SF) | Khaleke Hudson | S | Michigan
138. Kansas City Chiefs | John Hightower | WR | Boise State
139. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | J.R. Reed | S | Georgia
140. Jacksonville Jaguars (from CHI) | Lavert Hill | CB | Michigan
141. Miami Dolphins | Quintez Cephus | WR | Wisconsin
142. Washington Redskins | Collin Johnson | WR | Texas
143. Atlanta Falcons (from BAL) | Jacob Phillips | LB | LSU
144. Seattle Seahawks | Gabriel Davis | WR | UCF
145. Philadelphia Eagles | Jon Runyan | OL | Michigan
146. Philadelphia Eagles | Alex Highsmith | EDGE | Charlotte
