It’s only September, but it already feels like the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft is a given. Most early projections have the Miami Dolphins landing that selection, with Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa as the favorite to be their choice.
But what if a different team lands the top spot? A team that already has a young quarterback in which they’ve invested an early pick in a recent draft?
That’s the scenario that plays out in the latest 2020 NFL mock draft from CBS Sports, which has the New York Jets picking No. 1 overall.
Their choice? Georgia offensive tackle Andrew Thomas:
Thomas is an experienced, athletic, and powerful left tackle who will significantly help the Jets get the most out of Sam Darnold.
It’s hard to argue with the pick here, if the Jets were indeed to land the top selection. Thomas is a stud prospect, and could be the franchise left tackle the Jets have lacked for quite some time now.
Tagovailoa doesn’t wait long to hear his name called in this mock, landing with the Cincinnati Bengals at No. 2 overall. Tagovailoa’s biggest challenger to be the first passer off the board, Oregon’s Jutsin Herbert, goes at the next spot to the Dolphins.
Ohio State edge defender Chase Young could also be considered for the No. 1 pick if the team picking there doesn’t need a quarterback, but the Dolphins luck out in this projection, landing him at No. 4 overall thanks to the trade that sent Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Another surprise selection, Florida State defensive lineman Marvin Wilson, rounds out the top five, heading to the Denver Broncos.
To check out the full first-round projection at CBS Sports, click here.
