2020 NFL mock draft: Four-round projections

I began this mock draft in 2012 (for the 2013 NFL draft) and one of the first things I decided was I wouldn't do trades.

There are just too many variables and I'm already projecting so much. I make up for it by discussing the possibility within the analysis of each pick.

Still, there's a deal brewing that has been obvious for a while. It appears, by all accounts, Tua Tagovailoa is well on his way to receiving a clean bill of health. This means the Dolphins or Chargers will almost certainly have to trade up to secure the Crimson Tide signal-caller.

The first two picks are locked in at this point because neither the Bengals or Redskins could trade down and still land their current targets (Quarterback Joe Burrow or edge rusher Chase Young).

This leaves the Lions with the No. 3 overall pick as an ideal trade partner. GM Bob Quinn could slide down two or three spots, stockpile draft capital and still land an elite defensive prospect (cornerback Jeff Okudah, linebacker Isaiah Simmons or defensive lineman Derrick Brown).

If the Chargers want to truly make a splash by landing their quarterback-of-the-future in this draft (Justin Herbert and Jordan Love bring with them just as many questions as answers), they'll have to leapfrog the Dolphins to do it.

If the Dolphins truly covet Tagovailoa, like many have suspected for a long time, it would behoove them to preemptively beat the Chargers to the punch and make the deal with Detroit to take such a move off the chess board.

I believe it's not a matter of if, but when this will happen.